The state has built a national metrology system

Over the course of 20 years, Montenegro has built a national metrology system, developed its own professional and laboratory capacities, and become part of the European and international metrology community, the Institute of Metrology announced.

The Director of the Institute of Metrology, Gordana Bajić, said that trust is the essence of metrology and the value on which the national measurement system has been built over the past two decades.

"Every time we measure something, we expect the result to be accurate and reliable. We most often don't even think about the system that enables this, and perhaps that is the best sign that it is functioning well," said Bajić on the occasion of the Institute's 20th anniversary.

Recalling that the tradition of regulating measurements in Montenegro dates back to 1888, Bajić said that after the restoration of Montenegro's independence in 2006, a new stage of development and the construction of a national metrology institution began.

"In two decades, we have established national standards and laboratories, built professional capacities and become part of the European and international measurement system. Today, internationally recognized measurements make it easier for Montenegrin companies to prove product quality and do business on the European and international market," said Bajić.

Speaking about the next phase of development, Bajić also pointed out an issue that the Institute must resolve.

"Even after 20 years, the Institute of Metrology does not have its own, adequate space for the work and development of its laboratories. Laboratories in which national standards are stored and high-accuracy measurements are made require appropriate and long-term stable conditions," said Bajić, stating that it is time to find a permanent solution with the competent institutions. She singled out people and the development of new generations of metrologists as another key priority.

"Equipment can be acquired, a laboratory can be built, but it takes years to become a good expert," said Bajić.

Dragan Vukčević from the Ministry of Economic Development highlighted the Institute's significant contribution to fulfilling Montenegro's obligations under the negotiating Chapter 1, Free Movement of Goods, especially in the harmonisation of regulations and their application in the field of metrology.

"Over the course of two decades, the Institute has grown into an institution that plays an important role in consumer protection, the functioning of the market, and Montenegro's European path. Our task is to support its further development by creating adequate spatial conditions for the work and development of metrology laboratories," said Vukčević.

Tanasko Tasić from the EURAMET Secretariat, who has been cooperating with the Institute since 2010, also spoke about the importance of the development of Montenegrin metrology.

"It took a lot of work for the Institute to reach the level it is at today. The results of that work are visible, and the Institute is now recognized beyond the borders of the region," said Tasić.

Professor Jovan Bojkovski from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, a long-time associate of the Institute, pointed out that the Institute is among the first institutions from Montenegro whose results have been internationally recognized.

"Twenty years is a significant anniversary and a good opportunity to take stock of what has been done, but also to continue with optimism. International recognition of the results is confirmation of the Institute's many years of work and development," said Bojkovski.

On the occasion of the anniversary, the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, presented letters of appreciation to individuals and institutions that have made a special contribution to the development of the Institute and metrology in Montenegro over the past two decades.

The ceremony, held at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro in Podgorica, was attended by representatives of the Government, the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, national metrology institutions of the region, quality infrastructure institutions, the academic and business community, partners, as well as current and former employees of the Institute.