Industrial transformation must begin before EU membership

Montenegro's European integration should not be viewed solely through the question of when it will become a member of the European Union, but primarily through the question of what its economy will look like at the moment of membership – stated Renata Milutinović, General Director of the Directorate for Industry Development and Craftsmanship, participating in the panel "Improve. Integrate: Industrial Transformation as a Path to EU Convergence," within the event "Connecting Economies for Stronger Growth and European Integration." Milutinović emphasized that aligning regulations and fulfilling obligations from the negotiation process are necessary, but true economic convergence with the EU must be measured through more productive companies, higher exports, products and services with greater added value, and more quality jobs. "EU membership is not seen as the end point of the process, but as an opportunity to accelerate the economic transformation that must begin long before membership itself," said Milutinović. Speaking about Montenegro's Industrial Policy 2024–2028, she highlighted that its focus is on digital and green transition, investments, innovation, competitiveness, skills development, and better access to the single European market. This would be the most concrete signal that we measure economic convergence not only through regulations and institutions but through the results of our companies, the quality of jobs, and the standard of living of citizens," Milutinović concluded.