Prime Minister meets with workers of Nikšić Steel Plant

Spajić: We must preserve production and jobs – we have a plan, including the EU’s SAFE programme

Despite numerous challenges, the Government of Montenegro is doing everything in its power to preserve production and jobs at the Nikšić Steel Plant, which has now been nominated for the European Union’s SAFE programme, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced today.

At the request of the workers, Prime Minister Spajić visited the plant in Nikšić, where he discussed the company’s results and challenges in operations with employees and members of the Board of Directors.

Has the issue of the steel plant been resolved once and for all? No. But despite various challenges, we must preserve both production and good jobs. For the first time, we’re seeing signs of sustainable production – growing from 0.8MW last year to 3.4MW today. We need belief in our own capacities – that we can do better – and we are proving it, said the Prime Minister.

He stated that the Government has also nominated the steel plant as a “dual use” facility under the European Union’s SAFE programme.

The Prime Minister emphasized that there is still much work ahead to fully utilize the plant’s potential.

We will try to attract additional partners to support us in this demanding endeavor, but above all, we must believe in our own abilities and in this workforce, which is striving for progress. You have the full support of the Ministry and the Government, said Spajić.

He also expressed concern that the Swiss company 8B Capital S.A., despite warnings and initiatives from the competent authorities, has failed to meet its contractual obligations.

We will do everything in our power and use all legal means available to ensure that obligations are fulfilled. If not, the next steps are clear, the Prime Minister said.

Employees and members of the Board of Directors expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Spajić for his visit, stating that workers are committed to maintaining production and that support from the parent company and the Government is crucial.

They emphasized the need for this support in order to secure a credible investor and restart the metallurgical section of the plant.