Recent analysis by Standard indicates that international and regional contractors are vying for significant investments in road projects across the Balkans, underscoring the necessity for transparent procurement and oversight of subcontracting processes.
The €237.47 million Budva bypass contract, which includes VAT, involves a consortium comprising Briv Construction, Hering, Herc Gradnja, IPSA Institut, and Shandong. This project spans approximately nine kilometers and is set to be designed and constructed within a 48-month timeframe.
Shandong also serves as the primary contractor for segments of Serbia’s Vožd Karađorđe corridor, valued at around €1.31 billion, highlighting the firm’s extensive influence in the region’s infrastructure projects.
The contract for Montenegro’s Mateševo–Andrijevica motorway is estimated at approximately €694 million. The awarded consortium, consisting of POWERCHINA–STECOL–PCCD, will undertake the construction of this 23.5-kilometer segment, with financing support from a €200 million EBRD loan and a €150 million EU grant.
The analysis by Standard raises concerns regarding subcontracting arrangements while clarifying that cross-border participation does not inherently imply misconduct.
European auditors have pointed out deficiencies in project oversight, including inadequate monitoring, data updates, and delay reporting related to transport investments in the Western Balkans.
As expenditures increase, it will be essential to ensure thorough scrutiny of actual payments, subcontractors involved, and any amendments to contracts, rather than limiting oversight to the announcement of winning tenders.
