Podgorica, Montenegro, 10 October 2023 – A further 28 beneficiary families received keys to new houses in several municipalities in Montenegro today, thanks to the Regional Housing Programme (RHP). The event – the final delivery of keys event to take place in Montenegro before the close of the RHP at end-2023 – took place in Podgorica, and was attended by RHP families from across Montenegro.

In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the ceremony – which was hosted by Admir Adrović, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro, assisted by Budimirka Đukanović, National Coordinator of the RHP in Montenegro – was attended by Ricardo Serri, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro; H.E. Barış Kalkavan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Montenegro; Scott Parrish, Head of the Political and Economic Section in the United States Embassy in Montenegro; Zlatko Ivanovic, Political Specialist at the U.S. Embassy, and Aleksandar Čađenović, UNHCR Government Liaison Officer.

Cordially congratulating RHP beneficiaries on their new homes on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Minister Adrović stated, “We have shared both the good and the bad. You have become part of our society – we are sharing with you all the advantages and obligations of our country, in order to build a more successful society.” Thanking the European Union – the main Donor to the RHP – as well as the other Donor countries, the Council of Europe Development Bank, UNHCR, OSCE and other Partner Countries for their support and co-operation, he reflected on the achievements of the RHP and its impact in the region. “Cooperating based on trust and respect, dedicated work and professionalism, guided by the principles of humanity and solidarity, we witnessed great successes under the RHP” he stated.

Minister Adrović congratulates RHP beneficiary Branko Damjanović

On behalf of the European Union, Ricardo Serri noted that at the end of 2023, Montenegro would have provided 646 homes for a total estimated cost of EUR 25 million. Commending the Montenegrin government, which coordinates RHP activities in Montenegro, he encouraged continuing efforts in this area. “Sustainability is key, both when it comes to finding good housing solutions for those in need as well as the integration of refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable social groups. The EU will continue supporting you in this process,” he said, wishing the new homeowners many happy years in their new homes. 

Ricardo Serri next to photos of RHP houses

One of the beneficiaries, Mirko Maglov, thanked all those who made this day possible. “Ever since we realized that we will be getting a house, we are completely different people – we are very happy and grateful” he smiled.

Ricardo Serri congratulates the Maglov family

Ambassador Kalkavan delivers keys to RHP beneficiary Dragica Pešić

Scott Parrish with RHP beneficiary Lazar Spalević

Aleksandar Čađenović congratulates RHP beneficiary Ermina Agović