Press release from the 58th Cabinet session

At its 58th session held today, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, the Montenegrin Cabinet adopted information regarding the conclusion of a Loan Transfer Agreement. The loan was secured through an arrangement between the Government of Montenegro and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance the project “Improvement of Wastewater Management Systems in the Municipality of Mojkovac.”

This project involves the construction of new and the reconstruction of existing sewer networks, as well as the adaptation and enhancement of the operation of the current wastewater treatment plant. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the allocation of up to €1.5 million as a loan from the Financial Agreement for the project “Water Supply and Wastewater in Montenegro” to the Municipality of Mojkovac to fund this initiative. The total value of the project is €4.2 million, with €2.9 million provided through a WBIF investment grant and €1.5 million from an EIB loan. The Cabinet also approved the text of the Loan Transfer Agreement.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) provided Montenegro with a financial framework of €57 million in 2008/2009 to finance the construction and reconstruction of municipal infrastructure across Montenegrin municipalities. This framework has been implemented through several loan arrangements aimed at addressing municipal infrastructure challenges. So far, projects have been implemented or are underway in multiple Montenegrin municipalities. The total value of concluded Loan Transfer Agreements with the Capital Podgorica, Old Royal Capital Cetinje, and municipalities such as Andrijevica, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Rožaje, and Ulcinj amounts to €33.9 million, of which approximately €30 million has been utilized.

The Cabinet adopted the Semi-Annual Report of the Operational Team for Combating Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women for the period from 1 April to 1 October 2024. According to the Report, out of 27 established conclusions, 24 were fully implemented (an 88.9% success rate), demonstrating the Operational Team's high level of dedication. One conclusion was partially implemented, indicating that activities have begun but are not yet completed, while two conclusions remain unimplemented, potentially due to procedural challenges or the complexity of certain situations.

Key topics and activities during the reporting period included:

• Improving institutional responses to violence - Most conclusions focused on guidelines for appropriate actions and responses to reported cases, aiming to ensure adequate support for victims and eliminate repeated violence and institutional shortcomings.

• Enhancing health support for victims - Recommendations were initiated to ensure victims of violence receive priority services in healthcare institutions, with an emphasis on the psychological well-being of victims, especially children.

• Inspection oversight - Inspection oversight was requested in cases of suspected inadequate institutional responses. This measure aims to establish individual accountability among officials and foster general prevention among professionals.

The Report highlighted that the Operational Team, through collaboration with social work centers, healthcare institutions, police, prosecution, and judiciary, demonstrated strong commitment to improving institutional responses to violence by implementing numerous measures. These efforts ensure that the protection of victims’ rights and safety is a priority, with continuous support provided throughout the institutional process.