EU and EIB back rail upgrade in Montenegro through WBIF
A Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) co-financed railway upgrade is at the centre of a new EIB package of more than €250 million announced during EIB Group President Nadia Calviño's visit to Montenegro on 11 May 2026. The flagship €175 million investment will support the modernisation of the Bar–Golubovci rail section through a €63 million EIB loan combined with a €112 million EU grant under WBIF, helping to improve rail safety, capacity and efficiency on a key transport corridor while strengthening trade links, regional connectivity and Montenegro's EU integration.
This 39 km section is part of the Rail Route 4, a vital corridor that connects Belgrade to the Port of Bar, linking Montenegro and the Western Balkans with Central Europe. Once completed, the upgrade will increase train speeds and improve railway reliability, safety, and capacity. The project will raise the quality of rail service, accommodate 1.3 million passengers and transport 1.85 million tonnes of freight annually.
Alongside the railway investment, the EIB also announced a €27 million loan to strengthen Montenegro's healthcare system with modern equipment for more than 30 public hospitals and clinics, and a €50 million loan to the Development Bank of Montenegro to support SME investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Together, the package is designed to reinforce connectivity, healthcare resilience, public services and private-sector energy security while paving the way for a significant increase in EIB financing in the country in 2026.
During the visit, President Calviño and EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot met with President Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, reaffirming support for Montenegro's EU accession ambitions. They also highlighted wider EU-backed investment in the country, including through a visit to the renovated "Sergije Stanić" vocational training centre in Podgorica.
"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 European Union," said President Calviño." 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."
"As Montenegro advances on its EU accession path, with impressive progress in the negotiations over the past 18 months, the stronger involvement of the European Investment Bank in the modernisation and development of Montenegro is particularly welcome," said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johan Sattler. "The visit of the EIB President is a very positive signal that Team Europe is here to support the country's drive for modernisation and change. I welcome, in particular, the EIB's engagement in supporting the development of local infrastructure, notably the railway and the further development of the Bar–Boljare Highway, as well as its involvement in education and environmental infrastructure. All these investments are bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Montenegrin citizens and will help Montenegro successfully integrate into the EU."
"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", said 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."
"These new projects are tangible proof that the European partnership delivers visible results - modern hospitals, better equipment, higher-quality healthcare, as well as more modern and safer transport infrastructure," said Montenegrin Finance Minister Novica Vuković. "A healthy population and a strong healthcare system, along with quality infrastructure, form the foundation of a stable society and sustainable economic development."
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.