Interreg Cooperation Day in Montenegro: celebrating cross-border collaboration and European values
Interreg Cooperation Day was marked in Montenegro with a series of events in the coastal town in Herceg Novi and the capital city of Podgorica, showcasing the results of cross-border cooperation projects and highlighting European values through a European film showcase.
Organised by the Ministry of European Affairs, the celebration began in Herceg Novi within the framework of the Interreg IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro, highlighting the impact of EU-funded cross-border projects while also promoting local development.
On this occasion, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević met with Mayor of Herceg Novi Stevan Katić and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro Yngve Engström to discuss ongoing EU-funded projects and local efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation. The meeting was held at Ivo Andrić’s House, which was renovated thanks to the Co.Co.Tour project, co-funded by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro 2014-2020.
One of the day’s most notable events was a joint demonstration exercise by rescue and protection services from Herceg Novi (Montenegro), Konavle (Croatia) and Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). These teams, brought together through the Flood & Fire project, co-financed by the Interreg IPA CBC Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2014-2020 programme, demonstrated their enhanced capacities to handle emergencies in the cross-border area. In a simulated real-life scenario, the services jointly extinguished a vehicle fire, rescued trapped victims and provided first aid, while showcasing efficient communication and coordination. The spectacular exercise, set to a dramatic musical backdrop, captivated the audience and demonstrated the benefits of cross-border cooperation in disaster preparedness.
Following the rescue demonstration, Minister Gorčević and EU representatives visited Ivan Goran Kovačić Secondary School, where they engaged with students on European integration. As part of the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme, the Ministry donated valuable IT equipment to the school, including laptops and a TV, promoting equal access to education and enhancing learning opportunities for students.
The celebration also featured a joint cycling event along the historic Ćiro narrow-gauge railway, which has been transformed into a cycling route thanks to the ĆIRO II project. This project, co-funded by the above-mentioned cross-border programme, was implemented by local authorities and agencies from Herceg Novi, Ravno and Konavle, promoting tourism and sustainable development.
In Podgorica, the celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day continued with a four-day European film showcase under the theme “European Values through Film.” Hosted by the Ministry of European Affairs, in partnership with the Montenegrin Cinematheque and Europe House, the event aimed to promote territorial cooperation while highlighting European values through cinematic storytelling. This mini film festival was supported by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic programme.
Over four evenings, audiences were treated to a diverse selection of European films, including Luxembourg, Luxembourg (Ukraine), Petit paysan (France), Suffragette (UK) and Scusate se esisto (Italy). The festival provided an opportunity for the public to engage with important cultural and social themes, from political participation and gender equality to sustainability and cultural preservation.
The mini film festival opened with remarks from Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, and Yngve Engström, Head of the Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation to Montenegro. The film programme kicked off with Luxembourg, Luxembourg, a critically acclaimed Ukrainian film directed by Antonio Lukich.
The second evening featured the French film Petit paysan, which tells the story of a dairy farmer’s desperate attempts to protect his herd from a deadly epidemic. The screening was introduced by an engaging talk with film critic Vuk Perović, who shared his insights on the European cinema landscape.
The third evening saw the screening of Suffragette, a British historical drama about the early 20th-century fight for women’s voting rights. To engage the audience, the film was preceded by a discussion with Maja Raičević of the Centre for Women’s Rights, drawing parallels between the suffrage movement in Europe and the progress of women’s political participation in Montenegro.
The festival concluded with Scusate se esisto, an Italian film that addresses cultural prejudice and gender stereotypes. Italian Ambassador to Montenegro, H. E. Andreina Marsella, introduced the film, underscoring its relevance to contemporary societal issues. The closing night also featured the screening of two short documentaries produced as part of the RECON project (RE-valuation of Cultural Heritage, Knowledge, and Opportunity Network), funded by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro 2014–2020 programme.
Through this dynamic series of events, Interreg Cooperation Day in Montenegro celebrated territorial cooperation and European values, demonstrating how cross-border actions strengthen ties between nations and bring tangible benefits for local communities.
