Press release from 40th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet, at its 40th session held on 23 September 2021, chaired by Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić, adopted the Draft Law on the use of physical infrastructure for the installation of electronic high-speed communication networks. The new Law will enable cost reduction, facilitate and encourage the construction of high-speed electronic communication networks for potential investors, in order to accelerate the achievement of goals defined by the National Information Society Development Strategy and Digital Agenda for Europe. The adoption of this Law will remove the existing obstacles in the installation of high-speed networks throughout Montenegro, especially the high costs of construction works on the installation of networks, which will be significantly reduced by applying adequate regulations for the construction of integrated infrastructure. A coordinated approach will enable the simultaneous construction and installation of multi-purpose infrastructure, which in particular includes next-generation electronic communications networks.

The Cabinet adopted the Draft law on amendments to the Law on the national brand. The essence of the changes is in the simplification of procedures for acquiring the right to use the visual identity of a national brand in order to encourage its use, in order to contribute to greater recognition of the state and its potentials and values in foreign markets. Also, the procedure for defining the visual identity of the national brand has been changed.

The Decision on the formation of the Council for monitoring the drafting of the Spatial Plan of Montenegro was adopted. The Council, headed by the Prime Minister, is formed in order to monitor the drafting dynamics of the Spatial Plan of Montenegro, propose measures for its more efficient and comprehensive development, and monitor the implementation of Government's sectoral policies in the Plan. It was assessed that dynamic development requires a prompt response in order to synchronise development policy and spatial planning, which is the main reason for the formation of the Council.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision on the formation of the Commission for Monitoring the Implementation and Reporting on the Judicial Information and Communication Technologies Development Programme 2021–2023 and the implementation of the Action Plan for its implementation.

The Cabinet has adopted a Strategy on Migration and Reintegration of Returning Migrants in Montenegro, for the period 2021-2025 with the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy on Migration and Reintegration of Returning Migrants in Montenegro for the period 2021-2025, for 2021 and 2022. The Strategy refers to mixed migrations, i.e. movements of people traveling together, mostly irregularly. These movements include persons seeking international protection, refugees, stateless persons, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children or children separated from their parents/guardians, as well as migrants in irregular situations or returning migrants upon readmission. In line with the recommendations of the UN, the Council of Europe and the relevant EU bodies, the Strategy uses the term "irregular migration" instead of "illegal migration", in order to avoid negative connotations, as well as dehumanisation and criminalisation of these persons.

The guidelines for strengthening ethics and integrity of high-ranking officials of the executive branch of government were adopted. The aim of this document is to support high-ranking officials of the executive branch of government in respecting integrity standards and strengthening public confidence in performing their duties, as well as strengthening citizens' trust in state bodies. The guidelines apply to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet members, state secretaries in ministries, advisers to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, heads of administrative bodies, as well as former officials two years after the termination of office.

The Cabinet adopted the Innovation Programme 2021-2024. The goal of the Innovation Programme is to present in one place all relevant innovation support programmes planned in the coming period, which will make it easier for the innovation community to recognise all instruments that will be available and focused on the entire innovation development cycle.

The Programme of Incentive Measures in the Field of Rural Tourism for 2021/2022 was also adopted. The programme defines measures, beneficiaries, conditions, amounts, criteria and procedure for allocating funds.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Implementation of the Programme of Economic Reforms for Montenegro for the period 2021-2023 (for the first six months of 2021).

The Information on the activities for the preparation of the Programme for the Improvement of the European Youth Card in Montenegro for the period 2022–2024 was adopted. In order to improve the position and create better conditions for young people, the need for further development of the European Youth Card in Montenegro was recognised. This document envisages intensification of cooperation in the field of youth policy. 

The Cabinet adopted the 3rd Report on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The Plan for granting concessions for the use of water for the construction of hydropower plants in Montenegro for 2021 was adopted. The Plan envisages the award of only one concession for the construction of small hydropower plants by valorisation of water potential from the reservoir "Otilovići" in Pljevlja, with the existing dam, which would involve the use of excess water flowing from the reservoir. Apart from this project, the Government does not envisage the award of concessions for the construction of other SHPPs for 2021, in accordance with the opinion that the construction of new SHPPs should not be encouraged. The only reason for granting this concession is the fact that this SHPP does not disturb or endanger either the environment or the local population.

The Cabinet also adopted the Information on the situation in Afghanistan and activities aimed at considering the reception of refugees. Bearing in mind Montenegro's active participation in global humanitarian responses, reaffirming its credibility with the international community, the Cabinet decided to establish an Interdepartmental Working Group to consider options for responding to the current humanitarian crisis and possible capacity to receive limited number of refugees, according to the practice of other NATO members who were engaged in Afghanistan.