Under the slogan “Inspired by the Sea: Waves of Cooperation for a Stronger Blue Economy in the Adriatic”, and in cooperation with the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro, the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro marked Interreg Cooperation Day in Kotor. The event, attended by representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, was held at the premises of the Institute of Marine Biology.
Pupils from Ivo Visin Primary School in Prčanj had the opportunity to speak with the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, about European integration and how EU funds improve the quality of life in Montenegro.
Following the lecture, a visit to the Boka Aquarium was organised for all the participants. This is the only aquarium in Montenegro whose operations have been enhanced 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 chance to discover the richness of Adriatic marine life and to develop awareness of the importance of preserving marine biodiversity.
The pupils also attended a presentation in the shellfish production laboratory, where they learned the basics of cultivating microalgae for feeding and conditioning oysters (Ostrea edulis) under controlled laboratory conditions. This laboratory was established thanks to the FOOD4HEALTH project, supported by the Interreg IPA Italy – Albania – Montenegro Programme.
During the stay at the Institute, a new multifunctional hall was also promoted, which will form part of the future Training Centre for the Blue Economy, developed within the framework of the strategic project SA SKILLS. This initiative is being implemented by the Institute in partnership with institutions from Italy and Albania, supported by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme.
As part of the event, a meeting was held at the premises of the Municipality of Kotor between the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, the Mayor of Kotor, Vladimir Jokić, and Bernard Brunet, Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro. Talks centred on both ongoing and future projects in the municipality, carried out with the support of EU funds.
Bernard Brunet emphasised that through territorial cooperation funds, the European Union connects partners from different countries and helps them to overcome shared challenges and utilise all available potential.
“Cross-border cooperation is the key to unity and prosperity in Europe. We can proudly demonstrate how cross-border and transnational cooperation programmes break down barriers and foster unity across Europe,” said Brunet.
Minister Gorčević emphasised that EU programmes and funds are of crucial importance for Montenegro’s development and for improving the quality of life, particularly now that the country is in the final and decisive phase of accession to the European Union.
“Our goal is for Montenegro to become a member of the European Union by 2028, and we are working diligently towards this goal. As a Member State, we will have far greater resources available to invest in development and in improving the lives of our citizens. That is why cross-border cooperation projects are especially valuable, as they enable our institutions to gain experience and build capacities for managing large-scale European projects,” stated Gorčević.
The Mayor of Kotor, Vladimir Jokić, highlighted the numerous projects which are being implemented in the municipality with the support of EU funds, and that the local government is continuously working on strengthening its capacities to make the best possible use of the resources available.
“Cross-border cooperation programmes represent an important instrument of the European Union for strengthening institutional and inter-state connections in border areas, through financial support for projects that contribute to enhancing the socio-economic, cultural and historical potential of local communities,” Jokić said.
The representative of the Delegation, accompanied by representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Media, also visited the Creative Hub in Kotor’s Old Town. This unique space was created by transforming a former Austro-Hungarian prison and now provides opportunities for artists and creatives to work, collaborate, and exchange experiences. The Creative Hub was established as part of the 3C project, financed through the Interreg IPA Italy – Albania – Montenegro Programme, and implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Media.
Interreg Cooperation Day is marked every year in September. The goal is to promote the results of cross-border, transnational and interregional projects implemented by institutions and organisations across Europe with the support of EU funds.