Montenegro has secured €350 million in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union to improve transport connectivity both within the country and across the region, the EBRD announced.

The EBRD will provide a loan of up to €200 million for the construction of the Matesevo–Andrijevica section of the highway connecting the Adriatic port of Bar with the Serbian border. Additionally, the EU will contribute two investment grants totaling €150 million.

Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, stated that the funding represents a clear signal of the EU’s support for Montenegro’s efforts on its path toward EU accession.

The 22-kilometer section passes through challenging terrain and is expected to connect the underdeveloped northern part of the country with the more economically active central and southern regions.

The EU has already provided a €4.7 million grant for the feasibility study of the Bar–Boljare highway under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. The project is part of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T).

“Modern and reliable transport infrastructure is crucial for Montenegro’s economic development, especially in boosting tourism, trade, and regional integration,” emphasized Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans.

Ambassador Sattler added that the EU has provided over €350 million in grants for transport projects in Montenegro in recent years.

Montenegro began EU accession negotiations in 2012. To date, 33 of the 35 negotiation chapters have been opened, with three provisionally closed. | BGNES