The 32nd Cabinet session – 8 December 2022

The Montenegrin Cabinet, at today's 32nd session chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, adopted the Basis for conducting negotiations and concluding the Sectoral Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the European Commission, which establishes the rules for the management and implementation of the Union's financial support to Montenegro within the framework of the Pre-accession Instrument support for the policy area "Agriculture and Rural Development" (IPARD III) and accepted the Sectoral Agreement. In July 2022, the European Commission adopted IPARD III programme for Montenegro, which provides Montenegrin farmers with 62 percent more funds compared to the previous one, i.e. 63 million euros. The sectoral agreement more precisely defines the special provisions for the management and implementation of financial support of the Union in Montenegro, for the area of agriculture and rural development policies, and its harmonization and signing is a key prerequisite for the further use of funds from the pre-accession funds of the European Union, which are intended for agricultural producers in Montenegro. The implementation of the rural development programme will improve agricultural production in Montenegro, increase the competitiveness and quality of agricultural products, both on the domestic and foreign markets. In addition, the priority is gradual harmonization with Union rules, standards, policies and practices regarding EU accession, which will be achieved through economic, social and territorial development, regarding smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, through the development of physical capital and capacities of agricultural producers, as well as through diversification and development of economic activities and improvement of the quality of life in rural areas. Therefore, the general goal of the Sectoral Agreement is to prepare Montenegrin farmers and processors for entry into the EU.

The Draft Law on safety measures during the offshore exploration and production of hydrocarbons was adopted. The proposal establishes the minimum requirements for the prevention of major accidents during the hydrocarbon exploration and production operations offshore Montenegro. The goal is to establish a normative framework for performing this activity in a safe manner, without negative consequences for the environment, people and property, that is, limiting the consequences of possible accidents. By adopting the Law, Montenegro will implement Directive 2013/30/EU, thereby harmonizing its normative framework with EU regulations.

The Cabinet adopted the 2007 Draft Law on the Ratification of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision amending Decision of the Council of Europe concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions undermining territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The European Youth Card Development Programme (EYCA) for the period 2022-2024, with the Action Plan for implementation for the period 2022-2024 was adopted.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the formation of the National Tourism Council and the Decision on the formation of the Council.

Full press release in Montenegrin is available here.