Montenegro has officially been made available 80 million euros in grant support from the European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), which represents a significant step forward in the use of EU funds and a concrete contribution to the implementation of key reforms ahead of membership in the European Union, the Ministry of Finance announced.
This success is the result of dedicated teamwork of all institutions involved in the IPA structure, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance, with the continued support of the European Commission and commitment to achieving Montenegro's strategic goals on its European path, added the government department.
As explained in a press release, the funds are available through two multi-year financial agreements between the Government of Montenegro and the European Union, namely the Operational Programme for Employment and Social Inclusion (2024–2027) and the Operational Programme for Environment Protection and Climate Change (2024–2027).
"These significant grants will be directly focused on reforms that will improve the quality of life of our citizens - through strengthening employment, social inclusion, environmental protection and responding to climate change," said Minister of Finance Novica Vuković.
The signing of these agreements, said the Ministry of Finance, confirmed the successful completion of the accreditation process of operational programs, which places Montenegro among the countries that continuously and with increasing efficiency use available European Union funds.
As stated in the statement, 48,5 million euros have been allocated to the area of environmental protection and climate change, and 31,6 million euros are intended for employment and social inclusion.
"This is a joint success of the Ministry of Finance and all members of the IPA structure - the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Ecology, the Ministry of Public Works and the Employment Service, an example of good coordination, team cooperation and a clear European vision. We are also grateful for the support of the European Commission, which was an indispensable partner in this process," said State Secretary Milica Adžić.
As the press release emphasizes, the Operational Program for Employment and Social Inclusion is focused on strengthening social cohesion, increasing employment - especially among young people and vulnerable groups, and developing skills aligned with the demands of the modern labor market.
"The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue, as the Managing Authority, leads the implementation of inclusive, sustainable and development-oriented policies, while the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography continues to improve the quality and accessibility of social services, with the aim of improving the living standards of the most vulnerable citizens.
"The Employment Service of Montenegro is ready to implement measures that will enable greater employability, active inclusion in society and reduction of social exclusion," the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
The Operational Programme for Environment and Climate Change supports projects aimed at preserving natural resources, improving waste management systems and achieving European environmental standards, in accordance with Chapter 27 of the negotiation process.
"The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) as the Managing Authority will ensure the strengthening of institutional capacities and support a sustainable and resilient Montenegro. MERS will strive to improve the conservation of natural resources and develop a better waste management system. Proper use of funds and implementation of projects, with a special emphasis on projects aimed at the sustainable development of the northern region, are an instrument for the implementation of quality policies in the field of environment and climate change, and contribute to the fulfillment of obligations under Chapter 27.
"The Ministry of Public Works will give full commitment to the efficient, responsible and transparent implementation of funds, with special attention to the fact that investments in the environment are one of the pillars of the state policy of responding to climate challenges," the statement from the Ministry of Finance added. It is concluded that in the coming period, inter-institutional cooperation will define the dynamics of the process of contracting funds and implementing projects, including precise and accessible mechanisms for protecting the financial interests of the EU in Montenegro.
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