Cabinet Session: Government's work, Information Society, peacekeeping missions, NGOs

Podgorica, Montenegro (21 July 2016) – The Government of Montenegro at today's session adopted the Report on implementation of the Programme of the Government's work for the second quarter of 2016, the Report on the implementation of the conclusions of the Government for the first quarter of 2016. Prime Minister Milo Đukanović expressed discontent with the implementation of the Programme of the Government's work in the second quarter, saying that some ministries accomplished their tasks on time, while some are falling seriously behind. On the Prime Minister's suggestion, the working conclusion is adopted that some ministries should catch up during August, and that the Government discusses the updated report on the implementation of commitments at the session that should be held next month.

The second quarterly report on the implementation of commitments under the Programme of Montenegro's accession to the European Union 2016-2018 is also adopted.

The Government adopted the Strategy for Development of Information Society in Montenegro by 2020. This document defines infrastructure for broadband access, information security, human resources, e-business, e-inclusion, e-education, e-health, e-government as well as research, innovations and development. The main goal is to use the benefits of modern technology in order to enhance national competitiveness and raise the quality of life of all structures of society. The stated goals are adjusted to the current state of development of information society in Montenegro, taking into account achieved progress and the requirements of key European policy documents.

The Government adopted the Draft to the Law on the use of units of the Army of Montenegro in the international forces and the participation of the civil defence, police and employees of the state administration in peacekeeping missions and other activities abroad. This Draft will eliminate the legal and administrative obstacles for joint action of forces of Montenegro and NATO member states in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. There is also the possibility of engaging the declared units of the Army of Montenegro in collective defence, with no obstacles to the system. Minister Goran Danilović stated his opinion against participation of the Army of Montenegro in peacekeeping missions that are not under the auspices of the United Nations.

In order to comply with the Law on salaries of employees in the public sector, the Government adopted the Regulation on salaries of employees in the Armed Forces of Montenegro.
The Government adopted the Report on the work of the Council for the Development of NGOs for the period September 2014-December 2015. Bearing in mind the specific format of the Council and the challenges in its work, the Government tasked the government authorities to consult the Council for its opinion in the process of preparing draft regulations, strategic and other documents relating to the operation and development of NGOs in Montenegro.

The second report on the implementation of the Action Plan of Strategy for the development of NGOs in Montenegro 2014-2016 is also adopted. The Government concluded that the level of implementation of activities remains low, although there is improvement compared to the first report. The Council for the Development of NGOs is tasked to warn the government authorities responsible for unrealised measures from the Action Plan by the end of the fourth quarter of 2016 to take the necessary actions for their implementation and inform the Council about it.

Regarding current issues, Finance Minister briefed the Government about the Guidelines of macroeconomic and fiscal policy, Draft Law to the Law on Budget of Montenegro and credits. On this occasion, the Prime Minister suggested that the development of guidelines of macroeconomic and fiscal policy should be finalised in accordance with updated data that relevant ministries were obliged to submit. The Prime Minister concluded that the Draft Law to the Law on Budget and credits should be first considered in the Inner Cabinet in order to define clear guidelines for the preparation of material the Government discusses at the session.

Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Ivan Brajović submitted to the Government verbal information about the announced strike of workers of the Railway Transport Podgorica. The Minister informed the Government about the current dialogue with the representatives of management and trade unions, as well as the intention of workers to join the strike on 25 July unless their demands are met. The Government noted that this issue must be discussed in the regular procedure.