Montenegro’s reform agenda for 2024-2027 highlights the role of the SEEIIST project initiated by the International Institute for Sustainable Technology in Southeast Europe. The government must make it clear that they cannot proceed independently.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, referring to Forbes Montenegro, stated that the SEEIIST project is categorized as an infrastructure project. Its execution depends on international agreements needed for this type of infrastructure, which also includes a financing framework that necessitates contributions from all partner countries involved, alongside planned funding from international sources.

“Thus, any unilateral actions within this partnership cannot be considered a valid approach for executing this infrastructure project or advancing to its next phase,” the Ministry responded to Forbes Montenegro regarding the government’s approval of the project late last year.

Funding for SEEIIST is expected primarily from the European Union due to its broad European focus.

As per information from Forbes, Montenegro has so far allocated around six million euros to prepare the project, and Bulgaria is reportedly keenly advocating to secure its involvement.

The reform agenda, adopted on September 26, outlines its implementation as a prerequisite for securing funds from the Instrument for Reforms and Growth within the EU’s growth plan for the Western Balkans. This plan combines grants and favorable loans totaling six billion euros for the period from 2024 to 2027. Montenegro is earmarked to receive 383.5 million euros, of which 110 million euros will be allocated as grants, and 273.5 million euros will be provided as loans. The European Commission is set to allocate seven percent of the total growth fund upfront, with the remaining funds distributed semi-annually based on the progress of the planned reforms.

According to the reform agenda, the government was expected to approve the SEEIIST project by the end of the previous year. This year, they need to identify the location and legal framework and establish technical teams to complete the construction tender.

“SEEIIST aims to tackle the lack of substantial research infrastructure in the Western Balkans, reduce brain drain, create new job opportunities, and stimulate industrial growth. Furthermore, it seeks to address the deficit of therapeutic centers in Southeast Europe, especially as cancer incidence is rising,” the agenda states.

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

“SEEIIST underscores its pan-European significance and the potential to enhance European competitiveness in research and innovation. The project is currently progressing through its second development phase, focusing on design studies that commenced in 2019 and are moving forward smoothly. It is poised to transition to the third preparatory phase,” as noted in the reform agenda.

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

Estimated costs for the preparatory phase (2024-2025) stand at four million euros. This phase will outline construction details, financing models, and human resource management plans for both construction and future operations.

For the procurement and construction of the facility (2025-2028), costs are projected at 65.5 million euros. This period will also see the initiation of tender processes (2025-2026) alongside civil engineering projects (2026-2028).

The costs for procurement and installation of technical equipment from 2025 to 2027 are anticipated to reach 120 million euros.

The installation and commissioning of advanced technology is scheduled between 2028 and 2030. Activities during this phase include setting up control systems (2028), installing and commissioning ion sources (2028-2029), mounting magnets (2028-2029), setting up and commissioning work projects (2029), and finally, commissioning the Synchrotron alongside setting up treatment room equipment (2029-2030). The estimated expenditure for this phase is around 55 million euros.

The EU delegation in Podgorica previously indicated that Montenegro could seek co-financing for the SEEIIST project from the investment framework for the Western Balkans.

“Montenegro could, in principle, request co-funding from the investment framework associated with the EU growth plan, which aligns with the reforms detailed in the reform agenda, provided that sufficient funds are available,” representatives from the delegation stated.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed last August that the government intends to continue advancing the SEEIIST project, emphasizing its critical importance to the health of citizens.