Montenegro has the opportunity to establish an international institute for sustainable technologies in Southeast Europe (SEEIIST), primarily funded by the European Union due to its broader European focus, in comparison to large infrastructure projects.

This initiative, spearheaded by former Minister of Science and physicist Sanja Damjanović, has seen limited progress in recent years regarding the location and project approval for the Institute. The project is estimated to be worth approximately 250 million euros and was included in the 2020 economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans as the sole scientific research and medical project.

According to the EU delegation in Podgorica, Montenegro has the possibility to request co-financing from the investment framework for the Western Balkans.

“Montenegro could, in principle, ask for co-financing from the investment framework for the Western Balkans, which connects to the EU growth plan for Montenegro related to the reforms set in the reform agenda, with sufficient funds available,” stated the delegation.

SEEIIST is committed to developing scientific, medical, and green infrastructure with the aim of becoming a center of excellence for cancer treatment and biomedical research, employing modern technology and innovative techniques.

SEEIIST’s primary focus is on constructing the International Center for Advanced Cancer Treatment in Montenegro, intended to treat up to 500 patients through the use of cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements. This initiative aspires to significantly transform Montenegro’s economy while attracting reputable European firms, foreign investment, and expertise. Damjanović has previously emphasized that Sueiist is undoubtedly the most substantial scientific, technological, and medical project in Southeast Europe, addressing one of the most pressing social issues – the fight against cancer.

At the beginning of this year, Montenegro’s Ministers of Education, Science and Innovation, and Foreign and European Affairs engaged in discussions about the project with representatives from foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Montenegro.

The Government announced its recognition of the project’s significance for regional cooperation, highlighting its mission of “science for peace.” Montenegro affirmed its commitment to intensifying dialogue and actions around concrete further steps with project participants and potential partners.

“In the near future, SEEIIST will face critical matters, including the legal aspects of establishing the Institute and the Sustainable Financial Model, which will demand full commitment from all project participants, as well as an analysis of support from the EU and other partners involved,” the government stated.

Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, emphasized the project’s importance for the European integration process, given its influence on regional development, enlargement, integration, scientific diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable development.

“SEEIIST is recognized as a pivotal project of Pan-European Research Infrastructure in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It has also been identified as one of the six leading EU-Western Balkans initiatives and a vital project within a new plan intended to deepen regional economic integration,” Gorčević remarked.

The location for SEEIIST was expected to be announced by the end of 2021.

In April 2021, the government, led by Zdravko Krivokapić, adopted information regarding the implementation of the SEEIIST construction initiative in Montenegro.

This report indicated that the next essential step in realizing this significant project was the selection of the SEEIIST Institute location, which was anticipated to be revealed by the year’s end, but this deadline was not met.

It was mentioned that Montenegro possesses the capacity to provide a suitable location for the SEEIIST Institute’s construction, which would hold immeasurable significance for both the state and the entire region.

Sanja Damjanović recently highlighted that innovative cancer therapy using powerful particle accelerators, including ions of various elements like carbon, could significantly enhance medical techniques and improve treatment success for various tumors. This approach aims to fulfill the long-standing goal of treating cancer without invasive surgical procedures.

“Innovative cancer treatment utilizing powerful particle accelerators, including ions from various elements such as carbon, represents a groundbreaking method in oncology. This technique directs ion radiation precisely at cancerous cells throughout the body while sparing healthy tissue. Its high precision and efficiency have greatly improved the treatment process for numerous tumors and realized the long-held vision of non-invasive treatment for internal organs,” stated Damjanović.

According to her, from 1997 to 2008, the first 450 patients in Europe were treated using this innovative method, not in a conventional clinic, but at the GSI Helmholtz Institute for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany. The success of these treatments led to the establishment of the first clinic in Europe specialized in this technique, the Ion Therapy Center in Heidelberg (HIT), Germany.

“The credit for this pioneering achievement goes to the visionary efforts of Professor Hans Joachim Specht, a distinguished scientist at the University of Heidelberg. Specht exhibited a unique combination of being a top-tier scientist and an effective manager, with his daring decisions leaving a lasting impact on society,” she noted.

The Montenegrin Government did not respond to Forbes’ inquiries, leaving it unclear whether they will seize the opportunity to access significant scientific, technological, and medical resources through EU funding, which could directly affect the lives of cancer patients.