EBRD’s Betsy Nelson: EBRD willing to support Montenegro'e EU bid

Podgorica, Montenegro (19 November 2014) – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is committed to cooperating with Montenegro in the coming period and providing its support for Montenegro's EU bid, EBRD’s Vice President Betsy Nelson stressed at the meeting with Prime Minister Milo Đukanović in Podgorica earlier today.

PM Đukanović commended the fruitful cooperation established between Montenegro and the EBRD, adding there is space for improving good relations. He also highlighted that the EBRD’s support is crucial for the economy of the Western Balkans, particularly referring to the implementation of the future infrastructural projects, such as the Ionian - Adriatic highway, Ionian - Adriatic Pipeline and reconstruction of the railway as a key factor for faster economic growth.

Economic governance in accordance with the EU’s enlargement strategy is one of the key Government’s priorities, PM Đukanović stressed, adding that rasing the level of economic cooperation will attract foreign investment, improve the business environment, support small business and boost economic growth. In that regard, he highlighted the importance of the EBRD’s conference, which was held in February 2014, which made the EBRD as a key partner of the Western Balkans in terms of improving the regional cooperation.

The officials discussed cooperation in various fields, namely infrastructure, environmental protection, transport, tourism, agriculture and energy. Particular emphasis was put on the establishment of the funds for supporting small and medium sized enterprises and boosting cooperation related to financial and banking sector.