The European Commission has officially approved the disbursement of the first tranche of funds to Montenegro under the EU Reform and Growth Facility, marking a continuation of the positive trend in implementing the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and reaffirming its commitment to Montenegro’s European perspective.
Based on the submitted report on the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the European Commission’s assessment, the first regular tranche, amounting to €10.2 million, has been approved. Of this amount, €4.7 million has been paid as budgetary support through a concessional loan. The remaining €5.5 million will be allocated for the financing of 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 coming period.
These funds are the result of a significant number of reform steps, such as the establishment of a public register of state-owned enterprises, greater transparency of international agreements, the introduction of energy certificates, the development of broadband networks, the complete digitalisation of public services, and the adoption of EU-aligned regulations, with a deadline for implementation set for 28 February 2025. In line with EU rules, for reforms that are still ongoing, Montenegro will be entitled to an additional 24-month period to complete their implementation without losing access to the available funds.
During the first half of the year, progress was also achieved in key areas such as spatial planning and energy, which was thoroughly presented in the Second Semi-Annual Report adopted by the Government of Montenegro on 10 July and submitted to the European Commission for review.
The disbursement of this tranche represents a clear signal that Montenegro is delivering measurable results in implementing reforms and is efficiently utilising the available European funds to support its development and integration into the EU.
The Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Finance remain committed to fulfilling the planned reform steps in line with the established timetable, ensuring strong coordination and efficient management of funds from the Reform and Growth Facility for the benefit of a better and higher-quality life for the citizens of Montenegro.
Source: ME4EU