The first session of the Public Investment Council

The first session of the Public Investment Council, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, was convened with the participation of relevant ministers and key institutions involved in the implementation of capital projects.

In the context of laying the groundwork for further infrastructural development, the Council was briefed on the activities of the new mechanism for electronic monitoring of projects from Montenegro's Capital Budget, implemented by the Ministry of Finance, aimed at more efficient project implementation. The Council established the timeline for drafting the Master Plan for Infrastructure Development of Montenegro, as well as specifying new infrastructure projects.

Decisions were made by the Council regarding the necessity of strengthening control mechanisms for implementation units of the State Capital Budget, focusing on project documentation control and verification, as well as implementing more robust monitoring mechanisms concerning licenses within the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry.

Regarding the intensive activities of Monteput, actions are foreseen for further development of conceptual solutions for the construction of highways and expressways, with a focus on the Podgorica – Bar highway section, as well as creating the necessary conditions for incorporating the remaining transportation infrastructure into Montenegro's Spatial Plan, including the Smokovac – Božaj border crossing section, initiated by Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj. Ongoing public calls for the development of conceptual projects and solutions for multiple sections demonstrate the Government's continued commitment to infrastructure development. Approximately 260 km of highways and around 200 km of expressways are planned for construction.

In terms of further infrastructure development and EU partnership support for Montenegro, within the Reform Agenda for the EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, on the proposal of the Ministry of European Affairs, a list of priority projects for financing under the Western Balkans Investment Framework within the EU Growth Plan was discussed. These priorities include education, health, digitization, energy, and transportation. Consequently, financial support from these programmes is expected for Montenegro's infrastructure development in the coming years.

The Council deliberated on a new regulatory framework for strategic investment regulation aimed at establishing a new approach for investors and their ideas in Montenegro. The strategic approach aims to signal the Government's efforts to make Montenegro an attractive investment option for strategic project ideas, ultimately leading to accelerated economic development and, most importantly, improved living standards for citizens. Special emphasis is placed on public strategic investments contributing to Montenegro's stronger development.

The Public Investment Council is part of a new institutional framework aimed at enhancing public investments, improving coordination, and implementing activities related to Montenegro's Capital Budget and other infrastructure development projects. A particular focus in the upcoming period will be on initiating new infrastructure projects in the transportation, energy, education sectors, and creating new conditions for Montenegro's economic development.