Objectives and Scope of the Initiative

The Capital City of Podgorica has positioned itself at the forefront of local digital transformation in Montenegro through the launch of the ePodgorica portal. This initiative was developed within a broader local governance modernization strategy, with the main goal of improving the efficiency, accessibility, and transparency of public administration services.
The ePodgorica portal aims to make local government services available online, 24/7, thus reducing administrative burdens and enabling citizens to complete key procedures without visiting municipal offices. By introducing user-friendly digital tools, the Capital City seeks to foster trust in local institutions, enhance citizen satisfaction, and contribute to the overall national digitalization objectives defined in the Public Services Digitalization Plan 2025–2027.
The platform currently integrates a wide range of administrative services, including:

• eCertificate – electronic issuance of certificates confirming settled tax and other obligations;
• Electronic financial assistance applications – for parents of newborn children;
• eMarriage application – online registration of marriage requests;
• Civil registry eDocuments – requests for extracts from the marriage register;
• Concept design approvals – for urban planning purposes;
• eBike and public transport tools – digital access to city mobility services;
• Electronic applications for subsidies – e.g. for bicycle purchases and similar incentives.

Key Challenges and Solutions Adopted

The development of the ePodgorica platform responded to several long-standing challenges in municipal service delivery, including:

• Time-consuming administrative procedures, which often required in-person visits and physical paperwork;
• Limited accessibility of local services for residents in remote or suburban areas;
• Low digital literacy among some citizen groups;
• Fragmented communication between different local administrative departments.

To address these challenges, the Capital City implemented a series of practical solutions:

• Establishment of a centralized, user-oriented digital platform integrating multiple municipal services in one place;
• Introduction of electronic identification (eID) and online request tracking through email and SMS notifications;
• Launch of awareness and education activities to promote the use of digital tools among citizens;
• Continuous coordination between municipal departments to ensure efficient digital service integration and data exchange.

Expected Impacts

The ePodgorica initiative has demonstrated tangible results in improving local service delivery and strengthening citizen engagement with digital tools. Key impacts include:

• Increased efficiency – administrative processes are faster and more streamlined, reducing the workload for municipal staff;
• Higher citizen satisfaction – residents can access essential services at any time, from any location;
• Transparency and accountability – citizens can track their requests in real time, contributing to more open local governance;
• Environmental benefits – reduced paper use and fewer physical visits to offices support sustainable public administration practices.

According to data available on the official website, a growing number of citizens have registered to use the portal since its launch, with a steady increase in the number of submitted electronic requests.

Conclusions and Transferability

The ePodgorica portal is one of the few examples in Montenegro where local digitalization has fully transitioned from strategic vision to practical implementation. It demonstrates how local self-government can respond to citizens’ needs through innovative solutions and create a foundation for further digital innovation at the municipal level.
The initiative is fully aligned with the National Plan for the Digitalization of Public Services 2025–2027, making Podgorica a model that other municipalities across Montenegro — and the broader region — can follow when designing their own local e-government systems.

More information:

• ePodgorica Portal: https://epodgorica.me/
• Capital City of Podgorica Official Website: https://podgorica.me/

Contact point for GOVERNANCE project: Amela Kovacevic, Montenegro Ministry of European Affairs