5. Complementarities between Montenegro's 2030 agenda and EU agenda

Achieving NATO membership in June 2016, Montenegro's strategic foreign policy priority becomes EU membership [14]. Montenegro signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) on October 15, 2007 and officially applied to join the EU on December 15, 2008. In November 2010, the Commission issued a favorable opinion on Montenegro's application and the Council granted it the candidate status [20]. The EU accession negotiation process with Montenegro was opened in June 2012 [21]. After five and a half years of negotiations, good dynamic has been achieved: 30 negotiating chapters have been opened (30 out of 33) and three have been temporarily closed (Science and research, Education and Culture, and Foreign affairs chapter) [22].

The programme of accession of Montenegro to the EU [23] is the roadmap for fulfillment of the accession criteria which comprises political, legal, economic and administrative criteria for fullfledge membership. Main methods for measuring progress in the EU accession talks are the following: level of harmonization of the legislation with the EU acquis and fulfillment of the closing benchmarks of the negotiation chapters.

At the same time, National strategy for sustainable development of Montenegro 2030 (NSSD 2030), adopted in 2016, represents comprehensive and long-term development strategy of Montenegro that covers not only the framework period of accession process but also expected future period of Montenegro's development as the EU Member State. With adoption of the NSSD 2030 and a corresponding Action Plan for its implementation, the Government of Montenegro nationalized UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development, including its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and SDG indicators.

(3) amendments to existing regulations; (4) adoption of new national regulations and (5)

The final phases in the monitoring and reporting process are regular adoptions of the monitoring report by Montenegro's Government and its submission to the UN Economic and Social

4.3. Establishment of a functional information system for data collection and reporting

further processing towards efficient national and international reporting [12].

charge for the NSSD 2030 implementation [19].

74 Statistics - Growing Data Sets and Growing Demand for Statistics

closing benchmarks of the negotiation chapters.

affairs chapter) [22].

Establishment of a functional information system and data base is the foundation for successful measurement of progress in the NSSD implementation. The established system should be simple, efficient and friendly oriented towards users since its primarily purpose is to facilitate implementation monitoring in order to have quality implementation of the NSSD, and not to be represent too massive and inefficient system that in practice will not work. Such organized functional information system should enable not only simultaneous collecting of data by subjects responsible for monitoring of certain indicators or measures, but their archiving and

Existing UNEP's online reporting system (Indicator Reporting Information System—IRIS) is the solution recommended by the NSSD for organization and development of the information system. If adopted, after the ongoing test phase, IRIS will be managed by Montenegro. In this case the Ministry for Sustainable Development and Tourism, within a unit that will be in

5. Complementarities between Montenegro's 2030 agenda and EU agenda

Achieving NATO membership in June 2016, Montenegro's strategic foreign policy priority becomes EU membership [14]. Montenegro signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) on October 15, 2007 and officially applied to join the EU on December 15, 2008. In November 2010, the Commission issued a favorable opinion on Montenegro's application and the Council granted it the candidate status [20]. The EU accession negotiation process with Montenegro was opened in June 2012 [21]. After five and a half years of negotiations, good dynamic has been achieved: 30 negotiating chapters have been opened (30 out of 33) and three have been temporarily closed (Science and research, Education and Culture, and Foreign

The programme of accession of Montenegro to the EU [23] is the roadmap for fulfillment of the accession criteria which comprises political, legal, economic and administrative criteria for fullfledge membership. Main methods for measuring progress in the EU accession talks are the following: level of harmonization of the legislation with the EU acquis and fulfillment of the

At the same time, National strategy for sustainable development of Montenegro 2030 (NSSD 2030), adopted in 2016, represents comprehensive and long-term development strategy of

involvement in the process of monitoring the implementation of the NSSD 2030 [18] .

Council.

The EU also implements the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, together with its Member States, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. The EU's answer to the 2030 Agenda includes two work streams: the first is to mainstream the SDGs in the European policy framework and current Commission priorities; the second is to launch reflection on further developing of European longer term vision with the focus on sector policies after 2020—preparation for the long term implementation of the SDGs [24].

The sustainable development lies at the core of European values and constitutes an overarching objective of the Union. The EU has played a leading role in the process that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs in September 2015. It is now determined to take the lead in its implementation. In June 2017, the European Council confirmed that "the EU and the Member States are strongly committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda in a full, coherent, comprehensive, integrated and effective manner and in close cooperation with partners and other stakeholders, including sub-national authorities, civil society, the private sector, social partners and academia." The European council underlined that the EU and its Member States will act as frontrunners in this respect [25].

Having in mind all of the above mentioned, Montenegro has committed to both the EU accession negotiations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper is also focused on analysis of relations between these processes and reporting characteristics. The main research questions are the following: (a) what is the level of similarities of those two reporting processes and (b) are there space for creating synergy and improve quality of reporting for both agendas.

Structural complementarities of these two agendas are presented in the Table 4. The Agenda 2030 is a long-term development framework focused on SDGs and its targets, while the EU agenda is comprised of the pre-accession period (accession negotiations process) and postaccession period and obligations arising from the full-fledged membership.

2030 Agenda as a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, is based on achieving the sustainable development goals [12] while the EU integration process is based on achieving the accession criteria defined in negotiating chapters and related benchmarks [20]. Pre-accession assistance is provided by the EU through the Programme of the pre-accession assistance—IPA [26]. This programme is created in order to support Montenegro's integration process according to defined priorities in specific sectors. While IPA I (2007–2013) was implemented through its five components, IPA II (2014–2020) is created through sector-based approach for pre-accession support [27].

At the same time, United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2017–2021 is a five-year strategic framework of cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the UN for the period 2017–2021. Strategic document called Integrated UN Programme for


In mentioned context, 2030 Agenda as a universal, global development agenda is "nationalized" through adoption of the NSSD, while the European integration process is an instrument for "EU-isation" of Montenegro with strictly defined goals, i.e., achieving EU norms and

Agenda 2030: Measuring Progress in the Montenegro's National Strategy for Sustainable Development…

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75001

77

We can conclude that EU (integration) agenda is narrower than 2030 Agenda, having in mind that the scope of SDGs is significantly wider than the scope of accession criteria. But, implementing the EU agenda in the process of accession, Montenegro can significantly support

The next level of analysis of inter-linkages between the EU accession criteria and 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in Montenegro-'s case is the analysis of EU negotiation chapters and SDGs and specific SDG targets. Based on above mentioned analysis, it is possible to make a link between negotiation chapters and sub-chapters with SDGs and SDG targets, with the

• SDG2 (No hunger including sustainable agriculture) is linked with C11—Agriculture and rural development, but also with C12—Food safety, veterinary and phyto-sanitary policy

• SDG3 (Good health and well-being) is linked with C12—Food safety, veterinary and phyto-sanitary policy, C23—Justice and fundamental rights; C25—Science and research and C28—Consumer and health protection; For instance, EU requests are much smaller in

• SDG4 (Quality education) is linked with C26 Education and culture, as well as with C25 Science and research; EU requests are much smaller than scope of SDG 4 and its targets;

• SDG5 (Gender equality) is linked with C23—Justice and fundamental rights; It is important to mentioned that interim benchmarks in part "Fundamental rights" are very

• SDG6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG13 (Climate action) and SDG15 (Life on land) are clearly linked to chapter 27—

• SDG8 is linked to the following "economic" negotiation chapters: C1–C7, C9, C17, C19,

• SDG9 is linked to the following chapters: C10, C14, C20, C21 (Trans-European Networks

• SDG10 (Reduced inequalities) is linked with C19 - Employment and social policy and C23

standards through achieving closing benchmarks of negotiating chapters.

• SDG1 (No poverty) is linked with C19—Employment and social policy;

implementation of the UN agenda for sustainable development.

following explanations:

Environment;

C25 and C29;

and Regional Policy);

and C25—Science and research;

C28 than scope of SDG 3 and its targets;

connected with SDGs 3, 5, 10 and 16;

—Judiciary and fundamental rights;

• SDG7 (Affordable and clean energy) is linked to C15—Energy;

Table 4. Montenegro's 2030 agenda and EU agenda: goals, strategic documents, priority areas and reporting dynamic.

Montenegro 2017–2021 is designed to optimize the combined knowledge and resources of UN system organizations working under the Delivering as One modality. Strategic document was jointly developed by the UN Country Team in Montenegro and the Government of Montenegro, in collaboration with civil sector, academia and international stakeholders. The document, which articulates UN's assistance to Montenegro in addressing key national priorities, is aligned with the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and country's aspiration to join European Union. The draft document provides a jointly agreed plan to support the country in the following key thematic areas: democratic governance, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and economic governance [28]. However, the UN 2030 Agenda does not bring an exact financial envelop that will provide financial support to the Government as the achieving SDG targets is responsibility of each of the UN member states [15]. Financial support, however, may come from external sources (vertical funds, bilateral, private donors, etc.), depending on economic/income status of the country.

In mentioned context, 2030 Agenda as a universal, global development agenda is "nationalized" through adoption of the NSSD, while the European integration process is an instrument for "EU-isation" of Montenegro with strictly defined goals, i.e., achieving EU norms and standards through achieving closing benchmarks of negotiating chapters.

We can conclude that EU (integration) agenda is narrower than 2030 Agenda, having in mind that the scope of SDGs is significantly wider than the scope of accession criteria. But, implementing the EU agenda in the process of accession, Montenegro can significantly support implementation of the UN agenda for sustainable development.

The next level of analysis of inter-linkages between the EU accession criteria and 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in Montenegro-'s case is the analysis of EU negotiation chapters and SDGs and specific SDG targets. Based on above mentioned analysis, it is possible to make a link between negotiation chapters and sub-chapters with SDGs and SDG targets, with the following explanations:


Montenegro 2017–2021 is designed to optimize the combined knowledge and resources of UN system organizations working under the Delivering as One modality. Strategic document was jointly developed by the UN Country Team in Montenegro and the Government of Montenegro, in collaboration with civil sector, academia and international stakeholders. The document, which articulates UN's assistance to Montenegro in addressing key national priorities, is aligned with the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and country's aspiration to join European Union. The draft document provides a jointly agreed plan to support the country in the following key thematic areas: democratic governance, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and economic governance [28]. However, the UN 2030 Agenda does not bring an exact financial envelop that will provide financial support to the Government as the achieving SDG targets is responsibility of each of the UN member states [15]. Financial support, however, may come from external sources (vertical funds, bilateral, private donors, etc.), depending on

Table 4. Montenegro's 2030 agenda and EU agenda: goals, strategic documents, priority areas and reporting dynamic.

Member State;

Reporting in 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029; Reporting semi-annually, until the conclusion of the accession

SDGs and targets Accession criteria and benchmarks for the negotiation chapters

Programme of the accession of Montenegro to the EU 2018–2021

promotion of gender equality, and human resource development)

negotiations; Later, continued through obligations of the EU

Indicative strategy paper for Montenegro, IPA II (2014–2020)

Sector 1—Democracy and Governance

Sector 2—Role of Law and Fundamental Rights

Sector 3—Environment and Climate Action

SDG 14. Life below water Sector 6—Education, Employment and Social Policies (including

Sector 4—Transport

economic/income status of the country.

Montenegro

2030

2021

SDG 3. Good health and well-being

SDG 4. Quality education

6. Clean water and sanitation

energy

7. Affordable and clean

SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth

2030 Agenda EU Agenda

76 Statistics - Growing Data Sets and Growing Demand for Statistics

and infrastructure

SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities

SDG 5. Gender equality SDG 13. Climate action Sector 5—Competitiveness and Innovation

SDG 17. Partnerships for the goals Sector 7—Agriculture and Rural Development

SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production

SDG 15. Life on land

SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

inequalities

National Strategy for Sustainable Development NSSD

SDG 1. No poverty SDG 9. Industry, innovation

Integrated UN Programme for Montenegro 2017–

SDG 2. Zero hunger SDG 10. Reduced


• SDG11 (Sustainable cities and communities) is linked with 27—Environment, but also with C26—Education and culture;

6. Conclusions

ments analyzed:

The Government of Montenegro nationalized 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development by adopting the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2016, together with a corresponding Action Plan for its implementation. The NSSD is umbrella, horizontal and long-term development strategy of Montenegro that relates not only to environment and economics, but also to human resources, valuable social capital that should ensure prosperous development, recommendations for establishing the framework of financing and governance for sustainable development. The NSSD represents strategic framework for the transposition of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and its indicators into national context. The NSSD Action plan, divided in six thematic areas with 30 strategic goals of sustainable development of Montenegro and their 102 measures and 601 sub-measures, represents very complex mechanism for monitoring and reporting about achieving the UN

Agenda 2030: Measuring Progress in the Montenegro's National Strategy for Sustainable Development…

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75001

79

The key phase for success of the NSSD 2030 implementation, and therefore for achieving sustainable development of Montenegro, is monitoring and reporting on the results of its implementation. This paper is focused on analysis of readiness of Montenegro to prepare the

Based on conducted analysis, we can conclude that Montenegro is well advanced in preparation of all preconditions for that process. We based this conclusion on the following achieve-

• The NSSD 2030 coordination mechanism is already developed, which includes responsible data producers, line ministries, implementing agencies, advisory bodies, working

• Twenty-six institutions: data generators are identified and preparatory training for them is scheduled in 2018; 137 SDG indicators will be monitored in Montenegro by 2018 (57% of the total number of indicators); the report process will include collection of 252 national indicators, 20 international indicators produced by selected international organizations

• Development of a progress report methodology contains four basic elements: (a) preparation of detailed methodologies for reporting on all indicators, (b) producing reporting forms on each individual indicator being monitored ("indicator's passport"), (c) preparation of reporting methodology on the dynamics of the implementation of measures envisaged by the NSOR Action Plan, including mechanism of coordination, and (d) preparation of forms for reporting on individual measures and shares from the NSOR Action Plan. The reporting methodology is in final phase of development and will be ready for the first

• Ministry for sustainable development and tourism has already received the IRIS platform from UNEP and by the early 2018 system will be tested within the Ministry, including

first monitoring report on the NSSD 2030 implementation scheduled for 2019.

sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Montenegro.

groups and other local stakeholders.

and 10 composite indicators.

evaluation process.


Using the explained methodology, it is possible to "cover" all SDGs with areas of the negotiation, but not with the same intensity. The European integration process has better potential to 'accelerate' SDG achievement when they are linked to economic development, but less in the areas of social dimension of development.

Today, social realties within European countries (including both Member States and Candidate Countries) differ greatly, especially in the areas such as education and health, employment patterns, wages, incomes and social protection systems. Unemployment rates are falling but differ substantially across Europe, youth unemployment is falling but remains high, employment is recovering and growing steadily, but employment rates differ; social protection systems also differ across Europe [29]. Hence, special attention should be given in the forthcoming period to the social dimension of development and negative externalities of economic growth even during the process of European integration.

Through the pre-accession support, Berlin process and the Connectivity agenda (followed with the international financial institutions), the EU will continue to support building infrastructure in energy, transport, environment and social policy area. We can conclude that European pre-accession assistance and future EU structural fund support are excellent opportunities also in the areas of green economy and support for local sustainable economic development projects.

If we compare the closing benchmarks with the level of achievement of SDGs and SDG targets measured through SDG indicators—the conclusion could be the same. Based on the content analysis, 74 closing benchmarks and 83 interim benchmarks, defined for specific negotiation chapters within the process of EU accession talks of Montenegro [14], cover more than 60% of SDG related targets, which confirm high level of complementarities of those two processes. It is specifically important for potential improvement of their monitoring and reporting documents through close cooperation of their coordination structures for reporting and using of the same indicators in a lot of cases.
