As part of the regular session of the Board of Directors of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, held yesterday, 4 December, in Žabljak, a presentation of the publication “Guide to the Role of Local Self-Governments in the EU Negotiation Process” by Dr Nenad Koprivica was organised. The publication was prepared within the framework of the project Municipalities for the EU – Empowering Local Communities in the EU Integration Process.

Dr Koprivica discussed with the mayors how local self-governments can strategically contribute to meeting the obligations stemming from the EU accession process through improved policy planning, data collection, implementation of EU standards in areas under their competence, and more active participation in the negotiation structure. Special emphasis was placed on the role of municipalities in chapters that most directly affect citizens’ daily lives – such as environmental protection, waste management, social policies, local infrastructure, digitalisation, and sustainable development.

“Most obligations in the EU integration process are not fulfilled in ministries, but in municipal services that implement these policies on the ground. This is why it is essential for local governments to possess adequate knowledge, capacity, and strong coordination with national institutions,” Dr Koprivica explained.

He stressed that the local level represents a key point where European policies meet the everyday life of citizens – from the quality of public services and administrative transparency to the development of the local economy. The role of municipalities is therefore not only operational, but strategic, as their performance directly influences the pace and quality of Montenegro’s progress on the path to the EU.

The Municipalities for the EU project contributes to the professionalisation of local self-governments by strengthening the capacities of decision-makers as well as senior managerial and expert staff.