Montenegro is encountering significant challenges in its preparations for EU Chapter 27 on environment and climate change, with a reported shortfall of 235 employees across various institutions tasked with implementation. This staffing gap highlights a critical administrative capacity constraint that could impede progress.
According to planning estimates, the country may need to recruit an additional 251 staff members by 2030. The shortage impacts several sectors, including ministries, inspectorates, local authorities, laboratories, and organizations responsible for waste management, water quality, air pollution, nature protection, and industrial emissions.
The Centre for Ecotoxicological Research, which conducts laboratory analyses related to pollution and workplace conditions, currently employs 60 individuals, falling short of its 80 systematized positions. Notably, there are no plans for additional recruitment from 2026 to 2028, despite the existing 20-person gap.
This staffing deficiency has tangible implications for investment in Montenegro. The country is tasked with processing environmental permits, monitoring emissions, overseeing waste management, and ensuring compliance for projects in energy, tourism, mining, transport, and industry. A lack of adequate personnel may lead to delayed approvals, inconsistent enforcement of regulations, and backlogs in reporting to European authorities.
Chapter 27 is recognized as one of the most complex and costly aspects of EU accession. It necessitates not only legislative changes but also the establishment of laboratories, monitoring systems, municipal infrastructure, trained inspectors, and reliable environmental data.
The current investment landscape includes projects in renewable energy generation, transmission infrastructure, ski resorts, coastal tourism development, wastewater treatment facilities, and transport initiatives. Each of these projects entails specific permitting and monitoring requirements. Without a corresponding increase in institutional capacity, there is a risk that challenges will shift from financing to regulatory execution.
The staffing shortage also poses a threat to the bankability of projects. International lenders are increasingly demanding comprehensive environmental and social documentation that exceeds basic domestic permits. Insufficient institutional oversight may compel developers to incur additional costs for private studies and independent audits, thus extending timelines for financial closure.
Montenegro’s advancements in aligning competition and customs chapters illustrate its capability for rapid formal alignment. However, Chapter 27 will necessitate a significantly expanded operational framework. Laboratories and environmental authorities must be equipped to provide evidence that standards are being effectively implemented throughout both construction and operational phases.
