Montenegro and EBRD open a new era of investment: Focus on transport and railway infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation

Montenegro and EBRD are entering a new phase of partnership marked by record investments, strong reforms, and the implementation of major infrastructure projects ahead of EU accession – this is the key message from the meeting between Finance Minister Mr. Novica Vuković and his team with the leadership of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Finance Minister hosted the newly appointed EBRD Executive Director for Southeast Europe, Grzegorz Zeleński, the Director for Infrastructure Elena Gordeva, the newly appointed EBRD Office Head in Montenegro, Ekaterina Solovova, and the current Office Head, Ramo Zakarija. Minister Vuković emphasized that Montenegro today has a strong reform and investment momentum, with stable macroeconomic indicators and the most dynamic European path in the region, highlighting that EBRD remains one of the most important partners in realizing the country's development priorities. He pointed out that among numerous planned projects, the focus is on continuing the construction of the Bar–Boljare highway, preparing a bypass around Podgorica, modernizing the Bar–Golubovci railway, implementing intelligent transportation systems (ITS), investing in energy efficiency, developing broadband digital infrastructure, improving waste management, and projects contributing to green transition and better connectivity of Montenegro with European transport and energy networks. Infrastructure Director Elena Gordeva particularly praised the contribution of the Ministry of Finance in preparing and implementing development projects, assessing that quality coordination is an essential prerequisite for successful implementation of the ambitious investment cycle. The Minister thanked the outgoing EBRD Office Head Ramo Zakarija for his exceptional contribution to strengthening the partnership between Montenegro and EBRD, emphasizing that the results achieved during his tenure have laid a solid foundation for a new phase of cooperation and the realization of even more ambitious development projects.