The focus of the talks will be on bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental and climate protection, as well as on progress made in fulfilling the conditions for EU accession in the field of environment. Federal Minister Schneider will meet with his colleagues Sofjan Jaupaj (Albania) and Damjan Ćulafić (Montenegro), as well as with
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić (Montenegro) and other high-ranking political decision-makers and civil society representatives. Federal Minister Schneider will also visit the national parks of Vjosa (Albania) and Skadar Lake (Montenegro/Albania) to learn about the measures being taken to preserve the unique natural environment of the region.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Carsten Schneider: "The future of the Western Balkan countries lies in the EU. Montenegro and Albania in particular are on a very good path, as they have already achieved a lot in the field of environmental and climate protection. Both countries have impressive landscapes that need to be protected, and also to exploit the associated economic potential."
EU accession offers Albania and Montenegro opportunities for increased investment in climate and environmental protection, and thus in preserving our livelihoods.” EU accession offers Albania and Montenegro important opportunities for protecting their unique natural environments. The German government supports the development of these countries as they move closer to EU membership through various international funding programmes in the areas of climate protection, conservation
biodiversity and regional programs.
Albania entered EU accession negotiations in 2022 and is home to some of the last untouched natural paradises on the European continent. The Vjosa River was declared the first wild river national park in Europe in 2023. Montenegro defined itself in its constitution as the world’s first “ecological state” and aims to join the EU by 2028. Lake Skadar, located in the border region between Montenegro and Albania, is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula and is considered key to the rich biodiversity of both countries.
