Montenegro's Cabinet discuss protection of coastal zone, environment, drafts pre-accession economic policy

Podgorica, Montenegro (13 December 2013) – At yesterday’s session, the Montenegrin Cabinet approved the Bill on Coastal Zone. The proposed legislation is aimed at improving valuation and protection of the coastal zone, while providing free access to the coast and beaches. The Bill comprehensively regulates issues concerning the coastal zone, since the appropriate legal framework is a prerequisite for sustainable development, use and management of this valuable national resource. In order to manage the coastal zone, the government will establish an Agency. The Bill also envisages that in some parts of the coastal zone property rights cannot be acquired, while the property rights acquired before the entry into force of this act remain unharmed.

The Government also approved the Bill on Liability for Environmental Damage, governing the procedure for determining damage and imminent danger from the environment, and applying preventive protection and remediation measures. The piece of legislation perceives the environment, protected species, natural habitats, water and land as endangered subjects. It also stipulates that natural and legal persons who caused damage or imminent threat of damage are required to return the distrurb ecosystem to its original condition. 

The Government adopted the Information on the preparation of Montenegro's Pre-Accession Economic Programme for the period 2013-2016, with the aim of defining basic provisions of the economic policy for 2014. The discussion emphasised the Government’s commitment to pursuing economic policies aimed at implementing measures that should contribute to more dynamic economic growth, reduction of regional disparities in terms of level of development, new jobs creation and more equitable social policy in order to advance the quality of life of the citizens.

The Cabinet also adopted the report on the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of Public Administration Reform Strategy for the period 2011-2013 with the plan for the period 2014-2015. Continuation of the reform process should contribute to strengthening the rule of law and institutional stability, functionality and flexibility of the public administration, as well to advancing business environment, through raising public services’ quality and reducing administrative burdens.