Montenegrin Minister of Transport, Maja Vukićević, announced that the contract for the design and construction of the first section of the highway, from Mateševo to Andrijevica, will be concluded by mid-2025. This phase includes the development of the main project and preparatory work for the construction of this key section, followed by the completion of the highway that will connect Montenegro with Serbia.
Speaking in an interview for Vijesti, Vukićević explained that the agreement will follow procedures and guidelines set by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with every step requiring approval from the EBRD.
Regarding the section from Andrijevica to Boljare, and from Boljare to Požega on the Serbian side, both Montenegro and Serbia are working on finding the best model to complete the projects and fully build the highway from Podgorica to Belgrade.
Vukićević also mentioned that, according to the Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 2040, five key development corridors have been identified: eastern, western, central, coastal, and northern development corridors. These corridors will include major transport routes, such as highways and express roads, which are planned to integrate Montenegro’s road network with those of neighboring countries, linking them to European corridors. This will help create the conditions for a competitive market and the integration of Montenegro into regional economic flows.
The Minister reminded that the Montenegrin government has outlined five major transport routes, including the Bar-Boljare highway, the Adriatic-Ionian highway, express roads along the Montenegrin coast, the Bijelo Polje-Pljevlja border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Podgorica-Nikšić-Žabljak-Pljevlja express road. These five highways and express roads consist of 18 sections, each being a separate construction and functional unit. The construction of these roads is planned to begin and be completed within the next five to seven years, depending on the progress of road construction in neighboring countries, such as the Adriatic-Ionian highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Regarding the financing of these projects, Vukićević explained that the necessary funds will come from the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans. Specifically, this includes favorable loans from the EBRD, grants from the European Commission, public-private partnership models, concessions, state budget financing, and ultimately EU funds that Montenegro will be eligible for upon full membership in the European Union.
When asked if there is an agreement with Serbia on jointly applying for EU funding for the section of the highway from Andrijevica to Požega, Vukićević replied:
“In July 2018, the Ministry of Transport of Montenegro and the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure of Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation for the implementation of infrastructure projects. The Memorandum envisages consultations on possible terms and cooperation models, in line with good international practices and applicable regulations, in order to jointly approach third parties and potential funding sources for the realization of strategic infrastructure projects that both countries recognize as priorities.”
She added that meetings have been held with colleagues from Serbia to consider the best model for continuing the highway construction.
“From both Montenegro’s and Serbia’s side, we are working towards the complete construction of the highway from Podgorica to Belgrade. In the coming period, we will focus on further examining the most efficient way to implement the section from Andrijevica to Boljare, and from Požega to Boljare,” concluded Vukićević.
