The Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro organized a Capitalization Event within the framework of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes Montenegro – Albania and Montenegro – Kosovo, bringing together representatives of institutions, local governments, civil society organizations and project partners from Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. The event aimed to exchange experiences, present achievements, and identify new opportunities for cross-border cooperation.
Opening the event, Miloš Marković, Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, stated that cross-border cooperation lays the foundations for the long-term development of the region.
“Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are the cornerstone of progress toward the European Union. Through eighty-three implemented projects worth over €25 million, we have brought together public institutions, local governments, educational institutions, the civil sector and numerous partners who, through their work, have contributed to tangible results. Together, we have improved employment, especially for vulnerable groups, worked on environmental protection and sustainable resource management, developed tourism through the valorisation of cultural and natural heritage and strengthened the capacities of local communities and institutions” said Marković.
Rando Kote, Head of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination of the Republic of Albania, emphasized the importance of capitalization and the role of EU values in regional cooperation. “Capitalization allows us to turn experience into knowledge, knowledge into policies and policies into lasting impact, ensuring that the results of our projects continue to serve communities and future generations” said Kote.
Jeton Qela, State Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government Administration of Kosovo, highlighted the contribution of local communities and institutions through project implementation. “The projects and best practices we are presenting today show that when local government is supported and empowered, it becomes a driver of economic, cultural, and social development” said Qela.
Sanja Bečanović, Acting Director General of the Directorate for Financing, Contracting, and Implementation of EU Funds at the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, recalled the concrete benefits of cross-border projects for citizens and local economies. “Projects implemented under these programmes clearly demonstrate how cross-border cooperation can bring tangible benefits to citizens – through employment, strengthening local economies, and preserving cultural and natural heritage,” said Bečanović.
Melanie Bride, representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, emphasized European values and the contribution of cross-border cooperation. “Cross-border cooperation fosters unity, supports development efforts, and contributes to reducing territorial disparities, all grounded in shared European values—trust, cooperation, and mutual respect” said Bride.
Panellists in the session on employment and opportunities pointed out that EU-funded cross-border projects in Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo deliver concrete results by empowering young people, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups through practical skills, mentoring and support for entrepreneurship. It was emphasized that strong employer engagement, cross-border cooperation and institutional partnerships are key to sustainable employment and self-employment.
At the panel on tourism and cultural heritage, participants highlighted that successful cross-border tourism is based on authentic local values, strong partnerships and the active involvement of local communities, with careful balancing of development and protection of natural and cultural heritage. It was emphasized that education, digital tools, environmental standards and branding of local gastronomy and rural experiences significantly enhance the quality of the offer and destination competitiveness. It was concluded that future development should be directed toward sustainable investments, the green transition and strengthening cross-border networks to ensure long-term impact and resilience of the tourism sector in the region.
The session on environmental protection showed that concrete environmental activities and cross-border cooperation have delivered visible results in environmental protection and improving the quality of life of local communities. Participants agreed that a joint approach, strong community involvement, and knowledge exchange remain key to successfully addressing shared environmental challenges.
Nada Pejović, Head of the Directorate for Bilateral Cross-Border Programmes at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, presented both programmes, with a special focus on the opportunities available under the IPA III financial perspective. On that occasion, she emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and the potential benefits these programmes bring to institutions and local communities.
The event served as a platform for exchanging experiences, inspiring new projects and partnerships, and further strengthening regional cooperation and the European integration of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo.
