Montenegro, without the contribution of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), would not be at the current level of European integration, said the Minister of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs, Ernad Suljević.
At a working breakfast with NGO representatives, the minister emphasized that strengthening the role of the civil sector is one of the key goals of his mandate, especially in terms of cooperation and communication with the Government and state authorities, reports PR Center.
"Without the contribution of non-governmental organizations, Montenegro would not be at the current level of European integration," said Suljević, adding that many reforms today are the result of years of advocacy by civil society.
The Minister recalled the significant work done in partnership with the NGO sector, including the preparation of the Draft Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, which, he said, was achieved inclusively and transparently, with the support of the sector and expert assistance from the EU.
"This legal solution brings a number of key innovations, including an increase in the fixed percentage of allocations for the NGO sector from 0,5 to 0,6 percent, the establishment of an eRegister of non-governmental organizations, and the specification of the predominant activity when registering organizations," Suljević pointed out.
He announced that, after the adoption of the Law, the drafting of by-laws and regulations will follow, in a fully transparent manner and with public debate, as well as the drafting of a new four-year Strategy for Cooperation between State Administration Bodies and NGOs for the period 2027–2031. The new strategy will aim to strengthen the role of civil society in ensuring the sustainability of reforms in the European integration process.
Speaking about digitalization, Suljević said that from March 1, submitting applications for co-financing of NGO projects will be completely electronic, thus reducing administration and costs for organizations.
NGO representatives expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation and support of the Ministry so far, emphasizing that openness and transparency are the keys to success, reports PR Center.
They assessed that it is necessary for the processes of financing and evaluation of projects to be clear, efficient and accessible to the public, and to recognize the real results of work on the ground. They also emphasized the importance of mutual trust, continuous support and inclusion of NGOs in the creation of policies of public interest, because only by working together can they contribute to sustainable reforms and a better society.
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