Ulcinj wastewater treatment plant project breaks ground

A major infrastructure project to improve water and sanitation services in Ulcinj, Montenegro, has officially launched in October 2025. 

Construction is now underway for a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and upgrades to the local water supply network. 

With a total estimated investment of €61.8 million, the project is co-financed by the European Union, contributing €31 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). 

The German development bank KfW provides over €26 million in loan financing, completed by national contributions. Approved in 2024, the project is expected to be completed by 2028. 

Designed to serve a population equivalent of 60,000, the new wastewater treatment plant will end the discharge of untreated effluents into the Adriatic Sea, significantly enhancing coastal water quality and preserving marine ecosystems. 

In addition to its environmental impact, the project will strengthen Ulcinj’s water service infrastructure and contribute to improved public health and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The works were launched at an official ceremony, attended by the European Union Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, and the German Ambassador, Peter Felten, alongside Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region development of Montenegro Damjan Ćulafić, KfW Bank Director Klaus Müller, Ulcinj Municipality Mayor Genci Nimanbegu, and Vodacom Director Dragan Roganović.

KfW Bank Director Klaus Müller expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the agreement. He emphasised that this project represents an important step forward in the development of environmental protection in Montenegro. He emphasised the project’s significant importance inimproving the environment and meeting the obligations of Chapter 27.

According to the Ministry, “The construction of the wastewater treatment plant in Ulcinj is a significant advancement in the ecological infrastructure of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. This investment is part of the long-standing cooperation between the Government of Montenegro, KfW Bank, and coastal municipalities within the project Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal on the Adriatic Coast, ongoing since 2003.”

Minister Damjan Ćulafić expressed gratitude to KfW, Ambassadors Sattler and Felten, and Vodakom Director Dragan Roganović for their support and contribution to the project.

Dragan Roganović, Director of Vodakom, recalled that Vodakom, in cooperation with KfW Bank, has so far implemented projects worth over €120 million, including wastewater facilities in Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor.

He added that this project would significantly improve the wastewater treatment system in Ulcinj.

Mayor Genci Nimanbegu emphasised that the construction of the wastewater treatment plant would enhance the quality of life for residents, help preserve natural resources, and improve the overall municipal infrastructure of Ulcinj.

This investment marks a major step forward in Montenegro’s sustainable development agenda and aligns with EU environmental standards.