The construction of the second section of the Bar-Boljare highway is an investment in the balanced development of Montenegro, new jobs and the economic future of the north, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced.
"It is an investment in equal opportunities, in a country that does not forget any of its regions. It is not a highway to Belgrade, nor to Podgorica, it is a highway for the development of all of Montenegro," said Milatović, welcoming the signing of the contract on financing the second section of the highway, from Mateševo to Andrijevica, announced today.
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He particularly welcomed the decision of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Commission (EC) to support the continuation of the highway construction, adding that this partnership is not only technical, but also a political message of trust.
Milatović believes that the second section is not just a new road, but proof that Montenegro knows which way it wants to go.
"The approval of the EBRD loan and the EU grant confirms what we have been saying all along: that Montenegro has the capacity to build with the support of the most serious European partners, under the most favorable conditions," said Milatović.
He said that at a time when we are witnessing an onslaught of financial offers from various parts of the world, from the Middle to the Far East, Montenegro has clearly stated that key infrastructure projects must be implemented with European support and according to European rules.
"From the very beginning of the president's term, we have pursued a clear policy in that direction: at every meeting, in every address, we have insisted that the state chooses reliable and responsible partners. That it chooses Europe," said Milatović.
He added that this project is the result of such a policy, and not improvisation or an agreement behind closed doors. According to him, it is proof that Montenegro can lead projects that meet the highest international standards: financial, environmental and development.
"Montenegro has shown institutional maturity in this process. Strict international tenders, participation of domestic institutions, clear supervision of European partners, these are steps that prove that we can build like Europe, if we behave like Europe," Milatović said.
He believes that we must continue, plan and work according to the rules, honestly and in a homely manner.
"Montenegro must be a space for safe, smart and sustainable investments. A country where people know who is building, what and how, and not a space for experimenting with other people's interests and hidden agendas," said Milatović.
He added that it is not just an investment, but a test of political maturity and proof that Montenegro knows what it wants, who it wants to be with, and which path it wants to take.
"I don't agree to stand still. I don't agree to bluff. Let's finish the job," Milatović said.
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