It is no secret that, globally, we are faced with limited natural resources and an ever-growing population. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of our planet, exploiting resources for our own benefit and are showing less and less understanding and responsibility for the environment that we will eventually leave to future generations. We are in dire need of gaining a clear perspective of our planet, of achieving global leadership and inclusive management and of defining clearly outlined national priorities and goals. Thus we strive to discover, explore and innovate.

The Circular Economy Roadmap has been developed in order to facilitate what is perceived as one of the underlying principles for the future development of Montenegro. It is complementary to the objectives of key strategic development and its core characteristics are portrayed in the Declaration on the Ecological State of Montenegro. Its relevance and content are closely linked to the National Strategy for Sustainable Development up to 2030, to the Smart Specialization Strategy and to various other national strategic documents. It also supports the fulfilment of various obligations towards achieving the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and other international responsibilities.

The goal of this document is to serve all elements of Montenegrin society: to improve the quality of life, to motivate those making important economic decisions to incorporate circular business models to improve the quality of their work, to broaden and increase the number of employment opportunities and to stimulate cultural evolution. Furthermore, its intention is to achieve systemic change. Thus, its aim is to inspire a shift in the way of thinking and doing in terms of the use of resources, as well as to provoke decision makers to adopt a self-binding commitment - to adjust and act on the policies they propose in accordance with the principles of a circular economy. In addition, this document should serve as a leading light; it should anticipate situations and requirements that will not simply be a matter of choice in the near future, but that will be both necessary and essential. The document, therefore, should navigate us towards achieving the main goal – for Montenegro to be ecologically sound and prosperous.