#NiceToMeetEU: Damir Nikočević, Montenegro

• Name: Damir Nikočević
• Country: Montenegro
• Function & responsibilities: Development Coordinator. Thematic areas within organisation: Media and media monitoring, democracy, political and election analysis, transparency and accountability of public institutions
• Organisation: Centre for Civic Education (CCE)

About me … Development Coordinator in one of the most developed and influential NGOs in Montenegro – Centre for Civic Education (CCE/CGO). Extensive experience in management of EU funded projects and service contracts, as well as projects funded by other donors. My thematic areas are focusing on challenging issues in the process of democratisation of Montenegro, such as media and media monitoring, democracy, political and election analysis, transparency and accountability of public institutions, etc. Participant in a series of national and regional conferences related to civil society development, European integration, democracy, communication, digital security and media. Author or co-author of series of analysis and reports in the field of democracy, media affairs and accession negotiation process of Montenegro and many of these were sources for the international assessments on Montenegro. Member of the Consultative Body (formed by Government of Montenegro) which monitors and evaluates the implementation of the Strategy of Informing the Public on Accession of Montenegro to the European Union 2019-2022.

My best memory of the EUVP programme is … Fresh, analytical and objective view of current situation from EU. That is what we need, here in Montenegro, due to high political and media polarization. The conversation, exchanging information and views on the future with many important decision-makers revealed some new things concerning the functioning of the European Union, its institutions which are not visible in Montenegro as a country that is still outside the European Union.

I would welcome connection requests from the Alumni who…. are open and ready to talk openly about topics in which we have common interests. Extensive network of individuals and organizations dealing with topics of vital importance for relations between the European Union and Western Balkan countries  - is crucial. 

I would be happy to discuss the topics of…. Western Balkans path to EU and further perspectives within the framework of new methodology; Media freedom in Western Balkan countries; work of the Western Balkans Task Force for media freedom; Parliamentary cooperation between the EU and Western Balkan countries, Future of European Union; Communication tools with aim to promote EU values.

Contact me in… English

Connecting EUVP Alumni is relevant because... I believe we all share similar values. By connecting with Alumni members  we strengthen not only the values ​​we share, but we make our voice stronger and more united.

My hopes for the EU relations with my country are… I deeply believe that Europe and the European Union, despite the many challenges they face, are still the best place to live. Democracy, human rights and equal opportunities are the foundation without which there is no progress. I strongly believe and hope that my country, Montenegro, will be the first next member of the European Union.