Montenegro has secured a €33 million development loan from the World Bank, marking a significant step towards the modernization of its fisheries sector. This financing package, approved in late 2025, aims to address long-standing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, weak logistics, and limited institutional capacity that have hampered productivity and market access in a sector that benefits from the country’s extensive coastline and fishing heritage.
The loan was developed in collaboration with Montenegro’s fiscal and agricultural authorities, focusing on two main objectives: implementing substantial capital investments and enhancing governance and regulatory frameworks to align with European Union standards. This initiative is not just about construction; it represents a comprehensive reset for the sector aimed at improving value retention, traceability, food safety, and sustainability across capture fisheries and related agri-food activities.
A key feature of this investment program is the construction of Montenegro’s first fully modern fishing port, which is set to be located in Ulcinj, near the Velika Plaža area. The facility will include cold-storage capabilities, landing and first-sale infrastructure, maintenance services, and controlled logistics zones. This development seeks to resolve critical issues such as post-catch losses and inconsistent product quality. By facilitating faster handling and proper storage, the port is expected to enhance prices for local fishers while improving access to higher-value domestic and export markets.
In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, the program emphasizes strengthening institutional capacities. A significant component involves establishing a regional office for the national payments agency to bolster Montenegro’s ability to manage fisheries and agri-food support schemes according to EU Common Fisheries and Common Agricultural Policy standards. This enhancement is vital for future access to EU structural funds and ensuring transparent allocation of subsidies.
The reform package also envisions broader operational enhancements within the fisheries sector. Planned initiatives include modernizing landing sites, improving monitoring and data collection processes, and supporting professional development within fishing cooperatives and producer organizations. Training programs will be implemented to help operators comply with new sustainability standards as Montenegro progresses in its EU accession journey.
Despite the substantial financial framework provided by the World Bank, policymakers recognize that execution risks are considerable. Successful implementation will depend on timely project delivery, effective coordination between central and local authorities, and the ability to translate infrastructure improvements into tangible income benefits for fishers. Sector representatives have emphasized the necessity for concurrent investments in fleet renewal, fuel efficiency, and market organization to maximize the impact of these infrastructure developments.
Implementation of this program is anticipated to gain momentum throughout 2026, with preparatory works, tendering processes, and initial construction phases occurring alongside necessary institutional reforms. If executed as planned, this World Bank-supported initiative could transform Montenegro’s fisheries from a marginal coastal activity into a more resilient segment of its blue economy, characterized by clearer revenue streams and stronger connections to tourism, hospitality, and regional food supply chains.
