Today in Mostar, contracts were signed for joint cross-border projects involving micro and small enterprises from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The total value of these projects amounts to €4.1 million in EU funding.
At a ceremony organized by the Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO), contracts were awarded for the implementation of 24 approved projects. These projects are financed under the First Call of the Small Projects Fund (SPF) as part of the EmBRACE project. The initiative is supported by the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme for Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027, co-financed by the EU.
Out of the 24 supported projects, Montenegrin micro and small enterprises are participating in 19.
“Micro and small enterprises 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 make a significant contribution to employment and ensure access to diverse products and services. It is therefore crucial to encourage their further growth, sustainability and competitiveness,” said Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, during her address at the award ceremony.
She emphasised that regional cooperation is essential for the development of the region and remains a priority for Montenegro’s foreign policy.
“Thanks to the financial support of the European Union through cross-border and territorial cooperation programmes, we have the opportunity to build good neighbourly relations and promote socio-economic development through projects that improve the quality of life in our communities. Supporting micro and small enterprises from the three countries is a strong affirmation of our shared commitment to the economic development of both the programme area and the entire region,” Gorčević highlighted.
Šime Erlić, Croatia’s Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, stated that the trilateral programme between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro is the most popular Interreg programme among Croatian beneficiaries.
“This means we consistently receive the highest number of applications for this programme. The goal is to advance further each year. In the previous financial period, this programme had a budget of €59 million, and through joint decisions, we increased this amount to over €117 million,” said Erlić, adding that fostering digital transition is critical for economic competitiveness.
Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the joint projects mark 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, enhance the competitiveness of their businesses, work on the development of new products and services, implement pilot initiatives and create new jobs,” said Habota.
The next call for proposals under the EmBRACE project is planned for 2025.