02 July 2019 - The value of trade exchange between Montenegro and Turkey amounted more than 100 million EUR in 2018. Around 45.000 tourists from Turkey visited Montenegro and generated 110.000 overnight stays. Since 2010, Turkey has invested around 187 million EUR into the Montenegrin economy which makes Turkey the fifth most important investor. The first four months of 2019 have recorded positive trends. There are 2.282 Turkish enterprises in Montenegro currently, as reported by the CdM.

This was stated in the meeting between the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro Vlastimir Golubović and Turkish Ambassador to Montenegro, Gori Songul Ozan.

The officials stated that interstate relations between Montenegro and Turkey are at a very high level and that there is room for further strengthening of economic ties. Turkey will keep encouraging companies to develop their business in Montenegro.

Ozan pointed out that the intention was to attract serious Turkish investors who will create new jobs and share their rich business experience.

“I invite Turkish companies to start long-term, sustainable businesses in Montenegro, in favor of both states,” said the ambassador.

She pointed out that the prerequisites of further development were a connection with the agrarian sector and high-quality road infrastructure while stating that Turkey is ready to contribute to their improvement.

Golubović said that tourism, transport, energy and the agricultural sector were priority branches. He acquainted the ambassador with the current projects in Montenegro, and he also presented to her the organization and work of the Chamber, the oldest business association in the country.

The Chamber takes into consideration ever act which refers to the economy. It builds up international cooperation through participation in numerous international chamber associations.

“The Chamber of commerce is at the service of all its members and Turkish companies in our country,” concluded Golubović.

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

02 July 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović recently spoke with a delegation of OrCam, one of the most successful start-up companies in Israel in the field of digital technology. The visit came after President Đukanović's recent visit to Tel Aviv, during which he got familiar with the technological achievements of several Israeli companies. Israel's readiness to offer advanced technology to Montenegro was confirmed at that time during talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

From the Office of the President of Montenegro, they announced that Đukanović expressed satisfaction with continuing the dialogue with OrCam.

"The most valuable assistance, not only for Montenegro but for the whole region, is precisely to reduce the lagging behind and to realize modern technological advancements," the President said, stressing that Israel's leadership position in this area is an opportunity for successful inter-state cooperation.

He particularly noted the satisfaction that the first step in the cooperation project is for the visually impaired. Through the latest technological advancements to the visually impaired, it will be easier to read and write.

"Recognizing the significance of this project, the state will participate in the project," the Đukanović said.

He also added that, on the track of responsible examples of cooperation, this could be an incentive for other projects that will generate a culture of development based on new technologies.

Director Elad Serfaty expressed appreciation for the reception highly appreciating the president's commitment to projects that help visually impaired people, as well as the willingness of Montenegro to model high-tech projects using Israel’s model. He stressed that Montenegro could be the initiator of such cooperation for other countries of the region, but also other companies from Israel. In this context, they expressed readiness to open a research and development center in Montenegro.

OrCam devices such as OrCam MyEye are portable, artificial vision devices that allow visually impaired people to understand the text and identify objects through audio feedback, describing what they are unable to see.

Reuters described an essential part of how it works as "a wireless smart camera" which, when attached outside eyeglass frames, can read and verbalize text, and also supermarket barcodes. This information is converted to spoken words and entered "into the user’s ear." Face-recognition is also part of OrCam's feature set.

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

02 July 2019 - The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro has nominated Ulcinj Salina as a Ramsar Site, and after the recognition, the Salina will become the third site designated as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) in Montenegro.

This decision came after Ulcinj Salina was declared a protected area - Nature Park, at the session of the Municipal Assembly of Ulcinj, held on June 24, 2019, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro.

According to the results of the Protection Study, which was made during the proclamation process for the Nature Park, Ulcinj Salina fulfils 6 of the 9 criteria for listing under the Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance, reports Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism has filled out the Ramsar Information Sheet for the candidacy of Ulcinj Salina for the Ramsar Site in order to submit it to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat will consider the information provided on the Information Sheet, after which it will publicly announce the proclamation of the Ulcinj Salina as Ramsar Site and include Ulcinj Salina on the list of wetlands of international importance.

The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Since then, almost 90% of UN member states, from all the world’s geographic regions, have acceded to become “Contracting Parties”. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to working towards the wise use of all their wetlands, designating suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensuring their effective management and cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.

The convention came into force in Montenegro on 3 June 2006. Montenegro currently has 2 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 20,150 hectares: National Park Skadar Lake, which was enlisted in Ramsar list in 1995 and Tivat “Solila” registered in 2013.

01 July 2019 - Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković hosted an inaugural visit by Ambassador of Finland to Montenegro Kimmo Lähdevirta.

The Prime Minister welcomed Ambassador Lähdevirta and wished him success in his work. He thanked Finland for its support for Montenegro's EU bid, stressing the country's commitment to pursuing reforms in order to achieve European standards. In that regard, the Prime Minister said he is hopeful that during the Finnish presidency, which started yesterday, Montenegro will open the only remaining negotiating chapter and bring to an end the work on reports that will determine the internal willingness to close certain negotiating chapters.

According to the Public Relations Service of the Government of Montenegro report, Ambassador Lähdevirta informed the Prime Minister about the priorities of the Finnish presidency of the Council of the EU, noting that his country will promote the enlargement policy and that all the Western Balkan countries must have a European perspective. Finland, the Ambassador said, advocates for the regatta principle, that is, the individual assessment of the success of each candidate country.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro and the Ambassador of Finland agreed that the two countries have developed high-quality bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the fact that economic cooperation has been intensified as well, in particular referring to the cooperation between the Electric Power Industry of Montenegro and the Finnish Fortum on the project of one of the largest solar power plants in Europe . It was concluded that this project could set an example to more Finnish investors in Montenegro.

30 June 2019 - Prime ministers of Montenegro and Azerbaijan, Duško Marković and Novruz Mammadov, agreed during the official talks, which took place in Baku recently, that relations between the two countries are very good and friendly, characterised by intense political dialogue and a high level of understanding, with the continuous strengthening of economic cooperation, and that they see a common interest in further intensification of economic cooperation and mutual support at the international level.

30 June 2019 - Low-cost airlines have undoubtedly boosted the Montenegrin tourist economy, made a positive impact on the extension of the season, revenues and employment, and provided marketing visibility of Montenegro, said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

Nine low-cost air companies are currently operating flights from and to Montenegro. First flights were made six years ago.

“According to the official statistical data collected by the Statistical Office of Montenegro, introducing low-cost airlines resulted in an evident increase in the number of tourists, overnights and revenues generated on that basis,” said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, as reported by CdM.

They said that connecting Montenegro with important emitting markets was one of the best possibilities for a stable rise in foreign guests arrivals.

“General impact on tourism is just as important. The role of low-cost companies as catalysts of the extension of the season is crucial,” said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

Due to the considerable distance from the majority of its target emitting markets of western and Central Europe, Scandinavia, and because of its topographic characteristics, Montenegro is recognized as an air destination. In accordance with the Montenegro Tourism Development Strategy 2020, accessibility of Montenegro as a tourist destination represents one of the essential factors for the success of a tourist economy.

“To bring Montenegro closer to emitting markets of Western and Central Europe, in 2011, the Ministry of Tourism engaged in the activities on the introduction of low-cost air companies on the Montenegrin Market. Impact analysis carried out by the Ministry has shown that low-cost companies are going to provoke a rapid increase of the overall market,” said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

Until 2013, air accessibility of Montenegro was based on the operation of commercial air carriers and charter air companies.

“Low-cost air companies open a new chapter and contribute to the development of high-quality tourism,” pointed out the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

Thanks to low-cost air companies airports in Podgorica and Tivat have significantly increased their traffic flow and the cabin occupancy percentage during their flights is very high.

“In addition, flights operate throughout the whole year, which reduces the seasonality,” said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

“Available statistics show that Montenegro has been recording a constant and stable increase in the number of tourists and overnights off the main summer season, which means that we are slowly but surely getting closer to the strategic objective of Montenegro – becoming a year-round destination,” said the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism.

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

29 June 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović recently received Skender Durmishi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Montenegro in his farewell visit.

President of Montenegro thanked Ambassador Durmishi for excellent cooperation during his diplomatic mandate and contribution to the improvement of relations between the two countries.

"The coming into force of the agreement on borders, the opening of the Montenegrin Development Center in Kosovo, and the appointment of an honorary consul, are the processes that have strengthened confidence and improved cooperation," said Đukanović.

The Office of the President of Montenegro reported that Đukanović also added that Montenegro closely monitors the events in Kosovo, with the positions of friendly relations of the neighbors, but also with the desire that the problems that exist in the region get as soon as possible the epilogue in the interest of all. In this regard, the President expressed support for the renewal of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as soon as possible, in order to show responsibility to the region and its European perspective. Đukanović stressed that Montenegro is trying to be a constructive partner, aware of delicacy and its relevance to the stability of the region as a whole.

"With the same understanding, Montenegro will continue to support the stability and prosperity of Kosovo and its further European integration," said Đukanović.

The President also conveyed to Ambassador Durmishi the gratitude of Montenegro for the attention of Kosovo towards the Montenegrin national community and the progress in creating the conditions for its gathering and constructive action.

Ambassador Durmishi thanked President Đukanović for his reception, stressing that he was privileged and honored to be the first Ambassador of Kosovo to Montenegro, where, he said, he encountered an exceptional reception and cooperation of Montenegrin institutions. Durmishi stressed that he was looking forward to the successes of Montenegro and that he has high remarks for Montenegro’s contribution to regional progress.

The interlocutors agreed that so far results in cooperation are a good basis for further deepening of relations primarily in the field of economy, infrastructure, and culture.

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

29 June 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received the Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, who is visiting Montenegro.

The President expressed satisfaction with the visit of the Vice-President, and with the opportunity to meet with her, emphasizing the importance of a continuous dialogue on the quality of interstate cooperation, which Montenegro and Bulgaria consistently confirm in practice.

Relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria are traditionally good, Đukanović said, especially in the context of supporting our integration aspirations. He recalled the stable opportunities and strategic goals of our country, achieved membership in NATO and the leadership position in the process of EU accession. To that end, the adoption of a European value system and a higher quality of life leads us, said the President, a commitment to comprehensive reforms.

The President also referred to the current situation in the region and on the importance of resolving the remaining open issues, as reported the Office of the President of Montenegro. He pointed out the importance of the region's integration, for its stability, stressing that there is no stability of the Balkans without its Europeanization, neither stability nor competitiveness of Europe without a stable Balkans.

The Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria thanked the President for his reception, with high marks for the quality of relations between the two countries. She expressed full support for Montenegro's integration process, with the assessment that Montenegro's progress is significant. 

"The position of the Bulgarian state in terms of enlargement is unambiguous. The place for Montenegro is in the EU, and gradually for other WB countries," Iotova said, stressing that it is a common task not only to restore the scope of enlargement to the EU agenda, but to turn it into its main foreign policy priority.

Iotova agreed with Đukanović that the security of Europe is not possible without the stability of the WB, and emphasized that the integration of the region is a guarantee for its development and progress.

It is jointly assessed that the continuation of cooperation and dialogue is crucial for further improvement and strengthening the European perspective of the region.

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

30 June 2019 - At a recent joint press statement following the tenth meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the EU and Montenegro, it was highlighted that The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to make further efforts to improve key areas like the rule of law, economic governance and public administration, and welcomed the country’s positive track record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

The EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) held its tenth meeting on 27 June 2019. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador/State Secretary Zoran Janković of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro. H.E. Luminița Odobescu, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Romania to the European Union, led the EU delegation on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. Ms Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, Director for the Western Balkans represented the European Commission.

The SA Council meeting provided a timely opportunity to review Montenegro's progress in its preparations for accession and to consider priorities for further work within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

In the context of the accession negotiations, the SA Council welcomed the opening of two additional chapters since the last meeting. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to continue its work on meeting all benchmarks and to continue focusing on the fundamentals of the accession process: rule of law, economic governance and public administration reform. It encouraged Montenegro to continue the genuine inclusion of civil society and other stakeholders in preparations for EU accession and the policy-making process in general.

Concerning the Copenhagen political criteria, the SA Council noted the prolonged boycott of Parliament by parts of the opposition and encouraged all political actors to fully return the political debate to the democratic institutions, notably to Parliament, where it belongs. The SA Council recalled the importance of a comprehensive reform of the electoral framework, and of addressing the findings and recommendations of electoral observation missions. It also underlined the need to continue to provide a credible, independent and effective institutional response to allegations of corruption and illegal political party financing.

The SA Council noted the results already achieved by Montenegro on reforming its legal and institutional framework and establishing an initial track record in most areas under chapters 23 and 24. It stressed that Montenegro’s overall priority in the accession negotiations and the next important step ahead, was the fulfilment of the interim benchmarks set under chapters 23 and 24. It, therefore, encouraged Montenegro to continue intensifying its efforts, in particular by addressing the remaining shortcomings in certain key areas, such as media freedom, the fight against corruption and trafficking in human beings. It stressed that concrete results in the area of the rule of law were now crucial.

The SA Council strongly commended Montenegro for its consistent cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues, in particular, its continuous full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Council also welcomed that Ulcinj Salina has been proclaimed a nature park and encouraged further efforts of Montenegro to protect the Salina and to improve the management of all protected areas and other potential Natura 2000 sites. It also held an exchange of views on developments in Montenegro and the Western Balkans.

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

29 June 2019 - Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković recently hosted Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, reports Government of Montenegro.

During the meeting, it was concluded that friendly and partnership relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria are in particular strengthened by Bulgaria's continued support during Montenegro's accession to NATO and now in the process of EU integration.

"Our relations can hardly be better than they are. They could only become stronger in terms of economic cooperation," said Prime Minister Marković.

He thanked the Vice Presidents of Bulgaria for the important initiative that last year, during the Bulgarian presidency of the European Union, actualised the issue of enlargement of the Union, which resulted in the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia. The Prime Minister added that the initiative launched by President Boyko Borisov to include the Adriatic-Ionian corridor on the list of European corridors co-financed by the European Union was of paramount significance for Montenegro.

Vice President Iotova announced the continuation of strong support for the European integration process of Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, especially stressing that Bulgaria insists on regatta principle or on a separate evaluation of the success of each candidate country. Prime Minister Marković reiterated Montenegro's firm position on the need to open accession talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania.

Bulgaria's Vice President pledged her country's support to the initiative of Montenegro to open the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies.

The meeting concluded that it is a mutual interest to include Bulgaria in the governing part of the Berlin Process for the Western Balkan countries.

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