Montenegro’s Finance Minister Novica Vuković and Italy’s newly appointed ambassador Laura Egoli discussed closer economic ties and investment opportunities on 4 November 2026, including cooperation through the TIPS instant payment system and a Mediterranean special economic zones initiative. The talks also covered ways to expand Italian companies’ presence in Montenegro; the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro said the sides were ready to work on concrete economic and investment projects.
The participants discussed strengthening bilateral relations and creating opportunities for Italian companies to expand their business in the Montenegrin market. Egoli praised the results of the ministry’s work and Montenegro’s progress towards the European Union, and highlighted the importance of stronger institutional and economic links between the two countries.
The Bank of Italy developed TIPS (TARGET Instant Payment Settlement) for Western Balkan countries, and Montenegro has already joined the system through the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG). TIPS is scheduled to be presented in Rome on 23 November 2026, a further point of cooperation discussed at the meeting.
Italy’s government has also presented an initiative to establish an Association of Special Economic Zones (ZES) in the Mediterranean. The proposal is intended as a means of connecting economies and opening new areas for regional cooperation. Vuković said regional initiatives such as the association could encourage investment, trade and economic development.
The two sides discussed the forthcoming signing of Montenegro’s European Union accession treaty, which they said would increase the international visibility of the country’s economy, improve its business environment and strengthen its links with the European market. Vuković described Italy as an important economic partner and a reliable ally on Montenegro’s European path.
“Now is the opportunity to strengthen traditionally good political relations further with concrete investment and business projects,” Vuković said. The meeting ended with both sides expressing readiness to intensify communication and cooperation and continue work on economic and investment projects.
