With a ceremony attended by representatives of institutions and international partners, the first cycle of the “Ready4EU” Training Program, aimed at empowering civil servants for work in European Union institutions, bodies, and agencies, was officially completed today.
The program, implemented by the Human Resources Directorate with support from the Ministry of European Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), was attended by 23 participants from various state institutions. During the six-month training, 21 thematic workshops were conducted.
At the certificate award ceremony, speeches were given by the Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, the General Director of the Directorate for Strategic Planning in Public Administration, International Cooperation and IPA Funds at the Ministry of Public Administration, Marija Hajduković, ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova, and Director of the Human Resources Directorate Agron M. Camaj. It was emphasized that “Ready4EU” represents a strategic investment in human capital with the goal of preparing Montenegro’s administration for EU membership.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević stated that the “Ready4EU” program was designed as a bridge between knowledge and practice, between Montenegro’s potential and the European standards it aspires to.
“The European Union is not just a set of rules and procedures—it is a community founded on values, dialogue, solidarity, and knowledge. To be an equal part of it, we need people who understand how it works from the inside. People who can draft policies, negotiate, interpret laws, and manage projects. People like you. Therefore, I urge you: Apply yourselves. Be bold and believe in your knowledge,” the minister emphasized.
Gorčević encouraged participants to remain active after completing the program: “I want us to remain a network, a community that grows and learns together. To share what you learn in Brussels, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg with your colleagues in Montenegro. To be a bridge and help our administration become even better.”
“An educated, motivated, and dedicated civil servant changes the system from within, gradually but thoroughly. All the knowledge and new competencies you have gained during this training represent not only your potential but also our common foundation for building the capacity of a stable administration, in accordance with modern standards and the needs of citizens,” said Marija Hajduković, General Director of the Directorate for Strategic Planning in Public Administration, International Cooperation and IPA Funds at the Ministry of Public Administration.
ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the “Ready4EU” program and thanked the Government of Montenegro for the trust given to jointly design and implement this significant program, which is much more than training—it is a symbol of Montenegro’s commitment to a European future.
Handjiska-Trendafilova congratulated the participants and praised their exceptional motivation, dedication, and readiness to take responsibility for future work in EU institutions. “I hope you will use the upcoming working visit to EU institutions in Brussels, made possible by ReSPA, to gain additional knowledge and connect with officials in EU institutions who will soon become your colleagues.”
Director of the Human Resources Directorate Agron M. Camaj emphasized that today we do not just mark the end of the training but celebrate knowledge, effort, and success. He added that the program has become a space of mutual inspiration, shared learning, and development. He highlighted that the participants demonstrated that Montenegro has people who live European values—not just declaratively but through work and personal example.
“This is not the end but a foundation for what comes next, because change does not start with the system but with people—people like you, who will proudly and honorably represent Montenegro where vision becomes reality: in institutions, in the field, in the heart of the European Union,” said Camaj, stressing the importance of investing in human capital as the wisest policy of any country.
Based on combined criteria—success in the final knowledge quiz and attendance throughout the program—the five most successful participants were selected to visit EU institutions in Brussels. The study visit is organized by the Human Resources Directorate with support from ReSPA. The event concluded with a formal certificate awarding ceremony.
“A strong network of civil servants and future leaders has been gathered through the program—people ready to carry the negotiation process through to the end, with vision and dedication. That is why I sincerely encourage everyone interested to apply for such programs. We need as many trainings like this as possible because through them we build successful, competent individuals who will be the foundation and carriers of our society’s development,” said program participant Đorđije Drinčić from the Ministry of Culture and Media.
The “Ready4EU” program represents the first step toward creating a pool of qualified and motivated professionals ready to represent Montenegro professionally in European institutions and participate in shaping EU joint policies.
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE / MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS / MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / REGIONAL SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (ReSPA)