The reform agenda for the EU Growth Plan is not just a political obligation, but a concrete economic opportunity, assessed the State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Biljana Papović, adding that its implementation brings many benefits to Montenegrin citizens.
She participated in the Tirana Connectivity Forum, where, speaking at a panel on strengthening Southeastern Europe's readiness for EU membership, she emphasized the importance of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans as a key tool for accelerating the integration process.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, Papović also presented Montenegro's progress so far in implementing the Reform Agenda within the Reform and Growth Instrument.
"The fact that Montenegro was among the first countries in the region to adopt its Reform Agenda, with 32 reforms and 130 steps, speaks volumes about the maturity of our institutions and our readiness to take responsibility for demanding reforms," said Papović.
The role of the Ministry of European Affairs was particularly emphasized, as it created a system in which each actor knows their role and responsibilities. Experience has shown that funding models, a clear division of roles and synergy between the ministries of European Affairs and Finance are essential for success.
"The reform agenda is not only a political obligation, but also a concrete economic opportunity. Support to Montenegro under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans amounts to 383,5 million euros, of which 110 million euros are grants and 273,5 million euros are soft loans. The expected annual effect of structural reforms on real growth in gross domestic product (GDP) is an additional 0,9 percent in the period from last year to next. These figures clearly show that reforms are not abstract obligations, but concrete investments in Montenegro's economic convergence with the European Union," Papović stated.
She emphasized that the implementation of the Reform Agenda in practice brings many benefits for the citizens of Montenegro, new schools, improved infrastructure, strong social protection, as well as environmental protection. Among the positive reforms are energy efficiency and spatial planning, while the biggest challenges are judicial reforms and institutional changes.
Papović said that the reform process and accession negotiations are two sides of the same coin, and that the implementation of reforms directly affects progress in the negotiation chapters. Since the beginning of the implementation of the Reform Agenda, Montenegro has successfully closed four negotiation chapters and made significant progress in many others.
Papović concluded that Montenegro, through the reform process, is demonstrating its willingness to manage complex processes, deliver results and ensure the sustainability of reforms, confirming that the country's European path is clear and achievable.
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