A delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro took part in a three-day study visit to Berlin within the programme “Exchange of Experiences on Building Trust, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Policies” that took place from the 8th to 10th of October in Berlin.
The visit was organized by RYCO Local Branch in Montenegro in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
The Montenegrin delegation consisted of Anđela Vojinović, Dragan Bojović, Jevrosima Pejović, Maja Vučelić, Nikola Zirojević and Mileta Radovanić, who are part of the group of signatories the Declaration on Commitment to Declaration on Commitment to Regional Youth Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue and Reconciliation.
During the visit the delegation held a series of meetings, among which with Dr. Niels von Redecker, Head of Division Western Balkans at the German Foreign Office, Adis Ahmetović, member of the German Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee the Bundestag, and Emmeline Charenton, Office of the Secretary General of Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW/OFAJ). Discussions focused on Montenegro’s European integration process, youth policies, and mechanisms for building trust and reconciliation in Western Balkan societies.
Members of the Parliament emphasized that Montenegro’s EU accession process serves as a positive driver for the overall progress of the Western Balkans, while the German and French experience in reconciliation and dialogue offers valuable lessons for fostering long-term reconciliation and regional cooperation.
Special attention was given to the role of the Berlin Process and RYCO as key platforms for promoting peace, understanding, and youth engagement across the Western Balkans. The Montenegrin MPs informed their counterparts about the Parliament’s ongoing efforts in advancing the EU integration agenda, supporting youth-focused policies, and strengthening cooperation with international partners. Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO local branch in Montenegro, highlighted that it is very important to include the legislative dicision-making branch in RYCO peacebuilding efforts and initiatives, within the wider Berlin Process objectives. He considers that this visit is one of the initial steps to building a stronger relationship with the Parliament and can serve as an example of positive practice for the Western Balkans.
One of the key parts of the program was a dedicated session with Members of Parliament, focused on discussing concrete ways in which they can support RYCO’s programs and mission. It was agreed that next year a joint initiative will be considered to be endorsed by all 12 MPs signatories of the Declaration on Commitment to Regional Youth Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue, and Reconciliation.
The delegation expressed their gratitude to the hosts for the warm welcome and substantive discussions, reaffirming the Montenegrin Parliament’s commitment to continued support in promoting inclusive policies and regional reconciliation.
