Zenović at the Meeting of Western Balkan Ministers on the EU Growth Plan: Montenegro Is Actively Shaping Its Place in a United Europe

“Montenegro does not strive only for equal membership in the EU — we are actively shaping our place in a united Europe, contributing to peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” stated Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović in Tirana, at the meeting of Western Balkan ministers dedicated to the Growth Plan “Our Path to the EU.”

Zenović presented the results Montenegro has achieved within the Reform Agenda, emphasizing that they clearly demonstrate the country’s commitment to accelerated integration. He highlighted the deeply transformative effect of the reforms: “Alongside strengthening the judiciary and the rule of law, we are improving the business environment, enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, and building the foundations of a more resilient economy.”

Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Gert Jan Koopman, presented the overall results of the region and the findings of the third reporting cycle. He noted that the five adopted reform agendas include 251 reform steps and that, although some challenges remain, Montenegro has the highest prospects for successful implementation of its Reform Agenda — 98%, ahead of Albania (92%), North Macedonia (80%), Kosovo (73%), and Serbia (70%).

Zenović recalled that through the EU Growth Plan, Montenegro has been allocated €383.5 million — €110 million in grants and the rest through favourable loans. “Although the funds are not sufficient to cover all needs, they represent a strong incentive for economic transformation, better governance, and infrastructure modernization.”

He also spoke about key activities within the Growth Plan: Montenegro is the first in the region to join the SEPA area; the WiFi4WB programme is bringing free internet to 24 municipalities; Green Lanes will speed up the flow of goods at borders. In the tourism sector, work is underway on joint regional branding, while within the Common Regional Market barriers are being reduced and procedures harmonized. Additionally, Montenegro is intensively analysing the necessary legislative changes to introduce EU-wide roaming abolition.

Zenović emphasized the importance of consistent reform implementation and the need for stable, smart, and green growth. “We need initiatives that bring citizens’ lives closer to EU standards and accelerate economic exchange — within the region and with the EU.”

“Accelerated EU integration, attracting investment, and strengthening regional stability send a clear message to citizens — that European integration is not only a political process, but a profound economic transformation that improves their quality of life,” Zenović concluded.