The Montenegrin Parliament has officially approved the agreement with Albania for the construction of a new bridge over the Buna River—marking a crucial step toward realizing one of the most significant infrastructure projects between the two countries.
This development follows the ratification of the agreement by the Albanian Parliament in June 2023 and aims to create a direct connection between Velipojë and Ulcinj, significantly boosting both economies and tourism in the region.
A Bridge That Redefines Connectivity
The Buna Bridge will span 310 meters, with a 139-meter gap between its support pillars. It will be 17 meters wide, featuring two traffic lanes (each 3,75 m), two pedestrian sidewalks (each 2 m), and two bicycle lanes (each 1,25m). Beyond its technical features, this bridge is a game-changer for tourism and economic integration. It will directly link 34 km of pristine sandy beaches, which attract approximately 530,000 tourist annually. Currently, the distance between Ulcinj and Velipojë is 73 km, requiring a 1.5 hour drive. Once the bridge is completed, this journey will shrink to just 1 km – dramatically improving accessibility for locals and visitors alike.
Funding and Project Timeline
With a projected cost of €20 million, the project will be equally financed by Albania
and Montenegro. The design and feasibility studies were conducted by Albania
through the Albanian Development Fund (FSHZH). If all goes according to plan, the bridge will be completed by August 2024.
Montenegro`s approval is a major milestone for a project that faced delays due to
bureaucratic and financial hurdles. Former Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazović had previously reaffirmed his commitment to seeing the bridge built—a
promise that, until now, had remained stalled for years.
Political Tensions and Opposition Criticism
In Albania, the bridge project has become a subject of political dispute. Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha has criticized the government of Edi Rama for its delays, alleging that the project was neglected for years due to political motives. Berisha has drawn parallels between this delay and the longstanding neglect of the Dukagjin Road, which he claims was abandoned for years and only recently revived for electoral purposes. According to Berisha, the agreement for this bridge was initially reached with Montenegro in 2012, but progress stalled until recently. "With a €30 million investment, the bridge was supposed to be inaugurated on August 24, 2024, but as of now, there’s no sign of construction even starting," he stated.
More Than Just a Bridge – A Gateway to Regional Growth
Despite political clashes, the Buna Bridge remains a game-changing initiative for both nations. By dramatically reducing the travel distance between Ulcinj and Velipojë, it will provide major benefits to tourism, trade, and transportation sectors.
Moreover, this project strengthens the diplomatic and economic ties between Albania and Montenegro, setting a precedent for future cross-border infrastructure collaborations. Once completed, the bridge will make travel between the two countries faster, easier, and more efficient—enhancing regional prosperity and improving the lives of thousands of residents and visitors. If construction proceeds as scheduled, August 2024 could mark a historic moment for Albania and Montenegro, delivering a long-awaited project that will reshape regional mobility and connectivity.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
