Creative Europe Opens New Opportunities for the Cultural Sector in Montenegro

Cooperation projects within the Creative Europe programme represent one of the most important platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building in the field of culture. This is evidenced by the continuous growth in the number of applications submitted by Montenegrin institutions and organisations, as well as the increasing interest in participating in the programme.

This was stated by the Minister of Culture and Media, Dr Tamara Vujović, at the opening of the two-day Regional Creative Europe Forum, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Film Centre of Montenegro, with the support of the European Commission.

The Minister emphasised that Creative Europe is the most significant platform through which the European Union supports cultural, creative, and audiovisual sectors, and the largest financial support mechanism for culture.

“For this reason, I consider every opportunity that brings together cultural stakeholders and enables them to discuss joint projects and activities to be extremely important. This is precisely the purpose of today’s event – to foster networking and cooperation among institutions, organisations, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs, as well as to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the planning of programmes and projects that will make their work more effective, competitive, and accessible to European audiences,” Vujović stated.

“A special topic is dedicated to discussions on the European Capital of Culture and the title that our Nikšić will hold in 2030. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that this is a project for the whole of Montenegro and a testament to the commitment, talent, and cultural potential of our community,” she added.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, highlighted that the EU views culture as an important driver of cooperation, inclusion, and shared values.

“Culture is not a luxury; it is an essential part of our identity, unity, and our ability to build inclusive and resilient societies,” Sattler stated.

Speaking about support programmes, the Ambassador recalled the Creative Europe programme, established in 2014, with a budget of €2.5 billion for seven years. The programme has been open to candidate countries, including Montenegro, since its inception.

“It is the largest platform for cultural cooperation in Europe, enabling artists and organisations to collaborate, innovate, and reach wider audiences,” Sattler said.

He noted that Montenegro has participated in around 20 projects within this programme but emphasised that there is room for even greater involvement.

“What is needed are ideas and stronger advocacy to make full use of the opportunities the programme offers,” Sattler added.

In addition to Creative Europe, he reminded that the EU supports culture through other instruments as well, including IPA funds, civil society initiatives, and cross-border programmes. Thanks to these initiatives, numerous cultural sites across the region have been restored and brought back into use.

As examples, he cited revitalised locations in Virpazar, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, including the Španjola Fortress, which is currently undergoing reconstruction, and he particularly highlighted the success of Nikšić, which has been selected as a European Capital of Culture.

The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, stressed that this event represents a strong confirmation of Montenegro’s commitment to cooperation and networking across various sectors, with a particular focus on culture as a bridge for promoting European principles and values.

“A shared sense of belonging, shaped through culture, can be more fundamental than economic ties alone,” Gorčević stated.

EACEA Programme Coordinator Silvia Delia pointed out that culture today is not an isolated field but stands at the intersection of economic development, social cohesion, innovation, and European integration.

“In the Western Balkans, this role is even more pronounced, as culture contributes to building bridges and overcoming divisions,” Delia noted.

From the perspective of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Delia emphasised that managing financial programmes is not the most important aspect of their work, but rather fostering connections and linking partners.

Speaking about future priorities, Delia outlined three key directions: strengthening regional cooperation through long-term partnerships and improving accessibility so that smaller organisations and actors outside major cities can participate more actively.

She concluded that the forum does not mark an end but rather the beginning of a new process. Its greatest value lies in the opportunity to create new collaborations, partnerships, and even friendships, representing an important step for the further development of the region’s cultural landscape.