Podgorica, Ljubljana, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the Ministry of Finance, the software donation agreement between the Financial Administration of Slovenia and the Montenegrin Customs Administration marks an important step toward meeting the final obligations under Chapter 29 – Customs Union.

The agreement was signed in Ljubljana by the Director General of the Financial Administration of Slovenia Peter Grum, and Acting Director of the Customs Administration Maja Vucinic, in the presence of the finance ministers of the two countries, Klemen Bostjancic and Novica Vukovic.

“By signing the agreement, a significant step has been made in modernizing Montenegro’s customs system and further strengthening administrative capacities in the field of public finance, which is one of the key prerequisites for successfully closing negotiation Chapter 29 – Customs Union,” the Ministry said in a press release.

Vukovic added that this is a concrete and measurable contribution to the European integration process.

“For the Ministry of Finance, strengthening fiscal stability and modernizing the public revenue management system remain priorities. The modernization of the Customs Administration’s information system directly contributes to more efficient revenue collection, greater transparency, and full alignment with European standards,” said Vukovic.

Fully fledged EU membership requires strong and technically capable institutions aligned with European information systems. The donated software will enable accelerated digital transformation of the customs service and improved operational capacities in line with EU standards.

Vucinic said that implementing the modern solution will significantly improve the operation of the Customs Administration.

“This donation provides a strong incentive for the digitalization of customs procedures and the strengthening our operational capacity within the EU system. With the expert support of our Slovenian colleagues, we will continue improving efficiency, transparency, and professional standards,” Vucinic said.

During the visit, the finance ministers also held a bilateral meeting, while a working meeting of the two customs administrations’ delegations is scheduled for tomorrow, where the next steps in implementing the donated IT system and further activity plan will be defined.

The Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Customs Administration, will continue implementing reforms aimed at full alignment with European standards and further strengthening institutional capacities in the EU accession process.