During its 87th session today, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the Montenegrin Cabinet approved the Basis for the negotiations and conclusion of the Agreement on cooperation in infrastructure development between the Governments of Montenegro and Hungary, along with the Agreement’s text. The Agreement’s primary goal is to enhance road and railway transport, thereby improving connectivity and fostering economic development for both nations. It explicitly delineates the rights and obligations of both parties. Cooperation is grounded in friendship, respect for sovereignty, and mutual interests, aligning with relevant national and international legal frameworks. Significant emphasis has been placed on defining responsibilities regarding financing, contractor engagement, and the necessary legislative measures for successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Key infrastructure initiatives, such as developing railway lines and constructing highways, are recognized as projects of strategic importance. Hungarian economic entities are expected to be principal contractors and operators under a special arrangement, allowing direct engagement without public procurement procedures in accordance with Montenegro’s national legislation. These projects are acknowledged as investments of critical significance to both countries’ national economies. Furthermore, the Agreement ensures compliance with Hungary’s EU membership obligations and Montenegro’s legal framework as per the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union. This guarantees that joint infrastructure projects adhere to European integration and legal standards. The Agreement is valid for five years unless terminated sooner by written notice, which would take effect six months after receipt.

The Cabinet also adopted the Basis for negotiations and the conclusion of the Agreement on cooperation in telecommunications, information technologies, and law enforcement development between Montenegro and Hungary, and endorsed the Agreement’s text. This aims to foster economic and trade relations as well as strategic partnerships in telecommunications, information technologies, and law enforcement. It envisions sharing knowledge and experience in areas like technical and economic zones, support for small and medium enterprises, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, and implementing advanced technologies. Major focus is placed on reforming public administration in Montenegro, including digital transformation and EU accession preparations. Activities will be carried out in line with applicable laws and international norms, through consultations and strategic projects, such as developing a national Data Center and modernizing law enforcement technologies. The intention is to bolster collaboration among public institutions, the private sector, and citizens, based on equality and mutual benefit. Finalizing this Agreement will foster improved dialogue and coordination between relevant institutions, enhance sector modernization, and build capacity in crucial areas for both countries. This will significantly strengthen economic, technological, and institutional ties, promote sustainable development, and establish mutual trust — forming a basis for enduring and fruitful bilateral cooperation.

The Cabinet approved the Basis for negotiations and the conclusion of the Agreement between Montenegro and the French Republic regarding the implementation of priority projects in Montenegro. This Agreement will reinforce friendly relations and enhance strategic cooperation, particularly in economic development and trade. Its focus is on supporting Montenegro’s growth through infrastructure and energy initiatives, digitalization, and human resource enhancement, while respecting environmental, social, and anti-corruption standards. The Agreement covers information sharing, jointly identifying priority projects, and securing financial resources for their execution. France will assist through various financial instruments, including grants, loans, and guarantees. Key projects emphasized include constructing a new University Clinical Center in Podgorica, modernizing the electricity network, developing renewable energy sources, facilitating digital transformation, and advancing transport infrastructure. The Agreement also specifies conditions and procedures for project implementation, including anti-corruption measures and adherence to international standards for sustainable development, thus establishing a framework for effective, transparent, and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two countries.

The Cabinet also adopted the Basis for negotiations and the conclusion of the Agreement between Montenegro and Ukraine regarding e-government services. This Agreement will create a legal framework to enable Montenegrin citizens to access advanced e-government services from Ukraine. After evaluating economic development priorities and citizen welfare, a specific strategically important project has been identified — the provision of e-government services in Montenegro. These services will encompass software provision, knowledge transfer, cooperation in education and the enhancement of digital skills, strategic planning, and the implementation of the “once and only” principle. Based on this identified project and its feasibility, the Government of Ukraine will deliver e-government services to Montenegro, with Montenegro providing financial compensation. The compensation amount and the detailed service specifications will be outlined in a separate agreement. In alignment with Montenegro’s relevant laws, neither this Agreement nor the forthcoming one about service specifications and compensation will require public procurement, tendering, competitive bidding, or any similar procedures under national legislation of either Ukraine or Montenegro following ratification.