LocationsRegional Director of UNDP Ivana Živković in Montenegro: Partnership for EU Reforms and Sustainable Development
April 3, 2026
UNDP team in Montenegro with RBEC Director Ivana Živković
Ivana Živković, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and UNDP Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, visited Montenegro to reaffirm a strong partnership marking two decades of cooperation and to support the country on its path toward European Union membership.
During her one-day visit, Director Živković met with national partners to discuss the next phase of Montenegro’s EU accession process.
She held meetings with Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, Governor of the Central Bank Dr Irena Radović, Director General for Multilateral Affairs Nizaheta Kurpejović-Cikotić, and Minister of Social Protection, Family and Demography Damir Gutić.
Discussions emphasized that UNDP remains a reliable partner to Montenegro in delivering priority reforms required for EU accession. Key topics included strengthening the rule of law, improving public finance management, advancing the green and digital transition, and modernizing the social protection system in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.
Minister Gorčević highlighted UNDP’s continuous support in implementing reforms that accelerate Montenegro’s European path, while Minister Vuković emphasized UNDP’s role in strengthening fiscal stability and strategic planning. Governor Radović reaffirmed the shared commitment to modernizing the financial system and advancing digitalization, while Director General Kurpejović-Cikotić commended the cooperation in building diplomatic capacities and supporting EU integration. In discussions with Minister Gutić, particular attention was given to joint initiatives that represent good practice for other countries, such as the e-Social system and the unified disability assessment reform.
RBEC Director Živković also met with the UNDP Montenegro team, praising their expertise and dedication, recognizing them as a key driver of systemic reforms. The visit reaffirmed the shared vision of UNDP and Montenegro to build a prosperous future for all citizens.
Press release from the meeting with Minister of Finance Novica Vuković
Press release from the meeting with Governor of Central Bank Irena Radović