Montenegrin activists submit ‘Agenda 35’ to government

Environmental activists and civic organizations in Montenegro have submitted ‘Agenda 35’ to the government. The document, which contains 35 specific demands, was delivered to State Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology Zoran Dabetić in Žabljak following a protest on September 19.

The agenda addresses critical issues including the protection of water, forests, air, and space, as well as waste management, energy, and environmental impact assessments. Organizers stated that the document will also be sent to the European Union Delegation in Montenegro and other relevant European institutions to ensure they have direct insight into the environmental challenges facing local communities.

Activists argue that Montenegro’s progress regarding EU Chapter 27 should be measured by the actual state of the environment and the application of laws on the ground, rather than just the number of administrative measures passed. The group is demanding that the government assign responsible institutions and deadlines for each request, providing written responses within 30 days. They also emphasized the need for consistent application of the Aarhus Convention to ensure public participation and access to documentation in projects affecting health and quality of life.