Montenegro joins regional Eco-Industrial Parks initiative

Montenegro has officially joined the regional Eco Industrial Parks (EIP) initiative, marking an important step toward strengthening industrial development, aligning its industrial zones with EU environmental and competitiveness standards, and attracting responsible private sector investment.

Coordinated nationally by the Montenegrin Investment Agency (MIA), the initiative forms part of a broader regional programme that foresees up to five pilot parks across the Western Balkans by 2027.

Led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in partnership with the European Union and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), it will help modernise Montenegro's industrial zones, improve resource efficiency, and attract sustainable investment.

Eco Industrial Parks bring companies together within a shared industrial space to optimise energy, water, and material use, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen collaboration. Through this initiative, Montenegro will update policy and regulatory frameworks, reinforce institutional capacity, and support selected industrial zones-both new greenfield sites and existing areas-in meeting international EIP standards.

"The EU is proud to support Montenegro's efforts to modernise its industrial sector and promote sustainable growth. Eco-Industrial Parks will help businesses reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and increase competitiveness," said Johann Sattler, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro.

"By working with MIA and public authorities, we aim to embed internationally recognized practices into the local industrial landscape," said Javier Suarez, IFC Manager, Europe. "Through regulatory strengthening, we are helping create the conditions for cleaner industries, stronger investment pipelines, and long-term job creation."

"Montenegro is taking a structured approach to modernising its industrial zones. The goal is to increase the competitiveness of Montenegro's industrial areas and improve their readiness for domestic and international investors," said Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance of Montenegro.

Implemented by IFC, the initiative will provide technical assistance to Montenegrin authorities and industrial zone operators, including assessments, action plans, and capacity-building activities aimed at aligning with international Eco-Industrial Park standards.

Pilot sites are already underway in three locations in Serbia: the greenfield site in Šabac, the MIND Park in Kragujevac and Marera Industrial Park Pobeda.

Aligned with regional and EU policies, including the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the initiative aims to support industrial decarbonisation and the creation of sustainable and competitive industrial zones. The European Commission, through the WBIF, has been instrumental in supporting projects like these across the region.

See all the EU-supported programmes for the private sector here

More about the Eco-industrial Parks in the Western Balkans here