MONTENEGRO – THE FIRST EU CANDIDATE COUNTRY TO PRESIDE OVER EUSAIR
Montenegro and the European Union established formal relations through the Stabilisation and Association Process in July 2001. On 15 December 2008, Montenegro submitted a request for EU membership. Accession negotiations with Montenegro were opened two years before the establishment of EUSAIR, in June 2012, and are still ongoing. The political commitment of the Montenegrin authorities to the strategic goal of European integration has been consistently reaffirmed and maintained as the country’s key priority.
“The accession to the European Union is a fundamentally transformative process. By the end of it, Montenegro will be economically, socially, and institutionally part of the community of the most developed European states. The Government’s task is to seize all the opportunities that European integration offers Montenegro, so that, through the implementation of high‑quality projects, it can strengthen the economy and improve the living standards of its citizens. The ambition of Montenegro to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028,” said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
Photo: Maida Gorčević
At its very inception, EUSAIR was a macro-regional strategy comprising an equal number of EU member states (four): Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece, as well as EU candidate countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania). Montenegro contributed, as a ‘dowry’ to the EUSAIR family, 633,000 inhabitants and an area of 13,812 km². Before San Marino joined EUSAIR in 2022, it was the smallest participating country by both area and population. In terms of ambition, motivation, dedication, and heart on the EUSAIR collective journey, it is on par with the other participating countries at the top of the list.
Montenegro is a reliable partner in implementing EUSAIR
In Montenegro, the implementation of EUSAIR is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of European Affairs, with appointed national coordinators leading the process. The specific responsibilities within each of the five thematic areas of this macro-regional strategy are carried out by relevant ministries and other institutions: Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Energy and Mining, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Media, Ministry of Employment and Social Dialogue, Ministry of Sports and Youth, Institute of Marine Biology, Chamber of Commerce and the National Tourism Organisation.
Within EUSAIR, Montenegro, alongside Greece, coordinates Pillar 1 – Blue Sustainable Economy (formerly Blue Growth) – which aims to foster sustainable blue and green growth in the Adriatic-Ionian Region by strengthening innovation ecosystems, supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and enhancing maritime and marine governance, including skills development.
“EUSAIR provides Montenegro with the opportunity to foster good neighbourly relations, strengthen its governance capacities, and facilitate access to EU funds for projects aligned with EU objectives and priorities. For us, the “Blue Growth” pillar is particularly significant, as Montenegro coordinates this alongside Greece. Within this priority, the blue economy is being enhanced and better protection of biodiversity is enabled. Montenegro, thanks to collaboration within EUSAIR, has received significant support for infrastructure projects, enabling the country to improve its connectivity with the region, enhance biodiversity protection, develop sustainable tourism, and strengthen governance,” said Bojan Božović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, at the high-level panel of the 9th EUSAIR Forum in Šibenik, 2024
Photo: Bojan Božović
As is well known, macro-regional strategies do not have their own sources of funding and rely on existing funding sources for their implementation. The Facility Point project has been supporting implementation of the EUSAIR since 2016. Within the Facility Point Project, Montenegro coordinates the capacity building work package. Considering how important capacity building is and how much it is emphasised as one of the key EUSAIR components, the trust placed in Montenegro to coordinates this package, on the one hand, and its responsibility in executing the entrusted task become evident in the appropriate context.
Montenegro – the first EU candidate country to preside over EUSAIR
Photo: 4th EUSAIR Forum
Montenegro was the first EU candidate country to preside over EUSAIR, from June 2018 to May 2019. This milestone was of significant importance for both Montenegro and the EU enlargement process, as EUSAIR serves as one of the mechanisms supporting the European Union accession process.
The focus of Montenegro’s Presidency was on Blue Growth and Sustainable Tourism, alongside the establishment of financial dialogue among EU candidate countries. During its presidency of EUSAIR, Montenegro, together with other national coordinators of the participating countries, made efforts to embed priorities of importance for the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region into legislation and programme documents for the EU Financial Perspectives 2021–2027.
During Montenegro’s presidency of the EUSAIR initiative, several thematic events were organized to strengthen regional cooperation. In April 2018, Podgorica hosted the meeting of the Thematic Steering Group for Pillar IV – Sustainable Tourism. Later that year, Budva welcomed two key sessions: on 13 November, the meeting focused on Pillar III – Environmental Quality, followed by the gathering of the Thematic Steering Group for Pillar I – Blue Growth, held on 13–14 November.
Photo: 4th EUSAIR Forum
Within the Presidency Montenegro was the host of the Fourth EU Strategy Forum for the Adriatic-Ionian Region and the Second Joint Conference of Chambers of Commerce, cities, and universities of the Adriatic-Ionian region, held in Budva on 7 and 8 May 2019.
On this occasion, it was emphasised that Montenegro is strongly committed to fulfilling the priorities of the Presidency related to promoting Blue Growth and tourism, as well as integrated coastal management. In line with the objectives set by EUSAIR, Montenegrin stakeholders were involved in implementing 15 projects selected under the first call for proposals within the transnational ADRION programme, with a total budget of €1.6 million. Among these, particular mention should be made of the PORTODIMARE project, which aims to enhance capacities for transnational solutions to environmental vulnerability, fragmentation, and the preservation of ecosystem services in the Adriatic-Ionian area.
Montenegro will take on the presidency for the second time during the 2027/2028 term.
Montenegro – a country environmentally committed by its constitutional orientation
Photo: Aleksandar Mašković
“Only through joint efforts we can preserve the natural wealth that we share, and Montenegro, as a country that is environmentally committed by its constitutional principles, can contribute to the protection of marine and coastal areas – one of the main objectives of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region. The necessity to protect our natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and establish control over the development of our marine and coastal areas is not only in line with Montenegro’s ecological commitments but also aligns with the European Union’s development vision, as highlighted through the Green Deal. Additionally, it is one of the requirements of the EU’s Common Position for Chapter 27 – Environment,” emphasised the State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs Aleksandar Mašković during the promotion of EUSAIR and protected marine areas in Montenegro, held in Ulcinj in 2022.
Five Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Montenegro’s aspirations to join the European Union necessitated compliance with environmental benchmarks outlined in Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. An Action Plan adopted in February 2021 detailed 251 obligations, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
As a result of the efforts directed to integrated marine and coastal ecosystems protection in coastal areas, capacity building in the field within EUSAIR, and supported with regional projects, five MPAs were established by decisions of the Government of Montenegro and in accordance with the Law on Nature Protection: three marine protected areas were declared in Montenegro in 2021 –Platamuni Nature Park, Katič Nature Park, and Stari Ulcinj Nature Park; and two in 2024 – Sopot and Dražin vrt.
The foundation for marine conservation was laid through the National Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the National Biodiversity Strategy with Action Plan. The Ministry of Ecology organised public debates and consultations to gather input and ensure transparency in the decision-making process. In areas like Katič, local communities, including fishermen, were actively involved in discussions regarding MPA boundaries and management plans, leading to adjustments that balanced conservation goals with local livelihoods.
Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Action conducted extensive marine biodiversity assessments, identifying ecologically significant areas suitable for protection. Surveys revealed critical habitats, such as Posidonia oceanica meadows and Coralligenous assemblages in Platamuni, and significant populations of the protected coral species Savalia savaglia in Boka Kotorska Bay.
“Returning to the Sea”, a documentary film created within the initiative, showcases the natural beauty and ecological significance of Montenegro’s coastal waters, emphasising the importance of marine conservation. The documentary features local fishermen, lighthouse keepers, and community members from the municipalities of Bar, Ulcinj, Budva, and Kotor, who share their experiences and perspectives on marine protection.
“This represents a success, primarily for all of us in Montenegro, as well as within the context of our negotiations with the EU under Chapter 27, but also in relation to other global conventions and initiatives, for which we have been commended by the European Commission in the previous reporting period,” stated the State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning, and Urbanism, Zorica Krsmanović. during the promotion of EUSAIR and protected marine areas, held in Ulcinj in 2022.
Photo: Zorica Krsmanović
The Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor contributes to the achievements of EUSAIR’s Blue Sustainable Economy
The Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor (IMBK), affiliated with the University of Montenegro, has played a pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region, particularly within the Pillar 1 Blue Sustainable Economy. IMBK is a member of Montenegro’s national Working Group for EUSAIR Implementation and contributions encompass research, conservation, education, and regional collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable marine development.
Photo: IMBK logo
IMBK has developed innovative methods for monitoring marine ecosystems, such as using the heart rate of shellfish as bioindicators of water quality. This approach was presented at the EUSAIR Smart Specialisation Strategies Governance meeting, highlighting its potential for ecological monitoring.
IMBK established the Marine Biodiversity Conservation Centre “Aquarium Boka” in Kotor, and in 2021 opened publicaquarium to serve an educational and research facility, promoting marine biodiversity conservation and public awareness. It is the first and only public aquarium in Montenegro, and in the first three months, the Aquarium was visited by more than 8,000 people.
The Institute has been involved in various EU-funded projects, including the SHAREMED project, which focuses on enhancing capabilities to address environmental threats in the Mediterranean Sea, or project SA SKILLS, aiming to improve the availability of qualified competencies and skills in the labour market, particularly in blue economy sectors such as marine biotechnology and tourism, or project FOOD4HEALTH, aimed to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and favour the access to the market in the cross-border area through the improvement of production techniques, the transfer, sharing and adoption of European quality standards and the enhancement of typical and traditional products of the agri-food sector and fisheries.
The Institute has organised workshops addressing the issue of invasive and alien species in marine environments, fostering regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Through these initiatives, actions and activities, the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor significantly contributes to the sustainable development and environmental protection goals of the EUSAIR, fostering a collaborative approach to marine conservation in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The revitalisation of Španjola Fortress in Herceg Novi
Photo: Španjola Fortress
Perched at 170 meters above sea level, Španjola Fortress offers commanding views of the Bay of Kotor. Originally initiated by the Spanish in 1538, the fortress was completed by the Ottomans in 1548 and has since undergone various modifications under Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and other rulers. Its rich history make it a notable cultural monument for Montenegro, but also for the Adriatic Ionian region.
Within the project “SA CREATIVITY”, co-fundedby the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027 that has started in November 2024, Španjola Fortress will be restored and repurposed as a modern creative hub, fostering cultural activities and tourism. The renovated Španjola Fortress will become a cultural lighthouse for the local community and tourists serving as a platform for connecting young creative entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups from across the region, encouraging collaboration in the fields of cultural heritage preservation and the arts. The value of the works in the first phase amounts to 2.5 million euros, of which 1.6 million is co-financed by the EU’s IPA funds, with the remaining funds secured from the national budget.
Photo: Stevan Katić, Tamara Vujović, Maida Gorčević
“Herceg Novi is a city of culture, where the charm of art has always been present and given significant attention. We are equally proud of this segment as well as our rich cultural and historical heritage, including fortifications. Therefore, the opportunity to restore the ancient Spanish Fortress and establish an international creative, artistic centre there is of utmost importance. We are delighted to create conditions for young artists to express their skills and talent, for established artists to showcase their knowledge and skills, and to offer a place of encounter for art, interaction, and creativity to all visitors,” said Stevan Katić, the major of Herceg Novi at the officially launch of the project.
Minister of Culture and Media, Tamara Vujović, stated at the same occasion that the Ministry will work on more active and responsible utilisation of EU funds for the cultural and creative sector, to accelerate growth and ensure the sector’s sustainability, positioning it ahead of others.
Photo: Tamara Vujović
“Montenegro will proactively use EU funds for the cultural and creative sector to accelerate growth and ensure sustainability. In the coming period, we will actively promote all the potential of this sector and communicate the range of development opportunities that can be further supported through cooperation with partners,” said Vujović.
Besides investments in the infrastructure with the support of EU funds, Montenegro is strengthening its capacities in the area of sustainable tourism as well, by creating content and events focusing on fast-growing segments and target groups, such as the creative and digital economy and digital nomads.
As an example of these efforts and thanks to the financial and strategic support of the European Union within the STAR project funded through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027, from 14 to 17 October 2025 the Bay of Kotor hosts the fifth edition of the Cross-Border Co-working Conference (CBCC), a leading regional event for digital nomads, remote professionals, co-working communities and innovators in the creative and digital economy.
Photo: CBCC Conference
