Last updated in September 2017

A keystone of German and European policy towards Montenegro is providing support for political and economic reform as part of European Union accession negotiations. Montenegro has been a candidate country for accession since December 2010. EU accession negotiations with Montenegro commenced on 29 June 2012. Germany is engaged in numerous cooperation projects on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the EU.

Promoting democracy

Several projects supported by Germany are designed to foster the reform efforts of democratic forces in Montenegro and strengthen the country’s administrative structures, especially in the areas of legal and administrative reform and in terms of the role of the media. Particular importance is also attached to these issues in the EU accession process. Another priority in project cooperation is promoting civil Society.

Economic cooperation

After the democratic changes in the the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2000, development cooperation was initially commenced with the State Union.

After Montenegro gained independence in June 2006, development cooperation was continued with both countries.

Good and successful development cooperation has been established with Montenegro, Germany becoming the country’s biggest bilateral donor. Development cooperation focuses on the following priority areas, largely through projects funded by the KfW Development Bank and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ):

 - promoting public infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector and in terms of the drinking-    water supply and sanitation
 -  developing the tourism sector
  - promoting business and creating jobs, especially in small and medium-sized companies

With the commencement of EU accession negotiations, Montenegro ceases to be a recipient of bilateral development cooperation. Ongoing projects will, however, be concluded. The EU supports the European integration of Montenegro, for example by means of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) II. For the period 2007-2013, EUR 235.7 million in funding has been made available. In the current financial framework for 2014-2020, more than EUR 270 million in funding is earmarked for Montenegro.

Cultural cooperation

Since 2007, there has been continuous cooperation between the University of Nikšić’s German Department and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). There is a DAAD academic teacher working at the department. German scholarship and exchange programmes are also very popular.

The Goethe Institute serves Montenegro in terms of cultural and language work from Belgrade.