Press release from the 97th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 97th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on the Execution of Prison Sentences, Fines, and Security Measures. The practical application of the current law has demonstrated the need for further normative clarification and refinement of existing legal provisions, as well as improvements aimed at creating conditions for more efficient work of the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions. The draft law seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Directorate, support the rehabilitation of detainees and convicted persons, enhance prevention and protection from abuse, safeguard human rights, and ultimately reduce recidivism. In addition, the proposed law contributes to advancing prison management by addressing employment procedures for Directorate staff, career development systems, and the application of powers and coercive measures, with a strong focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders – reflecting the evolution of modern penological principles.

The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Misdemeanors. Key changes include expanding the scope of misdemeanor liability; increasing custodial sentences for misdemeanor offenses; raising the financial penalty ranges applicable to individuals, responsible persons within legal entities, entrepreneurs, and companies; extending double-maximum fines to areas such as anti–money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and insurance. Regarding monetary fines, amendments allow for the full settlement of penalties if an individual without residence in Montenegro, or one imminently leaving the country, pays two-thirds of the imposed fine immediately, to avoid obstructing enforcement. This draft law is included in the Government’s 2025 Work Programme.

The Cabinet adopted the Proposal to Establish the Limited Liability Company Crna Gora Šume (Montenegro Forests). In line with the new Law on Forests, which stipulates that the management of state-owned forests and forest land – among Montenegro’s most valuable natural resources – falls under the direct responsibility of the state rather than concessionaires, the new company will assume these tasks.

Its core activities will include:

• Silviculture and other forestry operations;
• Timber harvesting;
• Forestry-related services as defined by law.

To ensure financial sustainability, the company will also:

• Produce timber assortments, non-timber forest products, and other wood-based goods;
• Conduct marking of trees for felling and prepare project documentation;
• Build and maintain forest infrastructure;
• Organize forest work sites and construct depots;
• Market and sell timber and non-timber products;
• Provide transport services for forestry products;
• Carry out marketing of forestry goods.

The decision stipulates that the company will be managed by the Government of Montenegro.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the Signing of a Financing Agreement between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Interior, aimed at implementing the 2025–2027 Cooperation Programme. The agreement provides operational support to the Ministry, including the procurement of police uniforms and updating the technical regulatory framework in line with international standards. Total funding required amounts to €4,434,477.46, to be disbursed in two tranches: the first by the end of 2025 (€1,934,477.46), and the second by April 2026 (€2,500,000). During the discussion, it was emphasized that the last large-scale procurement of police uniforms occurred in 2016, and the project is recognized as a multi-year investment in the state budget. Funding for the first tranche has already been secured, while the second will be covered under the 2026 budget.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on Enhanced Inspection Supervision During the Summer Tourist Season in Accordance with the 2025 Action Plan. Between 30 June and 1 September 2025 intensified inspections were carried out across six coastal municipalities, with the participation of over 70 inspectors from the Tourism, Labour, Health-Sanitary, Market, Food Safety, Fisheries, and Maritime Safety Inspectorates. Over the course of 60 days, 9,652 inspections were conducted, identifying 6,252 irregularities. Of these, 1,053 were resolved preventively, while 1,223 formal decisions were issued requiring corrective measures. A total of 8,761 misdemeanor orders were filed, generating more than €4.1 million in financial penalties, while 29 criminal charges were submitted.

The inspections addressed issues such as unregistered work, irregular fiscal reporting, and hygiene shortcomings. The report highlights that these efforts significantly improved business conditions and consumer protection, setting a record for the most effective inspection campaign during a summer tourist season. Recommendations include further coordination of inspection bodies, enhanced education for business owners, and stronger preventive mechanisms.