CEB supports inclusive urban development in Bosnia and Herzegovina with €12 million loan for Mostar Cultural and Sports Centre

Mostar - The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has signed a €12 million loan agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina to co-finance the construction of the Mostar Cultural and Sports Centre (INTEGRA), a landmark urban development project in the heart of the city. The signing ceremony took place today in Mostar, with the participation of CEB Vice-Governor Tomáš Boček, Minister of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina Srđan Amidžić, President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidija Bradara, Prime Minister of Herzegovina Neretva Canton Marija Buhač, Mayor of Mostar Mario Kordić and Minister of Culture and Sports of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sanja Vlaisavljević.

The INTEGRA project represents a major investment in inclusive and sustainable infrastructure in a city still grappling with post-conflict divisions. With a total estimated cost of €24.15 million, the CEB's loan to the Centre will be co-financed by national and local authorities, and complemented by a €1.5 million grant from the CEB's Green Social Investment Fund (GSIF) to support energy-efficient design and construction.

Strategically located in central Mostar, the Centre will serve as a multifunctional venue for sports, culture, education and civic engagement. It is expected to directly benefit over 18 500 people, in addition to more than 30 000 students from local schools and universities, and more than 100 cultural and sports organisations. Once completed, the Centre will also be capable of hosting national and international events, with a main hall accommodating up to 5 000 people, and providing accessible seating for wheelchair users.

"The Mostar Cultural and Sports Centre addresses a crucial infrastructure gap, while also offering a shared space aimed at fostering connections within the community. It is intended to serve the people of Mostar and strengthen the city's role as a hub of cultural, educational, and civic life," said Vice-Governor Boček at the signing. "The CEB is proud to support this initiative, which aligns fully with our mission to promote social cohesion and enhance living conditions for communities across Europe."

In Mostar the current provision of recreational space remains well below European average. The project will significantly expand access to modern, inclusive public spaces, helping to reduce social exclusion, improve community health and offer structured alternatives for youth engagement-particularly important in a city where marginalised groups often lack opportunities for participation.

In alignment with the CEB's broader commitments to sustainable urban development, the project's design incorporates robust sustainability features, including a rooftop solar panel system and water-to-water heat pumps.

The initiative is expected to create direct employment opportunities during and after construction, while also stimulating local economic activity through increased tourism, events and services.

"Thanks to a loan of €12 million and grant funding of €1.5 million from the Council of Europe Development Bank, the City of Mostar will receive a modern cultural and sports centre. This project represents a major step forward in fostering connections among people from Mostar and the surrounding areas, offering hope for a brighter future and the peaceful coexistence of all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Minister Amidžić.

"This project is of crucial importance not only for us as the owners of this magnificent cultural and sports building, but has also been recognised by international partners as a project of regional and social importance," added Mario Kordić, the mayor of the City of Mostar.

The CEB has played a key role in the project's preparation, including technical support for sustainability and implementation. The loan is part of a broader financing strategy involving the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, and the City of Mostar. Project implementation is scheduled through 2028.