A two-day study visit was successfully held in Prague, Czech Republic, from July 8–9, 2025, bringing together representatives from the Montenegro – Albania and Montenegro – Kosovo IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) Programmes. Hosted by the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic, the visit was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacities and enhance the implementation of EU-funded CBC programmes in the Western Balkans.
Participants included officials from relevant ministries and implementing bodies from Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, as well as Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) staff. The purpose of the visit was to learn from the Czech Republic – Poland Interreg Programme’s extensive experience in managing EU funds under indirect management.
The visit featured in-depth sessions on programme governance, the project cycle, evaluation processes, monitoring systems, procurement controls and sustainability mechanisms. Special attention was given to best practices such as bilingual documentation, joint expert evaluation panels and pre-submission feedback to applicants, all contributing to transparency, inclusivity and project success.
One standout highlight was the presentation of the Small Project Fund, which supports grassroots cross-border initiatives through simplified processes and strong local engagement. Discussions also explored proactive measures to prevent and manage irregularities, reinforcing the importance of robust monitoring systems and continuous capacity-building.
This exchange of experience was not only educational but also a step forward in fostering greater cooperation and alignment with EU standards. Participants expressed enthusiasm for integrating lessons learned into their national programmes and supporting the continued success of cross-border collaboration in the region.
