EIB’s US$31.6m Funding For EU Healthcare Systems & Hospitals

The European Investment Bank has announced a major new investment package for Montenegro focused on healthcare, infrastructure and energy transition. 

The initiative includes more than €250m (US$292m) in new financing to boost healthcare systems, modernise railway systems and support the energy transition among SMEs.

This funding is part of a broader effort to strengthen public services, while advancing Montenegro’s progress towards joining the European Union (EU).

EIB also confirmed plans to significantly increase its financial support in the country this year compared to 2025.

Upgrading healthcare and medical technology

A key component of the investment package is a €27m (US$31.6m) loan dedicated to strengthening Montenegro’s healthcare system. 

The funding is set to support the equipment of more than 30 public hospitals and clinics with new medical technologies. 

These upgrades are designed to improve the quality of healthcare services delivered to patients across the country. 

The investment also aims to strengthen disease prevention and enhance the overall efficiency of medical care. 

“As an investment engine of EU accession, the EIB Group welcomes Montenegro's impressive progress and will continue supporting its path towards membership of the EU,” says Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB.

"With this new financing, we are also helping to improve the daily lives of citizens and businesses: boosting the healthcare system with state-of-the art technology, modernising the Bar–Golubovci railway and accelerating energy transition among SMEs to support the country's energy security.”

By modernising healthcare infrastructure, the project is expected to improve service delivery and support better health outcomes for citizens. 

It also forms part of wider efforts to build a more resilient public health system in Montenegro and the EU.

Energy transition for economic resilience

The investment package also includes major funding for transport and energy-related projects designed to strengthen Montenegro’s long-term development. 

A €175m (US$204m) investment will be used to upgrade the railway line between the port of Bar and Golubovci near Podgorica. 

This funding combines a loan from the EIB with a grant from the EU under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. 

The railway upgrade is expected to improve capacity, safety, and efficiency while strengthening trade connections. 

In addition, a €50m (US$58.5m) loan will support small- and medium-sized enterprises in deploying renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.

“Further confirmation of the strong partnership between Montenegro and the EIB is today’s signing of contracts for the implementation of important development projects in our country in the fields of transport infrastructure and healthcare”, says Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. 

“These are investments that citizens directly feel through an improved quality of life, while at the same time representing confirmation that Montenegro is responsibly implementing reforms and progressing on its European path, with the aim of becoming a full member of the EU in 2028.”

This financing aims to improve energy security and support the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient private sector.

EIB’s health and life sciences investment

Health and Life Sciences play a central role in ensuring a healthier future by strengthening healthcare systems, advancing medical innovation and improving access to affordable, high-quality care across Europe and beyond. 

According to the EIB, substantial financing is directed into research and development, healthcare infrastructure and global health partnerships to support breakthroughs in medicines, diagnostics, biotechnology and medical technologies. 

“We are supporting Montenegro's efforts to increase transport connectivity and energy security, while fostering regional and EU integration,” says Robert de Groot , Vice-President of the EIB. 

“To help companies decarbonise and stay competitive, we are deploying a new credit line with the Development Bank of Montenegro, and together we are committed to doing more.”

EIB's investments help reduce the burden of chronic disease, extend life expectancy and improve quality of life while promoting more resilient and inclusive health systems. 

Working in collaboration with institutions such as the World Health Organization, the European Commission, UNICEF and other international partners, these initiatives also support vaccination programmes, disease prevention and efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages. 

EIB provided more than €4.6bn (US$5.3bn) in financing in 2025 and helped more than 18.4 million people have improved healthcare services.