Within the “Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans” programme, UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office supports the  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Montenegro in fulfilling  the requirements of Chapter 11 of the EU accession negotiations, focusing on Agriculture and Rural Development.

On May 8th, 2024, a Programme meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Montenegro was held to discuss  how to effectively structure K4R’s assistance in developing an Action Plan required for the establishment of a Paying Agency and an Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). The establishment of these systems is instrumental for Montenegro's alignment with the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other EU agricultural standards.

Since receiving the closing benchmarks in 2016, Montenegro has conducted various analyses. The implementation plan for IACS or the establishment of a Paying Agency are two of the next benchmarks in this process. Mr. Delic expressed his appreciation for the facilitation provided by the joint Norway/UNOPS EU Integration Support Programme (K4R).

These latest joint activities will assist Montenegro to achieve EU acquis alignment under an important negotiating chapter and support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), marking a significant step in Montenegro’s EU accession process.