Finance Minister Novica Vuković announced that he will submit the draft budget for next year to the Government next week. The proposal is slightly lower than this year’s budget and is designed to be fiscally disciplined, socially responsible, and growth-oriented, while also restricting discretionary spending. Capital spending is planned to increase from 280 million euros in 2025 to 300 million euros in 2026.
Vuković said Montenegro is aligning with EU partners’ recommendations to control public sector employment and manage revenues responsibly. Medium-term debt strategy, prepared with the IMF, sets clear guidelines for fiscal planning. Montenegro continues to follow the “golden rule,” using borrowing only to refinance existing debt and fund infrastructure projects, while regular revenues cover all current obligations. The budget deficit is projected at 3.3 percent in 2026.
For next year, spending on discretionary items such as consultancy contracts, fuel costs, and other non-essential expenses will be reduced. Budget revenues for the first ten months reached 2.344 billion euros, 26 million more than in the same period last year, with a current surplus of around 100 million euros.
Major capital projects worth over 400 million euros remain planned, mainly in transport infrastructure, including highways and expressways. The Government also plans to establish a national data center to meet EU cybersecurity standards by 2028.
Vuković noted that borrowing plans for 2026 and 2027 may need to increase because of changing market conditions and rising interest rates, stressing the need for quick action on refinancing.
He also addressed allegations from BIRN regarding his university degree, calling them an orchestrated attempt to damage his reputation. He said official documents showed the accusations were unfounded and suggested the affair targeted both him and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
