Montenegro has successfully completed 88 percent of the commitments outlined in the Reform Agenda for the European Union (EU) Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing it at the forefront of the region, according to Gert Jan Kopman, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).

Kopman made this announcement during the Western Balkans Leaders’ Summit on the Growth Agenda currently taking place in Skopje, as reported by the Ministry of European Affairs.

During a panel featuring Western Balkan European affairs ministers, EU representatives, and regional partners, Kopman highlighted that all countries in the region are diligently pursuing their Reform Agenda tasks, with further improvements anticipated by the close of the current reporting period.

Following Montenegro, Albania has achieved 80 percent fulfillment, North Macedonia 76 percent, Kosovo 65 percent, and Serbia 53 percent, as noted by Kopman.

“The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is already providing tangible benefits for the citizens and economies of the region, with countries committed to their reform obligations,” stated Kopman.

Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, emphasized at a panel focused on the Reform Agendas for the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans that the progress reported underscores Montenegro’s strong political will and its capacity to implement reform processes swiftly and effectively.

She highlighted Montenegro’s experiences and stressed the need to link the EU accession process with concrete economic benefits for both citizens and the economy.

“For Montenegro, accession negotiations and the Growth Plan are no longer considered separate processes but a unified framework for accelerated integration,” Gorčević stated.

She noted that the recent closure of Chapter 5 – Public Procurement, the first from the Fundamental Rights cluster, has fostered renewed optimism within institutions.

According to Gorčević, the majority of work concerning the closure of negotiation chapters and the implementation of the Reform Agenda is expected in the next 18 to 24 months.

In discussing regional initiatives, Gorčević particularly noted the significance of Montenegro’s entry into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

“SEPA is not merely a technical success; it represents a strategic milestone. Our citizens can now send and receive funds from the EU swiftly and affordably, allowing businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—to operate and compete more effectively in the EU market,” she explained.

As she emphasized, the true value lies in the sense of belonging—where Montenegrin citizens enjoy similar rights to EU citizens.

Gorčević advocated for collaborative action in the region and with the EU to utilize the Growth Plan as a robust instrument for launching reforms, enhancing the quality of life, and reinvigorating the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

“The Growth Plan is no longer just a document; it has become a tangible mechanism with visible initial results. It is incumbent upon us, at this high political level, to support all stakeholders in our countries to actively engage in its implementation,” concluded Gorčević.

The panel also presented specific measures implemented via the Growth Plan—including digital innovation hubs, infrastructure development, EU Single Market integration, and the establishment of green corridors.

Additionally, new initiatives were introduced within the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, focusing on integrating the region into European tourism networks, implementing EU consumer protection tools, and providing Guidelines for Accession to the EU Single Market.

Following the Summit, Gorčević engaged in discussions with Albania’s Chief Negotiator and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Majlinda Duka.

Both participants shared insights on the implementation of the Reform Agenda and accelerating the accession process, agreeing that intensified knowledge sharing and regional coordination are essential for the success of the European agenda across the Western Balkans.

News