Press release from the 70th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 70th session today, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The Cabinet the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Administrative Disputes. The adoption of this Law was initiated to address problems that emerged in the practical application of this regulation, which have impacted the efficiency of administrative disputes and the effectiveness of judicial protection. Difficulties have been observed in the increased influx of cases before the Administrative Court, the significant workload of judges, the large number of oral hearings, the rise in the number of control requests to expedite proceedings, and significant amounts paid for violations of the right to trial within a reasonable time in administrative proceedings and disputes. To overcome these issues, a project was initiated with the OECD/SIGMA organization to improve court operations and align domestic laws with the European administrative-legal framework. Two analyses were conducted within this project, assessing the functioning of the Law on Administrative Disputes and identifying application-related problems. The analyses indicated the necessity of amending this law to enhance court efficiency and align judicial practices with the European Court of Human Rights, particularly concerning judicial protection within a reasonable timeframe as prescribed by Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Ultimately, these amendments aim to improve court efficiency, particularly regarding case resolution speed and duration, ensuring citizens' right to trial within a reasonable time.

The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Museum Activities. The existing law has not undergone any amendments until now; however, in recent years, certain ambiguities have been observed in practice, leading to the need for clarification of specific legal provisions. The amendments will improve the normative framework, establishing modern standards in museum activities, particularly concerning persons with disabilities. The reasons for drafting the amendments include the introduction of gender sensitivity, clarification of terms and definitions in museum activities, specification of procedures for founding museums by religious communities, and the alignment of material and penal provisions.

The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Library Activities. Library activities are regulated by European legislation and international conventions, and these amendments aim to harmonize with the Law on the Ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty, which facilitates access to published works for blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled individuals. The Marrakesh Treaty emphasizes non-discrimination, equal opportunities, accessibility, and full social inclusion, principles also proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Given the barriers faced by visually impaired individuals and other print-disabled persons in accessing published materials, there is a need to increase the availability of accessible format materials and improve their circulation both domestically and internationally. The new law must recognize the National Library for the Blind of Montenegro as the central institution responsible for accessible format libraries. This institution will oversee the registration of authorized entities for producing accessible formats and ensure compliance with Braille labeling of medicines and other public-use items.

The Cabinet adopted the Decree on the Conditions and Procedures for Exemption from Import Duties. The adoption of the Customs Law on 30 July 2022 created the need for a new decree to specify conditions and procedures for duty exemptions, further improving the regulatory framework. This decree provides conditions for import duty exemption in line with European standards. Given that the current decree is largely aligned with European regulations, this new regulation aims to clarify practical ambiguities and improve technical provisions. Changes include simplifying procedures by allowing government authorities to certify duty exemption eligibility, reducing administrative burdens. A new provision has been introduced outlining exemptions for diplomatic and consular representations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including standardized exemption certificates issued by competent authorities.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the payment of compensation to KfW Bank for extending the availability period of loan funds for the Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment Project in the Coastal Region, Phase V and V-2, and accepted the bank’s letter approving the extension. This is a key infrastructure project initiated in 2003 in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro, KfW Bank, and coastal municipalities (Herceg Novi, Kotor, Bar, Ulcinj, and Tivat). The project's goal is to enhance water supply and sewage infrastructure in these municipalities, improving service efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development. Despite available funds, project implementation has been delayed due to administrative obstacles, slow progress, inflation, and property issues. KfW Bank approved an extension for loan availability until 30 December 2027.

The Cabinet adopted the Plan for Concession Grants for Detailed Geological Exploration and Mineral Resource Exploitation for 2025. The plan includes several deposits, including construction stone, architectural stone, lignite coal, and cement marl across different municipalities. These concessions are expected to contribute to the development of the mining and industrial sectors, ensuring energy stability. The Government is also reviewing the renewal of a concession for the Pljevlja Coal Mine, given the upcoming expiration of the current agreement in June 2025.

The Cabinet addressed unpaid claims of former workers of "Prva Petoljetka" from Bijelo Polje. The company underwent bankruptcy in 2006, and the sale of assets generated €1.65 million. However, after settling liabilities, only €504 remained, leaving 191 workers unpaid by a total of €141,964. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Dialogue has been tasked with finding a solution to settle these claims.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on short-term measures to revitalize the beach and construct artificial dunes on Ada Bojana to prevent erosion damage to HTP “Ulcinjska rivijera” from Ulcinj. The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property is tasked with implementing these measures within set deadlines, using deposited sand from Ada Bojana. The Cabinet also assigned the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management to oversee these activities.

The Cabinet determined four amendments to the Draft Law on Spatial Planning, including adjustments to maritime spatial planning data requirements in accordance with Directive 2014/89/EU. Other amendments clarify the process for adopting local planning documents and resolve inconsistencies with existing legal frameworks.

The Cabinet approved changes to the Detailed Urban Plan for Petnjica, covering an area of 23.59 hectares. These amendments will be accompanied by a strategic environmental impact assessment, in accordance with the Law on Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment. The project will be financed with €20,000 from the state budget, and the deadline for completion is six months from the signing of the contract with the project lead. The objective is to create planning conditions that will allow for better organization and use of space to meet the needs of its users. 

The amendments to the Spatial-Urban Plan for the Municipality of Šavnik were approved, covering an area of approximately 554.69 square kilometers. The goal of these amendments is to ensure sustainable development by carefully assessing the significance of the area and determining the optimal level of construction in line with planning guidelines and higher-level planning documents. Like the Petnjica project, this plan will undergo an environmental impact assessment, and its development will be financed with €70,000 from the state budget. The deadline for completion is also six months from the signing of the contract. 

In response to rising prices of essential goods, the Cabinet established a Coordination Body for monitoring and analyzing price trends, ensuring market supply, and proposing measures to mitigate the impact of price increases. Led by Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj, this body was formed in light of evident inflation and the resulting increase in the cost of essential products. The Government had previously implemented measures to control inflation, including a decision to temporarily cap retail and wholesale margins on 73 categories of essential goods. However, challenges such as trade chain boycotts have emerged, necessitating ongoing monitoring and analysis. Given the potential long-term consequences of these boycotts on domestic producers, consumers, businesses, and the broader economy, the Government stressed the urgency of addressing the situation through dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.