Municipalities should use EU negotiations and EU support to develop and strengthen capacity

The EU membership requires transformation of the whole society, with local governments playing an important role in this process, which should take advantage of the negotiation period and significant financial support from the EU to build infrastructure and create conditions for new investment, the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) between the European Committee of the Regions and Montenegro noted.

Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević stressed that despite the challenges facing the EU, the enlargement process has not been neglected and remains one of the priorities on the political agenda of the new President of the European Commission.

Chief Negotiator emphasized that the negotiation process is a unique opportunity for further development of local self-governments, construction of infrastructure and creation of conditions for new investments.

"Only a strong and functional local administration, which cherishes and promotes European values, can contribute to the overall development of our country. It is our duty and obligation to develop and invest in local centers, in order to meet future European challenges promptly and in competitive way. In that sense, the Government of Montenegro has undoubtedly recognized the local communities as credible partners on the European path," Drljević said.

The Co-Chair of the JCC, Mayor of Cetinje, Aleksandar Kašćelan pointed out the role of municipalities in integrating the State into the EU and implementing European values in local communities.

According to him, the Community of Municipalities of Montenegro has been working for years to promote European standards and values at the local level.

"There is still need to further strengthen capacity and coordinate local governments in the process of integration and use of funds. In order to affirm this process at the local level and to make the best use of the opportunities that are and will be available to us, it is necessary for us to institutionalize the structures dealing with the management of EU projects in the municipalities," Kašćelan concluded.

Member of the Municipal Council of Huddinge and JCC Co-Chair Jelena Drenjanin stressed the importance of activities carried out in the field of rule of law and economic governance, assessing that the quality of reforms in these areas will greatly contribute to overall progress in the negotiation process.

She stressed the decision to hold local elections in all cities at the same time. Drenjanin emphasized the importance of improving administrative capacities at the local level and explained that the decentralization process is very important part of the EU process.

As pointed out by Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Aivo Orav, local governments have an important role in decision-making process.

Speaking about EU support for local government development, Ambassador Orav said that, through various projects, about EUR 25 million has been provided to Montenegrin municipalities so far from European funds.

The next meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee between the European Committee of the Regions and Montenegro will be held in June 2020 in Brussels.

SECTOR FOR INFORMING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE EU AND THE EU ACCESSION PROCESS
GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO