Contracts for joint cross-border projects of micro and small enterprises from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, with a total value of 4,1 million euros in European Union (EU) grants, were signed today in Mostar.
The Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) of Montenegro announced that at a ceremony organized by the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation and Investment (HAMAG-BICRO), contracts were awarded for the implementation of a total of 24 projects that were approved for funding under the First Call of the Small Project Fund (SPF) within the framework of the EmBRACE project.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Interreg VI-A IPA program Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro 2021-2027, which is co-financed by the EU.
Of the 24 supported projects, as announced, Montenegrin micro and small enterprises are participating in 19 of them.
Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, said during her address at the award ceremony that micro and small enterprises represent the pillar of the economies of Croatia, BiH and Montenegro.
"They not only play a key role in the economic development of our three countries, but also employ a large number of people and provide access to various products and services. That is why it is important to encourage their further growth, sustainability and competitiveness," said Gorčević.
She emphasized that regional cooperation is essential for the development of the region, and that it represents one of the priorities for Montenegro and its foreign policy.
"Thanks to EU financial support through cross-border and territorial cooperation programs, we have the opportunity to build good neighborly relations and encourage socio-economic development through projects that improve the quality of life in our communities. Supporting micro and small enterprises from the three countries is a strong confirmation of our joint commitment to the economic development of both the program area and the entire region," emphasized Gorčević.
Croatian Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, Šime Erlić, said that the trilateral program between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro is the most popular Interreg program among Croatian beneficiaries.
This, he said, means that they regularly receive the most applications for this program, and the goal is to move even further with it every year.
"In the last financial period, 59 million euros were available through this program, and through joint decisions we raised that amount to more than 117 million," said Erlić, adding that encouraging digital transition is crucial for the competitiveness of the economy.
Director of the Directorate for European Integration of BiH, Elvira Habota, emphasized that these projects begin a new chapter in strengthening cross-border business cooperation in the region.
"Through these projects, our entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore new market opportunities, increase the competitiveness of their companies, work on developing new products and services, implementing pilot actions, and creating new jobs," said Habota.
The publication of the next call for companies within the EmBRACE project is planned for this year.
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