# Montenegro environmental policy evolution

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-environmental-policy-evolution
> Updated: 2026-09-24T10:16:18.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4.

Montenegro is navigating the transition from its historical status as an ecological state toward modern European environmental standards. President Jakov Milatović has proposed an ‘Ecological State 2.0’ initiative, aiming to turn the nation’s constitutional environmental principles into practical policy. This proposal includes 20 specific measures, such as designating Žabljak as an ecological capital, providing free national park access for citizens, and implementing stricter protections for forests and waste management.

As the country marks the 35th anniversary of its 1991 declaration as an ecological state, discussions at the ‘Small is Beautiful’ Environmental Forum in Žabljak have highlighted a significant gap between legislative achievements and practical implementation. EU Delegation Ambassador Johan Satler noted that while the declaration was a historic idea, substantial work remains to address waste in rivers, forests, and beaches, particularly regarding EU integration and the Natura 2000 program.

During the anniversary commemorations, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić emphasized that environmental policy must be a matter of state responsibility and consensus. Addressing the closing of EU Chapter 27, Mandić noted that decisions regarding natural resources and spatial planning carry long-term consequences that transcend political mandates.

Recent developments show an expansion of these efforts into local governance and finance. The Association of Municipalities of Montenegro is conducting a feasibility study to link resource management with local policies, aiming to brand regions as bio-eco destinations to enhance health tourism. Concurrently, the Central Bank of Montenegro is integrating climate risks into financial system planning, implementing a roadmap for sustainable finance for the 2025–2028 period.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Montenegro advances green policies and sustainable finance

Montenegro marks 35 years as an ecological state by advancing green local policies and integrating sustainable finance into its national economic and banking frameworks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-advances-green-policies-and-sustainable-finance

### 2026-09-20: Andrija Mandić calls for environmental consensus in Montenegro

Montenegro's Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić called for consensus on environmental policy, while Podgorica officials warned of potential budget failures in the capital.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrija-mandi-calls-for-protection-of-montenegros-natural-resources

### 2026-09-18: Montenegro marks 35 years as an ecological state

Montenegro marks 35 years as an ecological state with the unveiling of a monument in Žabljak and President Milatović's 'Ecological State 2.0' initiative, amid protests from environmental activists.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-marks-35-years-as-an-ecological-state

### 2026-09-02: Montenegro President proposes ‘Ecological State 2.0’ initiative

President Jakov Milatović has proposed ‘Ecological State 2.0’ to modernize Montenegro’s environmental policies and address challenges like unplanned urbanization and waste management.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-president-proposes-ecological-state-20-initiative

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Cite as: Montenegro environmental policy evolution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-environmental-policy-evolution