Montenegro and EU sign IPA 2011 Financing Agreement

Podgorica, Montenegro (13 March 2012) – Chief Negotiator for EU accession Aleksandar Pejović and Alexandra Cas Granje, Director for Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Turkey and Iceland at the Directorate General for Enlargement, signed the IPA 2011 Financing Agreement worth EUR 43 million. It consists of EUR 25.5 million in grant aid from the EU and EUR 16.5 million of the Government’s contribution.

The Agreement envisages the implementation of 16 projects in a set of areas significant for Montenegro’s EU bid, Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Pejović told the press conference following the signing ceremony on Monday.

Mr Pejović noted the IPA funds are aimed at advancing judiciary reform, resolving the issue of internally displaced persons at the refugee camps Konik I and II, as well as agricultural and rural areas development, improving sea safety and capacities of the Montenegro Port Authority.

The biggest project within the Agreement, worth EUR 9 million, is the construction of the wastewater treatment system for the municipalities of Bijelo Polje and Cetinje, Mr Pejović added.

Director Cas Granje said that IPA programme for Montenegro includes 3 priorities from 6 areas and 16 projects to be enforced in the areas of rule of law, public administration reform, environmental protection, transport, agriculture and rural development, and social issues.

The projects and especially their implementation are crucial as they are going to change the reality and quality of life in Montenegro, she emphasised.