Montenegro targets closing EU Chapter 27 on environment by year‑end as costs swell to €3.5 billion

Montenegro’s government says it will close Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change – of the EU accession negotiations by the end of 2026. Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić told reporters that the necessary legislation is already in parliament and that “closing the chapter by year‑end is absolutely certain,” pending final assessment by Brussels.

Environmental expert Vuk Iković warned that the estimated budget to meet the chapter’s requirements has risen to about €3.5 billion, roughly €2 billion more than five years ago, due to higher costs for water treatment, waste management and pollution control. He cautioned that delays could push future expenses to €6 billion. The government stresses that administrative capacity remains the main challenge, while it works to align new laws with EU standards.