Montenegro and France: Investment Games or Empty Promises?
Today, the Government of Montenegro made a move that’s supposed to kickstart investment engines – a proposal to begin negotiations on an agreement with France. Officially, the goal is to realize priority projects in five key areas: building a university hospital, renewable energy, road infrastructure, e-governance, and an administrative center within the Montenegro Business District.
Officials claim that after a year of intense talks, the agreement is close to being finalized. It promises financial backing, anti-corruption measures, adherence to international standards, and sustainable development. Sounds like a fairy tale about transparent and efficient cooperation between Montenegro and France.
But is it really? Will these projects actually happen, or will they just stay on paper?
Hungary Enters the Game
France isn’t the only player here. The government also approved agreements with Hungary covering infrastructure, telecommunications, IT, and law enforcement development. The aim is to speed up railway and road infrastructure development, which should boost economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.
But how realistic is it to expect these plans to be executed in a country struggling for years with bureaucracy, corruption, and political turmoil?
Ukraine as a Digital Role Model?
Interestingly, Montenegro is considering cooperation with Ukraine, a country ranked among the top five worldwide in digitalization by the UN. Ukraine has built one of the most advanced e-governance ecosystems, and Montenegro is thinking about buying their e-government services.
Is this an admission that Montenegro lags in digitalization or a smart move to import expertise?
Questions Without Answers
All these announcements sound great, but citizens wonder: when will these projects actually start? Who will oversee transparent spending? How will corruption be fought?
While politicians promise investment climates and strategic projects, ordinary people watch their living standards stagnate or decline.
Conclusion
Is this just another political show or a real chance for Montenegro? Time will tell. But one thing is clear – the promises are big, and citizens’ patience is running thin.
Got thoughts on these investment games? Drop a comment below. Maybe together we’ll uncover what’s really going on behind the scenes!
