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The Single Market Academy (SMA) is officially launched in Podgorica

2025-11-12 17:32:09Biznes SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The Single Market Academy (SMA) is officially launched in Podgorica

The launch of the Single Market Academy (SMA) marks a new phase in the Western Balkans' European integration process — a phase that focuses on strengthening institutions, developing professional skills, and building the trust necessary for access to the European Union's Single Market.

As one of the priority initiatives within the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Academy will help transform reform commitments into practical knowledge, concrete institutional capacities and sustainable cooperation mechanisms between the countries of the region and the European Union.

The official presentation was held today in Podgorica, in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro. The Single Market Academy is a regional platform that provides professional support to Western Balkan institutions in the approximation with the rules and practices of the EU Single Market.

The ceremony was opened by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Milojko Spajic. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of the Government of Montenegro, representatives of the European Commission, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, institutions from across the region, and international experts.

“We must understand that the process of full integration does not end with paperwork alone—it does not even end with EU membership itself. It must be embodied in every institution, every procedure, every production process, and every company that aims to function according to the rules of the European Union Single Market,” said Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, emphasizing that the role of the Academy is to prepare local professionals to work according to the same standards as their colleagues in EU member states.

"Through trust-building cooperation, Montenegro is not only ahead, but it is helping to lead the process of the Western Balkans' integration with the European Union," he added.

During this ceremony, the symbolic signing of the partnership within the framework of "EU4Trade" took place, reconfirming the joint commitment to strengthening standardization, accreditation, metrology and market surveillance systems throughout the region.

The EU Ambassador to Montenegro, H.E. Johann Sattler, emphasized:

“Today’s launch is more than the start of a project. It marks the beginning of a new partnership based on shared standards, shared lessons and a shared European vision. The Single Market Academy embodies what the relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans should be: education-based, practical in its approach and focused on results that citizens and businesses can feel in their daily lives. Montenegro has deserved to host this project and I encourage all Western Balkan countries to make the most of this Academy and the opportunity to join the Single Market.”

The Single Market Academy (SMA) is officially launched in Podgorica

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, H.E. Peter Felten, emphasized that the Academy represents exactly what Germany aims to promote and support in the Western Balkans:

"Closer cooperation and deeper integration within the region, in a way that brings tangible benefits to its citizens. Through strengthening the Regional Common Market, we support the Western Balkan countries in preparing for the EU Common Market and membership in the European family," he declared.

The Academy was symbolically presented by Ms. Maida Gorcevic, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, and Dr. Tanja Boskovic, GIZ Project Manager “EU4Trade”.

"Today, I can proudly say that we have done everything to turn this idea into reality, into a project that will serve the entire region and that proudly bears the stamp of Montenegro. When we talk about the Single Market Academy, we are not just talking about a project, but about an instrument that connects reforms with results and creates a common framework of trust, a bridge between our region and the European Union," said Minister Gorcevic.

"For Montenegro, this bridge has a special significance. It leads us directly to our future membership in the European Union," she added.

Dr. Tanja Boskovic emphasized that the Academy “is not just a program, but a shared space where we can learn, have confidence, and move forward.

"We are ready. Our partners are here. The road is open. Now all that remains is to build the bridge," she said at the end of her speech.

During the event, a Ceremonial Declaration of Cooperation was also signed within the framework of the "EU4Trade" program, reconfirming the joint commitment of the European Commission, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and GIZ to support the Western Balkan countries in strengthening institutional capacities and preparing for the EU Single Market through the establishment of the Single Market Academy.

The Single Market Academy (SMA) was established within the framework of the “EU4Trade” project, co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Germany, and implemented by GIZ.


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