Montenegro to select contractor for Bar-Boljare highway’s second section by spring 2025

The contractor for the second section of the Bar-Boljare highway will be selected by the spring of 2025, said Milun Zogović, the Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, in an interview with Gradska TV.

Zogović, speaking on the “Epicenter” show, stated that eight companies had expressed interest in the pre-tender process for the construction of the second section of the Bar-Boljare highway, with four qualifying for the final selection.

“We expect the procedures to proceed in accordance with the rules set by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which is the main creditor for this project. The European Commission has donated 100 million euros for the construction of the second section from Mateševo to Andrijevica, with a clear timeline for the use of these funds over the next four years. We also expect an additional 100 million euros in donations promised by the European Commission for the construction, while we have a loan agreement with the EBRD for 200 million euros,” Zogović said.

He also mentioned ongoing talks about the construction of the third section, from Andrijevica to Boljare, covering a 50-kilometer stretch.

“The highway will gain true operational value, and all the benefits expected from its construction will be realized once the entire route is completed. It is not only a connection between Montenegro and Serbia but also a gateway to Europe,” Zogović said.

He emphasized that they are looking for a financing model to jointly fund the complete highway section from Andrijevica to Požega with Serbia.

“On the Serbian side, there are still 107 kilometers to be built. They have assured us that they have a financial plan for the construction of 75 kilometers and that they still need to find strategic partners to complete the entire construction,” he explained.

Zogović pointed out that the greatest benefits of completing the highway will be felt in northern Montenegro, even though, as he noted, there has been a significant delay in investments in this region.

“Together, we will do everything we can to reduce the gap in regional development. The north is no longer a testing ground for the ruthless exploitation of mineral and forest resources, from which local communities have derived no benefit. We have had impossible 30-year concessions where privileged concessionaires were given deals under dubious conditions, and the contracts were so well secured that any termination would cost the state enormously,” Zogović said.

Regarding the concession for Montenegro’s airports, Zogović announced that a public call will soon be issued, as the process is in an advanced stage.