The Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro marked Interreg Cooperation Day in Kotor under the slogan “Inspired by the Sea: Waves of Cooperation for a Stronger Blue Economy in the Adriatic”, in cooperation with the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro and with the presence of representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro.
The event was organized at the premises of the Institute of Marine Biology, where the guests were students of “Ivo Visin” Elementary School from Prčanj. For them, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević delivered an interactive lecture on European integration and the ways in which EU funds improve the quality of life in Montenegro.
After the lecture, a tour of the Boka Aquarium, the only aquarium in Montenegro, was organized for students and delegation representatives. Its functioning has been improved thanks to the EXChAngE project, financed through the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro. Guided by the Institute’s staff, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the richness of the Adriatic Sea’s marine life and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine biodiversity.
The students then attended a presentation in the shellfish production laboratory, where they learned about the basics of cultivating microalgae for feeding and conditioning oysters (Ostrea edulis) in controlled laboratory conditions. This laboratory was built thanks to the FOOD4HEALTH project, supported by the Interreg IPA Italy – Albania – Montenegro programme.
During the visit to the Institute, a new multifunctional hall was also promoted, part of the future Training Center in the field of the blue economy, which is being developed within the strategic SA SKILLS project. This scientific institution is implementing it in cooperation with partners from Italy and Albania with the support of the Interreg IPA South Adriatic programme.
On the sidelines of the event, a meeting was held at the Kotor Municipality, where Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Mayor of Kotor Vladimir Jokić, and Head of the Cooperation Section in the EU Delegation to Montenegro Bernar Brune discussed current and future projects in the municipality implemented with the support of EU funds.
Minister Gorčević emphasized that EU programmes and funds are of crucial importance for Montenegro’s development and improving quality of life, especially now that the country is in the final and decisive phase of EU accession.
“Our goal is for Montenegro to become a member of the European Union in 2028, and we are working diligently towards that. From that moment, as a full member, we will have many more funds available for investments in development and a better life for our citizens. That is why cross-border cooperation projects are especially valuable, as they allow our institutions to gain experience and build capacities for managing large European projects,” said Gorčević.
Mayor of Kotor Vladimir Jokić stressed that numerous projects are being implemented in the municipality with the support of EU funds and that the local administration is continuously working on strengthening its capacities to use available resources as successfully as possible.
“Cross-border cooperation programmes are an important instrument of the European Union for strengthening institutional and interstate connectivity in border areas, through financial support for projects that contribute to improving the socio-economic, cultural, and historical potential of local communities,” said Jokić.
Head of the Cooperation Section in the EU Delegation Bernar Brune stated that the European Union, through territorial cooperation funds, connects partners from different countries to overcome common challenges and make use of available potentials.
“Cooperation across borders is the key to unity and prosperity in Europe. We can proudly show how cross-border and transnational cooperation programmes break down barriers and foster unity across Europe,” said Brune.
The delegations, with the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Media, also visited the Creative Hub in Kotor’s Old Town during the day. This unique space was created by transforming the building of the former Austro-Hungarian prison and provides opportunities for artists and creatives to create, collaborate, and exchange experiences. The Creative Hub was established within the 3C project, financed through the Interreg IPA Italy – Albania – Montenegro programme, led by the Ministry of Culture and Media.
Interreg Cooperation Day is celebrated every September with the aim of promoting the results of cross-border, transnational, and interregional projects carried out by institutions and organizations across Europe with the support of EU funds.