Minister Radulović and Minister Bratić in Bern

From the beginning Montenegro supported South East International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST), which will bring multiple results to the Western Balkans. We had the leading role advocating this idea, both in political and diplomatic arena, financially supporting the development of the project – stated Foreign Affairs Minister Đorđe Radulović at “Science Diplomacy Roadmap for South East Europe” Conference of SEEIIST, held in Bern.

The Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy especially pointed out the importance of joint ownership of participating countries over project and investing common capacities and resources for their further development. Minister Radulović said that this institute has a dual mission – to develop research and innovation capacities and strengthen trust between countries.

He emphasized that we will use best practice and learn from The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and SESAME project - Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, where science bridged the gaps that represent open questions for conventional diplomacy in most difficult historical moments.

Minister thanked the European Union for supporting the development of this project that will secure SEEIIST as a peace built in the European research community. Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy assessed that the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit will be an important moment for confirmation of joint political commitment to realization of SEEIIST as a center of scientific excellence.

“In relation to three different proposals of the legal framework model, Montenegro supports ERIC legal form, which implies establishing the Institute in three different countries, which will allow the countries to share ownership of the infrastructure” – said Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Vesna Bratić.

She pointed out that Montenegro already planned the building location that fulfills current conditions for building either the whole Institute or its part. The planned location has the surface of approximately 60.000m², complete infrastructure, it is a few kilometers away from the airport and about 10 kilometers away from Montenegro Clinical Centre. Having in sight that Montenegro is an ecological state since 1992. On 240.000m² surrounding the parcel, plants will be cultivated in organic, eco-friendly way. Minister Bratić expressed belief that, if Montenegro receives an opportunity to implement the project on its territory, whole region will gain multiple benefits, especially in the period of intensification of Montenegro’s efforts towards EU membership.

During the visit to Bern, Ministers met with Deputy Director-General of the Research and Innovation of the European Commission Signe Ratso and Senior Expert for DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission Bernhard Fabianek. Interlocutors pointed at the importance of signing the Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation at the upcoming EU-WB Summit in frame of Slovenian chairmanship of Council of the EU. They also expressed satisfaction for successful completion of negotiations regarding Montenegro’s accession to the new Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program. Representatives of the European Commission especially praised Montenegro’s strong and continuous commitment to project development which will bring benefits to citizens of the whole Region.