Montenegro and Serbia have jointly approached the European Commission to secure funding for the modernization and electrification of the railway connecting Belgrade and Bar. Additionally, the two countries have agreed to construct a highway between Požega and Andrijevica, stretching nearly 160 kilometers, and to establish a new border crossing at Gostun.
This announcement followed a meeting between Montenegro’s Minister of Transport, Maja Vukićević, and Serbia’s Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić.
Minister Vukićević emphasized the importance of these infrastructure projects for revitalizing and strengthening regional ties. She highlighted the ongoing tender process for the continuation of the second section of the highway as a top priority for Montenegro. Furthermore, she noted that the reconstruction of the Bar-Bijelo Polje railway line is crucial, especially as Montenegro has secured European funding for the initial section from Bar to Golubovci.
She added that revitalizing the railway is essential for improving connectivity with the Port of Bar, which has been operating below capacity for some time. Montenegro is also in the process of acquiring new trains to enhance its railway services.
Both ministers agreed that the construction of a joint border crossing at Gostun would significantly reduce waiting times at the Serbia-Montenegro border.
Goran Vesić stressed the importance of regional connectivity, reaffirming that infrastructure development is a priority for the Serbian government. He expressed Serbia’s readiness to support Montenegro in the highway construction and railway reconstruction efforts, as well as to facilitate cooperation in the transportation of goods through the Port of Bar.
“Montenegro is Serbia’s key partner and brotherly nation. We are committed to working together on infrastructure projects like the Belgrade-Bar railway and the Požega-Andrijevica highway,” Vesić stated.
He also mentioned that Serbia and Montenegro have already contacted the European Commission regarding financing for the railway’s modernization and electrification.
In addition, he highlighted that a joint railway crossing was established at the Bijelo Polje station last summer, reducing travel time by approximately 45 minutes.
Vesić reiterated that collaboration with Montenegro is a top priority for the Serbian government and expressed optimism that the new projects would yield significant benefits for both countries.
Milun Zogović, the Vice-President of the Government of Montenegro, remarked that a new era in Serbia-Montenegro relations has begun. He indicated that Vesić’s visit to Podgorica would lead to concrete agreements aimed at streamlining international partnership procedures necessary for the highway’s development.
Zogović concluded that without connecting the highway, achieving the desired economic revival, especially in northern Montenegro, would be challenging. “I hope that this meeting will elevate the relationship between Serbia and Montenegro to a level that will never be questioned again,” he added.
