07 July 2019 - "The Western Balkans Summit in Poznan confirmed a clear European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. That message was conveyed by both the EU and the member states of the Union," Prime Minister Duško Marković told the press at the end of the Summit.

"There is no doubt that the enlargement policy is one of the best EU policies and it contributes to the stability of progress and development. It would be impossible to leave 18 million Western Balkan citizens out of the European space. There is no logic or justification for that. Today, it has been clearly stated that the vision of enlargement to the Western Balkans is alive and that in the Western Balkans we should continue to work to fulfill our obligations," Prime Minister Marković stressed.

The Cabinet of the Prime Minister reported that Marković also added that the sixth Summit of the Western Balkans confirmed the vision of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel as an extension to the enlargement policy. PM Marković said that the Berlin Process contributed to the new values ​​of the Western Balkans as a whole and each country individually.

"We in particular focused on the implementation of the connection agenda, as the infrastructure connectivity is the key to the overall development of the Balkans, especially each country individually. We expressed satisfaction with the degree of infrastructure projects implementation and the approved funds. Montenegro has withdrawn more than EUR 170 million and we are set to continue this way in the future," Prime Minister Marković underlined.

For Montenegro, he added, this Summit is particularly important. The Memorandum on the creation of preconditions for the construction of the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in South East Europe was signed. Montenegro is the initiator of this project. CERN, European Commission and the Science Commissioner pledged support to this project. The serious efforts of the Government, primarily of the Ministry of Science, have yield results today, and this testifies to the fact that the Western Balkans steadily progress towards the EU.

When asked by journalists whether he talked with Prime Minister Ana Brnabić about the Draft Law on Freedom of Religion, Prime Minister Marković said that he opened the issue with his Serbian counterpart.

"Prime Minister Brnabić asked me what it is about. I said that this is about drafting the law as a programme and constitutional obligation of the Government, based on the standards and principles of not only national legislation but also the Council of Europe," said PM Marković, stressing that the issue of religious communities in Montenegro is currently regulated by the Law of 1977.

"There is no reason for confrontation between the two countries on this issue. We agreed that we should discuss these and other issues directly at the institutional level, and that we will not raise tensions between the two states because we do not need them, " the Prime Minister pointed out.

The Prime Minister assessed the brief conversation with his Serbian counterpart Brnabić as beneficial, hopeful that in the coming days, the conditions will be created for discussing these issues as two neighbouring and friendly countries.

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

08 July 2019 - The program Creative Montenegro (Montenegrin: Kreativna Crna Gora), launched by the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro, provided the successful results the Ministry anticipated. At the first competition within the aforementioned program, which will result in the establishment of the Montenegrin cultural product, as the result of cooperation between the creative sector and the entrepreneurial – production sector, a total of 11 authors will be supported. These authors have created ten projects and products, and one scientific study.

“By providing basic conditions and means for work-space, equipment, promotions, etc. we can say with certainty that the Ministry, together with the authors, has successfully launched 10 new businesses in culture, which is why we want to motivate other artists to apply for this program with their existing initiatives and ideas,” said the PR service of the Ministry.

Bearing in mind the significance of the program Creative Montenegro, primarily in terms of affirming the authors and the significance of their projects for the creation of the Montenegrin cultural product, the Ministry of Culture will present each of the authors and their projects to the public.

The author of one of the 11 ideas supported by the contest Creative Montenegro is Marija Bojović from Podgorica, who is already implementing the idea of ​​a solar bench. It is a project of the original design solution based on solar panels, and the bench is fully adapted for production and assembly in Montenegro.

Thanks to the possibility to produce this product in Montenegro, with its modern design, its purpose and the possibilities it offers, the product is competitive with those that Montenegro imports from the countries of the region.

Marija Bojović pointed out that Montenegro's smart bench is the answer to world trends. Aside from its main purpose as a bench, Montenegrin smart bench offers the charging of phones and tablets through solar energy and free internet access. “Work on the design of the idea lasted for about a year, because I - as an architect – not only dealt with the design of the bench, but also with achieving a certain level of flexibility of the product. The product has already come to life in our market, so three benches on the coast and two in Danilovgrad have been installed,” said Bojović.

“The support of the Ministry was important to Bojović, because the project Creative Montenegro is a great initiative that helps young authors to work freely on their product, and in that way, we directly influence the diversity of cultural space in Montenegro,” concluded Bojović. She pointed out that smart benches are made by order, and that preparations are being made for setting up her sixth solar bench in Podgorica.

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

08 July 2019 - The establishment of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Centre in Montenegro was announced on July 5 by the PR service of the International Theatre Institute. The main goal of the new centre in Montenegro will be to advance UNESCO’s goals of mutual understanding and peace and to advocate the protection and promotion of cultural expression, regardless of age, gender, creed, or ethnicity.

“Thanks to the initiative of the Italian Centre of ITI, the International Theatre Institute is able to announce the Montenegro Centre of ITI. The Executive Council and the General Secretariat are happy to welcome the new Centre and its members. Their official address is Baja Pivljanina no:4, 81 250 Cetinje, Montenegro and can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Their board is made up of Nataša Kraljević (President), Slobodan Božović (Vice-President), Janko Ljumović (Vice-President), Lidija Dedović (General Secretary), Radmila Vojvodić, Nada Vukčević, Jelena Marković, Branislav Mićunović and Srđan Grahovac,” states the official announcement by the International Theatre Institute.

The Ministry of Culture of Montenegro announced that the official conference on the establishment of the ITI Montenegro Centre will be held in February 2020 in Cetinje, and next year, the agenda of the newly established centre will include a regional ITI conference in cooperation with centres in Ljubljana, Belgrade and Zagreb.

"The goal of establishing the International Theater Institute in Montenegro - ITI Montenegro, is the creation of an organization based on UNESCO's programs and the goals that this organization implements in the sphere of culture, education, and art. ITI Montenegro in its work will put a special focus on strengthening the cultural scene in ITI Montenegro is becoming a part of the world organization, the International Theater Institute, and serves as a platform for the promotion of Montenegrin culture, the exchange of artists and professionals in the sphere of culture and education, in the European and European contexts and in the field of arts and culture. world level," the statement said.

As the representatives of the Ministry highlight, since 1962 World Theatre Day has been celebrated by ITI Centres, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, theatre organizations, theatre universities and theatre lovers all over the world on the 27th of March. This day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

"Every year the Executive Council of ITI chooses an outstanding theatre personality to write the message for World Theatre Day, which is celebrated since 1962 on the 27th of March all over the world. Although the ITI message for March 27 is read every year, so far our country has not been part of this prestigious and largest theatrical network, founded in 1948, which has more than 100 centres in the world. With the establishment of ITI Montenegro, Montenegro is officially on the map of the International Theatre Institute, and its headquarters are at the Royal Theatre Zetski dom in Cetinje," conclude in a statement.

"The goal of establishing the International Theatre Institute in Montenegro - ITI Montenegro, is the creation of an organization based on UNESCO's programs and the goals that this organization implements in the sphere of culture, education, and art. ITI Montenegro will put a special focus in its work on strengthening the cultural scene in Montenegro, through the promotion of art and artists with the clear intention to adopt professional world standards. With its establishment, ITI Montenegro is becoming a part of the world organization, the International Theatre Institute, and serves as a platform for the promotion of Montenegrin culture, the exchange of artists and professionals in the sphere of culture and education not only with Europe but also the world," the statement said.

The International Theatre Institute is the world’s largest performing arts network founded in 1948 by theatre and dance experts and UNESCO, striving for a society in which performing arts and their artists thrive and flourish. The aim of the founders of ITI was to build an organization that was aligned with UNESCO’s goals on culture, education and the arts, and which would focus its endeavours on improving the status of all members of the performing arts professions. They envisaged an organization that created platforms for international exchange and for engagement in the education of the performing arts, for beginners and professionals alike, as well as using the performing arts for mutual understanding and peace.

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

07 July 2019 - One of the most important global automobile brands, Ferrari, filmed a car advertisement in Montenegro, which is the result of the program VR Montenegro, behind which is the production house Artikulacija, supported by the program of the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro and the Creative Montenegro Project.

This is one of the most significant results of the entire Creative Montenegro Project so far. Namely, for the first time in Montenegro, renowned global clients chose locations for recording with VR equipment.

Ministry of Culture of Montenegro reported that Minister Aleksandar Bogdanović visited the film set, which said that the example of the idea of ​​VR Montenegro says that cooperation between the public and private sectors in the field of culture can have remarkable effects.

"From the very beginning, we believed in the project VR Montenegro, which we recognized as an exceptional idea of​​ production house Artikulacija - and just a month was enough to see the first concrete benefits. We can all benefit from such projects, especially Montenegro, as a destination. Recording high-end advertisements and films at our locations, which we now present through VR equipment, is a powerful contributor and development of the sector of culture and economy as a whole," said Minister Bogdanović.

He also added that he is looking forward to the success of Artikulacija production house and announced that the second month will be followed by the second call within the program Creative Montenegro Project.

"We are encouraged by the progress of other projects that we supported through Creative Montenegro. This month, we are preparing a second call, and once again I invite artists who have ideas in the field of creative industries to apply, since we are preparing an even more generous budget," Bogdanović stressed.

The owner of Artikulacija production house Ivan Đurović emphasized that he is glad that this event confirmed that the program Creative Montenegro Project is based on realistic bases.

"When we applied for the programme, our goal was to quickly return the money that Montenegro has invested in the competition and I think we are on the right track. All these years I say that - apart from the fact that the film has its own artistic and weight in terms of the emancipation that the state can receive - the film industry is precisely through the "production service" can exceptionally return the state to all investments," concluded Đurović.

He also said that the production service is an exceptional potential - both for Montenegrin cinemas and for the country itself.

Recording of the advertisement for Ferrari for its model 488 Spider will last several days at six different locations in Montenegro. As already mentioned, the production team of Ferrari chose all the locations using VR technology - or without a prior visit to Montenegro.

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

06 July 2019 - The Directive EU 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment will be incorporated into Montenegro’s legal system, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro confirmed.

The document prohibits placing single-use plastic products on the market and its provisions are going to be inserted into our legal system through the new Law on Waste Management and the relevant secondary legislation, reported CdM.

The goals of the Directive EU 2019/904 are to limit the adverse impact of such single-use plastic products on the environment, as well as to promote Europe’s transition to a circular economy by using innovative and sustainable models, products and materials.

Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro explained that the whole Part B of the Directive, which provides the list of single-use plastic products on restrictions on placing on the market, is going to be incorporated into the Montenegrin legal system.

Montenegro recently also introduced that plastic bags will soon be history, and in the future Montenegrin consumers will carry goods bought at the market as they once used to do - in wicker baskets, linen or paper bags. This is how the imminent future might look if the proposed Waste Management Bill gets approved, which is now due to the working group.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism organized a public debate on the Draft Law in August 2018. After that, several articles were added to the draft, including the ban on plastic bags "used for placing goods available to consumers". Plastic bags, as stated in the Proposal, will only be permitted if the packaging in which the product is packed and if the use of such items is "necessary for security reasons".

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

06 July 2019 - Research of the Service for the Protection of the Natural and Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development of the Public Enterprise National Parks of Montenegro has shown that the Jezerski peak in the National Park Lovćen is threatened by the complete degradation of the endemic species of pines, which is included in the European Habitats Directive - NATURA 2000.

To preserve this very important, rare and protected species in Montenegro, the PE National Parks of Montenegro, in cooperation with the protected areas in Italy and Albania, started the 2014 - 2020 Interreg IPA CBC Italy – Albania - Montenegro Project Low Adriatic Species and Habitat - LASPEH.

The contraction of biological diversity (number, variety and variability of living organisms) affects not only the natural environment but also our economic and social goals. The priority of preserving biodiversity, and the possible consequences of not doing so, makes it a cross - border issue: it is important to maintain and strengthen ecosystems by giving them space to develop all their functions and to flexibly react on climate change and human effects.

For these reasons four management bodies of parks and protected areas in Italy (three located in Puglia and one in Molise) and both national agencies for the management of national parks of Albania and Montenegro decided to implement together a common action to promote and support the biodiversity safeguard and to develop joint management plans for cross-border habitat and ecosystem, explains Keep.eu.

Particularly, the project LASPEH - Low Adriatic Species and Habitat focused its attention on three species and three habitats very important for their ecological value, extinction concerns or endemic aspects in the Low Adriatic basin. The three species (and their pilot areas) are: tetrao urogallus (National Park Mali Tomorrit/Albania), botaurus stellaris (Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Coast of Taranto/Puglia) and aythya nyroca (Regional Natural Park "Litorale of Ugento"/Puglia); the three habitat (with their pilot area) are: pseudo - steppe with grasses and annuals of Thero - Brachypodietea (Regional Natural Park "Coastal dunes from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo"/Puglia), Tilio - Acerlon forests of slopes, screes and ravines (Oasi WWF Guardiaregia-Campochiaro/Molise) and Macedonian pinus peuce forests (National Park of Lovćen/Montenegro).

For each identified species/habitat PPs will develop a specific pilot project activity and plan (together) common cross - border guidelines for the management in the program area of the same species/habitat.

06 July 2019 - One of the most famous world travel guides, Lonely Planet, has published another interesting article about Montenegro, in which it advises on how best to meet the charm that Montenegro has, recommends Northern Montenegro as an ideal place to escape the summer crowds, introduces readers to the turbulent history of this country, but also speaks about the mentality of the Montenegrin people.

Bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breath-taking beaches and larger-than-life locals, minuscule Montenegro proves once and for all that good things do indeed come in small packages, the author highlights.

Lonely Planet’s article explains that Montenegro offers a warm welcome for all tourists. “It's nigh on impossible to come across a travel section without someone trumpeting Montenegro as the new 'it' destination. And though the country is rightfully revelling in the spotlight, the people remain as they've always been: candid, convivial and charming. Unlike in many other emerging destinations, hassling and scamming visitors isn't big on Montenegrins' agenda; for the most part, you're more likely to encounter a spontaneous bear hug than a bothersome tout. Whether you're chasing highland hospitality or coastal comradery, expect gregarious greetings, the shirt off your host's back and the addition of at least 5kg; these folks love to feed,” it is stated in the article.

It's not even 300 km from tip to toe, but Montenegro's coastline crams in some of Europe’s most spectacular seaside scenery. Mountains jut sharply from crystal-clear waters in such a way that the word 'looming' is unavoidable. Ancient walled towns cling to the rocks and dip their feet in the water like they're the ones on holiday. In summer, the whole scene is bathed in the scent of wild herbs, conifers and Mediterranean blossoms. All of this – and much, much more – is wrapped up into an area two-thirds of the size of Wales.

When the beaches fill up with Eastern European sun-seekers, intrepid travellers can easily sidestep the hordes by getting off the beaten track in the rugged mountains of Durmitor and Prokletije, the primeval forest of Biogradska Gora, or in the many towns and villages where ordinary Montenegrins go about their daily lives. Hike, horse ride, mountain bike or kayak yourself to somewhere obscure and chances are you'll have it all to yourself. This is, after all, a country where wolves and bears still lurk in forgotten corners.

Ever since the Roman Empire split in two 1600 years ago, Montenegro has sat on the borderline between east and west. The richness of its cultural history can be seen in the mosaic floors of Roman villas, flamboyantly painted Orthodox monasteries, ornate Catholic churches, elegant minarets of mosques, and the sturdy fortresses built by the numerous powers that have fought over these lands. Then there's the legacy of 50 years as a non-aligned communist state, independent of both the Eastern Bloc and the West. For those with even a passing interest in European history, it's a fascinating place.

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

04 July 2019 - The recent visit of Prime Minister, Duško Marković, to Azerbaijan was very important in the context of promoting friendship, enhancing cooperation and partnership between two Governments, said the Director of Cultural and Economic Center of Azerbaijan and Montenegro, Sejran Mirzazada. He hopes that opening Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan will stimulate expanded cooperation, as CdM reported.

“Our states have stable mutual relations. Azerbaijan gives the development of relations with Montenegro special importance. Today, our states have efficient cooperation and we are constantly finding ways to expand it,” Mirzazada and added that Azerbaijan was currently the greatest investor in Montenegro.

Marković was in his official visit to Azerbaijan from 23 June to 25 June, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Novruz Mamadov.

“I firmly believe that very soon this visit and our priceless meetings will make a positive contribution to the advancement of our relations,” said Mirzazada.

He pointed out that the Montenegrin delegation had had the opportunity to present numerous tourist potentials of Montenegro.

“Parties exchanged views on the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the energy sector, tourism, construction, agriculture, and transport. It was highlighted that the business environment and economic interests had to be mutually examined,” said Mirzazada.

He added that Montenegrin delegation had called on Azerbaijani investors to invest in agriculture, transport and infrastructure projects, as well as development projects in northern parts of Montenegro.

“In that context, they had considered the possibilities for the cooperation within Trans Adriatic and Ionian pipeline,” pointed out Mirzazada.

The second meeting of Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between the Governments of two friendly countries took place on 25 June in Baku.

“It was stated in the meeting that two governments should consider the possibilities for export of industrial and agricultural products in Montenegro as well as import of high-quality products from Montenegro to Azerbaijan. The turnover between our countries is expected to grow. In his address, Marković pointed out that government support to investors encouraged Azerbaijani investors,” said Mirzazada who expects positive results in the future.

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

04 July 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received a well-known American political scientist, writer and professor Yoshihiro Francis Fukuyama, who is visiting Montenegro within the program "Prestigious Leadership Academy for Development" organized by the Faculty of Economics and Center for Democratic Transition with the support of the Center for democracy, development and rule of law of Stanford University, the Balkan Trust for Democracy and the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

President Đukanović expressed his satisfaction with the visit of Professor Fukuyama to Montenegro and the opportunity for Montenegrin students to hear his lecture, reported the Office of the President of Montenegro. He also added that Montenegro is a sincere advocate of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, primarily because of the need to adopt the European system of values and achieve European quality of life through the reform process. Noting that he is aware of the unpopularity of demanding reforms, he recalls that in this region we do not have the luxury of further lagging behind the developed Europe.

"With all European weaknesses, integration into the EU is an uncompromising need of the countries of the WB," Đukanović said.

Professor Fukuyama expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for the meeting during his first visit to Montenegro. He said that the reason for his frequent visits to our region was the existence of a confrontation between the two systems, liberal democracy on the one and the system that dominantly came from Russia and other countries. In this context, he welcomed Montenegro's decision to join NATO, stressing that this organization represents the most serious alliance in the world and a mechanism that preserves our values. Pointing to contemporary dangers such as populism, social networks and globalism, he expressed his belief in the survival and victory of a democratic system of values and the development of democracy.

"NATO and the EU are offering much better options than the alternatives we are exposed to," Fukuyama said.

Đukanović and Fukuyama also discussed other current European and global issues.

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

03 July 2019 - Intense heat in Podgorica and the south of the country has made domestic and foreign tourists look for some refreshment in the mountains. Durmitor has always been a tourist favorite and Žabljak is already packed with tourists, Director of the Tourist Organization Žabljak, Vanja Krgović-Šarović said, adding that the beginning of the season was very successful, reported CdM.

“We had two rainy months, the weather was bad and that definitely affected the tourist arrivals. Bur since the beginning of June, it is been much better. There is around 80% of hotel capacities occupancy,“ said Krgović-Šarović.

On this occasion, she also announced numerous events that will take place in Žabljak.

“We are starting congress tourism today. To be precise, a congress which is going to gather around 120 dermatovenerologists from Montenegro. After that, there is Days of Mountain Flowers, an event which is going to last six days this year, maybe even for a whole week, as it is going to feature numerous amenities,” pointed out Kargović-Šarović.

She added that there are going to be several cultural events too, in August, mostly.

“There will be three festivals in the coming month: one-day musical festival, international Green Film Fest, and finally, Wild Beauty Art. We expect big numbers of tourist in September as well,” said Krgović-Šarović.

She has many suggestions for those who are still indecisive about spending their vacation in the mountains.

“As far as short, one-day visits to Žabljak are concerned, Durmitor Ring is a must. The trip is 80 km long and we offer the possibilities of driving in jeeps, cars or bicycles. Around 80% of this panoramic route covers the National Park. We have a great audio guide and a map translated into several languages,” said Krgović-Šarović.

She also suggests bicycle rides and quads, Nevidio canyoning, Tara rafting, short routes or several-day-long ones. For younger tourists, adrenaline-lovers, there’s paragliding and Via Ferrata, an alpine path.

“I would also recommend mountaineering. Durmitor really has a lot to offer and that’s why I would suggest several days of mountaineering. Every path has its own beauty and something to offer. Families with children can enjoy walks to Black Lake, Riblje and Valovito Lake,” concluded the Director of TO Žabljak.

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