At the 7th meeting of the Strategic and Operational Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) held in Brussels, Montenegro presented an updated list of projects for financing through the Reform and Growth Instrument, as well as three infrastructure projects nominated for financing from the 10th WBIF call, with a total value of €80.3 million, according to a statement from the relevant ministry.
“For these projects, Montenegro applied for €14.6 million from the funds allocated for the Western Balkans Growth Plan, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The goal of these projects is to ensure energy supply security, the development of a competitive energy market, and sustainable energy development,” said Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs and National IPA Coordinator.
The nominated projects, partially financed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, include the following:
- The 110 kV power line Herceg Novi – Vilusi, valued at €18.3 million, for which an investment grant of €3.16 million has been requested.
- CEDIS smart digitalization – Phase I, valued at €26.4 million, for which €5.1 million has been applied for.
- The 400/110 kV Brezna substation – Phase II, valued at €35.5 million, which will receive €6.38 million in support through the Growth Plan.
“The main goal of the 110 kV Herceg Novi – Vilusi power line project, the reconstruction of the 110/35 kV Vilusi substation, and the expansion of the 110/35 kV Herceg Novi substation is energy supply security, the development of a competitive energy market, and sustainable energy development. This project will contribute to more secure and reliable electricity supply to the Herceg Novi municipality, connect renewable energy sources in the Vilusi and Dragalj areas,” Gorčević explained.
She also clarified that the CEDIS smart digitalization project aims to connect renewable energy sources to the distribution network more quickly and efficiently, ensuring a reliable electricity supply for all substations covered by the project, both at the consumer and producer levels.
“The construction of the 400/110 kV Brezna – Phase II substation will contribute to the further development of the transmission network, enabling the connection of renewable energy sources. It will also create the conditions for the development of a 400 kV interconnection with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will reduce energy losses,” Gorčević stated.
The meeting gathered representatives of the European Commission, international financial institutions, and beneficiary countries, with the goal of strategically directing support for infrastructure projects in the region.
“The Growth Plan and the Western Balkans Investment Framework for Montenegro and other member countries are a clear expression of the European Union’s continued focus on enlargement,” Gorčević emphasized.
In addition to participating in the meeting, Gorčević spoke at a political briefing on Montenegro’s EU enlargement perspective organized by the Center for European Policies and held several bilateral meetings with representatives of EU institutions, the statement concludes.
