Montenegro Cabinet's session

Podgorica, Montenegro (26 June 2015) – At yesterday’s session, the Government of Montenegro approved the Bill on Customs Administration aimed at creating  the normative framework for more efficient fiscal and security role of the Customs Administration. The Bill also ensures the compliance with the European customs regulations and situation after Montenegro joins the EU.

The Government also approved the Youth Bill, highlighting it is the first time Montenegro will implement the unique policy in this area, improve the social situation of the youth in all areas, create conditions for social activism and engage young people in decision-making process, and in developing personal and social potentials.

The Cabinet adopted the Bill amending the Law on National and Expert Qualifications in order to harmonise the existing solutions with the legal system. The Bill has been drafted for the purpose of modifying the system of national and expert qualifications which will contribute to the process of lifelong learning, better connectedness between formal and informal methods of learning, recognition of formal and informal learning and previous acquired knowledge. These measures will make the qualifications possessed by an individual more visible and enable his or her employment, better position in the labour market and mobility.

In the area of education policy, the Government adopted the Strategy for development of secondary education in Montenegro (2015-2020). The strategy is aimed at improving quality and efficiency of secondary education in Montenegro and it is based on the analysis of the current situation in this area and defined priority areas, measures, goals and activities which are crucial for this part of the education process.

Montenegro's employment and social reform programme 2015-2020 was also discussed at yesterday's session and it will address overcoming challenges in a wide range of areas such as labour market, employment, development of skills and knowledge, social justice and social inclusion. Although the programme deals with choosing adequate measures and activities for resolving issues in these areas, it is also committed to the establishment of administrative capacities, efficient management and institutional reforms. Funds available for the implementation of this programme amount to approximately EUR 68 million.

In order to boost and encourage economic development and independence of women, the Government adopted the Women' Entrepreneurship Development  Strategy, which will create a friendly business environment, provide support to women's business potentials, create new jobs, raise employment rate and improve development of small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship in general.

The Government also adopted social programmes for the Boksiti Mines, “Piva” Electrode Factory Plužine and Limited Liability company “Metalac”, and tasked the relevant ministries to define a model of connecting work experience for employees in the “Boksiti” Mines in line with the law and best practices. During the discussion, PM Đukanović underlined that the implementation of the social programme will create better conditions for continuing mining operations in a sustainable manner. Even though the mining will continue to operate with a minor number of employees, this programme will preserve that part of the Montenegrin economy, Prime Minister Đukanović concluded.

The Cabinet adopted a proposal on resolving issue of missing funds for the repayment of a part of the Montenegrin Maritime Company AD Kotor's loan to the EXIM Bank, having in mind that the assets of the company were previously used for paying liabilities of the Kotor's Jugooceanija AD company.