Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Finance Minister Novica Vukovic and Governor of the Austrian National Bank Martin Kocher agreed that Montenegro is not only the most advanced candidate for membership in the European Union, but also a country whose concrete economic results confirm that the reform process is producing measurable and long-term effects.

The Ministry of Finance stated in a press release that the meeting focused on current macroeconomic trends, fiscal stability, European integration, and the further strengthening of institutional and economic cooperation between Montenegro and Austria.

Vukovic said that despite the complex international environment and global economic challenges, Montenegro has managed to preserve public finance stability, accelerate economic growth, and further intensify the pace of European integration, while continuously strengthening the confidence of investors and international partners.

Kocher stated that Montenegro’s economic progress and reform path are being closely monitored across Europe and represent an encouraging signal for the wider region.

“Montenegro has achieved remarkable progress over the past several years. The long-term credibility of its policies and the sustainability of public finances, continuous economic growth, and a clear commitment to reforms demonstrate that responsible economic policies can strengthen both stability and confidence,” Kocher said.

According to him, Austria and the Austrian National Bank strongly support Montenegro’s European perspective, as deeper economic integration and stable institutions are in the common interest of Europe as a whole. 

Kocher also highlighted the importance of institutional trust and the long-term credibility of policies, especially during times of geopolitical uncertainty and economic fragmentation.