Podgorica, (MINA) – Protection of environment requires a lot of money and a lot of knowledge, and the European Union is ready to support Montenegro in that area, it was heard at an international conference on water supply and waste water treatment on Thursday.
Reportedly, waste water treatment and ensuring water quality are the most costly parts of Chapter 27, which is due to be opened by the end of the year.
German Ambassador to Montenegro Robert Weber remarked that this is an exceptionally important phase in Montenegro’s EU accession talks, when the opening of Chapter 27 is expected.
“You are not alone in that process, you are receiving support, because it is a huge undertaking. Environmental protection requires a lot of money, but also a lot of knowledge, which is why we at the EU are ready to provide support,” Weber said, adding that there are special challenges in the coastal area.
The Ambassador said that the EU supports the construction of waste water treatment plants, especially in the coast and the Capital City, while recalling that so far the German bank KFW has invested €226 million in water management, of which €35 million for Podgorica alone.
Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Pavle Radulovic stressed that Montenegro has adopted around 50 laws, aligned with EU legislation, over 200 bylaws and 15 strategies governing sectoral policies in the field of environment.
Head of Political Section at the EU Delegation in Montenegro Plamena Halacheva noted that the water infrastructure is not at a satisfactory level, because 40 per cent of the population are not connected to the sewage system.
Halacheva said that the EU has invested around €21 million in this area, adding that sustainable models need to be found for infrastructure and environment.
UNDP Resident Representatives in Montenegro Fiona McCluney said that Montenegro is experiencing pressures on its infrastructure and that realistic capacities need to be developed in order to service both citizens and tourists.
Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
