Vienna: Montenegro to benefit from Danube Region Strategy in terms of improving EU accession process and use of EU funds

Vienna, Austria (27 June 2014) – State Secretary for European Integration and Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Andrija Pejović attended the Ministerial Meeting within the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, which took place in Vienna on Thursday.

The meeting discussed the implementation of the Strategy for the Danube Region with a particular emphasis on strengthening transnational partnerships aimed at contributing to cohesion, stability and competitiveness of the region. In that regard, the meeting underlined the need for further implementation of coordinated activities in order to achieve the objectives prescribed by Europe 2020 Strategy and priorities within the EU financial framework 2014-2020.

Ambassador Pejović highlighted the importance of the strategy for improving economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Danube region, as well as for strengthening cooperation and coordination of strategic approach and networking in dealing with common challenges. He noted that Montenegro has opened one third of the negotiation chapters so far, adding it is committed to making additional efforts during the accession talks. New Danube Transnational Programme aimed at supporting non EU member states is an additional impulse for strengthening ties and collaboration among Strategy member states and building the region which shares common values such as prosperity, inclusiveness and equal opportunities, Ambassador Pejović emphasised.

Montenegro has implemented 39 projects worth EUR 4 million through South Easte Europe transnational Cooperation Programme and Mediterranean programme and that experience is invaluable for the country, having in mind preparations for the new financial perspective within the three new programmes: the Adriatic-Ionian Programme, Danube Strategy, and Mediterranean programme, Ambassador Pejović explained. The future Danube Transnational Programme is particularly aimed at promoting innovations, tourism, environmental protection, transport and energy, he added.

The ministerial meeting was organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, with support of the European Commission. The meeting was attended by representatives of fourteen member states of the Danube Strategy which will also take part in the new Danube Transnational Programme.