Podgorica, (MINA) – The Montenegrin Armed Forces (VCG) remain the key support for the civil protection services during crisis situations, and the budget for the next year should ensure that both the VCG and civil protection services enter the new fire season, and potential other natural disasters, better prepared than before.

This was assessed in an interview Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the VCG Hajrudin Djekarac and environmental activist Vuk Vujisic gave to the MINA News Agency.

Djekarac pointed out that the VCG is present in all situations where the population of Montenegro is at risk, stressing that assisting citizens during natural disasters and supporting civil institutions is one of the most important tasks of the VCG.

Vujisic agrees that in all crisis situations the VCG played significant role alongside civil institutions, adding that this was especially evident during this year’s wildfires.

“But it seems to me that the Armed Forces are increasingly present in the field because our civilian protection services face shortages in funds, vehicles and other equipment”, Vujisic said.

Speaking about the role of the VCG in crisis situations, he said that, apart from the development of aviation and helicopter units, there are opportunities related to the use of drones in firefighting or during other disasters.

“I hope our decision-makers will not forget what happened this summer, as well as that they will invest more funds in the Army and civil protection services”, Vujisic pointed out.

He also believes that Montenegro could use the increase in defense allocation, committed to within the framework of NATO membership, to improve the national capacities to respond to natural disasters.

“In addition, we must work on prevention and on strengthening protection and rescue services, which should be the primary line of defense against the consequences of climate change”, said Vujisic, reminding that the development of civil protection in terms of volunteer engagement is also important.

When about the VCG’s modernization process, Djekarac pointed to announcements from the Ministry of Defense and the VCG General Staff that significant funds will be earmarked to improving the capabilities of VCG members, their overall capacities and collective equipment.

He said that by the next fire season, the VCG should have 250 members equipped with full protective equipment against smoke and fire, as well as about ten additional fire fighting vehicles.

The plan, Djekarac added, is to acquire the equipment before the next fire season, warning that “we are obliged to respect the public procurement law, and contracting is a complex process”.

When asked to evaluate cooperation among relevant institutions during crisis, Vujisic said that during this year’s fires, unity was achieved both across the service and within society. “Montenegro was as one in those days”.