Ministry of Finance: European standards are becoming an integral part of the institutional, legal and economic system of the state

By closing Chapters 8 – Competition and 29 – Customs Union, Montenegro achieved another important result in the process of accession to the European Union (EU), confirming that the reform process is progressing at the planned pace and that European standards are becoming an integral part of the institutional, legal and economic system of the country.

This was announced by the Ministry of Finance, after today's Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, at which Montenegro temporarily closed these two chapters.

The government department stated that Montenegro had thus closed a total of 18 out of 33 negotiation chapters, which, they said, once again confirmed that the European path is not based on promises, but on measurable results and successfully implemented reforms that are recognized and confirmed by the EU.

"The Ministry of Finance, as one of the key players in the negotiation process and the institution that coordinates activities in the largest number of negotiation chapters, has successfully fulfilled all obligations within its jurisdiction, making a decisive contribution to the closure of two more negotiation chapters," the statement said.

It is stated that this once again confirms his key role in implementing reforms that represent the foundation of Montenegro's European integration.

"Within Chapter 29 - Customs Union, Montenegro has built a modern customs system fully aligned with the EU acquis. The entire legislative framework has been aligned in the areas of customs procedures, transit of goods, protection of intellectual property rights at the border, cash control, dual-use goods, drug precursors and other areas within the jurisdiction of the customs service," the statement added.

It is emphasized that at the same time, modern electronic customs systems have been developed and connections have been established with key European information platforms, including NCTS Phase 6, ICS2 and AES, making Montenegrin customs part of the modern European customs area.

These results, as stated by the Ministry of Finance, mean more efficient and faster customs procedures, less administrative burden for the economy, greater security of international trade, more efficient protection of the EU's financial interests, and confirmation of Montenegro's readiness to responsibly apply the highest European standards as the future external border of the Union.

They stated that an equally significant result was achieved under Chapter 8 – Competition, where the Ministry of Finance fully aligned the legislative framework in the area of ​​state aid with the EU acquis.

"By adopting the new law and all accompanying bylaws, while taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission, a modern state aid control system has been established that ensures more transparent management of public funds, equal market conditions and greater legal certainty for the economy and investors," the Ministry of Finance said.

As they said, at the same time, institutional capacities for the consistent application of European competition and state aid rules have been further strengthened.

The Ministry said that for citizens, these reforms mean more responsible management of public finances, stronger institutions, and more efficient protection of the public interest.

"For the economy, they bring a more predictable business environment, fair market competition, faster administrative procedures, greater legal certainty, and more favorable conditions for investment and development," the Ministry stated.

According to them, these results represent yet another confirmation that European integration is not just about meeting negotiation benchmarks, but a process of deep reforms that improve the quality of institutions, modernize public administration, strengthen the financial system, and create a more competitive economy.

"That is precisely why the closure of Chapters 8 and 29 is much more than a formal step in the negotiations - it confirms that Montenegro is successfully building institutions that function according to EU rules and that it is ready to take on the responsibilities of a future member state," the Ministry added.

The Ministry of Finance, as stated in the statement, remains strongly committed to implementing reforms within its jurisdiction, convinced that responsible fiscal policy, modern legislation, digitalized administration and efficient institutions represent the strongest foundation for Montenegro's European future.

"The closure of Chapters 8 and 29 is another confirmation that Montenegro is achieving measurable results on its European path. The Ministry of Finance will continue to be a reliable partner in the implementation of reforms leading to the achievement of the strategic goal - full membership of Montenegro in the European Union," the statement said.