Organized by the branch of Matica Crnogorska in Bar, the Castle of King Nikola held the forum "Montenegrin Emigrants in Latin America - Identity and Their Relationships with the Country of Origin", in which diaspora researcher Dragana Otasevic presented part of several years research in several South American countries.

Otasevic said that her interest in working with a diaspora has family roots as her two great-grandfathers lived in Argentina. When she learned of this, she first started exploring this part of the family history and came to the first contacts in South America.

She spent a month in the largest Montenegrin colonies in Argentina and then received a scholarship to study this subject in Argentina, where she spent three years in education and a research mission.

"The Institute for South American Migrant Studies in Buenos Aires has digitalized databases on all immigrants from 1862 to 1972. This was the starting point for creating a database on our migration. These data on Montenegrin immigrants will soon be published and will also include the knowledge on the relationship of their identity, because there is already the fifth-generation of Montenegrins there," Otasevic said.

Dragana Otasevic completed her basic and specialist studies at the Faculty of Business Management in Bar and completed her master’s studies in International Politics and Economics at the San Andres University in Buenos Aires. She is a graduate at the Master Studies in Politics and Management of International Migration at the Institute for Migration Policy and Asylum of the National University Tres Febrero in Buenos Aires.

"Within the research, she has spent more than two years in Montenegrin communities in Argentina, to study relationships between Montenegro's migration to Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Montenegro, as well as on the identity of the Montenegrin descendants. During her studies, for the needs of the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she worked as a researcher at the Center for Latin American Migration Studies in Buenos Aires, on the project of collecting data on the entry of Montenegrins into the Republic of Argentina from 1882 to 1960. She is the winner of the National Scholarship for the Excellence of the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education of Montenegro, as well as awards for the best master’s degree at San Andres in 2018. Her activities within the Montenegrin communities in Argentina were rewarded with a thank-you note of the Montenegrin Community of Buenos Aires 2017," said the mediator of the panel, Mr. Ivan Jovovic, President of the branch Matica Crnogorska in Bar.

Otasevic said that she achieved the communication with our immigrants foremost through the social networks, and then she began to visit the provinces of Argentina where our colonies were the most numerous.

Indeed, the emotion they have towards Montenegro is interesting, and they have preserved their Montenegrin identity and have a great desire to intensify contacts with the country of their origin. The Montenegrin tradition and customs are the most preserved in the province of Ćako, including our kitchen, so in Montenegrin Argentine families, they prepare kastradina, kacamak ... I did not only visit our emigrant associations, but I participated in all of their activities, staying with Montenegrins on Tierra del Fuego. It is extremely important to emphasize that before 1918 all these associations in Argentina were Montenegrin, and after 1918 their Yugoslavization began. In Buenos Aires, between 1920 and 1930, the Montenegrin peasant party was very active, as a branch of the party with the same name in the United States," said Otasevic.

Pointing out that this was the opportunity to provide adequate information on essential identities of our emigrants in Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, Jovovic emphasized that Otasevic's research was enabled on the basis of an international memorandum of cooperation concluded by the Department of Diaspora of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Latin American Migration Research Center (CEMLA).

Otasevic gained access to CEMLA databases, which in this area are the largest ones in South America. Of course, the experience gained by Dragana Otasevic in the work with our emigration can make useful recommendations to Montenegrin state authorities and institutions regarding the further approach of the originate country to their diaspora, because in this, for us very distant space, the fifth generation of our emigrants is growing up who have a strong awareness of their identity and country of origin. It is certain that up till now there has not been much interest in enlisting and promoting the overall co-operation of Montenegro with the emigrants from Latin America, and Matica Crnogorska, which was the initiator of this process, was undoubtedly responsible for such developments, "Jovovic said.

Text by Radomir Petric, on June 29th 2019, read more at Vijesti

29 June 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović recently received Skender Durmishi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Montenegro in his farewell visit.

President of Montenegro thanked Ambassador Durmishi for excellent cooperation during his diplomatic mandate and contribution to the improvement of relations between the two countries.

"The coming into force of the agreement on borders, the opening of the Montenegrin Development Center in Kosovo, and the appointment of an honorary consul, are the processes that have strengthened confidence and improved cooperation," said Đukanović.

The Office of the President of Montenegro reported that Đukanović also added that Montenegro closely monitors the events in Kosovo, with the positions of friendly relations of the neighbors, but also with the desire that the problems that exist in the region get as soon as possible the epilogue in the interest of all. In this regard, the President expressed support for the renewal of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as soon as possible, in order to show responsibility to the region and its European perspective. Đukanović stressed that Montenegro is trying to be a constructive partner, aware of delicacy and its relevance to the stability of the region as a whole.

"With the same understanding, Montenegro will continue to support the stability and prosperity of Kosovo and its further European integration," said Đukanović.

The President also conveyed to Ambassador Durmishi the gratitude of Montenegro for the attention of Kosovo towards the Montenegrin national community and the progress in creating the conditions for its gathering and constructive action.

Ambassador Durmishi thanked President Đukanović for his reception, stressing that he was privileged and honored to be the first Ambassador of Kosovo to Montenegro, where, he said, he encountered an exceptional reception and cooperation of Montenegrin institutions. Durmishi stressed that he was looking forward to the successes of Montenegro and that he has high remarks for Montenegro’s contribution to regional progress.

The interlocutors agreed that so far results in cooperation are a good basis for further deepening of relations primarily in the field of economy, infrastructure, and culture.

Read more news about politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

29 June 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received the Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, who is visiting Montenegro.

The President expressed satisfaction with the visit of the Vice-President, and with the opportunity to meet with her, emphasizing the importance of a continuous dialogue on the quality of interstate cooperation, which Montenegro and Bulgaria consistently confirm in practice.

Relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria are traditionally good, Đukanović said, especially in the context of supporting our integration aspirations. He recalled the stable opportunities and strategic goals of our country, achieved membership in NATO and the leadership position in the process of EU accession. To that end, the adoption of a European value system and a higher quality of life leads us, said the President, a commitment to comprehensive reforms.

The President also referred to the current situation in the region and on the importance of resolving the remaining open issues, as reported the Office of the President of Montenegro. He pointed out the importance of the region's integration, for its stability, stressing that there is no stability of the Balkans without its Europeanization, neither stability nor competitiveness of Europe without a stable Balkans.

The Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria thanked the President for his reception, with high marks for the quality of relations between the two countries. She expressed full support for Montenegro's integration process, with the assessment that Montenegro's progress is significant. 

"The position of the Bulgarian state in terms of enlargement is unambiguous. The place for Montenegro is in the EU, and gradually for other WB countries," Iotova said, stressing that it is a common task not only to restore the scope of enlargement to the EU agenda, but to turn it into its main foreign policy priority.

Iotova agreed with Đukanović that the security of Europe is not possible without the stability of the WB, and emphasized that the integration of the region is a guarantee for its development and progress.

It is jointly assessed that the continuation of cooperation and dialogue is crucial for further improvement and strengthening the European perspective of the region.

Read more news about politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

30 June 2019 - The breathtaking Ethno village Nevidio represents an attractive tourist destination in Montenegro which offers an unforgettable experience for all tourists who want to feel the adrenaline rush and at the same time to enjoy the unique natural beauty of this mountainous area.

The untouched “wild beauty” of Montenegro that manages to attract more and more tourists each year offers breathtaking landscapes where tourists can feel the pulse of nature, breathe in the fresh air and swim in the clearest rivers and lakes. In recent years, the northern region of Montenegro has been focusing on ethno tourism in which the key motivation of the tourists entails a desire to understand the cultural practices of local communities. This relatively recent, but rapidly expanding industry managed to breathe life back to beautiful Montenegrin villages.

Even though Montenegro has a fairly small surface area of 13.812 sq. km, within its borders, tourists can find most attractive tourist regions in the Mediterranean and Europe. Especially interesting is the authentic facilities in rural tourism of Montenegro, like the ethno villages on Durmitor, Bjelasica, Prokletije, the Lovćen mountains, at Skadar Lake basin with Zeta valley and rural part of Montenegrin seaside.

One of the most beautiful ethno villages in the Balkans, Ethno village Nevidio is located in the small village of Pošćenje, on the south side of Mount Durmitor. Surrounded by the contours of the mountains with the splendid cliffs, a picturesque panorama of the Durmitor area, with two seaside lakes and the Komarnica River, this village is considered one of the most stunning picturesque villages in the region. The famous geographer Jovan Cvijić wrote about the beauties and nature of the village in his travel books.

This place, which is only 30 meters away from the main road Risan-Žabljak, was created for lovers of natural beauty and adrenaline. Ethno village Nevidio provides passage through the famous Nevidio Canyon, the last conquered canyon in Europe! In the village, there are several bike trails suitable for lovers of today's popular mountain biking, as well as seven hiking trails that include tours from two to twelve hours. This place was practically created for worshipers of alpinism, giving them the possibility of climbing on Boljske Beams, which are up to 700 meters high and are currently an alpine hit. The 29 curved rocks offer the possibility of sports climbing.

Ethno village Nevidio was built in an ambient style and composed of several cascading levels. At the highest level, there are nine bungalows, built of the highest quality materials, equipped with a living room, kitchen, rooms and bathrooms. At the middle level, there is the restaurant Savardak, where everyone is welcome to taste local cuisine and in the evening with some sprinkler or brandy, they will experience beautiful moments and memories worth remembering.

At the last level of the village, there is a beautiful village lake, in which view visitors of Nevidio village can enjoy.

The owners of the Nevidio Ethno village invite all tourists from the country and abroad to feel the embrace of the forest, to enjoy lying under the sky filled with stars, breathe the mountain air and taste clear spring water, away from crowds and everyday tasks.

Read more about Montenegro's tourism offer at TMN's dedicated page.

30 June 2019 - At a recent joint press statement following the tenth meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the EU and Montenegro, it was highlighted that The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to make further efforts to improve key areas like the rule of law, economic governance and public administration, and welcomed the country’s positive track record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

The EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) held its tenth meeting on 27 June 2019. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador/State Secretary Zoran Janković of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro. H.E. Luminița Odobescu, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Romania to the European Union, led the EU delegation on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. Ms Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, Director for the Western Balkans represented the European Commission.

The SA Council meeting provided a timely opportunity to review Montenegro's progress in its preparations for accession and to consider priorities for further work within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

In the context of the accession negotiations, the SA Council welcomed the opening of two additional chapters since the last meeting. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to continue its work on meeting all benchmarks and to continue focusing on the fundamentals of the accession process: rule of law, economic governance and public administration reform. It encouraged Montenegro to continue the genuine inclusion of civil society and other stakeholders in preparations for EU accession and the policy-making process in general.

Concerning the Copenhagen political criteria, the SA Council noted the prolonged boycott of Parliament by parts of the opposition and encouraged all political actors to fully return the political debate to the democratic institutions, notably to Parliament, where it belongs. The SA Council recalled the importance of a comprehensive reform of the electoral framework, and of addressing the findings and recommendations of electoral observation missions. It also underlined the need to continue to provide a credible, independent and effective institutional response to allegations of corruption and illegal political party financing.

The SA Council noted the results already achieved by Montenegro on reforming its legal and institutional framework and establishing an initial track record in most areas under chapters 23 and 24. It stressed that Montenegro’s overall priority in the accession negotiations and the next important step ahead, was the fulfilment of the interim benchmarks set under chapters 23 and 24. It, therefore, encouraged Montenegro to continue intensifying its efforts, in particular by addressing the remaining shortcomings in certain key areas, such as media freedom, the fight against corruption and trafficking in human beings. It stressed that concrete results in the area of the rule of law were now crucial.

The SA Council strongly commended Montenegro for its consistent cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues, in particular, its continuous full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Council also welcomed that Ulcinj Salina has been proclaimed a nature park and encouraged further efforts of Montenegro to protect the Salina and to improve the management of all protected areas and other potential Natura 2000 sites. It also held an exchange of views on developments in Montenegro and the Western Balkans.

Read more about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

29 June 2019 - Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković recently hosted Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, reports Government of Montenegro.

During the meeting, it was concluded that friendly and partnership relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria are in particular strengthened by Bulgaria's continued support during Montenegro's accession to NATO and now in the process of EU integration.

"Our relations can hardly be better than they are. They could only become stronger in terms of economic cooperation," said Prime Minister Marković.

He thanked the Vice Presidents of Bulgaria for the important initiative that last year, during the Bulgarian presidency of the European Union, actualised the issue of enlargement of the Union, which resulted in the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia. The Prime Minister added that the initiative launched by President Boyko Borisov to include the Adriatic-Ionian corridor on the list of European corridors co-financed by the European Union was of paramount significance for Montenegro.

Vice President Iotova announced the continuation of strong support for the European integration process of Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, especially stressing that Bulgaria insists on regatta principle or on a separate evaluation of the success of each candidate country. Prime Minister Marković reiterated Montenegro's firm position on the need to open accession talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania.

Bulgaria's Vice President pledged her country's support to the initiative of Montenegro to open the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies.

The meeting concluded that it is a mutual interest to include Bulgaria in the governing part of the Berlin Process for the Western Balkan countries.

Read more about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

29 June 2019 - The Central Bank of Montenegro has begun preparations for introducing instant payments, which, when put into use, will significantly increase non-cash payments in Montenegro, said the representatives of this supreme monetary institution to Pobjeda daily.

Instant payments are a new way to exchange money and purchase services in seconds. Compared with wire transfers, they allow the transfer of money from the payer bank account to the payee bank account almost immediately, instead of requiring few business days. These payment systems have been developed (and are currently under development) worldwide as the need faster and reliable transaction is the new economy common requirement.

Instant payments represent electronic retail payment solutions available 24/7/365 and resulting in the immediate or close-to-immediate interbank clearing of the transaction and crediting of the payee’s account with confirmation to the payer (within seconds of payment initiation).

The instant payment provides a number of innovative services, and the Central Bank of Montenegro claims that it will change the cash-payment and non-cash payment ratio.

"The trend of growth of non-cash payment transactions is expected, which will be affected by the instant payment for which the Central Bank started preparatory activities," said the representatives of the Central Bank of Montenegro, answering the question about what trends in non-cash payments is expected in the upcoming period.

Asked how much Montenegro is “lagging” in cashless payments compared to the countries of the region and the European Union, they said that they do not have enough comparative data to make a statement on that matter.

"By continuing to monitor and implement the European Union's legislation in the field of payment services, the CBM has provided all the necessary prerequisites for new services, which has led commercial banks to follow trends in the field of payment services, as do the world's banks. Electronic, card and mobile payments in Montenegro recorded a trend of continuous increase, and banks are increasingly available to customers, "the CBM explained.

Read more about the business environment in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

29 June 2019 - On this year’s list of Global Index of Economic Openness, regularly published by the UK-based Legatum lnstitute, Montenegro is the best-ranked country in the region.

The report covers 157 countries, ranked concerning the degree of openness and the assessment of factors affecting trade capacity, both domestically and internationally.

According to the analysis, Montenegro is ranked 48th, thus moving up four places compared to 2018, when it was ranked 52nd. Individually, according to the categories analysed, Montenegro is ranked 49th in the area of ​​infrastructure and access to the market. According to the investment climate it is ranked 50th, business conditions 51st, and the rule of law 52nd.

When it comes to the region, Croatia is ranked 49th, North Macedonia 59th, Serbia 65th, Bosnia and Herzegovina 93rd, while this report does not cover data for Kosovo.

According to the findings of the report, Montenegro has continuously improved the openness of its economy for ten years and is ranked 2nd in terms of the success of a ten-year change in comparison with other countries covered by the report. Montenegro was ranked 59th in 2009 and since then it has been continuously recording growth on this list.

Taking into account the specific indicators that belong to different pillars, on the basis of which the openness of the economy is analysed, Montenegro is ranked 1st in terms of liberalisation of foreign trade, the existence of a consensus on democracy and market economy as key goals of the society, and the fact that work skills do not represent limitations for business.

Worldwide, Hong Kong is ranked 1st in terms of openness, Singapore and the Netherlands are at the second and third position, while the United Kingdom is ranked 7th and the United States is ranked 9th.

The aim of this research is not only to present the benefits that create economic competitiveness and openness, but to define and measure the level of economic openness in a way that will be useful to political leaders for the implementation of adequate policies that will improve economic stability and prosperity.

Read more about the business environment in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

29 June 2019 - Marie Claire magazine recently published an article explaining why Montenegro is the perfect travel destination for all tourists worldwide. “If you’ve never thought of holidaying in Montenegro, here’s why you should” provided information not only on the offer of the gorgeous five-star Hotel Regent, but also on the best tips on how to spend the most fantastic holiday and enjoy the Adriatic charm in Montenegro.

Think glorious blue seas, cobbled streets and orange rooves that stretch for miles, similar to its neighbour Croatia only much quieter. Montenegro has been tipped as one of the continent’s most up-and coming travel destinations, and with good reason.

Here’s why you should head to the country’s UNESCO-protected Boka Bay area on the Adriatic coast for your next European adventure.

Just 10 minutes by car from Tivat Airport and about to celebrate its fifth birthday, Regent Porto Montenegro is the five-star jewel in the region’s crown. We’re talking the most comfortable beds, daylight flooded-rooms and cosy interiors that’ll put you at ease from the moment you settle into your room.

The views are extraordinary – set right on the beautiful Monaco-esque harbour you’ll be able to gaze out at miles of sea and mountains, a world away from the greyness of day-to-day life in the UK.

Porto Montenegro itself is home to a number of restaurants, bars, designer shops, pool club and nightlife, so you’re spoilt for choice in terms of things to do in the village-like area, but keep reading for all that the hotel has to offer.

Feeling extra flush? The Suite Life package includes private airport transfers, breakfast, cocktails in the cosy Library Bar or pool club, and a 50€ voucher redeemable in the hotel’s beautiful spa. From £831pp per night, you’ll also get tickets to events in Porto Montenegro and a private Naval Heritage Museum tour. Dreamy.

Murano is the hotel’s luxury eating spot, serving carefully crafted dishes and taking advantage of all of the local seafood and wine (great for fish lovers). There’s also the option to have a private Chef’s Table dining experience for 4-6, for a more intimate eating session. In the mornings, breakfast is also served at Murano; if to your taste, the truffle scrambled eggs are a must-have at least once during your stay.

For a more casual eating option, head to the Gourmet Corner, a lovely breakfast and lunch spot with the feel of an Italian deli. On Thursdays between May and mid-September, chefs will be hosting Al Fresco dining sessions here and cooking up a range of delicious pasta and risotto dishes. And after dinner, the cosy Library bar is perfect for an evening tipple.

When you need a moment of peace and quiet, pop up to the hotel’s spa floor for some time out. You’re well equipped with a sauna, steam room, experience shower, Turkish bath and swimming pool, plus plenty of space to sit and relax.

Aromatherapy Associates products and treatments are also both on offer to help you achieve maximum relaxation. Try the Regent Spa Signature Treatment, a head-to-toe combination of massage and lymphatic drainage complete with an aromatherapy oil best suited to your needs. If you’re feeling fancy, there’s even the option to have your treatment on a private yacht…

If you are looking for things to do in Montenegro, you should definitely go for wine tasting! Not far from Podgorica airport is the Plantaže vineyard and Sipcanik wine cellar, housed in a former secret hangar. Head for a wine tasting session, paired of course with delicious fruits and cheeses, or simply to pick up a few bottles to take home. Did we mention it’s much cheaper than you’ll find in the supermarket?

Made up of narrow streets and squares, the old town of Kotor also has plenty of history and interesting architecture on offer. Explore the city on your own or book in for a walking tour to see the area through the eyes of a local. For a few euros you can also climb the steps of the city walls for the postcard-perfect bird’s eye view.

If you’re interested in the local cuisine, there’s also an abundance of local restaurants and coffee spots to choose from, with Perast’s must-see Our Lady of the Rocks a short drive away. We recommend sitting in the town’s Square of the Arms for a people watching session paired with delicious coffee.

Read more tips about spending your holiday in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.