The government is working at full throttle to bring Lidl and similar companies to Montenegro, as announced by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
He mentioned that spatial plans have been a bottleneck until now.
“They are now being rapidly adopted, for example, in Nikšić. For the first time, we have concrete plans from these companies for expansion into Montenegro, which will create competition comparable to what we see in the EU,” wrote Spajić in response to a user on social media X.
He also mentioned plans to create strategic reserves starting in early 2025.
“These would also help in controlling prices. However, this is mainly for essential goods; I’m not sure if instant oatmeal would be part of that story. On the other hand, the limited price action that lasted until the tourist season is now only for domestic and basic products,” he noted.
According to him, it is neither economically nor diplomatically normal, nor is it explainable to the European Commission, to limit margins and encourage consumption of imported goods that will largely be purchased by tourists.
Considering that minimum and average pensions are higher than, for example, in Croatia, which besides being in the EU, is also a member of the Eurozone, Schengen Area, etc., it is clear that the current European program has been successful for pensioners. “By approaching the EU, improving infrastructure (airports – concession until the end of the year, highways – 14 sections tendered for conceptual designs and projects, Port of Bar – consolidation, and railway reconstruction with EBRD and EIB), with easier flow of goods, as well as entry into the single market, SEPA, etc., the situation will improve and prices will be mitigated, while the levels of salaries and pensions we achieve will remain,” Spajić stated.
He also noted rapid adoption of spatial plans when it comes to Lidl’s arrival in Podgorica.
Regarding whether there will be new low-cost airline routes from Ryanair and Wizz Air, Spajić replied that the new CEO of Montenegro Airports has just started working and that air connectivity is his number one priority.
