Montenegro faces an estimated €3–4 billion investment requirement to implement EU environmental standards, with wastewater treatment, waste management and pollution control among the areas requiring major spending.
Chapter 27 target and infrastructure needs
The government aims to provisionally close Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change by late 2026 or early 2027. Implementation will continue after the provisional closure, with transition periods expected for major infrastructure projects. Environment Minister has estimated the required investment at approximately €3.5 billion, while Monitor cited an earlier €500 million estimate from 2019.
Climate expert said recent legislation represented progress, but infrastructure delivery would require years and, in some areas, decades.
Waste management remains a key challenge
Waste management remains one of Montenegro’s major environmental weaknesses. Environmental activist said Montenegro currently recycles around 1% of its waste, compared with a commitment to reach 30% or more. Municipalities face limitations in both funding and capacity for waste management.
EU funding and international lenders provide potential sources of financing for the required environmental infrastructure. Vojinović identified the preparation of viable projects and the availability of staff capable of converting funding into completed facilities as central challenges for implementation.
