04 May 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović attended the opening of the "Sedona Forum" in the town of Sedona, at the invitation of Kurt Volker, executive director of the "McCain Institute for International Leadership" on his first day in Arizona.

The Forum was opened by the Executive Director, Volker, who recalled that this significant security-political event, organized for the seventh time, traditionally brings together political leaders, thinkers and business and academia representatives, with the aim of seeking answers to all the more serious modern challenges in the world.

He stressed that this year the responsibility of the participants is greater, as the forum for the first time will not hear thoughts from the man who inspired it, as Senator McCain passed away last year. At an official dinner for leaders, where President Đukanovic was among the most distinguished guests, participants paid respect to the deceased senator, while guests were welcomed by the governor of Arizona Doug Doucey and the rector of the State University of Arizona Dr. Michael Crow.

President Đukanović had an open and very contentful bilateral meeting with the executive director Kurt Volker, who conveyed the greetings of the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, as well as the support for Montenegro in addressing the challenges facing Montenegro on the road to achieving strategic goals.

The President informed Volker about current processes in Montenegro, the massive results achieved following the renewal of independence on the internal and international plan as well as projections for further economic and democratic development and progress in the negotiation process with the European Union.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on the current situation in the region and agreed on ways to tackle the remaining open issues, with the assessment that the presence and joint action of the European Union and the United States of America are crucial for this as well as for the European perspective of the region.

Otherwise, calls to the "Sedona Forum" are addressed to a limited and selected number of participants, and discussions on all issues are of a closed type and can not be cited and published.

04 May 2019 - This year’s season has started better than expected and Montenegro can already expect that revenues from tourism would reach 1,1 million EUR, as estimated by co-owner of the Montenegro Stars Hotel Group and president of the Montenegrin Tourism Association, Žarko Radulović.

According to him, this will be a record-breaking year for tourism in Montenegro. He also pointed out that tourism could manage to generate even more revenues, but some things must be arranged prior to that.

“I mean primarily on fiscal discipline and then on the unfair competition. In addition, coastal towns must be fashioned after the high-end tourism destinations,” said Radulović.

As for the expectations from the summer tourist season, he says that everything will go better than they have been expecting.

Tourists are coming even earlier than last year. According to him, that is a sign that Montenegro has entered the Western Europe market.

“This means that companies and other associations which were traditionally going to other destinations now spotted Montenegro and arrivals are going to increase in the forthcoming period,” Radulović noted, emphasizing that this means that the next winter season will be even better.

The number of new flights is continuously increasing and that is what brings tourists.

“The number of announced flights is almost the same as last year. There is a somewhat lower number of those from Russia which we certainly expected but still, we are still satisfied,” concluded Radulović.

04 May 2019 - Tourists who want to bring their pets to their holiday in Montenegro are finally getting a chance to bring their pets to the sandy beaches! According to the latest announcement, the first pet-friendly swimming areas on the Montenegrin coast will be arranged within the summer 2019 season!

The Strategy for Sustainable Beach Management, developed by the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro, will bring a number of nudist beaches, family swimming resorts, public city swimming areas, and for the first time in Montenegro - pet-friendly swimming areas!

Three pet-friendly swimming areas will be opened in the Municipality of Budva, according to Ivana Lazović from the Coastal Zone Management Enterprise.

As Lazović pointed out during an interview for Radio Slobodna Evropa, there will be a fully functional pet-friendly swimming area within the Slovenska beach, which will have all the necessary infrastructure. “Another pet-friendly beach resort is planned on the Buljarica beach, but we are still waiting for a tenant. The third pet-friendly beach in Budva will be in front of the Hotel Avala," Lazović highlighted.

As announced by the Coastal Zone Management Enterprise, each pet-friendly swimming area (beach) will have to have prominently displayed behavioural rules for owners and their dogs, cleaning equipment, showers, food and water containers, and toys for the pets.

For many tourists around the world, going on summer or winter holidays means taking their pet on a journey as well. Aleksandar Zeković, who often travels with his dog outside of Montenegrin borders concluded that, when it comes to pets, Montenegrin tourism, but also society as a whole, falls behind compared to the rest of the world.

During an interview for Radio Slobodna Evropa, Zeković said: "When you want to book an accommodation in a different country, the first thing I check is whether the hotel is pet-friendly. Luckily, a significant number of hotels abroad is open to pets, which allows me to organize my trip in a quality way. In Montenegro, on the other hand, I can rarely find accommodation, private or hotel, in which I can spend time with my pet. We’re just not there yet as a society.”

According to the data from the website "Tourism Review", in Germany, France, Italy and Austria, more than 40% of hotels accept pets. In major European cities like Berlin, over 50 percent of the total accommodation capacity is pet-friendly.

The data also shows that Germany tops the list of top 10 countries in the world where hotels accept pets. The second and third places are also European countries - Italy and Austria, while among the 10 are also the Netherlands, Russia and Greece.

03 May 2019 - At the end of September 2019, Herceg Novi could host a birthday celebration of the largest carnival family in the world, FECC - Dies Natalis 2019, if the Montenegrin presentation wins over Italy and Macedonia, which also submitted their presentations.

The final decision will be made after the presentation, which will be held at the end of June at the convention of the Federation of European Carnival Cities - FECC, in the Turkish city of Yalova.

The president of the NGO Maškare, Ivan Peulić recently spoke with the members of the International Board of FECC, Budva Municipality President, Marko Bato Carević and representatives of the Tourist Organization of Budva on the topic of following 17th International Travel Carnival Festival.

"Support has certainly come from representatives of the FECC of Montenegro. At the convention in Turkey, we will present Herceg Novi and Montenegro as possible destinations of this event. An official meeting was held today at Hotel Alexander with FECC president Lars Algel. The meeting was also attended by FECC President Montenegro Branko Đurica, Vice President of the International Board of FECC Josip Silov, as well as members of the board Aleksandar Cicimov and Aleksandar Vasović," said Peulić for Radio Jadran.

He is convinced that Herceg Novi could be the host of this event, because there is a great chance for this to happen.

"A good "basis" for this is our jubilee Feast of Mimosa, after which there are plenty of positive impressions, and we must try to design a better programme for this weekend and present Herceg Novi as a desirable destination. The birthday of FECC every year moves to another country. As far as I know now, we have a better impression compared to Italy and Macedonia, and I hope that 25 nations will support the convention." pointed out Peulić.

The Herceg Novi Municipality already accepted the proposal and unofficially supported the candidacy in March during the Mimosa Feast, while the support was provided by the Directorate of the 50th Feast of Mimosa, the President of the Municipality, Stevan Katić and Vice President Miloš Konjević.

"Maškare" are also participating in the 17th International Travel Carnival and 18th Spring Night under Masks.

"The carnival officially began last night, the programme on the streets of Budva, the restaurant and cafes that were full of food. Abrum was led by Carnival Director Marija Pjerotić and a delegation from the International Board of FECC. The carnival atmosphere already staggered last night with numerous masks that continued the party in the old town's streets. "Satiri" is one of 72 carnival groups from Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro," concluded Peulić.

At 7.30 PM a large carnival rally from the main Post Office to the Square of the Painter is planned, and at 11.30 PM "The Carnival Show" is scheduled. Programme leaders and hosts will be members of The Books of Books.

02 May 2019 - If you are a real enthusiast who likes to wander and explore hidden destinations and experience the unique feeling of discovering something new, hidden and so well preserved, check out the top five hidden locations in Montenegro by Meanderbug Travel.

Montenegro is following in the footsteps of our neighbor Croatia and becoming the next “it” destination. However, like anywhere else, you cannot expect to truly immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage just by visiting the tourist hotspots.

In order to truly understand the people of Montenegro and our culture, you have to go back to our very own roots–the villages. It’s where our grandmas make the best, hearty dishes, where the air is as fresh as it gets and where the family tribes have chosen to live for the last 19 centuries.

A village holiday in Montenegro is a great idea if you are looking for an escape in the country of wild beauty. You can get to know the authentic Montenegrin culture in the households locals built for tourists and immerse yourselves in the rustic landscape, while at the same time enjoying gigantic portions of organic food.

Here’s a list of 5 villages that are perfect destinations for a village holiday in Montenegro. These are great for solo travelers, couples, families–literally anyone!

Lubnice, Berane

Full of apple orchards decorating the land of our partners,  Lubnice is located on the backside of Biogradska Gora National Park.  Although it is not officially within the borders, it is just as beautiful as the national park itself. The village presents several access points to some of the less explored places in the park. One of the most rustic parts of Montenegro, Lubnice is perfect for activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing. There are also many opportunities to forage for mushrooms, herbs, and berries, which grow in abundance in the nearby forests.

Think Lubnice is exactly what you’re looking for? We can help. And, booking through Meanderbug means you are investing in the families of so many locals as we continue to work with, support, and coach a growing number of village partners. Your stay expands the economy of the underdeveloped north and helps locals live a better life!

Zabes selo, Skadar lake

Located in the heart of Skadar Lake National Park, Zabes Selo is a gem hidden from nearby Virpazar. Here, tourists rent boats to meander around the beautiful Skadar Lake. This area is also known for its vineyards that produce the best quality wine in the whole country. There are many vineyard tours you can book for wine tasting, as well as lake tours on Skadar Lake. Both are within proximity to breathtaking mountains and the warm Adriatic sea, making Zabes a perfect village holiday destination in Montenegro for a full Montenegrin experience.

We invite you to book a cabin in Zabes. Due to its popularity, we advise you to make your booking before the New Year!

Konjuhe, Andrijevica

Konjuhe used to be a favorite retreat destination for many emperors long ago.  Locals also know it by the names of Emperors’ retreats and Emperors’ households. The name of the village comes from the word “konj” which means horse because it is believed emperors kept their favorite horses there. Surrounded by the slopes of Komovi mountain, your holiday village in Montenegro here combines elements of quiet retreat with plenty of opportunities for adventure, such as mountain biking, hiking, caving, and Nordic skiing!

Konjuhe is a central location in the crossroads connecting historical sites such as the ancient Roman settlement of Doclea (Duklja), medieval Budimlja and the medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery of Dečani. It is also an ideal spot for exploring Mount Komovi.

Lipovo, Kolašin

Surrounded by the slopes of 3 mountains – Sinjajevina and Bjelasica with Durmitor in the distance, Lipovo is a perfect village for hikers and mountain bikers, as one main road connects all of the mountains with the village. It is also close to the Biogradska Gora National Park, a green haven of Montenegro.

If you’re looking for a smooth, scenic hike, you can go for Mount Sinjajevina, which has a perfect terrain. Its plateau is ideal for winter cross-country and backcountry skiing.

Ravna rijeka, Bijelo Polje

Ravna Rijeka has a train stop on the Belgrade–Bar railway, which National Geographic rated as one of the best train trips in the world. One of the least explored areas in the country, Ravna Rijeka is an excellent, year-round destination that offers snowshoeing, Nordic and cross-country skiing during winter, and scenic hiking trips.  You can enjoy various outdoor activities during the summer as well. Ravna Rijeka is another hidden Montenegrin gem that is rustic, but provides access to Bijelo Polje, the largest Montenegrin city in the north.

Original article by Meanderbug Travel on November 27th, 2018.

01 May 2019 - Representatives of the Government of Montenegro congratulated May 1st - International Labour Day to all employees, stating that on this day the Government is sharing the satisfaction knowing that in relation to the beginning of the mandate of the Government, there are about 15 thousand more employees in Montenegro.

"The full set of measures to improve the position of workers - such as changing working hours in the public administration, introducing free Sundays in the trade sector and increasing the minimum wage by 15 percent with a reduction in the tax burden on labour - will positively affect the quality of life of almost hundreds of thousands of employees and their families. Due to strong economic growth over the past two years, the gross domestic product per capita has also grown. The average salary has been nominally increased, and according to official data, the unemployment rate of women in 2018 was at the lowest level since the restoration of independence," as stated in the Prime Minister's congratulatory note on the occasion of the May 1st, sent on the behalf of the Government of Montenegro. 

Representatives of the Government of Montenegro expressed their special satisfaction with the fact that the successes Montenegro achieved in the previous period came as a result of a dialogue with the employees, trade unions and the economy, which are being carried out as the common interest of both parties. 

"In the belief that together we will continue to improve the position of employees, by strengthening the citizen and the family as the basis of a healthy and rich society, I congratulate you once again on the International Labour Day," the representatives of the Government of Montenegro concluded.. 

30 April 2019 - The Spring Camp is a ten-day event dedicated to the maintenance of hiking trails. It intends to promote eco-tourism and the sustainable development vision in Montenegro.

In the spring of 2019, this event will take place in the Mediterranean part of Montenegro to improve the conditions on the Coastal Mountaineering Transversal and to point out the beauty of this region to the volunteers. It aims to enhance environmental awareness among the local inhabitants and to serve as an example for future activities of this kind.

International volunteers can become a witness of the natural beauty, spontaneously spreading the word about their experience in Montenegro.

”Spring Camp” will conduct two parallel activities:

1) Volunteers will clear the overgrown trails, refresh the signage and collect plastic rubbish

2) Spring Camp filmmakers will record events in the camp thus making an easily accessible story about the event and the area where it would be conducted.

Last year, within the 5th Spring Camp, volunteers who worked on cleaning up the trails were from Austria (pre-camp, April crew), Australia, Bosnia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA, and Montenegro.

Again, this year’s wish is to have many international and regional participants, people who love mountains and voluntary work and want to share their experiences. Montenegro offers fascinating trails that are a part of some of the most picturesque hiking areas in Europe.

Volunteers will get some amazing photography opportunities, lots of local knowledge that volunteers from the region are happy to share, great friendships that will last a lifetime. Not to mention the opportunity to be a pioneer in helping Montenegro to develop sustainable and eco-friendly tourism!

During the Spring Camp, volunteers will have several excursions and restaurant meals to experience local hospitality, food, culture, and history.

The volunteering Spring Camp 2019 will last ten days, from May 3 to 12 and will be based in three different campsites.

One of the three campsites is owned by a local family interested in hosting outdoor tourists.

The Spring Camp activities should connect this campsite with the Coastal Mountaineering Transversal site and improve the hiking trails in Rumija and Lisinj mountains.  

All interested parties can get more information and apply at the Spring Camp official website.

28 April 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said that the electricity price is within the competence of an independent regulator and that the Government's commitment is to protect the most sensitive categories of Montenegrin population through its policy.

"Therefore, today, through two groups of programmes, the Government subsidizes electricity bills for around 17,000 households. For the first time, we recognised the categories of buyers which can never be of an electrical grid, regardless of possible debt," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that the issue of defining the electricity price sold by Electric Company Montenegro is within the competence of an independent regulator, who works based on clear and detailed methodologies.

"What is within the competence of the Government is determining the fee for renewable energy sources, which, depending on the entry into the system of investments in this area, is defined by the Government according to the methodology. As we promised at the beginning of this year, we looked at all the possibilities in the previous period to fairly distribute the burden of renewable sources to all consumers. In this sense, we decided to abolish the renewable resources fee as of 1 June 2019, and instead of consumers, this cost will be paid by the Government from funds collected from polluters, and through excise on coal. This item makes up about 5 percent of consumer bills that consume up to 30 EUR a month or about 1.5 percent of consumer bills that consume up to 100 EUR. Thus, by abolishing this fee, which will be financed by the polluters (carbon dioxide emitters) in the future, the bills will be lower between 1.5 and 5 percent, which is one of the largest recorded reduction of bills," the Prime Minister said.

PM Marković said that he believes that this Government has shown how to properly manage the national enterprise in which the Government has ownership.

"The Government has restored ownership of Electric Company Montenegro to almost 80 percent, while by the end of the year 100 percent of ownership is expected. This activity cost 230 million and in no way burdened the budget or the citizens. The state-owned Electric Company Montenegro has launched an investment cycle after ten years. The next month we expect the tender for the ecological reconstruction of the first block of the thermal power plant, in June we expect the signing of a contract for the construction of the Gvozd wind farm and the reconstruction of the Perućica and Piva hydroelectric power plants, and by the end of the year the start of the construction of the solar power plant Briska Gora. Parallel to these projects, we are working on the preparation of the construction of the Komarnica hydroelectric power plant," PM Marković noted.

Prime Minister Duško Marković said that the Electric Company Montenegro is preparing and entering the process of ecological reconstruction of the thermal power plant Pljevlja with EUR 40 million, reconstruction of hydropower plants Piva and Perucica with EUR 40 million, construction of solar power plant Briska Gora with EUR 200 million, construction of Komarnica hydropower plant with EUR 260 - 290 million, Kruševo hydropower plant – EUR 160 million and Gvozd wind farm – EUR 70 million.

"We have started a special project to upgrade 10kW networks and low-voltage networks to ensure the safety of electricity supply, and in 3 years this investment will amount to EUR 80 million. In this and the first half of the next year, it will amount to EUR 30 million," the Prime Minister emphasised.

The Prime Minister concluded that Electric Company Montenegro was not an investor for a long time, but now it is.

"Therefore, do not worry about the present or future profits of the State, which we will definitely use as owners specifically for the further development of systems and services, and support to sensitive categories. The Government will continue to insist on the implementation of strategic priorities - the development and reliable supply of electricity to all consumers at optimum electricity price," PM Marković noted.

28 April 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović will travel to Berlin tomorrow, where at the joint invitation from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, he will attend a high-level meeting on the Western Balkans.

The political situation in the region and progress in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo will be discussed at the meeting.

Besides the President of Montenegro, the heads of state or government of the Western Balkans, the prime ministers of Croatia and Slovenia and senior EU officials, are invited.

Milo Đukanović recently hosted Christian-Democratic Union Member of Bundestag Christian Schmidt. The President of Montenegro expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with the German Bundestag member, following a recent official visit to Berlin, thanking FR Germany for its dedication to Montenegro.

On this occasion, Đukanović reminded of the importance of continuation of the European path for the stability of the region, insisting on further intensifying mutual co-operation, determination to accelerate reform and joint commitment to resolving open issues at the WB. In this context, he welcomed the upcoming meeting in Berlin at the initiative of German Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron, because, he said, this region is part of the European house and European responsibility.

German Bundestag member Christian Schmidt thanked the President for recognition that his recent visit to Berlin was significant from a political point of view. He pointed to the continuity of German support for Montenegro since the renewal of independence and the European perspective of Montenegro and region. And the upcoming event in Berlin should be seen in the context of support and interest of Germany and France for the further destiny of the Balkans, said Schmidt

26 April 2019 - In the past four years, nine construction companies generated 113 million EUR of net income. Almost half of the amount went to Bemax.

Bankar.me portal has analyzed last year’s performance of the companies whose annual income exceeds 2 million EUR. Apart from other companies, they have been examining Bemax, since it’s the most frequent supplier and often the contractor. Judging by many indicators, this enables them the leader status. First and foremost, judging by the income level and net profit. On an annual level, this company generates profit that equals the total of profits generated by other observed companies. Although earnings of the companies are on an upward trend, they still fail to keep up to the tempo of Bemax.

So far the most profitable companies in the sector, Bemax and Zetagradnja, have recorded a slight fall in profit in comparison to 2017. Bemax, which was a national record-holder in 2017 with a profit of 20 million EUR, had 13 million EUR profit last year.

Zetagradnja, a company whose logo decorates some of the greatest buildings in almost every part of the Capital, is currently carrying out the biggest project – construction of City point complex. As this project is approaching the finish, the profit and revenues will be increasing simultaneously.

Fidija and Cijevna komerc have recorded the highest increase in profit. Gradnja promet and Trudbenik companies have recorded fallen in profit. Looking at the return of the capital employed (11%), the operation of these two companies is quite stable.

Cijevna komerc and Novi Volvoks have recorded the most efficient engagement of capital, whereas Gradnja promet has recorded a drop. However, employees in companies have salaries that are lower than the state average. The problem is the number of employees who are engaged “in case of need” and foreign workers who make up the majority of the workforce at construction sites. Therefore, figures representing the average monthly net wage should be taken with a grain of salt.

Only 5% of total income covers the staff costs which means that this work is not as appreciated as it should be.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro