On October 4th and 5th, a group of 40 members from Montenegro’s negotiating structure participated in a workshop focused on enhancing communication, negotiation and report writing skills in Podgorica. The workshop represents a joint initiative between the Chief Negotiator's Office and the Norway/UNOPS ‘’Knowledge for Reform Action’’ (K4R) Programme, aimed at supporting Montenegro’s EU integration process during this critical phase of accession negotiations. Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator, Mr Predrag Zenovic, expressed his satisfaction with the timely support provided by the K4R Programme in addressing the current needs of the negotiation teams. UNOPS Chief Technical Advisor, Jochen Penker, emphasized that the workshop comes as a result of the programme’s close cooperation with the Chief Negotiator's Office.

The first day of the workshop highlighted the importance of building relationships, establishing trust, and ensuring clear communication within teams. Special attention was given to crisis communication, covering how to manage organizational responses, step-by-step procedures, and tools for handling crises effectively. An additional segment focused on external communication strategies. A selected group of participants received specialized media training, which was particularly well-received. This involved practical, hands-on exercises, including simulated TV appearances. The participants practiced their media skills, which were recorded and later analyzed by the group and trainers, providing valuable feedback for future public engagements. 

On the second day, the focus shifted to report writing skills, particularly in the context of contributing to the European Commission's annual country reports on Montenegro. Participants were trained in effective report structure, identifying common writing mistakes, and methods for presenting concise, well-organized information. Group exercises allowed participants to collaborate and apply the techniques learned by drafting a brief report based on a provided set of data.

Participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the workshop's content and delivery, emphasizing its practical value. Many advocated for similar training sessions in the future to continue building essential skills that will support Montenegro’s EU accession process. This workshop represents a continued commitment to strengthening Montenegro’s capacity to meet the demands of EU accession negotiations, ensuring that teams are equipped with the tools needed for clear communication, effective negotiation, and professional reporting.