Montenegro’s government adopted a semiannual report on 5 November 2026 showing public institutions signed procurement contracts worth 715.58 million euros in the first half of the year. Reported savings were 2.97% against estimated contract values, according to the report.
The figures cover purchases of works, goods and services by 712 contracting authorities, including central government institutions and other public entities covered by procurement legislation. From January through June 2026, they carried out 4,105 procedures that resulted in 4,793 signed contracts.
The estimated value of the contracts was 737.44 million euros, compared with the awarded value of 715.58 million euros. The report put the difference at approximately 21.87 million euros, or 2.97% of the estimates.
The awarded values measure contract awards, not cash payments or the completed value of projects, the report says. The savings rate alone does not establish whether competition was weak or pricing inappropriate: estimates may be close to market prices, while complex procurement categories may leave limited room for price reductions.
A fuller assessment would need information on bidder numbers, contract amendments, negotiated procedures, cancelled tenders and actual spending after implementation. The report forms part of the government’s ongoing monitoring of procurement performance and alignment with European Union requirements.
Montenegro has provisionally closed the European Union negotiating chapter on public procurement. Effective implementation of the rules remains important for investor confidence and the country’s institutional credibility, according to the report.
The next priority for public finance oversight is to assess whether contracts are delivered on time, within approved budgets and in line with technical specifications. More transparent information on bidders, beneficial ownership, contract amendments and delivery outcomes would help assess performance beyond awarded contract values.
