Montenegro's Cabinet session

Podgorica, Montenegro (11 March 2016) -- Within the implementation of the European agenda, the Government of Montenegro, at today’s session, adopted the Information on the implementation of the IPARD-like project of building infrastructural capacity in agriculture and rural development in Montenegro. After the successful implementation of the Institutional Development and Agricultural Strengthening (MIDAS) project, calls for IPARD-like represent a transitional step towards future IPARD programme starting in 2016. The planned budget for the IPARD 2016-2020 programme amounts to EUR 52 million, out of which the EU contributed 75% or EUR 39 million. This means that potential investment in the agricultural sector in over the next five to eight years will amount to EUR 140 million, when we take into account the participation of farmers in the projects.

The Cabinet also adopted the 9th report on the implementation of the Strategy for the prevention and suppression of terrorism, money laundering and financing of terrorism 2015-2018. In the context of current developments and global security challenges faced by many countries, Montenegro continues to act preventively in this area, and full implementation of the Action Plan confirms demonstrates the commitment of the relevant institutions to achieving these goals. The strategy is focused on further improvement of the normative-legal framework, administrative and material and technical capacities of relevant state bodies, the intensification of cooperation between the competent institutions at regional and international levels, as well as on raising awareness of the need to disable propaganda and advocacy of terrorism and its incitement in any way.

The session also adopted the report on the implementation of the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for Integrated Migration Management in Montenegro in 2015. The discussion highlighted the need to continue the improvement of regulations and standards relating to full reintegration of returnees into the Montenegrin society concerning the labour market, education, social welfare and health care. Furthermore, it is necessary to significantly involve local governments in implementing measures and activities for their integration into local communities.

The Government endorsed the report on the development and protection of minorities for 2015, which provides a view of minority protection policy, both in the normative part and in individual fields of social life. In that regard, the Cabinet particularly emphasised the importance of research on the representation of minorities in state bodies, state administration and local government, the courts and the State Prosecutor's Office, which showed a positive trend, but also the need to continue efforts in implementing the legislation. The report includes guidelines for further steps towards the full integration of minorities in social life, along with preserving and developing their national and cultural features, and boosting their legal rights and freedoms.