site.btaProject under Bulgarian Development Aid Successfully Completed in Montenegro

September 27 marked the successful completion of a project in Montenegro’s Pljevlja Municipality funded within Bulgaria’s official development assistance. The Smark Lake project involved the landscaping of an island in a park in Pljevlja as an energy, ecologically and scientifically sustainable space, the Bulgarian Embassy in Podgorica told BTA.

The grant of over EUR 35,000 extended by Bulgaria went into the reconstruction of an information centre, the organization of a summer school, the construction of smart benches and recycling machines for the island’s coast, the installation of solar panels and batteries, the placement of water purification devices and a screen giving information on water and air quality. 

At an official ceremony marking the project’s completion, Bulgarian Ambassador to Montenegro Meglena Plugchieva and Pljevlja Mayor Rajko Kovacevic presented the project aimed at sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection. Kovacevic noted that the park in Pljevlja, whose renovation and technological modernization were made possible with Bulgaria’s financial aid, has become a symbol of good cooperation and friendship with Bulgaria. Plugchieva expressed happiness at the creation with Bulgarian aid of a beautiful place in the city’s heart that will bring together both young and old people. 

During the ceremony, the national anthems of Bulgaria and Montenegro were played, the countries’ flags were flown, and the music performers wore the colors of the Bulgarian flag. 

The Western Balkans region and, in particular, Montenegro are a priority of Bulgaria's official development assistance. Since 2019, funding of over EUR 340,000 has been extended to Montenegro for a total of 8 projects.