Highlights from the 12th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 12th session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić.

The Caninet approved the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Industrial Emissions. The proposed amendments aim to further regulate the issuance of integrated permits, facilitating the industrial sector's prompt improvement and innovation of technological processes to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. The amendment specifies that the operator will bear the costs of the commission analyzing and evaluating the documentation in the integrated permit issuance process. Additionally, the costs for the commission's work will depend on the type and complexity of the facility, determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, with prior input from the competent state finance authority.

The Cabinet also adopted a Decision on the establishment of the Council to promote further development and application of mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods. The Council, chaired by the Minister of Justice, will monitor and enhance the implementation of alternative dispute resolution, provide initiatives and proposals to the Government for improvements in this field. Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods are recognized in the Action Plan for Negotiation Chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights as measures to reduce the backlog of court cases, aiming to relieve the courts and offer parties a quick and efficient means of protecting their rights.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Surface and Groundwater Monitoring Programme for 2024. This programme is essential for tracking qualitative and quantitative parameters to achieve good water status. Monitoring serves as a fundamental tool for assessing water status, planning water management, and meeting the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The budget allocated for the Hydro-Meteorological Institute for 2024, amounting to 118,250 euros, supports the implementation of the Surface and Groundwater Monitoring Programme for 2024.

A Proposal to amend the Government's Conclusion, No. 07-011/23-4743/2, dated 19 October 2023, was also adopted. This amendment extends the public discussion period for the Draft Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 90 working days. The extension aims to provide all interested stakeholders, including local self-governments, institutions involved in the plan's development, academic communities, professional associations, civil society, and the general public, ample time to provide constructive suggestions.

Moreover, the Cabinet adopted the Proposal for the conclusion of the Agreement on the financing of the re-establishment of the joint permanent exhibition in Block 17 of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. After long-standing efforts, the former Yugoslav countries have agreed on the text of the Agreement on financing the re-establishment of the joint permanent exhibition in Block 17 of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. The Agreement contributes to achieving the operational goals set out in the National Programme for the Development of Culture by intensifying international cooperation in the field of culture. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia have committed to covering the costs of renovating and conserving the space, structures, and segments of Block 17. Austria had previously funded these efforts through donations to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. By entering into this Agreement with other former Yugoslav countries, Montenegro shows its dedication to preserving the culture of memory, shaping a value system based on respecting diversity, tolerance, and solidarity, especially considering the significance of the project and the Agreement. The Agreement aims to contribute to improving dialogue, peace, and reconciliation in the region, fostering innovative and creative approaches to preserving the culture of memory.