PHOTO: Freepik.com/ Frimufilms

The Competition Agency (AZK) has initiated an inquiry into whether the Ministry of Finance and the previous Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs breached the State Assistance Act while awarding the contract for the construction of the first section.

This decision was made by the AZK Council in December, and according to its President, Dragan Damjanovic, it fulfills an obligation to European partners, as reported by victory, mines.

“Though domestic laws, aligned with European regulations, permit the state to directly award this contract, the European Commission, through the final measure four for the closure of Chapter 8, has requested a comprehensive review of the entire case and all actions taken in the process,” Damjanovic explained.

He mentioned that this is a measure outlined in Chapter 8 – Competition, remaining a requirement on the path to full EU membership.

The Ministries of Finance (MoF) and Transport (MS), as the legal successors of the former Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, have been tasked with revealing any facts and information that suggest potential illegal state aid.

“MoF and MS must temporarily halt the allocation of funds related to the project mentioned and the disposition regarding MONTEPUT, pending the AZK’s decision on the legal compliance of potential state aid,” stated the resolution.

When asked if this decision could impact highway construction, Damjanović clarified that the assignment concerns only the first section, which has already been completed, and does not affect the continuity of construction.