At today's session, the government adopted the Information on the process of preparing the Reform Agenda for the EU Instrument for Reforms and Growth, with the Proposal for basic reform measures and steps, within which about 383 million euros were allocated for Montenegro.
This document precedes the adoption of the final document of the Reform Agenda, planned for July.
The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gočević, explained while presenting Information that, according to the prescribed methodology of the European Commission, an amount of around 383 million euros has been determined for Montenegro, of which around 255 million euros are loans under favorable conditions and 128 million euros are EU grants.
As reported by the Ministry of European Affairs, she added that the value of the EU Instrument for Reforms and Growth for the entire Western Balkans is six billion euros for the period from now until 2027.
"Of the total amount of support, it is planned that half, or around 190 million euros, will be allocated in the form of direct budget support, while the other half of the funds will be allocated for financing infrastructure projects and implemented through the mechanism of the Western Balkan Investment Framework (WIF)," Gorčević explained.
She added that according to the announcements of the European Commission, it is planned that seven percent of the total amount will be allocated at the beginning of the implementation of the Growth Plan, and the rest in six half-yearly support tranches, depending on the degree of realization of the planned reforms.
Gorčević said that the Government, after consultation with the competent services of the European Commission, identified four key policy areas in which reform measures will be further defined: business environment and private sector development, digital and energy/green transition, human capital development and the rule of law/ fundamental rights.
At the end of January of this year, a Working Team was formed for the preparation of the Reform Agenda for the EU Instrument for Reform and Growth, whose work is coordinated by the Ministry of European Affairs.
"The Final Proposal of basic reform measures and steps for the Reform Agenda contains 32 indicative priority reform measures within four policy areas, 14 policy sub-areas (sectors) and steps defined as necessary to fulfill the reforms. The defined steps also contain indicators of success, i.e. indicators, which will be the basis for monitoring progress in the implementation of reform measures and the EU's assessment of the fulfillment of the conditions for the allocation of funds", said Gorčević.
Speaking about individual reform measures, she explained that this generous package of funds will be used to implement activities aimed at improving the results of investigations, confirmed indictments and final judgments in cases of organized crime, and a comprehensive review of the electoral legal framework.
"Furthermore, reforms will be implemented in terms of improving public procurement and strengthening the integrity of inspection services," stated Gorčević, adding that a set of reform steps will be aimed at developing digital infrastructure, while the reform of social and child protection systems and investment will contribute to the development of human capital. in all levels of education and digital education.
According to her, after the Government adopted the Information on the process of preparing the Reform Agenda for the EU Instrument for Reforms and Growth, the working team will finalize the narrative part of the document according to the form defined by the European Commission.
After harmonizing the document with the competent services of the European Commission, it will be submitted to the Government for consideration and adoption.
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