The government today created the conditions for concluding agreements with France and Hungary, thereby confirming that it is ready to strengthen cooperation with European partners, said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, stating that these agreements will mark the beginning of the most intensive cooperation with Budapest and Paris.
Spajić, in a statement delivered to the media after the thematic session of the Government, said that a proposal for the basis for concluding an agreement with Ukraine was also adopted today, as a statement of commitment to strengthening cooperation with that country at all levels.
He recalled that last week witnessed major achievements in the fight against cigarette smuggling in Dublin, as well as financial policies in the field of public procurement, through the closure of Chapter 5.
"Today we are starting another successful week, at the thematic session of the Government session we created the conditions for concluding agreements with two member states, France and Hungary, thus confirming our readiness to strengthen cooperation with our European partners not only at the Union level, but also bilaterally," said Spajić.
As he said, agreements in the areas of infrastructure, telecommunications, innovative technologies, energy, health, and public administration reform will mark the beginning of the most intensive cooperation ever with Budapest and Paris and create conditions for the implementation of projects of strategic importance.
"Today, the government also adopted the Proposal for the Basis for concluding an agreement with Ukraine, as a statement of our commitment to strengthen cooperation at all levels, in the hope that friendly Ukraine will see better days," Spajić stated.
Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović said that, after a year and a half of intensive communication, they are close to concluding an agreement with France that covers five areas.
"From the design and construction of a university hospital, through cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources, road infrastructure and e-government, to the design and construction of an administrative center within the Montenegro business district," said Adžović.
As she said, a special segment of the agreement is the provision of financial resources for the implementation of projects in each of the aforementioned areas.
Adžović pointed out that the document also defines the conditions and procedures for the implementation of projects, including anti-corruption measures and compliance with international standards for sustainable development.
"This creates a framework for efficient, transparent and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," added Adžović.
She emphasized that agreements on cooperation with Hungary in the field of infrastructure, as well as an agreement on cooperation in the field of telecommunications, information technologies and law enforcement development, were also adopted today.
"Through joint consultations, coordination and a document on cooperation in the field of infrastructure, we will enable more efficient implementation of projects of strategic importance such as the development and improvement of railways and the construction of road infrastructure," explained Adžović.
According to her, this will contribute to dynamic economic development and accelerate the process of implementing strategic projects that will improve the quality of life of Montenegrin citizens.
Adžović stated that the overall goal is to create a favorable investment climate and encourage economic cooperation between both the public and private sectors of both countries.
She said that the second agreement with Hungary will formalize cooperation in the fields of telecommunications, information technology, and law enforcement development between the two governments.
Speaking about cooperation with Ukraine, Adžović said that the country has built one of the most advanced e-government ecosystems in the world in a short time.
"According to the United Nations ranking for digital services, Ukraine was not even among the top hundred countries in the world in 2018, and already in 2024 it was among the top five. Therefore, it is logical to consider the possibility of purchasing e-government services developed by Ukraine," said Adžović.
The Government, as stated in the statement from the session, established the Basis for conducting negotiations and concluding the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Infrastructure Development between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Hungary, and accepted the text of the Agreement.
"The main goal of the Agreement is to improve both road and rail transport, which contributes to better connectivity and economic development of both countries. The Agreement clearly stipulates the rights and obligations of both parties," the statement said.
It is stated that cooperation is based on the principles of friendship, respect for sovereignty and common interests, while respecting relevant national and international legislation.
"Attention was also paid to defining obligations regarding financing, engaging contractors, and adopting the necessary legislative measures for the successful implementation of infrastructure projects," the Government said.
As they said, specific infrastructure projects, including the railway development project and the highway development project, have strategic importance.
"It is planned that Hungarian companies will be involved in their implementation as main contractors and operators, with a special regime that allows for direct engagement without the need for public procurement, in accordance with the national legislation of Montenegro," the Government added.
They emphasized that these projects qualify as investments of particular importance for the national economies of both countries.
"Also, this agreement fully respects Hungary's obligations as an EU member, as well as Montenegro's legal framework in the context of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union," the statement said.
This, it is added, ensures that the implementation of joint infrastructure projects is in line with European integration and relevant legal standards.
The Government stated that the agreement is concluded for five years, unless terminated earlier with written notice, after which the termination will take effect six months from receipt of the notice.
The Government today also established the Basis for conducting negotiations and concluding an Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Law Enforcement Development between the Governments of Montenegro and Hungary, and accepted the text of the Agreement.
The agreement, as stated, envisages the encouragement of economic and trade relations, as well as strategic partnerships in the areas of telecommunications, information technology and law enforcement development.
"The agreement will exchange knowledge and experience in the areas of establishing technical and economic zones, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, as well as improving the application of the latest technologies," the statement said.
It is stated that special importance is being attached to the reform of Montenegro's public administration, including digital transformation and preparation for EU membership.
It is added that the activities will be implemented in accordance with applicable legislation and international law, through consultations and specific projects of strategic importance, including the development of the State Data Center and the modernization of law enforcement technology, with the aim of improving cooperation between state authorities, the private sector and citizens, in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit.
"The conclusion of this agreement will create favorable conditions for intensifying dialogue and coordination between competent institutions, which will further strengthen the modernization of the sector and the improvement of capacities in areas of strategic importance for both countries," the statement said.
It is emphasized that the agreement will significantly strengthen economic, technological and institutional ties, contribute to sustainable development and strengthen mutual trust, thus laying the foundation for longer-term and more successful bilateral cooperation.
The Government has established the Basis for conducting negotiations and concluding an Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Republic of France on the implementation of priority projects in Montenegro.
As they said, the conclusion of this agreement will strengthen friendly relations and improve strategic cooperation, especially in the areas of economic development and trade.
The Government said that the aim of the agreement is to support the development of Montenegro through infrastructure and energy projects, digitalization, and strengthening human resources, while respecting environmental, social, and anti-corruption standards.
"The agreement provides for the exchange of information, the joint identification of priority projects and the finding of financial sources for their implementation, including French support through various financial instruments such as grants, loans and guarantees," the statement said.
Of particular note is cooperation on important projects such as the construction of the new University Clinical Center in Podgorica, modernization of the electricity grid, development of renewable energy sources, digital transformation, and construction of transport infrastructure.
"The agreement will also define the conditions and procedures for the implementation of projects, including anti-corruption measures and compliance with international standards for sustainable development, thus creating a framework for efficient, transparent and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," the statement added.
The session also established the Basis for conducting negotiations and concluding an Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Ukraine on the provision of e-government services. The Agreement will establish a legal framework to ensure that e-services, which are developed to an enviable level in Ukraine, are also provided to the citizens of Montenegro.
"After considering the priorities of economic development and the well-being of citizens, a specific project has been identified that is considered strategic in fulfilling the objectives of the future Agreement, which relates to the provision of e-government services for Montenegro," the Government said.
As they said, the aforementioned e-government services include, but are not limited to: software provision, know-how, cooperation in the field of education and improvement of digital skills, strategic planning and implementation of the "once and only" concept.
"Based on this jointly identified project of strategic importance and in accordance with its feasibility and implementation, the Government of Ukraine will provide e-government services to the Government of Montenegro, which will, in turn, provide financial compensation," the statement said.
It is stated that the amount of compensation, as well as the specification of the requested e-government services, will be defined in a separate agreement.
The Government said that, in order to fulfill the agreement, in full accordance with the relevant laws of Montenegro, this agreement, as well as the agreement defining the amount of the fee and the specifications of the requested services for electronic governance, will not be subject to public procurement, public tender, public competition procedure or any other procedure defined in the national legislation of Ukraine or Montenegro after ratification of the Agreement.
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