Press release from 123rd Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet, at its 123rd session held today and chaired by Prime Minister Mr Milojko Spajić, adopted the Proposal for Amendments to the Constitution of Montenegro, specifying that the Prime Minister and members of the Government shall not enjoy immunity for criminal offences related to abuse of official duty. During the discussion, it was emphasized that the proposed amendment aims to strengthen the rule of law and the accountability of the highest executive office holders, as well as to enhance the legal framework for the prevention of and fight against corruption. The Proposal is in line with fundamental constitutional principles and internationally accepted standards in the areas of rule of law, accountability of public officials, and anti-corruption legislation. The implementation of the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) represents a key instrument for strengthening institutional integrity, improving the rule of law, and enhancing the credibility of the anti-corruption system in Montenegro, thereby reaffirming the country's commitment to European and international standards. The proposed constitutional amendment also contributes to the harmonisation of the domestic legal system with the highest international anti-corruption standards and to further progress in the EU integration process, particularly in meeting the benchmarks under Chapter 23.

The Government adopted the Information on the baseline for negotiations with the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement - AFD) regarding the second tranche of the Development Policy Loan (DPL) in the amount of up to EUR 100 million. The 2024 DPL arrangement, totalling EUR 180 million, was financed by three international financial institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) with EUR 80 million, and the OPEC Fund for International Development and the French Development Agency with EUR 50 million each. The first tranche of the AFD loan, concluded in 2024, amounted to EUR 50 million, with a repayment period of 10 years, a grace period of 18 months, and an annual interest rate of 3.03%. Based on previous positive cooperation, the Ministry of Finance submitted a letter of intent to AFD on 5 September 2025 for the implementation of the second tranche of up to EUR 100 million, which has since been approved by the institution's Board of Directors. Development Policy Loans are long-term financial instruments provided by international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, to support the implementation of policy and institutional reforms. Their purpose is to assist countries in carrying out structural reforms aimed at fostering economic growth and reducing poverty. This type of arrangement supports reforms in areas such as economic management, public sector governance, human development, infrastructure, and environmental protection, thereby contributing to sustainable development. In this regard, the Government adopted, as a basis for negotiations, the Draft Annex to the Framework Agreement on a non-binding credit facility between the French Development Agency and Montenegro, as well as the Confirmation of the second approved loan.

The Government adopted the Proposal for Amendments to the Law on Misleading Advertising, with the aim of aligning it with EU legislation by further clarifying certain provisions and eliminating minor linguistic and legal-technical inconsistencies in the transposition of Directive 2006/114/EC on misleading and comparative advertising.

The Government adopted the Information on the need to secure additional aerial firefighting capacity for the Aviation-Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of the Interior during the 2026 wildfire season. Given the expected intensity of the season, it is necessary to procure, through lease, an additional aerial firefighting asset for the period June-August 2026, with a water-carrying capacity of 5 to 10 tonnes per sortie. Such an asset would enable a greater operational effect per sortie, faster containment of fires, and more efficient response to large-scale fires, particularly in inaccessible terrain and in situations requiring simultaneous engagement at multiple critical points. It would also relieve the burden on existing aircraft and increase the number of operational resources available throughout the season, thereby improving the overall preparedness and effectiveness of the protection and rescue system. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with reallocating funds in the amount of EUR 3,500,000 from the current budget reserve to the Ministry of the Interior for this purpose.

The Government adopted the Information on the request of the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG AD Nikšić) for approval of long-term borrowing for the implementation of the project "Perućica Phase III - Rehabilitation and Capacity Expansion with Unit A8" and granted consent for borrowing in the amount of EUR 40 million from KfW Bank. The loan has a repayment period of 10.5 years, including a five-year grace period, and an interest rate defined as the sum of a 2.23% annual margin and the applicable swap rate for the respective interest period. It was noted that the installation of Unit A8 is part of a broader process of modernisation and capacity expansion of the Perućica Hydropower Plant, including works on channels, revitalisation, and reconstruction of other units (e.g. A6 and A7), with the aim of ensuring more efficient and sustainable electricity generation. The project will increase electricity production while enabling greater flexibility and improved integration of renewable energy sources into Montenegro's power system. The Government also adopted the Information on EPCG's request for a EUR 30 million loan for refinancing existing short-term liabilities and granted its consent. It was emphasised that this borrowing relates to refinancing short-term loans taken in 2025 to cover electricity shortages caused by outages at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant and unfavourable hydrological conditions, and that it does not constitute new net debt.

The Government accepted the Amendment to the Proposal for Amendments to the Law on Higher Education submitted to the Parliament of Montenegro by MP Uglješa Urošević. The amendment ensures equality and legal certainty for all students and graduates who commenced or completed their studies under the 3+2 model. It enables students enrolled in 120 ECTS master's programmes prior to the entry into force of the 2025 Law on Higher Education to obtain, upon request and after completing 60 ECTS credits (i.e. the first year of studies), a postgraduate specialist diploma. This prevents potential discrimination in the labour market and contributes to continuity and coherence of the higher education system during the transitional period.

The Government adopted the Information on the market assessment submitted under the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the French Republic for the implementation of the University Clinical Centre project in Podgorica and approved the initiation of contract negotiations with Bouygues Bâtiment International as the only qualified company identified in the market review. The relevant ministries have been tasked with undertaking all necessary activities to ensure the implementation of the University Clinical Centre project in Podgorica.