Ceremonial signing of Declaration of intent to establish International Scientific Institute in SEE

Geneva, Switzerland (25 October 2017) -- The Declaration of intent to establish an International Scientific Institute in South East Europe was officially signed today, 25 October, in CERN (Geneva) by eight countries of the Region. The Montenegrin delegation led by Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović and Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović is participating in the Ministerial Conference.

The Declaration was signed by: Minister of Education, Sports and Youth of Albania Ervin Demo, Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Adil Osmanović, Advisor to the Minister for Education and Science of Bulgaria Kostadin Kostadinov, Minister of Education, Science and Technology of Kosovo Shyqyri Bytyqi, Minister of Education and Science of Macedonia Renata Deskoska, State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia Vladimir Popović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of Slovenia Tomaž Boh, and Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović signed the Declaration on behalf of the Government of Montenegro.

"This is a really special day, because for the first time in history, the representatives of the countries of Southeast Europe are considering the possibility of establishing a regional international institute. This is also a special day for me personally, because I am a participant in the event as well. I am particularly pleased that the region quickly realised the significance of this project, as well as the benefits that it will bring to us, as it has the ability to carry out economic, scientific and technological transformation of the countries of the region," Minister Damjanović said after the signing ceremony.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović expressed the belief that today’s signing of the Declaration and the establishment of the Institute will provide additional financial support from the European Union in the field of science and research for improving the education of young scientists, technological transfer from the most prestigious European laboratories and strengthening cooperation in the field of science.

Minister Pejović pointed out that it is necessary to consider the possibility of withdrawing funds for the realisation of projects in this area that are available from European funds, bearing in mind that connecting the countries of the region, both with each other and with the European Union, is recognised as a factor that generates job creation and more dynamic economic growth and development.

Former director of CERN and creator of the Initiative Herwig F. Schopper said that he is delighted that the first formal step forward in the realisation of the project was finally made, adding that this project is based on the principle of CERN model and in the spirit of the science for peace.

Minister of Education and Science of Macedonia Renata Deskoska said that Macedonia strongly supports this idea from the very beginning and will actively participate in the further implementation of the project.

Today's signing of the Declaration of intent to establish an International Scientific Institute will transform the original Initiative into a regional project. The establishment of the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in South East Europe is a project that would significantly affect the economic development of the countries of the region, open up opportunities for new jobs, and in particular reduce the outflow of talents, which is one of the biggest problems in our region.

The Declaration of intent, among other things, establishes cooperation between the signatories in the field of science, technology and industry, as well as education and training of talented young people and engineers based on the transfer of knowledge and technology from European centers.