Press release from Cabinet session

Podgorica, Montenegro (29 December 2016) – At the session held earlier today, the Montenegrin Cabinet discussed implementation of priority projects in the energy sector, namely the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the offshore of Montenegro. The Information stated that the companies Eni and Novatek, after the conclusion of the Concession Agreement, have established their branches in Montenegro, and that they are currently in the process of establishing organisational structures that will perform and supervise the activities of oil and gas production. Concessionaries have already paid the fees for the area used on the basis of the concession agreement for 2016 amounting to EUR 109,006, and by the end of this year they are obliged to pay compensation for 2017, totalling EUR 368,400. During 2017, the concessionaires will work on the preparation of planning documents and obtaining necessary approvals, while the physical investigations on the ground will start in 2018.

Cabinet did not approve the report on the settlement of administrative matters in 2015.

During the discussions on this agenda item, Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Internal and Foreign Policy and Minister of Justice noted that in 2017, the report was returned twice and recalled that even then was the goal was to come up with measures that can increase the work efficiency, transparency and public confidence in the work of public administration. Therefore, the next report was supposed to contain answers to key questions, which did not happen even in the latest report.

The Prime Minister, during the debate on this agenda item, said the Government will thoroughly examine the issue of inspection in the public administration system. He suggested the Cabinet not to approve the report, pointing out the unacceptable aspects of administrative inspection, primarily in the municipality of Kolašin.

At today’s Cabinet session, Vladimir Beratović was appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Cabinet approved the Draft Law Amending the Law on Advocacy. In order to comply with the EU acquis, the proposed solutions will provide conditions for the practice of law in Montenegro for attorneys from the member states of the European Union. Furthermore, it will ensure harmonisation with the European acquis in the field of freedom of competition in terms of providing the Government’s approval for the adoption of lawyers' fees.

In order to fulfil the obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and harmonising national legislation in the field of agriculture with the relevant regulations of the European Union, the Government approved the Draft law on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs. In accordance with the established provisions, the draft law defines the following quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs: designation of origin; geographical indication; traditional specialties guaranteed label; higher quality code; mountain product labels and from my farm label.

Government approved the Strategy of teacher education in Montenegro (2017-2024). The main objective of this document is to create a policy and practice of initial and continuing teacher education, which will provide support to teachers in exercising their complex roles and readiness for educational work of which depends quality, durability and applicability of knowledge the students acquire at all levels of education, personal and professional development of students, their social inclusion and willingness for active citizenship.

Government approved the Draft strategy for protection against ionizing radiation, radiation safety and radioactive waste management for the period 2017 – 2021.