The European Investment Bank (EIB), with which government representatives signed contracts worth 250 million euros today, will continue to support and invest in Montenegro in the future, said its President Nadija Kalvinjo.
"My message is that you can trust the EIB to continue to stand by you and make a difference, improving and investing in people's lives and supporting Montenegro's future position in the EU," said Kalvinjo after meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at Villa Gorica.
Spajić announced that the signed agreements are the result of the implementation of reforms, daily work and the closing of negotiation chapters in the past two and a half years.
"Today we signed contracts worth EUR 250 million, and when someone asks what the tangible benefits of European integration are, we just presented them today, for everyone to see," said Spajić.
He said that the Government will continue to work even harder and cooperate with the EIB, which will open a branch in Podgorica.
"This shows how focused the EU and the EIB are on Montenegro and how seriously they count on our country. We must not waste such opportunities and it is very important that we continue investing in public infrastructure at an even faster pace, together with our partners," said Spajić.
Calvino explained that contracts were signed today that should contribute to improving the healthcare system, modernizing the railways, and accelerating the green transition for small and medium-sized enterprises, through partnerships with national banks.
"This is clear evidence of how the EU, through the EIB, is delivering tangible benefits for the citizens, economy and future of Montenegro," said Calvino.
According to her, the EIB will finance the modernization of the Montenegrin healthcare system with EUR 27 million in loans for the purchase of modern medical equipment for 30 public hospitals and clinics across the country.
"This project will strengthen the Montenegrin healthcare system, improve disease prevention and the quality of medical services, which is important for citizens and will bring the country closer to European standards in this area," said Calvino.
According to her, the EIB will support the project with EUR 175 million, which should represent a step towards sustainable transport and connectivity, through the improvement of the railway.
"This project will improve security, connectivity and capacity, strengthen regional integration, as well as existing transport networks. In this way, we will significantly shorten travel times, which will be beneficial for citizens," explained Kalvinjo.
The EIB, she added, is also strengthening its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a new credit line of EUR 50 million, mediated by the Development Bank (RBCG), which should contribute to their better energy efficiency, decarbonization and innovation.
"In this way, we will adapt Montenegrin businesses to the requirements of the European market. All of this reflects our priorities in Montenegro, which are improved regional connectivity, a clean and secure energy future, strong social infrastructure, i.e. climate resilience, i.e. everything that represents the foundations of European life," said Calvino.
She stated that these activities paved the way for a tripling of financial intervention in Montenegro compared to last year, which is a strong signal of the EIB's commitment and support in the current accession phase.
Calvino said that it is impressive to witness first-hand the progress that Montenegro has made on its path to EU accession, as a leader in that process.
"The EIB, as the EU bank, continues to support Montenegro's ambitions to become the next EU member by 2028," said Calvino.
Representatives of the EIB and the Government signed loan agreements for the purpose of financing projects to equip health institutions in Montenegro, the modernization of the electrified single-track railway on the Bar-Golubovci section, including the Ratac landslide and the Sozina tunnel, as well as a financing agreement between the EIB and the RBCG.
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