Balkan leaders urge fair energy transition and stronger nature protection at COP31
Leaders from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina have called for stronger environmental protection, a socially fair energy transition and greater international responsibility in tackling climate change at the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye.
Addressing world leaders, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic outlined four priorities for his country's green transition, reaffirming its ambition to become the European Union's 28th member state by 2028.
He stressed that environmental commitments must translate into concrete action, describing nature protection as essential to Montenegro's resilience and European future.
Montenegro outlines four priorities for green transition
Milatovic identified the expansion of protected natural areas, a fair energy transition, stronger climate resilience and a broader environmental protection programme as the country's main priorities.
The first focuses on strengthening nature conservation through the establishment of the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas.
The second involves reducing dependence on coal by accelerating investment in solar and wind energy while ensuring the sustainable use of hydropower.
Milatovic stressed that the transition must remain economically realistic and socially fair, ensuring that environmental progress does not create disproportionate economic and social burdens.
Climate resilience represents the third priority, with Montenegro facing growing risks from floods, wildfires, droughts and threats to its coastline.
The country has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
The fourth priority, described as “Ecological State 2.0,” includes 20 proposals designed to integrate environmental protection into everyday life.
The measures include free access to national parks, stronger protection of coastal areas and rivers, sustainable tourism, improved forest fire prevention and greater accountability for polluters.
Bosnia warns against prioritizing short-term interests
Meanwhile, Denis Becirovic, chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, called for climate responsibility to be recognized as a matter of intergenerational justice.
He argued that tackling climate change should go beyond international agreements, financial mechanisms and technological solutions, stressing the moral obligation to protect the interests of future generations.
“We have no moral right to build our own prosperity on the insecurity of future generations,” Becirovic said.
He warned against allowing short-term economic interests and populist policies to undermine long-term environmental objectives.
“Short-term profit and irresponsible populist policies must not prevail over the long-term interests of humanity,” he said.
Becirovic also criticized governments that delay climate action, arguing that postponing decisions only transfers the environmental and economic burden to younger generations.
“Power without responsibility is dangerous,” he stressed.
Bosnia advances energy and climate planning
Becirovic said Bosnia and Herzegovina was developing an integrated National Energy and Climate Plan aimed at accelerating the transformation of its energy sector.
The country's objectives include decarbonizing the energy sector by 2030, establishing longer-term targets towards 2050 and achieving carbon neutrality through an efficient energy transition.
The statements from both Balkan leaders highlight the region's growing focus on climate resilience, renewable energy and environmental protection as European countries work towards their long-term climate commitments.
Their messages at COP31 also underscored the importance of balancing economic development with social fairness and ensuring that environmental policies protect both present and future generations.
Source:AA
