IOM in Montenegro

Montenegro: A Tapestry of Diversity and Natural Beauty

Situated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro is a country of captivating contrasts and diverse landscapes. Bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, Montenegro serves as a crossroads of cultures.

The capital, Podgorica, is the administrative hub, while Cetinje stands as a testament to Montenegro's historical and cultural heritage.

Montenegro's ethnic composition is rich and varied, encompassing Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosniaks, Albanians, and more. Languages include Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, and Albanian, echoing Montenegro's harmonious coexistence.

Since declaring independence in 2006, Montenegro has steadfastly navigated its path as a democratic and parliamentary republic.

IOM in Montenegro

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - the UN Migration Agency - is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners.

IOM has been present in Montenegro since 2001. As Montenegro continues to pursue its aim of accession to the European Union (EU), increasing attention has been given to key migration issues by the Government, civil society, academia, and the media.

A primary objective remains providing advisory and operational support to the Montenegrin Government. This involves enhancing migration management capacity by bolstering integrated border controls, intensifying counter-trafficking endeavors, establishing mechanisms for vulnerable migrant protection, facilitating voluntary return and reintegration, and creating avenues for data collection, exchange, and analysis in partnership with neighboring countries.

Montenegro's authorities are actively crafting a comprehensive migration management framework. This encompasses the enactment of laws, formulation of strategic documents, and corresponding action plans. Key strategies focus on channeling migration for developmental benefits, managing recurrent migration flows, enhancing the legal migration framework, and establishing effective institutional structures.

Today, with a focus on building the capacity of Montenegrin Government to manage migration, IOM is working with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental partners in the following thematic areas: Humanitarian Assistance and Protection, Resilience and Social Cohesion, Human Mobility and Migration Governance.

The European Union and Montenegro

Montenegro is a candidate country aiming for EU membership, solidified its European perspective when the Council reaffirmed its candidacy in June 2006 following EU Member States' recognition of Montenegro's independence. The journey commenced in 2001 with the CARDS program, which led to the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and the Interim Agreement in 2007. These agreements entered into force in 2008 and 2010, symbolizing Montenegro's commitment to its European future and partnership with the EU.

The path to EU membership gained momentum in 2008 when Montenegro applied for accession. A favorable Commission opinion in 2010 marked the identification of 7 pivotal priorities, granting Montenegro candidate status. The Council initiated the accession process in December 2011, setting the stage for negotiations in June 2012. With negotiations underway, Montenegro's journey continued as it addressed 33 key chapters, with 3 of them provisionally closed after 11 years of negotiations.

An integral aspect of Montenegro's progress is the substantial support from the European Union. As the largest foreign donor, the EU has provided over EUR 610 million in non-refundable aid since 2007, fostering development and reforms. This enduring collaboration traces back to 2001's CARDS program and culminated in IPA II, which allocates 270 million in grants from 2014 to 2020. IPA II strategically focuses on areas essential for Montenegro's preparation for EU membership.

In essence, Montenegro's journey towards EU membership, underscored by significant EU support, is characterized by milestones, commitment, and strategic partnership.

Source: The European Union and Montenegro | EEAS (europa.eu)