Montenegro, within the Chapter 20, is conducting negotiation process in the following areas: industrial policy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and entrepreneurial policy, innovation policy, banking and financing, tourism, air and maritime industry, construction, wood industry, steel, metals and other raw materials.

When was the chapter opened?

Montenegro opened Chapter 20 – Enterprise and Industrial Policy on 18 December 2013 at the Intergovernmental Conference which took place in Brussels.

Closing benchmarks?

Within Chapter 20, Montenegro has one closing benchmark:

1. Montenegro puts in place and starts to implement a comprehensive industrial competitiveness strategy, supported by a system of evaluation indicators and benchmarks as suggested by the EU integrated industrial policy.

In order to meet the sole closing benchmark, the Government of Montenegro adopted on 30 June 2016 Industrial Policy of Montenegro until 2020. With multiannual Action Plan for its implementation. The Strategy is aimed at promoting competitiveness of the industry, investment framework for modernisation of industry, innovations and entrepreneurship through increasing productivity and employment, as well as creating better approach to national and international market in terms of simplifying procedures for trade.

Continuing monitoring of the implementation of the Industrial Policy of Montenegro until 2020 and multiannual Action Plan for its implementation has been carried out through the implementation and adoption of annual Action plans and Reports on realisation of the Action Plans by the Government of Montenegro.

Following the suggestions of the European Commission and ne trends at the EU level, the Government of Montenegro adopted on 24 October 2019 revised strategy titled Industrial Policy of Montenegro 2019 -2023 and Action Plan for its implementation for the period 2019 – 2020. This new strategic document puts emphasis on industrial sector and aims to boost competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy. Furthermore, the main objective of this document is to establish strategic framework and realistic and achievable priorities for development of industry, taking into account available natural, human and financial resources in order to achieve dynamic economic growth, sustainable development and increase employment rate.

Institutions/organizations participating in the negotiation group?

Negotiator for Chapter 20 and Chief of Negotiating group come from the Ministry of Economy, as key institution in this chapter. Contact person for Working group is appointed by the Office for European Integration.
Along with the representatives from the Ministry of Economy, members of the Working group are representatives from the following institutions/organisation: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Science, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Finance, Parliament of Montenegro, Central Bank of Montenegro, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Investment and Development Fund of Montenegro, Institute for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Statistical Office of Montenegro, Engineers Chamber of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics (University of Montenegro), Montenegrin Employers Union, Association of Trade Unions of Montenegro, Free Trade Unions Association of Montenegro and Montenegro Business Alliance.

What are the benefits for Montenegro of this chapter?

Improved business environment means less administrative barriers and changes in the national legislation for enterprises, thus facilitating at the same time activities in business. On the other hand, it will increase availability and diversification of financial sources, particularly referring to different EU funds and programmes. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized enterprises, as the most important driving force for industrial growth, along with increased EU financial support, will be in focus when it comes to increasing competitiveness and introducing innovation and modern technologies. Particular emphasis will be put on youth entrepreneurship, beginners in business, disabled persons and women, as well as investments in energy efficiency, protection of the environment and introduction of quality management system and international quality standards.

By achieving continuing progress in this chapter, directly connected with development of industry, Montenegro will create conditions for development of modern society, strong and innovative economy, and also innovative solutions for development of priority industrial sectors and better business environment for small and medium sized enterprises.