The Parliament of Montenegro has adopted amendments to the Law on Climate Change and the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, marking a further step towards aligning national legislation with European Union standards and advancing the country’s EU integration process, the government said on May 15.

The reforms strengthen the regulatory framework for environmental protection and aim to ensure sustainable development in line with EU climate policies.

Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić said the changes reaffirm Montenegro’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 in line with EU rules.

He noted that the revised law introduces clearer requirements for balancing greenhouse gas emissions with their removal and improves monitoring, reporting and verification systems, particularly in maritime transport.

The amendments also ensure full alignment with EU directives on environmental impact assessment, strengthening legal certainty and environmental safeguards.

Ćulafić said the reforms mark progress in closing obligations under Chapter 27 of the EU accession negotiations, expressing confidence it could be completed by the end of the year.

Against this backdrop, Montenegro is increasingly seen as the most advanced EU candidate in the Western Balkans and a leading contender for membership as early as 2028, provided reform momentum continues.