The northern Montenegrin municipality of Mojkovac has announced a ceremony marking the commencement of works to upgrade its wastewater system under a €6.1 million investment.

The EU-financed project includes the separation of stormwater and wastewater networks in the town of Mojkovac. The initiative also involves the construction of eight kilometres of sewerage infrastructure in the suburban settlements of Podbišće, Juškovića Potok and Ambarine and the upgrading of a wastewater treatment plant to expand its service to more than 5,000 households.

Due to be completed by 2029, the project will strengthen basic services for municipality residents and reduce pollution threats to the Tara River by improving wastewater collection and treatment. The EU financing includes a €2.9 million grant approved in 2025 and a €1.5 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The remaining funding comes from national and municipal authorities.

"For the people of Mojkovac, this project means cleaner water, a healthier environment and more reliable sanitation services," said Head of the EIB Representation to Montenegro Davor Kunc. "It is an investment in the community’s quality of life while helping to protect natural resources such as the Tara River – one of Montenegro’s most valuable natural assets."

The municipality is the gateway to a river gorge that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Through projects like this, the Municipality of Mojkovac works to improve the quality of life for citizens in our local community,” said Mojkovac Municipality President Vesko Delić. “Furthermore, by enhancing the wastewater management system, we are taking care of our environment and preserving nature for future generations.”

The EU is providing the grant through its financial platform, the Western Balkans Investment Framework, to help Montenegro bring its water systems into line with European environmental standards.

“The start of the wastewater project in Mojkovac is another example of how our partnership with Montenegro delivers tangible benefits for people and the environment, even before accession,” said EU Ambassador Johan Sattler. “Together with the European Investment Bank, the EU has been investing in better environmental infrastructure, cleaner rivers and the protection of Montenegro’s natural heritage. This project shows what we can achieve by working together: combining EU support, financial expertise and the commitment of local and national authorities to deliver lasting benefits for communities and future generations.”

The works are being carried out by a Turkish-Greek consortium composed of JV Arikan Insaat Taahhut Ticaret ve Sanayi Anonim Sirketi and Karkanias Environmental Technology S.A. The construction is being supervised by an Italian engineering consultancy called IRD Engineering S.r.l, while Montenegro’s entity for implementing communal-service and environmental projects, PROCON, is overseeing the wastewater works in Mojkovac.