The development of connectivity within Montenegro, with its neighbours in Western Balkans, and with the European Union is among strategic priorities of the Montenegrin Government and constitutes a flagship initiative under the European Union’s (EU) Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. The European Union, through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), funds the development of transport infrastructure in all Western Balkan countries and in Montenegro, in cooperation with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Montenegro’s current investment programme for transport infrastructure development amounts approximately to an ambitious € 9 billion, creating significant opportunities for investments and partnerships within Montenegro and the Western Balkans region.

To promote these opportunities to interested companies from the EU Member States, the region, and Montenegro, the Government of Montenegro and the European Commission, in cooperation with the EIB, organised an Information Day in Podgorica today. The event featured presentations on upcoming road and railway infrastructure projects along the TEN-T Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Matesevo – Andrijevica motorway segment, as well as other priority projects in the transport sector.

Participants were also informed about the prevailing investment conditions and the reforms undertaken by Montenegro on its path to EU membership, which make the country an attractive and secure business environment. Presentations highlighted the role of the EU and International Financing Institutions in developing and financing projects in Montenegro, the importance of connectivity in the Western Balkans, the transition of the transport sector towards sustainable and smart mobility, upcoming transport infrastructure projects, and the regulatory framework for implementing large-scale projects in the country. 

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The event was opened by Prime Minister of Montenegro Mr Milojko Spajić, the European Union’s Ambassador to Montenegro Mr Johann Sattler, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Transport, the EU Transport Community Secretariat and of International Financing Institutions.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasised the need to improve transportation infrastructure in Montenegro in order to further develop the country and connect it with the region and Europe. “Infrastructure development is a priority for this Government. Infrastructure connectivity with the region goes hand in hand with our EU path. In the next few years, we aim to build around 500 kilometres of motorways and express roads, which will completely transform Montenegro. In addition, investments are planned in the railway, airports, and the Port of Bar, with the goal of fully utilising the undeniable potential of our country. I believe that European companies will find interest in being our partners on this journey of building a new chapter in the country’s history,” said the Prime Minister.

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler said that the EU and Montenegro are committed to better and greener transport, aimed at achieving a transformation in this sector and of the country. “The EU’s construction industry holds vast experience and innovative capacities that can play a key role here. We want to see EU companies partner with Montenegrin businesses for mutual benefit, turning knowledge into opportunity. In recent months, Montenegro has accelerated its road development plans, putting the country on a fast track to transformation. Delivering infrastructure projects in line with EU rules and regulations ensures fair access to the market, attracts investments that benefit everyone involved and delivers the opportunities the people of Montenegro truly deserve,” the EU Ambassador said.

The event brought together represented of 28 contractor companies, 17 embassies and 9 contractor and trade associations. It provided a valuable opportunity to connect Montenegrin and regional construction companies with EU Member State companies specialising in transport infrastructure development. A series of B2B meetings and discussions with relevant institutions were organised during the event, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting best practices in infrastructure development, and creating opportunities for joint ventures that can accelerate the modernization of Montenegro's transport network in line with EU standards.

The participants expressed their satisfaction with the organisation and content of the Information Day thanking the Government of Montenegro and the European Commission for providing valuable information about forthcoming investment opportunities in Montenegro’s transport sector.