Through IPA programmes, the European Union has been providing strong support for the modernisation of Montenegro’s transport system. Investments cover road and railway infrastructure, smarter maritime traffic management, border crossing upgrades and institutional strengthening.
Smart Maritime Traffic Management
With the support of the European Union, Montenegro has established the VTMIS maritime monitoring system, with a total investment of €3.6 million. Radar and sensor systems at more than ten strategic locations cover key coastal areas, including the entrance to the Bay of Boka.
At the Maritime Safety Centre, operators monitor vessel movements in real time and coordinate safety operations. The National Maritime Single Window has also been introduced – a digital platform enabling fast and efficient information exchange between ships, ports and authorities.
Thanks to this support, over the past five years, 174 search and rescue operations have been carried out, 424 lives have been saved and 90 vessels have been assisted.
Investments in Roads
The European Union invests in roads that connect people and drive economic growth. Road infrastructure development has improved mobility and strengthened regional connectivity in Montenegro.
National roads are being modernised and connections with regional and European networks are being reinforced, with a particular focus on linking the north and the south of the country – from Belgrade, via Podgorica, to the Port of Bar.
EU funding has enabled the construction of 23 kilometres of the Bar–Boljare motorway on the Mateševo–Andrijevica section, making the country’s main north-south corridor faster and safer. The total investment amounts to €156 million.
Investments in Railways
Railways are the backbone of sustainable transport, connecting people, cities and economies in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
With the support of the European Union, the key Vrbnica–Podgorica–Bar railway line, part of the European transport network, is being modernised. Works cover more than 70 kilometres of railway, including tunnels, bridges and the iconic Mala Rijeka Bridge.
Tracks, electrical systems and overhead lines are being upgraded, strengthening the entire railway system. The results include higher speeds, greater reliability, lower maintenance costs and improved safety.
Rail transport reduces greenhouse gas emissions and eases road congestion. More passengers and freight on rail mean a cleaner and more sustainable future. The total investment amounts to €189 million.
Border Crossings and Mobility
Faster borders mean stronger connectivity. With the support of the European Union, the border crossings at Bijelo Polje, Dobrakovo, Dračenovac, Božaj and Zatrijebačka Cijevna have been modernised.
The flow of passengers and goods has improved through more efficient procedures and the introduction of parallel border controls, reducing waiting times and increasing throughput.
These investments strengthen cross-border cooperation and regional connectivity. The total investment amounts to €5.7 million.
Institutional Support
Sustainable transport is not only about infrastructure, but also about the institutions managing it. The European Union has supported the strengthening of institutional capacities in planning, management and development within the transport sector.
Master plans, feasibility studies, analyses and technical documentation for future investments have been developed. Planning, procurement, project management and the use of EU funds have been improved, alongside continuous investment in people, knowledge and professional expertise.
The total investment in institutional support amounts to €58.3 million.
EU Integration and Overall Impact
EU support through IPA programmes is driving the modernisation of transport in Montenegro. Total EU funding provided between 2007 and 2027 amounts to approximately €413 million.
These investments include road development, railway modernisation, maritime digitalisation and institutional strengthening. Their impact is increasingly visible in everyday life through shorter journeys, better connectivity, more efficient transport and an improved quality of life.
EU support connects people, drives economic growth and builds a sustainable future.