10–11 September 2026, Podgorica

A strong project begins with a question that matters. For Montenegro’s public institutions, the next question is how to turn their knowledge of national challenges into research and innovation projects that can compete across Europe.

That was the focus of a two-day Horizon Europe training hosted by ReSPA. Organised through On-Demand Support mechanism at the request of Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining, it followed the practical training on the EU’s LIFE Programme held earlier in ReSPA Premisses.  Together, the two workshops helped participants explore different routes for advancing Montenegro’s energy, environmental and climate priorities through European cooperation.

The LIFE training, led by Croatian expert Nikolina Petković Gregorić, focused on developing project ideas and preparing applications under a programme dedicated to the environment, climate action and the clean energy transition. The Horizon Europe workshop took the next step: it examined how public institutions can contribute to international research and innovation partnerships, bringing policy expertise, data and opportunities to test new solutions in practice.

Participants worked through the path from a policy challenge to a credible project concept. They learned how to find and interpret a relevant call, assess whether an idea fits its objectives, define the problem and expected impact, and identify the partners needed to deliver it. They then reviewed draft concepts from an evaluator’s perspective, testing how clearly each proposal addressed excellence, impact and implementation.

The training also challenged a common assumption about the role of public authorities in research projects. Ministries and agencies can do far more than endorse an idea: they can help shape the research question, provide evidence and testing environments, take responsibility for project activities, and ensure that results inform public policy. Participants used that perspective to develop consortium strategies, present their concepts and prepare 90-day action plans for taking them forward.

As Montenegro progresses towards EU membership, the ability to work confidently within European programmes is becoming an increasingly valuable institutional skill. The LIFE and Horizon Europe trainings provided space to build that skill through practical work on the priorities institutions face every day. By helping public officials choose the right funding opportunity, develop stronger proposals and build meaningful partnerships, ReSPA’s tailored support connected Montenegro’s accession ambitions with concrete opportunities for cooperation across Europe.