The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro organized a meeting on 8 June with 25 Montenegrin companies that recently signed contracts in Herceg Novi for the implementation of projects approved under EU grants within the second call of the EmBRACE project (Enhancing MSEs sustainaBle gRowth And CompEtitiveness).
The following Montenegrin companies received grants: STANDARD MEDIA, Simes Inženjering, Media Solutions, 2BI, Innovatio Proficit, B Solution, Fleka, Olando, Vakom, OLIVMONT, GeoJUG, INVAR-IVOŠEVIĆ, Institute for Economics and Recreation, Sustainable Development Agency AZOR Consulting, Geotin MNE, B-RIL Engineering, Apolotours DMC, KOBRA, VIAMONT, Euro-transport, FABRICA MNE, STUDIO MOUSE, PROGMATA Technologies, Hiron Creative Lab and Mima. Co.
The business community was addressed by the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Nina Drakić, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Dr. Bojana Bošković, while company representatives briefly presented their projects and shared their experience in applying for EU funds.
The President of the Chamber, Drakić, said that the success of Montenegrin micro and small enterprises is a strong confirmation that the domestic economy has the capacity to participate equally in European programmes and to develop through partnerships with companies from the region and the European Union.
She stressed that the fact that Montenegrin enterprises secured more than EUR 1.5 million in non-reimbursable European Union grants through the second call of the EmBRACE programme confirms that the domestic economy has the knowledge, capacity and quality to be competitive on the European market.
Speaking about the importance of European funds for the development of the business community, Drakić emphasized that data on projects worth almost EUR 5.7 million, of which EUR 4.8 million was provided through EU grants, are not just figures but an indicator of the growing ability of Montenegrin companies to use available development instruments.
Drakić particularly highlighted the importance of internationalization of business, stressing that competitiveness today is not built only on the domestic market, but through strong regional and European connectivity.
“The European path is built not only by institutions and reforms, but also by successful companies that innovate, cooperate and use development opportunities. That is precisely why the success of our companies is the best confirmation that Montenegro is ready for the European economic area,” she said.
Congratulating the grant beneficiaries, Drakić assessed that their success is a strong incentive for further economic development and strengthening of Montenegro’s European perspective, expressing confidence that the upcoming projects will bring new jobs, products, technologies and partnerships.
The State Secretary for European Affairs, Dr. Bojana Bošković, stated that the results achieved through the EmBRACE project represent one of the best examples of the concrete benefits that the European integration process brings to the Montenegrin economy and citizens.
She said that the success of companies that secured grants confirms that the Montenegrin economy has the knowledge, capacity and potential to successfully use EU funds and respond to the demands of the modern market.
“This is a very concrete example of what European integration brings to our economy. We have demonstrated that our domestic economy has the capacity to design quality projects, attract European funds and turn them into development opportunities for our companies,” she said.
Speaking about the importance of the EmBRACE programme, she noted that it provides support to micro and small enterprises, which are the backbone of the Montenegrin economy and play a key role in strengthening its competitiveness. According to her, micro and small enterprises are often the drivers of innovation, adapt more quickly to market changes, and create new development opportunities, which is why it is important that institutions provide them with adequate support for developing business ideas and long-term sustainability.
“Such projects show that European integration is not an abstract process, but an opportunity to strengthen competitiveness and improve the quality of life of citizens through partnerships, innovation and new investments,” Bošković said.
Bošković thanked the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro for organizing the event, as well as all partners involved in the implementation of the EmBRACE project, adding that the Ministry of European Affairs will continue to be a reliable partner to the business community in making better use of EU funds and programmes.
The event was moderated by the Director of the Project Sector at the Chamber of Commerce, Tanja Radusinović, who noted that as the country approaches EU membership, an increasing number of support programmes will become available, making it important for companies to develop project preparation and implementation capacities already now.
“This was an excellent opportunity for you to become familiar with how European projects function and to gain experience that will be valuable in the coming period, when opportunities for using EU funds will be even greater,” she said.
She added that the Chamber of Commerce has supported the EmBRACE programme from the very beginning, working with partners on promoting calls and informing businesses about available opportunities, and will continue to be a partner to the business community through information and education aimed at improving awareness and readiness for applying to available funding sources.
Grant beneficiaries stated that the EmBRACE project represents an important opportunity for developing innovative solutions, strengthening competitiveness and expanding business activities on regional and European markets. They emphasized that through the supported projects they will improve energy and digital solutions, develop new products and services, and modernize business processes in line with European standards. They particularly highlighted the importance of regional and EU partnerships, which have enabled access to new knowledge, markets and technologies, with expectations that the projects will contribute to long-term growth and employment. They also expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce, noting that such programmes significantly contribute to strengthening the capacities of the domestic economy and its European perspective.
Source: Chamber of Economy of Montenegro