At the celebration of the Montenegro 2026 Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund, we marked not only a new chapter of regional cooperation, but also a moment of recognition for the people and institutions that bring that cooperation to life.
One of the key moments of the reception was the dedicated award ceremony for the newest grantees of the WBF Move Grants. The awards were presented by the Members of the Council of Senior Officials of the Fund, highlighting the collective commitment of the Region to mobility, exchange, and knowledge-sharing.
This year’s Move Grants awardees represent a strong and inspiring cross-section of academia, culture, youth engagement, and innovation:
Dr. Adnan Prekić (Faculty of Philosophy, University of Montenegro) was awarded for the mobility project “Boundaries of the Past.” His project examines how Montenegro is represented in history textbooks in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which narratives are emphasized, and how these representations evolve over time. The project aims to deepen understanding of how educational materials shape historical memory and perceptions across the region.
Ms. Milica Muhadinovic was recognized for a mobility project focused on youth perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals in higher education. Her work will explore how young people engage with the SDGs through universities in the region, and how higher education institutions can better translate these goals into skills, curricula, and meaningful community impact.
Ms. Miljana Nikolić received support for a mobility initiative connecting three cultural institutions across the region: the Cultural Centre in Trebinje, Guarnerius in Belgrade, and Bagi Communications in Skopje. Through this exchange, she will build partnerships and share practices that strengthen regional cultural cooperation and collaboration.
Mr. Nemanja Raičević was awarded for his mobility project on regional exchange in museum technology. His initiative focuses on sharing knowledge, tools, and technical practices that modern museums need today, while reinforcing regional cooperation in preserving and presenting our shared heritage in contemporary and innovative ways.
Ms. Nataša Kraljević (Mediterranean University) was recognized for a joint mobility developed together with the Faculty of Social Sciences in Belgrade. This mobility strengthens academic cooperation through direct institutional exchange, connecting people, programs, and practical collaboration between universities in the region.
In addition to the Move Grants awards, the reception also featured a special recognition award for outstanding regional impact.
The recognition was presented to Ms. Tijana Mijušković, on behalf of the Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Montenegro, for the implementation of a remarkable regional project focused on accessibility in culture. Through this initiative, the association supported the adaptation of nine museums across the region for people with hearing difficulties, helping make cultural spaces more inclusive and accessible. The project stands as an important example of how regional cooperation can directly improve citizens’ lives by advancing equal access, dignity, and participation in public and cultural life.
As we celebrate the Montenegro Presidency in 2026, we also celebrate the people and organizations who are shaping a more connected, inclusive, and forward-looking Western Balkans.
