Montenegro Strengthens Internal Control and Public Financial Management Through International Cooperation
As part of Montenegro’s continued efforts to strengthen its public internal financial control system, we are pleased to share a reflection prepared by Minas Trubljanin, Director General of the Directorate for Central Harmonization and Development of Internal Controls at the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro. The reflection presents an overview of how international cooperation, particularly with the CEF, has contributed to capacity development within the Central Harmonization Unit and the internal audit community. It highlights how targeted learning support contributed to improved understanding of international standards, strengthened professional practices, and supported ongoing reforms in internal control, internal audit, and managerial accountability, while also recognizing that some impacts require time and sustained commitment to fully materialize.
"Montenegro has continued to advance its public internal financial control (PIFC) system, with the Central Harmonization Unit (CHU) at the Ministry of Finance leading efforts to strengthen internal control, internal audit, and managerial accountability across the public sector. A major achievement in this process has been the successful closure of EU Negotiating Chapter 32 – Financial Control, marking an important step in the country’s EU accession path.
International cooperation has played an important role in supporting these reforms. Through collaboration with partners such as the CEF and other organizations engaged in public governance reforms, Montenegro has benefited from peer-exchange, high quality learning, expert guidance, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. Over the past year, internal auditors and representatives of state owned enterprises participated in a series of learning activities focused on strengthening audit practices, improving risk management, and aligning national methodologies with international standards. These efforts supported the application of the new Global Internal Audit Standards and informed the development of Montenegro’s updated internal audit framework.
Cooperation with international partners also supported Montenegro in reinforcing managerial accountability and corporate governance practices. Senior officials took part in discussions on clarifying responsibilities, transparency, and effective oversight, while additional learning activities explored international good practices in governance and tools for managing fiscal risks in state owned enterprises. A dedicated webinar on risk management further strengthened the capacity of risk managers and enterprise representatives to identify and mitigate risks in line with national legislation.
In parallel, CHU staff strengthen their communication and stakeholder engagement skills through training focused on effective communication in public administration and PFM reforms. These competencies support the reform implementation and help ensuring that key messages reach decision makers and institutional partners.
Montenegro’s achievements demonstrate the value of sustained international cooperation in advancing public financial management reforms. By combining global expertise, practical learning, and regional collaboration, these partnerships continue to support the development of a resilient PIFC system and to strengthen the accountability and transparency of the public sector."