Montenegro’s projects in road infrastructure require stronger regional initiatives and a collaborative approach to available funding sources, stated Transport Minister Maja Vukićević. She emphasized the government’s priority to fully complete the Bar-Boljare highway.
Vukićević participated in a ministerial meeting in Budapest at the invitation of Hungary’s Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár.
During the first part of the meeting, titled “Steps and Actions Towards Further Development of More Competitive EU Transport Policies,” speakers discussed the importance of interconnectedness and efficiency in the European transport chain as a key prerequisite for enhancing Europe’s global competitiveness. They stressed that unified action and responses from all participating countries are essential for improving transport links.
“Planning the transport system, focusing on accessibility to destinations and services, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing fossil fuel consumption, and enhancing road safety, is crucial for advancing the transport system. This aligns with our commitments under the Green Agenda as we aim for EU accession,” said Vukićević.
She highlighted that a primary government goal is to ensure the full completion of the Bar-Boljare highway, which is part of the expansion of the comprehensive Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the Western Balkans. This project aims to establish connections with European corridors through Serbia as quickly as possible.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has allocated a grant covering 40% of the estimated construction cost for the next section, Mateševo-Andrijevica, and has also provided a loan of €200 million to support this project.
“With the Urban Mobility Plan, we aim to transform the transport system from one primarily designed for passenger cars to one that accommodates sustainable transport forms and eco-friendly vehicles, laying the groundwork for sustainable mobility and a green transition,” Vukićević emphasized.
