New data on government expenditure show that Montenegrin ministries have spent more than €635,000 on consultancy services this year, sparking debate about fiscal discipline and transparency in public procurement. Consultancy spending has grown steadily across 14 ministries, often justified as necessary for technical expertise on EU integration projects, infrastructure reform, and public-administration restructuring. However, critics argue that procurement processes remain insufficiently transparent and that outsourcing frequently compensates for capacity gaps that the state has failed to resolve internally.
The debate reflects a deeper issue: Montenegro’s public administration has long struggled with balancing expertise needs and budget constraints. Large-scale reforms—especially those linked to EU chapters, digitalisation of services, and environmental regulation—require specialised knowledge. Still, the cumulative cost raises questions about the government’s long-term strategy for strengthening internal capacity rather than relying on external advisers.
Opposition parties have pointed to several ministries where expenditure appears disproportionate to outcomes, arguing that consultancy contracts must be tied to measurable deliverables. Civil-society groups have also demanded more detailed reporting, including publication of contract objectives, selection criteria, and performance evaluations. In the absence of such transparency, public trust remains fragile.
Supporters of the current model argue that Montenegro, as a small country with limited administrative staffing, must rely on consultants for complex reforms such as energy modelling, judicial alignment with EU standards, and environmental compliance. They note that international consultancy is a standard part of EU-funded project structures. However, even these proponents concede that better oversight is required to avoid duplication, inflated pricing, or ineffective spending.
The controversy comes at a time when Montenegro faces rising public-debt pressures and tighter conditions for international financing. With fiscal space narrowing, every segment of public expenditure is under scrutiny. The consultancy spending debate may therefore become a broader referendum on the government’s commitment to responsible budgeting and administrative reform. As Montenegro prepares its next fiscal framework, policymakers will need to demonstrate clearer alignment between spending and long-term capacity building.
