The Government of Montenegro has announced that the country has received a prestigious international award from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Foundation for its outstanding tobacco tax policy.

The award was presented to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić during the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, Ireland.

According to the Government, the MIME acknowledged the dedicated efforts made by the Government and the Ministry of Finance in implementing effective measures to combat tobacco use and the illicit trade in tobacco products.

“Montenegro is fully committed to diminishing the availability of tobacco products and addressing the illicit tobacco trade to create a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society. We are enhancing our efforts against illicit tobacco activities, not only to safeguard budget revenues but also to reinforce the rule of law and our dedication to Chapters 23 and 24, distinguishing us from our predecessors and guiding us toward EU integration. This remains a strategic priority as we collaborate with regional and international partners for a more resilient future,” stated Spajić.

The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro has been recognized for its initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco availability. The latest data reveals that the prevalence of tobacco use in Montenegro saw a decline of nearly seven percent between 2019 and 2022. Montenegro has committed to further minimize smuggling, raise taxes, and enhance regulations to strengthen tobacco control measures.

“This award signifies more than just our achievements; it serves as a global message that Montenegro has rapidly emerged as a leader in tax discipline. By demonstrating bravery in tax policy, we safeguard health, the economy, and our future. Such accolades inspire us to establish new benchmarks,” remarked Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, acknowledging the significant efforts of his department in this challenging endeavor.

According to government reports, these awards were presented for the first time since 2018 by Mike R. Bloomberg, the founder of the foundation, during a conference attended by over 1,300 experts and leaders in public health; among them was Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin. The awards recognized the most effective policy implementations from the recent past.

“The global tobacco control movement has saved tens of millions of lives, marking it as one of the most triumphant public health initiatives in history,” stated Bloomberg, who also serves as the WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, along with being the 108th mayor of New York.

“Bloomberg Philanthropies has consistently collaborated with the World Health Organization and other organizations involved in this crucial work. This year’s Tobacco Control Award winners demonstrate the significant progress that can be achieved,” he added.

Tobacco use results in over seven million annual deaths, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Despite a global reduction in smoking rates from 22.8 percent in 2007 to 16.4 percent in 2023, approximately one billion people still smoke worldwide. Tobacco companies continue to invest billions in marketing each year, frequently appealing to young individuals who may be unaware of the associated risks.

The Bloomberg Philanthropy Awards for Global Tobacco Control were inaugural presented in 2009 at the World Health Conference on Tobacco or Health in Mumbai, with the last awards given in 2018 during the Cape Town conference.

The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro was recognized as one of six organizations with outstanding achievements in this field by the Bloomberg Philanthropy organization.

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