Montenegro allocates €3.5 million to boost SMEs and metal industry in 2026

On 12 June, the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and the Metallurgical Association presented the 2026 business support programme prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development. The plan earmarks €3.5 million, with €2.9 million for upgrading production capacity and €600 000 for developing women‑led enterprises.

Key objectives include reducing import dependence, increasing domestic output, modernising technology, supporting regional firms in less‑developed municipalities, and advancing digitalisation of administrative procedures. A new public call will allocate funds, removing export‑performance criteria to favour smaller, growth‑oriented companies. The programme also extends equipment delivery deadlines to March of the following year and sets up a group of accounting firms to share standards and training.

Additional measures feature a scholarship scheme called “Stipendije najboljima. Posao kod najboljih” linking top students with companies, and mentoring support for firms adapting premises and acquiring new equipment.