H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, Ambassador of Switzerland and Vladimir Radonjić, Honorary Consul of the Swiss Confederation
The reopening of Montenegro’s Embassy in Bern, growing Swiss investments and support for European reforms signal a new phase of stronger political, economic and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Relations between Switzerland and Montenegro can today be described as stable, dynamic and strategically oriented toward long-term cooperation. High-level political dialogue, increasing investment interest and continued support for reform processes demonstrate the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. In an interview for Diplomacy Magazine, Swiss Ambassador Anne Lugon-Moulin and Honorary Consul Vladimir Radonjić discuss the potential for further connecting the two countries, the importance of Montenegro’s European integration, the role of education and innovation, as well as the values that make the Swiss model one of the most successful in Europe. Special emphasis is placed on trust, institutional stability and “quiet diplomacy” as the foundations of sustainable partnerships.
How would you assess the current level of relations between Switzerland and Montenegro, and where do you see the greatest potential for further development?
The bilateral relations between Switzerland and Montenegro are excellent. As a clear testimony of this, Montenegro has reopened its Embassy in Bern in January this year. Deputy Prime Minister Ibrahimovic travelled to Bern and was received by Swiss Federal Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis. Last year, the President of Montenegro met with our President in St. Gall. I see strong potential for further development in attracting more Swiss investments to Montenegro; once Montenegro joins the EU, Switzerland will most probably start a programme of support, as we are doing in all EU member states from Eastern Europe.
Which key sectors could Switzerland further support in the development of Montenegro in the coming period?
We are already supporting Montenegro in the field of vocational education training, through a regional project aiming at investing in technical schools in the Western Balkans region. At the same time, we are also one of the main contributors to the Montenegro Acceleration Fund, located at the United Nations Office in Podgorica. This fund allows many projects to be financed in a variety of sectors. We are also contemplating some actions in the field of democracy resilience.
In what way does the honorary consulate contribute to strengthening institutional and economic ties between the two countries?
The Honorary Consulate primarily serves as a bridge between the two countries, their institutions, business communities and citizens. This role is carried out through day-to-day communication, and connecting of relevant interlocutors of both countries, especially in the business sector.
A particularly important aspect of the Honorary Consulate’s work relates to providing support to Swiss citizens in Montenegro, within the limits of the entrusted consular mandate and in close cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Belgrade. At the same time, the Honorary Consulate can contribute to a better understanding of the business, legal and institutional environment in Montenegro, which is important for building trust and encouraging economic contacts.
In this respect, the Honorary Consulate does not act in isolation, but rather as part of Switzerland’s broader diplomatic and consular framework, with full respect for the competencies of the Embassy and with the aim of ensuring that each engagement contributes to the concrete, practical and longterm strengthening of bilateral relations.
Switzerland Among the Leading Foreign Investors in Montenegro
• Switzerland ranked as the fifth-largest foreign investor in Montenegro in 2024.
• Swiss companies are active in sectors including maritime transport, pharmaceuticals, real estate and services.
• Additional investment potential is expected as Montenegro advances toward EU membership.
• Key conditions for attracting new investments include the rule of law, legal predictability, transparent public procurement and the fight against transnational crime.
• Although not an EU member itself, Switzerland strongly supports Montenegro’s European path.
How interested are Swiss investors in the Montenegrin market, and which sectors are the most attractive to them?
As in many other countries, we can see that Swiss companies come from a variety of sectors, ranging from maritime transport to pharmaceutical companies and real estate. In 2024, Switzerland ranked 5th foreign direct investor in Montenegro. This shows not only the potential of Montenegro, but also the strength of the Swiss economy.
Which reforms or initiatives would further encourage investments from Switzerland?
All that pertains to EU accession will ultimately facilitate Swiss companies invest in Montenegro. The rule of law, the predictability and security of law enforcement, the fight against transnational crime, open public procurements procedures: all those elements are crucial for Swiss investors. More generally, the democratic principles and values that are pushed by the EU accession reforms are very important for Switzerland and the Swiss private sector. This is one of the reasons why Switzerland, despite not being an EU member, supports the European path of Montenegro.
Are there any concrete examples of successful cooperation that you would highlight as a model for the future?
As two small countries, Switzerland and Montenegro have annual political consultations at Assistant State Secretary level. This structured framework of diplomatic exchanges enable every common point to be discussed.
Switzerland is recognized as a leader in innovation—how can this expertise be transferred to the Montenegrin context?
Switzerland ranks highly across various international innovation indices. It has held 1st place on the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) index for 15 years in a row, and 1st in the EU Innovation Scoreboard for 10 consecutive years. This is the result of a clear policy of funding Research and Development at one of highest rates relative to GDP worldwide, ensuring that research institutions and businesses stay competitive, and work together. The role of the state in Switzerland is to set up good economic framework conditions and to ensure top quality university education and research, while fostering collaboration between the private sector and the research and innovation ecosystem. It is a bottom-up approach and it has been successful so far. This model could certainly inspire other countries.
How important are educational and professional exchange programs for strengthening bilateral relations?
Switzerland’s dual education system is globally recognized for its effectiveness in blending academic learning with practical experience, resulting in a highly skilled workforce and low unemployment. The two main characteristics of the Swiss VET success story are: 1) close cooperation between educational institutions, the private sector, and the professional associations and 2) the permeability of the Swiss education system as a whole, which enables many opportunities for development. Young people combine on-the-job training with lessons in vocational school. In turn, they receive a high-quality vocational education, which then gives them direct access to the labor market. As many as 65% of all secondary students are following a dual track system in Switzerland. This is one of the success factors in the Swiss economy. I believe that this model is worth trying in Montenegro.
Are there plans to expand cooperation between universities and research institutions of the two countries?
In Switzerland, it is not up to the state to define how research programmes are conducted by our universities. While they receive substantial amounts of funds from the Swiss National Fund for research projects and teaching, there are no formal obligations from the state with regard to which partner institutions they work with. In that sense, we cannot direct them to work with Montenegrin universities. It is up to the Swiss and the Montenegrin universities themselves to find ways to work with each other. I would of course welcome such cooperation and I am sure there would be many meaningful opportunities.
How do you view Montenegro’s role in European integration from Switzerland’s perspective?
The Western Balkans region’s stability and its European integration are a priority of our foreign policy. As mentioned earlier, Switzerland is not an EU-member state, but we deeply believe that the European integration of Western Balkan countries would bring more prosperity and stability to the region. This is in the interest of everyone on the European continent. We are also impressed to witness the speed and the dedication of the Montenegrin government in adopting a large number of laws that are necessary to conclude the integration process within a set deadline.
How significant are “quiet diplomacy” and personal contacts in building long-term partnerships?
Quiet diplomacy and personal contacts play an important role, particularly in relations between smaller countries, or between countries seeking to develop stable and long-term partnerships. Many important processes do not begin with major public initiatives, but rather through dialogue, trust, mutual understanding and the careful building of relationships.
Personal contacts are often key to opening doors to institutional, economic, academic or cultural cooperation. They make it possible to better understand the needs, expectations and priorities of both sides, while also allowing any potential obstacles to be addressed in a constructive and unobtrusive manner.
In that sense, quiet diplomacy is not a substitute for formal diplomatic channels, but rather a valuable complement to them. It helps relationships develop naturally, without unnecessary formality, while fully respecting the institutional framework, competencies and diplomatic culture.
The Swiss Education Model as Inspiration for Montenegro
• Around 65% of Swiss secondary school students follow a dual education system.
• The model combines academic learning with practical training in companies.
• Close cooperation between schools, businesses and professional associations is considered a key success factor of the Swiss VET system.
• Switzerland already supports vocational education projects in the Western Balkans through investments in technical schools.
• The system enables young people to enter the labour market more quickly while developing a highly skilled workforce.
What motivated you to accept the role of honorary consul, and what do you consider your greatest contribution so far?
Accepting the role of Honorary Consul of Switzerland is, for me, a great honour and privilege. Switzerland is a country that is widely recognized as a global model in many respects: for the strength of its institutions, the rule of law, political stability, economic development, innovation, quality of life, democratic tradition and deeply rooted sense of civic responsibility.
Switzerland is a symbol of reliability, neutrality, precision, institutional maturity and social consensus. To represent, in the capacity of Honorary Consul and within the limits of the entrusted mandate, the interests of such a country is a special responsibility. That responsibility requires not only respect for the high standards that Switzerland represents, but also a readiness to contribute, carefully and with dedication, on a daily basis, to the protection and support of Swiss citizens in Montenegro, as well as to the development of relations between the two countries. I would particularly emphasize that this role is exercised in close and structured cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland, with full respect for the diplomatic framework and consular competencies. I see my contribution precisely in the fact that, through my professional experience, local knowledge of the institutional and business environment, and network of contacts, I can help further strengthen the links between citizens of Switzerland and citizens of Montenegro.
I consider the greatest contribution to be the fact that the Honorary Consulate can serve as a reliable point of contact, support and connection, both for Swiss citizens and for initiatives that contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations, especially economic ties and mutual understanding.
Which values of Swiss society do you consider particularly important to promote in Montenegro?
Among the values of Swiss society, I would particularly highlight unity in diversity, multiculturalism, civic responsibility, political stability, neutrality, economic development and a culture of consensus. Switzerland is an example of a country that has succeeded in bringing together different languages, cultures, identities and regional particularities into a functional, stable and successful political and social system.
In this respect, there are certain similarities with Montenegrin society, of course within a different historical and regional context. Montenegro is also recognized as a meeting point of different cultures, religions and identities, and this very capacity for coexistence is one of the values that should be further nurtured and strengthened.
The Swiss experience shows that differences do not have to be a weakness; rather, they can be a source of stability, better decision-making and social resilience, provided that there are institutions, legal certainty, responsibility and a willingness to engage in dialogue. I consider particularly important the sense of civic responsibility, respect for rules, trust in institutions and the ability of society to reach sustainable solutions through consensus.
These are universally important values, and they are particularly relevant for Montenegro in the context of its European path, institutional development and the need for long-term political, economic and social stability.