Reconstruction of the Sveti Nikola Border Police Maritime Base Makes a Significant Contribution to Strengthening State Border Protection

The Ministry of the Interior, the International Organisation for Migration (UN IOM) and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro marked the completion of works on the refurbishment and equipping of the Sveti Nikola Border Police maritime base in Ulcinj, which has now been officially handed over to the Ministry of the Interior for use. The works were carried out as part of the European Union Support for Migration and Border Management in Montenegro programme, funded by the EU and implemented by IOM Montenegro, the Ministry stated.

"The refurbishment of the base represents an important step in strengthening Montenegro's capacities in integrated border management and enhancing surveillance of the blue border in the Adriatic Sea and the Bojana River.

"The works included the complete renovation and modernisation of the main administrative and operational building, the removal of obsolete structures, the refurbishment of auxiliary facilities, the construction of access and internal roads, landscaping works, as well as the installation of modern electrical, security and communications systems. The total value of the works amounts to €700,000," the Ministry said.

The handover of the facility forms part of a broader set of activities implemented by IOM in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior, including the strengthening of infrastructure, the modernisation of information systems, improvements to procedures and alignment with EU requirements, particularly in the context of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Vladimir Gjorgjiev, Head of Mission of IOM in Montenegro, emphasised that the improved conditions for the operational work of the border police at the Sveti Nikola base represent another concrete result of the strong partnership between IOM, the Ministry of the Interior and the European Union in strengthening Montenegro's capacities for effective border and migration management.

"Thanks to EU support, modern infrastructure conditions have been established, enabling better coordination, a faster operational response and greater alignment with European standards, particularly in the spirit of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which enters into force on 12 June. This marks another important step on Montenegro's path towards European Union membership.

IOM remains committed to supporting Montenegro's institutions in the development of modern, sustainable and humane migration and border management systems," said Gjorgjiev.

Minister of the Interior, Danilo Šaranović, stated that investment in infrastructure, equipment and operational capacities is an investment in the security of the state and its citizens.

"We particularly value the support of the Delegation of the European Union and the International Organisation for Migration, with whom we are working jointly to achieve the highest European standards in the field of border management. Given that Montenegro will soon become an external border of the European Union, it is of utmost importance that our services have access to modern working conditions in order to respond effectively to all security challenges and ensure high-quality border protection," he said.

Director of the Police Administration, Lazar Šćepanović, noted that modern material and technical conditions are an important prerequisite for effective police work. However, in addition to infrastructure and equipment, human resources are equally important. For this reason, he welcomed the launch of the public recruitment call for new police officers.

"It is particularly significant that, of the planned number of new recruits, as many as 250 officers will be assigned to the Border Police Sector, which will further strengthen our border protection capacities," he said.

Andrea Hochhuber, Deputy Head of the Political Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, stated that credible progress under Chapter 24, particularly in the areas of migration, border management, and the fight against cross-border crime, is crucial for the overall accession process.

"Effective migration and border management require not only a legislative and policy framework, but also adequate infrastructure, equipment, operational capacities and trained personnel.

The project Individual Measure for Strengthening Integrated Border Management Capacities in Montenegro directly contributes to these objectives. The refurbishment of this maritime logistics base is particularly important for enhancing operational capacities along Montenegro's blue border in the Adriatic Sea and the Bojana River," Hochhuber said.

The joint efforts of the Ministry of the Interior, IOM and the European Union contribute to strengthening Montenegro's institutional and operational capacities in border security, while fully respecting international standards.

The modernised Sveti Nikola base represents an important resource for the further development of an efficient, coordinated and sustainable blue border surveillance system, the Ministry concluded.