Montenegro has received approval for several crucial environmental and energy projects totaling 75 million euros during today’s meeting of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Operational Board in London.
Under this support package, the EU will allocate funds for five investment grants for environmental infrastructure projects and one technical assistance project for energy project preparation in Montenegro.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, participating remotely, highlighted the significance of these projects. “The total value of these six investments, combined with national co-financing and favorable loans, amounts to 171.5 million euros,” she stated. “By implementing these vital projects, we will enhance water supply and wastewater treatment systems across Montenegro, thereby improving the quality of life for our citizens in Kotor, Tivat, Ulcinj, the capital Cetinje, Nikšić and Pljevlja.”
Gorčević emphasized the multiple benefits for Montenegro from these projects, including the enhancement of public health through modernizing and expanding water infrastructure. “Reliable water supply and efficient wastewater management are crucial prerequisites for tourism sector success, particularly in popular tourist destinations,” she noted.
Apart from the infrastructure projects, Montenegro expects a boost of one million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the energy sector, Gorčević added.
“These projects supported by WBIF will significantly contribute to meeting the requirements for concluding negotiations in Chapter 27 – Environment,” she stressed, underscoring their role in advancing Montenegro’s EU accession process.
Gorčević highlighted the transformative nature of EU accession, asserting that it not only enhances institutions and democratic governance but also brings tangible economic benefits to Montenegro.
She expressed gratitude to colleagues from DG NEAR, the EU Delegation in Montenegro, leading IFIs, and Montenegro’s administration for their support and dedication, ensuring today’s approval was possible.
The projects approved under the 10th investment call at the WBIF Operational Board meeting in London include:
- Enhancement of wastewater collection systems in Nikšić and Pljevlja municipalities, Montenegro, with an EU grant proposal of 17.8 million euros. The project aims to expand sewage networks and improve wastewater treatment facilities, benefiting local populations.
- Improvement of water supply systems in the capital city of Cetinje, Montenegro, with an EU grant proposal of 12.6 million euros. The project focuses on upgrading water supply networks and installing new pumping stations to ensure reliable water delivery.
- Infrastructure for water supply and wastewater collection on the Adriatic coast – Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, with an EU grant proposal of 3.89 million euros. The project aims to address water supply and wastewater treatment challenges in coastal areas, enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Water supply and wastewater treatment in Tivat, Montenegro, Phase V, component 2, with an EU grant proposal of 9.5 million euros. The project targets improvements in water supply infrastructure to meet summer demand and enhance operational efficiency.
- Water supply and sanitation in Ulcinj, Montenegro, Phase 1, Component 2, with an EU grant proposal of 30.6 million euros. The project aims to reconstruct water supply networks and construct sewerage systems, including a wastewater treatment plant, to meet European standards and improve coastal water quality.
Additionally, technical support for project preparation received positive evaluation, highlighting Montenegro’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and environmental standards as it progresses towards EU membership.
