Montenegro, EU, offiicials discuss environmental issues in Budva

Budva, Montenegro (2 December 2013) --- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić, and Tourism and Sustainable Development Minister Branimir Gvozdenović hosted Sunday Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment.

Mr Potočnik noted that the European Commission is Montenegro’s partner and that Montenegro has proved its credibility during the current accession process. He welcomed Montenegro's progress towards the EU, which has been recognised in the latest European Commission’s report.

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić said that the opening of the Chapters 23 and 24 creates conditions for the opening of other chapters, thus confirming Montenegro’s dedication to the negotiation process, adding it can serve as a good example to other countries in the region.

The meeting highlighted that more than 200 European regulations are related to the environment, and that its compliance with the EU acquis covered by the Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change requires significant investment. Also, it was pointed out that financial challenges arising from the environmental sector due to significant costs create better standard of living and conservation, as well as benefits for other sectors of the economy.