Press release from the 48th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 48th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The Cabinet adopted a Decree on the amendment to the Decree on determining concession fees for companies or legal entities that use water accumulation and/or watercourses for electricity production in hydroelectric plants. The Decree will enable a more rational collection of concession fees from companies that have achieved the status of privileged producers under the Energy Law, and thus benefit from incentive prices. This change addresses the issue of charging fees that are not proportional to actual revenue, as the concession fee is calculated based on electricity sales revenue. The amendment specifies that for companies with privileged status, the price of electricity applicable when they gained this status will remain in effect until it expires.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the Supplement to the 2024 Concession Grant Plan for detailed geological research and mineral raw material exploitation, following a public consultation. The Ministry of Mining, Oil, and Gas proposed the supplement, which includes several sites for non-metallic mineral extraction, such as technical-construction stone deposits in Kotor, Nikšić, Rožaje, Bar, Berane, and Pljevlja. These concessions aim to ensure public interest, enhance the mining sector, and promote sustainable use of non-renewable mineral resources, while improving employment and environmental protection.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the signing of the Grant Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the purpose of financing the reconstruction of public healthcare facilities: the Clinical Center of Montenegro, the General Hospital of Bijelo Polje, and the General Hospital of Cetinje, with the goal of improving the energy efficiency of these facilities. The Cabinet also approved the text of the Agreement. The Bank has agreed to provide a grant amounting to no more than 2 million euros for the procurement of certain goods, works, and services related to the Project. For the needs of the Ministry of Health, the EBRD conducted a feasibility study for the project, which included: energy audits, structural assessment of the buildings, identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the construction materials. The total investment cost for the renovation of the hospitals involved in the programme is estimated at 13.5 million euros, including a 20% contingency for unforeseen expenses. Unless the Bank specifies otherwise, the procurement of all items financed by the grant will be governed by EBRD’s Procurement Rules. These items will be acquired through an open tender process, as specified in Article 3, Section III of the EBRD Procurement Rules.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the signing of the Decent Work Country Programme for 2024-2027 and a related Memorandum of Understanding. The programme promotes the concept of decent work as a key pillar in economic and social policies, focusing on creating productive and equitable job opportunities for all citizens. The programme aims to help Montenegro address challenges in labour and social policy by focusing on two key priorities: promoting inclusive and productive employment, and improving working conditions for all employees. The activities will be financed through a combination of national funds, the ILO’s regular budget, and external funding sources. This initiative also ties into Montenegro’s EU accession efforts, as the country aligns its labour laws and standards with international norms and the European Union's requirements.

The Cabinet agreed to provide funding for the Festival of International Alternative Theater (FIAT), which has been a key cultural event in Podgorica and Montenegro for the past 39 years. This year’s edition aims to go beyond artistic expression by addressing pressing social issues, such as gambling and betting addiction. The campaign "Stop gambling and betting" is being launched alongside the festival to raise awareness about the rising gambling statistics in Montenegro, showcasing how culture can serve as a tool for social change. FIAT requested €9,000 in funding for the upcoming 2024 edition, which will take place from 6 to 15 September.

For full press release in Montenegrin please click here.