VUKOVIĆ FROM BANGKOK: MONTENEGRO IS HEADING TO THE EUROPEAN UNION WITH STABLE FINANCES, GROWING INVESTMENT AND A CLEAR DEVELOPMENT VISION

Montenegro is entering the final stage of its European path with stable public finances, growing investment and a clear vision for development, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, PhD, said during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok. At a meeting with Antonella Bassani, the World Bank’s Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, he discussed institutional reforms, infrastructure projects, the energy transition and new opportunities for Montenegro’s long-term financing. Eugen Rhuggenaath, the IMF Executive Director for the constituency to which Montenegro belongs, praised the expertise of the Montenegrin team and its commitment to the European process, which he said he had personally witnessed during his recent visit to Montenegro. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters with the EU, 21 of which have been provisionally closed, with the goal of closing the remaining chapters by the end of 2026. Minister Vuković also participated in the World Bank’s ministerial dialogue on accelerating development projects, opened by Group President Ajay Banga, with the discussion chaired by Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde. Through its participation in the meetings in Bangkok, Montenegro is further strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions, creating opportunities for new investment and reaffirming its commitment to responsible public financial management and sustainable economic growth.