10 March 2019 - The construction of the Bar - Boljare motorway is the most complex development infrastructure project in the history of Montenegro, whose implementation, according to public opinion research, is supported by the vast majority of citizens. 

There is no culprit personified in any person in the implementation of the Bar-Boljare motorway project, since the first idea about the need for implementation of this project dates back to 1969, while the detailed spatial plan of the Bar-Boljare motorway and the preliminary project plan for its priority section was drafted in 2008. During the preparation, as well as during the implementation of this project, the primacy was given to expert opinions, attitudes and recommendations, so it is not possible to talk about omissions during its implementation. 

The implementation on the basis of the Preliminary Project Plan is a common phenomenon in capital infrastructure projects, and the Contract on the design and construction of the priority section Smokovac-Mateševo of the Bar-Boljare motorway concluded on 26.02.2014 clearly defines the obligation of the Contractor to fully examine the Preliminary Project Plan, drawings and all the supporting data and documentation provided by the Investor and to fully confirm the completeness no later than the date of signing the Contract. 

The public is already aware of the existence of subsequent and unpredictable works. The water supply system and power supply system is not only intended for the needs of the Bar-Boljare motorway, but also for the needs of the neighbouring settlements, that is, for the economic and tourist development of the northern part of Montenegro. When it comes to the construction of a power supply system, the future payment of credit funds for its construction and management of the electricity infrastructure will be taken over by the Montenegrin Electric Transmission System (CGES) and the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System (CEDIS), following the Law on Energy. 

The possibility of subsequent and unpredictable works was foreseen in the conclusion of the Design and Construction Contract, for which the 2014 Contract stipulates an indicative amount of 10% of the contracted value of the works, that is, the amount of 80,957,735.61 EUR. The contractual procedures regarding the implementation of subsequent and unpredictable works are ongoing, at the end of which the public will be familiar with the data. If we have in mind that the value of the contracted works is 809,577,356.14 EUR and that the indicative amount foreseen for subsequent and unpredictable works is 80,957,735.61 EUR, we come to the value of 890,535,091.75 EUR as the value of building the priority section Smokovac-Mateševo, which is certainly significantly lower than speculations of some Montenegrin media. 

On the above-mentioned basis, we remind the citizens of Montenegro, as the ultimate Investor and beneficiary of the project, that there are no forgotten works, and that the tendentious reporting by a part of the Montenegrin public are not in the interest of the Project itself and positive representation of Montenegro to the domestic and international public, nor it contributes to the building of society that should stimulate a benevolent, constructive and argumentative dialogue, which will not be a means of political manipulation.

09 March 2019 - Excluding Turkey from the Balkans represents a non-objective approach with bad intentions, as Turkey’s approach to the regional problems does not differ from the one the European Union has towards the Balkans, Ambassador of Turkey Ms Songül Ozan said for Pobjeda daily.

“Our relations have been continuously improving in all areas. One can notice the existence of high level of political dialogue and cooperation between the two states,” Ambassador of Turkey Ozan stressed.

When it comes to direct foreign investments in Montenegro, she added that Turkey holds the 5^th position.

“We have the same approach in solving the international and regional issues. Thanks to Turkish Airlines, our global brand, the citizens of Montenegro can visit the most beautiful landmarks in Turkey or worldwide. Also, Ziraat Bank in Montenegro has been providing the most favorable banking services to Montenegrin citizens as well as to Turks working in Montenegro. These are the facts proving that relations between the two states are excellent,” Ozan pointed out.

There is a potential for improving cooperation, according to her.

“During my term of office, I will be committed to improving our cooperation in all areas. Montenegro is a young and dynamic state, with an economy continuously developing and there are so many untouched places good for investments,” Ozan said adding that Montenegro benefited a lot from NATO membership.

“Montenegro has become a very attractive country thanks to the fact it has foreseeable future, and it is a NATO member state and future EU member state. Keeping in mind our joint history and culture, as well as the fact that Montenegro citizens are always so hospitable just as we are, there is no doubt it all positively affects our citizens,” Ozan concluded, adding that Montenegro represents one of the most popular countries for Turks.

09 March 2019 - The Government of Montenegro passed the Draft Defence Strategy of Montenegro, the most important strategic document in the field of defence. 

08 March 2019 - Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management has published a tender for the lease of 20 swimming areas and beaches in Kruče, Valdanos, Mala plaža and Borova šuma. Initial price ranges from 500 EUR to 9.940 EUR, no VAT included.

Four of the cheapest swimming areas are in Kruče and they can be leased for 500 EUR. Ice cream stalls are allowed to be installed at two of the beaches. The most expensive lease at this location costs 2.262 EUR, for a 100-meter long beach and with the area of 780 square meters. This beach allows for the installation of a bar and a terrace.

The swimming area in Valdanos depression will be leased at an initial price of 7.224 EUR. It occupies 300 m of length and 2.400 square meters of sand beach, as well as 125 meters of the western part of the shore.

The public-family swimming area in the western area of the Mala plaža has the most expensive price of the lease contract – 9.940 EUR. It is 95 meters long, 2.850 plus 6.150 square meters. One part of the area is public and intended for families, whereas the other part has no equipment. Three condensers are planned to be installed there.

Coastal Management offers a swimming area in the eastern side of Mala plaža, at a price of 3.660 EUR. It is 50 meters long and has an area of 1.300 square meters.

Minimum lease contract price at the location of Old town is 4.736 EUR.

As far as the location of Borova šuma is concerned, there are six swimming areas and beaches in the offer. Initial lease prices range from 4.170 EUR to 6.552 EUR. Bars and terraces are allowed to be set up in all of them.

The tender will be open until 21 March, 11 AM.

07 March 2019 - The new categorization of beaches and amendments and balancing of lease prices, as well as the new rule that colorful advertisement sunshades or temporary facilities that do not fit in will not spread all over the swimming areas anymore. This is just some of the news that will be the main feature of this summer’s seaside season, said the Director of the Coastal Zone Management, Mr. Predrag Jelušić.

After some strategic estimates were made, the need for the so-called beach categorization arose. Beaches will be divided in 12 categories. Apart from the existing ones, beaches for the active tourism, excursion beaches, beaches intended for pets, nudists, as well as party beaches will also be part of the offer.

“We are going to have a whole new palette of a large variety of swimming areas in almost every municipality. This way we made a significant step forward in our offer. Habits of our guests change; tourists do not want to spend their entire vacation at one beach only. Ulcinj, for example, is recognized as a place of active tourism. Kite surfing is the main reason why tourists go there. The similar thing will be with diving,” said Jelušić.

What this model will enable is a lease with a clear theme and clearly defined responsibilities.

The tender for the hotel beaches is almost over. By 1^st May, all swimming areas, or at least the majority of them, should be ready to welcome the guests.

According to the Law on Spatial Planning, the lease of beaches and swimming areas will be for a period of five years, starting from this year.

“We believe that leaseholders will behave more responsibly when it comes to the space and that they will invest more in the quality of the offer. There were some comments earlier, that the temporary facilities are not very attractive, because of their color and material. Well, now the town architect will give suggestions. After the architect gives consent, the main project can be carried out. Improvised facilities, installed in contravention of the defined rules, must not happen this year,” says Jelušić.

Another news in the Rule book on swimming areas is that after 5 pm, equipment will not be charged.

“There have been some unpleasant situations regarding this matter. Sometimes, guests were required to pay the full price of the furniture even after 5 pm, and it seemed rude and left such a negative impression. The new harmonized rule book is expected to be finished soon, and we will have plenty of time for the preparation of the season. It is high time we eliminated a negative picture of our coast,” says Jelušić.

Number of locations intended for the purposes of temporary facilities will be reduced this year.

“Refill ice cream stands, rows of showcases along the promenades, barbecues…all these will not be allowed,” points out Director of the Coastal Zone Management Jelušić.

Prices of the lease in Ulcinj increased, which made the hotel industry employees react. They think the prices are too high.

“They have to come to terms with the fact that if they want bigger space, they have to pay more. The lease will be charged by one square meter, €1 per square meter. All areas developed. Ulcinj has been underrated for so long when it comes to leasing prices. The construction of a new, little resort on Bojana enlivened this area, and it would be fair that prices corresponded to the present tourism valuation of Ulcinj,” concluded Director of the Coastal Zone Management Jelušić.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro

09 March 2019 - On the occasion of March 8, the director of National Park Durmitor Tomo Pajović opened an exhibition of hand-made items created of natural materials (wood, stone) and woolen, embroidered, woven and crocheted works. The exhibition of handicrafts which were designed and made by local producers from this protected area will last for the next 9 days.

"This exhibition has a lasting tradition, which we cherished for many years in order to preserve long-established crafts and skills, as well as to promote the manual work of local communities that inhabit the area of the Park," informed the director of National Park Durmitor.

The exhibition has gathered unique works of a large number of weavers, knitters, embroideries and sculptors from the area of National Park Durmitor, who are engaged in the production of handmade items. These items are exhibited at the Centre for Visitors of the Park, and the best and the most beautiful handicrafts’ creators will be presented with the rewards.

The exhibition has competitive and sales character and it will enable local producers from the area of Durmitor to present their work during the ten days starting from March 8. National Park Durmitor will purchase a number of works in order to foster cooperation with local producers and at the same time enrich the offer of the Park's souvenir shop.

"National Park Durmitor invites all interested visitors to visit the exhibition and purchase handmade items to support the local population from the area of the Park, which still preserves traditional crafts and skills such as wood carving and the production of used and decorative exhibits and garments", concluded Pajović.

Exhibited works can be viewed at the Centre for Visitors of National Park Durmitor from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 17, every day from 7 am to 7 pm.

Source: TVCG

06 March 2019 - On March 6, the Mayor of Podgorica Ivan Vuković and Acting Mayor of Ankara Ali Gökşin signed a formal twinning oath, based on the long-term trusting relationship between the two signatory towns – the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica and the Capital of Turkey, Ankara.

"A strong foundation of political, economic and cultural cooperation between Montenegro and Turkey, as well as Podgorica and Ankara, was established in the previous period, as evidenced by the presence of a large number of Turkish businessmen in Podgorica, the activities of the Turkish Cultural Centre Yunus Emre and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency - TİKA, and by the increasing number of Turkish tourists in Podgorica. In that sense, today's signing of the Agreement on twinning of the capitals of the two states is the basis for further strengthening of our relations," Mayor Vuković said at the signing of the agreement.

He reminded that Montenegro and Turkey, just like Podgorica and Ankara, have a lot of connections.

"The oldest part of Podgorica - Stara Varoš originated from the Ottoman Empire, and people from the territory of today's Turkey left an intense identity trail in our history. Montenegro and Podgorica represent environments that are highly multiethnic, multinational and multiconfessional, of which we are very proud. We want to recognise this heritage and affirm it further, "Mayor Vuković pointed out.

Noting that history is very important, he assessed that it is even more important that the economic and political relations of the two countries are continually progressing from the moment when Montenegro renewed its independence.

"Today, Montenegro and the Republic of Turkey are allies within the NATO alliance. We do not forget the contribution of the Republic of Turkey when it comes to supporting our country in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration. The relations between the two countries at the political level are remarkable, as are numerous examples of the activities of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, the TIKA Agency and the Yunus Emre Institute. An exceptional basis exists for further development and improvement of relations, and in this sense, today's signing of the Agreement is seen as a major and important step in that direction. The initiative for a boulevard in Podgorica to carry the name of Turkey's Capital is currently being processed, "Vuković said.

He invited the Mayor of Ankara to visit Podgorica and to open a boulevard together with the name of Turkey’s Capital.

Acting Mayor of Ankara emphasized that the Agreement between Ankara and Podgorica is another confirmation of the friendship of the two countries.

"Both state administrations and the private sector are working to improve the relations of our two countries. Montenegro is one of the countries that mostly attract Turkish investors. I hope that after the signing of the Agreement, we will improve the relationship between the two cities on every level and that through our engagement we will contribute to the harmonic relationship between our citizens, "concluded Gokšin.

In the signed twinning agreement, it is noted that economic, cultural and other contacts that have continuously contributed to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and long-standing friendship have been developed between two cities.

Before the signing of the agreement, the delegation of Mayor Vuković headed by Deputy Mayor Časlav Vešović, Entrepreneur Secretary Kemal Grbović and Director of the Agency for Building and Development of Podgorica Srdjan Raičević, discussed future terms of cooperation with the representatives of Municipality of Ankara. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Turkey Branko Milić. After the signing of the Agreement, the delegation visited Podgorica Street, which is located in the elite part of Ankara.

06 March 2019 - According to the data collected in February, 21.000 – 50.000 of submitted requests for property legalization have been processed.

"Most requests required additional documentation. In a small number of cases, the procedure was stopped and the decision has been adopted," said General Director of the Directorate for Housing Development within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Marko Canović.

He points out that the property legalization process has not been blocked. It is just slower than expected due to the defined procedures and workload of the local administration units and the cadastral register.

“A great number of requests has been submitted, and their processing is a challenge for municipal administrations. The procedure is new, there is no practice,” says Mr. Canović.

The procedure entails the establishment of harmonization with the planning documentation, settled economic rights on the land and in the structure, as well as applicants’ will.

“Recording critical zones, mainly in the southern and central part, has been completed almost simultaneously with the expiration of the deadline for submitting requests,” said Canović and added that the Ministry, i.e., Unit for the quality control, must control the quality of the elements stated in the technical documentation and quality product plan.

Request for property legalization also included the design and authentication of the geodetic survey. It is, therefore, impossible to fictitiously legalize structures that can not be found.

“This orthophoto recording is not just a mere picture, but it is a collection of data about space. These data are the requirement for making records about the unlawfully built structures,” concluded Canović.

For proper implementation of regulations, authorizations and responsibilities of the municipalities regarding the adoption of decisions on the communal equipment of construction land for illegal structures, have been defined by law. The law also defines the annual fee for the use of land, as well as, fee for the provision of alternative accommodation.

06 March 2019 - President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, met with the Secretary-General of  NATO Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, in Brussels today. Đukanović said that Montenegro “is ready to defend its right to choose its path for the future in a sovereign way”, and Stoltenberg said that NATO could always count on Montenegro, as their reliable partner.

“I invite NATO to keep giving a contribution to what will turn out to be the only reliable formula of the stability of Western Balkans region. We are aware that there are interested third parties. We are ready to stoutly defend our right to choose our future path, to implement European system of values fully, not only in our state but also in the states of the region,” said the President of Montenegro.

Đukanović said that Montenegro “believes in NATO acquis and tries hard to promote them”.

“As a Member State, we assume responsibilities. We respect the dynamic plan of taking on equal burden of responsibility in financing NATO. Thanks to the dynamic GDP growth, we will be able to assume our responsibilities in the future too. The number of our representatives in NATO missions is getting bigger and bigger,” said President of Montenegro Đukanović.

Stoltenberg has said that Montenegro is a critical member of the Alliance. He welcomed its decision on increasing costs for defense. He also noted that Đukanović “is an ardent advocate of NATO open door policy”.

He thanked Montenegro for promoting stability at the Western Balkans, he thanked president Đukanović for the contribution of Montenegro to the Alliance and said he was looking forward to his arrival to London at the end of this year, at the meeting of the allied leaders.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro

05 March 2019 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Zoran Pažin met today in London with British Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Alan Duncan. Montenegro and the United Kingdom are resolved to steadfastly oppose organised crime and serious criminal offenses through closer cooperation, it was noted at the meeting. 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Duncan signed a bilateral agreement, complementing the European Convention on Extradition and facilitating its application. 

The main novelty of this agreement is that Montenegro and the United Kingdom express their readiness to extradite their own citizens to one another if one country seeks them for serious crimes for which a prison sentence of five or more years has been foreseen. 

"This agreement unambiguously indicates that there is a high degree of mutual respect and trust between Montenegro and the United Kingdom, with the conviction that the legal systems of both states will guarantee the right to a fair trial of every person who is extradited, respecting the presumption of innocence," DPM Pažin emphasised. 

The agreement states that the parties are "aware of the guarantee of the right to a fair trial of the accused within their legal systems, including the right to trial before an impartial tribunal established by law". 

DPM Pažin signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Minister Duncan and Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mel Stride to further deepen cooperation in the area of security, the rule of law and the joint fight against organised crime, especially against various types of financial crime.