The office of the President of Montenegro is considering the potential future role of the head of state as the chair of the National Council for Sustainable Development.

According to the Public Relations Department, Jakov Milatović notes that this change would facilitate regular meetings, enhance cooperation among stakeholders, and strengthen the Council’s influence on strategic policy-making—particularly in areas affecting our European integration, citizens’ quality of life, and natural resource protection.

It is important to remember that the National Council was chaired by the head of state until 2022, after which it has lacked any representation from that office.

This institution underscores the significance of the National Council for Sustainable Development:

“We must keep European integration in focus. Chapter 27, concerning environmental issues and climate change, is one of the most complex and financially demanding in our negotiations with the European Union. Successfully closing this chapter requires clear political commitment, institutional coordination, and social consensus. The National Council for Sustainable Development serves as a platform that can unify these elements. Sustainable development extends beyond environmental concerns; it encompasses economic models, social justice, resource protection, and ultimately, the future vision for our country. Montenegro cannot afford delays; we must expedite our journey to the EU,” stated the Public Relations Office of President Milatović.

They also highlighted that the National Council for Sustainable Development comprises representatives from virtually all societal sectors, including state administration, local governments, civil society, academia, and independent experts in sustainable development.

“Given this diverse structure, the Council has the potential to be a crucial space for strategic discussions on the long-term development of Montenegro, adhering to principles of sustainability, equity, and accountability to future generations. Regrettably, we must acknowledge that the Council is not currently functioning as it should. Meetings are infrequent, concrete recommendations are lacking, and public policies related to sustainable development are frequently developed without adequate intersectoral dialogue and input from this advisory body. This oversight needs to be rectified,” they emphasized.

The publication “Vijesti” reported two days ago that the current Government of Montenegro has yet to re-establish the National Council for Sustainable Development.

This body is responsible for providing recommendations and expert opinions to the government concerning policy adoption and implementation in line with sustainable development principles. However, it has been inactive for years; the last session occurred in 2019, despite regulations mandating a minimum of two meetings annually.

The Montenegro government has not answered inquiries regarding the timeline for appointing a new National Council, raising concerns that this crucial matter remains unaddressed midway through the current administration’s mandate. This is particularly pressing given that one of the most challenging and costly negotiation chapters in our EU accession—Chapter 27—deals specifically with environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development.

According to the latest decision concerning the National Council’s formation, it consists of a president and 39 members, including 18 ministers (from ecology, foreign and European affairs, justice, human and minority rights, economic development, capital investments, finance, labor, health, agriculture, education, culture, sports, defense, internal affairs, and public administration). Also included are the general secretaries of the Parliament, the Union of Municipalities, and one trade union center, alongside directors from various governmental and environmental agencies and organizations.

The decision from 2022 reserves a seat on the National Council for a rector from a licensed university in Montenegro, representatives of foreign investors, a banking sector representative, non-governmental organizations, and three independent experts in ecology, economics, and sociology.

The National Council’s role includes harmonizing strategic sector documents with sustainable development policies, providing opinions on national reports Montenegro must prepare as a signatory to various international conventions, and monitoring progress towards the sustainable development goals set forth in the UN’s Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030, the EU Climate Package, and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, among other regulations.

The Council can establish working groups to oversee the implementation of sustainable development strategies, climate change mitigation and adaptation, integrated coastal zone management, and local sustainable development initiatives.

“The National Council is required to submit a report to the Government after each session, which, in turn, must update the Parliament of Montenegro on the outcomes of sustainable development policy implementation annually,” as stated in the decision.

The State Audit Institution (SAI) noted the absence of a National Council for Sustainable Development in May this year, warning that this absence hinders Montenegrin institutions’ preparedness for achieving objectives in this critical area.

Senator DRI, Branislav Radulović, informed “Vijesti” that a control audit might be a possibility.

The SAI is currently conducting audits related to illegal logging, peer violence, municipal waste management, and early cancer detection. However, Radulović cautioned that the SAI cannot present these audits to the National Council for Sustainable Development, although it should be the key body reviewing recommendations and monitoring their implementation.

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