15 August 2019 - The goal of the Law on Restriction of Using Tobacco Products is not to punish the citizens and to collect revenues from fines, but to protect the citizens’ health, claims the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.

Prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places in Montenegro entered into force on Wednesday, August 14th, after the Law on Restriction of Tobacco Use was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Montenegro on August 7th.

The representative of the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, Slađana Pavlović said for Vijesti daily that the aim of this law, which was unanimously backed by the government and the parliament, is preserving and protecting the health of all the citizens, both those who do consume and those who do not consume tobacco products.

According to Pavlović, the main principle behind this law is the prohibition of consuming tobacco products in enclosed public spaces and in working spaces. She highlighted that smoking is strictly forbidden establishments where food and drinks are served, adding that the possibility exists to dedicate a separate part of the establishment for this purpose.

“The law clearly stipulates the conditions of insulation, surface, position and equipment of that part of the space: the room must be insulated in such a way that no tobacco smoke can flow into the rest of the space, and the surface must not be less than 10 square meters, must not occupy more than 20 per cent of the workspace or public space and should not be intended for passage to other spaces,” said Pavlović.

As TMN reported previously, the new law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products that are not labelled with printed warnings covering 65% of the front and rear end of a pack.

Violation of the Law on Restriction of the Use of Tobacco Products will lead to strict penalties going up to 20.000 EUR.

Still, Pavlović emphasized that the goal of the Ministry of Health, as the institution which will supervise the implementation of the law, is not punishing and collecting revenues from fines. She highlighted that tobacco, “a silent killer”, is a fundamental cause of death among the global, and thus also among the Montenegrin population.

15 August 2019 - Ulcinj, a city in Montenegro located at the very south of the country, is recognisable by its gorgeous long, sandy beaches. Enchanting waters of the Adriatic in Montenegro offer breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear blue water, stunning landscapes and the nicest sunny days ideal for swimming and sunbathing. TMN brings you some of the best beaches in the city of Ulcinj that prove that Ulcinj is truly a sandy beach paradise, and it is up to you, the readers, to visit the city and have the best summer holiday.

Ada Bojana Beach

Ada Bojana has got a 3-km long sandy beach, and the hotel swimming area can offer you a rich content for an active day: from water sports through sand volleyball, mini football, to just sunbathing and relaxing under the parasol, or having a cocktail or some domestic-made wine at a beach bar or a restaurant…

Most of the people first think about nudists once Ada gets mentioned; however, years backward Ada has been a synonym for extreme water sports. Due to its openness and wind flow, Ada Bojana has been the leading place for the surfers on the Adriatic and it can stand next to the Canarias, Portugal or Egypt, where this sport is most popular. Ada Bojana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro due to its beautiful sandy beach, the most beautiful sunsets and a lot of fish restaurants which catch the fish and prepare it according to traditional recipes.

Far away from the city noise and the bustling streets, decorated by the Mediterranean growth, the beach Ada Bojana continues to charm all its visitors, from the country and abroad.

The Miami Beach

The Miami Beach is 2 km away from the complex Velika Plaža, and it is 240 m long. It has a restaurant, a beach bar and a service place. In the restaurant, you can find specialties of the national and international cuisine and at the service place, you can get refreshments and ice cream.

The sports facilities consist of 4 volleyball grounds, a mini football pitch, small children playground, canoes and pedal boats area and other facilities. There is the possibility to make an excursion to the river Bojana, the Valdanos bay and Old Ulcinj.

The beach has been awarded the blue flag for many years, and in 2006 it was chosen as the best beach in Montenegro by the Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro and the National Tourist Organization.

The Kite Surf Beach

The Kite Surf Club Dolcinium is located ten kilometres away from the complex Velika Plaža. This club received the recognition as “the most attractive tourist offer” in 2011 in Montenegro by the Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro and the National Tourist Organization WILD BEATUY AWARD. The club Dolcinium is the first Montenegrin kite club, and it was founded in 2008. It gives service in kite surfing training, which lasts from 12 to 15 hours.

The kite surfing training is only available on days when the wind called “Maestral” blows. If you do not enjoy kite surfing, then you can rest on one of the sunbeds where you can relax tasting different summer cocktails and listen to the sounds of Lounge, Deep, House, Funky and Latino music coming from the bar where there is a party organized every day.  New York Times (January 13, 2010) described Velika Plaža – Long Beach as one of the 30 destinations in the world which should be visited by kite surfers. The wind Maestral blows from the sea towards the land for 90 days in a year, making this sandy beach one of the safest and most attractive kite surfing destinations in Europe.

The MCM Beach

The MCM Beach was opened six years ago. Due to its professional and kind staff, quality and all the new beach equipment, it succeeded in raising its offer to a very high level and in becoming one of the most known beaches not only in Ulcinj, Montenegro but also in the region and further. In 2009 the Beach MCM received the prestigious award entitled WILD BEAUTY AWARD as the best beach in Montenegro. It is situated on Velika Plaža on the third kilometre of the road which is taking you to Ada Bojana.

Read more about places you should visit during your holiday in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

15 August 2019 - The Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Sports and Youth are continuously working to support young people and youth organisations in the area of strengthening their skills and competences in order to become active citizens and bearers of positive social change.

The open and partnership relationship that the Ministry of Sports and Youth nurtures for young people in various fields of social life, with full respect for their ideas and creativity, is one of the best indicators of the Government of Montenegro's readiness to empower young people in their most sensitive period of maturity and transition to adulthood.

"Young people in Montenegro have the knowledge and power to contribute to positive change and must believe that through their activism they create a better future for themselves and the society to which they belong. Responsibility for improving the position of young people lies not solely with the State and its institutions, but also with the youth who need to mobilize, unite, stand in solidarity and strive to contribute to the advancement of their position in society through their actions," said Minister of Sports and Youth of Montenegro Nikola Janović on the occasion of International Youth Day – 12 August.

"Dear youth, with the sincerest congratulations on the occasion of International Youth Day, I would like to urge you, respecting the principles of equality, dialogue, tolerance, and responsibility, while fostering empathy and sensibility, understanding and acceptance of diversity, to choose activism believing in its power," reads Janović's letter speaking about youth in Montenegro.

Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

15 August 2019 - The Ministry of Defense of Montenegro will acquire optoelectronic devices for the units of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. Optoelectronic devices include uncrewed aerial vehicles whose total value is estimated at 322.000 EUR, reported CdM.

Optoelectronic devices are means used for night surveillance and shooting, which convert image from an invisible infra-red area into a visible area.

Units of the army require four thermovision sets, “first responder aerial kit” which includes gyrostabilized camera and an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) that is able to fly not less than 25 minutes. The Ministry also requested that thermal camera image resolution should not be less than 640 x 512 pixels and that entire kit should have at least two control devices with a screen for monitoring and documenting the identified situation in the field.

The Ministry of Defense is planning to provide the army with two thermal multi-functional devices for target location which can magnify the image by at least six times and which have image resolution not weaker than 1280 x 1024 pixels in limited visibility mode.

Devices must have integrated GPS receiver for exchange of data with commercial GPS systems.

Units of the Armed Forces also need binocular devices for night observation, as well as 28 spyglasses. They will also acquire four thermovision targets capable of detecting humans at a distance of 1.500 meters, recognizing humans at a distance of 600 meters and identifying humans at a distance of 360 meters.

This equipment will cost the Ministry 472.680 EUR and it will include equipment for infantry armament, equipment for Joint Terminal Attack Controller, diving equipment and kit for rescuers. The equipment for infantry armament will cost 33.680 EUR.

JTAC equipment will cost 23.000 EUR, diving equipment will cost 60.000 EUR, whereas equipment for rescuers will cost 34.000 EUR.

According to the Defense Strategy published earlier, the Ministry is planning to train and equip 50% of land forces for taking part and 10% of land forces for sustainable engagement in NATO peace and crisis response operations. The maximum contribution to NATO forces will be the engagement of a reinforced infantry company deployed in two six-month rotations. One infantry company will be engaged to contribute to leading NATO peace and crisis response operations.

Armed Forces will be equipped with 68 light-armored vehicles. By the end of the year, the Ministry should have signed a procurement contract.

The best-equipped armies around the world are extending technological boundaries. One of the fastest-developing weapons is uncrewed aerial vehicle.

For example, M19 Reaper drone has radically changed how the USA is carrying out military operations. It was first used in 2001 and it’s been used in a great number of missions across Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan ever since.

Military drones usually perform reconnaissance, spy and direct military tasks. American Air Force is planning to drastically increase its fleet of uncrewed vehicles in the operational use.

Read more news about business in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

14 August 2019 - The construction of Boulevard from Jaz to the Tivat Airport (reconstruction of the Adriatic Highway) will start next year. This project will considerably improve the conditions of this section. In summer it is often jammed, with little movement on the roads. The project will cost around 26 million EUR and the construction will take around two years, reports Cafe del Montenegro.

“The tender will be invited at the end of September. By the end of the year, we will know the contractor,” said the Director of Transport Administration Savo Parača.

The development of tender documentation for the contractor is following the procedures established by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Boulevard will be 16 kilometers long and Parača added that the Regional Water supply system has joined the project. Simultaneously with the construction of boulevard, the extension of capacities of the water supply grid will be well underway.

“The regional water supply system joined the project because it uses the loan granted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. That project is worth between 10 million euros and 12 million euros. We thought it would be much cheaper and faster if we joined these two projects together. Everything has to be done according to European standards,” concluded Parača, using the opportunity to announce another important project.

“Complete reconstruction of the thoroughfare from Kamenovo to Bar is planned. The project is in the final phase. The tender procedure is going to be initiated in autumn,” stated Parača.

Read more news about business in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

14 August 2019 - Since the beginning of 2019, tourists from more than 170 countries have visited Budva.

As representatives of the Tourist Organization Budva report, most arrivals and overnight stays were made by guests from Russia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Ukraine. The fact that guests from Germany were dominant is encouraging, as Germany is considered the most important emitting market, as CdM reported.

“According to the official data provided by the Statistical Office of Montenegro, tourists from European countries usually opt for hotel accommodation in the city. The greatest emitting markets are Germany, Russia, Serbia, Albania, China and France,” stated the representatives of Tourist Organization Budva.

This year, Budva welcomed many tourists from distant destinations, such as Japan, India, Indonesia, South African Republic, Cuba, Malaysia or Taiwan. There are also tourists who come from less expected, interesting destinations like Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Cambodia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Peru, Uruguay, Seychelles and many others.

“In the middle of August, the streets of the city are featuring the diversity and richness of different world languages,” pointed out the representatives of Tourist Organization Budva.

According to the latest report by the European Travel Commission, Montenegro is the 'Star of the Mediterranean' in the first quarter of this year.

Read more news about traveling through Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

Montenegro national bocce (bowling) team will participate in the Nations Cup in Belgrade, as has been announced from National Bocce Association.

Bocce lovers and anyone who wants to get acquainted with this attractive sport will have an ideal opportunity to do so during this event, featuring Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and BiH.

The competitions start on Friday nd the matches will be conducted until Sunday at the fields in Zemun (Altina).

The selection of Montenegro, which has returned from almost no major competition in the last ten or more years without a medal, is moving towards Belgrade with great ambitions. Selector Dejan Stjepcevic and coach Nenad Rankovic are taking Miroslav Petkovic, who belongs to the world cream when it comes to bocce to the competition, then Tomislav Rankovic, Marko Lukovic and Rade Zec.

"We look forward to the competition that follows. The Cup of Nations in Belgrade will be a nice opportunity for affirmation of bocce, for the promotion of this extremely attractive and dynamic sport. I invite everyone who knows bowling, as well as those who want to get acquainted with its charms to come to Zemun, to come to the open fields in Altina and to be convinced with what I have said. The Cup of Nations will also be a great check for all the selections, as the Youth World Cup for in Italy and the World Cup for Seniors in Turkey are coming soon, but that does not mean, of course, that the result is in the background. We will fight, we will do our best to reach the podium, as we did last year when we won the bronze medal, "said Montenegrin coach Dejan Stjepcevic.

The Cup of Nations is named "Bruno Lezije and Sandro Anzur", according to the legends of the world bocce, I.e. the people who started the competition, which has been gathering selections from the territory of the former Yugoslavia for ten years.

14 August 2019 - From today, August 14^th, smoking in enclosed public venues will be prohibited in Montenegro with the new Law on Restriction of the Use of Tobacco Products entering into force. The Law strictly prohibits the use of tobacco products indoors, except for casinos. Anyone who violates the provisions of this Law will be fined up to €20.000, said the Health Minister of Montenegro, Kenan Hrapović in an official statement published by the Government of Montenegro.

As TMN previously reported, the new law prohibits smoking in any room or area where food and drinks are served and consumed.

In addition, the law bans the use of tobacco products in any part of enclosed space where state or local authorities and services perform their activities, in areas where educational, healthcare or cultural activities are performed, in the areas of social protection, sport and recreation, trade, production or storage of food, recording or public broadcasting, as well as in the areas where meetings and public gatherings are held. It is possible to designate a specific part of the space that the owner or user designates solely for this purpose. The law clearly stipulates the conditions of insulation, surface, position and equipment of that part of the space: the room must be insulated in such a way that no tobacco smoke can flow into the rest of the space, and the surface must not be less than 10 square meters, must not occupy more than 20 per cent of the workspace or public space and should not be intended for passage to other spaces.

The new law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products that are not labelled with printed warnings covering 65% of the front and rear end of a pack.

Violation of the Law on Restriction of the Use of Tobacco Products will lead to strict penalties going up to 20.000 EUR.

Ministry of Health will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the law.

13 August 2019 - There are several projects which are going to be carried out in Ulcinj, says President of the Municipality of Ulcinj Ljoro Nrekić. He announced the construction of salmon farming factory and said that they are currently looking for investors in the tourist complex on Mavrijan hill, near Valdanos, whose estimated value amounts to 1 billion EUR, as CdM reported.

Nrekić stated that he is proud of everything that has been achieved ever since he took over the president function. Financial consolidation was the most important task.

“We have settled all the debts we had,” said Nrkeić.

Numerous projects are set to be carried out in the southernmost Montenegrin municipality. One of them is the construction of a salmon factory. The preparation phase of the project is underway. The construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

“This project is very important. The factory will be located in Port Milena. We also have the construction of an airport in Ulcinj. Cargo planes will be delivering salmon to Rome for distribution. Around 500 people would have jobs," stressed out Nrekić.

He firmly believes that local administration will find the investor in the construction of five-star tourist complex on Mavrijan hill.

“The complex will consist of bungalows, three hotels, and a casino hotel, marina with 147 berths. It would be a resort and it would definitely boost tourism in Ulcinj and Montenegro,” concluded Nrekić.

The tourist season brings satisfaction to the local administration in Ulcinj. Nrekić also added that there is no development without infrastructure. Works on the construction of water supply system will begin soon.

Read more news about business in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

13 August 2019 - As part of the second call for proposals through the Adriatic-Ionian Transnational Program, the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi has been granted 122.840 EUR for the implementation of the project WONDER - Child-friendly destinations.

The principal objective of the Project is to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations from the Adriatic-Ionian Region thanks to a child-friendly approach, aimed at improving the liveability of cities and the touristic offer (governance, environment and services) through the development of new participatory methods. The Project WONDER will tackle: the collaboration between tourism and other related sectors, the development of participative models through greater involvement of children, the private sector and civil society, the support towards sustainable tourism and raising awareness campaigns.

WONDER supports new touristic offers addressed to children and families through the creation of a transnational network of child-friendly destinations, aimed at the sustainability of the tourism sector based on new and innovative participatory methods.

The leading partner of the project is the Municipality of Fano - Italy, and the partners in the project, except the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi are: Municipality of Cervia - Italy; Velenje Municipality and Novo Mesto Development Centre - Slovenia; Municipality of Western Achaia and Municipality of Preveza - Greece; Observatory for Children and Youth Rights - Albania; City of Novigrad and the Development Agency of the City of Dubrovnik - Croatia.

The project will last for 24 months and will be funded under the second priority of the program (2.1) "Sustainable Region". On the second call of the Adriatic-Ionian Transnational Program, within the priorities of 2.1, for which TOHN applied, support was requested for 125 projects, from which 13 was approved for funding.

Read more about the reasons you should visit the coastline of Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.