The European Commission has adopted a financial package outlining how Montenegro would participate in the EU budget upon accession, marking another milestone in the country’s path towards full EU membership.
The financial package forms part of Chapter 33 – Financial and Budgetary Provisions – of the country’s ongoing accession negotiations, and follows on from the recent decision by EU member states to begin drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty.
‘Another concrete step’
“Today’s package is another concrete step towards Montenegro‘s future in our Union,” commented Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. “We are getting Montenegro, member states and our institutions ready. Because enlargement succeeds when it is a shared European project built on merit, commitment and trust.”
According to the Commission, the proposal is designed to ensure Montenegro can participate fully in EU programmes and funding from the first day of membership, both as a beneficiary and contributor, while minimising administrative disruption during the transition.
The financial framework is based on the European Commission’s proposal for the EU’s next long-term budget, published in July 2025, and provides a structured transition from pre-accession assistance to funding available to EU member states.
‘Important work’
“The package we adopted today is the EU upholding its side of the bargain when Montenegro is doing important work on its path towards membership,” added Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
“It will make Montenegro’s transition from candidate country to Member State as smooth as possible. It will ensure continuity from day one of membership.”
Montenegro began EU accession negotiations in June 2012. In May 2026, an ad hoc working group of the Council responsible for drafting the Accession Treaty with Montenegro was set up. Read more here.
