Press release from the 55th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 55th session today, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The Cabinet reviewed and approved a request from “Ski Resorts of Montenegro” LLC Mojkovac for financial support to sustain its regular operations. According to the submitted information, the company has faced financial difficulties due to the lack of snow during the 2023/2024 winter season, which impacted its business revenues. Currently without the necessary funds for continued operations, the company requested support to meet its outstanding obligations, prepare for the 2024/2025 winter tourism season, and ensure salary payments through the end of this year. Previously, in April 2024, the Government had granted the company EUR 200,000 under the de minimis aid scheme, from which net salaries were paid up until April 2024. To further assist, the Cabinet has now approved an additional EUR 100,000 in non-repayable de minimis aid to cover salary payments through the end of this year, thereby reaching the current de minimis limit of EUR 300,000.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Implementation of the National Waste Management Plan for 2023. The Action Plan defines goals and tasks in accordance with national legislation, Montenegro’s obligations as an EU candidate country, and the current state of results achieved in waste management. The plan addresses the following areas:

- Improving the existing legislative and legal framework at the national and local levels;

- Establishing a planning framework for waste management at the local level;

- Enhancing the waste management system, including the introduction of separate waste collection;

- Providing technical support for consultations and the development of necessary studies and technical documentation;

- Providing technical support for the construction of required infrastructure.

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Statistical Office, has been tasked with establishing a comprehensive information system and database for waste management. The Ministry will also support local government units, especially in the northern region, in implementing infrastructure projects related to waste management.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of negotiations for a credit arrangement between Montenegro and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to finance the Montenegro Energy Sector Decarbonization Project. The negotiations concluded with a loan amount of EUR 31 million, repayable over 10 years with a two-year grace period. The project's objectives are to improve energy efficiency in public buildings (including University of Montenegro facilities and other public institutions) and to enhance the operational efficiency of Montenegro's electrical distribution network. This initiative is vital for ensuring the continuation of Montenegro’s energy and environmental activities and supporting the country's broader energy sector reform and decarbonization efforts. The project’s total cost is estimated at EUR 33.8 million, with financing provided by the EUR 31 million IBRD loan and a EUR 2.8 million national contribution.

In alignment with Montenegro’s ongoing preparations for EU membership and integration into the internal EU market (including the European Economic Area comprising Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), the Cabinet adopted an Information on establishing a Point of Single Contact (PSC) for services. The PSC facilitates administrative processes and enhances transparency through its comprehensive information portal, fully operational since 25 June 2024, at https://psc.gov.me/en. The PSC serves as an electronic, informational, and communication hub providing details on procedures, requirements, and conditions for service provision in Montenegro, including information on business registration, professional services, foreign business operations, and doing business within the EU (EUGO network). Its primary aim is to streamline access to the Montenegrin service market, fostering a more transparent and competitive business environment for local and foreign entities.

The Cabinet established the Coordination Body for Harmonizing and Monitoring Inspection Oversight. This standing governmental body, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, will oversee coordination among all inspection bodies and public authorities with inspection functions. Its responsibilities include synchronizing inspection activities across multiple agencies for specific subjects, planning inspection schedules, proposing training programmes for inspectors, and providing recommendations and guidance on inspection organization and planning, as well as monitoring and evaluating inspection activities.