Podgorica, (MINA) – Strengthening regional cooperation, sustainable development and delivering concrete and measurable benefits for the citizens of the Western Balkans are key priorities of Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Berlin Process, announced adviser to the Prime Minister for foreign policy and the national coordinator for the Berlin Process, Milica Perisic.

Speaking at the press conference, she presented the goals, priorities and program of Montenegro’s presidency of the Berlin Process, which the country took over from the United Kingdom this year under the motto “Region in Motion. Owners of Change”.

Perisic emphasized that Montenegro takes over the presidency in one of the most significant years for its international engagement, recalling the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence, as well as a number of important international activities, including the hosting of the EU- Western Balkans summit.

Speaking about planned activities, she said that during the Montenegrin presidency, 25 events will be organized, 12 of which at the ministerial level, culminating in the Leaders’ Summit in October.

“Not all meetings will be held in Podgorica, but they will be organized both in the north and in the south, with the aim of promoting Montenegro”, Perisic added.

She highlighted four key priorities of the presidency: economic growth through the regional market, strengthening competitiveness and innovation, improving security and resilience, as well as a green and sustainable transition through alignment with European climate policy.

“Within the Berlin process, there are five mobility agreements, two of which have not yet entered into force. Montenegro will try to implement one of the two currently blocked agreements”, said Perisic.

She added that the presidency will be used to open discussions on the future of regional economic cooperation in the context of Montenegro’s EU accession.

German Ambassador Peter Felten congratulated Montenegro on taking over the presidency of the Berlin process, emphasizing the importance of 2026 for its European perspective. 

“It is particularly important that Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Berlin Process shows that the process is returning to the region”, Felten said, adding that he is confident that the year will be productive and focused on results. 

British Ambassador Dawn McKen said that the UK’s presidency was focused on achieving concrete results, strengthening trust in institutions, supporting transparent and accountable systems, and improving regional cooperation.

She welcomed the priorities of the Montenegrin presidency aimed at delivering tangible benefits for the citizens.

EU ambassador in Podgorica, Johann Sattler, congratulated the Government of Montenegro on assuming the chairmanship of the Berlin process, emphasizing the complexity and importance of that task.

Speaking about Montenegro’s EU path, Sattler emphasized that this year will be a turning point, stressing the importance of maintaining the strong public support for European path.