Montenegro is Building a Modern and Transparent Public Administration through the Strategic GOVERNANCE Project

The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro is actively participating in the strategic cross-border project GOVERNANCE, aimed at strengthening public administration capacities through digitalisation and improved management of EU funds. The project is implemented in cooperation with partners from three countries under the Interreg South Adriatic Programme Italy, Albania and Montenegro) and represents an important step toward establishing modern and functional administrations prepared for the challenges of EU membership.

Vision and Strategic Importance

Montenegro has been on the path to European integration for more than a decade. As EU accession becomes increasingly realistic, one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities is to strengthen institutional capacities and ensure the effective use of pre-accession funds. In this context, the GOVERNANCE project emerges as a key tool — not only for aligning with European standards, but also for building a functional and sustainable governance system based on transparency, knowledge, and innovation.

Digital Transformation of Public Administration

As the lead on two pilot projects within GOVERNANCE, the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro will be implementing activities focused on the development of two information systems:

• An Information System for Managing IPA III Funds, designed to simplify data entry, project tracking and reporting processes/programs that are implemented within the model of indirect management

• A Document Management and Archiving System, which will ensure secure digital storage and access to all key documents related to EU funds.

The objective of these activities is to modernise and streamline procedures, improve institutional efficiency, and support real-time, data-driven decision-making.

Challenges and Institutional Solutions

Despite strong motivation and a clear vision, the implementation of strategic pilot activities comes with challenges — from compliance with complex EU and national procedures, to technical requirements and compliance with principles and rules of public procurement. A potential obstacle on that path may be the lack of interest of external contractors in participating in tenders, given the specifics of EU public procurement procedures and the language barriers.

The Ministry is addressing these challenges by relying on experienced personnel, clearly defined internal processes, and transparent communication with both potential partners and potential bidders.

The Advantage of Cross-Border Cooperation

Participation in international partnerships has proven to be a key success factor. Through cooperation with institutions from other countries, project teams are able to exchange knowledge, solve problems jointly, and learn from one another. As representatives of the Ministry stated:

“The two words that best define the value of this project are – knowledge sharing and experience exchange. Learning by doing is always the most effective approach.”

Without such cooperation, solutions would remain limited, temporary, and confined within national borders.

A Step Toward the European Future

Through the GOVERNANCE project, Montenegro is not only meeting the technical criteria for EU accession but also demonstrating its readiness to build a modern, efficient, and accountable public administration. The Ministry of Finance and other institutions involved in the project are clearly committed to reforms that go beyond short-term goals — focusing on long-term sustainability and restoring public trust in institutions.

“This is not a story about borders. This is a story about shared solutions, about an administration unafraid of change, and about a country boldly entering a new chapter of its European future.”

The GOVERNANCE project is financed by the European Union through the Interreg South Adriatic program and the state co-finances it.

GOVERNANCE VIDEO