Highlights from the 66th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 66th session today, chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović.

The Cabinet adopted a decision to publish the Agreement between the European Union and Montenegro regarding Montenegro's participation in the thematic area for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) within the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This agreement, signed in Podgorica on 17 January 2023, and in Brussels on 31 January 2023, aims to promote sustainable employment, ensure adequate and dignified social protection, combat social exclusion and poverty, and improve working conditions. The discussion highlighted Montenegro's readiness to participate in this programme, demonstrating the country's maturity in its European integration process and its commitment to understanding EU policies and principles in the realms of employment and social policy.

The Cabinet adopted the Second Revised Strategy for the transposition and implementation of EU acquis for Chapter 12 - Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Policy. This strategic document outlines Montenegro's plan to ensure full compliance with EU legislation regarding these three policies, including legislation and implementation, administrative capacity, and necessary financial resources, by the accession date. Activities include building and equipping veterinary and phytosanitary inspection points, improving laboratories, implementing measures to control and eradicate animal diseases, ensuring food safety, implementing phytosanitary measures, and establishing systems for the safe disposal of animal by-products.

The Cabinet approved funding for the travel expenses of Montenegro's representative to the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission). This decision follows the European Commission's note dated 3 February 2023, which indicated the need to change the previous practice of covering travel expenses for all Commission members. Montenegro is committed to supporting the important work of the Venice Commission and will cover the travel expenses of its representative to the Commission.

An agreement for a credit guarantee for the urgent general overhaul of railway vehicles used for passenger rail transport was approved. The credit agreement with EUROFIME, a specialized financial institution for financing the procurement and repair of rolling stock, amounts to two million euros. The agreement includes a repayment period of seven years without a grace period, with a fixed interest rate of 6.29%, consisting of a fixed interest rate of 3.43% and an administrative fee of 2.86%. The overhaul will enhance the quality of service on the Bar-Belgrade international rail line and improve the liquidity of the Railways of Montenegro.

The Cabinet approved the preparation, organisation, and implementation plan for the Population and Housing Census in 2023. The census will take place from 1 November to 15 November 2023, and aims to collect data on the total number and territorial distribution of basic census units (individuals, households, and housing units), as well as their key demographic, educational, migratory, economic, and other characteristics. The census results will serve as the basis for policymaking, research, and planning.

The Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate for Execution of Criminal Sanctions and the German non-governmental organisation "Help-Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe." This MoU aims to support the implementation of the strategic goals outlined in the Action Plan for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions 2023-2024. The project components specified in the MoU will expand work opportunities for inmates within the prison system, enhancing their rehabilitation and reintegration through occupational therapy. Furthermore, it provides funding for activities that will lead to future budget savings by reducing electricity consumption. In this context, the Directorate for Execution of Criminal Sanctions was tasked with transferring funds to Help's bank account, totaling 22,300 euros in both 2023 and 2024.

The Cabinet issued urbanistic-technical conditions for the development of technical documentation for the construction of electricity production facilities from renewable resources, specifically solar power plants. This approval is granted to QAIR MONTENEGRO in Rudine, GREEN ENERGY PROVIDER in Muževice and Krstac, and GREEN ENERGY INVESTMENT in Šipačno II, all located in Nikšić municipality, as well as to Phyllon in Dinoša, Tuzi municipality.

The Cabinet granted permission for the leasing of state-owned land for 30 years for the construction of a wind farm in Lipovska Bistrica, Kolašin municipality. Minister of FinanceAleksandar Damjanović, will form a commission to oversee the leasing process through public tender, with the initial annual rent set at 539,000 euros.

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