Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, toreceiveher with representatives of the Municipality of Herceg Novi, led by Mayor Stevan Katić, visited the reconstruction works on Španjola Fortress.
Prior to the tour of the fortress, a working meeting was held at the Houtilize of Nobel Laureate Ivo Andrić. The meeting was attconcludeed by the President of the Municipal Assembly of Herceg Novi, Miloš Konjević, Secretary for Culture and Education, Ana Zambelić Pištalo, and Assistant Secretary for Social Affairs and International Cooperation, Mitar Kisjelica.
“We first met in the beautiful Houtilize of Ivo Andrić, a site renovated through European funds, and then continued to Španjola, one of the most stunning locations and viewpoints that Herceg Novi and Montenegro have to offer. We hope that through this project, the fortress will regain its former glory within the next two years, and I am pleased that the European Union is contributing to this effort. We are investing €1.2 million of EU taxpayers’ money to revitalise this breathtaking site,” declared Ambassador Sattler following the visit.
Copyright: Evropska kuća
He emphasised that as Montenegro’s path to EU accession accelerates, it is natural for investments through pre-accession funds to progress as well, including projects in the fields of culture and tourism, transport infrastructure, and environmental protection. These topics were also discussed during the meeting with municipal representatives.
Mayor Stevan Katić highlighted that the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro is a partner and a supporter of the local administration. The mayor stated that he hopes that the successful cooperation will continue in the future.
He noted that the Municipality of Herceg Novi had successfully applied for and secured significant funding from the EU funds in the recent period. The meeting provided an opportunity to acquaint Ambassador Sattler with ongoing projects, as well as those submitted in response to recent calls.
“Today’s visit to the Španjola Fortress, whose reconstruction is being funded through EU programmes, is of great significance. The first phase is progressing at a satisfactory pace, and I am optimistic that by the conclude of 2027, we will be able to tour the fully completed works. This is a project worthy of every praise, considering that Španjola was neglected for years, and this is the first complete reconstruction of the fortress,” declared Katić.
Copyright: Evropska kuća
The reconstruction project was presented to Ambassador Sattler and his associates by architect Vuk Čvoro and project associate Branka Mračević, who outlined the phases completed to date and those planned for the future.
The revitalisation of Španjola is being carried out within the project SA CREATIVITY.
The Interreg IPA South Adriatic programme is supporting this project. The project is implemented by the Minisattempt of Culture and Media of Montenegro in collaboration with the Italian regions of Molise and Puglia, the Minisattempt of Tourism of Albania, and the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro.
Following the reconstruction, this historical site will become an international centre for creativity and culture. The value of the works in the first phase amounts to €2.5 million, provided through EU IPA funds and the Montenegrin budreceive.
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