The European Union, through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), funds the development of transport infrastructure in all Western Balkan countries and in Montenegro, in cooperation with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Montenegro’s current investment programme for transport infrastructure development amounts to an ambitious €9 billion, creating significant opportunities for investments and partnerships within Montenegro and the Western Balkans region.

To promote these opportunities to interested companies from the EU Member States, the region, and Montenegro, the Government of Montenegro and the European Commission, in cooperation with the EIB, organised an Information Day in Podgorica on 28 January 2025. The event featured presentations on upcoming road and railway infrastructure projects along the Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean European transport corridor, particularly the Mateševo – Andrijevica motorway segment, as well as other priority projects in the transport sector.

The event was opened by Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić, the European Union’s Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler, Matej Zakonjšek, Director of Permanent Secretariat of Transport Community, and senior representatives of the Ministry of Transport and International Financing Institutions.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić: “Infrastructure development is a priority for this Government. Infrastructure connectivity with the region goes hand in hand with our EU path. In the next few years, we aim to build around 500 kilometres of motorways and express roads, which will completely transform Montenegro. In addition, investments are planned in the railway, airports, and the Port of Bar, with the goal of fully utilising the undeniable potential of our country. I believe that European companies will find interest in being our partners on this journey of building a new chapter in the country’s history.”

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler said that the EU and Montenegro are committed to better and greener transport, aimed at achieving a transformation in this sector and of the country. “The EU’s construction industry holds vast experience and innovative capacities that can play a key role here. We want to see EU companies partner with Montenegrin businesses for mutual benefit, turning knowledge into opportunity. In recent months, Montenegro has accelerated its road development plans, putting the country on a fast track to transformation. Delivering infrastructure projects in line with EU rules and regulations ensures fair access to the market, attracts investments that benefit everyone involved and delivers the opportunities the people of Montenegro truly deserve,” the EU Ambassador said.

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of Permanent Secretariat of Transport Community: “The Transport Community remains committed in supporting our regional partners in achieving our shared goals – interconnected region, part of the Trans-European Transport Network. The Port of Bar could become a key link, reducing shipping times from Asia to Europe while transforming the economy of the region. With investments in railways, roads, streamlined border crossings, and EU-aligned standards, this potential is within reach. Railways are being modernised, borders are becoming more efficient, and standards are aligning with the EU. All with one aim – #TogetherConnected.”

The event brought together around 130 participants, with representatives of 28 contractor companies, 17 embassies and 9 contractors and trade associations. It provided a valuable opportunity to connect Montenegrin and regional construction companies with EU Member States companies specialising in transport infrastructure development. A series of B2B meetings and discussions with relevant institutions were organised during the event, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting best practices in infrastructure development, and creating opportunities for joint ventures that can accelerate the modernisation of Montenegro’s transport network in line with EU standards.

Participants were also informed about the prevailing investment conditions and the reforms undertaken by Montenegro on its path to EU membership, which make the country an attractive and secure business environment.

The development of connectivity within Montenegro, with its neighbours in Western Balkans, and with the European Union constitutes a flagship initiative under the European Union’s (EU) Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.