May 1, 2019 - The Government has proposed the motion that the application of the new minimum wage (€222) starts from the 1^st July of 2019, said Minister of Finance, Predrag Radunović and reminded that the motion also implied 2% reduction in workload.

There has been heavy criticism in public for the Government’s failure to render this decision earlier. However, the Minister says that the complexity of the issue hasn’t been taken into consideration.

“Any such measure has to be carefully considered  – not only through the need for the increase in income of those who get the minimum wage, but also from the aspect of its impact on the employment, business and, of course, state budget. For example, this will obviously increase the burden for the employer. They can react to this by lowering employment. In order to minimize that possibility, we have reduced the mandatory health insurance contributions by two percentage points. Therefore, only when we had carefully considered all the implications of the increase in the minimum wage, were we able to bring this decision”, said Minister Radunović.

Trade unions suggested the increase to €250. That would lead to €41 million annual growth of operating expenses.

“One of the effects, besides reduction in the competitiveness of legal entities and endangering economic growth, would also be the dismissal of employees and that immediately increases informal economy. Also, we must take into account the increase in budget expenses for salaries, pensions, unemployment, social benefits. Right at this moment, that would be very bad for our budget. Increasing the minimum wage to €222, minimizes those risks”, said Mr Radunović.

Representatives of the Government have cited recently that new increase will be next year. The Minister said that the effect of the increase was going to be the key parameter in deciding on the new increase.

“First and foremost, I mean the impact on employment. It would be inappropriate to cite the terms and percentage of the new increase since this one hasn’t been activated yet”, said the Minister.

Mr Radunović added that the improvement of the material position of the employees in Montenegro and their life quality was also the continuous task of this Government.

“That’s not simple. Not at all. Especially not when you opt for the responsible and long-term economic policy, deprived of populist measures and statements. You’ll admit it - it’s quite simple to increase minimum wage when you completely neglect terrible consequences that might ensue. That’s why the Government of Montenegro is trying hard to push this Montenegrin ship forward”, says the Minister.

During this term of office, around 15 000 new jobs have been created with additional positive expectations in this segment.

The Government has announced an all-out offensive against the grey economy. Minister Radunović said that he saw the radical reduction in the grey economy as serious financial potential of this country.

“We are very careful when it comes to the adoption of such measures. An all-out offensive against the grey economy is our continuous responsibility and pre-requisite of our success. Special focus must be shifted towards the illegal service turnover and informal employment”, said the Minister.

He also commented on the fact that around 53,5% of legal entities have one employee.

“The essence of doing business is maximizing effects and minimizing expenses. Apart from regular possibilities and working skills, legal voids, the inefficiency of control authorities, lack of regulation and alike are also widely used. It’s not unlawful to own a company that has only one employee as long as other staff needs are satisfied legally through temporary (but lawful) employment. If that isn’t the case, then it’s clear what it is. Commission for the suppression of the grey economy has to develop the model for controlling obvious abuses that haven’t been identified as such so far”, said Minister Radunović.

Text by CdM on May 1, 2019, read more here. 

After the fourth round, only one team will be without defeats in the Erste Super league - Mornar or Buducnost Voli. They played the fourth mutual duel this season in "Topolica" (free entry) on Wednesday night.

Buducnost won all three previous games, two in the league section of the ABA league (in Bar 99:95, in Podgorica 102: 71), and also celebrated in the semi-finals of the Montenegrin Cup in Podgorica with 92:82. Except twice in the Super league, Mornar and Buducnost could meet five times in the eventual (and expected) final series of the play-off.

"Needless to say, Buducnost is an absolute favorite and is by far the best Montenegrin team. Our duels have been interesting for several years, and I would like them to be as uncertain as last year, but this is almost impossible to expect because Buducnost is at a much higher level than we are. We are not even close to the last year’s level. Of course, we will do our best to provide good resistance and give basketball lovers in Montenegro a great show so that we can all enjoy basketball together. It is important to bring back the story about basketball because I will not comment on anything else. I hope that the people who come to watch the match, as well as the ones in front of the TV screens, will enjoy the basketball skills of both teams, but I repeat, Buducnost is the absolute favorite in the upcoming match," said the coach of the team from Bar, Mihailo Pavicevic.

Mornar, who in the last season with a 3:1 in the final series, took the title from Buducnost, in first three rounds entered victories against Jedinstvo (102: 80), Ulcinj (85:78) and last against Sutjeska (106: 87).

"Considering the way we played the first two games, we defeated Sutjeska a lot easier than I had hoped. I was expecting a much tougher match, and I was pleasantly surprised by my players and they played the best game so far in the Super League and it gives me hope that we can raise the level of the game, to make the Montenegrin Championship as interesting as possible. I particularly look forward to a good game and a positive approach by the players who enter the game from the bench as well as young players," Pavicevic added.

MIJOVIĆ WORRIED ABOUT INJURIES

Buducnost has entered three victories, all convincing ones, against Lovcen (104: 78), Jedinstvo (105: 77) and Ulcinj (110: 63).

"It seems to me that the team has reacted a little better than I expected, especially when it comes to motivation and concentration, all of which resulted in all three games entering a relatively light victory. I'm happy on that side," says Buducnost coach Petar Mijovic for "Vijesti".

As he says, the derby will show where Buducnost and Mornar stand currently.

"To win in Bar, it is necessary to be the best since the beginning of the Super League, to have the maximum concentration, the focus in all 40 minutes. It is necessary that some of the things that represented the problem, especially in the defense, are at a significantly higher level because the quality of Mornar’s players is such that they will punish all that is missing. We are preparing very seriously, for a serious opponent, and I hope that we can continue with the victories in Bar," adds Mijovic, who highly appreciates the team of Mornar.

"For the last few years, Buducnost and Mornar play the big derbies of Montenegrin basketball. Mornar is the only team, who, since independence, managed to take the title next to Buducnost, which was a surprise last season. Mornar is in very good shape this season, after a good season, and surely they will again be the biggest opponent for the title."

ULCINJ AND JEDINSTVO SEEK THEIR FIRST VICTORIES

In the shadow of the derby in Bar, two more games are played. After three rounds, only Jedinstvo and Ulcinj are with no victories. The team from Ulcinj will be the first to try to register a win at home against Lovcen, who they lost to twice in the Erste League (73:54 at home, 83:75 in Cetinje).

"After a slightly slower start, we have achieved an important victory on our field, and now we will play against a very good team from Ulcinj who played in front of their supporters with one ball against Sutjeska and Mornar. We have trouble with injuries on the outside positions, but I am certain that whoever gets out on the field will give their maximum. We have to be focused during all 40 minutes to break the resistance of the team from Ulcinj, we know it will not be easy, but we want to achieve another victory that would mean a lot to us in the race for the first four places," Masan Vrbica said.

A much more difficult job is awaiting Jedinstvo, who play away in Sutjeska. The team from Bijelo Polje won at home against Sutjeska (78:70) in the league section of the Erste League, but lost in Niksic (93:68).

Text by Sasa Joncic, on May 1st, 2019, read more at Vijesti

May 2, 2019 - President of the Municipality of Žabljak, Veselin Vukičević, says that they can show off many implemented projects, as well as those that are in the preparation phase and that is eventually going to make Žabljak become regional tourism center again.

Mr Vukićević said that the Municipality was putting efforts in improving road, public utilities and water supply infrastructure in order to create preconditions for the realization of large investments.

Preconditions for tackling the issues of solid and liquid waste management have already been created. Also, the recycling center has been put into use and the first phase of the wastewater purifier has been completed. The majority of the lake has been connected to the sewerage network.

“We’ve planned construction of the sanitary bath this year. Since Žabljak is going to be a place of intense construction work, we’ve also planned construction of the construction waste landfill”, said Mr Vukićević.

The special challenge for the local administration is an improvement of infrastructure.

“One of the problems is lack of parking spaces. In that context, tender for the construction of public garage has been submitted. Once this project is carried out, we will significantly relax the center of the town. We’re also planning to invite the tender for he conceptual design for the arrangement of the town square”, said Mr Vukićević.

They are well aware that it’s impossible to develop tourism without high-quality transport infrastructure.

“Last year, the road leading to the ski center Savin Kuk was finished, as well as parking space for the skiers. Works in Baja Pivljanina Street have also been completed. Works on the reconstruction of the Duke Mišić Street will begin soon. Works on the construction of the street from the town mall to Ravni Žabljak started off last year and the design of the road from Ravni Žabljak to “Durmitor” hotel is underway. Also, works on the displacement of the local road Žabljak-Tepca are being carried out, so that one of the rafts on Tara is more accessible to tourists. A lot has been invested in the reconstruction of the asphalt road surface too”, says Mr Vukićević.

Local road infrastructure is just as important. Around 800 meters of the road in the local community Poščenski gaj has been asphalted.

In cooperation with the Armed Forces of Montenegro, around 21 kilometers of macadam roads in the rural area have been asphalted. The roadway in Dobro do have been filled.

Mr Vukićević points out that agriculture and tourism are considered great chances for development. That’s why most activities of local administration are aimed at the improvement of these branches.

“Works on the construction of Zminica pipeline were completed last year. The first phase of the pipeline in Njegovuđa was also finished and now the second phase is about to start. First and the second phase of the pipeline Krš were finished. The third phase was planned for the current year. We’ve applied for the project of the construction of the artificial accumulation in Šaranci through the program “Development of clusters and transformation of rural areas”, says Mr Vukićević.

Contract on co-financing insurance premium for the insurance of agricultural production of registered agricultural producers has been signed. This contract envisages a 30% share of the Municipality. The Ministry pays 50% and the farmers 20% of the amount of the premium.

In addition, the Municipality is taking part in milk purchase and last year it took part in the provision of 10 solar panels and it covered 50% of costs.

The priority of the Municipality is to return Žabljak to what it used to be – regional tourism center.

Reconstruction of the water supply system will create preconditions for artificial snowing, thanks to artificial accumulation on Savin kuk. Additionally, the Municipality has financed the construction of Nordic ski slope, as another segment of the winter tourism offer.

Construction of the hotel that will be located where hotel “Durmitor” is now is going to begin soon. Adriatic Properties Company is going to invest around €20 million.

Local administration is constantly trying to create conditions for investments in order to stop migrations.

“Many new investments will create new jobs. We’re looking forward to opening the Aroma mall. Representatives of the company have already interviewed interested parties. Investments in the hotel industry will definitely create possibilities for our youth”, said the president of this Municipality.

Citizens’ will – satisfied

The first man of the Municipality of Žabljak has welcomed the plan of the councilors for the withdrawal of the Temporary Structures Plan.

“This Municipality is serving to its citizens and I think citizens were very clear about this”, said Mr Vukićević.

No debts

Mr Vukićević cites that the municipality is stable in financial terms. He is proud to say that they don’t have any pending debts. The number of employees is optimal.

“The only problem is that we have some funds in Atlas bank. Hopefully, we’ll be able to charge claims through the bankruptcy proceedings”, says Mr Vukićević.

Adoption of the amendments to the Law on Financing Local Administration will provide more money for the municipalities in the north and that would be very important for the development of the north.

“Hopefully, this will enable us to improve our economic parameters and stop migrations towards Podgorica and the coast. €400.000 profit was planned. The new Law will definitely bring significant financial benefits”, says Mr Vukićević.

Financial benefits will be aimed at the improvement of the overall infrastructure in the town and suburban areas in order to raise the level of the quality of life of our citizens.

New tourism complex

The military resort, ”Mediteran”, one of the most attractive locations in Žabljak, is going to be revalued very soon.

“I’d like to inform you that the contract on the long-term lease of this land has already been signed. We expect that works on the construction of the new complex will start very soon and that will considerably enrich our tourism offer”, said the president of the Municipality of Žabljak.

Text by CdM on May 2, 2019, read more here. 

01 April 2019 - The opening of the first phase of the Portonovi Resort, one of the most prestigious resorts in the Mediterranean, is expected to happen within this season. The first guests will arrive on August 1, while the opening of the marina is planned for May, announced the General Manager of Portonovi Resort Management Company, Stevan Milić.

As Milić pointed out, the resort is an open type and everyone is welcome. There are no gates, only limited access to the apartments.

"The Portonovi's village itself is designed to have seven different blocks. Each block is separated by the streets that connect the resort, so this complex is, in fact, a settlement, with a complete offer," Milić said.

D-Marin Portonovi Marina, operated by internationally recognized D-Marin, has 238 berths for resident and visiting yachts supported by excellent marina services, including duty-free fuel supply. It offers a choice of marina entry points, a sheltered position at the entrance to Boka Bay making it ideal for super yachts, a helicopter pad and lively Vista Square which forms the dynamic centre of marina life.

"Designed to receive boats up to 120 meters in length, with a capacity of 238 berths, the marina is equipped with the most advanced technology providing the highest level service. It will have a border crossing, a customs service, a pump, and next year an international heliport," Milić said.

The first One & Only hotel in Europe is the second part of the first phase of the opening of Portonovi. Milić announced that the opening of this prestigious hotel complex is expected in April or May next year.

"We expect the completion of all works by the end of this year or the beginning of the next, and we expect the grand opening in the spring of 2020. This hotel complex, the only of the kind in Europe, will have 113 hotel rooms and ten branded villas on the coast, with private berths and beaches. It will have the globally recognized Espace Chenot Health Wellness Spa, which will provide clients with the services of the highest level of health through a scientifically established wellness program in 17 offices," Milić said.

The hotel will have its own beach, and the smallest room will have 68 square meters.

"The hotel will also include ten branded villas that are now in the construction phase, and this will be the most luxurious facilities within the entire Portonovi Resort, which will cost more than 10 million per unit. The total investment of the hotel will be about 220 million euros, depending on the final works," Milić said.

As he explained, the promotion of Portonovi Resort is organized with the method that interested buyers actually receive a substantially finished product, and that's why sales activities started intensively at the end of last year.

"During this year, we are very much present on the world market, both through events and through foreign media, which show great interest in opening a portfolio. Our apartment prices range from 450,000 per housing unit to up to 10 million euros," Milić said.

According to the General Manager of Portonovi Resort, out of 214 housing units that will be open this season, 50 units will be fully equipped by the investors and they will be put up for sale through the rental program.

"Residential units will be available for rent from August 1st to all guests around the world. Accommodation prices will range from 350 to the smallest facility, up to 1,000 euros for four-room apartments and larger duplexes. These prices will be active in August and September," Milić said.

Source: Investitor

01 April 2019 - After the opening of the new hotel Holiday Village Montenegro with 257 rooms in the Hotel and Tourist Enterprise Ulcinj Riviera complex, the Karisma Hotels Adriatic Corporation is interested in new investments in Montenegro.

As the Executive Director of the Hotel and Tourist Enterprise Ulcinjska rivijera, Radomir Mikan Zec, explained the plan of Karisma Hotels Adriatic and their strategic partner TUI Group, which is an investment in Ada Bojana, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro.

"In regards to the investments in Ada Bojana, the management of Karisma Hotels Adriatic is categorical when it comes to houses and cottages on the side of the island. They specifically highlighted that they would not work on resolving the real estate issues on this land. Karisma is a socially responsible company that prioritizes issues regarding ecology and environmental protection. Thus, their management considers that the whole infrastructure of Ada Bojana needs to be reconstructed. This is a very serious company, and the rent of Ulcinj Riviera is a very important state project. The contract has been honoured and up to now 14 million euros have been invested”, said Zec during the interview.

As he explained, if the agreements on the lease of Ada Bojana are successful, the next step of Karisma Hotels Adriatic will be the construction of an airport in Štoj, because an airport will be necessary for their strategic partner TUI who brings guests via airplanes.

"This is only the beginning of the return of Ulcinj to the tourist map of Europe. Fifty years ago, Ulcinj was the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism with 6,200 beds, six months of active tourist season and close cooperation with TUI, and I think this is the beginning of the return of Ulcinj to the European scene," said Zec.

As he pointed out, in the first phase after the opening of Holiday Village Montenegro, Karisma should employ more than 300 workers.  As for the lease of Ada Bojana, the Executive Director of Ulcinjska rivijera claims that the negotiations are on-going, but due to the season they are currently on hold. Still, he believes that by the end of the year, the negotiation process will be complete.

"According to my knowledge, TUI has demanded from the government to “deal with” illegal private houses in Ada Bojana and after their terms have been met, this company would start building various content and facilities on this land," Zec said, adding that the construction of a large airport in Štoj is included in their plans.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel management companies, which has been successful in business and is known for its innovative approach, setting new standards for offering a holiday with a focus on the complete atmosphere for its guests. Karisma has 29 hotels in Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Colombia.

Karisma has a business strategy and philosophy that is fully oriented to its guests and the company’s innovative concepts stand out from the competition, as witnessed by primarily satisfied guests, as well as numerous awards and recognitions such as the prestigious AAA 4 diamond award.

Source: Investitor

The streets of Zabljak were covered with snow on the morning of April 30, but it was not a surprise even on April’s last day.

Meteorologists announced precipitation and possible sleet in the north.

More precipitation was expected in the early morning and morning hours, and late at night and during the night mainly dry.

The highest daily temperature in Montenegro on April 30 was from 6 to 18 degrees.

 And in the coming days, rain is expected.

Text by Vijesti online, on April 30th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Krnovo Green Energy, the company owned by the Krnovo windmill, has been paid EUR 3.59 million in the first quarter based on incentives for the power supplies from renewable sources, as reported by the Montenegrin Energy Market Operator (COTEE).

The wind power plant at Krnovo is the first windmill in Montenegro with a total installed power of 72 megawatts (MW) and an annual output of about 220-gigawatt hours (GWh), which is estimated to provide the power supply for approximately 50,000 households, according to an earlier estimate.

Works at Krnovo were completed at the end of 2017, and the construction was financed by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the German Development Bank (KfW), IPEXBank and the French Development Finance Institution Proparko.

COTEE said to the Mina-business agency that the owners of small hydropower plants (mHE) were paid over 604,000 euros in the first quarter of this year, according to compensations for the renewable energy sources. The company “Hidroenergija Montenegro” received 287.53 thousand euros in the first quarter. In its property, in the territory of the Berane municipality, are mHE Bistrica, Jezerstica, Orah, Rmus, Spaljevici and Sekular. Kronor received EUR 121,660 for mHE Jara and Babino polje. It is followed by Igma Energy, which from plants in Andrijevica, Bradavec and Pisevska river, earned 63,250 euros and the company Sinergy from Podgorica was paid 41,510 euros based on the work of mHE Vrelo in Bijelo Polje. Hydro Bistrica company, which owns a small hydroelectric power plant in Bijelo Polje, has been paid 58,230 euros. The Nord Energy company from Andrijevica, which owns a mini-plant Seremet potok, earned 31,920 euros in the first quarter.

Text by MINA Business, on April 30th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

30 April 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović stressed the importance of uncompromisingly meeting standards and implementing reforms for EU membership because only then all future members would feel more comfortable at the meeting with the leaders of Western Balkans countries, France and Germany in Berlin.

Đukanović added that he also pointed to the fact that the EU must remove some disagreement in its attitudes.

"The meeting itself was valuable because it marked the phase in which two key countries, Germany and France, would give a more significant mark to the further integration of Western Balkan countries. It was a chance for all of us who participated in noting the importance of this process from the perspectives of our states," Đukanović said.

Đukanović says he also insisted that the EU should have a clear action plan to address some key deficits, which, when removed, will create conditions for full integration.

"I primarily mean the infrastructure deficit. It is important to help people from the Western Balkans to see the European perspective more clearly. The same is with companies from our countries, but also investors to invest their capital and help us hire more people. Also to help us provide enough jobs, high enough growth rates, and to help us eliminate the deficit in the quality of knowledge," said Đukanović, adding that it would be worthwhile, in cooperation with the most developed European countries, to secure the opening of new schools and to make our people and new generations competitive on the European market.

President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović recently hosted Christian-Democratic Union Member of Bundestag Christian Schmidt. By this opportunity Đukanović reminded of the importance of continuation of the European path for the stability of the region, insisting on further intensifying mutual co-operation, determination to accelerate reform and joint commitment to resolving open issues at the WB. In this context, he welcomed the upcoming meeting in Berlin at the initiative of German Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron, because, he said, this region is part of the European house and European responsibility.

30 April 2019 - The completion of the first phase of the Smokovac loop and its connection to the highway is planned for September 30 next year, said the project manager Goran Vujović. According to Vujović, by signing the contract on April 25th, the contractor has already been introduced to the work which should last for 17 months.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism recently issued permission to build the Smokovac loop. By this occasion, Vujović explained that the first phase includes works in cadastral municipalities Doljani and Rogami.

"The loop starts at the Boulevard Willy Brandt roundabout, continues over the overpass across the railway, where a toll ramps plateau is to be built," Vujovic said.

The priority section of the highway is 41 km long and when the first phase is finished, it will be 1.6 kilometers longer. Both parts will have four 3.5m meters lanes.

Earlier in April, Chairman of the Chinese company CCCC Liu Qitao promised that the first section of the Bar Boljare motorway will be completed in the middle of next year and that this deadline will be met.

During this occasion, Prime Minister Duško Marković emphasised the importance of the project for the overall development of Montenegro and stressed that the works must be completed within the defined deadline.

"The motorway connects the country and encourages the development of all sectors of the economy. Furthermore, at this stage, we have indirect investments in agriculture, tourism, and other areas," PM Marković said to representatives of CCCC, one of the world's 500 richest companies and among the largest in the world for designing and building roads. CRBC, which builds the first motorway section in Montenegro, is a subsidiary of CCCC.

29 April 2019 - The contest of rock bands, which was supposed to be opened on April 29, named the Carnival Nights of May in Budva, was postponed to Tuesday due to poor weather.

According to the Tourist Organization of Budva, seven bands will compete for prestigious awards: "Refugee Jesus & Apostles", "Jack Lupino & The Leftovers" and "The Grupa" from Budva, bands "Esid radio" and "Winged" from Podgorica, "Štrajk Mozga" from Nikšić, and the band "Eastock" from Užice.

The three-member jury, composed of Živorad Žika Jelić, YU group frontman, Miodrag Džemo Radonjić, bass player of the former cult Montenegrin group "Makadam" and Vladimir Bulatović, the vice-president of the Municipality of Budva will select the three best bands. For the third-ranked band, a cash prize of 300 EUR is prepared, while the second prize is 500 EUR, and the winner takes 1.000 EUR.

According to the jury, the two best rock band at Carnival Nights will perform on the main stage as a pre-band "YU group" whose concert should begin at 10 PM.

The rock night will be opened by a biker rally that will start at 6 PM in front of the "Beer & Bike" club in Budva. The rally will go to Petrovac and then return to the main town square.

On Wednesday, May 1st, at noon, the concert will be held by the City Music of Budva. At 7 PM the folk dance groups from the region and Turkey will take place, while the singing choir "Grbalj" will perform at the main stage simultaneously. Folklore ensembles will perform at the main stage, and ethno-night will round up the concert of the group "Sanja Ilić and Balkanika" in the most beautiful way, which is scheduled for 10 PM.

Zumba and salsa night will be the job for Jelena Rozga and her band which is scheduled for Thursday (May 2nd), Abrum and The Band group concert for Friday (May 3rd), a large carnival rally for Saturday (May 4th) and a children's Carnival for Sunday (May 5th).

From May 2nd to 5th, DJs and local groups in the Old City, the Palais Square and the Square between the churches are planned.

During the event, the parking of vehicles on the access roads to the Old Town and the square is forbidden, while the traffic will be completely prohibited on the trip: Tre Canne - Mediterranean - The old bus station on Saturday, May 4th from 5 PM and 30 minutes, until the passage of the carnival rally, the Tourist Organization of Budva announced.