In an effort to ensure a fair transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, while also creating new economic opportunities, jobs, and aligning the education system with the needs of a green economy, the Government of Montenegro has established the Council for Just Transition. This initiative marks a strategic step toward modernizing the Montenegrin economy and strengthening societal resilience amid energy and climate transformations, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
The Council, chaired by Minister Admir Šahmanović, will serve as the central body for guiding and coordinating the transition process in line with national development goals, European standards, and the needs of local communities, especially Pljevlja, which is at the core of this transition.
In addition to the Minister of Energy, the Council includes key decision-makers and stakeholders from various sectors, such as the ministers of finance, labor and social dialogue, European affairs, ecology, and public works, along with representatives from the Pljevlja municipality, the Coal Mine, and the Electric Power Company of Montenegro. This structure ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach, balancing economic, social, and environmental interests. The Council will provide guidance for policy planning and implementation, coordinate institutions and stakeholders, participate in the creation and monitoring of the just transition plan, and propose improvements to legal and institutional frameworks.
Just transition is not merely an energy-related challenge. It is seen as a development opportunity for northern Montenegro, aiming to create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and build a more sustainable future. The Council will operate proactively, bringing together expertise, experience, and local voices to ensure the transition is fair and beneficial to all segments of society. With global energy shifts underway, the formation of this Council demonstrates Montenegro’s readiness to manage the transition responsibly, strategically, and fairly, relying on its own resources and people.
Minister Šahmanović emphasized that forming the Council reflects the government’s strategic commitment to energy transition. He stressed that this is not just about closing mines or power plants, but about securing the future of local communities, employment, and economic stability. The goal is to make the transition just, well-planned, and inclusive, involving all relevant actors, from institutions and companies to local representatives. The first session of the Council is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025.
