Presidency

Montenegro has set a number of priorities during its Presidency. On the top of the Agenda is the support to the EU aspirations of the non-EU CEI Member States. In this context, Montenegro is paying special attention to the promotion of projects aimed at a know-how exchange between the EU and non-EU CEI Member States. Montenegro strongly supports the project-oriented cooperation offered through the CEI Know-how Exchange Programme, the Secretariat for EU projects and the CEI Trust Fund at the EBRD, which proved to be the most efficient and stimulating CEI mechanisms for the transmission of best practices in all areas of development.  Special attention is put on cross-border cooperation, transport, economy, tourism, environmental protection and energy.  

 

Montenegro is making the necessary steps in order to raise the CEI visibility and public awareness about the organization. These actions include the establishment of close contacts with the media and the non-governmental sector as well as the elaboration of a special section on the web page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro dedicated to the CEI Presidency. They also include the promotion of projects having a stronger regional and national impact and the improvement of the participation in meetings, especially at the highest level.

 

Indeed, the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Budva, Montenegro was very successful in terms of participation and content. With this meeting, Montenegro concluded very positively the first semester of an intense year. Under the inspiring chairmanship of Minister Rocen, the meeting provided many fresh ideas and inputs for the future work of the organisation. The youngest Member of the CEI has shown diplomatic skill and political clout.

 

On this occasion, Montengro has also demonstrated its commitment and determination to bring about its priorities and objectives. In this context, a number of high-level meetings and expert conferences are planned to be held by the end of the year.

 

Last but not least, the Montenegrin Presidency made a crucial contribution to the Recommendations on the Strengthening of the CEI, adopted by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. It will have an even stronger role in the implementation of a number of recommendations, especially those that have an immediate effect.