Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, the European Union (EU) membership does not only mean a greater inflow of funds, but also deeper structural changes, stronger institutions, a more stable business environment, and more sustainable economic development.

“If the process continues responsibly and efficiently, the greatest benefits will be seen in the everyday lives of citizens, through higher wages, more jobs, better public services, and a more secure economic future,” Gorcevic said in Parliament while responding to MPs’ questions.

MP Bojana Pican of the New Serbian Democracy parliamentary group asked Gorcevic which concrete benefits she would highlight from the EU accession process, particularly regarding projects implemented with EU funds.

Gorcevic said that Montenegro has been awarded around €790 million in grants from 2007 to this year through three financial perspectives: IPA I, IPA II, and IPA III.

 “These funds have not remained only at the level of institutional or administrative support, but have been concretely invested in projects that have a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives and economic development,” she said.

She added that very visible results have been achieved in the healthcare sector. At the same time, investments in the rule of law, including court reconstruction and the construction of facilities for the enforcement of criminal sanctions, have strengthened legal certainty and institutional efficiency.

Gorcevic said that EU support has had a strong impact on employment and private sector development in the economic and social sphere.