Cross-border cooperation between numerous institutions and organisations from Montenegro and Kosovo, with financial support from the European Union, has resulted in the successful implementation of projects that contribute to the improved of the quality of life for citizens in this area, and will continue under the IPA III programme framework.

At the Final Conference of the IPA II Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro–Kosovo 2014-2020, which was held in Pristina, the Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, emphasised that cooperation within this programme has shown that common challenges and their solutions know of no borders.

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"Within the IPA II programme framework, which covered the period from 2014 to 2020, 24 projects in the fields of employment, social inclusion, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, as well as tourism development through the valorisation of natural and cultural heritage were supported and totalled over €9 million. I am confident that our successful cooperation will be even more intensive in the upcoming period, and that Montenegro and Kosovo will be able to utilise even more European funds through future joint projects," Gorčević emphasised.

Minister of Local Government Administration of the Republic of Kosovo, Elbert Krasniqi, stated that cooperation between Montenegro and Kosovo represents a success story in terms of inter-state and good neighbourly relations.

"The Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro—Kosovo 2014-2020 undoubtedly has had an impact on improving the standards and quality of life for people in the programme area through sustainable economic, environmental, and social development, while respecting the common cultural and natural heritage. I thank all partners who have successfully implemented projects with concrete results and invite them to continue coordination and cooperation to achieve even greater impact in cross-border areas," Krasniqi said.

Deputy Head of Cooperation section at the EU office in Kosovo, Alessandro Bianciardi, emphasised that the programme between Montenegro and Kosovo demonstrates how cross-border cooperation can address common challenges and seize development opportunities.

"Allow me to be a little biased here, but I strongly believe that the EU’s cross-border programmes in the Western Balkans are some of our best and most celebrated support schemes, as they bring tangible advantages to the social, economic, and territorial development of the region. Through investments in employment, environment, tourism, and cultural heritage, these programs are forging stronger bonds among neighbouring nations. They serve as a testament to the EU's commitment to a united, prosperous, and peaceful Europe," Biancardi said.

As part of the Final Conference, the Bilateral Agreement between Montenegro and the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation within the IPA III Programme for Cross-Border Cooperation Montenegro–Kosovo 2021-2027 was signed by the Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, and the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development, and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi.

For the new IPA III Programme for Cross-Border Cooperation Montenegro–Kosovo 2021-2027, through the EU funds €8.4 million have been allocated. This programme will support projects in the fields of employment and social inclusion, with a focus on vulnerable groups, as well as projects promoting tourism and cultural and natural heritage.

The First Call for Proposals under the new programme is expected later this year, as was announced during the conference.