French companies have shown interest in participating in infrastructure projects in Montenegro, with the government already holding discussions with Bouygues Construction, which has expressed interest in working on nine sections of highways and expressways in the country. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced this during a press conference, also noting that the French Ministry of Health is willing to finance a feasibility study for the construction of a hospital in Podgorica.
Spajic expressed satisfaction with the progress of the strategic partnership with France, highlighting that the collaboration between Montenegro and France is based on four pillars.
The first pillar pertains to defense, with an interstate agreement already signed and being implemented efficiently in terms of training Montenegrin personnel and procuring patrol boats. It is expected that by 2026, when French President Emmanuel Macron visits Montenegro, at least one of the two patrol boats will be operational, as stated by the Prime Minister.
The second pillar of cooperation between the two countries is in the field of healthcare. The French Ministry of Health has expressed readiness to finance a feasibility study for the construction of a hospital in Podgorica, regardless of whether French contractors are ultimately selected to build it. Additionally, an agreement between the two health ministries is expected to be signed, with the hospital in Podgorica being a part of that agreement.
The third pillar concerns ecology, with several French companies already expressing interest in opportunities in the ecological sector in Montenegro.
The fourth pillar focuses on infrastructure. Spajic mentioned that a strategic partnership has already been established with EDF Energy, which exchanges data with the Montenegrin Electric Power Company (EPCG).
One of the models for financing infrastructure is public-private partnerships, the Prime Minister pointed out. This approach allows for significant investments to be carried out in a fiscally sustainable manner. While the government is prepared to finance these projects itself, they are exploring ways to avoid burdening public finances.
Spajic highlighted that discussions have been held with Bouygues, a French company interested in working on nine sections of highways and expressways, excluding the Mateševo-Andrijevica section. He also mentioned that Bouygues has previously undertaken projects in neighboring Croatia.
