The Montenegrin government is drafting a new economic package aimed at helping SMEs align with EU standards across several accession chapters, with a focus on competitiveness, environmental compliance, and digitalisation. Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of Montenegro’s private sector but frequently encounter administrative barriers, high compliance costs, and limited access to advisory services.
The new package is expected to include targeted grants, consulting support, simplified procedures, and co-financing for investments in equipment and digital tools. Although details remain under development, officials note that Montenegro must accelerate alignment with EU rules on product safety, consumer protection, labour conditions, and environmental standards if it seeks to participate more actively in EU supply chains.
SME associations welcome the initiative but caution that previous programmes were hampered by slow disbursement and complex eligibility requirements. For the package to succeed, implementation must be efficient, predictable, and paired with strong communication between ministries and the business community.
As Montenegro advances through EU integration, strengthening the SME ecosystem becomes essential. The coming economic package will signal whether the government is prepared to implement reforms at the scale required for full harmonisation.
