The Montenegrin government has included in its reform agenda for 2024-2027 the project for establishing the International Institute for Sustainable Technology in Southeast Europe (SEEIIST), which is expected to receive significant funding from the European Union due to its broader European relevance.

The Reform Agenda was adopted on 26 September, outlining 32 indicative priority reform measures across four sectors: private sector development, digital transformation, energy/green transition, human capital enhancement, rule of law, fundamental rights, along with 14 sub-sectors.

The successful execution of reforms in this Agenda is crucial to securing funds from the Instrument for Reforms and Growth under the EU growth plan for the Western Balkans. This growth plan combines grants and favorable loans totaling six billion euros earmarked for 2024-2027, with Montenegro receiving 383.5 million euros, of which 110 million euros are non-repayable and 273.5 million euros are offered as favorable loans. The European Commission plans to allocate seven percent of the total funding as pre-financing, with the remaining amount released in six semi-annual tranches based on the implementation level of the planned reforms.

According to the EU delegation in Podgorica, Montenegro previously indicated the possibility of requesting co-financing for the SEEIIST project through the investment framework for the Western Balkans.

“Montenegro could, in principle, seek co-financing from the investment framework for the Western Balkans and the EU growth plan aimed at Montenegro, linking investments to the reforms outlined in the reform agenda with adequate funds available,” stated representatives from the delegation.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic mentioned at the end of August that the government remains committed to advancing the SEEIIST project, highlighting its significant impact on public health.

The government aims to finalize the SEEIIST project approval by the end of this year, with the following year dedicated to establishing the legal framework, organizing technical groups, and completing the construction tender as outlined in the reform agenda. The target is to complete construction by 2027.

“SEEIIST is designed to tackle the lack of substantial research infrastructure in the Western Balkans, mitigate the brain drain, create new job opportunities, and foster industrial growth. Additionally, it aims to address the absence of a dedicated therapeutic center in Southeast Europe at a time when cancer cases are on the rise,” the agenda states.

This research infrastructure integrates scientific excellence with socio-economic development, contributing to cancer combat efforts and the sustainable advancement of the SEE region.

“The successful integration of SEEIIST within the EU research infrastructure landscape is evident through its alignment with key research initiatives and collaborations with esteemed European institutions, including ESFRI (European Strategy on Research Infrastructures). By leveraging EU funding mechanisms, SEEIIST demonstrates its commitment to EU standards and objectives,” the agenda continues.

Project One of the Six Leading Initiatives in the EU Innovation Agenda

The project is recognized by the EU as one of the six leading initiatives within the Innovation EU agenda and is the sole component of research infrastructure in the economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans.

“SEEIIST underlines its pan-European significance and potential to enhance European competitiveness in research and innovation. Currently, it is in the second development phase, having commenced its design studies in 2019, and is progressing well toward the third preparatory phase,” the reform agenda notes.

During the design phase (2019-2024), approximately six million euros have been expended (five million euros from the EU, 700,000 euros in contributions from CERN, CNAO, and the Serbia Foundation, and 300,000 euros from the Government of Montenegro). This phase focused on developing a technical project for a compact medical accelerator.

The estimated costs for the preparatory phase (2024-2025) are projected to be four million euros. This phase will clarify details regarding construction and location, as well as financing and resource management plans for both construction and future operations.

For the procurement and construction of the facility (2025-2028), the estimated budget is 65.5 million euros. This timeframe includes tender preparation (2025-2026) and civil engineering work (2026-2028).

The estimated budget for procuring and installing technical equipment (2025-2027) is set at 120 million euros.

The installation of advanced technology is scheduled for the 2028-2030 period, which involves the installation of control systems (2028), ion source installation and commissioning (2028-2029), magnet installations (2028-2029), equipment commissioning (2029), synchrotron startup (2030), and setting up treatment room equipment (2029-2030). Estimated costs for this phase total 55 million euros.

Within the reform agenda, SEEIIST is positioned as a potential flagship EU enlargement initiative, reflecting Montenegro’s commitment to aligning with EU standards and priorities within the Western Balkans.

“The establishment of cutting-edge research infrastructure represents a readiness to enhance the European Research Area (ERA) and integrate within EU-focused research frameworks. Moreover, SEEIIST holds the potential to become the leading initiative under a new plan for the Western Balkans, aligning with efforts to deepen regional economic integration. It is poised to stimulate economic growth, create research job opportunities, foster the development of high-tech industries in the region, and attract European investors and businesses to the Western Balkans,” the document elaborates.

Acting as a catalyst for cooperation among regional stakeholders, SEEIIST is expected to facilitate a pooling of resources and expertise, thereby boosting the collective competitiveness of the Western Balkans in the global economic arena.

Emphasizing its focus on becoming the first “infrastructure for therapy and research with green particles,” SEEIIST aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal. Its initial technical designs prioritize minimal environmental impact and energy consumption, utilizing renewable energy sources and green data centers to showcase the efficacy of the “green deal.”

“SEEIIST’s methodology also supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 3 (good health and well-being) and Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) by fostering technological advancements and scientific collaboration,” the agenda highlights.

The document also identifies the risk of inadequate funding, which could impede the achievement of SEEIIST’s objectives and delay the start of the preparatory phase. To mitigate this risk, it outlines the exploration of various funding sources, including EU funds, to ensure continuity in project activities.