Press release from the 110th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 110th session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the results of negotiations and the conclusion of the Guarantee Agreement for the Loan Agreement between the Montenegrin Electricity Transmission System (CGES) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the amount of up to EUR 15,000,000, intended to finance the project to increase the transmission capacity of the 220 kV overhead power line. At its session of 18 December 2025, the Cabinet adopted the Information on the starting points for negotiations regarding the conclusion of the Guarantee Agreement, during 2025 or 2026, for the Loan Agreement between CGES and the EBRD, in the amount of up to EUR 15 million, for the purpose of financing the project to increase the transmission capacity of the 220 kV power line. As highlighted at the session, the Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - Perućica - Podgorica - Koplik (Albania) transmission line was commissioned in stages: the Trebinje-Podgorica section in 1965, and the Podgorica-Koplik section in 1972. Its current condition reflects decades of operation, as well as the fact that it passes through areas with demanding climatic conditions. The transmission capacity of the line (720 A) no longer meets modern needs, particularly in light of the significant growth of renewable energy projects, especially solar power plants and additional hydropower potential from the Perućica Hydropower Plant. Due to the insufficient capacity of the existing conductor, the reconstruction will primarily include the complete replacement of conductors, ground wires, insulation, as well as suspension and connecting equipment. The project is of particular importance for the integration of planned and existing renewable energy capacities connected to the transmission network, as its modernization creates conditions for the further development of the green transition in Montenegro. The project also has a broader public interest, as recognized by the Energy Law, particularly in the area of electricity generation from renewable sources. The construction and maintenance of transmission lines in a functional and reliable condition directly contribute to the security of the transmission system's operation. The project implementation deadline is the end of 2028, and the total budget is estimated at approximately EUR 15 million for a length of about 100 km, from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the border with Albania. In this context, the Cabinet accepted the Loan Agreement between CGES and the EBRD, in the amount of up to EUR 15,000,000, as well as the Guarantee Agreement between Montenegro and the EBRD for the said Loan Agreement.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Implementation of Obligations from the Programme of Accession of Montenegro to the European Union 2025-2026, for the year 2025. The Programme of Accession of Montenegro to the European Union for the period 2025-2026, adopted by the Cabinet on 13 February 2025, is a two-year strategic document covering 33 negotiating chapters. Given that the EU acquis is continuously evolving, the Programme is revised annually. The Report provides an overview of the status of the implementation of obligations, by negotiating chapters and competent authorities, in line with the mandate of the 44th Government of Montenegro, taking into account the Cabinet reshuffle carried out during 2025. According to the analysis of the implementation of obligations envisaged by the Programme of Accession, a total of 406 obligations were planned for 2025, of which 257 were implemented, representing 63% of the overall implementation rate. After consolidating obligations repeated across multiple negotiating chapters, without duplication of acts, 354 unique obligations were identified, of which 225 were implemented, or 64%. These results indicate stable and measurable progress in the implementation of the Programme.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the destruction of tobacco products following the separation of tobacco products serving as evidence in judicial proceedings from those subject to administrative procedures. During the discussion, it was emphasized that the issue of handling tobacco products seized pursuant to the Decision on the Prohibition of Storage of Tobacco Products in the Free Zone "Port of Bar" has been fully resolved. The destruction of cigarettes addressed an issue that had burdened negotiations with the EU and confirmed the Government's determination to combat tobacco smuggling and related illegal activities. The entire destruction process was carried out in the presence and under the supervision of international partners, with continuous video monitoring of the entire process, ensuring full transparency and control. The largest part of the destruction process was carried out in the period from 23 June to 16 September 2025. During this period, the following quantities of tobacco and tobacco products were destroyed in the Free Zone "Port of Bar": 130,003 cigarette packages (equivalent to 1,326,330,000 cigarettes); cut tobacco - 526 packages (approximately 100 kg per package); hookah tobacco - 1,134 packages; electronic cigarettes - 6 packages. The destruction of the remaining quantities of tobacco products was carried out in the period from 9 to 12 December 2025, at the following locations: the PGS Montenegro warehouse in the Free Zone "Port of Bar" and the Zetatrans Podgorica warehouse. At the Zetatrans warehouse in Podgorica, on 9 December 2025, 1,426 packs of cigarettes, 6 master cartons, and 262 kg of cut tobacco were destroyed. At the PGS Montenegro warehouse (Free Zone Port of Bar), from 10 to 12 December 2025, 6,801 packs and 99 master cartons of cigarettes were destroyed. The destruction was preceded by a precise separation of tobacco products that constitute evidence in criminal proceedings and must be preserved until the conclusion of those proceedings, from those subject to administrative procedures. Following the completion of the destruction process, approximately 11,800 packs of cigarettes remain stored at the PGS Montenegro warehouse in the Free Zone "Port of Bar", which are subject to judicial proceedings. In this regard, the Administration for State Property was tasked with proposing a method for the storage and safeguarding of these tobacco products, including an assessment of the required financial resources. Subsequently, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, the Ministry of Finance, and the Administration for State Property, within their respective competencies and capacities, will undertake activities to identify an optimal model for securing the necessary funding for the implementation of the proposal.