Government remains open to regional and macro-regional cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Jovana Marović took part in the 7th EUSAIR Forum in Tirana. Marović said that EUSAIR adds value and support to the accession process by facilitating the adoption of the EU acquis, strengthening administrative capacity, establishing and developing synergies with European Territorial Cooperation programmes and offering a framework in which different levels, processes, strategies and funds can strive for common results.

Speaking at the panel 'The EUSAIR as a key tool to bring the European Green Deal in the Adriatic and Ionian Region and to facilitate EU enlargement in the Western Balkans', Marović said that the newly formed government remains committed and open to regional and macro-regional cooperation in various initiatives in order to make the accession of the EU - not only of Montenegro but also of the entire region - closer, more realistic and more successful.

I hope that concrete EU initiatives such as the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans will be implemented for the benefit of our citizens. It is important that such EU initiatives are both politically and project-oriented, in order to help each country, region and macro-region to preserve, protect and develop its valuable potentials, said Marović.

She reminded that in 2016, Montenegro, as the first country in the region, adopted the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD), as well as the Action Plan for its implementation. Also, in December 2021, the National Council for Sustainable Development was established, which is in charge of monitoring the implementation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With the establishment of this Council, Montenegro has completed the institutional framework for sustainable development, in line with the obligations of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Marović added that the network of NGOs that work for environmental protection should be strengthened, while encouraging establishment of new ones and strengthening of capacities of existing organisations, in order to contribute to the negotiation process and fulfillment of tasks within the Green Agenda.

Panelists agreed that cooperation between macro-regions and effective support through EU funds, especially under the IPA III framework for the period 2021-2027, is an additional incentive for joint activities and funding of a number of these activities under the Green Agenda and the European Green plan.