The Montenegrin Cabinet convened for its 88th session today, presided over by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. During the session, the Cabinet approved the Information regarding the mandatory public takeover procedure for shares of the Institute for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Rheumatology “Dr Simo Milošević”, in accordance with the Restructuring Plan. The Information specifies that the recapitalisation process must be expedited to safeguard the interests of the Institute Igalo. The Ministry of Health, representing the Government of Montenegro, along with the minority shareholder HTP “Vile Oliva” from Petrovac, will take necessary actions to acquire shares from minority shareholders, in compliance with the Law on Takeover of Joint Stock Companies. In addition, the Institute Igalo will enact necessary measures for recapitalisation, and subsequent to the share buyout, will commence the recapitalisation procedure in accordance with the Law on Business Organisations. In this regard, the Government ratified the Joint Action Agreement text between the Government of Montenegro, the Development Bank of Montenegro, the Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro, the Employment Agency of Montenegro, and the minority shareholder HTP “Vile Oliva”. Furthermore, the Government approved a Decision permitting these shareholders to move forward with the Company’s takeover.

The Cabinet also accepted the Information concerning the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG)’s request for Government approval for long-term borrowing. Based on the Ministry of Finance’s recommendation, the Government granted permission for EPCG to secure €50 million from ERSTE GROUP BANK AG to finance the procurement of missing electricity quantities. This borrowing is essential to maintain a constant electricity supply while the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant undergoes ecological reconstruction.

An Information on public awareness and information programmes about the detrimental impact of plastic bags on the environment was also adopted by the Cabinet. The aim of this Programme is to heighten public awareness and inform citizens of Montenegro regarding the negative environmental effects of plastic bags. Given the complexity of this issue, the Programme underscores that even the most advanced legislative measures may fall short without active public engagement. The primary goal is to inspire behavioural changes, enhance awareness of individual responsibility in nature preservation, and promote environmental sustainability. Anticipated outcomes include diminished plastic bag usage, reduced plastic waste in nature, increased public knowledge regarding their harmful effects, broader acceptance of alternatives, and heightened individual involvement in initiatives aimed at curtailing plastic bag utilization. A budget of €800,000 has been allocated for the Programme’s implementation, funded by a legal requirement mandating sellers of lightweight plastic bags (with wall thickness over 50 microns) to contribute a fee.

The Cabinet also adopted Information concerning concession activities related to the exploration and exploitation of solid mineral resources. The document states that the fixed portion of the concession fee for 2025 is €3,025,737, while the variable segment for 2024 amounts to €1,956,708. Total concession fees (fixed + variable) over the last three years are as follows: €4,519,137 for 2022, €5,408,647 for 2023, and €5,387,902 for 2024.

A Decision concerning the maximum electricity price that bidders may propose in the market premium auction was also adopted by the Cabinet. In accordance with the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, the Decision stipulates that the maximum price can be set at €65.00/MWh. This Decision implements a support system via market premiums, aimed at ensuring competitive processes and achieving the lowest possible prices for renewable energy. It aligns with Montenegro’s international obligations, including those under the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, as well as commitments related to the Montenegro Reform Agenda 2024-2027.

The Cabinet sanctioned the quota for the initial market premium auction. This Decision establishes a quota of 250 MW for the inaugural auction, applicable to solar facilities with capacities of 400 kW or more.

The Regulation overseeing procedures for filling and increasing quotas in market premium auctions for unspecified locations and the ranking of bids at such auctions was also adopted. This Regulation outlines procedures for filling and increasing quotas when the remaining capacity is less than proposed by a bidder’s project, alongside criteria for bid ranking.

The Cabinet approved the Regulation detailing criteria and methods for determining the maximum price bidders may propose in market premium auctions.

Co-financing for the renovation of the mini football/handball pitch at the City Stadium “Pod Golubinjom” in Pljevlja was authorized by the Cabinet, totaling €30,000.

Additionally, the financing for the construction of an outdoor sports field at the branch of Primary School “Braća Ribar” in Brzava, Bijelo Polje, was approved, with a total allocation of €56,218.

The Cabinet also adopted the European Youth Card (EYC) Development Programme for 2025-2027, alongside the Implementation Action Plan for the same period. This Programme aims to enhance cooperation in youth policy by offering additional discounts for young people in Montenegro and throughout Europe, improving their access to information, facilitating mobility at both national and European levels, and providing opportunities for acquiring new skills and knowledge via non-formal education. Furthermore, it encourages networking between youth, the business sector, and universities. The Programme promotes collaboration with other member countries of the European Youth Card Association, focusing on mobility, information-sharing, and the exchange of best practices. The execution of the three-year Action Plan for the Programme will be bolstered by €363,480, financed from the national budget with partial contributions from donations. Under the previous 2022-2024 European Youth Card Development Programme, over 87,000 free physical or digital EYC cards have been distributed in Montenegro, granting access to more than 750 discount locations locally and over 30,000 benefits across Europe. Moreover, the Programme has facilitated the organization of more than 40 educational workshops, promotional events, and digital initiatives.