Press release from the 141st Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 141st session, chaired by Prime Minister Miloјko Spajić. The Cabinet adopted the Decree on Mineral Resources of Strategic Importance. The discussion highlighted that the adoption of this Decree establishes the regulatory framework necessary for the consistent implementation of the Law on Concessions with regard to the exploitation of mineral resources of strategic importance. At the same time, it provides for a clear and uniform classification of these mineral resources, enhances legal certainty for participants in concession award procedures, and enables more efficient planning of the management of Montenegro’s mineral resources. In determining which mineral resources are of strategic importance, consideration was given to their availability and presence in Montenegro, their existing and potential economic importance, the possibility of their industrial processing, their significance for energy and infrastructure security, their market value, their development potential, and the need for long-term and sustainable management of mineral resources. The Decree also identifies metallic, non-metallic, energy and technogenic mineral resources that are, or may be, of particular importance for Montenegro’s economic and overall development as mineral resources of strategic importance.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision on the Organisation of the Public Healthcare Institution Clinical Centre of Montenegro. The discussion emphasised that this Decision does not entail the establishment of a new healthcare institution, but rather aligns the organisation of the existing Public Healthcare Institution Clinical Centre of Montenegro with the applicable legal framework. The Clinical Centre of Montenegro will continue to operate in its existing premises and with its existing equipment, while its employees will continue working under the conditions laid down by law, the collective agreement and their employment contracts.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the Conclusion of Annex No. II to the Loan Agreement concluded on 4 June 2025 between Crnogorska komercijalna banka (CKB) AD Podgorica and the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro to finance the procurement of military logistics vehicles for the needs of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, reducing the total loan amount, and accepted Annex No. II to the Loan Agreement. The Information states that, in December 2024, the Ministry of Defence concluded an arrangement with the Ministry of Defence of Italy for the procurement of 86 military logistics vehicles, with a total value of up to €20 million. To finance the procurement, the Ministry of Finance obtained a €20 million loan from CKB in June 2025. Following delays in vehicle deliveries, in May 2026 the period of availability of funds, the grace period and the repayment period were extended. Both loan tranches (€6.13 million in June 2025 and €13.85 million in July 2026) have been drawn down and the procurement has been completed, while €17,625 remained undrawn. Under Annex No. II, the undrawn amount of €17,625 is cancelled, reducing the total loan amount from the contracted €20,000,000 to €19,982,375.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Implementation of the Action Plan for the Preparation and Monitoring of the 2026 Summer Tourist Season. The Report states that, between 2 July and 9 September 2026, inspection authorities achieved significant results through intensified individual and joint inspections. A total of 14,928 inspections were carried out, identifying 8,217 irregularities. To remedy these irregularities and ensure lawful business operations, inspectors issued 1,137 warnings and adopted 1,293 decisions ordering irregularities to be rectified. Due to identified violations of regulations, 660 prohibition orders were issued, 253 premises were sealed, 34 requests were submitted to initiate misdemeanour proceedings, and a total of 14,694 misdemeanour warrants were issued, involving fines totalling €7,918,410.00. As highlighted during the discussion, these results demonstrate the intensity of the inspection activities carried out and the scale of the administrative and misdemeanour measures taken. Joint inspections were primarily conducted by the Tax Inspectorate, Labour Inspectorate, Market Inspectorate, Tourism Inspectorate, Sanitary Inspectorate and Food Safety Inspectorate. Depending on the needs and specific characteristics of individual activities, the Veterinary, Health, Agricultural, Fisheries, Road Transport and Metrology Inspectorates were also involved. Cooperation with the Police Directorate, Customs Administration, local inspection services, Maritime Safety and Port Management Administration and other institutions made a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the inspections. Joint action was particularly important in more complex cases, when detecting unregistered business activities and illegal trade in goods, conducting inspections at sea, and responding to situations requiring urgent action by several competent authorities. In addition to sanctioning identified irregularities, preventive action was an important part of the work, including drawing attention to irregularities and ordering their rectification in order to bring the operations of inspected entities into compliance with the applicable regulations. The Report concludes that intensified joint inspections ensured an organised and continuous response by the competent authorities to the challenges characteristic of the summer tourist season, combining significant preventive and enforcement measures and laying the groundwork for further improvement of this inspection model.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the Implementation of the Project for the Construction of the East Stand of the City Stadium in Podgorica with an Underground Garage and approved the text of the Agreement. The project is planned as a multi-year investment for the period 2025–2028, with an estimated value of €26,500,000.00. The Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG) provided the technical documentation. The Capital City of Podgorica and FSCG are the holders of the building permit, while the Capital City is responsible for the expropriation process. The Agreement also stipulates that the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for implementing the project. Construction funding will be provided through a co-financing model: the Ministry of Public Works will cover 95% of the total contracted value of the works from Montenegro’s capital budget, while the Capital City of Podgorica will cover 5% from its own budget. The planned building comprises two underground floors, a ground floor and six upper floors. Its total net area is 29,209.25 m², while its total gross floor area is 31,666.90 m², including 13,932.91 m² across the two underground levels and 17,733.99 m² above ground. In accordance with FIFA and UEFA standards, the stand will have a total capacity of 6,100 seats, including 5,694 spectator seats, 30 seats for persons with reduced mobility, 66 seats for journalists, of which 42 will have desks, 260 seats in the VIP box and 50 seats for special VIP guests, including 20 seats arranged in private boxes. In addition to the seating areas, the project includes business and commercial facilities, spaces for journalists and media representatives, a conference room and mixed zone, VIP and special VIP facilities, TV studios, medical rooms, technical and service areas, and other supporting facilities.

The Cabinet granted the Ju-Jitsu Federation of Montenegro approval to organise and host the 2027 European Championships for Seniors, U21s, Masters and Para Athletes. In this connection, the Cabinet approved the allocation of €50,000 to finance the sporting event. The European Championships will be held in Podgorica from 31 May to 7 June 2027, with approximately 800 competitors expected to participate. The total number of participants, including support teams and officials, is expected to exceed 1,100, representing around 40 countries. The Championships will promote the values of integration and inclusion of children with developmental disabilities, with the aim of supporting their socialisation and integration into society. The discussion emphasised that hosting the Championships will also provide significant international promotion for Montenegro, given the sport’s global popularity both recreationally and competitively. The estimated budget for organising the Championships is €578,400.