The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) has officially submitted its application to the European Payments Council (EPC) to join the payment schemes of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), according to a statement from the bank.
This move represents an important operational and technical step in Montenegro’s transition to SEPA systems, paving the way for faster, more affordable, and more secure international payments to and from Montenegro starting on October 6, 2025, the date designated by the EPC as the Operational Readiness Day.
Submitting the application at the beginning of the timeframe set by the EPC reflects the Central Bank’s strategic approach and the system’s readiness to join SEPA. It also highlights the high level of technical and regulatory preparedness and the effective coordination with domestic banks and European institutions.
In the coming months, CBCG will continue to lead and coordinate intensive activities to fully prepare the banking system for October 6, 2025, ensuring that international transactions to and from Montenegro will be carried out in accordance with EPC and SEPA rules.
Montenegro became a member of the SEPA geographical area on November 21, 2024. This granted the country the right to begin the formal process of joining SEPA payment schemes, which requires both technical and regulatory preparation. The application submitted today represents the step of joining specific SEPA schemes, which is necessary for enabling international payments in the SEPA format.
Joining SEPA is a major step forward in strengthening Montenegro’s financial integration with the European Union. It supports a more competitive, secure, and efficient payment system and further reinforces trust in the stability and modernization of the Montenegrin financial sector among citizens, investors, and international partners.
