Ivanović: Adoption of accession financial package confirms Montenegro as a future EU member

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović welcomed the European Commission's decision to adopt financial package for Montenegro's EU accession, describing it as an important step in the further operationalization of the country's European integration and a confirmation of the credibility of the EU enlargement policy.

In a post on X, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović said:

Today's decision by the European Commission represents much more than another technical step in Montenegro's accession process.

By adopting the financial accession package, the European Commission has, for the first time, set out in detail how Montenegro will be integrated into the European Union's budget as a future Member State. This is a strong confirmation that the question is no longer whether Montenegro will join the European Union, but rather how the first day of its membership will look.

The package outlines how Montenegro will benefit from EU funds while also assuming the responsibilities shared by all Member States. At the same time, it establishes the framework for financing the development of our municipalities, agriculture, transport and public utility infrastructure, public services and other projects that directly improve the quality of life of our citizens.

As is the case in all Member States, access to EU funding will increasingly be linked to the results of reforms and the efficiency of institutions. This means greater responsibility, but also significantly greater opportunities for development.

This is another important milestone on Montenegro's path to the European Union and a strong political signal that the European Union already views Montenegro as a future Member State. It also reflects confidence in the commitment of Montenegro's institutions to complete the accession process within the planned timeframe, while carrying out membership preparations in parallel with the conclusion of negotiations.

The road to membership is not over yet. However, today's decision gives that journey a concrete financial dimension and brings Montenegro's European future one step closer to every citizen.