The activities and programmes of the CEI Fund at the EBRD, entirely financed by Italy, were at the centre of the high-level meeting held in Podgorica on 26 May. The event aimed to reflect on the Fund’s contribution to Montenegro’s EU integration achievements and broader regional development.
Opening the event, the Italian Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro, Andreina Marsella, reaffirmed Italy’s enduring commitment to Montenegro’s EU aspirations.
The Italian CEI National Coordinator, Sem Fabrizi, emphasised the importance of regional partnerships and Italy’s strategic role - through the CEI Fund - in supporting Montenegro’s economy and social development.
Representatives from the Government of Montenegro, including Minister Admir Šahmanović (Energy and Mines) and Minister Majda Adžović (Public Works), praised the Fund’s alignment with the country's national reform priorities, and its positive and concrete impact especially in the areas of energy, infrastructure, SME support and institutional development.
Since 2006 - when Montenegro joined the CEI and the EBRD - the Fund has financed 92 projects involving Montenegro, with a total grant value of EUR 9 million. This includes 20 bilateral projects exclusively focused on Montenegro and 72 regional projects fostering cooperation with other CEI Member States.
The initiative operates through two main instruments: the Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme and the Know-how Exchange Programme (KEP).
The TC Programme has offered tailored technical expertise to support reforms in strategic sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and support to youth SME development, contributing directly to Montenegro’s EU alignment objectives. Meanwhile, the KEP has facilitated peer learning and institutional cooperation with EU partners, particularly Italy. Key areas of support include energy, environmental risk management, sustainable tourism, and capacity building in public administration.
Remon Zakaria, Head of EBRD in Montenegro, together with representatives of Montenegro institutions and enterprises, that have partnered with the CEI, presented in detail the activities and long-term partnerships established through the Fund.
Together, these programmes have helped generate investments, build institutional capacity, promote policy reform, and strengthen regional cooperation, thus reinforcing Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership.
It was also announced that the 2025 KEP call will be launched in June, and Montenegrin institutions and relevant stakeholders have been invited to submit proposals for funding.
The concluding remarks were delivered by Vana Đurašević, Deputy CEI National Coordinator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Montenegro, who reaffirmed the country’s strong partnership with the CEI and the EBRD, and expressed appreciation for Italy’s long-standing support as the sole donor to the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
This event follows similar events held earlier in May in Belgrade, Skopje, and Tirana, underscoring the CEI Fund’s growing role in supporting the Western Balkans.
The next event is taking place on 27 May, in Sarajevo, focusing on the Fund’s engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reaffirming Italy’s strategic support to EU integration across the region.
For more info: dovier@cei.int
