Montenegro and EBRD open a new era of investments

Montenegro and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are entering a new phase of partnership, marked by record investments, strong reforms and the implementation of major infrastructure projects towards membership in the European Union (EU), their representatives assessed.

Minister of Finance, Novica Vuković, hosted the newly appointed EBRD Executive Director for South-Eastern Europe, Gržegož Zelinski, Director for Infrastructure, Elena Gordeva, the newly appointed Head of the EBRD Office in Montenegro, Ekaterina Solovova, as well as the previous Head of the Office, Ramon Zacharia.

Vuković pointed out that Montenegro today has a strong reform and investment momentum, with stable macroeconomic indicators and the most dynamic European path in the region, emphasizing that the EBRD remains one of the most important partners in the implementation of the country's development priorities.

As he said, among the numerous planned projects, the focus is on the continuation of the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway, the preparation of the bypass around Podgorica, the modernization of the Bar-Golubovci railway, the implementation of intelligent transport systems (ITS), investments in energy efficiency, the development of broadband digital infrastructure, the improvement of waste management, and projects that contribute to the green transition and better connectivity of Montenegro with the European transport and energy network.

Zelinski assessed that the progress Montenegro is making on its European path is impressive, emphasizing his satisfaction that the EBRD has the opportunity to be a partner and contribute to that development.

Gordeva particularly praised the contribution of the Ministry of Finance in the preparation and implementation of development projects, assessing that quality coordination is an important prerequisite for the successful implementation of an ambitious investment cycle.

Solovova said that her mandate will be focused on continuing the strong partnership with the Government and the efficient implementation of joint projects.

Vuković thanked Zakaria for his exceptional contribution to strengthening the partnership between Montenegro and the EBRD, emphasizing that the results achieved during his mandate have laid a solid foundation for a new phase of cooperation and the implementation of even more ambitious development projects.