As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, by determining the Draft Law on the Ratification of the Agreement on Accession to the Instrument between the EU and Montenegro on Special Arrangements for Implementing Support within the Reform and Growth Instrument, the government has completed all procedural steps necessary for the disbursement of funds from the Western Balkans Growth Plan, reports eKapija.
The government had previously accepted the agreement, and with the determination of the Draft Law, all procedural steps have been fulfilled for its further adoption in parliament.
The Growth Plan is a substantial financial instrument aimed not only at bringing Montenegro’s
economic standards closer to the European average but also at implementing comprehensive
reforms that will transform the country's economic and social environment.
"We expect the parliament to consider this proposal as soon as possible to enable the disbursement of pre-financing and the first tranche from the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Since this is the framework agreement for Montenegro’s participation in the EU Growth Plan, the adoption of this law in parliament and its entry into force, along with everything the government has done so far in preparing and adopting the Reform Agenda, are prerequisites for signing an additional loan agreement and receiving the planned funds", the statement reads.
The Ministry further stated that until all these procedural steps are completed, the European Commission (EC) cannot begin disbursing funds into the state budget.
"Thus, the parliament holds the key responsibility for finalizing this process. Otherwise, Montenegro will not be able to use the planned funds for projects and reform initiatives", the Ministry concluded.
(EUpravo zato/biznis.rs)
