Tightening cybersecurity cooperation with Montenegro

On Wednesday, 27 August 2025, the e-Governance Academy hosted Filip Ivanović, Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, in Tallinn. 

The discussions focused on how eGA’s expertise from Estonia can support Montenegro in developing digital governance, strengthening cybersecurity resilience and advancing cyber diplomacy.

From Montenegro, the Deputy Prime Minister was joined by his delegation. Representing the e-Governance Academy, the meeting was led by Hannes Astok, Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Board, together with Merle Maigre, Head of the Cybersecurity Competence Center; Hauke Schulz, Expert; and Margus Sarapuu, Senior Expert.

“Meeting the Deputy Prime Minister gave us valuable access to an extensive network of experts in Montenegro. This mutually beneficial interaction will help Montenegro on its way towards European integration,” says Merle Maigre, Head of Cybersecurity Competence Center at the e-Governance Academy.

The meeting with eGA was part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s broader official visit to Estonia, which also included talks with Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs. The discussions focused on reaffirming the strong ties between the two countries and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

With support from the European Union, eGA has supported enhancing Montenegro’s cybersecurity capabilities throughout the years. An ongoing project “Cybersecurity Rapid Response for Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia 2.0”  focuses on increasing the technical and operational capabilities for large-scale cyber crisis management, both through increased risk mitigation and incident response.

Additionally, during the first phase of the EU-supported project “Cybersecurity Rapid Response for Albania, Montenegro and North-Macedonia 1.0” eGA’s experts contributed to the improvement of cyber resilience in the countries in compliance with EU acquis and best practice.