The EU Cooperation Day 2022 was celebrated in Berane. Representatives of the Ministry of European Affairs, the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, and the Municipality of Berane visited several EU project sites around the city.
Firstly, they visited the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest infrastructure project in Berane, financed by the European Union with €8 million.
“We had the opportunity to see how the plant works and demonstrate that we can be an example of good practice for other municipalities in the surrounding area with this project,” said the Mayor of Berane, Vuko Todorović.
Representatives of the Ministry and the EU Delegation also visited the Cultural Centre, where the heating system was reconstructed and the energy efficiency of that institution was improved. This EU project enabled the heating system to function even during the winter months, which was not the case until now. The reconstruction was done as part of the CO-CLEAN project, financed through the Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation programme Italy – Albania – Montenegro 2014-2020.
The State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs and national IPA coordinator Aleksandar Mašković said that cross-border and transnational cooperation projects are the best indicator of how European cooperation works, emphasising that he is sure that the Municipality of Berane will be able to draw even more funds from EU funds through future innovative projects.
“The Municipality of Berane is one of the best examples of how EU funds are managed successfully, so it is no coincidence that we are celebrating this year’s European Cooperation Day here,” Mašković said.
The Delegation also visited the Museum of Polimlje, which has so far implemented several successful cross-border cooperation projects. They also visited the archaeological site of Tumbarica, where the remains of a city from the Neolithic age dating 4,000 years ago can be found. Thanks to the project supported through the IPA cross-border cooperation programme Montenegro – Albania 2014-2020, an application is available on the site that allows visitors to see a virtual representation of the ancient city of Tumba.
The European Union also financed the construction of a fire station for the Protection and Rescue Service, the construction of 94 housing units for refugees and displaced persons in the Rudeš settlement, and the construction of a Business Centre.
“By investing in concrete projects in Montenegro, EU citizens are showing support and solidarity for Montenegrin citizens. EU projects improve lives, connect people, bring growth, and create jobs and positive changes, just like the Berane waste-water management facility we just visited. We will make it our priority to continue supporting projects in the north of Montenegro and contribute to a more balanced regional development of the country,” said Yngve Engstroem, Head of Cooperation at the EUD.
The EU Cooperation Day ended with a free concert by the KIC pop choir at the Cultural Centre.
