Press release from the 19th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 19^th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. The Cabinet adopted the 39th quarterly report on the overall activities within the process of Montenegro's integration into the European Union for the period July - September 2023, as well as the 40th quarterly report for the period October - December 2023. These reports provide an overview of the most important events related to Montenegro's accession process, including political dialogue with the EU, accession negotiations, public information on the accession process, activities of the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Montenegro, alignment of legislation with EU acquis, and Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). Additionally, the Cabinet adopted a self-assessment report on the fulfillment of interim and final benchmarks in EU acquis chapters, established a negotiation structure for Montenegro's accession talks with the EU, and appointed a chief negotiator. Furthermore, the Cabinet adopted the information on priority reform measures identified in the context of preparing the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and accepted the First and Second drafts of the reform agenda for the Reform and Growth Facility. Moreover, during the reporting period, it was confirmed at the meeting of the Operational Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework that the European Union will allocate an additional 112.6 million euros to Montenegro for infrastructure projects under the 9th call for investment co-financing.

The Cabinet adopted a Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Wildlife and Hunting. By adopting this law, in addition to the Law on Nature Protection, complete compliance with Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora (1992) and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of wild birds (2009) will be achieved, thus meeting the requirements set by the European Commission on two occasions for the Draft Law, as well as those of the expert engaged by the Ministry, upon the European Commission's proposal. Moreover, this law will create the necessary legal framework for the appropriate direct application of provisions, as well as the alignment of already adopted subordinate legislation, to enable the full implementation of the law, both in terms of provisions coming into force as envisaged by this Law, and those applicable from the date of Montenegro's accession to the European Union.

The Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Construction Products has been adopted, thereby achieving full alignment of national legislation with EU legislation in this area.

The Decision on sending police officers to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been adopted. The decision sends two police officers to the mentioned Peacekeeping Mission for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension. By participating in peacekeeping missions, international obligations are fulfilled, undertaken by signing and ratifying international legal instruments, while simultaneously strengthening our country's international position and providing an opportunity for our police officers to exchange experiences and enhance their skills.

The Cabinet adopted a Decision on opening the Consulate of Montenegro in Bari in Italy. Montenegro and the Italian Republic have traditionally friendly relations, and the opening of the Consulate, with an honorary consul at the helm, will provide an additional impetus for stronger economic, investment, and cultural ties between the two states. The main activities of the Consulate would be focused on developing economic and tourist cooperation between the two countries, while also promoting Montenegro, its culture, and overall potential in the Puglia Region.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the sessions of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) during 2023 and Montenegro's participation as a member of the Council. The Information highlights that Montenegro, as in previous cycles of sessions within the current mandate in the HRC, has had a significant presence and achieved measurable results during the Council's sessions in 2023. This has greatly contributed to increasing the visibility of Montenegro's foreign policy in the structure of global multilateral diplomacy. Montenegro continued its proactive approach and activities in all processes of the Council's sessions during the second year of its mandate, including participation in interactive dialogues, general debates, panel discussions, adoption of resolutions, joint statements, as well as engagement in negotiations, consultations, and drafting of resolutions.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the conservation status and activities in the Special Nature Reserve "Tivat Salt Pans" for the year 2023. The Tivat Salt Pans have been protected as a special nature reserve to preserve rare, sparse, and endangered plant and animal species, primarily ornithofauna and plant communities. During the reporting period, monitoring of the hydrological regime identified the impact of sea level rise, with recommendations provided for further control. It was noted that the state of flora during 2023 remained constant, with numerous and stable populations of all plant species and full vitality of individuals. Monitoring of flora also revealed that there was no spread of invasive species compared to 2019. A total of 45 bird species were recorded, which is considered typical for this area. Among the important activities for maintenance and improvement of the area are the establishment of an interpretation center with accompanying equipment and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. Based on the data available to the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro, obtained through the implementation of its monitoring programmes, projects, and activities, as well as data and information received from other institutions and NGOs during 2023, it can be concluded that the Special Nature Reserve has maintained its conservation status and protection since its establishment in 2008, and that active management has improved the reserve's condition.

The Information on activities for connecting the Montenegrin day-ahead electricity market to the unified European energy market has been adopted. The Information emphasises that the best solution for directly connecting the local electricity market with the European one is through connection with Italy, which, as a member of the European Union, applies European legislation. In this regard, the Ministry of Energy and Mining is tasked with taking necessary actions to connect the Montenegrin day-ahead electricity market with the electricity market of Italy.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the results of bond issuance on the international market and cross-currency swap transactions in 2024. In this context, the Cabinet has authorized Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance, to sign all necessary documents for concluding bond issuance on the international market and cross-currency swap transactions in 2024.

For full press release in Montenegrin please click here.