European Day in Cetinje: Minister Pejović visits Old Royal Capital

Cetinje, Montenegro (13 January 2017) -- Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović and his associates paid today a working visit to the Old Royal Capital Cetinje, as a part of a “European Day in the Cities of Montenegro”.

During his visit, Minister Pejović had a meeting with Mayor Aleksandar Bogdanović and his associates. Also, they visited the Wine House and the Protection and Rescue Service of the Old Royal Capital, which are beneficiaries of the cross-border IPA projects. In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, he participated with the Minister Ljumović in the presentation of the EU Programme Creative Europe.

A meeting with the Mayor Aleksandar Bogdanović and his associates was an opportunity to talk about the responsibilities that await Montenegro, and especially local governments, below the accession process, and about the possibilities that will be available after the entry into full membership. In addition, they exchanged their views on the projects in which Cetinje participated during the last period, as well as the possibilities that are available in the new financial perspective 2014-2020.

Minister Pejović expressed satisfaction that Cetinje proved to be very successful in the realisation of important projects from IPA funds. He stressed that the implementation of projects, worth over 5 million Eur, relating to the infrastructure priorities in order to improve the sewerage system and the reconstruction of water supply, is very important for improving the quality of life for the citizens and is the best way to demonstrate EU support in approaching the European standards. Minister Pejović added that „the role of local governments is particularly important, not only in the process of accession to the EU, but also in further development of modern administration, as the citizens best understand the European Union when it comes directly to them“.

Mayor Bogdanović reminded that the Old Royal Capital Cetinje has provided 18 million Eur from the donations, 5 million Eur of which is from IPA funds and one million Eur from the cross-border cooperation. He particularly emphasised a recently implemented project of building a new sewage network in the entire urban area. The value of this project was over 4 million Eur and the financial resources were provided thanks to IPA funds. „I must stress that all municipalities in Montenegro and the Union of Municipalities must be in the future more proactive in the process of European integration, especially when it comes to European funds. Also, one should not forget that after receipt most of the EU legislation is applied precisely at the local level, which further shows the importance of work in order to make our cities and municipalities ready for the membership“, the Mayor said.

During the Holistic project tour, the fire-fighting equipment and advanced video system for forest stewardship were presented, acquisition of which has significantly improved the work on fire prevention and other natural disasters.

Speaking at the presentation of the Creative Europe Programme, Minister Pejović stressed the importance of institutional cooperation in the integration process and use of funds, as well as networking within the European cultural space, based on the diversity in the areas of language, creativity and cultural heritage. He pointed out that it is necessary to find a model of participation in this Union programme, which will enable not only efficient use of available funds, but also a conscious reflection of the cultural achievements that Montenegro wants and intends to enter into the European Union. As he explained, the participation in this programme is an opportunity for Montenegrin cultural institutions, national and local, non-governmental and other organisations, to obtain financial support from the European Union for the implementation of international projects of cultural cooperation.

Minister of Culture Janko Ljumović pointed out that Montenegro’s participation in EU programmes is of great importance, since it provides the integration of the Montenegrin culture in international development trends, quality promotion and presentation of producers and artists. Creative Europe greatly promote the cultural diversity and is a reflect of the contemporary European cultural identity, in which it is important to strengthen the Montenegrin cultural identity through the programmes, projects and ideas, which will position Montenegro in European cultural space. “Membership in these programmes is a strategic commitment of the Ministry of Culture. This strategy is necessary to be promoted through the different aspects of cultural policy at both national and local levels and in all fields of culture, public, private and independent sectors”, Minister Ljumović said.