Adopted Air Quality Management Strategy for 2026-2029 with Action Plan

The strategic goals are focused on improving air quality, reducing concentrations of suspended particles and benzo(a)pyrene in zones with exceedances, decreasing national emissions of key pollutants, and enhancing monitoring, management, modeling, and reporting systems," said Ćulafić. In this context, as he further explained, measures include ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant and its operation in accordance with prescribed emission standards, development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency in public and private buildings, development of district heating systems in the municipality, incentives for households, strengthening public transportation and sustainable mobility, as well as measures to reduce emissions from agriculture. These efforts align with requirements from Directive (EU) 2024/2881 and Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on reducing national emissions of certain pollutants," he emphasized. "The new document ensures continuity of public policies in this area, but also a more modern, comprehensive, and coordinated approach, aligned with European standards, current challenges, and the need for more effective protection of citizens' health," said the minister. The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development plays a key coordinating role in implementing the Strategy, while the Environmental Protection Agency will have a central technical and analytical role through monitoring, data processing, public reporting, and emission inventory development. We remind that the Government of Montenegro has also adopted the Draft Law on Air Protection, which improves the air quality management system, protects citizens' health and the environment, and further aligns national legislation with European Union law.