EU supports safer and greener maritime transport in the Bay of Kotor

"To become the future EU Member State, Montenegro has to ensure that all EU rules in the area of maritime safety are effectively applied. This was the message conveyed during the presentation of the Study on Maritime Safety Measures to Improve Navigation in the Bay of Kotor, organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with support from the EU-funded Technical Assistance project "Technical Assistance for Capacity Building and Improved Legal Harmonization, Performance, and Efficiency within the Transport Sector in Montenegro".

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The event, held at Europe House, brought together public authorities, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss priority actions for safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime operations in the Bay of Kotor.
Bernard Brunet, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro, underlined the importance of continued alignment with EU standards:
"Maritime safety and environmental protection are central to EU transport policy. Montenegro has made solid progress, including through the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System and the National Maritime Single Window. Continued alignment under Chapter 14 will further strengthen safety, reduce environmental risks and support integration into the EU's sustainable and digital transport system."

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The EU remains a key partner in supporting Montenegro's efforts in the Maritime sector through funding, technical assistance and cooperation with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

The Minister of Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović, reaffirmed that EU accession remains a strategic priority, requiring legislative alignment, institutional strengthening and sustained investment. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding the Bay of Kotor's unique ecosystem while supporting economic growth through sustainable maritime transport.

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"We are committed to reducing environmental risks, promoting sustainable maritime transport, and supporting broader goals of decarbonisation and environmental protection," stated Radulović.

He added that Montenegro is committed to mobilising both national and international funds, in close cooperation with partners such as the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank (WB), and other financial institutions.

"Our goal is to transform identified priorities into concrete projects that will enhance safety and efficiency," said Radulović.

Funded by the European Union, the Study sets out key measures to enhance navigation safety, improve environmental protection and guide future investments in the maritime sector.