The 6th Cabinet session – 2 June 2022

The Montenegrin Cabinet, at today's sixth session chaired by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, adopted the Draft Law on the Census of Population, Households and Dwellings with the Report from the Public Debate. The adoption of the Law will enable the preparation, organisation and implementation of the census, in order to obtain comprehensive data on the population, households and dwellings in Montenegro.

As part of the process of harmonisation of national legislation with European legislation, the Cabinet adopted the Draft Customs Law with the Report from the public debate. The new Customs Law defines the legal framework for customs rules and procedures in the customs territory of Montenegro and is adapted to the conditions in which modern trade takes place. Its application will facilitate the flow of goods transiting and entering or leaving Montenegro. The aim of the Law is to improve the competitiveness of domestic companies, protect the financial interests of the State and ensure consumer safety. Furthermore, harmonisation of regulations with European legislation will create conditions for building and implementing IT systems that should speed up and facilitate cross-border trade and reduce the costs of trade participants.

The Programme for encouraging projects in water management for 2022 was adopted.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on financial assistance to the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Karate Federation, Judo Federation and Cycling Federation. It was emphasised that our athletes are the best representatives of Montenegro and therefore it is urgent to enable the smooth implementation of all programme activities aimed at the participation of our national team members in the most prestigious international sports competitions.The Ministry of Sports and Youth was instructed to pay funds in the amount of 205,000.00 euros to sports organisations, as follows: to the Montenegrin Olympic Committee - 80,000.00 euros; Karate Federation of Montenegro - 60,000.00 euros; Judo Federation of Montenegro - EUR 50,000.00; Cycling Federation of Montenegro - 15,000.00, as well as to conclude agreements on mutual rights and obligations related to the use of these funds.

The Public Procurement Report for 2021 was adopted.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision on reducing the amount of excise duty for the sale of unleaded fuel and gas oils. As of 7 June, excise taxes on fuel will be reduced by 50 per cent, instead of the previous 40% reduction. The decision on the additional reduction of the excise tax by 10% will be valid until 5 July 2022.

The Cabinet supported the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Value Added Tax, submitted to the Parliament of Montenegro by MPs Ivan Brajović, Damir Šehović, and Boris Mugoša, proposing that the trade of bread should be taxed at a rate of 0%, and exempt imports from VAT until 31 December 2022. Also, the Cabinet supported the Proposal of Amendments to that Law from the same proposers, which envisages that plastic products used as packaging in the production, i.e. food and beverage industry, should be exempted from the obligation to pay excise duty on single-use plastic.