Minister Vlahović meets with EU, NATO science officials to discuss Montenegro’s progress and future cooperation

Brussels, Belgium (13 October 2015) – Minister of Science Sanja Vlahović paid visit to Brussels and Luxembourg, where she met with European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas and designated NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Sorin Ducaru.

At the meeting with Commissioner Moedas, Minister Vlahović presented Montenegro’s progress in research and science and the country’s research and scientific community engagement in the EU programmes and projects. She also mentioned the country’s further steps for the implementation of the new strategy aimed at boosting science development and activities towards harmonising domestic policy with the European acquis in terms of upgrading the country’s capacities of the scientific community.

At her meeting with designated NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Sorin Ducaru, Minister Vlahović discussed the peace and security dimension of the Euro-Atlantic accession process. She emphasised the country’s commitment to pursuing Euro-Atlantic agenda, adding that other aspects of membership like programme for peace and security (NATO SPS) play significant role in this process.

Minister Vlahović underlined the need for boosting cooperation in energy security, cyber security, environmental protection safety, border security of land and sea, food safety and seismology, adding that promotion of the Science for Peace and Security programme should be organised in Montenegro along with the support of NATO representatives.

Ambassador Ducaru commended Montenegro’s proactive approach and meeting all the aspects of NATO’s functioning, particularly mechanisms cooperation within this security and political alliance. He highlighted that discussions on scientific cooperation are sending a clear message that science is extremely important for the functioning of the Alliance, adding that this particular meeting was held in the right moment for Montenegro as it is expecting invitation letter by the end of this year.