PKCG presents EU grant winners

Montenegrin companies, 25 of them, that received grants from the European Union (EU) through the EmBRACE project, are strong confirmation that the domestic economy has the capacity to participate equally in European programs, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić.

PKCG today organized a meeting of 25 Montenegrin companies that recently signed contracts in Herceg Novi on the implementation of projects for which EU grants were approved, within the second call for proposals of the EmBRACE project.

Grants were awarded to the companies STANDARD MEDIA, Simes Engineering, Media Solutions, 2BI, Innovatio Proficit, B Solution, Fleka, Olando, Vakom, OLIVMONT, GeoJUG, INVAR-IVOŠEVIĆ, Institute of Economics and Recreation, Agency for Sustainable Development AZOR Consulting, Geotin MNE, B-RIL Engineering, Apolotours DMC, KOBRA, VIAMONT, Euro-transport, FABRICA MNE, STUDIO MOUSE, PROGMATA Technologies, Hiron Creative Lab and Mima. Co.

Drakić said that the success of Montenegrin micro and small enterprises represents a strong confirmation that the domestic economy has the capacity to participate equally in European programs and is developing through partnerships with companies from the region and the EU.

"The fact that Montenegrin companies have secured more than 1,5 million euros in EU grants through the second call for applications for the EmBRACE program confirms that our economy has the knowledge, capacity and quality to be competitive on the European market," Drakić emphasized.

Speaking about the importance of European funds for the development of the business community, Drakić, as announced by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, emphasized that data on projects worth almost 5,7 million euros, of which 4,8 million euros were provided from Union grants, are not just numbers, but an indicator of the growing ability of Montenegrin companies to use available development instruments.

Drakić particularly pointed out the importance of internationalization of business, emphasizing that competitiveness today is not built only on the domestic market, but through strong regional and European connections.

"The European path is not built only by institutions and reforms, but also by successful companies that innovate, cooperate and use development opportunities. That is why the success of our companies is the best confirmation that Montenegro is ready for the European economic space," said Drakić.

Congratulating the grant winners, Drakić assessed that their success represents a strong incentive for the further development of the economy and strengthening of Montenegro's European perspective, expressing her belief that the upcoming projects will bring new jobs, products, technologies and partnerships.

State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Bojana Bošković, emphasized that the results achieved through the EmBRACE project represent one of the best examples of the concrete benefits that the European integration process brings to the Montenegrin economy and citizens.

She said that the success of the companies that secured grants confirms that the Montenegrin economy possesses the knowledge, capacity and potential to successfully use European Union funds and respond to the demands of the modern market.

"This is a very concrete example of what European integration brings to our economy. We have shown that we have the capacity in the domestic economy to design quality projects, attract European funds and turn them into development opportunities for our companies," said Bošković.

Speaking about the importance of the EmBRACE program, she recalled that the project provides support to micro and small enterprises, which form the backbone of the Montenegrin economy and play a key role in strengthening its competitiveness.

According to her, micro and small enterprises are most often the drivers of innovation, they adapt faster to market changes and create new development opportunities, which is why it is important that institutions provide them with adequate support for the development of business ideas and long-term sustainability.

"Projects like this show that European integration is not an abstract process, but an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy and improve the quality of life of citizens through partnerships, innovations and new investments," said Bošković.

Bošković especially thanked the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro for organizing the event, as well as all partners involved in the implementation of the EmBRACE project, saying that the Ministry of European Affairs will remain a reliable partner to the economy on the path to more successful use of European funds and programs in the coming period.

The meeting was moderated by the Director of the Projects Sector at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, Tanja Radusinović, who pointed out that, as the country approaches EU membership, more and more support programs will be available to the economy, which is why it is important for companies to develop capacities for the preparation and implementation of projects now.

"This was an excellent opportunity to learn about how European projects work and to gain experience that will be valuable to you in the coming period, when the opportunities for using European funds will be even greater," said Radusinović.

She recalled that the Chamber has supported the implementation of the EmBRACE program from the very beginning, cooperating with partners to promote the call and inform the economy about the opportunities the project offers, and that it will continue to be a partner to the economy in the use of European funds, through information and education that will enable companies to be better informed and prepared to apply for available sources of financing.

The grantees emphasized that the EmBRACE project represents an important opportunity for them to develop innovative solutions, strengthen competitiveness, and expand their business in the regional and European markets.

They emphasized that through supported projects, they will improve energy and digital solutions, develop new products and services, and modernize business processes in accordance with European standards.

They particularly pointed out the importance of partnerships from the region and the EU, which have enabled them to access new knowledge, markets and technologies, with the expectation that the projects will contribute to long-term growth and employment.

They also expressed their gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, with the message that such programs significantly contribute to strengthening the capacities of the domestic economy and its European perspective.