Minister Damjanović in Brussels: Full support to Montenegro on its path of opening new opportunities for Montenegrin researchers

Brussels, Belgium (11 May 2017) -- Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović paid a visit to Brussels, where she met with EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas earlier today. The aim of the meeting was to present the progress in the field of science and research in Montenegro, establishment of new instruments and initiatives that will strengthen the Montenegrin scientific and research system, but also open up new opportunities for Montenegrin researches.

Minister Damjanović presented to the Commissioner Moedas the Initiative for the establishment of the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in the Balkans. She presented a preliminary concept of the scientific institute, stressing its importance in terms of European Union’s efforts to reach quality and serious project which will “revive” the Balkans in the field of science and bring it closer to the rest of Europe. Minister Damjanović emphasised the importance of this initiative, explaining that this project is important not only for Montenegro, but the entire Region, regardless of the country where the institute will be located.

Commissioner Moedas gave his full support to this initiative, confirming that the European Commission looks for such an initiative and, in this respect, the Western Balkans will be given priority in the future. He announced a special support for the programme of education of young scientists, which should begin as early as next year. A similar model was applied by the European Commission in the SESAME Project in Jordan, that was significantly financed from the EU funds.

The meeting was an opportunity to review the status of Montenegro in the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020. On this occasion, Minister Damjanović presented a series of steps that Montenegro has taken on the way to increase participation, which is one of the priorities.

Also, Commissioner Moedas praised Montenegro’s activities in the field of establishing Smart Specialisation Strategy, which is of crucial importance for the future development direction of science policy in Montenegro as it needs to determine the possible immediate priorities in this area.