Montenegro Finance Minister Vuković Secures World Bank Backing for EU Integration Reforms

World Bank vice‑president Antonella Basani met Montenegro’s finance minister Novica Vuković on the margins of a conference in Bulgaria and praised the country’s reform agenda. Basani described Vuković’s leadership as “…a commitment to reform processes that enable efficient project implementation, boost economic growth, improve the business environment and strengthen the economy’s resilience.” She highlighted Montenegro’s adoption of the Law on Management of State‑Owned Enterprises and signalled new World Bank projects aimed at developing the tourism sector.

Vuković outlined next steps, including the formation of a Fiscal Council, continued modernisation of the tax administration and consideration of “smart” taxes, while noting that 11 negotiation chapters fall under his ministry, four of which are already closed and the remainder are expected to be concluded by year‑end. He also met Dutch Treasury director Jasper Veseling to discuss deeper public‑finance analysis, a financial academy and capacity‑building programmes with Dutch institutions.

Montenegrin official Radović, attending the IMF/World Bank Constante meeting in Varna, stressed the need for strong institutions to enhance resilience, cited progress such as SEPA membership and the upcoming launch of an instant‑payment system, and thanked the IMF for ongoing technical support.