The Government of Montenegro has signed a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the amount of 200 million euros for the construction of the second section of the highway from Mateševo to Andrijevica.
The document was signed by Finance Minister Novica Vuković and EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans Matteo Colangeli.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said that the second section of the highway is turning from a vision into reality. He stated that road construction is one of the government's priorities and that they are the backbone of development.
"Despite the challenges, the changes to the route, we have concrete results today, despite the slight delay. The first step has been taken and the next step is construction and digging in the ground," he emphasized.
He pointed out that the European Union is donating 150 million euros to Montenegro for this project, which is a confirmation of partnership and that it facilitates the implementation of the project. He stated that the problems from the construction of the first section, such as delays and forgetting of interchanges, will not be repeated.
"We believe that in 2028 we will realize this generational dream of ours," he said.
Vuković said that the investment of 560 million is being realized from loans, capital budget and grants, and that the signed contracts are the result of a partnership and trust with the EU.
He pointed out that he expects greater connectivity and therefore greater revenues and the number of tourists, and that he will continue to support similar projects.
A contribution agreement was also signed at Villa Gorica, signed by EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johan Sattler and Head of the EBRD Office in Montenegro Raymond Zakaria.
Sattler stressed that this is the largest grant the EU has ever given to Montenegro, with 150 million euros of non-refundable aid being invested in the Mateševo-Andrijevica route. He added that they expect the project to be implemented to the highest standards.
"The section is part of the European Transport Corridor, the project is worth a total of around 600 million euros. The EU is ready to continue investing in roads and railways in Montenegro, because Montenegro rightly sees itself as a green destination," he said, adding that they support considering the idea of solar panels along the highway.
Satler added that they support Montenegro's access to the single payment system (SEPA), and that it is a shared success.
Kolandjeli stated that the project is of exceptional importance for Montenegro and the region, and reiterated that this is the 100th project financed by the EBRD in the country.
Kolandjeli also signed a project agreement with the Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević, the Director of Monteput Milan Ljiljanić, and the Director of the Traffic Administration Radomir Vuksanović.
Vukićević pointed out that all procedural and technical requirements of the EBRD have been met, and that tenders are underway. She pointed out that they expect to have conceptual designs for the entire Bar-Boljare highway route ready by the end of next year.
She pointed out that she expects the contractor to be selected in September, and that the start of preparatory and other works depends on it, so that they can be completed within five years, or by 2030.
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