A study visit aimed at strengthening regional cooperation for Roma inclusion between Montenegro and North Macedonia took place on 26-27 February 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia. The visit was initiated by the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme Roma Integration III and organised in collaboration with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (Montenegro Country Office).

The Montenegrin delegation consisted of key representatives from institutions involved in Roma inclusion, including the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Affairs, and Demographics, the Roma Council, and the National Roma Contact Point.

The primary goal of the visit was to address pressing issues related to Roma inclusion, such as education, civil registration, anti-discrimination efforts, employment, and poverty reduction. Delegates engaged with North Macedonian institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and discuss strategies for improving Roma-related policies in both countries.

The discussions centred on critical areas such as enhancing access to education, ensuring legal identity, promoting employment opportunities, and improving social inclusion for Roma communities. Furthermore, the visit reinforced the importance of cooperation to uphold the commitments made in the Poznan Declaration, which aims to improve the social inclusion of Roma people across the Western Balkans region.

In conclusion, the study visit played a vital role in strengthening both countries' commitment to advancing Roma inclusion. The exchange of insights on policies and challenges—particularly in the areas of education, civil registration, anti-discrimination, and employment—provided valuable guidance for future actions. By fostering continued regional cooperation, significant progress can be made towards creating more inclusive and equitable societies in the Western Balkans.