CEB and Montenegro sign €83 million loan for healthcare upgrade

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Montenegro signed an €83 million loan agreement today to support the country’s 2023-2027 Health Strategy, according to the announcement. CEB Governor Carlo Monticelli and Montenegro’s Finance Minister Novica Vuković signed the deal on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

The loan will fund a package of health infrastructure and modernization projects, including construction of a new General Hospital in Pljevlja, establishment of a Health Centre in Podgorica’s City Quart area, creation of a Haematology Clinic within the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, and purchase of advanced medical equipment such as MRI, CT, and PET-CT scanners. The upgrades target both secondary and tertiary care services, with the project expected to meet the needs of 250,000 patients.

As with all its operations, the CEB is building a “vulnerability lens” into project design and implementation, targeting underserved groups including low-income households, rural communities, displaced persons, and people with disabilities. Governor Monticelli said the partnership will help Montenegro build a more resilient, inclusive, and modern healthcare system, translating the bank’s commitment to quality healthcare into concrete action.

The project aims to strengthen Montenegro’s health sector, reduce infrastructure and diagnostic gaps, and improve equity in access to health services throughout the country. Minister Vuković said the government remains committed to improving healthcare conditions for citizens, recognizing health as a cornerstone of prosperity while maintaining fiscal sustainability with support from European partners like the CEB.

Montenegro has been working to modernize its healthcare infrastructure and close gaps in medical services, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities. The investments come as the country continues its efforts to align with European standards ahead of its EU accession process.