The European Commission green-lighted a financial package of provisions that will apply to Montenegro after it accedes to the European Union, a crucial step towards membership.
Montenegro is one of nine official candidate countries to join the EU, and it is generally considered one of the most advanced in talks and provisions. Membership talks started in 2012. The last country that entered the EU was Croatia in 2013.
The package approved on Tuesday has been described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as “another concrete step towards Montenegro’s future in our Union.” She added that all these provisions are intended to have all parties involved ready when Podgorica joins the EU. Also, Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, underlined the decision taken, saying that the package “will make Montenegro’s transition from candidate country to Member State as smooth as possible. It will ensure continuity from day one of membership.”
The package provides a path for Montenegro’s future participation in the EU, both as a contributor and a beneficiary. It also includes steps to accelerate economic convergence with the bloc. In accordance with the Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget, the financial package will include several result-based plans for specific sectors, with fund disbursements linked to achieving set targets. In Montenegro’s case, the Commission planned a structured transition from pre-accession funding to full member-state status.
