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A conference was held at the Science and Technology Park in Podgorica to present Montenegro's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2030 and 2035.
The new NDC sets an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, marking a significant increase compared to the previous NDC, which targeted a 35% reduction. Montenegro is among the first 16 countries worldwide to adopt this updated document.
The NDC update was carried out with the dedicated and continuous support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro, using state-of-the-art methodologies in compliance with the high standards of the European Union and the requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, emphasized that updating the NDC is just the beginning, and it is crucial to ensure the achievement of the set goals.
“Science leaves no room for delay—we must act immediately to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and stay on track to achieve the long-term goals defined by the Paris Agreement. This ambitious NDC update is only the first step, and we will not stop here. We remain committed to supporting its implementation, Montenegro's continuous progress, and strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous planet,” said Paniklova.
UNDP congratulated the Ministry of Ecology for its strong commitment to climate action and excellent cooperation that continues to drive Montenegro’s climate goals forward.
Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and the Development of the North, stated that Montenegro is committed to combating climate change and firmly believes in the power of collective action in collaboration with the international community.
“Our energy infrastructure is in continuous development, and through investments in renewable energy sources—hydro, solar, and wind power—we are demonstrating that sustainability is part of our everyday practice. Strengthened by the Fourth National Climate Change Report, as well as through transparent collaboration with international partners, we continue building the path towards faster implementation of climate goals,” emphasized Minister Ćulafić.
“We will continue to fully align our legislation with the EU's legal framework on climate change, adopting a new Climate Change Law and a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the 2025–2035 period to further ensure that our legal and strategic framework is fully in line with the best international practices and standards. This year, we will begin drafting the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which will provide a detailed analysis of the necessary measures and timeline to achieve climate neutrality,” said Minister Ćulafić.
According to him, the vision of “green” development is already present in Montenegro’s Spatial Plan, which sets guidelines for balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
“With an ambitious approach, we believe that Montenegro can become an inspiration and show the world how a small country can bring about significant change,” concluded Minister Ćulafić.
Ingve Engstrom, Head of the EU Delegation's Cooperation Sector in Montenegro, stated that the EU recognizes the commitment of the Government of Montenegro, civil society, and the private sector, and expresses sincere gratitude to UNDP for its continuous partnership with Montenegrin authorities in climate action.
The EU, he stressed, remains committed to close cooperation with all stakeholders "to achieve our shared vision of a greener and more sustainable Montenegro."
“Montenegro’s path to climate neutrality is not just about achieving the figures set in climate goals—it is about ensuring a more resilient, cleaner, and prosperous future for its citizens. Ultimately, this also relates to Chapter 27—Montenegrin citizens' right to a clean and healthy living environment, protected from climate change. The EU is ready to support Montenegro in achieving these ambitions, and we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in the coming years,” Engstrom concluded.
After the opening statements, Jelena Ban, Head of the Directorate for Climate Change, and Danijela Čabarkapa, Head of the Directorate for Sustainable Development, gave a presentation on the updated NDC.
The NDC is an obligation under the Paris Agreement, where Montenegro commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
