Vućić Popović opens workshop on improving policy coordination across ministries

Deputy Secretary-General of the Government of Montenegro Irena Vućić Popović delivered opening remarks today at the workshop “Improving Policy Coordination Across Ministries”, organised by the General Secretariat of the Government in cooperation with OECD SIGMA.

In her introductory address, the Deputy Secretary-General emphasised that the quality of public policies is based on cooperation and coordination within the public administration system.

If we want better public policies, we must start with better cooperation. That is precisely why we are here today. The topics we are discussing often seem technical, but at their core they are about how we work with one another, she stated.

She noted that during the EU accession process, good ideas alone are not sufficient, and that the quality of policies depends on their alignment, coherence and joint implementation, as well as on the development of a strategic planning system that provides clear rules while maintaining necessary flexibility.

The Deputy Secretary-General highlighted that significant progress has been made in the field of strategic planning in recent years, including the harmonisation of practices in drafting strategic documents, improvements in their quality, and a stronger data-driven approach.

However, she pointed out that there is still room for improving day-to-day coordination between ministries.

Coordination between ministries depends on communication, trust and the willingness to look at the bigger picture. As we move closer to EU membership, expectations will grow. We will need to respond faster, plan more precisely and clearly demonstrate the results we achieve, she said.

She added that the workshop represents an important opportunity for open exchange of views and joint work on improving the system.

That is why today’s workshop is important. It provides us with a space to openly discuss what works and what can be improved, and to jointly seek solutions, Vućić Popović noted.

In closing, the Deputy Secretary-General underlined that policy coordination is not an end in itself, but a means to a more efficient, coherent and accountable public administration.