Foreign Operations Appropriated Assistance: Montenegro
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ASSISTANCE GOALS: The overall goal of U.S. Government (USG) assistance is to help Montenegro become a stable, democratic and prosperous country, firmly anchored in Euro-Atlantic and international institutions, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). The USG helps Montenegro ensure stability through broad-based prosperity, building an effective security partnership, strengthening the rule of law, and reinforcing democratic institutions.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Peace and Security (P&S)
- Foster military cooperation and help Montenegro’s military forces meet the standards necessary for participation in international peacekeeping operations and eventual NATO membership
- Build police and prosecutorial capacity to combat organized crime
- Increase public understanding of U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region
Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD)
- Support the Montenegrin government’s efforts to implement reforms necessary to further democracy, rule of law, and economic growth.
- Strengthen the advocacy and watchdog capacity of the NGO sector
- Improve the reporting of independent media outlets and help them achieve sustainability
- Through support for educational exchanges, foster the development of skills that will contribute to Montenegro’s economic growth and of attitudes that will help sustain democratic reforms needed to advance its Euro-Atlantic integration
Economic Growth (EG)
- Develop public and private partnerships at the municipal and regional level that lead to job creation and raise living standards
- Increase Montenegro’s capacity to adhere to international trade rules and establish transparent regulatory structures conducive to the expansion of trade and investment
- Build small and medium sized enterprises capacity in the tourism and agriculture sectors, particularly in the economically disadvantaged northern region
RECENT SUCCESSES:
- USG assistance supported the formation of the Joint Investigative Team, a taskforce which has already returned indictments for corruption.
- Training programs were conducted for judges, prosecutors, legal advisors, police, and other criminal justice actors and stakeholders on significant challenges to the Criminal Procedure Code including plea bargaining, investigation of corruption, asset forfeiture, and investigation of financial crimes.
- USG security assistance programs continue to prepare the Montenegrin defense establishment for future NATO membership and for partnership in overseas contingency operations. In 2010, the Montenegrin Armed Forces procured night vision devices, GPS equipment, and training equipment through USG funding.
- USG programs provided technical assistance as well as grants to support small and medium size businesses. A Business Service Center concept was implemented to foster public and private partnerships and boost the competitiveness of enterprises, establishing the Center for Hospitality and Tourism Education.
- During FY 2010, the USG provided training and equipment to enhance the ability of Montenegrin Customs and Border Police to control Montenegro’s borders and interdict illicit trafficking. As a result, the Border Police mounted successful interdiction operations on Skadar Lake and elsewhere in Montenegro and continue to advance their maritime control capacity.
*This fact sheet does not reflect centrally managed or regional Foreign Operations funding that is not specifically budgeted for Montenegro.