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.
After the official opening, there was a panel entitled “SEPA and the future of European integration”, which brought together the highest state officials, representatives of the European Union and international organizations. In an open and inspiring conversation, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Governor Dr. Irena Radović, Ambassador of the European Union Johann Sattler, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, Director of the European Council for Payments Giorgio Andreoli, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Pernil Daler Kardel and young leader in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship Jelena Kavarić spoke about the importance of SEPA integration as one of the most concrete steps of Montenegro towards the European market and modern financial environment.
The panel, which was moderated by the Deputy Governor of the CBCG, Dr. Zorica Kalezić, confirmed the common belief that SEPA is not only a technical progress in the payment system, but a key symbol of economic trust, political connection and the European future of Montenegro.
