In a display of regional unity, Serbia and Montenegro have jointly petitioned the European Commission for financial support to rejuvenate the vital Belgrade-Bar railway, a lifeline that links the two nations and has long been heralded as one of the most challenging railways ever built in Europe. This ambitious project, which could cost up to €2 billion, aims to restore and modernise the ageing infrastructure, reflecting a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and connectivity.
The collaborative effort was formalised during the first official visit of Montenegro’s Transport Minister, Maja Vukićević, and Deputy Prime Minister, Milun Zogović, to Belgrade. Together with their Serbian counterparts, the delegation signed a joint letter to the European Commission, seeking funds from the Western Balkans development fund. The initiative underscores the strategic importance of the Belgrade-Bar railway, not only for Serbia and Montenegro but for the broader region’s economic integration.
“This railway is more than just a connection between two countries; it is a symbol of our shared history and future,” said Serbian Minister of Transport, Goran Vesić. He emphasised the complexity of the railway, which stretches through some of the most challenging terrains in Europe, and the necessity of securing EU support for its overhaul. “The Belgrade-Bar line is Serbia’s top priority, followed closely by the Brestovac-Preševo-Skopje line,” Vesić added.
Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Zogović highlighted the significance of this partnership in mending ties that have been strained in recent years. “We are entering a new phase in our relations, one that honours our historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage,” he stated, expressing optimism that the project would strengthen the bond between the two nations.
The push for EU funding is not limited to the railway alone. The two governments are also seeking a partner to complete a critical 158-kilometre motorway linking Serbia and Montenegro, a project deemed essential for the economic growth of both countries. Vukićević noted that Montenegro fully supports the creation of joint commissions and coordination bodies to streamline efforts and secure the necessary financial backing.
This coordinated appeal to the European Commission marks a significant step in fostering closer ties between Serbia and Montenegro, and in advancing the infrastructure projects that are crucial for the region’s future. The outcome of this joint effort could well determine the pace and scope of economic integration in the Western Balkans, as both nations look to the European Union for support in realising their shared vision.
