News
CEB and Montenegro sign €83 million loan to strengthen the country’s healthcare system
17 October 2025
Washington, D.C. — The Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), Carlo Monticelli, and Minister of Finance of Montenegro, Novica Vuković, signed today a €83 million loan agreement to support the country’s 2023–2027 Health Strategy. The signature took place on the sidelines of the World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The loan will support a package of health infrastructure and modernisation investments, including the construction of a new General Hospital in Pljevlja, the establishment of a Health Centre in Podgorica (City Quart area), the creation of a Haematology Clinic within the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, and the upgrading of diagnostic capacity through acquisition of advanced medical equipment such as MRI, CT, and PET-CT scanners to modernise both secondary and tertiary care services. As in all of its operations, the CEB integrates a “vulnerability lens” into its project design and implementation, targeting vulnerable and underserved population groups, including low-income households, rural communities, displaced persons, and persons with disabilities. It is expected that the project will meet the potential needs of 250 000 patients.
Governor Monticelli commented at the signing: “By signing this loan agreement today, we are translating our commitment to quality healthcare into concrete action. This partnership will help Montenegro build a more resilient, inclusive and modern healthcare system. This project is expected to strengthen Montenegro’s health sector, reduce infrastructure and diagnostic gaps, and improve equity in access to health services throughout the country.”
Minister Vuković stated: “The Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Finance reaffirm their strong commitment to building a modern, responsible, and just society. We are dedicated to improving healthcare conditions for our citizens, recognising health as a cornerstone of prosperity. These efforts are being carried out in a fiscally sustainable manner, with the support of esteemed European partners, such as the Council of Europe Development Bank. This marks another important step towards a healthier society and a sound public budget – values we proudly share with contemporary Europe.”
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate from its 43 member countries. The CEB finances investment and provides technical assistance in social sectors such as education, health and affordable housing, while focusing on the needs of vulnerable people, as well as on the social dimensions of climate change and the environment. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. The CEB, which has a triple-A credit rating, funds itself through international capital markets. In addition, the CEB receives funds from donors to complement its activities.