Montenegro should more proactively use European Union (EU) funds for the cultural and creative sector, in order to accelerate growth and ensure the sustainability of the sector, Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović said.
She said that because of this, the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) will work even more actively in the coming period to promote and communicate all the potential of that sector.
At the event "Presentation of opportunities within the European Union (EU) Creative Europe, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs", Vujović said that the EU is committed to helping the cultural and creative sector.
The event, as announced, was organized by the MKM in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI) on the occasion of marking the Month of Europe.
Vujović reminded that Montenegro has been a participant in the Creative Europe program, the most important EU fund for the field of culture, since the very establishment of the program.
She said that this creates an opportunity for Montenegrin organizations and institutions to participate in a series of open calls and use grants for the implementation of activities.
Vujović pointed out that in the previous financial perspective, which lasted from 2014 to 2020, beneficiaries from Montenegro participated in 20 projects, and the total value of the grants was around one million euros.
"In the current financial perspective that started in 2021 and lasts until the end of 2027, Montenegrin organizations and institutions are currently participating in eight projects as partners, while no Montenegrin institution is the project holder," Vujović said.
She added that in the mentioned period, the tenders that the European Commission publishes every year have a total budget of 2.44 billion EUR, which, based on the annual work plans, are determined for different areas within the framework of cultural, creative and audiovisual activities.
Vujović assessed that Montenegro did not fully utilize the potential of the support program.
"In the last two years, we have been creating better trends together, that's why in the coming period we will work even more actively on the promotion and communication of all the potential of that sector," said Vujović.
She clarified that this is why the event is dedicated to the opportunities that the Montenegrin sectors of culture, education and innovation have for cooperation, networking, capacity building and project implementation.
Vujović said that in the context of the integration of Montenegro into the EU, the state faces numerous processes that above all relate to strengthening the professional capacities and competitiveness of the Montenegrin cultural sector at the European level.
"That's why I'm using this opportunity to encourage you to participate in the numerous invitations offered by the Creative Europe program, about which the MKM continuously informs you at the info days, trainings and events we organize," Vujović said.
She recalled that at the end of last year, three trainings for the preparation of applications were organized in Bar, Berane and Podgorica, which were attended by almost a hundred representatives of Montenegrin institutions, business companies and the civil sector.
"This year we will continue with similar activities, taking into account the interests of our culture sector," concluded Vujović.
The Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović said that the impressive budget of 95.5 billion euros of the most ambitious EU program for research and innovation "Horizon Europe" is available to the Montenegrin scientific and innovative community, economy and industry under the same conditions as all members of the Union.
"It is important to point out that Horizon Europe is not only a financial resource, but a call to action for all of us who want to think innovatively, to cross the boundaries of what is known and to build a better and more beautiful future together," stated Jakšić Stojanović.
She explained that the program covers a wide range of topics from health, climate change, energy, environmental protection to digitization, social security, but also topics related to culture, creativity and inclusiveness of society.
According to Jakšić Stojanović, it is a special cluster within the second pillar of the program through which direct support is provided for research aimed at strengthening European democratic values, preserving our cultural heritage and promoting socio-economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth.
On the other hand, as she said, Erasmus+ is a program that opens the door to new educational and professional horizons for young people across Europe and the world.
That program, she added, provides extraordinary opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and cultures between Montenegrin educational institutions and partners across Europe.
"And it enables not only our students but also artists, teachers and researchers to travel, improve and collaborate with colleagues around the world," said Jakšić Stojanović.
She said that through the Erasmus+ program, bridges are being created that connect Montenegro with European educational communities, thus contributing to the development and progress of society.
Jakšić Stojanović pointed out that Erasmus+ is a key tool in improving the quality of education and research and supporting young talents to realize their potential, which, she added, is also the vision of MPNI.
"Through mobility, professional development and joint projects, we are building bridges to a better future," said Jakšić Stojanović.
Bonus video:
