The Montenegrin Government has achieved great results in a short time and can count on the support of the European Union in all areas - this is the message from the meeting of the Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova and the Director General of DG EAC , Pioe Ahrenkilde Hansen, it was announced from the Ministry of Culture and Media.
As stated in the announcement, Vujović thanked Ivanova for taking the time to meet at a crucial moment for Montenegro.
"I would like to point out that we have finally achieved the necessary political stability that leads to the efficiency of institutions and significant changes, such as appointments in the judiciary and the acceleration of the European integration process of Montenegro," emphasized Vujović, adding that she believes that "we are now ready for the second Intergovernmental Conference in June and obtaining the Report on the fulfillment of temporary benchmarks".
"The minister pointed out that a large number of laws in the field of culture, such as the Law on Culture, on Cultural Heritage, the Law on Libraries and Museums, are harmonized with European laws, and that Montenegro and its priorities in the field of culture coincide with the European Work Plan 2023-2026, strategic goals and activities. Vujović pointed out that networking with institutions from the EU would be of great importance for us in the context of creating conditions for the mobility of young artists, exchange of artists, programs and content and nurturing European identity through the preservation of cultural heritage. As a good example of cooperation, she highlighted the reconstruction of the Spanish fortress in Herceg Novi and the creative hub in Kotor, because the fortress was partially financed by the European Union within the strategic project SA CREATIVITY, i.e. the creative hub within the IPA cross-border cooperation program Italy-Albania-Montenegro Our plan is focused on the development of the potential of creative industries, given the data that show that culture and creative industries make up 3.4 percent of GDP in Montenegro. We aim to achieve even more and appreciate the advice of your experts, because we recognize the potential of Montenegro to attract artists and digital nomads in all sectors of creative industries. The interlocutors agreed that the support of the EU through the CC4WBs project is one of the excellent receptions, cooperation and support," the announcement reads.
"Culture has proven to be important not only for employment, but also for health and a sense of normality, especially in challenging times," said Vujović, emphasizing that "we recognize the key role of art in the quality of life."
She said that the power of culture in itself is important, both for internal and international relations, stressing that she is glad that culture is an increasingly important topic on the EU agenda and one of the key ones for the European elections.
Ivanova praised the efforts of the Government of Montenegro, emphasizing that the achieved results are impressive and that Montenegro is on the right path towards further progress and integration into the European Union.
She announced that the EU will provide support to Montenegro in all areas to ensure further improvement and development.
“I express our full support for any questions, advice or any help needed. We look forward to working together to achieve common goals and improve cooperation in the fields of culture and media," said Ivanova, emphasizing that she is convinced of the particularly important role of culture, since it is a universal language that unites all nations and peoples.
The commissioner pointed out that "a large number of jobs can be created in the creative industry, and that it is necessary to invest a small amount of money in order to achieve a significant economic and social return".
"Interviewees agreed that investing in culture and creative industries can bring numerous benefits, including talent development, strengthening the local economy and promoting cultural heritage." the announcement concludes.
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