Milan Knežević, MP of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), asserted that the issue of child protection should be governed by the Law on Games of Chance rather than the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism. He questioned the absence of a public debate on these amendments and pointed out the various challenges in implementing the taxation of organizers…

“We face a challenge regarding the applicability of this regulation, as we lack the administrative capacity to monitor all 20-euro transactions, and organizers are equally unequipped to enforce the stipulated guidelines. As a result, organizers may inadvertently become an extension of the ANB, tasked with tracking the habits of those making 20-euro payments. This situation may lead to individuals opting for the online black market, where transactions are more favorable. The stipulation regarding 20 euros diverges from the EU directive of 2015, which outlines minimum standards for customer and business analysis. Such thresholds cannot be altered at the national level without prior alignment with the directive and necessary amendments at the EU regulatory level,” Knežević emphasized, noting that the EU threshold applies to businesses up to 2,000 euros.

Knežević further indicated that an analysis justifying this threshold should have been available, yet Montenegro currently lacks the capability to implement the law, as financial investigations in far more serious matters take significantly longer to process.

Šaranović remarked that establishing order is imperative, stating that there will not be an increase in the capacity of public administration or organizers. Instead, ID card readers will be required for transactions exceeding 20 euros.

Knežević expressed concerns that the law may remain unenforced, raising the risk of illegal online betting, and highlighted the lack of administrative capacity.

Vasilije Čarapić, MP for the Europe Now Movement (PES), noted the introduction of a Register of Crypto-Asset Service Providers, which aims to establish high transparency standards for Montenegro, while creating opportunities for investors and barriers for speculators.

“The government’s strategy is tailored to attract investors by regulating the crypto-asset market, positioning us as a trustworthy and serious partner. This legislation will also fulfill one of the final criteria outlined in Chapter 4 – Free Movement of Capital,” Čarapić stated, adding that their amendments mandate compliance with the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism for founders, users, and operators of free zones.

Velimir Đoković, MP from New Serbian Democracy (NSD), commented on the importance of this regulation, emphasizing that the regulation of the domestic cryptocurrency market is significant.

Boris Bogdanović, a Democratic MP, remarked that today, alongside “a small number of citizens,” “the mafia can also be seen on the streets,” and called for the resignations of the Minister of the Interior and the Deputy Prime Minister.

“Aco Mijajlović, an individual who contributed to the destruction of the state and its institutions. What did judge Suzana Mugoša say in court? A one million-euro bail and he walks free – one million euros for a billionaire. It’s akin to telling an ordinary citizen that just one euro secures their freedom. Consequently, Mijajlović is now defending himself while strolling the streets, pretending to be a student. Why? Because he once commanded judges, and now he awaits a verdict,” Bogdanović noted, stressing that such instances are not isolated, and institutions are no longer utilized for surveillance or prosecution…

Momčilo Leković from the same parliamentary group assessed that the “panic stemmed from a purge” within the security sector.

Šaranović concluded by stating that betting by minors is being conclusively addressed.