OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TWINNING LIGHT PROJECT “IMPROVING THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK AND STRENGTHENING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITIES OF THE AUDIT AUTHORITY OF MONTENEGRO”

The official opening of the Twinning Light project “Improving the Legislative Framework and Strengthening the Administrative Capacities of the Audit Authority of Montenegro” took place on March 28, 2023, at the Ramada Hotel. This Twinning Light project, funded by the EU with a budget of €199,999.95, is being implemented in cooperation with the Agency for the Audit of European Union Program Implementation Systems.

The general goal of this Twinning Light project is to improve the legislative framework and strengthen the administrative capacities of the Audit Authority of Montenegro. The specific aim and purpose of the project are to enable the effective closure of the 2014-2020 programming period (IPA II) and to prepare Montenegro for program management and project control funded under IPA III/ESIF.

The Twinning project is being implemented through two components: the first focuses on strengthening institutional arrangements and improving the legislative framework governing the work of the Audit Authority, ensuring readiness for EU membership. The second component focuses on strengthening the capacities of the Audit Authority for relevant activities related to the closure of IPA II, the audit of IPA III programs, and ESI funds.

In addition to the Croatian team of short-term experts, Hungarian, Irish, and Swedish experts are also involved in the project, contributing their knowledge and experience to enhance the capacities of the Audit Authority of Montenegro.

During the opening, speeches were given by the Chief Auditor of the Audit Authority, Ms. Ksenija Barjaktarović, who is the project leader from the beneficiary institution, Mr. Yngve Engstroem, Head of the Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, and Mr. Neven Šprlje, Director of the Agency for the Audit of European Union Program Implementation Systems, who is the project leader from the member state.

Additionally, speeches were delivered by Mr. Balázs Dencső, Director General of the Directorate-General for Audit of European Union Funds of Hungary, Ms. Marijana Carlsten, Unit Manager at the Swedish Audit Authority, and Mr. Paul Herron, Audit Manager at the ERDF Audit Authority of Ireland.

Ms. Ksenija Barjaktarović emphasized the significance of the Twinning Light project for developing the capacities of the Audit Authority and preparing it for the new programming period and the audit of projects funded under IPA III/ESIF.

The project is scheduled to be implemented over eight months, with activities starting in January 2023.