A two-day training for 15 representatives of local authorities involved in the ROMACTED Programme has been realized in Petrovac (Montenegro) on 2 and 3 December 2019. The aim of the training was to actively involve participants in preparing project proposal for EU/IPA funds regarding Roma issues in Montenegro, such as: housing, education, job employment, social inclusion, health and cultural identity.

An expert in EU Project Cycle Management has conducted the training which included also practical exercises on Problem Tree, needs assessment and how to analyse the relations between causes and effects when it comes to designing responses to social problems of Roma community and translate them into a logical project approach scheme.

The training was also attended by the ROMACTED facilitators from Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić and Herceg Novi, which are the municipalities involved in the phase of elaboration and validation of Local Action Plans for Roma community inclusion and development. The participants received theoretical and practical coaching based on the forecast for EU calls in Montenegro. After the first phase on how the EU Calls for Proposal are designed for applicants, the participants have been divided in working groups and requested to put into practise the information received and adapting them into the context of local realities of Roma settlements and communities.

The training was closed by the session on drafting the agenda of field visits, in order to help and support local authorities with the development of concrete project proposals for current EU/IPA calls that address Roma needs and constraints in each municipality.

ROMACTED Programme is operating through a participatory working cycle, involving members of the Roma community and decision-makers from public institutions to develop and enhance mechanisms of communication, cooperation and joint action for building capacities of both stakeholders at local level.

ROMACTED Programme aims at building up political will and sustained policy engagement of local authorities to enhance democratic local governance and empowerment of local Roma communities. In Montenegro, it is implemented in eight municipalities: Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Herceg Novi, Nikšić, Podgorica, Tivat and Ulcinj.