Contracts for joint cross-border projects of micro and small businesses from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, with a total value of 4.1 million euros in EU grants, were signed in Mostar.
The Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) of Montenegro announced that, during the ceremony organized by the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation, and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO), contracts were awarded for the implementation of 24 projects that were approved for financing within the First Call of the Small Project Fund (SPF) under the EmBRACE project.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021-2027 program, co-financed by the EU.
Out of the 24 supported projects, Montenegrin micro and small businesses are involved in 19 of them.
During her speech at the ceremony, Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, emphasized that micro and small businesses are the backbone of the economies of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
“Not only do they play a key role in the economic development of our three countries, but they also employ a large number of people and provide access to various products and services. That is why it is important to encourage their further growth, sustainability, and competitiveness,” Gorčević said.
She pointed out that regional cooperation is essential for the development of the region and that, for Montenegro and its foreign policy, it represents one of the priorities.
“Thanks to the EU’s financial support through cross-border and territorial cooperation programs, we have the opportunity to build good neighborly relations and stimulate socio-economic development through projects that improve the quality of life in our communities. Support for micro and small businesses from the three countries is a strong confirmation of our shared commitment to the economic development of both the program area and the entire region,” Gorčević stressed.
Croatian Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds, Šime Erlić, stated that the trilateral program between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro is the most popular Interreg program among Croatian users.
“This means that we regularly receive the most applications for this program, and the goal is to continue making even more progress every year,” said Erlić, adding that promoting digital transition is crucial for the competitiveness of the economy.
Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that these projects mark the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening cross-border business cooperation in the region.
“Through these projects, our entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore new market opportunities, increase the competitiveness of their businesses, develop new products and services, implement pilot actions, and create new jobs,” said Habota.
The announcement for the next call for businesses within the EmBRACE project is planned for this year.
