The Environment Agency Austria (EAA) recently hosted a high-level study tour in Vienna, bringing together a Montenegrin delegation comprised of representatives from the Communal Affairs Directorate for Ecology, the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism (MERS), Environmental Inspectors from MERS , Environmental Protection Agency, and the Executive Director of a Packaging Recovery Organization (PRO). The three-day visit was organized as part of the EU4Green initiative, aiming to build capacity and foster knowledge exchange on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems.

The intensive program ran from July 1–3, 2025, and featured a robust agenda of expert-led presentations, site visits, and interactive discussions focused on the foundation, governance, and operational frameworks of Austria’s EPR system for packaging waste. The study tour served as a platform for transferring Austria’s long-standing experience in implementing sustainable and circular waste management systems to the Montenegrin stakeholders, who are actively working on developing and enforcing similar frameworks.

Day 1: Foundation & Strategic Setup

Held at the EAA’s headquarters of environment Agency and started with welcome remarks from Hildegard Aichberger (Managing Director, EAA), Brigitte Karigl (Head of Programme for Circular Economy & Resources), and Laura Hohoff (EU4Green Project Lead). A comprehensive overview of EU legislation was provided by the Austrian Ministry of Environment, emphasizing key directives shaping Austria’s EPR landscape and the implications of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

A representative from Municipality delivered an insightful session on the regulatory framework, tracing the evolution of Austria’s EPR model, its foundational choices, and the essential support provided by national institutions. The presentation was followed by a contribution of EEA expert who elaborated on the specific roles and inspection responsibilities of the Environment Agency Austria, fostering a dynamic discussion on enforcement and system integrity.

Day 2: Governance, Systems & Monitoring

The second day focused on implementation challenges and stakeholder engagement detailing Austria’s structured approach to involving municipalities, waste collectors, PROs, and industry stakeholders in the development of a functional EPR system. A representative from Packaging Coordination Board continued the dialogue by unpacking the roles of the Ministry of Environment, the Clearing House, and PROs, offering clarity on regulatory compliance and organizational obligations.

The day was concluded by a comprehensive session on monitoring, reporting, and Austria’s national EPR information system, showcasing methods for data transparency, verification, and system efficiency.

Day 3: Forward Planning and Municipal Engagement

Participants visited MA 48 – Vienna’s municipal waste management authority for a hands-on demonstration of how municipalities contribute to EPR success. Representatives DI Nicola Simon and DI Petra Lehner provided practical insights into operational integration and local implementation strategies. A detailed overview of waste management in Austria and the role of MA48 in the EPR system was given.

The site visit was followed by discussions on deposit system and its  implementation ,  and a deep dive into the role and responsibilities of PROs, delivered by ARA AG representatives Dieter Schuch from ARA AG. Topics included data collection mechanisms and ARA’s contribution to the CONDAT reporting system.

In a key shift from information delivery to mutual exchange, the final session was a breakout discussion dedicated to understanding Montenegro’s current status and challenges to explore Montenegro’s progress and needs. With a designated future director for their PRO already in place, the delegation was invited to share their vision, identify gaps, and engage in structured dialogue with Austrian experts. The EAA team posed targeted questions to understand How Montenegro needs to set up its next steps- from legislative development to system setup and stakeholder engagement.

The study tour reinforced the value of bilateral cooperation, shared learning, and institutional development in achieving Europe’s environmental objectives. The Montenegrin delegation expressed appreciation for Austria’s openness in sharing expertise and committed to applying the knowledge gained toward advancing their national EPR systems.