Podgorica, (MINA) – Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorcevic, signed on Tuesday, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro, financial agreements with the EU, securing over EUR 80 million in funding for Montenegro’s multi-year operational programs in the fields of environmental protection, employment and social inclusion.

“We have signed two important financial agreements totaling more than EUR 80 million. These are European funds that will reach every corner of Montenegro – so that people can have a better lives, not someday, but today” said Gorcevic.

She said that these financial agreements represent a key step in strengthening national capacity for reforms and sustainable society, while reaffirming Montenegro’s commitment to European integration and the principles of sustainable development.

According to the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), the goal of the operational program for environmental protection and climate change is to preserve and improve the state’s natural capital, as well as to protect the health and well-being of citizens from the risks brought on by climate change.

They further added that the total value of this program is EUR 48.5 million.

It is emphasized that the activities that will be funded through this program are aligned with the key benchmarks of the Action Plan for negotiation chapter 27 – Environmental protection.

The MEA stated that another important agreement refers to the Operational Program for Employment and Social Inclusion, worth EUR 31.6 million.

“This program is aimed at encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth through three main areas: inclusive labor market, social protection and inclusion, as well as strengthening administrative capacities”, the MEP explained, emphasizing that the implemented activities will support the process of closing negotiation chapters 19 – Social Policy and Employment and 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights.