In the framework of the current Montenegrin presidency of Central-European Initiative (CEI) the International Group of Experts (IGE), Steering Committee and the Committee of National Coordinators (CNC) met last week in London. The meetings were chaired by the Ambassador in MFA and national coordinator for Montenegro Nebojša Kaluđerović.

At the previous meeting IGE finalized recommendations regarding revitalization of the Initiative which are to be adopted by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of CEI members at the upcoming meeting in Budva on 15 June. The main recommendations refer to the political, financial and structural strengthening of the Initiative via enhanced dialogue with European Union, seeking alternative funding opportunities for CEI and the strengthening of its visibility on the national, regional and international level.

The meeting of the Steering Committee of CEI took place at the European Central Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The participants exchanged their views on the current and future project-based cooperation between CEI and EBRD. Italy, the main donor to the CEI fund within EBRD, presented a Non-paper on the cooperation so far, and the assembly reached the general conclusion that in the upcoming period the Fund ought to be strengthened through contributions of other CEI members. The Committee also approved the 2009 Annual Report of CEI Secretariat for EU projects.

The meeting of CNC was mostly dedicated to the exchange of opinions on IGE’s recommendations, preparations for the summit of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and approval of projects to be financed from CEI funds. Ambssador Kaluđerović, the chairman of the meeting, reiterated Montenegro’s determination and commitment to contribute to the attainment of CEI’s goals and priorities through active and dedicated presidency, and to work towards its topmost priorities: enhancing the efficiency and project-base of CEI and strengthening its cooperation with EU.

The meetings also served as an opportunity for the Montenegrin representative to arrange bilateral encounters with his counterparts in CEI, Secretary General Gerhard Pfanzelter and Horst Reichenbach, vice-president of EBRD.