Montenegro and Europe: Promising Deals or Just Another Paper?
Today, Montenegro took a big step towards strengthening cooperation with its European partners – France, Hungary, and Ukraine. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and his government adopted proposals to conclude agreements that are supposed to mark the beginning of the most intensive cooperation with Budapest and Paris ever. But is this really the start of a new era or just another piece of paper gathering dust?
What exactly is being agreed on?
The agreements cover a wide range of areas: infrastructure, telecommunications, innovative technologies, energy, healthcare, and public administration reform. Specifically, with France, plans include building a university hospital, developing renewable energy sources, road infrastructure, and an administrative center within the Montenegro Business District. With Hungary, the focus is on improving road and rail transport, telecommunications, and information technology development.
Ukraine as a digital partner?
Interestingly, Montenegro plans to purchase e-government services from Ukraine, which has made a huge leap in digitalization in recent years. Just a few years ago, Ukraine was not even among the top 100 countries in digital readiness, and now it ranks among the top five! Montenegro wants to leverage this success to improve its digital administration, which could be a smart move at the right time.
Funding and transparency – is everything clean?
The agreements foresee securing financial resources for project implementation, with strict anti-corruption measures and adherence to international sustainable development standards. The government claims projects will be implemented transparently and efficiently, with Hungarian companies as the main contractors. The agreements also comply with European legislation, which is important for Montenegro on its path to the EU.
Will citizens really benefit?
The goal is to create a favorable investment climate and stimulate economic cooperation between the public and private sectors. Projects like railway modernization and highway construction have strategic importance and could contribute to better connectivity and economic development. But, as always, the question remains – will promises be fulfilled or will it all stay on paper?
Conclusion: Big promises, big expectations
Montenegro has made a bold move today to strengthen cooperation with key European partners. Agreements with France, Hungary, and Ukraine promise a lot – from infrastructure to digitalization. However, history teaches us that papers are one thing, and implementation is another. We will see if these agreements bring real change or remain just political speeches.
So, what do you think? Do you believe Montenegro will finally embark on the path of real development, or is this just another political maneuver? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s optimistic and who’s skeptical!
