Montenegro is entering a phase in which progress in the European integration process is no longer measured by adopted legislation, but by concrete implementation results and by achieving the quality of outcomes at the level of the European Union.

On this occasion, on April 28, 2026, the conference “Montenegro 2026 – From Commitment to Delivery” will be held at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, bringing together key decision-makers, international partners, the academic community, and the business sector.

The aim of the conference is to improve Montenegro’s participation in EU programs — shifting from a fragmented and ad hoc approach to a coordinated, systematically managed model that enables maximum use of EU funds and enhances the quality of EU project outcomes.

This event is jointly organized by the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro and the European Affairs Consulting Group (EACON), with the participation of high-level representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the European Union, international organizations, and leading experts from various sectors.

The conference begins with an analysis of Montenegro’s performance in EU programs, followed by a session titled “Improving the Support System: How Technical Assistance and National Support Structures Become Drivers of Project Pipelines,” focusing on transforming existing institutions and support mechanisms into so-called “pipeline engines” — systems that continuously generate high-quality EU projects.

This will be followed by a debate on leadership and positioning strategies: where Montenegro can lead EU projects, and where strategic integration into EU programs is necessary. Participants will have the opportunity to identify key weaknesses and barriers that limit participation in EU funds.

The central part of the conference features the presentation of eight strategic project pipelines covering key development sectors — from innovation ecosystems and research excellence, healthcare and health system transformation, tourism, culture and inclusion, digital transformation and industry, energy, climate and mobility, agriculture, bioeconomy and environment, governance, democracy and fiscal reforms, to security, resilience, and defence-compatible innovations.

A dedicated session, “Innovation Ecosystem, SMEs and Startups: From Fragmentation to Structured Support for Participation in EU Projects,” will be of particular interest to our innovation community.

In the concluding part of the conference, guidelines for effective lobbying and further positioning of Montenegro as a future full member of the EU will be presented, along with operational conclusions and an action plan for the next steps.

Following the conference, workshops aimed at strengthening capacities for participation in EU programs will be held, as well as a conference in Brussels aimed at mobilizing support for concrete projects.

The value of the conference is multifaceted for all participants:

– institutions will receive a clear framework for improving participation in EU programs, – universities and research organizations will gain access to European consortia, – companies and innovators will gain direct entry points into future EU projects and calls.

The conference “Montenegro 2026 – From Commitment to Delivery” is designed as an operational platform for launching concrete activities that will improve Montenegro’s positioning in EU programs and enable the achievement of quality standards expected of European Union member states.

It is particularly significant that the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, as an organization that continuously develops the innovation ecosystem and connects key actors from the public, private, and academic sectors, stands alongside EACON behind this initiative and contributes to its implementation by creating a space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the definition of joint next steps towards strengthening Montenegro’s European perspective.

More information about the conference, agenda, and application process is available at the following link.