Cabinet Session: National sustainable development strategy, education, development analysis, personnel issues

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 July 2016) – The Government of Montenegro adopted at today's session the National Sustainable Development Strategy by 2030, the action plan for the implementation of the Strategy and Report on the public debate.

National Sustainable Development Strategy defines the principles, strategic goals and measures for achieving long-term sustainable development of society, taking into account the current situation and international obligations, primarily those contained in the Agenda of the United Nations on sustainable development by 2030. The document regognises human, social, natural and economic resources as key national resources for planning sustainable development of society. Implementation of the strategy should allow establishment of sustainable national development and mutual alignment of strategic development objectives in all areas of sustainable development and the elimination of unsustainable development tendencies. Strategic objectives of the National Sustainable Development Strategy by 2030 include the efficient management of renewable natural resources and sustainable spatial planning, increase of the competitiveness of the economy and the introduction of green economy, achieving more balanced socio-economic development of all local governments and regions, developing country as an effective rule of law, strengthening the social responsible business, improving the health of citizens of all ages, providing inclusive and quality education by promoting lifelong learning, promoting the importance of culture as fundamental value of the spiritual, social and economic development and the creation of an effective system of integrated protection of cultural heritage in its management.

The Government accepted the proposal of Deputy Prime Minister Azra Jasavić to add to the action plan measures that would implement continuous monitoring systems of talented pupils in primary and secondary schools and students for financial support from the state in their further education and continuous training of officers in the public administration with the involvement of retired experts in certain fields.

The Government adopted the Strategy of Development of Higher Education in Montenegro for the period 2016 – 2020, and adopted an action plan for implementing the Strategy, noting that the reports of the external evaluation of institutions of higher education, analysis of financing of higher education in Montenegro, study on the need of labour market in the field of higher education and other relevant documents pointed out the necessity of harmonising the strategic goals with international standards. The document sets following strategic objectives: sustainable model of financing, harmonisation of education with the needs of the labour market, while raising the entrepreneurial and innovative character of education, creation of a competitive staff, promotion of scientific research and lifelong learning.

The Government is briefed about Information on the reformed structure of the University of Montenegro, respecting reform principles, solutions and review of the undertaken activities. The Government agreed with the decision of the Governing board of the University of Montenegro to reform the structure of studies under the model 3+2+3, aimed at raising the quality of education and harmonisation with regional and European market needs.

The Government also adopted Spring analysis of macroeconomic developments and structural reforms 2016 that includes the implementation of economic policy in 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. Prime Minister Milo Đukanović expressed satisfaction with the continued good trend of economic growth in 2015 but expressed concern about the slowdown in last year's fourth quarter and the first quarter of this year, saying that these facts point to the need for additional analysis and determination of subjects that are poorly planned. The Prime Minister said that different attitude was self-deception, incompetence and irresponsibility towards the public, and he does not allow it.

The Government adopted decision on the dissolution of the Municipal Assembly of Gusinje that for a long time did not carry out its legal duties. Report on implementation of the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy of Public Administration Reform in Montenegro for the period 2011-2016 (AURUM) in 2015 is also adopted.

When it comes to personnel issues, the Government appointed Prime Minister's current adviser for foreign policy Vera Joličić Kuliš for acting Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. The Government gave approval to the Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism to appoint former acting director Milan Martinović to the position of Director of the Directorate of Public Works.

The Government adopted the Bill on Ratification of the Protocol on Cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Czech Republic in the field of energy and infrastructure, and decided to submit the document to the Parliament of Montenegro for adoption by the simplified procedure. On the proposal of the Government's opposition members, Information on the results of negotiations with the company A2A will be considered at the next session due to late delivery of materials.