Vulnerable households and SMEs in Montenegro will pay less for energy thanks to a €30 million budget support from the EU. This financial support, announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in October 2022, is the first tranche of the ambitious €1 billion EU Energy Support Package to help the Western Balkans face the current energy crisis and promote its clean energy transition.

The EU Ambassador in Montenegro Oana-Cristina Popa, and Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović, attended the signing of the €30 million budget support. €27 million are available immediately to fight the energy crisis in Montenegro, while the EU will pay the remaining €3 million at the beginning of 2024.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Finance Aleksandar Damjanović, coordinator of the Ministry of European Affairs Ana Novaković Đurović, and the EU Delegation Head of Cooperation Yngve Engstrom.

The Government of Montenegro will distribute €8.5 million of the total amount to pensioners and those receiving social benefits who are affected by inflation due to the increase in energy prices. A one-off payment of €150 will be made to those with the lowest pensions – more than 40,000 recipients – while the most vulnerable families will receive €350. €13 million will be earmarked for energy efficiency improvements in households, companies, tourism and industry.