Today 7.10.2025 – With the launch of the first SEPA transactions in Montenegro, our country has become an equal participant in the European payment area, together with the member states of the European Union – said the Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro, Irena Radović. In this way, Montenegro participates in the European payment system on an equal basis with the member states of the European Union. From today, our businessmen and citizens can send and receive euros from over 40 countries of the SEPA area, 27 countries of the European Union and member countries of the European Economic Area, quickly, safely and with minimal costs according to the rules and prices that are present in the European Union.
The president of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde, said that the introduction of SEPA transactions in Montenegro, less than a year after joining the single euro payment area, represents an important step for the country and its European integration.
Lagarde stressed that behind the symbolism there are concrete benefits for citizens and companies. Considering that all 11 banks in Montenegro are now part of the SEPA system, citizens and companies can enjoy safe, fast and efficient payments in Europe. She indicated that together with the upcoming launch of a regional instant payment system, based on a clone of the European system’s TIPS platform, these two initiatives have the potential to reduce the income gap with the European Union by more than 11 percentage points over the next decade.
The Central Bank (CBCG) announced that on October 6, 2025, Montenegro and operationally became part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). In order for Montenegro to become part of the SEPA system, it must meet all the criteria of Chapter 4, which refers to the free movement of capital.
The launch of the first foreign transactions in euros within the European payment area, less than a year after Montenegro became the first country in the Western Balkans to become a member of SEPA, represents a historical milestone and integration into the European financial area before the country’s full membership in the EU.
From today, the first daily transfer of natural persons up to 200 euros to the countries of the SEPA payment zone will be free. For electronic transfers up to 20,000 euros, the maximum fee will be 1.99 euros, and for transfers over 20,000 euros, 25 euros.
