Montenegro and Bosnia Plan Joint Embassies

The governments of Montenegro and Bosnia are to sign an agreement to establish joint embassies on the so-called "Nordic" model.

Under the agreement, which BIRN has seen, the new arrangements will contribute tocost-effectiveness and improved efficiency in the work of diplomatic and consular offices.

"The governments of the two countries will jointly use facilities in third countries for the accommodation of their diplomatic and consular stuff, and also for providing funds and services abroad," the agreement reads.

The Nordic model refers to the way that Scandinavian countries often share diplomatic premises.

To cut costs, Montenegro has said it is interested in setting up more joint diplomatic representatives offices with other countries in the region, including Kosovo, Albania and Serbia.

Montenegro's Foreign Ministry signed a bilateral agreement on joint diplomatic and consular offices with Macedonia in 2013.

However, concetete steps have been taken only over the embassy in Paris, which both states are to use.

Joint representation usually means joint management of consular affairs and protection and assistance with visas, passports and in cases of accidents.

Montenegro's Foreign Ministry has clarified that while it is interested in sharing office space, diplomatic missions will not actually be merged.

Based on an earlier agreement from 2007, Serbia already represents the interests of Montenegro in more than 40 countries where Podgorica has no diplomatic presence. Similar agreements are in place with Macedonia and Croatia.

Serbia launched an initiative on establishing joint embassies in the region in 2013. Belgrade said Macedonia and Montenegro will be invited to share Serbia's...