During the roundtable discussion titled Enhancing Regional Cooperation 2.0: Montenegro and CEFTA – Eight Months After Signing, experts evaluated the significance of the CEFTA agreements and the Common Regional Market (CRM) as essential elements of regional collaboration and Montenegro’s reform initiatives.
Jadranka Kaluđerović, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Projections (ISSP), stressed the necessity of institutional transparency, public engagement, and the involvement of civil society in every stage of the implementation process. She also advocated for improved inter-institutional coordination.
The gathering in Podgorica was part of a series of six events conducted across the SEE6 capitals from May 21–29, focusing on reviewing the CEFTA implementation progress and facilitating regional integration within the CRM and Berlin Process frameworks.
Sara Pilbeam, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Podgorica, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to fostering stability in the Western Balkans through enhanced economic integration and the thorough application of CEFTA and CRM initiatives.
Panelists, which included representatives from CEFTA, Montenegro’s Customs Administration, and members of civil society, acknowledged the successes achieved thus far while pointing out ongoing hurdles such as fragmented institutional roles and the necessity for improved coordination among ministries.
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