How well is the Montenegrin draft law on Waste Management aligned with the EU Waste Framework Directive? An analysis by EU4Green experts shows that many of the provisions of the EU waste acquis were fully transposed. – For the rest, recommendations for full alignment have been provided.

In the framework of EU4Green, Austrian waste management experts performed a compliance check on the Montenegrin Law on Waste Management and the accompanying documents. The compliance check shows that many of the provisions of the EU waste acquis were fully transposed into the Montenegrin national legislation. For provisions, which are not fully transposed yet, the Austrian experts provided recommendations for full alignment with the EU waste legislation. These results were submitted to the European Commission and the beneficiary concerned.

EU candidate countries must adopt the EU rules and regulations as national law, directives need to be transposed into the national legislation. Preliminary compliance checks with the corresponding EU legislation help countries avoid problems after accession that could occur due to incorrectly transposed legislation.

The Montenegrin National Strategy for Sustainable Development by 2030, which fully transposes the UN Agenda 2030, recognises the importance of the transition to a circular economy. One of the main goals of this strategic document is to improve waste management by applying circular economy-based approaches as priority number one.

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

The Green Agenda is a comprehensive plan that seeks to achieve environmental sustainability and socio-economic transformation. It involves transitioning to a low-carbon economy, promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Social equity, inclusivity, and sustainable consumption patterns are also emphasized to build a resilient and equitable future for all.

The EU4Green project supports the Western Balkans in their transition towards modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economies. Financed by the European Union and the Austrian government, EU4Green supports Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in greening their economies in consultation with all relevant partners and in enhancing monitoring and reporting. The project is implemented by the Environment Agency Austria in collaboration with the governments, institutions, and EU Delegations in the Western Balkans, striving for a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.