Stockholm: Montenegro to get additional EUR 16.4 million for preparation and implementation of infrastructure projects

Stockholm, Sweden (15 June 2017) -- In addition to existing funds for infrastructure, Montenegro will be allocated an additional EUR 16.4 million for the preparation and implementation of projects in transport and environment. This was confirmed today in Stockholm by the Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework, where Montenegro was represented by the Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović.

Two million of this amount is allocated for the preparation of major projects and supervision of works for the reconstruction of the landslide Ratac and signalisation in cells in the northern part of the Bar-Vrbnica motorway. The EU allocated an additional EUR 5.4 million for the preliminary design and assessment of the social and environmental impact of the two sections of Bar-Boljare motorway: Smokovac-Tološi-Farmaci and Mateševo-Andrijevica.

Also, EUR 9 million is allocated for financing of works on the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Podgorica, which will significantly improve the environment of the Capital, but also the wider region of Skadar Lake and Bojana River. The money for this project will be instantly available, and along with the loan of German Development Bank will help to quickly implement works in first phase.

Presenting approved projects to the members of the Board, Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović stressed the importance of support by the EU to the Western Balkans through the Berlin process, particularly in terms of improving infrastructure integration in the field of transport and energy, which is allocated almost one billion EUR within the financial perspective 2014-2020.

“Through the support to infrastructure development, the EU encourages in the best and most efficient way the development of our region and approaching membership in the Union. Montenegro can really be proud of this additional money earmarked for our country for infrastructure projects, because there is a tremendous work and effort of colleagues from relevant institutions behind this, who diligently prepared everything to get this sort of support in Stockholm today,” the Minister said.

He emphasised the full commitment of the Montenegrin Government, both in the implementation of already approved projects and in the preparation of new proposals that the new EU grants, focused on further adoption of European standards, will enable.

MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS