An implementation seminar for beneficiaries of 43 standard projects under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic program was held today in Podgorica. The program supports cooperation between institutions and organizations from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro.
The seminar, organized by Montenegro’s Ministry of European Affairs, was attended by representatives of the Managing Authority – the Apulia Region and the Joint Secretariat based in Bari, as well as representatives of Montenegro’s program authorities – the Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.
Opening the event, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Biljana Papović, emphasized that this Interreg IPA program promotes sustainable development across the three countries and contributes to improving the quality of life in the South Adriatic area.
“I am proud that Montenegrin institutions and organizations demonstrate strong and continuous interest in this cooperation program. Our partners are currently involved in implementing 5 strategic projects, 35 smaller-scale projects, and 43 standard projects, with a total budget of €19 million,” Papović said.
She added that the participation of Montenegrin institutions and organizations goes beyond financial aspects.
“Their involvement reflects genuine commitment to Montenegro’s sustainable development, capacity-building for project implementation, and the establishment of lasting connections with colleagues from the Italian regions of Apulia and Molise, as well as Albania,” Papović highlighted.
Head of the Managing Authority’s Program Unit, Claudio Polinjano, noted that the Interreg IPA South Adriatic program has allocated approximately 99% of the total €81 million in EU funds with this call.
“We have supported a total of 88 projects, now at various stages of implementation. The 43 standard projects focus on strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental protection and adaptation to climate change, improving energy efficiency, better territorial connectivity, social inclusion, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the joint tourism offer,” Polinjano said.
During the seminar, representatives of Montenegrin partners had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basic principles and program rules regarding project implementation, financial management, and communication of project results.
Speakers on specific aspects of implementation included Legal and Program Officer Davide Marciano, Project Officers Chiara Campanile and Antonio Agrosi, Communications Officer Carmela Sfregola from the Joint Secretariat, as well as national program representatives – Head of the First Level Control Directorate in the Ministry of Finance, Kana Tomašević, and Montenegro’s national contact point for the Program, Slađana Pešić.
Through the Call for Standard Projects, a total of 223 partners were supported, including 49 institutions and organizations from Montenegro, for which over €11 million in EU grants was allocated.