Montenegrin Journalists Gain Insight into EU Institutions in Brussels

A recent study visit to Brussels has provided Montenegrin journalists with valuable insights into the workings of European Union (EU) institutions. Organized by the Ministry of European Affairs in collaboration with UNOPS and the EU4ME project, the initiative aimed to enhance the understanding of EU integration processes among media professionals in Montenegro.

The delegation included representatives from various media outlets, such as ND Vijesti, TV Vijesti, TV Nikšić, TV Prva, and the daily newspapers Dan and Pobjeda, as well as the Public Service RTCG, RTV Podgorica, MINA Agency, and TV Nova M. Throughout the visit, the journalists engaged with key EU officials to discuss policies relevant to candidate countries like Montenegro.

The visit commenced at the Montenegro Mission to the EU, where discussions focused on the current phases of accession negotiations and the Mission’s role in coordinating with EU institutions. Tijana Morača, a strategic communication advisor at the European External Action Service, elaborated on how the EU communicates its policies and emphasized the necessity of precise and high-quality reporting on European matters.

Later, the delegation toured the Press Centre of the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, gaining insights into the Council’s operations and the media resources available. At the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, they interacted with the team responsible for strategic communication in the Western Balkans and Turkey, discussing current priorities in enlargement policy and EU-Montenegro cooperation.

The second day was dedicated to the European Parliament, where journalists met with officials from media services, external affairs, and audiovisual production. They toured the plenary chamber, the press centre, and multimedia facilities, learning about the Parliament’s functioning and the information sources it offers. The delegation subsequently engaged with Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission responsible for enlargement, international partnerships, and the Mediterranean, to discuss the role of media in communicating enlargement policies.

The visit concluded with a meeting with Marjan Šarac, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Montenegro, who shared insights on priorities and expectations for Montenegro’s accession process. Participants expressed that the visit offered a crucial understanding of EU institutions and enhanced their comprehension of European policies.

Bojan Đurišić from Pobjeda remarked that the stay in Brussels provided a unique opportunity to view European processes from a direct perspective. He stated, “Engaging with Brussels officials expanded my knowledge, opened new contacts, and clarified how European institutions operate.”

Ana Popivoda Milačić from TV Vijesti highlighted that the study visit allowed journalists to inquire about their interests and experience the spirit of the city while exchanging insights.

This study visit was part of the “Journalists for the EU – Reporting on the EU Integration Process” program, aimed at strengthening professional, analytical, and responsible reporting on European integrations and key EU policies. The initiative is expected to bolster the quality of media coverage in Montenegro as the country navigates its path towards EU accession.