Upcoming Webinar on the Standard Operational Procedure for Financial Investigations in Montenegro

Upcoming Webinar on the Standard Operational Procedure for Financial Investigations in Montenegro

Within the framework of the project “Strengthening Capacities in the Field of Financial Investigations in Montenegro (2025–2026)”, Slovenian experts in financial investigations have been actively reviewing the first draft of the Standard Operational Procedure for Financial Investigations (SOP) prepared by the SOP Working Group of the Police Directorate of Montenegro.

To support the further development of this important document, a dedicated webinar will bring together Slovenian experts and members of the SOP Working Group for an exchange of views, professional insights, recommendations, and good practices. The event will serve as a collaborative platform for constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening the quality, coherence, and practical applicability of the SOP.

The webinar will take place on June 10th 2026.

In addition, participants will work on the development of an Action Plan for the finalization of the SOP, ensuring a coordinated and harmonized process among all stakeholders. The final version of the document is expected to be submitted to the Police Directorate of Montenegro by the end of 2026.

The project “Strengthening capacities in the field of financial investigations in Montenegro (2025/2026)” is implemented with the support of the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Programme, in cooperation with the Slovenian Police and the Slovenian Ministry of Interior.

Centering Citizens in a Secure Digital Society: New EDDE Workshop to Advance Digital Diplomacy and Information Resilience

Centering Citizens in a Secure Digital Society: New EDDE Workshop to Advance Digital Diplomacy and Information Resilience

The Centre for European Perspective is launching a new four-day European Digital Diplomacy Exchange workshop that will convene officials from 16 different countries to determine how public sector adoption of emerging digital technologies can center citizens in democratic processes that bolster social productivity and resilience. Our training, “Centering Citizens in a Secure Digital Society,” will bring together mid- and high-level government communications officials, private technology sector representatives, security experts, media figures, and academic thought leaders from across Europe and the United States to discuss and determine how governments can best empower their citizens with the critical political, social, and cultural information necessary to protect national information sovereignty and counter foreign propaganda – all of which is critical to promoting the information economies necessary to ensure citizens have a productive role in shaping their nation’s future.

Participants will engage in a number of lectures, structured discussions, and hand-on activities that bridge the theory and practice of critical strategic communications capacities necessary to ensure that governments are fulfilling their role as strong stewards and facilitators of public information and public discourse.

By convening practitioners from across sectors and across national borders, EDDE continues to bolster a vital platform for cooperation and collaboration that is integral to ensuring that governments, industry, media, and academia are collectively engaged in addressing challenges in the information space that continue to pose a threat to national sovereignty, national security, and national social resilience. EDDE’s approach ensures that all citizens’, and all nations’, interests are protected. It ensures we build a future when each nation can thrive individually and in partnership. 

 The Centre for European Perspective is overseeing and implementing the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange project. Activities are supported and funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in the scope of the Development Cooperation and Aid program.

Ukrainian Municipal and Regional Representatives Begin Cluster Visit to Slovenia Focused on Economic Development

Ukrainian Municipal and Regional Representatives Begin Cluster Visit to Slovenia Focused on Economic Development

Representatives of Ukrainian municipalities and regional authorities have officially begun their cluster mentorship visit to Slovenia, dedicated to economic development, investment promotion, and support for local entrepreneurship.

The visit brings together mayors and senior representatives from 13 Ukrainian oblasts and marks the beginning of a thematic process designed to support Ukrainian authorities in areas related to EU accession Chapter 22.

The opening discussions took place at Jable Castle in Mengeš, where participants were welcomed by representatives of CEP, the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovenia, the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development, and Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport. The first day of the programme focused on Slovenia’s governance model for regional development, cohesion policy, entrepreneurship support, and institutional cooperation.

Experts from Slovenian ministries and development institutions presented Slovenia’s national framework for regional development and business support, while also sharing practical experiences related to entrepreneurship promotion, development funds, and project support mechanisms.

The delegation was joined by:

  • Ms Alenka Marovt and Mr Jan Sitar from the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport,
  • Ms Ivana Štrkalj and Mr Tin Krampl from the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development,
  • Ms Natalia Markevych-Pritsa, First Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia.

Throughout the visit, participants will explore Slovenia’s economic development ecosystem and institutional support environment through meetings, workshops, and field visits across Ljubljana and its surroundings, as well as the Koroška and Štajerska regions.

The mentorship process aims to strengthen the capacities of Ukrainian local and regional authorities in the fields of regional development, investment attraction, and sustainable local economic growth while contributing to Ukraine’s broader EU integration efforts.

The programme is organised by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

Mentorship Visit of Horodenka Municipality to Beltinci Concludes

Mentorship Visit of Horodenka Municipality to Beltinci Concludes

As part of the “Rebuild Ukraine” programme a mentorship visit of representatives from the Ukrainian municipality of Horodenka took place in the Municipality of Beltinci between 13 and 27 May. The programme was designed to support Ukrainian local communities in project development, knowledge exchange, and strengthening international cooperation.

Representatives of Horodenka municipality, Ms Mariia Zdrila and Ms Tetiana Hamula, worked together with CEP experts and their mentor Dejan Bogdan from the Municipality of Beltinci on developing project proposals in the fields of waste management and veterans’ rehabilitation. Both topics represent important priorities for the municipality as Ukraine continues to face the consequences of war and reconstruction challenges.

The mentorship programme provided participants with insight into Slovenian good practices in local development, project management, and the functioning of local self-government. During their stay, they attended presentations of projects implemented by the Municipality of Beltinci and the Institute for Tourism, Culture and Sport Beltinci, visited CEROP, Saubermacher-Komunala, Komuna Beltinci and the wastewater treatment plant, learned about the work of the social enterprise ZRIRAP Beltinci, and participated in the final conference of the RurALL project.

In the final stage of the visit, the delegation was joined by the Mayor of Horodenka Municipality, Mr Bohdan Kobyliansky, who was welcomed by the Mayor of Beltinci Municipality, Mr Marko Virag. Their meeting focused on exchanging experiences regarding local governance, the preparation and management of EU-funded projects, and the challenges faced by rural communities in both Slovenia and Ukraine.

The mentorship visit concluded at the scenic Island of Love in Ižakovci, where the mayors signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the municipalities of Beltinci and Horodenka, laying the foundation for future collaboration and joint initiatives.

On this occasion, the Municipality of Beltinci also donated solar panels to Horodenka, a gesture of solidarity and support that will help the local community during these difficult times.

“Many communities have good ideas, but you also need the required skills. We tried to give you an insight into our own journey,” said Mr Marko Virag, Mayor of the Municipality of Beltinci, during the closing event.

The mentorship visit stands as an important example of cooperation between Slovenian and Ukrainian local communities and represents concrete support for Ukraine’s recovery and long-term local development.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

Foto: Jure Kljajić

Media articles

Global starts Local: Workshops about raising awareness on international development cooperation

Global starts Local: Workshops about raising awareness on international development cooperation

CEP, in cooperation with Zavod Povod, is organising interactive workshops for 9th-grade primary school students aimed at raising awareness about the importance of international development cooperation, global solidarity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The first workshops will take place:

  • on 3 June in Spodnja Idrija Primary School
  • on 12 June in Lenart Primary School

The 90-minute workshops are designed to introduce young people to Slovenia’s role in international development cooperation while encouraging reflection on active citizenship, solidarity, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.

Through interactive learning, group discussions, quizzes, and creative activities, participants will explore:

  • the role of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective in international cooperation,
  • the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for people, society, and the environment,
  • the contribution of Slovenian NGOs to international solidarity and sustainable development,
  • concrete examples of Slovenia’s support for Ukraine and other international projects.

Special attention will be given to connecting young people’s personal values with the Sustainable Development Goals and understanding how international projects contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient society.

The workshops are based on a participatory approach and encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and active engagement in understanding global challenges and their local impact.

The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership programme.

Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool for Ukrainian Municipalities

Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool for Ukrainian Municipalities

On 19 May 2026, the Centre for Europepan Perspective (CEP), in collaboration with the Regional Development Agency of the Kyiv Region, hosted a international webinar titled “Social Entrepreneurship as a Local Development Tool: Good Practices and Real-Life Examples from Slovenia and Ukraine”.

The webinar explored how municipalities can support social entrepreneurship through community engagement, local partnerships, and targeted support measures. Drawing on Slovenian experience, Mr Marin Zver from CPU – Center ponovne uporabe (Reuse Center Slovenia) presented how social enterprises can address waste, social exclusion, and local service gaps through reuse and circular economy models. His presentation focused on the importance of municipal partnerships, local infrastructure, and sustainable business activities that create green jobs, strengthen social inclusion, and keep value within the community.

Ukrainian expert Ms Ksenia Pecherska presented the Ukrainian perspective, focusing on legal and funding aspects, as well as practical approaches to identifying local needs and supporting community-led initiatives.

Supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid programme.