The Czech Republic strongly supports Montenegro on its path toward European Union membership, said Ambassador Janina Hrebičkova during a meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić.
The discussion focused on ecology, regional development, and EU integration. Ambassador Hrebičkova praised Montenegro as the Western Balkans candidate country that has made the most concrete progress so far. She acknowledged the challenges Montenegro faces, noting that the Czech Republic has undergone a similarly demanding EU accession process.
Hrebičkova emphasized that EU integration requires involvement beyond government academia, experts, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society all need to participate to ensure success.
Minister Ćulafić highlighted the importance of Czech cultural and accession experiences and expressed hope Montenegro will achieve similar success. He pointed out that support from partner countries like the Czech Republic strengthens Montenegro’s efforts to build a greener, more sustainable future.
They also discussed the upcoming PROPED 2025 economic diplomacy project focused on Czech examples of water protection, purification, and flood prevention, which will take place in Montenegro in June with Czech experts and companies participating.
Topics such as water protection, waste management, and environmental protection were central to the talks. The ambassador noted Czech progress in recycling and sustainable waste management. Both agreed that Chapter 27 (environmental legislation) is one of the most complex accession chapters, with infrastructure posing the biggest challenges, but expressed optimism about eventual closure.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to continue bilateral cooperation and exchange expertise, aiming to strengthen ecological capacities and sustainable development in both countries. They stressed that partnership, dialogue, and ongoing support are essential pillars for a successful EU accession process and for preserving natural resources for future generations.
It’s encouraging to see concrete, practical cooperation between countries like Montenegro and the Czech Republic, especially in areas as crucial as environmental protection and EU integration. The fact that the Czech Republic, having recently gone through the accession process itself, is actively sharing experience and know-how shows how regional solidarity can make a real difference. The focus on broad involvement from government to civil society also highlights that joining the EU isn’t just a political or bureaucratic challenge, but a collective effort to raise standards and improve quality of life. I’m optimistic that such partnerships will help Montenegro overcome complex hurdles and move closer to its goals.
Written by our correspondent A.A.
