Excellencies
Esteemed Mr. Murra
Distinguished representatives of the Swiss Confederation, Japan and the International Visegrad Fund
Members of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Western Balkans Fund
Dear partners and friends
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor and pleasure to welcome you today to the official opening of Montenegro’s 2026 Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund.
Since 2006, Montenegro has established itself as a credible actor in the region, persistently committed to encouraging political dialogue, fostering good-neighborly relations, and contributing to the prosperity of the region.
We actively advance these principles through membership in numerous regional initiatives and mechanisms.
This year, 2026, marking the anniversary of the restoration of our independence, symbolizes maturity, responsibility, and the confirmation of international trust.
In these 20 years, Montenegro has proved that consistency, reliability, and strategic vision are stronger than geography and size. More than that, we have transformed sovereign choice into international credibility, and European aspiration into measurable progress.
Our European path is clear, steady, and unwavering. Montenegro stands at the EU’s doorstep, reinforcing our position as a frontrunner in the accession process.
This is reflected in the responsibilities we assume this year: the Presidency of the Berlin Process, the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Governing Board of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, and the hosting of the EU–Western Balkans Summit.
In this context, assuming the Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund represents both an honor and a responsibility.
The Fund is a unique regional initiative because it is truly ours. It belongs to the region, but above all to its people. It proves that regional cooperation is not merely declarative, but practical, connecting civil society, academia, cultural actors, and young people across borders.
The Fund builds trust where it was once fragile. It encourages dialogue where divisions once prevailed. It invests in people, who remain the most durable foundation of long-term prosperity and stability.
Esteemed guests, our vision for the region is clear: a Western Balkans rooted in European values, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Unity does not mean uniformity. On the contrary, the strength of our region lies in its diversity—in the richness of languages, cultures, and traditions, which should serve as a foundation for cooperation, not division.
Montenegro’s Presidency will focus on delivering concrete results, enhancing visibility, and reinforcing a shared sense of ownership of the Fund. We envision the Fund as a recognized platform of trust, a bridge toward the European Union, and an example of successful regional cooperation.
Montenegro approaches this Presidency with responsibility, ambition, and clearly defined priorities.
First, to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen mutual trust through inclusive and visible projects that connect our societies.
Second, to enhance capacities, ensuring that applicants and grant beneficiaries across the region are empowered to deliver projects with sustainable and measurable impact.
Third, to further position the Fund within the European and international framework through stronger partnerships with donors and greater visibility within the broader European institutional architecture.
Therefore, allow me to extend special appreciation to the Swiss Confederation, Japan, and the International Visegrad Fund for your consistent and principled support. Your partnership is not only financial assistance; it is an expression of confidence in regional cooperation and in the European future of the Western Balkans.
During our Presidency, we will work to broaden the circle of partners and strengthen the Fund’s long-term sustainability.
Honorable members of the Committee of Senior Officials, your expertise and regional perspective remain essential to the stability and continuity of the Fund’s work. We look forward to your close cooperation throughout this year.
Dear friends, the strength of a region is not measured by its differences, but by its ability to transform them into an advantage. That is precisely the mission of the Western Balkans Fund.
Let us make this year one of consolidation and ambition. Let us further strengthen mutual trust. Let us empower projects that connect our citizens. And let us demonstrate together that regional cooperation is not only a political necessity, but a strategic value.
Together, let us build a stronger Fund, a more connected region, and a Western Balkans anchored in the European family.
Thank you.
