Spajić and Orbán sign agreements: Hungary to support Montenegro’s infrastructure development, railway modernization and administrative reform

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán signed bilateral agreements in Budapest that lay the foundation for cooperation on key strategic and capital development projects crucial for Montenegro’s long-term progress.

The two heads of government signed the Agreement on cooperation in infrastructure development and the Agreement on cooperation in telecommunication, information technology and law enforcement, setting the stage for transformative initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, fostering economic growth, and fully utilizing Montenegro’s national potential.

The agreements envision joint work on project selection, securing financing, and ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards. Through this enhanced partnership with an EU member state, Montenegro is positioned to address longstanding development bottlenecks, particularly in road construction and railway modernization.

In the past two years, we have worked diligently to build trust and reach a point where we can enter into interstate agreements with EU countries. We have strengthened bilateral relations to reach this historic milestone in Montenegrin-Hungarian cooperation. With today’s agreements, we have laid the groundwork for tangible projects to be launched in the next year, supporting our economic development and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. Importantly, we now have the direct support of an EU member state – Hungary – in this endeavor, said Prime Minister Spajić.

He emphasized that the construction of highways and modernization of railway infrastructure are strategic priorities for Montenegro, offering vital regional and European connectivity and unlocking the full potential of the Port of Bar.

Beyond infrastructure, the agreements also formalize cooperation in the fields of telecommunication, IT, and law enforcement development between the two governments.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán highlighted that the agreements represent more than economic cooperation – they reflect a deep level of mutual trust and a foundation for even closer collaboration in the future. He announced the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission that will oversee the implementation of these agreements and promote ties between public institutions as well as between the private sectors of both countries.

Infrastructure development is the most important aspect of our cooperation. For Hungary, establishing trade routes that include Montenegro is a key objective—one that promises significant economic benefits for both our nations, stated Prime Minister Orbán.

He reaffirmed Hungary’s continued support for Montenegro’s EU integration, emphasizing a shared vision to conclude accession negotiations by 2026. As part of this support, Hungary will provide expert assistance and offer scholarships to Montenegrin students interested in furthering their academic and practical knowledge in Hungary.

Montenegro has practically fulfilled all the required benchmarks in its EU accession process, and I believe it has the capacity to close every negotiating chapter at record speed. Hungary will remain a firm supporter of Montenegro, not only throughout the negotiation process but also during the initial years of EU membership, which we recognize as a particularly challenging phase, said Orbán.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Montenegro’s Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović, Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević, and Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović.