The European Union has allocated an additional EUR 5.4 million to Montenegro for the preparation of infrastructure projects within the call for submission of projects of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (BIF), it was confirmed at the meeting of its Operational Committee, held in Oslo.
At the meeting, where Montenegro was represented by the state secretary and national IPA coordinator Milena Žižić and her associates, the EU confirmed its readiness to continue financial support for infrastructure projects in Montenegro with the aim of increasing the amount of investments in infrastructure and improving the connectivity of the region in accordance with the goals of the Economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans.
It was announced from the General Secretariat of the Government that Montenegro was granted funds for the preparation of project documentation for three projects related to the energy and transport sectors.
Funds were approved for the preparation of the main project, environmental protection study and other tender documentation for the railway corridor R2 Montenegro – Albania, for the section from Podgorica to the border with Albania, in the amount of EUR 2.6 million.
– Funds were also approved for the preparation of the main project, environmental protection study and other tender documentation for the rehabilitation of the Sozina tunnel on the R2 railway corridor, Bar-Vrbnica section in the amount of 900,000 EUR, as well as for the preparation of a feasibility study and an environmental protection study for 400 the Brezna–Crkvičko Polje–Sarajevo 20 kV interconnection, to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the construction of a new 400/220 kV Crkvičko Polje substation and the connection with the Piva hydroelectric power plant, in the amount of 1.9 million – the announcement states.
Žižić said at the meeting that Montenegro is committed to the entire process of planning and implementing priority infrastructure projects.
She stated that high-quality preparation of projects will be of particular importance for their timely implementation, especially in the context of improving Montenegro’s infrastructural connection with its neighbors.
– With additional grants for the improvement of the railway infrastructure on the two most important sections towards Albania and Serbia, we will contribute together in the best way to a better connection of the countries of the Western Balkans. In addition, through the increase of the exchange and optimization of the production capacity of electricity in the region, a better connection of the European market will be achieved – said Žižić.
She said that the construction of new renewable sources on the territory of Montenegro and neighboring countries would represent a significant challenge for the placement of electricity and energy towards Italy and other power systems of Southeastern Europe.
– I am convinced that through the successful implementation of the projects, with the full commitment of all institutions in that area, we will create the necessary preconditions for the sustainable development of transport and energy in Montenegro – said Žižić at a meeting with representatives of the European Commission, international financial institutions and donor countries.
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