Cabinet meeting

Podgorica, Montenegro (18 July 2014) -- In the process of harmonisation of national legislation with the EU acquis, the Government of Montenegro approved at yesterday’s session the Bill Amending the Law on Public Procurement. Experience in the implementation of the current law has shown that certain issues need to be more comprehensively and consistently standardised in line with the relevant EU directives, in particular in the fields of water, energy, transport and postal services, as well as in the field of defense and security. The main intention of the proposed amendments is to simplify public procurement procedures, as well as to establish quality, efficient and cost-effective mechanisms to protect rights and legal interests of participants in the process, as well as the public interest. The proposed law, based on the principles of economy, effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and non-discrimination, will provide a quality and responsible management of public funds, the meeting concluded.

The Cabinet also discussed the issue related to the recognition of foreign educational documents. As part of the implementation of the conclusions of the government’s thematic session on structural reforms in the labour market, education and health, the analysis of regulations governing the procedure for recognition of foreign educational certificates and equal qualifications has been drafted, as well as the analysis of the existing procedures, with special emphasis on educational certificates and qualifications acquired in higher education institutions in the region that does not correspond to the needs of the labour market in Montenegro. Bearing in mind the number of applications for recognition of foreign diplomas has increased year in, year out, the government tasked the Ministry of Education to draft amendments to the current legislation in order to establish precise criteria for the recognition of educational qualifications acquired abroad.

The government adopted the information on the award of grants within the project “Higher Education and Research for Innovation for Competitiveness of Montenegro.” After the completion of the competition, the Ministry of Science made a decision to accept four projects and sign contracts on their implementation amounting to EUR 1,34 million. The goal of the programme is to integrate scientific and technical potential in Montenegro, thus contributing to the development of a society based on knowledge and creating the basis for establishing centres of excellence. The grants are aimed at strengthening outstanding research teams, promoting international cooperation and creating commercial innovations.