Press release from the 64th Cabinet session

At its 64th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the Montenegrin Cabinet adopted the Facility agreement between the European Union represented by the Commission and Montenegro represented by the Government of Montenegro on specific arrangements for implementation of Union support to Montenegro under the Reform and Growth Facility. At today’s session, the Government of Montenegro fulfilled the final condition for the operational use of EU funds under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, enabling the disbursement of planned tranches. By adopting the Draft Law, the Cabinet completed all procedural steps required to initiate payments. The Growth Plan is a significant financial instrument aimed at aligning Montenegro’s economic standards with the EU average while supporting comprehensive reforms to transform the country’s economic and social environment. The Government urged Parliament to promptly review and adopt the draft law, as it is essential for pre-financing and the release of the first tranche. Parliamentary adoption is also a prerequisite for signing a complementary loan agreement and receiving the planned funds. Without completing these steps, the European Commission cannot initiate payments to the state budget, jeopardizing Montenegro’s access to resources for key projects and reforms.

The Cabinet also adopted a Decision on the establishment of a Working group for the preparation and implementation of activities related to Montenegro’s presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), which will take place from November 2026 to May 2027. Montenegro's presidency of the CoE’s Committee of Ministers is a significant foreign policy milestone included in the Medium-Term Work Programme of the Government of Montenegro for 2024-2027, the Macroeconomic and Fiscal Policy Guidelines for 2023-2026, the Budget Law for 2024, and the proposed Budget Law for 2025. Montenegro will officially begin its presidency in November 2026, with the ceremony marking the transfer of leadership and presenting the six-month priorities. The presidency will conclude in May 2027 with a session of the Committee of Ministers at the level of foreign ministers, traditionally held in the presiding country. The Working Group will be tasked with planning and proposing priorities, activities, and cultural programmes; coordinating and implementing activities; organizing events in line with the presidency programme; and reporting to the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate the Working Group's efforts and provide organizational support.

The Cabinet reviewed Amendment 1 to the Draft Law on amendments to the Law on State Property, submitted by MP Velimir Đoković. The Cabinet concluded to submit the opinion of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, which supports the Amendment, to the Parliament. The Amendment proposes that cemeteries, currently classified as local public goods under the administration of municipalities, be reclassified as other local goods of general interest managed by municipalities. Given the specific requirements for the use of cemeteries, which necessitate special permits, they logically belong to the category of local goods of general interest.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the work of the Commission for monitoring the actions of competent authorities in investigations of threats and violence against journalists, murders of journalists, and attacks on media property for the period from 10 April to 1 December 2024. The Ministry of Interior has been tasked with submitting the report to the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Directorate for their review. The report covers the following cases: the attack on journalist Olivera Lakić (7 March 2012), the attack on journalists Danica Janković and Slobodan Čukić (7 August 2022), the attack on the editor-in-chief of M Portal (10 September 2022), the attack on journalist Duško Mihailović of Pobjeda (16 July 2024, with supplementary information from the 13 July 2022 attack), the attack on journalist Milica Minić of Standard and A1 TV.

The Cabinet approved the National Asbestos Exposure Profile for Montenegro and adopted the Action Plan for 2025-2026. As part of Montenegro's harmonization with EU legislation, the country has achieved significant alignment in regulating chemical safety, including the prohibition of asbestos production, import, and use. While no additional asbestos imports are expected, the inventory of asbestos-containing products still in use will be carried out. The profile compiles relevant data on asbestos-related risks, introducing initiatives such as updated regulations, improved waste management, public awareness campaigns, and health monitoring for asbestos-related diseases. These measures aim to reduce asbestos exposure risks, protect public health, and enhance waste management efficiency.

The Cabinet also adopted a Decision to amend the Decision on the opening of the Embassy of Montenegro in the Swiss Confederation. The amendment changes the location of the Embassy from Geneva to Bern, Switzerland's capital and administrative center. This move aligns Montenegro’s diplomatic presence with other states’ embassies and facilitates bilateral representation. The opening of the Embassy in Bern is also expected to pave the way for the establishment of a resident Swiss diplomatic mission in Montenegro.