IGOR LUKSIC
Profile
Dr. Igor Lukšić is a Montenegrin economist, academic, and former statesman who has served as Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs & European Integration of Montenegro. His career has been defined by leadership through transition — guiding Montenegro from state union to independence and through its integration into European and transatlantic institutions.
Political Career
Lukšić first entered public office in 2001 as a Member of Parliament during the pivotal years of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. From 2004 to 2010, as Minister of Finance, he oversaw the nation’s economic strategy during three defining moments: Montenegro’s independence in 2006, the global financial crisis of 2008, and the country’s first Eurobond issuance in 2010.
Prime Ministership
Appointed Prime Minister in 2010, Dr. Lukšić prioritized Montenegro’s accession to the European Union and Eurozone, championing fiscal discipline, market reform, and European integration. He also advanced the country’s efforts toward NATO membership, achieved in 2017.
Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy
Following his tenure as Prime Minister, Lukšić served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & European Integration (2012–2016), continuing his leadership on Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations. In 2016, he stood as a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, reflecting his growing international profile.
Academic and Economic Work
A scholar of the Austrian School of Economics, Dr. Lukšić earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Montenegro with a dissertation titled Transition – the Process of Achieving Economic and Political Freedoms. His academic work bridges theory and policy, engaging critically with the dialogue between Austrian and Keynesian schools of thought. He currently serves as Professor at the University of Donja Gorica.
Interviews
Igor Lukšić on Montenegrin Independence, Navigating the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, & Joining the EU, Eurozone, and NATO. Social Science Encyclopedia. (June 13, 2025)
Op-Eds
Where Are We On The Road To The European Union (October 18, 2010)
NATO: The Balkans’ Best Defense (October 4, 2010)
The Economics of Euro-Enthusiasm (June 8, 2010)
Education
Ph.D. Economics – University of Montenegro
Doctoral Dissertation: “Transition – the Process of Achieving Economic and Political Freedoms.”
Political Affiliation
Independent (Current)
Democratic Party of Socialists (2002–2016)
Positions Held
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2012–2016)
Prime Minister of Montenegro (2010–2012)
Minister of Finance (2004–2010)
Professor, University of Donja Gorica