14 March 2019 - On March 13, The U.S. Department of State submitted the annual Report on Human Rights Practices in Montenegro for 2018 – the Human Rights Report that covers internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements.

According to the Report, there were no reports that the Government of Montenegro or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings, no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings, but there were reports of beatings, with some based on LGBTI identity, in prisons and detention centres across the country. The government prosecuted some police officers and correctional officers accused of overstepping their authority, but there were delays in the court proceedings.

In 2018, there were no significant reports regarding prison or detention centre conditions that raised human rights concerns. The constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, but some NGOs, international organizations, and legal experts asserted that political pressure and corruption influenced prosecutors and judges.

The Human Rights Report states that there were no reports of political prisoners or detainees, that the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary in civil matters, and in 2018, citizens had access to courts to bring lawsuits seeking damages for violations of constitutionally recognized human rights.

According to The U.S. Department of State, Montenegrin constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, and the government generally respected these rights. Still, attacks directed at journalists continued to be a severe problem in 2018. Independent and pro-opposition media complained about unfair treatment and economic pressure from government ministries and agencies. Some media outlets continued to demonstrate a willingness to criticize the government. However, a lack of training and unprofessional journalistic behaviour, combined with low salaries and political pressure, contributed at times to biased coverage.

When it comes to Internet Freedom, the Report states that the Montenegrin Government did not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content, and there were no official reports that the government monitored private online communications without appropriate legal authority.

There were no government restrictions on academic freedom or cultural events. In 2018, the Government mostly respected the freedom of peaceful assembly, but on several occasions, the Ministry of Interior denied permits to workers and LGBTI groups wishing to assemble to express their grievances.

In regards to the Protection of Refugees, in 2018, the Government allowed individuals to apply for asylum within a few days of entering the country. However, those caught illegally crossing the border who did not apply for asylum were placed into a detention centre for criminal processing and deported. As stated within the Report, of 2,346 asylum applications, 2,079 interviews were scheduled, and 44 were held. Observers noted that attention and readiness to address the increased mixed flow of migrants remained focused on border control aspects, as evidenced by the sharp rise in the number of migrants pushed back from the Montenegrin border during the year.

In terms of Elections and Political Participation, Montenegro held presidential elections on April 15. In its final report on June 28, the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission noted that, although the candidate nominated by the governing party held an institutional advantage, fundamental freedoms were respected. Candidates campaigned freely and the media provided the contestants with a platform to present their views.

When it comes to Section 4 of the Report, Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government, Montenegrin law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but in 2018, the Government did not implement the law effectively, and corruption remained a problem. Some government officials often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. The public viewed corruption as endemic in the government and elsewhere in the public sector at both local and national levels. This was particularly the case in the areas of health, higher education, the judiciary, customs, political parties, police, urban planning, the construction industry, and employment.

The Report also determined that the actual sentences for the acts of discrimination, societal abuses, and trafficking in persons were generally lenient. The country aligned its legislation with the Istanbul Convention on violence against women and domestic violence, but domestic violence remained a persistent and common problem, especially within the Romani communities.

In 2018, data shows that the Government generally enforced the law that provides for the rights of workers, including members of the armed forces, to form and join independent trade unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes.

14 March 2019 - At the latest session of the Government of Montenegro, the Montenegrin Cabinet passed the Regulation on the criteria and procedure for determining the annual number of temporary residence and work permits for foreigners in 2019 and the Decision Amending the Decision on establishing the yearly number of temporary residence and work permits for foreigners in 2019.

The criteria and procedure for determining the annual number of temporary residence and work permits for foreigners are determined by the Regulation on the basis of relation between supply and demand in the labour market; opportunities to satisfy demand in the labour market, employment of the Montenegrin citizens; employment of foreigners in Montenegro in the previous period; the utilisation of the annual quota in the last year; and employers' needs for employment in the year for which the quota is determined.

The regulation stipulates that a number of temporary residence and work permits for foreigners are allocated from the annual quota, which the competent ministry can additionally assign for individual purposes, in accordance with the needs of the labour market, and at the request of the Employment Bureau. The regulation provides for the quota of 15,454 foreign nationals who can temporarily stay and be temporarily hired in Montenegro in 2019.

The discussion concluded that a large number of illegally hired workers have been spotted on large construction sites, that the State is losing significant revenues, and that this issue will take center stage in the work of the Commission for the fight against the grey economy, as well as inspection services and law enforcement agencies in the coming period.

The Government also approved the Report on the implementation of tax policy in 2018, which states, among other things, that state revenues in 2018 increased by 8.9% compared to 2017, and that the total revenues increased by 8,2 compared to the previous year. The discussion pointed out that last year revenues increased by 187 million EUR, while the annual installment for the construction of the Motorway amounted to 186 million EUR, which means that the increased tax revenue paid one installment.

It was concluded that revenues are being generated satisfactorily and that continuous growth has been recorded, and that fiscal and macroeconomic stability, as undoubtedly the greatest success of the 41st Cabinet of Montenegro, gives the opportunity for further growth and creation of new value. It was pointed out that in the coming period, growth should be maintained, at the same time handling the expenditure side of the budget more responsibly.

14 March 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković recently hosted Ambassador of the Kingdom Sweden to Montenegro Jan Lundin. The meeting noted that Montenegro is making progress on its path towards the European Union and achieving significant results, especially noteworthy are the results in the field of the rule of law, i.e., in the fight against organised crime and corruption. 

Prime Minister Marković said that the first phase of the negotiations was brought to an end and expressed the belief that Montenegro will receive final benchmarks for chapters 23 and 24 by the end of the year, which will give additional impetus to the process and the dynamics of closing negotiating chapters. 

"Although they need to be further strengthened, Montenegrin institutions are working, sustainable and independent, and they deliver results. We have results in the fight against corruption, a high-level corruption, and a big blow is delivered to organised crime," the Prime Minister emphasised. 

Ambassador Lundin noted the results achieved in this field and welcomed the opening of Chapter 27, stressing that Sweden will continue to support Montenegro in its European integration process. 

Prime Minister Marković informed the Ambassador about economic policy results over the past two years, which reflect economic growth of over 4.5 percent, reduce administrative unemployment by more than 6 percent, raise the number of employees by more than 11,000 and reduce the deficit, noting the activities which will lead to the budget surplus in 2020. 

Furthermore, the two officials discussed the situation in the region. PM Marković pointed out that Montenegro advocates a policy of peace and stability, and peacefully resolves problems through dialogue. 

"Montenegro is a civil state and this concept is our highest value," the Prime Minister highlighted.

14 March 2019 - If it still wants to be one of the creators of global policies, to be competitive and stay in the big game, Europe has to be united and immune to populism and nationalism of any type, thus making way for the progressive global flows, said President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, at the 7th Global Baku Forum, Azerbaijan.

In this way, he pointed out, Europe would contribute to the preservation of Euro-Atlantic as one of the greatest achievements of civilization after World War II.

Azerbaijan has been an initiator and organizer of many important international events and it significantly contributed to the regional and global stability, which inevitably caused positive reactions of all friends of Azerbaijani people, including Montenegrins as well.

“We need adequate foreign policy in all countries, big and small ones, new and old ones, especially in these times of accelerated history, new political and security challenges, new technologies which make diplomatic activities digital,” President Đukanović said.

Each one of us has its view on this matter, according to him.

“I speak from a small Balkan country that has become the NATO member state, the leader in the accession negotiations with the EU and one of the region’s leading economies for only 13 years since it restored its statehood and regained the international recognition,” added Mr Đukanović.

He also called in mind that 2019 would be marking 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“When we take a look at today’s European and global scene, the relations among powerful forces – Russia and NATO, Russia and the European Union, East and West, a single question emerges: is the Berlin Wall really destroyed or it still exists in our minds?”

Mr Đukanović noted that there are no ready formulas for new foreign policies, but to be successful and appropriate, they must be committed to pursuing the multiethnicity and multiculturalism in all social systems at the local level, as well as the multilateralism at the global level.

This is the first time President Đukanović takes part at the Global Baku Forum in Azerbaijan.

Text by CDM on March 14, 2019, read more at CDM

12 March 2019 - Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević took part in the 17th session of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee in Strasbourg. The opening of the last negotiating chapter will be acknowledged by the previous efforts of Montenegro and a significant step towards membership, Drljević said, adding that it will also be an additional incentive for intensifying activities. 

"Acceleration of dynamics in the first place depends on us, but also the factors of European politics, as well as the European public. EU support as a whole is crucial to maintain the motivation and continue a committed fulfillment of the remaining obligations, within the provisional and final benchmarks in the negotiating chapters. Neither Montenegro nor the EU should risk omitting a step in the most successful example of the enlargement process," Drljević said in his address to Montenegrin and European parliamentarians. 

He recalled the importance that the Government attaches to reform activities in Chapters 23 and 24, assessing that the commitment of institutions and their latest activities in the fight against corruption and organised crime are the basis for the expectation that the European Commission will soon draft a Report on the fulfillment of interim benchmarks. 

The Chief Negotiator said that Montenegro remains permanently committed to its European path, which has no alternative, but also to maintain good neighbourly relations and cooperation with the countries of the region based on the values that the EU cherished. 

"Montenegro entered the EU integration process with the clear goal of reforming, improving and strengthening its system and society in line with the values of modern democratic systems. After more than six years, the results indicate that we see visible progress and use the process as good preparation for future membership in the EU. So far, we have shown the will and determination to cope with the challenges that this process brings and, I assure you, that will be the case in the future," Drljević stressed. 

Furthermore, he expressed the expectation that the enlargement policy, which also found the place among the priorities of the previous and current presidency, would be a trend followed by the other Member States during their presidency of the EU Council. "We hope that this important EU policy will find its place and support in the next European Parliament and European Commission," the Chief Negotiator concluded.

12 March 2019 - The presence of the European Union in the region and further support to the reform process of the Western Balkan countries are essential for the preservation of peace and security, Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević pointed out. During the meeting on margins of the Informal General Affairs Council in Bucharest, Chief Negotiator Drljević emphasised that despite challenges the EU is currently facing it is important to remain present in the region and strongly dedicates to the enlargement policy.

11 March 2019 - Last year, the state generated revenues of 163.7 million EUR from fuel excise taxes, which is by 4% higher when compared to 2017 when revenues amounted to 157.3 million EUR, the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro reported.

The diesel excise tax is 0.44 per liter EUR, while the excise tax on gasoline Euro super 98 and 95 amounts to 0.54 EUR per liter, the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro explained, adding that revenues generated from mineral oils make 66.9% of the total revenues from taxes.

The excise duty last time was changed two years ago when it went up by 0.09 EUR. On the question whether the state plans to decrease the fuel excise duty in this year, the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro emphasized such a decision required the drafting of an in-depth analysis, primarily due to its impact on the budget.

Similarly, 23 concessionaires were able to use considerable water resources of Montenegro in 2018, and at least 2.16 million EUR of revenue will be generated from water tariffs.

There have been 23 concessions – 14 agreements on the use of water for bottling, two agreements for water supply, one agreement for fish-farming and propulsion and technological needs respectively, and five agreements for water bottling which are now in the termination procedure.

As far as water tariffs are concerned, Water Management calculates them for one calendar year. According to the final statement, water tariffs for 2017 amount to 2.28 million EUR in total. Around 1.69 million EUR goes on the use of water. Concessions for water bottling amount 103,526 EUR and 18,636 EUR for water supply and bottling of water for the concessionaires who failed to build factories.

The final statement will be finished this month.

Funds paid this way are divided in such a way that 30% belongs to the state budget, and the remaining 70% is divided among municipalities where the managed water is being used.

11 March 2019 - Johnny Depp and the 200 members of the Minamata movie team have traveled to Montenegro and they are currently staying in Tivat, as reported by Radio Tivat. Johnny Depp and his movie crew are in Montenegro for the production of the Minamata movie, which will include numerous scenes from the life of American photographer W. Eugene Smith on the Island of Flowers, the Tivat Župa and the Kalardovo Beach.

They came in Tivat with a private jet and the movie crew and the main actor himself are in a positive mood, and they are also planning to stay for a whole week, with the exception that they can stay for a few days more.

"Depp loved the recent movie set location change and he already said that Montenegro is a beautiful country. He also emphasized that moving to the sea after production in Belgrade feels good for him," said a source close to the movie crew.

The representatives of the Municipality of Tivat did not want to reveal any details, because they are prohibited from doing so based on the cooperation agreement between the city officials and the movie crew. However, the thing that is almost certain for sure is that the actor is currently residing in Porto Montenegro's most luxurious resort, which includes endless sigh sights.

The main production of the movie already began in Japan, while the movie set was moved to Serbia in January. During this occasion, the Mayor of Tivat Kusovac said that the interest of productions behind big film achievements is a significant opportunity for the global promotion of Tivat.

"We are interested in filming in Tivat, and so far it has been a practice to assist in administrative and booking and location arrangements. In that respect, we will provide maximum support," the Mayor of Tivat said.

During his stay in Serbia, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić has met Hollywood star, Johnny Depp. Vučić thanked Depp because “he believed in Serbia” and decided to produce and act in it, according to accounts.

Only a few days earlier, he was seen in Belgrade in shots uploaded to the group’s social media channel as he posed with Ivana Nikolić, member of the newly-formed band, hinting the two had met earlier and this was a friendly catch up with the whole crew. In a cozy shot, Ivana captioned the photo: ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean together’.

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Pirates of the Caribbean together ? #music #hurricanegirls #hurricane #johnnydepp #caribbean

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Minamata is predicated on the e-book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and tailored by David Ok. Kessler (The Exhausting Day's Day). The redemptive thriller, an actual story of David versus the story of Goliath, smashes Smith towards a strong company liable for poisoning folks from Minamata – Japan in 1971. Minamata is a narrative extraordinarily emotional Because the highly effective images of a person has hit the world to take motion.

With the glory of the times of World Battle II behind him, Smith (Depp) turned a prisoner, disconnected from society and his profession. However, an outdated pal and a fee from the editor of "Life Journal" (Nighy) persuade him to journey to Japan to show an excellent story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal group, the victims of company greed and the native police and accomplices. Armed with solely his trusted digital camera, Smith should acquire the boldness of this struggling group and discover the photographs that can convey historical past to the World.

11 March 2019 - Interim Administrator of Atlas Bank, Tanja Terić, has adopted a decision to issue 22 million EUR worth of shares for the sale of this financial institution.

In a press release published on the bank’s website, Terić explained that the decision on the issue of shares was adopted on Thursday in line with the Law on Banks. “A total of 88,710 shares with the nominal value of 248 EUR per share have been issued,” the press release says.

The call says that the issue will be considered successful if all issued shares have been registered and paid for within the defined deadline. Terić informed the interested buyers that the shares might be bought within 20 days, starting from the first weekday after the publication of the call.

As specified in the advertisement, interested parties have the right to inspect the public call on the website of Atlas Bank, www.atlasbanka.com. The sale of shares will be done through an investment firm in a regulated market.

Previously, the private placing for recapitalisation of Atlas Bank in the value of 22 million EUR for existing shareholders was not successful. The decision for private placing, which only applied to existing shareholders, was adopted on January 16, and the process itself began three days later.

These shareholders could, based on the legal right of pre-acquisition, purchase a part of 88.71 thousand shares with an individual nominal value of EUR 248, which covered a capital increase of 22 million euros.

On December 7, the Central Bank introduced the provisional administration to Atlas and Invest Bank Montenegro (IBM), which later ended with the bankruptcy of IBM. In the meantime, both banks deal with the prosecution for suspicion of money laundering.

11 March 2019 - The project Development of the Road Map Database, which is finally completed, provides conditions for improving road safety in Montenegro, which will result in a reduction in the number of traffic accidents; it was estimated from the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs of Montenegro.

The staff that developed the project, as announced by the Ministry, collected and processed data of 1.783 kilometres of main and regional roads, and in this way, they established a computerized system for managing the state roads network.

Director-General for International Cooperation and EU funds in the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Emina Mujević Kara, stressed that the conditions for improving road safety in Montenegro are being achieved, which will ultimately result in a reduction in the number of traffic accidents.

The Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section in the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Audrone Urbonaviciute, stressed that the Union would continue to be the main partner of Montenegro when it comes to the efforts to make the road transport sector more modern, useful and safer for all its citizens.

Assistant Director of the Transport Directorate, Ervin Adrović, said that their primary goal is to achieve quality management of state roads, both the effective maintenance and improvement of the existing and the construction of new roads in the country. According to him, it is necessary to analyse and store data on state roads, road facilities, their condition and traffic on them.

The coordinator of the project - SPEA Engineering representative, Lorenzo de Angelis, pointed out that the primary goal of the project was to develop the support management system following the most advanced international standards, configured and filled with data on the Montenegrin infrastructure network.

The project implementation contract was signed on November 21, 2017, with SPEA Engineering and it is funded from EU funds, within the IPA Annual Action Program for 2014.

The value of the contract is 356,8 thousand EUR, of which the EU contribution is 303,3 thousand EUR, while the state funds the rest.