Montenegro was represented at the closing conference of the project “EU for Energy Transition (EU4 Energy Transition): Covenant of Mayors in the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, held at the European Parliament in Brussels, by Marija Kljajić, Assistant Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro Marija Kljajić, secretary of the spatial planning committee of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.
Kljajić emphasized that the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro plays a key role in strengthening the capacities of local governments, particularly in the context of the energy transition and the fight against climate change. She placed special emphasis on the cooperation with the German Development Agency (GIZ ORF-ETC), highlighting its contribution as invaluable to the sustainable development of Montenegrin municipalities.
“Thanks to GIZ’s support, numerous municipalities in Montenegro have prepared and adopted their first Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), while several local governments have also received assistance in implementing pilot projects. In the Municipality of Berane, these efforts resulted in a reduction of energy consumption by approximately 25% in the Cultural Centre building, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of local policies when backed by adequate technical and institutional support,” Kljajić said.
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, in partnership with GIZ ORF-ETC, has implemented a wide range of activities, including the organization of professional training programmes, the implementation of pilot projects, and the strengthening of administrative capacities, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized municipalities that have limited resources but significant development potential.
“GIZ is not only a partner but also a trusted ally that has recognized the strategic role of the local level in implementing European policies. Thanks to this cooperation, Montenegro now has a stronger foundation for addressing climate challenges and advancing the green transition in line with European standards,” Kljajić emphasized.
She also announced the continuation of these efforts, emphasizing that local governments will remain key actors in implementing sustainable and inclusive policies, particularly when supported by reliable partners such as GIZ ORF-ETC.
The “EU for Energy Transition” project in Montenegro is being implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and is funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
