Montenegro Urges Government to Fund Firefighting Equipment for Municipalities

The Association of Municipalities in Montenegro has formally requested that the government allocate dedicated funds in the budget for 2026 to purchase firefighting vehicles and equipment for municipal protection and rescue services. This initiative particularly aims to assist municipalities benefiting from the Egalization Fund. In correspondence addressed to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the association emphasized that investing in the protection and rescue system must become a national priority.

Investment Needs Highlighted

The estimated cost for acquiring a modern firefighting vehicle ranges from €300,000 to €350,000. The Association proposes that at least one new vehicle be provided to each municipality that receives support from the Egalization Fund in the upcoming budget year. This step is viewed as a crucial move towards systematically renewing and modernizing firefighting equipment, much of which has remained unchanged for over 15 years.

The Egalization Fund plays a vital role in financing local governments, particularly those in less developed areas. This year, 25 municipalities, including Andrijevica, Bar, and Niksic, will receive assistance from this fund.

Supporting Local Emergency Services

The strategy for reducing disaster risk has identified strengthening the technical capacities of protection and rescue services as one of its key goals. The Association of Municipalities expects the government to consider this request during its budget planning for the next year.

Representatives from the association have expressed readiness to collaborate with the Directorate for Protection and Rescue and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to define priorities and needs across municipalities. Their goal is to ensure that funds are directed to the most vulnerable and in-need local services.

Currently, the situation is dire. Many firefighting vehicles in various municipalities are over 15 years old, often technically faulty and inadequately equipped for modern interventions. Out of a total of 246 vehicles in municipal protection and rescue services, only 145 are fully operational. This deficiency poses a significant risk; in crisis situations, when every second counts, rescuers often have to respond with outdated and unreliable equipment.

“Local protection and rescue services are the fundamental operational pillar of Montenegro’s safety system,” stated the association.

During this year’s fire season, firefighters have been on the front lines, often working tirelessly for days without rest and facing considerable risks. Their bravery and dedication, while commendable, cannot compensate for the lack of modern equipment and technical resources. Local services are the first responders to all emergencies, ranging from everyday fires and traffic accidents to floods and complex rescue operations.

Increasingly severe and frequent storms, floods, and wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, demand services that are well-equipped to respond quickly, efficiently, and safely. Acknowledging budgetary constraints, the Association of Municipalities believes that investing in the protection and rescue system yields multiple benefits and ultimately saves lives in the long run. “This is not an expense; it is a strategic investment in a safer Montenegro,” they concluded.