The Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the ministries of economic and regional development, organized the panel “ENTREPRENEURSHIP. PROJECTS. PERSPECTIVE” as part of the EU4ME project. The event focused on Chapter 20 and the Single Market Program, offering entrepreneurs insight into concrete business growth opportunities through EU support.
Competitiveness on a European Level
Implementing policies from Chapter 20, which Montenegro has provisionally closed, creates essential conditions for strengthening domestic companies and facilitating access to the EU market. Ministry officials emphasized that benefits will be realized through the continuous removal of barriers that entrepreneurs face daily.
Montenegro is the first country in the region to sign the Agreement on participation in the EU Single Market Program. Two key projects are currently being implemented under this program: the European Enterprise Network (EEN) and Cross-RE-Tour.
The European Commission has approved the continuation of the EEN project for the Montenegrin consortium for another three years. The network helps SMEs access a database of over 5,400 EU partners, while the Cross-RE-Tour project supports innovations in green and digital business within tourism, a vital sector for the northern region.
Practical examples, such as the modernization of Radio DRS equipment resulting in 30–40% energy savings, confirm that EU funds are accessible and beneficial for the real sector.
The Path to 2028
The event concluded with an “EU Funds for Entrepreneurs” workshop, presenting the EmBRACE and Danube programs. This entire initiative is part of the broader “28do28” campaign, aimed at Montenegro’s full readiness for EU membership.
