On 19 September 2025, ALDA President Nataša Vučković carried out a series of high-level meetings in Podgorica, Montenegro, reinforcing ALDA’s commitment to supporting European integration, local democracy, and civil society cooperation in the Western Balkans.
The mission began with Nataša Vučković’s participation as a panelist in the debate “What brings us Europe?” at Europe House Podgorica. The panel gathered key figures including HE Peter Felten, German Ambassador to Montenegro, HE Oleh Herasymenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Montenegro, and Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the European Union.
Discussions focused on Montenegro’s EU path, the importance of citizen participation in the integration process, and the role of civil society in strengthening democratic resilience. On this occasion, ALDA also introduced its activities in the Western Balkans and in Ukraine, highlighting opportunities for closer cooperation with European partners and embassies in the region.
Later in the day, the ALDA President met with Nadja Ljiljanic, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica, to explore potential synergies between the capital city and ALDA’s network.
The exchange addressed the possibility of Podgorica joining ALDA as a member
A subsequent meeting with Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, provided an opportunity to discuss Montenegro’s EU accession priorities and negotiating roadmap. The talks focused on chapters 23 and 24 (rule of law, fundamental rights, justice and security) and the potential for ALDA to support participatory local governance, civil society monitoring, and citizen consultations within the accession framework.
The mission concluded with a meeting with Ivana Vujović, Executive Director of Juventas, one of Montenegro’s most active NGOs. ALDA and Juventas already collaborate within two ongoing projects, and discussions revolved around expanding this partnership, including the potential for Juventas to join ALDA’s network.
Through this full day of exchanges, ALDA’s President ensured strong visibility for the Association’s work in the region, building bridges with Montenegrin institutions, European partners, and civil society actors.
The mission to Podgorica underlined ALDA’s strategic role in supporting Montenegro’s European path, strengthening citizen participation, and consolidating democratic practices at the local level.
