The implementation of the Reform Agenda through which Montenegro will receive €383.5 million, will be crucial for accelerating the country’s integration into the EU, it was concluded at the inaugural session of the Coordination Body for Monitoring the Implementation of the 2024–2027 Reform Agenda. The session was chaired by Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević with representatives of relevant ministries responsible for specific reform measures outlined in the document.
In her opening speech Minister Gorčević referred to the European Commission’s decision on October 23 to adopt Montenegro’s Reform Agenda, following the positive opinion of EU member states. This fulfilled the main condition for accessing funds from the Reform and Growth Instrument under the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
She emphasized that the EU’s support through this instrument would bring Montenegro’s economy closer to that of EU member states and provide Montenegrin companies with opportunities to participate in the EU single market. Ultimately, this will enhance the socio-economic environment and drive fundamental reforms that will stimulate Montenegro’s economic growth.
“However, the institutions face a significant and demanding task ahead, as the successful implementation of the Reform Agenda measures will depend on their hard work, to the benefit of Montenegro and its citizens,” Gorčević stressed in her opening remarks.
During the working session it was highlighted that the reforms planned within this document would accelerate Montenegro’s economic convergence with the EU average and its faster integration into the Union.
Bojan Vujović, Director General of the Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Assistance at the Ministry of European Affairs, stated that the Reform Agenda ensures EU support through a combination of grants and favorable loans.
“Of the total €383.5 million in support allocated to Montenegro, €178.5 million will be provided as budgetary support, while the remaining €205 million will be directed toward financing infrastructure projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF),” Vujović noted. He added that this instrument would offer Montenegrin companies better opportunities in the EU single market.
To ensure smooth implementation of the Reform Agenda, the relevant ministries have been tasked with providing updates on the current status of each reform and step, as well as 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 will collaborate to finalize the legal framework and establish a system for coordinating and monitoring the measures outlined in the Reform Agenda.