STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF MONTENEGRO IN THE SCINETIFIC FILEDS RELATED TO EU CHAPTER 27 - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Environmental protection and the accompanying sustainable development, as one of the most important segments of society globally, require the efforts and inputs from all segments and actors in society. In addition, the EU accession process in the field of environment, Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change is the most complex area in the process of European integration. Montenegro as an accession country needs to ensure adequate strong structure and human resources for the demanding reform processes underlying the harmonization and integration into the democratic European society. To fulfill the sustainable development principles and ensure sustainable development of the country’s economy and its declaration as an ecological state, Montenegro’s educational system plays a crucial role in shaping and creating the human resources needed to transform and reform development, which ensures quality living conditions and protection of natural resources. Analyses of student population structure and enrollment in study programs pertaining toward environmental protection and Chapter 27 sectors at the public University of Montenegro provide insights in the current trends and the gaps that should be tackled in order to support the country’s economy and reform processes to benefit people and nature. 76 Key words: environment, education, development, student, higher education enrollment, EU, Chapter 27, accession, reform