Montenegrin science enters a new era: €30m CENNA project officially presented

The CENNA project, worth €30m, was officially launched at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro in Podgorica. Coordinated by the University of Montenegro, it represents the country’s first successful project under the European Union’s Horizon Europe “Teaming for Excellence” programme and the largest research grant Montenegro has received through this initiative. Its main objective is to establish a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Nature-Based Solutions in Montenegro’s protected areas.

The project will involve the development of modern research infrastructure and laboratories in Podgorica, while advanced environmental monitoring technologies will be developed and tested at Lake Skadar and Durmitor National Park. It will be implemented in cooperation with the universities of Antwerp and Aarhus, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, and Montenegro’s National Parks. Funding consists of €15m in EU grants and an additional €15m in national co-financing from the Government of Montenegro.

University of Montenegro Rector Vladimir Bozovic described CENNA as a historic milestone for Montenegrin science and an opportunity to use scientific knowledge to protect the country’s natural heritage. He also highlighted the importance of creating better opportunities for young researchers to develop their careers and pursue their scientific ambitions in Montenegro.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic emphasised that the project gives practical meaning to Montenegro’s long-standing commitment to being an ecological state. He noted that the investment demonstrates the country’s research potential and its ability to contribute to major European scientific initiatives.

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva highlighted the project’s significance, noting that only 19 out of 317 proposals submitted under the first phase of the “Teaming” call were selected for EU funding.

Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Andjela Jaksic Stojanovic stressed that CENNA will strengthen research capacities, support young scientists, promote environmental protection and deepen Montenegro’s integration into the European Research Area.

University of Montenegro Vice-Rector Svetlana Perovic also highlighted the opportunities the project will create for young researchers through international cooperation, scientific mobility and access to leading European research teams, with the aim of enabling them to build their professional futures in Montenegro.