Highlights from the 65th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 65th session, chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, and made a series of significant decisions that encompassed a wide range of areas vital to the well-being and development of Montenegro. These decisions reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health, enhancing economic competitiveness, improving healthcare services, optimizing the utilization of valuable real estate, and addressing various policy matters, including environmental concerns and economic reforms.

The Cabinet has adopted a proposal for amendments to the Law on Biocidal Products. The proposal aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health, animals, and the environment, as well as establish uniform conditions for placing biocidal products on the market. It also seeks to enhance trade conditions for biocidal products with EU countries and others, promoting economic competitiveness and safer production and use of these substances.

The Cabinet has set the basis for negotiations and the conclusion of an Agreement on readmission between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Kazakhstan for individuals without residence permits. This is part of the Action Plan for Negotiation Chapter 24 - Justice, Freedom, and Security, as an obligation to initiate negotiations for the conclusion of readmission agreements with third countries. It was emphasised that there are strong bilateral relations between Montenegro and Kazakhstan, with significant interest from Kazakh citizens in visiting Montenegro's coastal areas.

The Cabinet has adopted an Information Report on the state of palliative care in Montenegro and tasked the Ministry of Health with developing a Draft Programme for the Development of Palliative Care in Montenegro by the end of the current year. The programme includes the establishment of specialised palliative care services at health centres with inpatient facilities in various cities and the mapping of the healthcare system to determine the need for hospice facilities and home-based palliative care.

The Cabinet has adopted the Implementation Report of the Economic Reform Programme (PER) for Montenegro for the period 2023-2025, covering the first six months of 2023. PER is a medium-term strategic document prepared in dialogue with the European Union, encompassing macroeconomic, fiscal, and structural reforms. Progress in implementing these reforms has been partially achieved, with some activities yet to begin due to external factors.

The Cabinet has granted approval for the leasing of a tourist and hospitality facility in Durmitor National Park through a public call. The facility is a hotel known as "Sušica," with an annual lease starting at 2,400 euros without VAT, paid in advance for a six-month period, exclusively for tourism and hospitality purposes.

The Cabinet has approved a decision regarding the pricing of water from the regional water supply system, taking into account inflation and cost factors. New prices for water delivery have been established based on various economic indicators, which will result in increased revenue for the Regional Water Supply company while having a negligible impact on end-users' bills.

For the full press release in Montenegrin, please click here.