During their first meeting, Montenegro’s Finance Minister Novica Vuković and the newly appointed European Union Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Satler, emphasized that the integration process for Montenegro into the EU can only be accelerated through dedicated collaboration between government institutions and the EU delegation.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the upcoming activities on Montenegro’s European path, particularly in light of the Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Minister Vuković highlighted the government’s commitment to overcoming previous delays in the European integration process and to enhancing both living standards and economic growth in the country. He also briefed Satler on key policies implemented by the Ministry of Finance over the past ten months, including the development of a Fiscal Strategy for 2024-2027, which encompasses a range of reform initiatives and conservative compensatory measures.
Vuković also stressed the significance of issuing domestic bonds on the international market, meeting conditions for signing a Development Policy Loan (DPL) arrangement with the World Bank, improving credit ratings, and fostering strong collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and other financial institutions.
Ambassador Satler underscored the importance of constructive dialogue and intensive cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, noting its critical role in 11 negotiation chapters. He expressed the EU’s full commitment to this process as the highest representative of the EU in Montenegro.
Both agreed on the necessity of diversifying Montenegro’s economy, with Minister Vuković stating that future efforts would particularly focus on agriculture, energy, and transportation, highlighting incentives outlined in the Fiscal Strategy aimed at fostering business development in less developed municipalities.
