Today in Mostar, contracts were signed for collaborative cross-border projects involving micro and small enterprises from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, with a total EU grant value of 4.1 million euros.

According to the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) of Montenegro, a ceremony organized by the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation and Investment (HAMAG-BICRO) awarded contracts for 24 projects approved for funding under the First Call of the Small Project Fund (SPF), part of the EmBRACE project.

This initiative is backed by the Interreg VI-A IPA program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021-2027, co-financed by the EU.

Of the 24 projects receiving support, Montenegrin micro and small enterprises are participants in 19.

Maida Gorčević, the Minister of European Affairs, stated at the award ceremony that micro and small enterprises serve as a cornerstone of the economies in Croatia, BiH, and Montenegro.

“These enterprises are vital for our economic development and employ a significant number of individuals while providing various products and services. It is essential to foster their growth, sustainability, and competitiveness,” Gorčević emphasized.

She also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration for the area’s advancement, underlining this as a priority in Montenegro’s foreign policy.

“Through EU financial support from cross-border and territorial cooperation programs, we have the chance to cultivate good neighborly relations and stimulate socio-economic growth via projects that enhance quality of life in our communities. Supporting the micro and small enterprises of our three nations underscores our united commitment to the economic progress of the program area and the broader region,” Gorčević remarked.

Šime Erlić, the Croatian Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, noted that the trilateral initiative among Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro is the most pursued Interreg program by Croatian beneficiaries.

This popularity indicates that they frequently receive the highest number of applications for this program, with an aim to expand further each year.

“In the previous financial period, 59 million euros were allocated through this program, which we have raised through mutual agreements to over 117 million,” Erlić added, noting that promoting digital transition is essential for economic competitiveness.

Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration of BiH, remarked that these projects initiate a new era in enhancing cross-border business collaboration in the region.

“These projects will provide our entrepreneurs with opportunities to share experiences, explore new market avenues, boost their competitiveness, develop new products and services, implement pilot projects, and create new job opportunities,” Habota stated.

The next call for companies as part of the EmBRACE project is set to be announced this year.

News