The Ministry of Local Government Administration, with the support of the Joint Technical Secretariat has organized today in Peja the Grant Award Ceremony for 10 projects in the amount of over 3.2 million Euros, selected within the III CfP of the CBC programme Montenegro – Kosova, financed by EU funds IPA II (2014-2020).
The ceremony was opened by Minister Elbert Krasniqi, who in his welcoming speech emphasized that cross-border cooperation has become a factor and among the most important priorities for our country, which due to its potential has turned into an opportunity for economic development which improves many aspects of citizens’ lives, promotes economic relations between the two countries, opens development perspectives and opportunities for better management of the cross-border environment, as well as offers exchange of best practices and experiences.
Minister Krasniqi further added to the audience that with the contracting of the projects of the third call, it can be concluded that the implementation and at the same time the conclusion of IPA II can be considered successful.
Deputy Secretary at the Ministry for European Affairs of Montenegro, Mr. Rašović pointed out that within the framework of the IPA II programme, 23 projects with a total value of over 7 million euros are financed in the areas of employment, workforce mobility and social and cultural inclusion, environmental protection and tourism. He added that the contracting of another project from the reserve list is expected, which will increase the contracting percentage of this call to almost 100%.
Acting Director General of the Directorate for Financing and Contracting of EU Aid Funds in the Ministry of Finance Ms. Jelena Davidović emphasized the importance of cross-border funds of the European Union that contribute to a better quality of life for citizens living in the programme area. She also pointed out that there was a lot of interest from applicants for this call and that 10 projects worth 3.2 million euros were contracted and that one more project is expected to be contracted. In addition, she congratulated all the beneficiaries of the projects and wished them a successful implementation of the projects.
The Deputy Head of Cooperation at the European Union Office in Kosova, Mr. Alessandro Biancardi praised the cooperation of the two countries and announced the continuation of the European Union’s support through IPA III, which will support cross-border initiatives through allocations for the period 2021-2027. He pointed out that the European Commission monitors the impact of cross-border projects on the development of the cross-border region and the improvement of the living standards of the population in the programme area. He also pointed out that the European Union will continue to support the improvement of good neighborly relations and the socio-economic development of the border area.
The ceremony was followed by the presentation of the results of the 3d Call for Proposal, hand-over of the certificates to the grant beneficiaries as well presentation of the projects financed within the 3d Call for Proposals by representatives of grant beneficiaries.
The ceremony was closed with the presentation of the documentary movie of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
These projects aim to improve the lives of the residents of cross-border areas in the field of employment and social inclusion, encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage and environmental protection.
This ceremony was among others attended by mayors of municipalities, project beneficiaries, representatives from the EU office, OS of Montenegro and Kosova, media and civil society.
The Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro – Kosova is implemented by the Ministry of Local Government Administration of Kosova and the Ministry for European Affairs, while the Contracting Authority is the Directorate for Contracting IPA Funds in the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro.
You can get more information about the programme at the link: https://cbc-mne-kos.org/