14 December 2018 - Prime Minister Duško Marković extended his thanks to Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for the successful presidency of the Council of the European Union over the past six months and expressed his gratitude for Austria's support in ensuring member states' giving their consent to Montenegro's opening of Chapter 27.

"I assure you that Montenegro will be responsible and fully aware of the complexity and importance of the negotiations in fulfiling these and all other obligations. Montenegro's path to the EU is a continuous positive trend, and the newly opened chapter is an incentive for further fundamental reforms and the accession process which brings increasingly visible quality to our society and citizens on a daily basis," PM Marković's letter of gratitude to Chancellor Kurz, sent ahead of the ending of the Austrian presidency of the Council of the EU, reads.

Noting that Austria, as always, has shown that it is up to the task, the Prime Minister stated that Montenegro especially appreciates Chancellor Kurz's positive and encouraging message concerning the region and its European perspective.

 "As a country that knows, understands, and supports the region of the Western Balkans, and the specifics of each country individually, Austria has further strengthened the path of all of us towards that goal and the permanent stabilisation of this area," Prime Minister Duško Marković points out in his letter addressed to Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

 At the end of the letter, Prime Minister Marković highlights that European future of the region has no alternative, stressing that the Austrian Chancellor can always count on Montenegro as a partner in attaining these worthwhile goals.

During the Vienna Economic Forum which was held during mid-November, Federal Chancellor Kurz, told at the press conference that Austria, during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, will focus on three areas: the region's path towards the European Union, the necessary regional cooperation and the resolution of bilateral disputes in the region. Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Johannes Hahn emphasised that all Western Balkan countries have a European perspective, although it is not realistic that they all join the Union at the same time. 

14 December 2018 - The Minister of Public Administration Suzana Pribilović has received a letter from Sanjay Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), stating that Montenegro regained its active status in the Open Government Partnership Initiative.

"Given the adoption of the Action Plan 2018-2020, it is our great pleasure to confirm that Montenegro has regained its active status in the OGP, coming into force on 20 November 2018," the letter states.

Montenegro joined the OGP on 13 February 2012 and signed the declaration on the open government.

Read more information about Open Government Partnership.

15 December 2018 - The First Book Festival - Humanities, Culture and Art in Montenegro – “FesK Kotor (FesKK)” will be officially opened on Thursday, December 20 at 7 pm in the Gallery of Solidarity in Kotor, under the auspices of the Kotor Municipality, organized by the Public Institution “Muzeji” Kotor and the Centre for Culture “Nikola Đurković" Kotor, and licensed by the publishing house HERAedu from Belgrade. On the same day, an exhibition of the old and rare books of the Museum of the city of Perast will be held at noon.

The Festival aims to draw attention to the importance of high-quality content in the publishing industry of Montenegro in the field of humanities, culture, and art, and to affirm the role of publishing in the national culture of Montenegro. FesKK wants to point to the global trends of the multidisciplinary approach in these areas and emphasize social responsibility and ethical principles in the sphere of culture.

A three-day multimedia program entitled “Cultural Heritage Pro Futuro” will gather the representatives of Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts and other Montenegrin publishers, like libraries, faculties, institutes, museums, galleries, all at one place. In addition to multiple promotional events during each day of the festival, the program will include an exhibition of old and rare books of the Museum of Perast (PI “Muzeji” Kotor), as well as a roundtable on the subject “Green Culture” after the screening of two US feature films. Guest of the Festival is the Association of Publishers from Sarajevo (BiH).

The award ceremony will be organized on the third day of the event, at 7.30 pm. For the first time in Montenegro, the value of books that make a significant scientific contribution, contribution to innovative educational practice, as well as valuable reprints of the publications of old books with features of impenetrable value, will be recognized and awarded during the FesKK Festival.

The festival will be held from December 20 to 22, 2018, from 10 am to 8 pm in the Gallery of Solidarity in the Old Town of Kotor, and films and the roundtable will be held in the Cinema of Boka and the multimedia hall of the Cultural Centre "Nikola Đurković".

Source: Culture Corner “Kutak”

13 December 2018 - Road infrastructure has never seen more investments in the history of Montenegro. Last year, around 47 million EUR was spent on roads.

“When I started serving this function, the greatest challenges for me were the motorway and the Montenegro Airlines. We have zero tolerance for the quality of works on the motorway. This is the most difficult section in Europe. The complete loop will not be constructed, only the access road. We will complete the water supply along the entire route of the motorway. Permanent electricity supply is another important segment of this project. Apart from the motorway, we are working on the remaining road network. From the north to the south,” said the Minister of Transport, Osman Nurković.

As he says, almost 95 km of roads were reconstructed in two years. Speaking of the motorway, he said that the Government was looking for the modalities for the continuation of the Bar-Boljare motorway (second section). He added that 17 projects on the railway were being implemented.

Nurković also noted Montenegro Airlines was a big challenge.

“It was just a matter of a say when it would stop working, but we are determined to help them. The company survived. If it went out of business, we would be faced with serious consequences. However, we managed to rationalize it and eliminate the unnecessary expenses. One of the options is that the Government recovers the company. The other is to privatize it. The third option is a liquidation,” said the Minister. Some decision about the future of this company will have to be rendered in the forthcoming days said Nurković.

“Current situation is such that the airports do not satisfy the needs since a huge number of passengers is interested in Montenegro. There are so many shortcomings. We must improve the situation and extend the capacities. That can be done by somebody who has money and knowledge. We gave very serious requirements that the concessionaire will have to fulfill,” said Nurković.

He expects that the Government will soon adopt the concession act and repeated that giving the Airports on concession is the most beneficial investments project for the state.

The most significant success is bringing the seamen back on the whitelist.

“Seamen were marginalized. The state has to pay much more attention to them. We have signed the agreement with Portugal, about to sign one with the Netherlands and we are planning to renew the agreement with Ukraine”, said Nurković.

Minister also said that they would not tolerate the delays in the construction of the boulevard along Donja Gorica, that is in charge of “Tehno put.”

Montenegro has recently received an additional 68.6 million EUR of non-refundable support from the EU and bilateral donors of the West Balkans Investments Framework for the implementation of four investment projects in the area of transport and the environment and the preparation of project documentation for two new projects. Read more information here.

13 December 2018 - Montenegrin ski resorts are ready to welcome all guests for the upcoming winter tourist season. Six ski resorts will be operational this winter in Montenegro - Savin Kuk and Javorovača at Durmitor, Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 in Kolašin, Vučje in Nikšić and Hajla in Rozaje.

As reported by the newspapers “Dnevne novine”, ski resorts will start working from the forthcoming weekend, except for Resort Kolašin 1600, which will open its doors to winter sports lovers just before the New Year.

According to the words of the Executive Director of the Ski Resorts of Montenegro, Miloš Popović, the prices of services at the ski centres will be at the level of last year, and the entire infrastructure will be in function as in the previous seasons.

As he explained, at the Savin kuk Ski Centre in Durmitor, which has five kilometres of ski slopes, there will be two two-seater cable cars, three ski lifts, and a children's ski lift. At the Ski Resort Kolašin 1450, which has 25 km of ski slopes, there will be two cable cars (a six-seater and a two-seater), five ski lifts and a children's ski lift.

The organisers have created the possibility to hire professional ski trainers, to rent all necessary ski equipment, and catering services will be provided at the facilities within the ski resorts (restaurants and cafes).

"The prices of ski pass will be at the last year's level. The prices for ski pass at Savin Kuk Ski Centre at Durmitor will be 12 EUR for a one-day ski pass for adults, 8 EUR for half-day ski-pass and 8 EUR for children's ski-pass. The prices at Kolašin 1450 will be 15 EUR for one-day ski-pass for adults and 11 EUR for one-day ski pass for children," said Popović.

When it comes to the structure of the guests, he pointed out that they expect guests who traditionally visit our winter centres, local guests, as well as guests from the region: from Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, as well as guests from Western and Eastern Europe.

"Ski resorts will start working at full capacity from the upcoming weekend, and the full capacity of the ski resort's infrastructure will be conditioned by snowfall, which we expect in the following period," Popović announced.

Source: RTCG

12 December 2018 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said earlier today at the Prime Minister's Questions session at the Parliament of Montenegro that the northern region of Montenegro has been less developed than the other two regions for decades, that this underdevelopment was characterised by a higher unemployment rate, lower incomes and a low rate of economic growth, but that two years of consistent economic policy measures resulted in positive developments in all of these aspects.

"Today we are witnessing new kilometres of modern roads, new ski centres, schools, kindergartens, reconstructed hospitals," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Government's commitment to balanced regional development has been confirmed in the past two years through the funds allocated to projects in the northern region within the Capital Budget, but also within sectoral budgets, such as agribusiness or investment budgets of individual ministries.

"When it comes to the budget of the Directorate of Public Works and the Directorate of Transport for the previous two years, more than 81 million EUR were allocated to the projects in the north. Furthermore, significant funds were allocated to the Investment and Development Fund aimed at more dynamic development of less developed municipalities. In 2017 and 2018, this development fund allocated around 70 million EUR to entrepreneurship and growth of business in the municipalities of Andrijevica, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Gusinje, Kolašin, Mojkovac, Petnjica, Plav, Pljevlja, Plužine, Rozaje, Šavnik and Žabljak. These funds created 856 new jobs. In addition, projects in the north are financed through the Regional Housing Programme, the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, the European Union's IPA funds, and the funds of the European Investment Bank," Prime Minister Duško Marković noted.

The Prime Minister stressed that he is particularly pleased with the investors' positive reactions to the development potentials of the North. "We have recently signed new long-term lease agreements based on which the high-class hotel facilities will be built at the Kolašin 1600 location and at the location of the former military resort in Žabljak. Therefore, at the end of 2017, we established a state-owned ski resort company, based in Mojkovac, in order to improve quality of the existing infrastructure, but also to implement development investment policies more efficiently. An additional impetus to our efforts is the construction of the priority section of the Bar-Boljare motorway, which will connect the northern region with the central and southern ones. The construction of the motorway will be continued with the ultimate goal of connecting with the European Highway Network. By the end of 2019, more than 500 million EUR will be invested in this project," Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded.

11 December 2018 - Interior Minister Mevludin Nuhodžić said at the United Nations conference on migration held in Morocco that the Government of Montenegro is working in all fields, in order to better regulate migration processes. The country, as the responsible state, also took all measures for the possible acceptance of migrants and refugees in the event of their inflows and that it is in line with all international standards in this field. Montenegro is committed to further strengthening regional cooperation in order to preserve the security of countries of Western Balkans and borders together too. 

“The Government of Montenegro is very active in different areas, aiming to regulate migration processes better, especially when it comes to controlling of entry to the territory of Montenegro. As a responsible country, we have taken all the necessary measures to be able to accommodate migrants and refugees in case of their eventual inflow, in line with all international standards in this area.” – Minister Nuhodžić said in Marrakech at the Intergovernmental Conference on the Adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Convenient and Regular Migration. 

At the event, opened by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, heads of states and governments, as well as high-level representatives from more than 150 countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, supported the Global Compact for Safe, Convenient and Legal migration, which establishes a framework for managing migration flows, through cooperation with European and international partners in border control in an integrated and coordinated manner. Secretary General Guterres announced that participation in the conference shows the importance that the international community attaches to finding solutions for better migration management, based on the principles of state sovereignty, shared responsibility, non-discrimination and human rights. 

Addressing the gathering, the Montenegrin Minister reminded that Montenegro welcomes the synchronized international activity, ie the definition of the Global Compact for Safe, Convenient and Regular Migration, which is a clear political signal to the unique activities and shared responsibility of the countries of origin, transit and destination to deal with this phenomenon. He said that the position of Montenegro is that the definition of the Global Compact represents another confirmation of the importance of effective multilateralism in addressing the growing challenges facing the world. 

“Montenegro is strongly committed to regional cooperation and enhancing the stability of the region. We believe that responsible approach in addressing migration related challenges requires joint activities of all countries to be able to cope with the very complex task of securing the country's borders while, at the same time, providing better future to those facing suffering. Within that context, it is of extreme importance that all Western Balkan countries align their national legislation in the area of migration and asylum, as well as to harmonize their normative frameworks with EU Directives and standards, and in particular to develop human resources and technical capacities within their systems for control of the movement of foreigners. The migrant crisis that has affected Europe pointed to numerous deficiencies of national systems, underlining the need for regional cooperation, sharing of experiences, information, data, as well as sharing of missing resources, thus developing a joint response to this challenge.” – Minister Nuhodžić emphasised. 

On the margins Minister Nuhodžić spoke with Foreign Ministers of Croatia Davor Božinović and the Republic of Turkey, Suleyman Soylu, on bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation in the area of security and migration management. 

In the Montenegrin delegation, which was led by Minister Nuhodžić, were also the State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zoran Janković and the Head of the Permanent Mission of Montenegro to the United Nations, Ambassador Milica Pejanović Djurišić. 

11 December 2018 - Montenegro has made significant efforts to improve both the legislative and institutional framework for human rights and freedoms, said Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin, adding that in the coming period there will be challenges in implementing the adopted regulations. 

In his speech at the opening of the conference, which marked the International Human Rights Day in Podgorica, Deputy Prime Minister Pažin emphasised the importance of accepting diversity and suppressing all forms of discrimination in Montenegrin society. 

"This extremely negative phenomenon of discrimination needs to be suppressed because it destroys the very foundations of civil society. By the nature of things, those who are most vulnerable in society, vulnerable groups in society, are always affected. That is why we need to fight persistently and thoroughly against discrimination," he said. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said that another type of challenge stems from growing violence in society, from verbal violence to physical violence. "With this negative phenomenon, we also have to fight as a society that is civically committed. From violence against women, domestic violence in general, violence against children, including sexual violence, to an extremely dangerous and harmful violence against members of the journalistic profession and media assets."

He pointed out that, as a civil society, Montenegro should build a special sensibility towards those who are most exposed to violence, rejection, and discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTI population and members of minorities, regardless of the personal characteristics that determine their minority's commitment. 

"I am convinced that we are all vigorously committed to these noble goals, as I am convinced that every 10 December we will be able to ascertain the progress made in this area because that is what is the measure of our civic identity," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded. 

The conference on the topic "Protection of human rights and freedoms in Montenegro", within the celebration of the Human Rights Day, aims at assessing the level of respect and protection of human rights and freedoms in Montenegro, with an overview of areas identified as challenging and requiring more intense efforts by all actors in the society to reach the highest standards.

11 December 2018 - On December 11, 2018, Montenegrin House (“Casa de Montenegro“) was officially opened in the city Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña in the Chaco province, Argentina by the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović.

Đukanović was honoured to represent Montenegro in Argentina and witness the implementation of the project “Montenegrin House“ with the support of the representatives of Sáenz Peña, the whole province of Chaco, and with the assistance of Montenegrin emigrants. “This is the first project of its kind in this part of the world, which symbolizes Montenegro's eternity and the Montenegrins rooted in the foundations of the Argentinean society, as well as the sustainability of the Montenegrin-Argentine friendship. It is also a symbol of the progress of our country, as well as the success of its sons who for centuries went to distant lands,” the President explained in his speech.

As a country with an immigrant tradition, Montenegro also shows special sensitivity to its emigrants and their descendants. “As a symbol of Montenegrin emigration and a safe place for all those who after the First World War did not settle with the disappearance of Montenegro, Chaco became an essential part of Montenegrin identity,” added Đukanović.

“I think that you are convinced by this today's event that Chaco has a special place in Montenegro, as well as Montenegro in Chaco. Let the "Montenegrin House" be the place of the union of all the citizens of the Saenz Pena, and another solid link with the homeland, but also for the cooperation of our friendly nations and countries,” the President concluded.

The foundation stone for the “Montenegrin House“ was put in on a plot of over 4000 square meters in the presence of a large number of descendants of Montenegrin emigrants in the Chaco province, Sáenz Peña on 26th of March, 2017. This event was made into a ceremony, attended by the president of the Montenegrin community King Nikola I, Pablo Nikčević, the community’s vice president Walter Pavićević, member of the Argentina’s Council for Cooperation with Expatriates Ms Jelena Simović, Vice-Consul of Montenegro in the Santa Fe province Klaudijo Petrićević and the president of the Montenegrin community in Buenos Aires Emilio Ognjenović.

Before the “Montenegrin House“ opening, President Đukanović visited the Montenegrin colony “La Montenegrina”, built one century ago, as well as a joint monument to its seven founders and a local Montenegrin cemetery. He also visited the "Durmitor" home, built by Montenegrin emigrants in 1926, renovated five years ago, where he signed in the guest book.

10 December 2018 - President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović met with the president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri at the presidential palace “Casa Rosada” in Buenos Aires. The two presidents expressed their satisfaction with the second meeting in the last two years and showed readiness to consider possibilities of cooperation in the domain of economy, food industry, trade, and new technologies.

“Agreement on cultural cooperation will be signed by the first occasion, as well as agreement on reliefs in the visa regime, and set of others agreements that are in the phase of preparation and represent a solid normative and legal basis for that,” said the representatives of Đukanović’s Office.

Both Đukanović and Macri pointed out the role of Montenegrin community, which is the durable bridge of friendship between two nations and states, and the best bond for strengthening overall cooperation.

Ceremony held on the occasion of 200 years since the arrival of the first Montenegrin family to Argentina featured president of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović as the main speaker. The ceremony was held at famous palace Jose de San Martin and the descendant of the first emigrants, Ivan Damjanović, said that they had never stopped being what their ancestors had been when they moved to Argentina back in 1818.

Horacio Reiser, deputy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that this celebration is the proof of the firm foundations of Argentinian-Montenegrin relations.

Damjanović, who is now Argentinian journalist and poet, said that Montenegrin people are present there as long as the recent history of that country lasts.

Ambassador Gordan Stojović, one of the initiators and organizers of the ceremony, said that this was not only the celebration of 200 years since the first Montenegrin family arrived but it is also a celebration of 100 years of the La Montenegrina colony.

The ceremony was attended by many renowned people from the Argentinian political, cultural and economic life, diplomatic corps and many descendants of Montenegrin emigrants.

Before the ceremony began, Stojović and Reiser signed the agreement on cooperation in the field of culture between Montenegro and Argentina.

Đukanović also meets with the honorary consuls and presidents of Montenegrin communities in Latin America, that took place at the Embassy in Argentina, and during this occasion, he said: "There are not many of us, and wherever we are, it is important that we stick together.".

“If there were not for your activities and work, we would not pay much attention to the countries you live in now. On the other side, authorities of these countries would not have such relation towards Montenegro, if there were no such honorary communities here. Just like you ascendants did, today you give a contribution to their development and, thus, to build up the reputation of Montenegro in this part of the world,” said Đukanović after the first day of his visit to Latin America.

He expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with the home country and the results achieved in the past two years. He spoke about the current situation in Montenegro, which became a NATO member and made significant progress in the EU negotiations.

“Projects we are implementing are the most valuable in the history, and they can serve to honor to even greater states in Europe. We do not exaggerate if we speak with optimism about our close future that is going to be even brighter,” said Đukanović and thanked the highest representatives of Montenegrin communities in Argentina and surrounding states.

Representatives of diaspora thanked to the Government and other state authorities, as well as to the President himself, for the support and efficient commitment to cooperation.

Project “Montenegrin house” has been validated and Đukanović will deliver a speech tomorrow, at its official opening.

Representatives of Diaspora expressed special thanks to the ambassador, Gordan Stojović, who is soon completing his mission in Argentina, for exceptional cooperation and pioneer undertakings in joint efforts to organize and connect Montenegrin diaspora across Latin America.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro