The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group President Nadia Calviño visited Montenegro and announced more than €250 million in new investments aimed at strengthening healthcare, railway infrastructure, energy security and private sector resilience. The funding package reflects the EIB’s growing support for Montenegro’s European Union accession ambitions and is expected to triple the institution’s financing in the country during 2026 compared to the previous year.
During the visit, EIB officials met with Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to reaffirm their commitment to supporting the country’s goal of closing EU accession talks by the end of 2026. The visit also highlighted the broader partnership between the EIB and Montenegro in advancing modernization, economic reforms and regional integration.
One of the major agreements signed includes a €27 million loan to improve Montenegro’s healthcare system. The funding will help equip more than 30 public hospitals and clinics with advanced medical technologies to improve disease prevention, healthcare quality and patient services across the country.
The EIB also announced a €175 million financing package for the modernization of the Bar–Golubovci railway line. The package combines a €63 million EIB loan with a €112 million European Union grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. The railway upgrade is expected to improve transport efficiency, trade connectivity, regional integration and overall safety within Montenegro and neighboring regions.
In support of energy transition and private sector resilience, the EIB signed a €50 million loan agreement with the Development Bank of Montenegro. The financing will support small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, helping businesses improve competitiveness while enhancing national energy security.
EIB President Nadia Calviño emphasized that the new investments are designed to improve the daily lives of citizens while accelerating Montenegro’s path toward EU membership. She highlighted the importance of modern healthcare systems, sustainable transport infrastructure and green energy investments in supporting long-term economic development and resilience.
Vice-President Robert de Groot noted that the EIB is helping Montenegro strengthen transport connectivity and energy security while promoting regional and European integration. The new SME credit line is also expected to help local businesses decarbonize and prepare for participation in the EU single market.
Montenegro’s government officials welcomed the agreements, describing them as tangible proof of strong cooperation with European institutions. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the investments would directly improve citizens’ quality of life and support Montenegro’s ambition to become a full EU member by 2028.
The EIB delegation also visited the renovated “Sergije Stanić” vocational training centre in Podgorica, reaffirming support for the Montenegro Education Programme, which focuses on upgrading schools and improving learning conditions across the country. Officials highlighted that investments in education infrastructure are essential for long-term social and economic progress.
Since 2009, the EIB Group has invested around €1.5 billion in Montenegro across sectors including education, transport, healthcare, environment and support for SMEs. Montenegro remains one of the highest EIB beneficiaries per capita among enlargement countries in the Western Balkans.
