On 14th February 2025, a Forum for establishing project partnerships within the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between Montenegro and Albania 2021–2027 was organised in Shkodra.
More than 120 participants, including representatives of organisations, institutions, and companies from both Montenegro and Albania, had the opportunity to establish contacts, exchange ideas, and explore possibilities for cross-border cooperation. The forum resulted in new partnerships, innovative project ideas, and strong foundations for future initiatives that will benefit both countries.
Nada Pejović, Head of the Directorate for Bilateral Cross-Border Programmes in the Ministry of European Affairs, emphasised the importance of this event as the official start of the IPA III Programme.
She reminded participants that cooperation between the two countries began in 2008 through the IPA I and II Programmes, during which more than 49 projects were implemented, valued at over €13.9 million, in areas such as economic development, environmental protection, social cohesion and infrastructure.
As she noted, through cooperation with Albanian partners and with financial support from the European Union, €11.9 million has been secured for the new phase of the IPA III Programme. These funds will be directed toward projects that promote sustainability, environmental protection, tourism development and increased competitiveness. She added that the first call for project proposals is expected to be published soon. “Projects implemented under the IPA I and II Programmes are clear evidence of how European cooperation delivers tangible results. This is reflected in the ongoing interest of beneficiaries in developing and implementing joint initiatives. Today’s event represents another step forward in that direction. I am confident that by the end of this forum, we will establish new partnerships and generate fresh ideas for improving the quality of life in our cross-border region,” Pejović highlighted.
Valbona Kosova from the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination of the Republic of Albania expressed gratitude to participants for their strong interest in cross-border cooperation projects, emphasising that such enthusiasm is a key driver of successful regional collaboration. She highlighted the importance of events like this forum in fostering mutual understanding, trust and long-term partnerships between institutions and civil society organisations from both Albania and Montenegro. Kosova commended the participants’ openness to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences and explore joint solutions to common challenges facing the cross-border region. She also underlined that the willingness to collaborate across borders reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and European integration, encouraging all present to continue building on this momentum through concrete project initiatives under the IPA III Programme.
Sanja Todorović, Head of the Joint Technical Secretariat, presented the new IPA III Montenegro–Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, including the opportunities it offers, key information on project collaboration, and a general overview of the application package.
Following this, participants had the opportunity to take part in thematic workshops focused on environmental protection and climate change adaptation, as well as tourism and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
The forum concluded successfully, with a clear aim of strengthening cooperation and creating projects that will contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the cross-border region.
