Andrijevica, Montenegro - In the context of its EU accession process, Montenegro is aligning its plant protection product (PPP, pesticides) legislation with EU standards. A recent workshop in Andrijevica, hosted by the Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans (K4R) Programme with the presence of Montenegro's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development representatives, focused on harmonizing Montenegro's PPP regulations with those of the EU.

The use of PPPs, often associated with concerns over human health and environmental risks, requires stringent regulation to ensure food safety and ecological sustainability. During the five-day workshop, experts reviewed Montenegro's existing legislation, comparing it with EU requirements. The findings revealed that Montenegro's regulations largely adhere to EU standards, with the need for further refinement in specific areas.

The workshop participants emphasized the importance of ensuring that PPPs in Montenegro are properly used and applied sustainably to protect the biosphere and natural resources. The alignment with EU legislation aims to ensure the registration and use of PPPs that do not adversely impact human health, the environment, or non-target organisms.

The work is currently in its initial phase, with proposed amendments and new articles being drafted to fully harmonize Montenegrin law with relevant EU directives. Upon the adoption of these legal updates, Montenegro's PPP sector is expected to meet EU standards, thereby enhancing consumer protection and environmental conservation.

This alignment effort reflects Montenegro's broader strategy to meet EU accession criteria, underscoring its commitment to regulatory reforms that safeguard public health and the environment.