The Competition Protection Agency (AZK) has assessed that the payment of 182.000 thousand euros for the construction and maintenance of multi-purpose sports and recreational infrastructure in the area of the "Savin Kuk" ski resort on Durmitor does not constitute state aid.
In December, the government adopted information about this project, which stated that 182.000 euros were allocated for this ski resort, with the aim of ensuring the prerequisites for the 2024/2025 winter tourist and sports season in the area of this ski resort.
"The project to develop the ski resort on Savin Kuk is conceived as a multi-year project financed through the capital budget of Montenegro and which ensures the modernization of the ski resort, all with the aim of carefully planned tourist valorization of the area and improvement through modernization of the capacities of one of the most significant mountain and traditional ski and sports centers," the Government explained.
AZK states in its decision that the Ministry of Tourism informed them that this money is intended for the installation of modern technological solutions for the production of artificial snow that enable sports and recreation at the "Savin Kuk" ski resort, and that this would represent the public interest of all citizens who will have access to artificial snow cover under equal conditions and without hindrance.
"The Agency has specifically taken into account the applicant's claims that the funds in question will be used to invest in multipurpose and sports infrastructure, that use will be provided to all users free of charge, and that it is not intended for professional athletes, thus fulfilling the conditions defined in Article 55 of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014," the decision states.
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