Montenegro views the Energy Community as a key partner on its path toward full integration into the unified European energy market, said Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining.
Speaking at an informal meeting of Energy Community member states’ energy ministers held in Athens to mark the initiative’s 20th anniversary, Šahmanović emphasized Montenegro’s strategic commitment to this partnership in advancing its energy transition and aligning with EU legal frameworks.
He highlighted recent progress, including the adoption of the Renewable Energy Sources Law fully aligned with the EU’s RED II directive and a new Energy Law transposing internal electricity market rules. The country is also finalizing legislation on cross-border electricity and gas exchange, alongside several secondary regulations linked to broader reform agendas supported by European financial assistance.
Šahmanović stressed that these reforms reflect Montenegro’s clear strategic direction to become part of a stable, competitive, and green investment-friendly European energy market. He noted Montenegro’s recent launch of its first public auction for market premiums on solar projects totaling 250 megawatts, signaling significant investment in the energy transition.
Looking ahead, Šahmanović underlined the importance of market integration with the EU, including planned market coupling with Italy by 2027. He also acknowledged challenges posed by mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which require further efforts and investments in sector decarbonization and modernization.
Montenegro remains committed to being a reliable partner in building a sustainable and fair energy market across the region and Europe.
