Minister Vučinović hosts EU's Nikola Bertolini: Government of Montenegro set to boost relations with NGOs

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 October 2015) -- Minister without portfolio Marija Vučinović hosted earlier today Head of Section for civil society, media and research in the European Commission Nicola Bertolini for talks on  boosting relations between the Government and civil society, and developing the non-governmental sector in Montenegro.

Minister Vučinović, in the capacity of President of the Government's Council for Development of NGOs, informed Mr Bertolini about the Council’s work and activities, as well as key issues and challenges. Mr. Bertolini expressed satisfaction with the fact that Montenegro, in addition to Kosovo, was the only country in the region to establish the Council, stressing it is necessary to work towards further improving its role.

The meeting discussed the amendments to the Law on NGOs. Mr. Bertolini also emphasised the importance of adopting the Law on Voluntarism and Law on Social Entrepreneurship, which are significant in terms of further advancement and development of Montenegro’s civil society. He noted that additional efforts need to be invested in order to initiate a legal procedure when the two laws are concerned and provide adequate participation of civil society’s representatives.

The meeting agreed that, in order to efficiently implement activities outlined in the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for the Development of NGOs, it is necessary to draft a six-month plan and assign responsibilities to relevant authorities and bodies in charge of cooperation and development of NGOs in Montenegro.