UNOPS is supporting Montenegro to align its legislation with the EU Trans-European Network of Energy (TEN-E) Regulation (EU) 2022/869, which guides the development of cross-border energy infrastructure. Since Montenegro is a Contracting Party of the Energy Community, transposition and implementation of the TEN-E Regulation is a legally binding obligation.

The TEN-E Regulation aims to modernize, decarbonize and interconnect Member States’ cross-border energy infrastructures in order to help the EU achieve its 2050 climate neutrality objectives and ensure market integration, competitiveness and security of energy supply. For Montenegro, transposing the Regulation will enable the development of cross-border energy infrastructure, drive infrastructure investments compliant with EU standards on public procurement, State aid and environmental impact assessment, and address strategic priorities such as decarbonization, digitalization and resilience of transport and energy networks.

In this context, UNOPS is supporting the Ministry of Energy of Montenegro in drafting of a new Law on Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Projects, transposing the TEN-E Regulation.

Ongoing

“It is a privilege to support Montenegro in the transposition of the TEN-E Regulation – a cornerstone of EU legislation that governs cross-border energy infrastructure projects with highest national priority. The national law would ensure streamlined permitting procedure and cost-efficient infrastructure planning. Transposing the updated EU Regulation is crucial not only to meet Montenegro’s commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, but also to unlock financing opportunities from the Connecting Europe Facility, as these benefits have been extended to third countries like Montenegro. Collaborating closely with the highly skilled national team has been immensely rewarding, as their dedication and expertise greatly contribute to the success of this project.” UNOPS expert for alignment of legislation with the Trans-European Networks on Energy – K4R Programme

The assignment directly supports SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy – with additional impact on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 13: Climate Action – as transposing the TEN-E regulation contributes to development of low-carbon infrastructure.