The European Commission has officially approved the disbursement of the first tranche of funds to Montenegro under the EU Instrument for Reforms and Growth, continuing the positive trend in implementing the Western Balkans Growth Plan and confirming Montenegro’s commitment to its European perspective.
Based on the submitted report on the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the European Commission’s assessment, the first regular tranche of €10.2 million was approved. Of this, €4.7 million has been allocated as budget support through a favorable loan. The remaining €5.5 million will finance infrastructure projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), including €2.6 million in loans and €2.9 million in grants, which will be disbursed in the upcoming period.
These funds result from significant reform steps, including the establishment of a public register of state-owned enterprises, increased transparency in international agreements, the introduction of energy certificates, broadband network development, full digitalization of public services, and the adoption of EU-aligned regulations with a completion deadline of 28 February 2025. For reforms still in progress, Montenegro may use an additional 24-month period for full implementation in accordance with EU rules, without losing available funds.
Additional progress was achieved in the first half of the year in important areas such as spatial planning and energy, as detailed in the Mid-Year Report adopted by the Government of Montenegro on 10 July and submitted to the European Commission for review.
The disbursement of this tranche sends a clear signal that Montenegro is achieving measurable results in implementing reforms and efficiently using available European funds to support development and EU integration.
The Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Finance remain committed to fulfilling planned reform steps according to the established timeline, ensuring strong coordination, and effectively managing funds from the Instrument for Reforms and Growth to improve the quality of life for citizens of Montenegro.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF FINANCE