​Representation: The Law on Self-Government provides the means for municipalities to form an association which represents their interests (Article 16 and Articles 127 to 130). Consequently, the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (UoM) was formed.

Information: According to Article 97 of the Law on Self-Government, it is stated that during the preparation phase of new legislation, the government shall publish the draft law through media and give stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. Furthermore, the Strategy of Public Administration Reform in Montenegro 2011-2016 aims at increasing transparency of the drafting of laws by making available more information and reports on public consultations.

Consultation: Articles 13 and 14 of the law on Local Self-Government put forward the general legislative rules on consultation of the local authorities on issues which affect them. Consequently, the municipalities are given the opportunity to directly express their opinions on legislative texts. Intergovernmental consultation bodies (such as the Coordination Committee for Local Self-Government Financing, the Coordination Committee for Local Self-Government reform and the Council for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Montenegro) between the government and the municipalities are created to facilitate the dialogue. In addition to this, there are also the frequent informal contacts between the levels. The municipalities are in that regard represented by the UoM.[1]

Coordination: No mechanism of coordination has been found. Yet, the Strategy of Public Administration Reform in Montenegro 2011-2016 states the introduction of procedures for participation of civil society in policy-making or legislative drafting.

 
[1] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Consultation procedures within European States, 2007.