The government of Montenegro is unwaveringly committed to advancing infrastructure, with ambitious plans to construct approximately 260 kilometers of highways and around 200 kilometers of expressways, as announced during the inaugural session of the Public Investment Council.
Highlighted in the post-session statement, ongoing public calls and tender processes for conceptual project development underscore the government’s steadfast dedication to infrastructure expansion. Chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the council’s session saw participation from relevant ministers and key institutions crucial to executing capital projects.
In the pursuit of laying groundwork for further infrastructure enhancement, the council received updates on the Ministry of Finance’s new electronic monitoring mechanism for capital projects, aimed at bolstering project efficiency. Additionally, the council outlined timelines for drafting Montenegro’s Infrastructure Development Master Plan and specifying new infrastructure ventures.
Decisions were made to reinforce control mechanisms for entities managing the State Capital Budget, focusing on stringent project documentation scrutiny and enhanced monitoring of licenses under ministerial jurisdiction.
In terms of forthcoming endeavors, Monteput, the national road construction company, is poised to advance conceptual designs for highway and expressway development, particularly focusing on the Podgorica – Bar highway section. Furthermore, efforts are underway to incorporate remaining transportation infrastructure, such as the Smokovac – Božaj border crossing segment, into Montenegro’s Spatial Plan, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj.
Looking ahead, Montenegro anticipates EU support for infrastructure development through the Western Balkans Investment Framework under the EU Growth Plan. Priority sectors include education, health, digitization, energy, and transportation, paving the way for substantial financial backing in the coming years.
The council also deliberated on a new regulatory framework for strategic investments, aiming to attract investors and innovative projects to Montenegro, thereby propelling economic growth and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. Emphasis was placed on public strategic investments as pivotal drivers of Montenegro’s development.
Established as part of a revamped institutional framework, the Public Investment Council aims to optimize public investments, streamline coordination, and drive progress in Montenegro’s capital budget and broader infrastructure initiatives. Moving forward, focus will be on launching new infrastructure projects across transportation, energy, and education sectors, fostering Montenegro’s economic prosperity.
