Local governments play a key role in the European integration process. That’s why it is essential to enhance their capacity for accessing EU funds and to strengthen their institutional, financial, and human resources to implement European standards and policies successfully. This was the key message from the conference “URBACT and Municipalities: Together Across Borders”, held in Nikšić and organised by the Ministry of European Affairs.
The conference brought together representatives of the municipalities and other local stakeholders from across Montenegro, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and sharing experiences, with a particular focus on the role and contribution of local governments within the interregional cooperation programme URBACT.
“URBACT is a unique European Union programme dedicated exclusively to the local level. For more than two decades, it has been driving change in cities across Europe, paving the way for integrated and sustainable urban development, with a special emphasis on digital transformation, the green transition, and gender equality. It helps municipalities become true drivers of change – through joint projects, networking, and the exchange of good practices,” said Jasna Bulatović, Head of the Directorate for Interregional Programmes at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, in her opening remarks.
She emphasised that citizen participation in decision-making forms the foundation of sustainable local policies, which is also one of the core principles of the URBACT programme.
“Local administrations, therefore, play a crucial role in informing, educating, and encouraging citizens’ active participation in processes that contribute to improved quality of life. This strengthens the legitimacy of decisions, builds public trust in institutions, and promotes good governance,” added Bulatović.
Eight Montenegrin municipalities are participating in ten networks within this cooperation programme, having secured approximately €670,000 in non-repayable EU funding.
Milorad Zečević, Secretary of the Secretariat for Communal Affairs and Transport of the Municipality of Nikšić, stated that, thanks to the support of the European Union, municipal employees have the opportunity to learn from European cities that successfully integrate sustainability principles into everyday policies and to apply that knowledge within Nikšić’s local context.
“This is an important moment for us, as it confirms that Nikšić is actively joining European trends in sustainable urban development, through collective learning, experience-sharing, and concrete actions that contribute to a greener and higher-quality life in our city. Through dedicated programmes and initiatives, the European Union recognises the importance of supporting local self-governments. Nikšić recognised this opportunity and enthusiastically joined the URBACT programme,” said Zečević.
As part of the conference, a panel discussion was held covering the topic of EU funds as support for local development, during which representatives of the Ministry of European Affairs, the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, and the Municipality of Berane discussed their experiences, challenges, and opportunities related to the use of EU funds to strengthen sustainable local development.
The URBACT IV Programme (2021–2027) supports the exchange of knowledge and good practices among cities aiming to enhance urban policies and strengthen the impact of EU cohesion policy at the local level. The programme’s key objective is to promote integrated and sustainable urban development through cooperation and learning between partner cities. The programme area covers 27 EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland, IPA beneficiary countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), as well as Moldova and Ukraine.
Municipalities of Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Budva are participating in Action Planning Networks, while the Stara Varoš Local Community in Nikšić is part of the Transfer Network. Meanwhile, the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator learning programme includes the municipalities of Herceg Novi, Nikšić, and Tivat. Additionally, at the recently held Monitoring Committee meeting, projects from the municipalities of Bijelo Polje, Kolašin, and Plav were approved, marking the beginning of their URBACT journey through Good Practice Transfer Networks.