Highlights from the 64th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 64th session, chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović. During the session, the Cabinet deliberated on several important matters, including the approval of a Sectoral Collective Agreement for seafarers, allocation of credit funds for development projects, acceptance of a donation for electronic invoicing, and support for hosting the World Expo 2030, among others.

The Cabinet approved the Sectoral Collective Agreement for seafarers on Montenegrin-flagged ships engaged in international navigation. This agreement establishes standard conditions for all seafarers on Montenegrin-flagged ships engaged in international navigation, in compliance with ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) rules, which Montenegro, as a UN member, must adhere to.

The Cabinet approved the allocation of credit funds from the German Development Bank (KfW) for Phase V and Phase V-2 projects, including co-financing investment measures in Tivat Phase IV, water supply and wastewater projects in Ulcinj, and co-financing investment measures in Bar Phase III. The remaining funds, totaling €15.3 million, will be distributed among the municipalities of Kotor, Ulcinj, and Tivat.

The Cabinet accepted a donation from the Republic of Serbia for the use of a centralized platform for electronic invoicing for legal entities and entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia extended the license's validity to Montenegro for three years, allowing the use of the platform for electronic invoicing. This paves the way for the signing of an agreement between the two governments and the preparation of a draft law on electronic invoicing.

The Cabinet supported the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Expo 2030.

The Cabinet acknowledged the need to co-finance the work of the Anti-Doping Commission. The Commission plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of sports in Montenegro by monitoring athletes for potential use of prohibited substances. The government allocated €40,000 to support the Commission's activities in the field of anti-doping.

The Cabinet reviewed the report on state aid granted in 2022. The report indicated that in the previous year, state aid reached a total of €10,122,323, which, compared to the overall state aid granted in 2021, amounting to €44,931,921, signifies a reduction of 77.47%. It also noted changes in reporting methodology, excluding agricultural and fishing subsidies from the annual report.

The Cabinet approved the expansion and renovation of the General Hospital "Blažo Orlandić" in Bar, addressing the need for improved facilities for emergency medical care and radiology diagnostics.

A project application for the reconstruction of the Bar-Golubovci railway section, part of the Montenegro-Serbia Railway Connection (R4), was submitted for co-financing through the Western Balkans Investment Framework's ninth call for infrastructure projects. This project aims to enhance transportation and international trade in the region.

The Cabinet implemented measures in line with the EU's 11th package of sanctions against actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.