"In February, I had the privilege of participating in the CEF Workshop on Green Taxation held in Ljubljana. I am pleased to say it was an enlightening and transformative experience, both personally and professionally. The insights I gained were thought-provoking and valuable. It was an excellent opportunity to explore the latest trends in green taxation, which is particularly relevant given the increasing global focus on sustainable development. The exchange of ideas and practices helped me understand the broader implications of green taxation and carbon pricing within the context of EU regulations, and how these can be applied to our local context in Montenegro. I found the discussions enriching, though challenging at times, as we explored complex topics such as the technical aspects of CBAM and its potential impact on Montenegro's economy. During the workshop, I engaged in multiple working sessions and discussions with international experts and colleagues from different countries, which provided a diverse range of perspectives on environmental taxation policies and carbon pricing mechanisms.

Initially, I attended the workshop as a participant eager to deepen my understanding of green taxation and its implications for policies in Montenegro. Over the course of the workshop, I realized how integral these concepts are to the broader goals of sustainable development, climate policy, and economic transition in our region. After engaging with experts, sharing insights with peers, and absorbing a wealth of knowledge, I began to see the potential for incorporating these concepts into my own work and policy discussions at the Ministry. I now feel better equipped to engage with colleagues and stakeholders, and I am excited to share this knowledge—not just as a means of dissemination but also to foster the dialogue and collaboration essential for meaningful environmental policy change.

The most significant takeaway from the workshop was gaining a deep understanding of the EU’s approach to green taxation and how mechanisms like CBAM and ETS can act as bridges between climate goals and economic realities. I gained clarity on the practical applications of these mechanisms, how they interact with global trade, and the regulatory frameworks surrounding them.
I believe this knowledge directly benefits my role at the Ministry, as Montenegro works to align its policies with the EU’s Green Deal and other climate-related initiatives. Understanding the technical and political dimensions of these mechanisms will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the further development of national strategies for climate action and sustainable growth. Additionally, I will use this information to guide discussions on the fiscal aspects of sustainability and to support national and regional efforts to mitigate climate change.

What stood out most to me was the interactive and collaborative nature of the workshop. Unlike other knowledge-sharing events that focus on top-down information delivery, this workshop fostered a participatory environment where we could exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and discuss real-world challenges. The diversity of perspectives—from EU and non-EU policymakers to practitioners and professionals—allowed me to understand the complexities of green taxation and climate policy from multiple angles, which was incredibly enriching. The structured yet flexible approach was a key differentiator.

A valuable insight I gained came from discussions with other participants from various countries, many of whom were grappling with similar challenges in implementing green taxation and climate policy. Furthermore, the cross-border exchanges emphasized how countries, regardless of their size or economic standing, can learn from each other’s strategies and share solutions to common environmental problems.

I would highly recommend this workshop—and working with the CEF—to my colleagues because it provides not only in-depth technical knowledge but also fosters a holistic approach to policymaking. The sessions were intellectually stimulating, offering both practical tools and strategic insights. The international network of experts and practitioners allows for valuable exchanges that can directly influence the quality and impact of our work in Montenegro.

In conclusion, the knowledge gained has empowered me to contribute more effectively to sustainable policymaking in Montenegro and to share this knowledge with my colleagues, furthering our collective efforts toward a greener future."