Decisive Steps Towards Reform and Development: Highlights from the 62nd Cabinet Session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 62nd session, chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović. The session addressed critical issues related to healthcare reform, education, tourism, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation. The decisions aim to strengthen various sectors, foster inclusive development, and promote Montenegro's progress.

Healthcare Reform: During the session, the Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Healthcare, laying the foundation for a comprehensive healthcare system reform. The legislation aims to create a normative framework that ensures the delivery of high-quality healthcare services at all levels of care. The healthcare reform process is viewed as a continuous and long-term endeavor to improve the nation's healthcare organisation.

Investing in Education: The Cabinet endorsed the enrollment of 30 students in the first year of the Master's programme at the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature for the academic year 2023/2024. This decision maintains the same enrollment capacity as the previous year, ensuring educational continuity and opportunities for students. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the enrollment of 1,760 students in various Master's programmes at the University of Montenegro for the academic year 2023/2024. This decision reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, with an increased number of places allocated for individuals with disabilities and members of minority communities.

Boosting Employment: Amendments to the Human Resources Plan for State Administration and Government Services for 2023 were adopted. The amendments were necessitated by internal organisational changes in the Human Resources Administration. The updated plan allows for the recruitment of 15 new employees in 2023, contributing to improved administrative efficiency.

Tourism and Hospitality Investment Programme: The Cabinet adopted the Programme for Encouraging Direct Investments in Tourism and Hospitality for the year 2023. This programme aims to create a more favourable business environment by promoting investments in the tourism and hospitality sectors across Montenegro. The programme's objectives include enhancing tourism offerings, increasing competitiveness, and generating new employment opportunities. An allocated budget of 1.5 million euros will be utilized for significant equipment procurement in the tourism industry.

Road Infrastructure Development: The Cabinet adopted the Information on Granting Consent for the Public Procurement Plan of the Transport Directorate for 2023 - Amendment No. 3. The information highlights the need to complete the public procurement process for the maintenance and protection of major and regional roads in Montenegro, ensuring continuity in road infrastructure development.

Financial Performance of Montenegro's Airports: The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Performance of Montenegro Airports, including the independent auditor's report for 2021. The report provided insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel, resulting in a decrease in the number of passengers, rotations, destinations, and revenue. The report also highlighted the successful implementation of new incentive schemes to revitalize air traffic and increase interest from airlines.

Affordable Housing for Teachers: The Cabinet approved the continuation of cooperation with the Montenegrin Teachers' Union regarding funding solutions for the housing needs of education sector employees. The partnership has successfully resulted in the construction of housing units for education employees and the allocation of credits for addressing the housing needs. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the initiative over the next three years.

Olympic House and Park Development: The Cabinet adopted the information report on the necessity of establishing the Olympic House and constructing an Olympic Park in Podgorica, with the aim of promoting sports. This initiative not only enhances sports infrastructure but also promotes healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

SEECP Presidency: The Cabinet highlighted the successful presidency over the South East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) for the period of July 2022 - June 2023. Montenegro's presidency played a significant role in strengthening regional cooperation, promoting European integration, and fostering stability, prosperity, and security in the region.

Redirecting NATO Afghanistan Funding: Montenegro decided to reallocate the remaining funds from the ANA NATO Trust Fund to support the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine and initiatives for enhancing Bosnia and Herzegovina's defence capabilities.

For full press release in Montenegrin please click here.