The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will mark the conclusion of its assistance in Montenegro with a June 12 celebration hosted by Ambassador Sue K. Brown at Vladin Dom in Cetinje. 

The June 12 gala signifies that Montenegro is on the path toward European Union accession following significant economic, good governance, and democratic strides.  USAID has provided $243 million worth of assistance to Montenegro over the past 12 years.  It has successfully completed 17 major programs and thousands of smaller projects after officially opening in Montenegro in 2001.  Its projects have impacted virtually every municipality in the country.

"USAID helped stimulate Montenegro's economy, promote government transparency, and assist Montenegro meet the requirements for World Trade Organization and EU membership," said USAID Mission Director Susan K. Fritz. 

She added that USAID has helped Montenegro increase macroeconomic stability, reform and stabilize the banking sector, and build much-needed market infrastructure.  USAID has worked with local governments to become more open and responsive to their citizenry and to be more successful in attracting investments.  It has helped municipalities enhance their business environment and improve their environmental friendliness.

"While USAID is leaving, the Unites States remains a committed partner to Montenegro," Ambassador Brown said.  "We have partnered with Montenegrin citizens and their governmental institutions through USAID.  We will continue to work toward a better quality of life for all Montenegrins." 

USAID’s current programs will conclude this month, but other U.S. Embassy assistance focusing on democracy, defense reform, and the rule of law will continue.

"Through our partnership, we have made significant progress by improving the transparency of Montenegro's institutions, fighting corruption, strengthening its private sector, and supporting people with disabilities," Ambassador Brown said.

USAID's final three programs in Montenegro were:  the Economic Growth Project, which increased opportunities in Montenegro's less-developed northern regions; the Good Governance Activity, which secured reforms in Montenegro's governing bodies and the judiciary; and the Persons with Disabilities Initiative, which built the capacities of six organizations working to bring people with disabilities into Montenegro's economic and social mainstream.