The energy sector is a cornerstone of stability and development in Montenegro, and we hold a significant and challenging responsibility in ensuring its sustainability and future advancement, stated Admir Šahmanović, the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas and Head of the Ministry of Energy, during a meeting with energy company representatives.

Recognizing these challenges, he convened today’s meeting to “maintain the valuable practice of open dialogue, exchanging views and ideas,” as well as to collaboratively pinpoint the primary barriers and challenges faced by “our energy entities.”

“Our shared objective is to outline strategic priorities for the energy sector’s development and coordinate efforts for their realization. The Ministry must act as an active ally and support for the growth of energy firms, which entails promptly identifying obstacles and collaboratively working to resolve them. Key priorities in our agenda include finalizing ongoing infrastructure and investment projects, along with initiating new development cycles in renewable energy sources. Ongoing alignment of legislation with European standards, enhancing collaboration with the Energy Community, adopting the National Energy and Climate Plan, and executing the Green Agenda remain fundamental tasks of our energy policy,” emphasized Šahmanović, according to the statement.

Attendees of the meeting included: Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Industry of Montenegro (EPCG) Milutin Đukanović, Director of the Montenegrin Electricity Market Operator (COTEE) Mersudin Gredić, Chairman of the Board of Directors Maksim Vučinić, Executive Director of the Pljevlja Coal Mine Nemanja Laković, Chairman of the Board of Directors Dragoljub Krezović, President of the Board of Directors of BELEN company Jelena Marković, Executive Director Dejan Drašković, representatives of the Montenegrin Electric Distribution System (CEDIS), President of the Board of Directors Vladimir Čađenović, Executive Director Vladimir Ivanović, as well as representatives from the Solar gradnja company, including President of the Board of Directors Marina Jočić and Executive Director Milutin Marojević.

“Energy company representatives used this opportunity to share with Minister Šahmanović and his team their current activities, development plans, and investments underway or slated for the future. Participants concurred that, despite progress, administrative hurdles remain, particularly in public procurement, which hinder the pace of key project implementations. There was a unified commitment to continue such meetings, promoting better coordination among all stakeholders and fostering synergy in operations, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable development of Montenegro’s energy sector,” the statement indicated.

Šahmanović urged all participants to provide detailed information to the Ministry of Energy, including an overview of the situation within each company, investment details, implementation timelines, and challenges faced, especially focusing on issues needing institutional support for resolution.

Members of Minister Šahmanović’s cabinet also attended the meeting: State Secretary Dino Tutundžić, Acting Director General Zorana Sekulić, and Acting Directors General Zvjezdan Vujović and Božidar Pavlović.

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