The Prime Minister welcomed the fact that the World Bank Office in Podgorica had been operating for more than a year since Montenegro�s admission to this reputable international financial institution. He also praised the success of cooperation between the World Bank and relevant government departments and institutions. The Prime Minister underlined the valuable support the Government had recently received from the Office, through a very rich portfolio of projects, above all in the field of sustainable tourism, energy, land policy, as well as through the final stage of the public-private partnership arrangement for Bar-Boljare Motorway, in which IFC provided advisory services... More

Intensive tourism development in Montenegro, increase in accommodation facilities, and an increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Montenegro year after year required an adequate offer of the transportation facilities. In relation to that, at the initiative of the Government of Montenegro and the line ministries, Montenegro Airlines as the national carrier increased the number of flights to the existing destinations and opened new lines to the destinations that were recognized as the most important tourism and business originating markets... More

At today�s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro has adopted the Legal Property Relations Bill, as amended following a public debate sponsored by the Parliament. This important systemic legislation comprehensively regulates rights of ownership and other rights in rem in line with the highest European and international standards. A completely new regulation of property relations is essential for fundamental changes in Montenegro�s economic and legal system, and quicker realization of constitutional concepts of private property and freedom of entrepreneurship. The complex institutions formerly subject to a divided legislative authority have been consolidated by the Bill, which provides for a more homogenous and systematic legal text and facilitates a comprehensive insight into the subject matter... More

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic today met with Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg. Prime Minister Djukanovic expressed satisfaction with successful cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the Council of Europe aimed at promoting Montenegro�s democratic development. He noted that Montenegro, as the youngest CoE member, had demonstrated particular sensitivity towards responsibilities arising from membership of the oldest pan-European organization... More

Having particular regard to the European integration process, at today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the National Program for Integration of Montenegro into the EU from 2008 to 2012. Consolidating various aspects of the Stabilization and Association Process, the National Program for Integration represents a detailed plan of activities towards Montenegro�s internal preparedness to assume the responsibilities arising from EU membership by the end of 2012. As a strategic framework for overall democratic and economic reforms in the country, NPI will serve not only as a means of coordinating reforms on the path to the EU or as the groundwork for the development of annual agendas, but also as a transparent and clear presentation of planned reforms, intended both for European institutions and the Montenegrin public... More

At today�s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gordana Djurovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Explosive Materials Bill. The new legislation prescribes the terms and conditions for the production, trade in, storage and use of explosive materials, with regards to the protection of people, environment and material assets. Its adoption will enable Montenegro to regulate this matter in a uniform and consistent manner for the first time within its own legal system... More

The country of Montenegro attended the 9th meeting of the Conference of Parties for the Convention on Biodiversity in Bonn, Germany for the first time as an independent country. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment Protection invited the UNDP Resident Representative a.i./UN Interagency Focal Point in Montenegro Mr. Garret Tankosić Kelly to present the agency�s work in Montenegro in the area of biodiversity and sustainable development at the side event organized by the Ministry. More  download

Audio recording: Press statement by DG Enlargement Director for Western Balkans Pierre Mirel. More

Deputy Prime Minister Gordana Đurović: ''Montenegro considers that the results achieved in several years of dynamic process of implementation democratic and economic reforms in country are very significant and measurable, particularly results achieved in field of strengthening the rule of law, exercising human and minority rights, legislation harmonization, institutional capacity building for gradual implementation of EU standards and procedures, as of providing conditions for creating the competition trade economy. Evident progress has been achieved particularly in period after re-gaining of independence, by directing all of the political energy and reliable resources to fulfilling criteria for EU membership... More

Audio recording: Opening speech delivered by DG Enlargement Director for Western Balkans Pierre Mirel at the Fifth Plenary Meeting of the Enhanced Permanent Dialogue between Montenegro and the European Union� More

Addressing the first meeting of the body since the new Government was elected, Prime Minister Djukanovic underlined that integration into NATO was strategic priority for Montenegro�s foreign and security policy and that the Government�s efforts in that respect would be intensified in the coming period. He pointed out that Montenegro had achieved considerable success in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration, which was recognized by the invitation from the Bucharest Summit to join the Intensified Dialogue with NATO. He explained that Montenegro was entering the most serious stage of integration into the Alliance and that dynamic performance of PfP programs would create conditions for Montenegro to gain candidacy status by joining a Membership Action Plan by the next NATO Summit... More

Montenegro officially became a member of the UNHCR Executive Committee (EXCOM) at the meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council held on 29 April 2008. The decision was based on the UN General Assembly Resolution on EXCOM enlargement. Besides Montenegro, Luxembourg, Benin and Macedonia also became members, extending the membership from 72 to 76 countries.

EXCOM meets in Geneva annually to review and approve UNHCR's programmes and budget, advise on international protection and discuss a wide range of other issues with UNHCR and its intergovernmental and non-governmental partners... More

Paying particular attention to the realization of capital development projects, at today�s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro approved the Communication on the Outcome of Negotiations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Second Tranche of the Project of the Regional Water Supply System for Montenegro with agreement proposals. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will earmark �15 million for the project, with a repayment period of 12 years... More

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Gordana Djurovic has acquainted Irish Ambassador Martin Greene today with the course of the public debate on the Daft National Program for Integration from 2008 to 2012, relevant round table discussions and electronic communication with the public. Deputy Prime Minister Djurovic informed Mr Greene of the activities involved in preparing regular reports to the European Commission on the progress of Montenegro�s EU integration process, focusing on SAA implementation and the plans for building administrative capacity for European integration... More

� Welcome: It is my honour to welcome you all to this important Seminar on Strategic Planning and Medium-Term Budget Framework in Montenegro. As you know, Montenegro initiated a strategic approach to fiscal policy two years ago, but it takes time to fully implement such an approach and the time has now come to take another step. I hope that the initiatives to be presented today�initiatives that are intended to reinforce a top-down approach to budget policy�will help the Government to sharpen its strategic policy priorities, will help spending units to better target their expenditure toward those ends, and will help the Ministry of Finance to provide adequately for these fiscal needs while maintaining a sound financial platform and a sound and vibrant economy. I look forward to a productive day of deliberation on this vital topic for the future of Montenegro... More

As part of continual adjustment of labor legislation to new socioeconomic circumstances, at today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro approved the Labor Bill. In order to maximize flexibility in labor market relations between employers and workers, ensure the highest EU and ILO standards of worker protection and stimulate employment, the Bill revises certain labor law mechanisms and introduces a number of new concepts. Suggestions made by social partners and other public debate participants have been duly observed in the drafting process... More

Montenegro and the European Union have today signed a bilateral agreement on Montenegro�s accession to the World Trade Organization. The Agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Gordana Djurovic and Director General of the Commission�s Directorate General for Trade David O�Sullivan.

The signing of the Agreement completes the process of bilateral negotiations between the EU and Montenegro opened in 2005. The Community is the first WTO member to conclude bilateral talks with Montenegro. More

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Gordana Djurovic today met with Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Erhard Busek. The talks focused on the new CEFTA Agreement, a single free-trade agreement for South Eastern Europe, which came into effect in all signatories of the Agreement in late 2007. Both sides agreed that its implementation promoted the European agenda of the region and encouraged economic cooperation following the rules of the World Trade Organization, in the course of preparations for EU accession... More

As part of intense efforts at aligning Montenegrin legislation with EU regulations and building the overall administrative capacity of the state for the next stage of EU accession, at today�s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Draft National Program for the Integration of Montenegro into the EU for the period from 2008 to 2012 with a public debate program. The National Program introduces a detailed plan of activities necessary for building Montenegro�s internal capacity to assume the responsibilities arising from EU membership, which makes it one of the most important Government documents for the forthcoming period... More

Prime Minister Djukanovic informed his guests of the ongoing developments in Montenegro following the restoration of dependence, aimed at raising the standard of living and achieving the country�s fundamental democratization and progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He underlined the importance the Government attached to creating a favorable entrepreneurial climate. By the same token, the Prime Minister asserted that Montenegro was an absolute leader in the region in terms of foreign investment per capita, which proved the success of its carefully designed economic system... More

At its Cabinet meeting today, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro approved the Personal Name Bill. Taking into consideration every citizen�s right and obligation to have a personal name, the Bill regulates the concept, structure, assignment, use and change of names of Montenegrin citizens, bringing the provisions in full conformity with the Constitution of Montenegro, European legislation and ratified international conventions... More

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and EU�s High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana met today in Brussels. Following their talks, the Prime Minister and Mr. Solana issued short statements. More

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic has today had a working breakfast with ambassadors of NATO countries accredited to Montenegro. Prime Minister Djukanovic acquainted the ambassadors with Montenegro�s progress in Euro-Atlantic integration both in terms of internal reforms and within NATO�s Partnership for Peace Program. He underscored the Government�s plans to intensify the process of Montenegro�s Euro-Atlantic integration in the forthcoming period, with an emphasis on expectations from the NATO Bucharest Summit... More

At today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Bill ratifying the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. In this regard, the Government concluded that the ratification of this UNESCO Convention was highly important for full realization of the right to participate in cultural life, as well as for the policy of promoting and preserving Montenegro�s cultural heritage, closer intercultural dialogue and opening up towards different cultures and cultural diversity... More

The talks focused on Montenegro�s accession to the European Union, with Deputy Prime Minister Djurovic informing her host of the progress Montenegro had made over the past year and a half. In this context, reference was made to Slovenia�s EU Presidency, particularly from the perspective of the Western Balkans as one of the Presidency�s priorities... More

Audio recording: Statement by Mr. Peter Munk, the main investor in Porto Montenegro project, at the press conference presenting Porto Montenegro Project and announcing the construction of a Four Seasons hotel... More

With a view to improving the financial position of pensioners, at today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro approved the Bill on Compensation to Pension and Disability Insurance Beneficiaries, identifying the terms, conditions and pace of compensation payments, in accordance with the Agreement signed earlier with the Pensioners Alliance. This will cost around �90 million and the final installment is due in April 2011... More

Prime Minister congratulated Ambassador Nikolovski on his appointment, wishing him a successful diplomatic mission in Montenegro, which would certainly enhance the already very good relations between the two countries. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that traditionally good political relations between Montenegro and Macedonia were characterized by frequent top-level meetings... More

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Government of Montenegro and on my own behalf, let me express deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the explosion at an arms dump near Tirana. Government and people of Montenegro sympathize with the victims� families and all citizens of Albania in this difficult moment. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate readiness of Montenegro to offer medical and other necessary help to the people of Albania and your Government"... More

Montenegro Economic and Fiscal programme 2007 - 2010 will be published during next week... More

HORWATH HOTEL INDUSTRY SURVEY MONTENEGRO 2007 More

In pursuance of its strategic commitments, at today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the 2008 Agenda. The Agenda gives absolute priority to further advancement of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and dynamic and sustainable economic development, aimed at raising the standard of living of the population. The objectives set out in the Agenda are intended, inter alia, to ensure a balanced regional development of Montenegro, promote administrative and judicial reform, with an emphasis on the rule of law, institution building, human and minority rights protection, and reinforce regional cooperation and good neighborly relations... More

Presentation Document of the Montenegro � NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan... More  download

Having welcomed Ambassador Maurer�s appointment as Head of the EC Delegation to Montenegro, Prime Minister Djukanovic reiterated his Government�s strong commitment to the advancement of economic and social reforms, with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the population. At the same time, he underlined Montenegro�s unreserved commitment to fulfilling the tasks set before it on the path to EU membership... More

Ambassador Moore expressed satisfaction with the quality of cooperation with the previous Government and hope that it would be intensified in the forthcoming period. Having congratulated Montenegro on its foreign policy accomplishments, Ambassador Moore voiced confidence that Montenegro would serve as a role model for the region. He underlined that the United States would continue providing strong support to Montenegro�s efforts towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which would be clearly confirmed at the forthcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest, early next month... More

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Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic received a visit today from Slovenian Defense Minister Karl Erjavec. Their discussion focused on mutual relations and cooperation between the two governments and defense ministries. Prime Minister Djukanovic introduced Montenegro�s priorities in terms of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and defense issues. He expressed appreciation for the support Slovenia was providing in this regard during its EU Presidency... More

Statement by European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn following his meeting with Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic� More

The Privatization Plan for 2008... More  download

At today�s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Presentation Document for the Individual Partnership Action Plan between Montenegro and NATO, continuing the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Implementation of the Plan will, inter alia, enhance domestic capabilities in combating terrorism, organized crime and corruption, and strengthen border security. Forging closer ties with the North Atlantic Alliance as the most reliable guarantor of Euro-Atlantic security and a key partner in strengthening regional and national security, Montenegro will continue to make its contribution to realizing common interests in this area... More