CEF Actively Contributes to Key EU–Montenegro Reform Events
From 18 to 20 October, CEF representatives Aleksandra Tekijaški, Robert Bauchmüller and Svetlana Lausević played an active role in several high-level reform events in Podgorica, Montenegro. In parallel, they held coordination meetings with national institutions and international partners to further strengthen cooperation and ensure alignment of support with Montenegro’s reform agenda.
Organized by the European Union and the Government of Montenegro, the EU–Montenegro Public Financial Management (PFM) Dialogue focused on the overall status of PFM reforms, public investment management, fiscal risk monitoring and budget transparency. The CEF contributed by presenting the progress and activities of its EU-funded project that supports the coordination and reporting of PFM reforms currently implemented at the Ministry of Finance.
Co-chaired by the European Commission and the Montenegrin Ministry of Public Administration, the 13th PAR Special Group – High-Level EU–Montenegro Dialogue reviewed progress in public administration reform, professionalization of the civil service, Human Resource Management reforms and evidence-based policymaking. CEF representatives engaged in discussions on strengthening institutional capacities and improving reform implementation processes.
The inaugural meeting of the Reform and Growth Facility Monitoring Committee, organized by Montenegrin authorities with the support of DG NEAR and the EU Delegation, reviewed the governance, monitoring mechanisms, financing structures and communication frameworks of the new Reform and Growth Facility. CEF took part in exchanges on establishing effective coordination and reporting structures for reform delivery.
Alongside the official events, CEF held a series of bilateral meetings with ministries, agencies and development partners. These meetings enabled deeper discussion on ongoing support, emerging capacity development needs and future opportunities for collaboration. Montenegro is entering a crucial phase of its public finance reform. Support provided through the CEF project has played an important role in strengthening the Ministry of Finance’s leadership in coordinating the PFM reform agenda.
Over the past year, the Ministry of Finance has worked under an intensive reform schedule. The CEF’s support has focused on practical, day-to-day assistance, helping to improve the structure and functioning of the PFM coordination framework, clarify institutional roles and responsibilities, strengthen planning and reporting cycles, and prepare for key moments of dialogue with the European Commission. This cooperation has contributed to a more predictable and better-coordinated reform process, increasing the Ministry’s confidence and capacity to steer complex reforms.