The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro has released preliminary budget execution figures for January 2026, indicating a notable rise in capital expenditures compared to the same month last year. This increase is viewed as an encouraging sign for the country’s economic outlook and public investment strategy.
Total budget revenues for January amounted to €162.6 million, representing approximately 1.9% of the projected GDP for 2026. This figure marks a 3.8% increase year-on-year, reflecting robust growth across key tax categories. Notably, value-added tax revenues rose by 7.2%, excise duties increased by 9.3%, and personal income tax receipts grew by 3.8%. These results suggest a resilient revenue performance despite ongoing global economic challenges.
Capital expenditure for January surged to around €18.6 million, significantly higher than in January of the previous year. The Ministry emphasized that this jump in capital spending aligns with a strategic focus on enhancing infrastructure and development initiatives at the start of the budget cycle. Such an acceleration is interpreted as a commitment to balancing fiscal stability with active support for economic growth and long-term development objectives.
The government has positioned this rise in investment as a clear indication of its efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks, expand economic capacity, and build investor confidence. These developments are part of Montenegro’s broader agenda aimed at deeper integration with the European Union and implementing essential structural reforms.
