A cover note from the Council of the European Union, dated 30 June 2026, presents the European Commission's proposed financial package for Montenegro's EU accession negotiations, estimating total costs of EUR 3,189 million under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The package, based on the Commission's proposed MFF regulation, outlines allocations across four budget headings, with the assumption that Montenegro could join the Union after the MFF period begins.
The document details EUR 2,076 million under Heading 1 (Cohesion and Natural Resources), including a National Reform Programme (NRP) Plan of EUR 1,991 million. Within this, EUR 155 million annually (EUR 1,085 million total) remains unallocated, while Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support is phased in over ten years starting at 40% in year one, totalling EUR 277 million. Home Affairs receives EUR 84.5 million annually (EUR 592 million total) at a flat 70% of full allocation. Interreg and other programmes account for EUR 37 million and EUR 86 million respectively. Heading 2 (Competitiveness) receives EUR 523 million, Heading 3 (Global Europe) EUR 147 million, and Heading 4 (Administration) EUR 442 million for Commission staffing and linguistic needs.
Montenegro would become ineligible for Global Europe pre-accession funds after transfer to Heading 1. The package maintains the principle that no new member state should be in a worse net budgetary position post-accession, with temporary compensation to be assessed later. The MFF adjustment requires an Article 11 procedure under the proposed MFF Regulation, and figures may change with the final MFF agreement.
Stakeholder impact The package directly affects EU taxpayers, who would fund the additional expenditure, and existing member states, which may see reduced allocations under Heading 3 due to the transfer. Montenegrin farmers and businesses stand to benefit from phased CAP and competitiveness funds, though the delayed phase-in limits initial support. EU institutions, particularly the Commission, would gain administrative resources under Heading 4. The proposal also impacts candidate countries still in pre-accession, as Global Europe resources are redirected.
Institutional follow-up The Council will now examine the package as part of the broader MFF negotiations. The European Parliament will also need to approve the MFF regulation, including any adjustments for enlargement. The accession negotiations with Montenegro continue, with the financial package serving as a basis for Chapter 33 (Financial and Budgetary Provisions) talks.