At the National Training Centre in Podgorica, six firefighting pick-up vehicles acquired within the framework of the RESILIENCE project, financed through the Interreg IPA CBC South Adriatic Programme, were ceremonially handed over. The total project budget allocated to Montenegro amounts to EUR 761,796, of which EUR 400,000 has been designated for the procurement of specialized equipment.
The vehicles were assigned to the Protection and Rescue Services of the Capital City of Podgorica, the Royal Capital of Cetinje, and the municipalities of Danilovgrad, Bar, and Ulcinj, with the aim of strengthening local capacities and enabling faster response during interventions, particularly in hard-to-reach areas during the wildfire season.
During the ceremonial event, attended by representatives of state institutions and the European Union, the vehicles were officially handed over to the beneficiary services, further enhancing the preparedness of the protection and rescue system at the local level.
Union of Municipalities of Montenegro: support for strengthening local capacities and appeal for systemic financing
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro welcomes the implementation of this significant donation, emphasizing that such initiatives directly contribute to the safety of citizens and the resilience of communities.
We recall that the Union of Municipalities previously submitted an initiative to the Government of Montenegro requesting that earmarked funds be allocated in the state budget for the procurement of firefighting vehicles and equipment for municipal protection and rescue services.
The initiative emphasized that municipalities, which are the first to face natural disasters and emergency situations, must have stable and predictable sources of financing in order to respond adequately to fires, floods, landslides, and other risks.
The ceremonial handover of vehicles carried out through the RESILIENCE project represents an example of good practice and confirms the need for the systematic and long-term strengthening of local capacities, which is precisely the essence of the initiative submitted to the Government.
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro will continue to advocate for the strategic improvement of the protection and rescue system, in order to ensure that all municipalities have equal conditions and resources for effective field operations and the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
