Highlights from the 68th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 68^th session, chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović. The Cabinet has approved a Draft Law on Waste Management. The proposed law includes several significant measures aimed at reducing environmental impact. It bans the use of lightweight plastic bags (with a thickness of 15 to 50 microns) for carrying goods at sales points. This ban will take effect six months after the law's enactment. Thinner plastic bags (up to 15 microns) are permitted for packaging purposes. Sellers of thicker plastic bags (50 microns or more) will be required to pay a fee, with the proceeds earmarked for the Environmental Protection Fund. These funds will be used exclusively for financing public awareness campaigns and information dissemination regarding the detrimental effects of plastic bags on the environment.

The proposed law also focuses on aligning Montenegro's waste management practices with European Union directives. Notably, it emphasizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for various waste types, including packaging, electronic equipment, batteries, vehicles, tires, single-use plastic products, and plastic-containing fishing gear. Under EPR, importers and producers in Montenegro will be legally responsible for the entire process of collecting and disposing of these types of waste.

The Cabinet has decided to establish a state-level inspection authority tasked with overseeing the implementation of local municipal waste management plans. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness and compliance of waste management practices throughout the country.

In response to rationalizing costs and facilitating communication and consular services for Montenegrin citizens, the Cabinet has decided to open an Embassy of Montenegro in Geneva, Switzerland. This move is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance services for Montenegrin nationals in Switzerland, complementing the existing services provided by the Consulate General of Montenegro in Frankfurt, Germany.

Changes were made to the number of students admitted to the University of Montenegro for the 2023/2024 academic year. Additional places were allocated for candidates who met the required criteria and successfully passed the entrance exams, specifically for the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Architecture.

The Cabinet categorized state roads in line with the new Road Law, distinguishing between highways, expressways, main roads, and regional roads.

The Cabinet adopted a development program for agriculture and rural areas within the framework of IPARD II - 2014-2020 version 1.5. The program includes adjustments to the financial allocation, with EU contributions accounting for 75% of the funding, and national contributions (from Montenegro) amounting to 25%.

The Cabinet discussed the activities of the Coordination Body for Monitoring and Managing the Policy of Preventing and Combating Irregularities in the Protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union (AFCOS network).

Amendments and additions to the Collective Agreement for the Housing and Communal Services Sector were approved, aligning the agreement with labor and public sector salary laws.

Approval was granted for changes in the pricing of ferry services on the Kamemari - Lepetane route. These changes include adjustments in the categorization of vehicles and the introduction of daily ferry rental fees. The amendments and additions have resulted in a reduction in the ferry transportation cost for passenger vans from 9.30 euros to 7.50 euros.

Prime Minister Abazović informed the Cabinet members about the latest data from the Revenue and Customs Administration, which recorded revenue of 1,915,194,143 euros from January to September 2023.This represents an increase of 356 million euros compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the result is 278 million euros better than the planned revenue for this period.

Prime Minister Abazović shared revenue data from the Revenue and Customs Administration, indicating an increase in revenue compared to the previous year. The administration generated €1,915,194,143 in revenue from January to September 2023, surpassing planned revenue targets by €278 million. This represents an increase of 356 million euros compared to the same period last year. This increase in revenue is a positive indicator of economic performance.

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