Delegation of the Central European Initiative visits the Ministry of Science

Delegation of the Central European Initiative (CEI), led by Mr. Roberto Antonione, Secretary General, paid an official visit to the Ministry of Science today. The visiting delegation also included Ms. Nina Kodelja, CEI Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Lidija Arsova, Senior Executive Officer, Ms. Elisabetta Dovier, Programme Manager, and Mr. Damiano Rampini, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro.

On behalf of the Ministry of Science, the CEI delegation was welcomed by Dr. Sanja Damjanovic, Minister of Science, who reflected on the current activities and projects of the Ministry, focusing in particular on the Regional Project for the Establishment of the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST). In this regard, Minister Damjanović emphasised the significance of the SEEIIST project for the entire region, stating that the establishment of a large-scale competitive infrastructure based on state-of-the-art technologies would present one of the best examples of “science for diplomacy” and “science for society” projects, as well as that it would bring a number of benefits in terms of enhancing scientific, technological and economic cooperation in the region. Finally, the minister familiarised the guests with the political and scientific achievements made in developing the project ever since the establishment of the initiative in March 2017, presenting the opportunities for cooperation with the CEI through the promotion of the project and building and strengthening of the capacities necessary for the project.

Mr. Roberto Antonione thanked the hosts for the meeting, pointing out that science was one of the pillars of activities of the Central European Initiative and inviting the minister to take part in the CEI Ministerial Meeting to be held in September this year in Trieste. The CEI Secretary General also reflected on to the possibilities of support for building and strengthening of the capacities of young researchers and experienced scientists through small-scale projects, as well as on the support for cooperation activities, provided through conferences, workshops, and similar events, which was explained in more detail by Ms. Lidija Arsova. In terms of capacity building, Ms. Elisabetta Dovier pointed to the call for projects to be announced by the EBRD in early May 2019, as well as to the existence of additional opportunities through EBRD’s investments in projects such as “green infrastructure”, which would be useful for the further development of SEEIIST.

Finally, both sides confirmed that there was excellent cooperation within the CEI framework, agreeing on the continuation of joint activities in relation to the upcoming high-level events, such as the SEEIIST project kick-off meeting, the CEI Ministerial Meeting, and other similar current initiatives.

On behalf of the ministry of Science, the meeting was also attended by Ms. Smilja Kazic-Vujacic, Head of the Section for International Cooperation and EU Integration, Ms. Snezana Vukotic, Independent Adviser, and Ms. Marijeta Barjaktarovic-Lanzardi, Head of the Section for Innovation and Infrastructure.