The fourth Ask the Minister Forum successfully completed

By developing mechanisms that will further strengthen young people and involve them more in decision-making processes, we can contribute to the development of their potentials and ensure the progress of the whole society, it was noted during the Ask the Minister Forum.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vesna Bratić, Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović and Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović discussed today with around 20 students from all universities in Montenegro issues of importance for their education and professional development, and exchanged views on the current health and economic situation in Montenegro.

On the occasion of 4 April, Students' Day, the Secretariat-General of the Government, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media and the Ministry of Economic Development, organised the Ask the Minister Forum within the EU4ME project funded by the European Union, which promotes stronger involvement of young people in the EU accession process.

The ministers presented the work of their departments and answered numerous questions from students.

Students and the Minister of Economic Development spoke about support for entrepreneurial ideas of students, as well as the vision of the development path of the tourism industry and the improvement of the tourist offer.

The Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media and students discussed the functioning and possibilities of support for youth media and digitalization of public administration.

Minister Bratić and students exchanged views on the vocational training programme, scholarships for the best students, creation of cultural content, cooperation with cultural institutions, as well as opportunities to increase student loans and establish cooperation with leading world universities in tourism and hospitality.

Minister of Forreign Affairs Radulović and students spoke about the promotion of the state at the international level, with special reference to the international exchange of students, as well as the coronavirus situation and the activities of that department in terms of presenting the tourist offer and attracting foreign guests.

Montenegro's Chief Negotiator with European Union Zorka Kordić opened the Forum and congratulated the students on the upcoming holiday, emphasising that our common task is to strengthen youth policy on the path to EU accession in accordance with European best practices and affirm the potential of young people, both in creating public policies and promoting European integration of Montenegro. She pointed out that youth issues are addressed through several negotiating areas, and especially through Chapters 25 and 26 concerning science and research and education and culture, within which they are offered numerous opportunities to engage in research, develop skills and improve knowledge, acquire new experiences abroad, through schooling and internships. Kordić urged students to be active, to apply for available EU programmes and take advantage of the opportunities offered to them.

"Young people are an important resource of this country, especially when it comes to Montenegro's accession to the EU, and the Government wants to strengthen dialogue and listen to student voice in creating sustainable solutions for the future and their stronger involvement in all EU integration mechanisms," Kordić said and pointed out that Montenegroʹs European Integration Office will encourage strong cooperation with students.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vesna Bratić said that she was aware of the problems and difficulties students face, as well as the fact that students are important driving force. She expressed belief that they will build a relationship of trust and that their next joint steps will be aimed at improving the quality of higher education.

Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić encouraged students to give suggestions and initiatives in order to improve conditions for learning and services used by young people in general, especially digital services.

One of the priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the forthcoming period will be the professionalization of the diplomatic service. In that context, special attention will be paid to the promotion of Montenegrin potentials, primarily in the field of economy, investments, tourism, culture, science and education, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović, adding that this Government perceives the youth as its most significant potential.

Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović said that there are a lot of students and young creative people with great ideas in Montenegro, and that he is ready to support good student initiatives and that the state should work on providing public services available to students.

The students expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to inform the ministers about challenges they face, their ideas and constructive proposals. They said that they were ready to contribute to the improvement of public policies and to work together with the Government on the development of society.