Continuation of Capacity Building for Border Police

The construction of a new administrative building for the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro began with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 1st, 2024. The ceremony was led by the Minister of the Interior, Danilo Šaranović, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, and IOM Montenegro Chief of Mission, Vladimir Gjorgjiev.

This building will house the future National Coordination Center (NCC) of the Border Police Sector.

The Minister of Interior of Montenegro, Danilo Šaranović, expressed his satisfaction with the start of a project that will enhance security at Montenegro's borders and provide better working conditions for border police officers.

He thanked the EU Delegation and the International Organization for Migration for their contributing to the implementation of this activity, which is one of the most significant under the project "Individual Measure for Strengthening Integrated Border Management Capacities in Montenegro," funded by the European Union in the amount of €15 million.

Minister Šaranović expressed confidence that, through continued intensive partnership cooperation, the system of electronic border surveillance will be improved, the operational capacities of the border police enhanced, and ultimately, an electronic system for the identification and registration of migrants will be introduced.

"All of the above will further strengthen the fight against illegal migration and support our efforts in prevention and investigation, especially concerning cross-border organized crime," the Minister emphasized.

“As we face global security challenges, strengthening border protection and migration management is becoming crucial for the security and stability of Montenegro and the EU. The project is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in the future of Montenegro, ensuring transparent management of its borders according to European standards, and a vital step on its path toward full EU membership," said H.E. Johan Sattler, the European Union Ambassador to Montenegro.

The Chief of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Montenegro, Mr. Vladimir Gjorgjiev, highlighted that the future National Coordination Center, which will be included in the new administrative building, symbolizes the cooperation and partnership between Montenegro and the European Union, and is a key step towards further improving migration management. He also praised the efforts of the Ministry of the Interior in achieving significant results in this area, with the support of European partners, and expressed his gratitude to the IOM staff who contributed to the realization of this project.

"Montenegro deserves to fulfil its dream, and that is the European Union," emphasized the Chief of IOM Mission.

Please note that this is part of a joint press release with the Ministry of the Interior and EU Delegation to Montenegro; you can view the Montenegrin version here.

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For more information, please contact Edina Osmanović, tel: +382 68 865 005, email: eosmanovic@iom.int