The European Commission has proposed a substantial financial package aimed at facilitating Montenegro’s accession to the European Union, with an estimated cost of €3.189 billion set for the 2028-2034 budgetary period, according to reports.
This proposal outlines the budgetary provisions that will apply to Montenegro from the day of its accession, marking a formal step towards concluding chapter 33 – financial and budgetary provisions – in the accession negotiations.
To ensure seamless management of funds, Montenegro is required to prepare an implementation plan as a candidate country, adhering to the same criteria that will be expected of EU member states in the upcoming multiannual budget. This plan will automatically become Montenegro’s national plan upon its accession.
Anticipated Integration by January 2028
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the package represents “another concrete step towards Montenegro’s future in our Union,” noting that “expansion is successful when it is a common European project based on merit, commitment, and trust.”
Of the total funds, €2.076 billion will be allocated for economic cohesion, agriculture, and internal security, with an additional €155 million annually in unallocated funds and €84.5 million for border management and security, effective immediately upon accession, as Montenegro will become an external border of the EU.
Agricultural payments will be gradually introduced, starting at 40% of the level applicable to other member states in the first year, increasing steadily until parity is achieved within ten years.
The figures, expressed in current prices, are based on the assumption that Montenegro will join in January 2028 and may be adjusted if the accession occurs later.
Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos highlighted that this package demonstrates the EU’s commitment to its part of the agreement while Montenegro undertakes significant work toward accession, ensuring “continuity from day one as a member.”
Notable Progress Made by Montenegro
The Commission has assured that the methodology guarantees that no existing member state will see its allocation reduced due to Montenegro’s entry, funding a part of the costs through the transfer of pre-accession funds already allocated to the country.
These figures are subject to ongoing negotiations for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 between the Council and the European Parliament, meaning final amounts could vary.
The package adopted on Tuesday must now be discussed by member states in the Council, after which Brussels will present an official negotiating position regarding chapter 33, which will be part of bilateral negotiations with Podgorica.
Montenegro aims to conclude all negotiations by the end of 2026, hoping for potential accession sometime after the start of the next multiannual budgetary framework, set for January 2028. Out of the 33 negotiation chapters, 16 have been provisionally closed.
