27 June 2019 - Minister of Defence of Montenegro Predrag Bošković participated in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers in Brussels. 

The meeting discussed the guidelines for further work in order to ensure the smooth implementation of Alliance policies. 

The ministers analyzed the modern security environment in order to develop the ability to provide an adequate and timely response to all potential challenges, in line with NATO's aspirations for constant adaptation to current developments on a global scale. A special focus was on innovations in the field of technological development, especially in the field of military technology, that is, the development of modern equipment and weapons. 

As Ministry of Defence of Montenegro reported, the meeting of NATO defence ministers is being held in the key period for the future of the Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles Agreement, which is an important element of arms control, and therefore the overall European security. Participants of the meeting stressed that NATO will pay special attention to strengthening the defence activities and deterring all potential threats. 

It is certain that the nature of security challenges is constantly changing, and that it requires a comprehensive and binding response from all international actors. Once again, the importance of coordinating the actions of NATO and the European Union, which remains an important partner of the Alliance, is emphasised. The ministers reminded that the fulfillment of the tasks envisaged and the future forms of cooperation will continue in the coming months. 

Minister Bošković emphasised the importance of the efforts that the Allies are making to adjust to modern security flows. He stressed the importance of unity within NATO in responding to threats that can come from all strategic directions, and the commitment of the Alliance to protect citizens and its entire territory. Minister Bošković said that Montenegro, as a reliable and credible ally, is responsibly approaching the fulfillment of NATO policies, and that as a reliable ally, Montenegro will continue to implement the guidelines adopted by the Alliance.

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

27 June 2019 - Montenegrin Parliament Speaker, Ivan Brajović, said that Montenegro, as a NATO member state and the first new European Union member state, having in mind the level of development it has achieved so far, understands the significance of developing partnership and better cross-country connectivity in all areas for better economic and social development, i.e. more secure future for its citizens.

Ivan Brajović was a speaker at the meeting held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he met many high-ranking officials. He had a speech on the topic "Better connectivity for a better life – How to incorporate genuine changes in the regional cooperation?", as reported by CdM.

“Montenegro endorses the goals of the Regional Cooperation Council referring to connectivity. Signing the agreement which brings us one step closer to free roaming zone best proves the visible benefits of the regional cooperation,” emphasized Brajović, adding that Montenegro is to take over chairing the Central European Initiative and it will strive to reinforce the mechanisms of regional coordination.

During his stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro’s Parliament Speaker had talks with the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Šefik Džaferović, as well as the member of the Collegium in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Denis Zvizdić, who is also the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They shared information on economic indicators, current in-country political and social events, as well as opinions on the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Stressing the importance of NATO membership, Brajović reiterated the readiness of Montenegro to assist all countries that wish to join the Alliance.

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

On Monday, June 24, 2019, the Shopping Center “Butiko” opened in Radanovici. Situated on the Adriatic highway near the airport of Tivat, at 6800m2 with 156 parking spaces, the center will enable citizens of the surrounding municipalities of Budva, Tivat and Kotor much easier access to well-known brands from the region, with numerous planned events intended for citizens of Boka bay.

The opening of the mall was enriched with numerous promotions, discounts, and an entertainment program for children and good music.

The project for the construction of the shopping center Butiko was realized by Sun Power d.o.o, in cooperation with Colliers International Montenegro, which carried out all the necessary studies during the planning of the construction and secured the lease of 100% of available business space.

Upon its opening, Colliers International Montenegro will be in charge of managing all operations of Butiko, which will be the third shopping center that Colliers has worked on in developing feasibility studies, market research, renting business premises and providing real estate management services.

SC Butiko will offer a wide range of well-known brands such as New Yorker, Intersport, Idea Super, Kidsland, Bonatti, Dama, Penti, City Mania, Footwear Chic, Fratteli, Bla Bla Shop, Euromobitel, Gradska knjizara (Bookstore), La Mia Casa, Planika and Ciciban, Tobacco Shop, Restaurant Ladovina and Baby Bistro - a children's playroom.

Text by Promo, on June 26th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

The Montenegrin women's basketball team begins their European Championship.

The 'Reds' will open their fifth appearance at the Eurobasket against Sweden in Riga.

Sweden is not strong in basketball, though they've progressed year after year, and in 2013, they played in the quarterfinals.

"Sweden is an experienced team, many players play in strong leagues, but I think we are well prepared and it will depend very much on us and our game. We need to meet the demands and fight in the right way," says Milica Jovanovic before the first match. Compared to the last European championship, Montenegro has changed its composition and only three players are on the team that played against Sweden six years ago, which they won 69:58. In addition to Milica Jovanovic, the national team jersey was then worn by Snezana Aleksic and Natasa Popovic.

"They have the Eldebrink sisters who've played for many years in the European league and are very experienced, and in other positions, they have tall basketball players, so I think we can fight against them with our game. They have a lot of girls playing at college who then go back to Sweden. It is imperative that we play smart, together, and give our maximum," says Jovanovic.

On the court against Sweden was Jelena Skerovic, who is now awaiting a different role. She will, for the first time, lead our girls from the bench at the Eurobasket. 

"A lot is different now, it seems to me that it is much easier to play than to be on the side without being able to enter the court and help in something. This is what it all comes down to, the moments when I can contribute as a coach, but I'm happy so far with the way we started, and I believe that everything will go well," says the coach before the first duel.

Montenegro also has the Czech Republic and France in their group.

Text by Vijesti sport, on June 26th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

This weekend in Kolasin is interesting for all visitors, but also for those who live in this city. Namely, there are three manifestations, by which the organizers want to complete the out-of-season offer in Kolasin.

As the TO Director Aleksandar Vlahovic said, on Saturday, June 29, the traditional International Basketball Camp begins, which will last until 18 July. On the same day at the Square in Kolasin, the participants of the eighth Mountain Bike Ciker marathon will start their race.

"This is a ten-day cycling marathon, which will gather more than 130 participants this year. They left from Kraljevo on June 23 and will finish in Tivat on July 2^nd . This event is supported by numerous tourist organizations from Montenegro and Serbia. The participants arrive in Kolasin on Friday, and Saturday morning, from the city square, they go to Podgorica. TO and the Municipality recognized the significance of this event and managed to find a place on the map for this prestigious mountain biking marathon and our city," says Vlahovic.

The Marathon tango Saturday in Kolasin, organized by Podgorica's Tango Schools “Tango and tacka” and Tango Natural Montenegro, with the support of TO, is also planned for the week. A daily milonga will be held at Hotel Bianca from 1 pm to 5 pm and in the evening at Biogradsko lake from 9.30 pm on Saturday to early morning on Sunday. "The entrance to milonga is free of charge, and the transportation to Biogradsko lake will be organized. DJ Mire, DJ Luka and Emir will perform. It will be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy and to remind themselves of the beautiful tango moments that we have spent all the past years in Kolasin," said the Director of TO.

Text by Dragana Scepanovic, on June 26th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

26 June 2019 - Minister of Public Administration Suzana Pribilović participated in the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF) titled "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through effective Delivery of Services, Innovative Transformation and Accountable Institutions", which recently took place in Baku.

"The priority of the Government of Montenegro is to establish an efficient, rational and transparent public administration. Administrations that will, in accordance with contemporary trends, place the citizen in the first place and establish a high level of openness and transparency of public institutions in the era of modern information technologies," Minister Pribilović said at the United Nations panel debate sponsored by ReSPA. 

She pointed out that establishing an efficient, rational and transparent public administration is not an easy task, but it is imperative for our administration and a prerequisite to responding to global challenges, as stated by the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.

"That is why the key to solving this challenge is to join capacities. We can learn a lot from each other in all phases from designing services to measuring the satisfaction of their use," Minister Pribilović noted.

"We are constantly working on improving the work of electronic administration and increasing the number of electronic services. Through the new Law on Electronic Signature and Identification, we have created the conditions for high-quality electronic business, established a new system of protection against cyber attacks and we managed to protect the system from cyber attacks in the previous period. Also, through securing the continuity of the reform processes, we are committed to meeting the standards and values ​​inherent in modern societies," Minister Pribilović stressed.

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

26 June 2019 - Good knowledge and consistent implementation of domestic and international legal norms by judges and prosecutors is a key line of defence against the danger of illegal migration and terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin said at the opening of an international conference of presidents of supreme courts and general prosecutors in Budva recently.

"A competent and efficient judiciary and prosecution, with the adequate work of security services, is a prerequisite for building a safe and just society we aspire to," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

He emphasised that the success of the fight against illegal migration and terrorism depends on the efficiency of mutual cooperation between states and international organisations, as well as on the capacity and resilience of each state and each society. "In Montenegro, we work seriously on both track - we actively participate in numerous international anti-terrorism initiatives and we develop the security capabilities of our State and society," DPM Pažin explained in the announcement for Office of Deputy Prime Minister.

He stated that Montenegro, within its capacities, contributes to the international front of the fight against illegal migration and terrorism responsibly and actively.

"In this area, we have continuous operational cooperation through INTERPOL and EUROPOL, as well as direct cooperation with the security services of other countries. Through international information exchange, Montenegrin security agencies actively contribute to the discovery of foreign terrorist fighters, smuggling networks and other security threats related to illegal migration," said Pažin.

He also recalled the adoption of modern regulations, which enabled Montenegro to incorporate into its legal system the most international standards for the protection of human rights and respect for both its own citizens and foreigners. 

"In parallel to the establishment of a modern regulatory framework in line with international standards, an important work of further strengthening of institutions, that is, further education, equipping and strengthening the overall capabilities of our institutions to tackle this significant security challenge is ahead of us," DPM Pažin concluded.

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25 June 2019 - Accession to the European Union is one of the strongest drivers of economic development, which is why all Western Balkan countries have an interest in pursuing this path, with a greater presence of the European Union and a responsible attitude towards the region, and mutual trust and understanding, said Chief Negotiator for Montenegro Aleksandar Drljević at a conference in Stockholm.

He took part in a ministerial conference on the Western Balkans in Stockholm, which gathered representatives of the European Commission and ministers of foreign affairs and European integration of the Western Balkan countries.

"Accession to the European Union has proven to be one of the strongest drivers of economic development, stability and peace, and we therefore all share the interest in continuing this process," noted Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević in European Integration Office report.

Chief Negotiator for Montenegro Aleksandar Drljević also added that investing in the stability and prosperity of the region is, in fact, an investment in the security and the future of the European Union and Europe as a whole. On the other hand, the citizens of the countries of the Western Balkans have higher expectations than the European Union.

"They expect the Union to be even more present in our region, as an internationally recognised actor and donor, with even greater attention to this part of the continent, as well as to encourage further reforms, taking into account progress and results achieved," Chief Negotiator Drljević underscored.

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