EU and UN join forces in Pljevlja to support just transition and human-centered development

6 February 2026 – Pljevlja, Montenegro 

UN resident coordinator, Caroline Tissot, and Johan Sattler, EU Ambassador, led a joint visit to Plevlja, accompanied by the UNDP, WHO and European Investment Bank representatives.  This visit underscored the strong partnership between the EU and the UN and explored how to jointly support a just transition and human-centered development, as Montenegro advances on its path toward EU accession and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The delegation met local authorities, energy sector representatives, social partners, and civil society, to hear their perspectives and exchange on how joint action can help Pljevlja navigate the transition toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future, ensuring that no one and no community is left behind.

Energy transition at the center of dialogue

As part of the visit, the joint delegation toured key energy and environmental infrastructure in Pljevlja, including the Thermal Power Plant, the Coal Mine, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The on-site exchanges offered first-hand insight into ongoing efforts to modernize Montenegro’s energy sector while addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding livelihoods.

The programme included a meeting with the Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, representatives of the national energy company EPCG, and local authorities, including the Mayor of Pljevlja. Discussions focused on aligning energy transition efforts with EU accession priorities, environmental protection and socio-economic development.

Minister Šahmanović emphasized that Pljevlja has long been a cornerstone of Montenegro’s energy system and that the transition must be carefully planned and socially responsible.

“Through concrete and effective cooperation among all institutions, international partners, and the local community, we can carry out a just transition while creating new opportunities for Pljevlja and its residents,” Šahmanović said.

The EU Ambassador Johan Sattler underlined the European Union’s commitment to supporting all regions of Montenegro on their EU path.

“No municipality should be left behind. The EU stands ready to support a just transition, drawing on the experience of its Member States and growing interest from investors in renewable energy and innovative technologies,” Ambassador Sattler noted.

The mission continued with a visit to the EU‑supported wastewater treatment plant, which highlighted the importance of integrated, risk‑based water management and demonstrated how Pljevlja can advance health‑focused solutions by linking water safety planning, and wastewater management.

Putting people at the center of transition

Important part of the joint visit was engagement with local civil society organizations and social partners, including the Employment Agency of Montenegro, the Union of Employers, and trade union representatives in Pljevlja. These exchanges focused on employment, skills development, social protection, and the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping a transition that works for workers, families and future generations.

The UN Resident Coordinator Carolin Tissot stressed that the transition must go beyond infrastructure and technology, placing people and communities at its heart.

“This joint visit confirms our commitment to supporting Pljevlja in a just transition that puts people at the center. By aligning environmental responsibility with economic resilience, Montenegro is advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and moving closer to EU membership,” Tissot said.

Strong partnerships for a sustainable future

The visit demonstrated the breadth of international support for Montenegro’s just transition, reflecting strong alignment between European Union and United Nations around shared priorities for sustainable development.

By bringing together EU and UN around a common vision for Pljevlja, the joint engagement reaffirmed that through coordinated action, inclusive dialogue and long-term investment, the energy transition can become a catalyst for sustainable economic development, improved health outcomes, and decent work. Grounded in partnership with national and local actors, this approach can help ensure that the transition delivers tangible benefits for communities in Pljevlja and contributes to Montenegro’s progress on EU accession and the Sustainable Development Goals.