Today, the government established the framework for finalizing agreements with France and Hungary, signaling its commitment to enhance collaboration with European partners, stated Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. He emphasized that these agreements will initiate a period of substantial cooperation with Budapest and Paris.

In a media statement following a thematic session of the Government, Spajić noted that a proposal was also approved to lay the groundwork for an agreement with Ukraine, underscoring a dedication to improving cooperation with that nation across various levels.

He highlighted significant accomplishments from the previous week in combating cigarette smuggling in Dublin, along with advancements in financial policies related to public procurement, particularly the closure of Chapter 5.

“Today marks the beginning of another productive week. During the governmental session, we facilitated the conditions necessary for finalizing agreements with two EU member states, France and Hungary, thereby reaffirming our readiness to bolster cooperation with our European partners, both at the Union level and bilaterally,” asserted Spajić.

According to him, agreements in sectors such as infrastructure, telecommunications, innovative technologies, energy, health, and public administration reform will soon pave the way for unprecedented collaboration with Budapest and Paris, creating a foundation for strategic project implementation.

“Additionally, the government approved the Proposal for the Basis for concluding an agreement with Ukraine, reaffirming our commitment to foster cooperation at all levels, with hopes that our friendly nation will experience better days,” Spajić added.

Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović mentioned that after a year and a half of extensive discussions, they are nearing the conclusion of an agreement with France that encompasses five different areas.

“This spans from the design and construction of a university hospital to collaboration in renewable energy sources, road infrastructure, e-government, and establishing an administrative center within Montenegro’s business district,” Adžović explained.

She emphasized that a key aspect of the agreement involves securing financial resources for project implementation in each of the specified areas.

Adžović further pointed out that the document delineates conditions and procedures for project execution, incorporating anti-corruption measures and adherence to international sustainable development standards.

“This framework sets the stage for efficient, transparent, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries,” Adžović added.

She also noted that agreements for cooperation with Hungary concerning infrastructure as well as telecommunications, information technologies, and law enforcement development were endorsed today.

“Through coordinated consultations and the cooperation document in infrastructure, we will enhance the efficient execution of strategically important projects such as railway development and road infrastructure construction,” explained Adžović.

According to her, this initiative will promote dynamic economic growth and expedite the realization of strategic projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Montenegrin citizens.

Adžović articulated that the ultimate goal is to foster a favorable investment climate and stimulate economic collaboration between both public and private sectors.

She elaborated that the second agreement with Hungary will formalize cooperation in telecommunications, information technology, and law enforcement development among both governments.

Regarding cooperation with Ukraine, Adžović stated that the country has rapidly developed one of the most advanced e-government ecosystems worldwide.

“Ukraine ranked outside the top hundred for digital services in 2018, but by 2024, it climbed to among the top five. Therefore, it is prudent to explore the acquisition of e-government services from Ukraine,” said Adžović.

According to the government’s session statement, the Basis for negotiations and the agreement on cooperation in infrastructure development between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Hungary has been established, with the text of the agreement accepted.

“The principal aim of the Agreement is to enhance both road and rail transport, thereby improving connectivity and fostering economic development in both nations. The Agreement clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both parties,” the statement noted.

The cooperation will adhere to principles of friendship, respect for sovereignty, and shared interests while complying with relevant national and international legislation.

“Considerable attention has also been directed towards quantifying financing obligations, selecting contractors, and enacting necessary legislative measures for the success of infrastructure projects,” said the Government.

Specific infrastructure initiatives, including railway and highway development projects, are deemed strategically important.

“Hungarian companies are projected to be the main contractors and operators for these projects, utilizing a special regime that permits direct engagement without the need for public procurement, in line with Montenegro’s national legislation,” the Government added.

These projects are recognized as vital investments for the national economies of both countries.

“Moreover, this agreement fully acknowledges Hungary’s obligations as an EU member, along with Montenegro’s legal framework as it pertains to the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union,” the statement clarified.

This arrangement ensures that the execution of joint infrastructure projects aligns with European integration standards and relevant legal criteria.

The agreement is set to last five years, unless terminated earlier with written notice, at which point termination will take effect six months after the notice is received.

Today, the government also laid down the framework for negotiations and the establishment of an Agreement on Cooperation in Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Law Enforcement Development between the Governments of Montenegro and Hungary, with the text of the Agreement accepted.

The agreement aims to foster economic and trade relations, as well as strategic partnerships in telecommunications, information technology, and law enforcement development.

“Under the agreement, we will exchange knowledge and experience in establishing technical and economic zones, support small and medium-sized enterprises, transition to a knowledge-based economy, and enhance the application of advanced technologies,” the statement said.

Significant importance is being placed on reforming Montenegro’s public administration, which includes digital transformation and preparation for EU accession.

Activities will comply with applicable legislation and international law, through consultations and strategic projects, such as developing the State Data Center and modernizing law enforcement technology, aiming to enhance collaboration among state authorities, the private sector, and citizens in a spirit of equality and mutual benefit.

“Finalizing this agreement will create favorable conditions for enriching dialogue and coordination among relevant institutions, further strengthening sector modernization and capacity building in strategically important areas for both countries,” the statement stated.

It was noted that the agreement would significantly enhance economic, technological, and institutional ties, contributing to sustainable development and building mutual trust, thereby establishing a foundation for longer-term and more effective bilateral cooperation.

The Government has also formalized the Basis for negotiations and an Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Republic of France for priority project implementation in Montenegro.

They asserted that finalizing this agreement will bolster friendly relations and enhance strategic cooperation, especially in economic development and trade areas.

The Government indicated that the objective of this agreement is to support Montenegro’s development through infrastructure and energy projects, digitalization, and human resource strengthening while adhering to environmental, social, and anti-corruption standards.

“The agreement envisions information exchange, jointly identifying priority projects, and finding funding sources for their execution, including French support through various financial instruments such as grants, loans, and guarantees,” the statement outlined.

Of particular significance is the collaboration on key projects, including constructing the new University Clinical Center in Podgorica, modernizing the electricity grid, enhancing renewable energy sources, digital transformation, and transport infrastructure construction.

“The agreement will also delineate the conditions and procedures for project execution, incorporating anti-corruption measures and adherence to international sustainable development standards, thus establishing a framework for effective, transparent, and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations,” the statement continued.

The session also approved the Basis for negotiations and an Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Ukraine concerning e-government services provision. This Agreement aims to set a legal framework ensuring high-quality e-services developed in Ukraine are accessible to the citizens of Montenegro.

“Upon evaluating the priorities of economic growth and citizen well-being, a specific project has been earmarked as strategically significant for the future Agreement focusing on e-government services for Montenegro,” the Government stated.

The identified e-government services encompass, but are not limited to: software provision, know-how, cooperation in education and enhancing digital skills, as well as strategic planning and implementing the “once and only” concept.

“Based on this joint strategic importance and feasibility, the Government of Ukraine will supply e-government services to the Government of Montenegro, which will provide appropriate financial compensation,” the statement noted.

Details on compensation amounts and specifications for requested e-government services will be outlined in a separate agreement.

The Government remarked that to fulfill the agreement in accordance with Montenegro’s legislation, this agreement alongside one specifying fee amounts and service details will not undergo public procurement, tendering, or any process stipulated in Ukraine’s or Montenegro’s national legislation after its ratification.

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