Montenegro is on the verge of closing Chapter 5 – Public Procurement, one of the key negotiating chapters in the EU accession process. As Granica Kovačević, Head of Department in the Directorate for Montenegro’s EU Accession, stated on TV Vijesti’s Bojama jutra program, the closure of this chapter is of exceptional importance, as it is part of Cluster 1, which encompasses fundamental reforms in the rule of law, public administration, and institutional functionality.
“This is not just a technical step forward – it is a sign of Montenegro’s determination to implement deep reforms,” Kovačević said.
She emphasized that the closure of the chapter signals that institutions are functioning, that reforms are real, and that Montenegro does not view European integration as a formality, but as a process of essential change.
Jelena Jovetić, Director General of the Directorate for Public Investment Management and Public Procurement Policy at the Ministry of Finance, expressed particular pride in the introduction of electronic public procurement, which, as she noted, has completely transformed the management concept of these processes.
“From a system in which bids were submitted in paper form with guarantees, we now have electronic submission, stronger competition, and greater transparency,” Jovetić said.
According to her, the average number of bids per tender now exceeds three, clearly indicating strengthened competition.
The elimination of the human factor through digitalization of public procurement has been recognized as one of the key anti-corruption mechanisms. Jovetić also highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation – when the Ministry of Finance detects irregularities, they are forwarded to the relevant anti-corruption bodies for further action.
As Kovačević reminded, closing a chapter does not mean the end of reforms. On the contrary – it marks the beginning of a new phase in which the European Commission will closely monitor the implementation of adopted laws and standards.
“Closing the chapter marks the start of more intensive oversight and greater accountability. Only consistent rule application brings benefits to citizens,” Kovačević stated.
Jovetić added that public procurement annually covers close to 800 million euros, making its proper implementation crucial for the country’s economic flows.
When asked about the European Commission’s concerns regarding the interstate agreement with the UAE, which exempts certain projects from public procurement rules, Jovetić explained that such provisions are also foreseen by EU directives.
“The agreement is within the legal framework, and it is important that even in such cases we demonstrate the application of European standards,” she emphasized.
According to the speakers, citizens are gaining greater transparency, fairer public spending, better infrastructure services, and opportunities for the economy. Public procurement reform has a direct effect on daily life.
“The assessment of public procurement in a Chamber of Commerce study was above three – the best result among the analyzed areas,” said Jovetić.
Montenegro hopes to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028. The closure of Chapter 5, as the speakers highlighted, is a strong step toward that goal and a sign that the country is not waiting passively for membership but is actively implementing reforms.
Source: vijesti.me