Press release from the 24th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 24th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The Cabinet established the Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This decision reflects the nation's commitment to improving the protection and promotion of human rights for individuals with disabilities. The Council's formation is crucial for synchronized and responsible systemic work, aligning with Montenegro's international obligations, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, it underscores the commitment to harmonize national legislation with international standards and develop policies, laws, and programmes that facilitate the enjoyment of civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights for persons with disabilities.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the negotiation results with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the establishment of a representation office in Montenegro. This decision aims to intensify cooperation and increase the impact of EIB investments in the country. The representation office will undertake all activities in line with the EIB's Statute and general objectives, aligned with the policies of the European Union.

Furthermore, the Cabinet adopted information on amendments to the Agreement establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These amendments will enable the limited and gradual expansion of EBRD operations to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. This expansion is expected to accelerate infrastructure and economic development in these regions, leading to improved living standards for citizens and potentially influencing migration patterns towards European countries.

The Cabinet adopted a Report on the work of the mixed committees for the implementation of the agreements on the regulation of relations of common interest between the Government of Montenegro and the Islamic Community in Montenegro, the Government of Montenegro and the Jewish Community in Montenegro, and the Fundamental Agreement between Montenegro and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Additionally, the Cabinet considered proposed opinions regarding the initiative to initiate proceedings to assess the compliance with the Constitution and laws of the Fundamental Agreement between Montenegro and the Serbian Orthodox Church. These opinions were submitted on 9 March 2023 by the Social Democratic Party of Montenegro and on 8 November 2022 by Radojka Mijanović. Consequently, the Cabinet concluded to submit the opinions, prepared by the Ministry of Justice, to the Constitutional Court.

The Cabinet adopted the Final Report on the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Programme for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies in the Judiciary for the period 2021-2023. The report highlights significant results achieved through the implementation of the Programme, focusing on crucial reform priorities outlined in the negotiation process for Chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights. These priorities primarily concern the development of the judiciary's information system and the corresponding ICT infrastructure of judicial institutions. The judiciary's information system, as a modular system comprising subsystems for the Ministry of Justice, courts, Public Prosecutor's Office, and Administration for the Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions, aims to enable full digitalization of business processes, reduce the duration of court and prosecutorial cases, randomize case distribution, and provide precise statistics on the performance of judicial institutions according to the CEPEJ guidelines of the European Commission.

The Cabinet adopted a report on activities aimed at improving the prison system, focusing on legislative frameworks, human rights protection, promotion of alternative sanctions, reducing prison populations, and enhancing prison conditions.

The Cabinet adopted a report on the progress of priority tourism projects from July to December 2023, including the development of various tourist complexes and infrastructure like "Porto Montenegro" and "Luštica Bay."

Additionally, an overview of development projects to enhance tourist infrastructure, particularly ski resorts and natural attractions, was provided, with investments exceeding 112 million euros.

The Cabinet accepted the Contract for Advisory Financial Services between the Government of Montenegro, represented by the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This contract pertains to the continuation of the second phase of the tender process for the Concession Project for the use of Montenegro's Airports. The IFC, being an international financial institution within the World Bank Group, possesses expertise in providing advisory services in public-private partnerships, including concessions in the aviation sector and airports. Considering the successful completion of the first phase by the IFC, which involved tasks such as preparing tender documentation, conducting the tender process, assisting in communication with bidders, and pre-qualifying potential bidders, it was deemed that continuing collaboration with this institution will yield the best results in the shortest time frame.

Additionally, the Final Report on the Implementation of Montenegro's Industrial Policy 2019-2023 was adopted. This report serves as a crucial mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the Industrial Policy's implementation, marking the final benchmark for temporarily closing negotiation Chapter 20 - Entreprise and Industrial Policy and garnering continuous attention from the European Commission. The report provides an analysis of the achievement of strategic and operational objectives and activities in 2023, along with a detailed overview of key accomplishments for the entire duration of the Industrial Policy document. The implementation status for 2023 shows that out of 61 activities, 57 were successfully completed or are ongoing, accounting for 93.4% of the total number of activities, while 4 were not implemented. In 2023, out of the planned €235.6 million, €219.7 million was realized, representing 93.28% implementation. Looking at the entire implementation period of the Industrial Policy 2019-2023, a total of €1.494 million was planned for implementing action plans and various programmes, projects, and support instruments for industry development, of which €1.284 million was spent, accounting for 85.95% implementation.

The Cabinet considered a Proposal for the use of part of the current budget reserve for the year 2024. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the use of part of the Current Budget Reserve to aid legal entities in financing activities and individuals for medical treatment, education, improving their material situation, and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters, up to the amount of €300,000. These funds, based on submitted requests and appropriate documentation, are allocated to the Commission for the Distribution of part of the budget reserve up to €100,000 and the Commission for the Assessment of Damage from Natural Disasters up to €200,000.

Additionally, a Proposal for issuing a state guarantee under a credit arrangement between Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka AD Podgorica and the company Montecargo AD Podgorica was adopted. In this regard, the Cabinet agreed to allow Montecargo to borrow from Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka in the amount of €3,000,000, with a state guarantee covering 80% of the loan amount, aimed at financing investment repairs of rolling stock (locomotives and wagons). The Cabinet also accepted the Draft Investment Loan Agreement and the Draft Guarantee for this Agreement covering 80% of the loan amount, specifically €2,400,000.

For full press release in Montenegrin, please click here.