The implementation of the Reform Agenda, which will secure Montenegro €383.5 million, is crucial for accelerating the country’s integration into the European Union (EU). This was highlighted during the first meeting of the Coordination Body for Monitoring the Implementation of the Reform Agenda 2024–2027.
The meeting was chaired by Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, along with representatives from various ministries responsible for specific reforms outlined in the agenda.
In her opening remarks, Gorčević referenced the European Commission’s decision on October 23, which approved Montenegro’s Reform Agenda, following positive feedback from EU member states. This approval meets the primary condition for accessing funds from the Instrument for Reform and Growth within the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Gorčević emphasized that EU support through this instrument would align Montenegro’s economy more closely with those of EU member states, offering Montenegrin companies opportunities to participate in the EU’s single market.
Ultimately, this initiative aims to enhance the socio-economic environment and drive fundamental reforms that will stimulate Montenegro’s economic growth.
“However, serious and diligent work lies ahead for our institutions, as the successful implementation of the measures from the Reform Agenda will depend on this effort, benefiting both Montenegro and its citizens,” Gorčević noted.
During the working session, it was pointed out that the reforms planned in this document will contribute to accelerating Montenegro’s economic convergence with EU averages and its integration into the EU.
Bojan Vujović, Director of the Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Support in the Ministry of European Affairs, stated that the Reform Agenda ensures EU support through a mix of grants and favorable loans.
Of the total support amounting to €383.5 million, €178.5 million is designated for budget support, while the remaining €205 million will be allocated for financing infrastructure projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). Vujović added that this instrument would provide Montenegrin companies with improved opportunities in the EU’s single market.
To ensure smooth implementation of the Reform Agenda, the relevant ministries have been tasked with reporting the current status of each reform and outlining implementation plans for the upcoming period until the planned results are achieved.
It was agreed that the Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Finance would collaborate on finalizing the legal framework and establishing a coordination and monitoring system for the measures outlined in the Reform Agenda.
