At the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), held in Split, Montenegro was approved €13.07 million from the EU Western Balkans Growth Plan and contributions from WBIF bilateral donors for the implementation of infrastructure projects in the field of education.
The funds relate to two projects of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation – the construction of four new kindergartens and two primary schools across Montenegro.
The approved grant of €5.82 million will support the construction of four kindergartens, in Bar, Berane, Ulcinj, and Podgorica (City Quarter), as part of a project implemented in cooperation with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The total value of this investment amounts to €27.6 million.
Additionally, a grant of €7.25 million, with the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), is intended for the construction of two primary schools, in Podgorica (City Quarter) and in Tuzi (Karabuško Polje), with a total value of €29.5 million.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević emphasized that these projects confirm that European integration brings concrete and visible benefits to citizens.
“The benefits of the negotiation process with the European Union are visible and accessible to our citizens. I am especially pleased that these funds are directed towards education – an area that directly affects the quality of life and long-term development of society. Through the Growth Plan, Montenegro uses European funds in a way that brings lasting value, especially for the youngest generations,” Gorčević said.
Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović highlighted that these are mature projects, as a significant part of them is already in the construction phase or in the final stages of contractor selection.
“In this way, we directly respond to the needs of local communities and create better conditions for the stay and education of children, in accordance with contemporary European standards. It can already be stated with certainty that these kindergartens and schools will be completed before Montenegro joins the European Union, and will represent lasting and visible landmarks – true indicators of successful cooperation between Montenegro and the European Union during our country’s accession period,” Jakšić-Stojanović said.
Minister Jakšić-Stojanović thanked the EU Member States that are WBIF bilateral donors for recognizing the importance of the projects submitted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, as well as for their continuous support for the development of educational infrastructure in Montenegro, which allows these important projects to be transformed into concrete and lasting benefits for our children and communities.
The approval of these projects further confirms the functionality of the Reform Agenda within the Western Balkans Growth Plan, as well as the capacity of Montenegro’s institutions to strategically plan, prepare with quality, and successfully implement projects of special social importance.
The European Union, through its institutions and financial mechanisms, confirms its role as a leading and reliable partner in the largest investment cycle in the field of education in Montenegro. From the end of 2023 to today, more than €37.5 million in grants have been approved for infrastructure projects and education system reform, along with nearly €70 million in loan support.
The Government of Montenegro continues its strong partnership with the European Union, with a clear goal – the development of an accessible, inclusive, and competitive education system, fully aligned with European Union standards and serving every child in Montenegro.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS / MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION