For years, European funds have been a major driving force behind the development of local communities across the region, and municipalities in Montenegro now have the opportunity to use them to build a more sustainable, connected, and modern future. The new Handbook on available EU/IPA funds for local governments in Montenegro was created with exactly this purpose – to bring local administrations, as well as citizens, closer to the ways in which European resources can be used for projects of public interest.
EU funds are not just a financial instrument; they are also a roadmap towards European standards. They provide support for projects in areas such as infrastructure, environmental protection, digitalization, culture, education, and many other sectors that directly affect people’s quality of life. For municipalities, this means not only access to new sources of financing but also an opportunity to strengthen administrative capacities, connect more effectively with partners from the region and Europe, and bring the values of European integration closer to citizens.
The handbook explains in a clear and accessible way how programs such as IPA III, Horizon Europe, LIFE, Erasmus+, and Digital Europe function, along with specialized initiatives focused on climate innovation, sustainable mobility, and rural development. Particularly valuable are the examples of good practice, which show that accessing EU funds successfully is not reserved only for large cities – smaller municipalities can also become leaders of innovative and sustainable projects.
Developed within the project “Municipalities for the EU”, the handbook aims to empower all Montenegrin municipalities to actively make use of available funds and implement European standards. Through training, mentorship, peer-to-peer exchange, and the establishment of “EU i tačka” accessible to citizens, local governments receive the knowledge and tools they need to independently and effectively prepare projects. In this way, EU funds become more accessible and closer to the communities that need them most.
The handbook’s final message is clear and encouraging: success in using EU funds depends on timely action, openness to partnerships, and continuous investment in the knowledge and skills of local teams. This makes the document a valuable guide – not only because it provides an overview of programs and procedures, but also because it offers inspiration to recognize opportunities that can transform Montenegrin municipalities.
EU funds are not a distant or abstract concept – they are a tangible opportunity for our communities to become more modern, greener, and more competitive. It is up to local governments to recognize and seize this opportunity, with the support provided by the “Municipalities for the EU” project and this handbook.
You can find the handbook here.
