Montenegro has received 26.8 million euros from the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans – of which 12.5 million euros in favourable loans have been paid into the state budget. An additional 14.3 million euros, in the form of grants and loans, will be channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to improve infrastructure across the country.
This advance payment represents seven percent of the total financial support allocated to Montenegro under the EU Growth Plan, according to the European House in Podgorica.
The EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, said that the Growth Plan helps Montenegro implement key reforms and align its economy and living standards with those of the EU.
"I am pleased that the first support package under the EU Growth Plan for Montenegro has been delivered and that we are witnessing the implementation of this important programme. This will soon become a regular practice – every six months the EU will assess whether Montenegro has implemented the necessary reforms, and funds will be disbursed based on the results achieved. I believe this provides a strong incentive for Montenegrin institutions to work diligently on reform measures, so that progress in education, infrastructure, digitalisation, and many other areas can be felt by every citizen, even before full EU membership," said Sattler.
The Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, stated that the Government had completed all necessary steps to enable the first payment – including the adoption of the Growth Plan Agreement in Parliament and the signing of the Loan Agreement with the European Commission.
She explained that from the total pre-financing amount, 14.3 million euros will be directed towards infrastructure projects in the energy sector through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, while the remainder will be disbursed as direct budgetary support for implementing priorities from the Reform Agenda by the end of 2027.
"The disbursement of the first tranche of financial support from the Growth Plan confirms that Montenegro is a reliable partner committed to delivering all planned reforms. The Government has met all the preconditions for making these funds available, and this is a strong signal to both our citizens and EU institutions. This is the first tangible sign that European integration is not an abstract idea but brings real benefits to citizens and the economy. Investment in infrastructure and reform policies will be our ticket to the European Union in 2028," said Minister Gorčević.
Spajić: The value of our reform agenda has been recognised
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić commented on this topic via the social network X.
"The EU has just transferred nearly 27 million euros to Montenegro from the Growth Plan. This recognises the value of the reform agenda proposed by the Government of Montenegro last year. The total amount of 383 million euros, which we will receive gradually over the next two years, will be directed towards implementing comprehensive reforms that bring tangible benefits to citizens. We are building 12 new kindergartens, 11 elementary schools, and two student dormitories," wrote Spajić.
He stated that investments are being made in inclusive education and the development of new skills.
"We are generating more energy from renewable sources. We are strengthening the budget and expanding social services. We are introducing new digital services and reducing queues at service counters. We are establishing better control over public procurement and intensifying the fight against the grey economy," said Spajić, emphasising that reforms are not just bureaucracy – they mean a better life.
A total of 383 million Euros by the end of 2027
By 2027, Montenegro has the opportunity to receive up to 383 million euros from the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Instrument, in exchange for progress in reforms in areas such as the rule of law and fundamental rights, renewable energy, the digital economy, human capital, and private sector development.
Future payments from this instrument will be made upon the completion of reform steps agreed between the European Commission and the Government of Montenegro through the Reform Agenda.
To recall, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans serves as a roadmap for bringing the region's economies closer to the European Union. It also enables gradual access to the EU single market, allowing the citizens of the Western Balkans to experience the initial benefits of European integration while simultaneously supporting further regional economic integration.
The Growth Plan provides an additional 6 billion euros in financial assistance to support socio-economic and key structural reforms, as well as related investments.
Payments are conditional on the implementation of reforms defined in the Reform Agendas prepared by the recipients. The European Commission is currently assessing the fulfilment of the first set of reform steps.
