Brussels, 15 May 2025 – Today, Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy and Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region development of Montenegro, signed an agreement on Montenegro’s association to the LIFE programme for environment and climate. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. 

As a result, Montenegrin entities can now submit proposals to calls launched by the LIFE programme. This will enable them to access funding for projects that address key environmental challenges, such as pollution, waste management, and energy efficiency. 

A cornerstone of the European Union’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action, the LIFE programme offers Montenegro support to improve its environmental and climate policies and practices. 

The LIFE programme also enables Montenegro to develop and demonstrate eco-innovative techniques and approaches, promote best practices and behavioural changes, and support the development, monitoring, and enforcement of laws and strategies that contribute to the implementation of EU environmental and climate policies.  

“We are delighted to welcome Montenegro to the LIFE family,” said Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. “This association marks an important step forward in our cooperation on environmental and climate issues. We look forward to working together to address the challenges that Montenegro faces to meet EU environmental standards, an essential part of its path towards accession, and to advance the country’s clean energy transition.” 

Minister Damjan  Ćulafić, added: “Joining the LIFE programme, Montenegro reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and addressing the challenges of climate change. This cooperation with the European Union marks an important step towards sustainable development and strengthening our capacities to preserve natural resources – for the benefit of our citizens and future generations.” 

Montenegro now joins North Macedonia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Iceland as a non-EU country participating in the LIFE programme. This association underscores the programme’s expanding global reach and its importance as a platform for international cooperation on environmental and climate issues. 

For more information on the LIFE programme and the calls for proposals, please visit LIFE – European Commission.