As Montenegro moves closer to membership in the European Union, an important question arises: How prepared are our startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovation ecosystem to operate, collaborate, and compete in the EU Single Market?

The Science and Technology Park of Montenegro is organising a panel discussion entitled “READY FOR EUROPE? – Montenegro’s Startups and SMEs on the Road to EU Membership”, as an official satellite event of the EU Enlargement Forum 2026 – Wider Europe, Stronger Europe, organised by the European Commission.

The event will bring together representatives of European institutions, academia, national institutions, innovative companies, and the European innovation ecosystem to explore the opportunities and challenges that the EU accession process presents for Montenegro’s entrepreneurial community.

Panel Participants

The following panellists are expected to participate:

• Bernard Brunet – Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro
• Prof.Gordana Đurović, PhD – University of Montenegro, Expert on European Integration
• Ilija Mugoša – EIT Community Officer for Montenegro, European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
• Milan Marić – LoRasi, Representative of the Montenegrin Startup Community
• Representative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation – Name to be confirmed.

Moderator: Radivoje Drobnjak, Head of the Innovation Programmes and Projects Sector, Science and Technology Park of Montenegro.

Opening Remarks: Valentina Radulović, Science and Technology Park of Montenegro.

The final panel composition will be confirmed prior to the event.

Key Discussion Topics

• Preparing for the EU Single Market: What opportunities and challenges will EU membership bring to Montenegrin companies, and how can their competitiveness be enhanced?
• Connecting with the European Innovation Ecosystem: How can European support programmes, funding opportunities, investments, and international partnerships be better leveraged?
• Startup and SME Competitiveness: How prepared are Montenegrin companies for internationalisation, innovation, and growth in the European market?
• Concrete Steps Ahead of EU Accession: What should institutions, innovation support organisations, and companies themselves be doing today?

Special emphasis will be placed on identifying five concrete priorities – “5 Actions Before EU Membership” – that can help strengthen Montenegro’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and facilitate its successful integration into the European economy.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: MVP Hall, Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, Podgorica
Language: English
Participation: Free of charge, with prior registration
Format: Moderated panel discussion, audience Q&A, and informal networking

The event is part of the official programme of satellite events accompanying the EU Enlargement Forum 2026, held under the slogan Wider Europe, Stronger Europe.

Registration for Participation

Participation in the event is free of charge; however, due to limited seating capacity, prior registration is required.

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

Join us for a discussion on how Montenegro can turn the European integration process into tangible opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.