The Montenegrin Cabinet convened today for its 77th session, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić. During this session, the Cabinet approved the Proposal to amend the Constitution of Montenegro. This proposal aligns with the Reform Agenda of Montenegro for 2024–2027, which anticipates constitutional amendments by June 2025. Specifically, the proposed amendment pertains to Amendments VIII and IX of the Constitution, which govern the following:

1. The structure of the Judicial Council – Amendment VIII;

2. The authority of the Minister of Justice in disciplinary actions against judges – Amendment IX, paragraph 3.

The proposal is consistent with EU acquis and European standards that emphasize the independence, accountability, integrity, impartiality, and professionalism of the judiciary and prosecution. It addresses the current recommendations from the European Commission, the insights of the Venice Commission, and the suggestions from the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO). The discussion underscored the necessity of modifying existing constitutional provisions to ensure that the majority of Judicial Council members are judges elected by their peers, that the Minister of Justice does not serve as a Council member, and that non-judicial representatives are chosen based on their professional merit and integrity through objective and measurable criteria that fully support the Council’s responsibilities. The Government reiterated that the establishment of an independent, professional, and trustworthy judiciary is a strategic priority in Montenegro’s EU integration process. An independent judiciary is essential for the democratic functioning of institutions on national, European, and international fronts, as well as for ensuring legal security for citizens.

The Cabinet also approved the Draft Law on amendments to the Law on Tax Advisors. Montenegro became a member of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2018, committing to adhere to international standards for tax information exchange — both upon request (EOIR) and automatically (AEOI). Consequently, the new provisions will mandate tax advisors to furnish the Tax Administration with all requisite information pertinent to taxation and facilitate data exchange with relevant authorities in EU Member States or other jurisdictions. Proposed sanctions will apply to advisors who do not comply with these legal obligations.

Additionally, the Cabinet adopted the Decree on amendments to the Decree regulating the limit values for emissions of pollutants into the air from stationary sources. This initiative seeks to apply emission control measures consistently, in alignment with the strategic objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030 and the Reform Agenda. The amendments seek to resolve legal ambiguities stemming from unclear transitional provisions in the previous regulations concerning emission limits and calculations for facilities utilizing multiple fuel types (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 129/21).

The Cabinet endorsed the Proposal to grant the Ministry of Culture and Media the free use of state-owned immovable property. The Ministry has been granted free use of the former prison building situated in the Old Town of Kotor for five years, with the possibility of renewal. This building, designated as a cultural monument, underwent reconstruction in July 2021 and now serves as a Creative Hub aimed at supporting artists and fostering the development of creative industries. The project received funding from the EU Interreg IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro program and the Ministry’s budget.

The Cabinet likewise adopted the Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 along with the Action Plan for 2025–2026. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in collaboration with UNICEF, and supported by the EU Delegation in Montenegro, is part of a two-year project titled Quality Education for Every Child in Montenegro, which commenced in January 2024. The Strategy envisions a learner-focused education system by 2035, prioritizing student well-being, motivation, and individual needs. Schools will adopt innovative teaching methodologies, promote personal and social skills development, and create inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environments. Educators will be competent, motivated, and free from excessive administrative duties, with ongoing access to professional development and innovation. The education system will be adaptable and built on solid interinstitutional and international collaboration, aligning with EU policies, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the concurrent green and digital transitions.

The Strategy delineates four strategic goals:

1. A high-quality, accessible, and equitable education system that fosters the holistic development of all children and adolescents and is resilient to challenges;

2. Educational staff that collectively foster quality and equity, cultivate students’ key competencies and lifelong learning skills, and maintain positive attitudes and high expectations for every learner;

3. Enhanced education quality and equity via improved governance and financing, with an emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and inclusive decision-making processes;

4. Modern, safe, and inclusive educational infrastructure and teaching resources that facilitate high-quality education and care for all children and youth.

The Cabinet has also moved to withdraw Government Amendments to the Draft Law on amendments to the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees. These amendments, initially adopted at the session on March 27, 2025, have now been replaced with new proposals aligned with European Commission standards. The revised amendments clarify the conditions for appointing heads of administrative bodies and senior managerial staff. In light of reforms in the education system, the amendments allow individuals holding a Level VI qualification and possessing significant managerial experience to qualify for leadership roles, alongside those with a Level VII qualification. By providing two alternative criteria, the amendments promote inclusivity and flexibility in recognizing managerial potential while ensuring high standards of professional experience. The amendments also stipulate conditions for expert-managerial roles to guarantee structured and qualified leadership in state administration. Positions in this category will be open to all candidates with at least a Level VI qualification, thereby enhancing merit-based recruitment and diminishing the likelihood of appointing unsuitable candidates to crucial roles.