The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro has been awarded the BLUMBERG Foundation Award for Global Tobacco Control for the year 2025.

The Bloomberg Foundation stated that today, at the World Tobacco Control event in Dublin, Michael R. Bloomberg, the Global Ambassador (WHO) for non-communicable diseases and injuries, presented this award to Prime Minister Milojka Spajic. “This recognition is for leadership in implementing a significant rise in excise duties on tobacco products, despite the considerable influence of the tobacco industry in the region.

It is noted that from 2017 to 2024, the excise on cigarettes increased by 73% in Montenegro, while the average price of cigarettes rose by 24%. According to the latest data, the prevalence of tobacco use dropped by nearly 7% between 2019 and 2022.

“Montenegro has also reaffirmed its commitment to further combat smuggling and strengthen regulatory measures. The usage of tobacco fell from over 7 million in 2007 to 16.4% in 2023, with about a billion people worldwide still consuming tobacco products,” reported the Bloomberg Foundation.

The acknowledgment within the Initiative for Reducing Tobacco Use emphasizes the important role of the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro in effectively combating tobacco, which inspires global actions and contributes to a worldwide influence.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated in Dublin that Montenegro is steadfast in reducing the accessibility of tobacco products while simultaneously fighting illegal tobacco trade to foster a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society.

“We are intensifying our fight against illicit tobacco trade while reinforcing the rule of law as we move toward EU integration. This is strategically vital for a safer and more sustainable future,” Spajic noted, according to government statements. Minister of Finance Novica Vuković remarked that this award not only recognizes outstanding results but also sends a message globally that Montenegro has swiftly emerged as a leader in tax discipline. “By demonstrating courage in our tax policies, we are safeguarding health, enhancing the budget, and securing our future. This motivates us to establish new standards,” highlighted Vuković, acknowledging the significant contributions of his department to this challenging endeavor. The Bloomberg Philanthropist Awards for Global Tobacco Control were first presented in 2009 at the World Health Conference on Tobacco or Health in Mumbai, with the most recent award in 2018 at the conference in Cape Town. The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro was recognized as one of six organizations that have achieved remarkable success in this field.