Western Balkans Fund 2026
Montenegro assumes chairmanship of the Western Balkans Fund, pledging concrete results and stronger regional ties
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, today inaugurated the event marking the beginning of Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Western Balkans Fund 2026, emphasizing that assuming this responsible role represents both an honor and an obligation for Montenegro toward the region and its European future.
In his address to the attendees, Minister Ibrahimović highlighted that Montenegro has consistently built a reputation over the past two decades as a reliable and responsible partner in the region, committed to political dialogue, good neighborly relations, and stability. “Our European path is clear, steadfast, and unwavering. Today, Montenegro stands at the threshold of the European Union, confirming its role as a leader in the accession process,” the Minister underlined. He recalled that the Western Balkans Fund holds particular significance as an authentic regional initiative, focused on people and their needs.
Speaking on the priorities of Montenegro’s chairmanship, the Minister emphasized that the focus will be on achieving concrete results, enhancing the visibility of the Fund, and strengthening the principles of regional ownership. Special attention will be given to deepening cooperation through inclusive projects, building the capacities of grant recipients for sustainable and measurable impact, and positioning the Fund more strongly within the European and international framework.
Minister Ibrahimović expressed gratitude to the European Commission, the Swiss Confederation, Japan, and the Visegrad Fund for their continuous and principled support of the Western Balkans Fund, noting that their partnership represents a reaffirmation of trust in regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Concluding his address, the Minister stressed that the strength of the region is not measured by differences, but by the ability to transform them into advantages. “Our vision is of a Western Balkans rooted in European values, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Together, we can build a stronger Fund, a more connected region, and a Western Balkans firmly anchored in the European family,” Ibrahimović stated.
A welcoming speech was also delivered by Gjergj Murra, Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, highlighting the importance of continuously strengthening regional cooperation through concrete and inclusive projects that connect citizens, institutions, and civil society across the Western Balkans.
As part of the program, MOVE grants were awarded to recipients from Montenegro, further underlining the commitment to empowering mobility, exchange, and cooperation among youth and organizations in the region. During the ceremony, the partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation was renewed for the 2026– 2029 period. At the same time, the first Cooperation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Western Balkans Fund was signed, further reinforcing a stable, resilient, and interconnected Western Balkans based on mutual respect and a shared European future.
The program continued with a panel discussion entitled “Enhancing Regional Cooperation through Strategic Partnerships and Inclusive Approaches,” which featured the participation of representatives from the European Union Delegation, Switzerland, Japan, the Visegrad Fund, and the Center for the Promotion of Sports and Youth.