Spajić meets with Bo Li: Praise for progress in EU accession negotiations, focus on energy, tourism, innovative technologies

Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić met earlier today in Bangkok with Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The meeting focused on the Government’s new Euro Model programme, fiscal policy and plans for Montenegro’s further economic development ahead of EU membership.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Government is building its partners’ confidence in the next phase of reforms on the results of the Europe Now 1 and Europe Now 2 programmes, which will be followed by the implementation of the Euro Model starting next year. He emphasised that improving citizens’ living standards is at the heart of government policy and that progress in European integration must go hand in hand with economic development and tangible improvements in quality of life.

“The essence of our reforms is to ensure that citizens experience the European perspective through higher wages, greater opportunities and a better quality of life in Montenegro. We want to welcome EU membership as an economy in which people see their future,” Spajić stated.

Explaining the objectives of the Euro Model, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of reducing the tax burden on labour to preserve employment and retain the workforce. He noted that Montenegro must respond in a timely manner to the risk of population outflows and create conditions in which access to the European labour market is accompanied by stronger incentives for people to remain in the country and work there.

PM Spajić stressed that a focus on investment in energy, tourism and innovative technologies is important for addressing the long-standing challenges associated with the current account deficit.

Mr Li praised Montenegro’s progress in the European Union accession process, highlighin the need to carefully monitor inflation and the current account deficit, while preserving competitiveness.

The meeting confirmed both sides’ willingness to continue working closely together to develop measures that link improvements in living standards with the sustainability of public finances.

Both sides expressed their confidence that the friendly relations between the two countries would continue to develop in a spirit of mutual trust and partnership, underpinned by their shared commitment to Montenegro’s European future and a stable, united Europe.

The meeting in Bangkok was also attended by Minister of Finance Novica Vuković and Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro Irena Radović.