Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro Johann Sattler has announced that the EU will invest €150 million in non-repayable funding to support the construction of the motorway section from Matesevo to Andrijevica. 

 

“But this is not just another stretch of road. It is a major strategic investment in Montenegro’s future – and particularly in the future of its North,” Sattler said at the agreement signing ceremony. 

 

The EU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are supporting the improvement of Montenegro’s transport connectivity by providing financial support for the continuation of the Bar–Boljare motorway construction, specifically the Matesevo–Andrijevica section.

According to a press release from Europe House, the EU is providing a €150 million grant, the largest EU grant ever awarded to Montenegro, while the EBRD has approved a €200 million loan.

 

“It is a pleasure to be here with you today to mark a truly important milestone – the signing of the largest grant the European Union has ever awarded to Montenegro,” said Sattler.

 

He said that it was not a gift without conditions. 

 

“It is support, but also an expectation. Because when we invest EU funds, we also expect EU quality. That means the project must be implemented according to the highest standards – fair public procurement, environmental protection, engagement with local communities, and full transparency in the use of funds. In other words, exactly what citizens in Montenegro expect from their own institutions. That is why this investment matters. Because beyond linking North and South, it also connects Montenegro and the wider region with the European Union – not just physically, but through shared values and rules,” Sattler said. 

 

According to him, this section forms part of the European transport corridor. It is also part of Chapter 21 of the EU accession negotiations, and building this important route to EU standards is yet another tangible step towards Montenegro’s EU membership.

“The project we are supporting today is worth around €600 million in total – made possible thanks to our partnership with the EBRD, and the contribution of the Government of Montenegro,” said Sattler.

 

He said that the European Union is ready to continue investing in Montenegro’s transport infrastructure – the kind of roads and railways that reduce pollution, increase safety, and operate sustainably. 

 

“Montenegro rightly sees itself as a green destination – and its infrastructure should reflect that vision. This is why we welcome initiatives such as the one to explore the use of solar energy along the highway. That is the European way – innovative, sustainable, and forward-looking,” Sattler said. 

 

According to him, today’s support goes hand in hand with broader support through the EU Growth Plan. 

 

“Under this initiative, we are mobilising nearly €400 million in grants and favourable loans to create new opportunities for sustainable development across the country. A tangible step forward is Montenegro’s expected accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) this October,” said Sattler. 

 

He explained that his would make money transfers between Montenegro and EU countries significantly faster, safer, and more affordable. 

 

“These are clear, practical examples of how Montenegro’s path towards the EU is already delivering real gains for its citizens and economy,” Sattler said.

 

He thanked all those who worked to make this moment possible – from EU staff to partners at the EBRD, the relevant ministries, and local communities. 

 

“We particularly value the last-minute adjustments that were made to reflect the needs of a local community, and the extra efforts put into environmental assessments. This is a shared success. And it proves that when we embrace European principles of quality, transparency and cooperation – we get results that matter,” Sattler concluded.