Press release from the 60th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 60th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The Cabinet approved the Draft Law on Voluntary Pension Funds, setting the groundwork for further development and enhancement of the individual capitalized savings system. This initiative aims to improve the future social security of citizens by ensuring a sustainable and effective social protection system capable of providing a decent standard of living in old age. The law seeks to improve the business environment, develop voluntary pension funds in Montenegro, and establish an adequate regulatory and supervisory framework for pension fund management companies. The framework aligns with EU legal standards in this field. It is expected to positively influence the capital market and indirectly benefit the real sector and the economy overall. Pension savings, under the proposed law, refer to periodic monetary payments to eligible individuals upon meeting the specified conditions. These payments may take the form of lifelong payments, periodic payments, one-time payments, or any combination thereof. From a fiscal perspective, pension savings constitute a portion of citizens’ already-taxed net income.

The Cabinet approved amendments aimed at clarifying the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of entities involved in olive oil production and market placement. The amendments seek to strengthen agricultural inspections and enforcement of penalties related to olive oil regulation and unauthorized destruction or construction in olive groves. These changes aim to ensure that olive oil in the market meets established standards, providing consumers with transparency about the product they purchase. Construction in areas like the Valdanos olive grove, where such activities have been rampant, will be halted. The amendments also align terminologies with existing laws. It was concluded that a separate strategy or zoning for olive farming is unnecessary as the recently adopted 2023-2028 Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy, positively evaluated by the European Commission, already encompasses this sector.

The Cabinet approved the Draft Law on amendments to the Law on the Procurement and Transplantation of Human Organs aimed at improving the legal framework for organ procurement and transplantation for medical purposes.

The Cabinet adopted the Strategy for Improving Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety 2025–2028 and its 2025–2026 Action Plan, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety. The strategy addresses immediate needs while proactively preparing for future challenges. It emphasizes the integration of healthcare and non-healthcare policies, setting priorities for quality-driven healthcare structures, processes, and outcomes. This approach aims to improve accessibility, treatment success rates, working conditions, and patient safety while calling for investments in efficient health management systems.

As part of fulfilling the final benchmarks for Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks, the Cabinet adopted the Unified List of Priority Transport Infrastructure Projects for Montenegro’s transport sector. 

The Cabinet adopted information concerning the settlement of outstanding claims for the remaining workers of the now-bankrupt company "Radoje Dakić". Following amendments to the 2024 State Budget, conditions were met to fulfill legal obligations. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with transferring €7,787,128 to the Commercial Court's deposit account by 15 December 2024.

The Cabinet approved participation in a public auction for the purchase of office space for the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Pljevlja. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with providing €424,600 for this purpose.

The Cabinet approved funding agreements for secondary religious schools: €800,000 for Madrasa “Mehmed Fatih”, €900,000 for Gymnasium “Sveti Sava”.

The Cabinet approved the Draft Energy Law, which further harmonizes Montenegro's legislation with EU standards. Specifically, it aligns with Directive (EU) 2019/944, establishing common rules for electricity markets and ensuring consumer-focused, integrated, competitive, and flexible energy systems.

The Cabinet adopted the "Barometer 26" Platform, emphasizing its commitment to completing EU accession negotiations by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has been authorized to sign the platform on behalf of the Government alongside parliamentary parties.