April 29, 2019 - Continuing our look at the real estate options in Montenegro through the mouthwatering RE/MAX catalogue, this week a luxury villa in the historic and gorgeous Bay of Kotor.

Looking for a slice of Adriatic paradise? How about a luxury villa in a  UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its natural beauty in a country whose arresting nature is best summed up by its official tourism slogan, Wild Beauty. 

A slice of paradise set near a beautiful, historic village, just 3km from one of the architectural treasures of the region, the old town of Kotor. 

Meet this week's Property of the Week from the RE/MAX catalogue, loctate in Prcanj, near Kotor, and introduced as follows by RE/MAX:

Completely new, modern villa is set on approximately 1625 sqm in the marvelous village of Prčanj.

The plot and the house offer a stunning view of Boka Bay and mountains. The property is located just 100m far from the sea. The boundaries of the area are the retaining walls of stone terraces, built more than 500 years ago. The property comprises of 2 houses (135 sqm and 137 sqm + 100 sqm terrace), with two separate entrances and is completely autonomous from each other. This beautiful villa can easily become home for two families.

The property in total has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 living room with fireplace, 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms, 2 guest toilets, 2 laundry rooms, 2 wardrobes, 2 technical rooms. The ground floor of the entire villa has a 100 sqm terrace. Villa is surrounded by the green surface and it is equipped with a safety system with infrared cameras. The entrance is through a remote gated driveway which can take several cars. The villa is being sold completely finished and ready to move in to.

For more information, photos, price and to book a viewing, visit the original RE/MAX listing.

28 April 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said that the electricity price is within the competence of an independent regulator and that the Government's commitment is to protect the most sensitive categories of Montenegrin population through its policy.

"Therefore, today, through two groups of programmes, the Government subsidizes electricity bills for around 17,000 households. For the first time, we recognised the categories of buyers which can never be of an electrical grid, regardless of possible debt," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that the issue of defining the electricity price sold by Electric Company Montenegro is within the competence of an independent regulator, who works based on clear and detailed methodologies.

"What is within the competence of the Government is determining the fee for renewable energy sources, which, depending on the entry into the system of investments in this area, is defined by the Government according to the methodology. As we promised at the beginning of this year, we looked at all the possibilities in the previous period to fairly distribute the burden of renewable sources to all consumers. In this sense, we decided to abolish the renewable resources fee as of 1 June 2019, and instead of consumers, this cost will be paid by the Government from funds collected from polluters, and through excise on coal. This item makes up about 5 percent of consumer bills that consume up to 30 EUR a month or about 1.5 percent of consumer bills that consume up to 100 EUR. Thus, by abolishing this fee, which will be financed by the polluters (carbon dioxide emitters) in the future, the bills will be lower between 1.5 and 5 percent, which is one of the largest recorded reduction of bills," the Prime Minister said.

PM Marković said that he believes that this Government has shown how to properly manage the national enterprise in which the Government has ownership.

"The Government has restored ownership of Electric Company Montenegro to almost 80 percent, while by the end of the year 100 percent of ownership is expected. This activity cost 230 million and in no way burdened the budget or the citizens. The state-owned Electric Company Montenegro has launched an investment cycle after ten years. The next month we expect the tender for the ecological reconstruction of the first block of the thermal power plant, in June we expect the signing of a contract for the construction of the Gvozd wind farm and the reconstruction of the Perućica and Piva hydroelectric power plants, and by the end of the year the start of the construction of the solar power plant Briska Gora. Parallel to these projects, we are working on the preparation of the construction of the Komarnica hydroelectric power plant," PM Marković noted.

Prime Minister Duško Marković said that the Electric Company Montenegro is preparing and entering the process of ecological reconstruction of the thermal power plant Pljevlja with EUR 40 million, reconstruction of hydropower plants Piva and Perucica with EUR 40 million, construction of solar power plant Briska Gora with EUR 200 million, construction of Komarnica hydropower plant with EUR 260 - 290 million, Kruševo hydropower plant – EUR 160 million and Gvozd wind farm – EUR 70 million.

"We have started a special project to upgrade 10kW networks and low-voltage networks to ensure the safety of electricity supply, and in 3 years this investment will amount to EUR 80 million. In this and the first half of the next year, it will amount to EUR 30 million," the Prime Minister emphasised.

The Prime Minister concluded that Electric Company Montenegro was not an investor for a long time, but now it is.

"Therefore, do not worry about the present or future profits of the State, which we will definitely use as owners specifically for the further development of systems and services, and support to sensitive categories. The Government will continue to insist on the implementation of strategic priorities - the development and reliable supply of electricity to all consumers at optimum electricity price," PM Marković noted.

28 April 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović will travel to Berlin tomorrow, where at the joint invitation from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, he will attend a high-level meeting on the Western Balkans.

The political situation in the region and progress in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo will be discussed at the meeting.

Besides the President of Montenegro, the heads of state or government of the Western Balkans, the prime ministers of Croatia and Slovenia and senior EU officials, are invited.

Milo Đukanović recently hosted Christian-Democratic Union Member of Bundestag Christian Schmidt. The President of Montenegro expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with the German Bundestag member, following a recent official visit to Berlin, thanking FR Germany for its dedication to Montenegro.

On this occasion, 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.

German Bundestag member Christian Schmidt thanked the President for recognition that his recent visit to Berlin was significant from a political point of view. He pointed to the continuity of German support for Montenegro since the renewal of independence and the European perspective of Montenegro and region. And the upcoming event in Berlin should be seen in the context of support and interest of Germany and France for the further destiny of the Balkans, said Schmidt

City Music and Majorettes from Herceg Novi participated at the 9^th International festival of brass orchestras which was held in the Turkish city Edirne from the 26^th to 28^th of April.

At the festival, which brought together 11 orchestras from eight European countries, the band from Herceg Novi played standard music related to Boka Bay, such as “Bokesko kolo” and the song "Kolovodjo, diko nasa". The festival program was divided into several units so that the orchestras were engaged on each of the three days.

The orchestra members from Herceg Novi also got acquainted with the sights of the host city.

The delegation of the Turkish town Edirne, who visited Herceg Novi on the occasion of the Turkish Cultural Days at the 50th Mimosa Festival, discussed with representatives of the municipality the activities and impressions that had been made so far, and talked about the concrete steps that need to be taken in order for the cities of Herceg Novi and Edirne to formalize this cooperation.

During this event, there was a concert organized by the brass orchestra from Edirne and a gastronomic evening of Turkish cuisine.

Text by Slavica Kosic, on April 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Out of €47,000, i.e., the amount that will be allocated from the municipal budget to boost agriculture in Kolasin, most of the funds, around 29,000, are committed to supporting the quality improvement of raw milk and processing in the home farm and the procurement of photovoltaic systems in “katuni”, or mountain areas.

The rest of the money will be spent on supporting hunting organizations, the development of beekeeping, the purchase of mowers, the promotion of leafy cheese production and the formation of the association of “Moracka rakija”.

"The problem with unstable quality is recognized as one of the major problems in the placement of milk and dairy products on the market. Milk quality will be promoted through activities that will lead to a decrease in the number of microorganisms and somatic cells. The goals are to increase milk production, improve the quality of raw milk and improve the quality of dairy products," reads the program of stimulating measures.

This document estimates that poor street infrastructure is characteristic for many mountainous areas in the territory of the municipality. Such a state harms the development of both mountainous and rural areas and in a good part contributes to the depopulation of the rural population. The local administration plans to improve the living conditions and quality of life, as well as the loss of cattle-breeding through the procurement of photovoltaic systems, that is, the provision of electricity in the streets. In the program of stimulating measures, it is planned that, through the formation of producer associations, local “Moracka rakija” is promoted as an already recognized traditional product of the region. They try to get a label of geographic protection of “Moracka rakija”.

For the purchase of mowers for the farmers, the municipal support of about 7,000 is planned, while for the promotion, an increase of the number of producers and the volume of production of Kolasin leafy cheese, 6,500 euros will be allocated.

Text by Dragana Scepanovic, on April 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Through an action by the “Rotary club” in Bar, a long-time neglected terrain for “bocanje” (similar to bowling) owned by the Pensioners’ Association Bar has been renovated.

After the successful completion of all the works and the purchase of “bocce”, the “Rotary Club” Bar handed the field to the use of the Pensioners’ Association on behalf of which its president, Iso Matezic, thanked everyone involved for this beautiful gesture, pointing out that this is "of great importance for the recreation of pensioners and other interested citizens of Bar".

On the same occasion, pensioners and Rotarians agreed that with the help of the citizens of Budva and Tivat who practice “bocanje”, they would organize a "School of bocanje" that will contribute to the popularize this beautiful sport.

The “Rotary club” Bar has announced that they have noticed that the terrain for “bocanje” owned by the Pensioners’ Association Bar is collapsing and that as such it “makes the city unappealing," therefore with the approval of the Pensioners' Association's management they decided to renovate it and restore its functionality.

"With the help of the Utility Company DOO, the terrain and its surroundings were cleaned of garbage and rubbish, internal grouting was carried out with thick boards that were later coated with rubber, and the terrain was filled with a larger amount of sand of the appropriate granulation, after which a manual roller flattened the terrain. The fence was painted, and the hedge along the terrain trimmed, and after the procurement of appropriate bocce, the terrain was ready to give to the retirees. “Rotary Club” Bar will, within its capabilities, realize similar projects in the future, and will work to contribute to the community continuously," it the club said.

Text by Radomir Petric, on April 27th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

28 April 2019 - One of the most famous places in Herceg Novi to have a good time, People’s Beach Bar, will officially start the 2019 season with an unforgettable party for Labour Day.

Following good practice, People’s Beach Bar will organize an event aimed at socializing with a tasty barbecue and excellent music. Of course, the organizers have ensured that all guests will have a great time and invited an influential disc jockey and the creator of "The Funk" known to the world as beat juggling, DJ Steve D. The party will officially start at 11 am.

"On May 1, Labour Day, for the first time, we are organizing an event with a barbecue and music. All those who want to enjoy a great party and a cool crowd along with the sounds of the amazing DJ Steve D can join us on May 1 at 11 am," says the invitation by the People’s Beach Bar located at the Beach of Milašinovići.

People’s Beach Bar is a place that sets new standards of how a beach bar should look. During the summer season, it hosts non-stop parties seven days a week, perfect for those who like to mingle and dance with a drink in their hand. The music varies so there is something for everyone. People’s organises parties with a variety of themes, so all party lovers can find an event they prefer at this great location.

The Labour Day Party marks the beginning of 2019 season for People’s Beach Bar, and the gorgeous beach, fantastic landscape and high-quality service is an invitation for all visitors to come back and enjoy a great time at the bar soon.

28 April 2019 - Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović said that he expects a positive report by the European Commission on the progress of Montenegro towards the EU and that the country will definitely be the next EU member.

"The preliminary document that was created in November in the area of ​​the rule of law was very encouraging for us. If we get a positive report, especially on the implementation of the provisional benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, that would be a significant moment for our further path towards the EU, even more significant than the question whether we will open the last negotiating chapter in the first or the second semester," Darmanović said in an interview with the TVCG.

On this occasion, Darmanović also said that there is no dispute that Montenegro is an absolute leader in the region when it comes to European integration. He added that Montenegro would open the last negotiating chapter this year, and reminded of the previous February report of the EU on the Western Balkans pointing out that those who achieve better results will move faster and that by 2025, EU enlargement might occur.

"It must be understood that the policy of enlargement is not a one-way but a two-way process, and we cannot become an EU member just by our effort. Of course, the primary responsibility is for us to show that our society is closer to the European legal system," Darmanović pointed out.

Speaking about the effects of membership in NATO, the Minister said that joining the Alliance was the greatest achievement of Montenegro's foreign policy after the restoration of independence, because Montenegro, for the first time in its history, became an institutional part of the Western world and part of the group of countries that have the values ​​of modern and civilized and democratic world, most of whom were defenders of freedom and during the Cold War.

He emphasized that Montenegro has very good relations with all the friends and partners from the region: "The policy of good neighbourly relations, in addition to NATO membership and European agenda, is one of the three pillars of Montenegrin foreign policy”. The Head of Montenegrin diplomacy also assessed that the country is continuously trying to maintain this kind of approach even when its friends have different views and interests.

26 April 2019 - In the past four years, nine construction companies generated 113 million EUR of net income. Almost half of the amount went to Bemax.

Bankar.me portal has analyzed last year’s performance of the companies whose annual income exceeds 2 million EUR. Apart from other companies, they have been examining Bemax, since it’s the most frequent supplier and often the contractor. Judging by many indicators, this enables them the leader status. First and foremost, judging by the income level and net profit. On an annual level, this company generates profit that equals the total of profits generated by other observed companies. Although earnings of the companies are on an upward trend, they still fail to keep up to the tempo of Bemax.

So far the most profitable companies in the sector, Bemax and Zetagradnja, have recorded a slight fall in profit in comparison to 2017. Bemax, which was a national record-holder in 2017 with a profit of 20 million EUR, had 13 million EUR profit last year.

Zetagradnja, a company whose logo decorates some of the greatest buildings in almost every part of the Capital, is currently carrying out the biggest project – construction of City point complex. As this project is approaching the finish, the profit and revenues will be increasing simultaneously.

Fidija and Cijevna komerc have recorded the highest increase in profit. Gradnja promet and Trudbenik companies have recorded fallen in profit. Looking at the return of the capital employed (11%), the operation of these two companies is quite stable.

Cijevna komerc and Novi Volvoks have recorded the most efficient engagement of capital, whereas Gradnja promet has recorded a drop. However, employees in companies have salaries that are lower than the state average. The problem is the number of employees who are engaged “in case of need” and foreign workers who make up the majority of the workforce at construction sites. Therefore, figures representing the average monthly net wage should be taken with a grain of salt.

Only 5% of total income covers the staff costs which means that this work is not as appreciated as it should be.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro

26 April 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said that the development of Ulcinj is considered significant for the development of the whole of Montenegro and that Ulcinj should very soon have a place at the top of the municipalities by the level of development.

"The development perspectives of this municipality are remarkable, not only in the Montenegrin context but also wider. In the first place, we are committed to a responsible approach both at the state, and especially at the local level. And it must be not only administrative, but essential when it comes to resolving the development priorities of such a representative city. In the previous period, the State provided favourable conditions for investing in high-quality hotel capacities, and their attractiveness was additionally raised by the recent launch of the economic citizenship programme," the Prime Minister noted at the Prime Minister's questions. He assessed that the enviable tourist tradition of Ulcinj represents a reliable basis for attracting investors with a clear vision and potential, and that the Government wants such investors at the locations of former tourist facilities "Galeb", "Lido" and "Jadran"

Answering the question of Vice President of the Assembly Genci Nimanbegu on the plans for these three locations, the Prime Minister said that all three locations have so far been unsuccessful examples of potential development projects.

PM Marković welcomed MP Nimanbegu's interest to discuss the challenges in the implementation of these three projects, which in terms of expected investments have the potential to be the development milestone of Ulcinj, as well as to enrich the tourist offer and contribute to the employment of citizens.

He said that the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism in the previous period provided detailed information on the chronology of the procedures and the status of implementation of these projects. He further stated that to implement the Conclusions of the Government of Montenegro from 10 March 2016, a legal adviser was engaged to draft an analysis of the obligations of the contracting parties and the undertaken activities of both contracting parties in the case of the Galeb Hotel, which provides an overview of possible termination procedures, as well as the legal consequences of the contract termination. The opinion of the Controller related to the Agreement on the sale of the Galeb Hotel noted that the buyer paid a purchase price of 5.7 million EUR in accordance with the deadlines stipulated by the Contract, that he provided timely guarantees and fully respected the Social Programme in the amount of 1.7 million EUR, but did not implement the investment in accordance with the Investment Plan due to the delay of the local self-government in providing planning assumptions for the implementation of the project. The Municipality of Ulcinj passed the spatial planning documents six years after the date of conclusion of the Contract, which prevented the buyer from investing the amount determined by the Agreement.

"When it comes to the implementation of the Lido Hotel Purchase Agreement, the findings of the Controller confirm that in this case the buyer paid a full purchase price of 10.8 million EUR within the agreed period of time, that he respected the Social Programme, but that the investment was not implemented in accordance with the Investment Plan, among other things, due to the lack of solution for 75% of the environmental problem - the Port Milena channel," PM Marković said.

In the case of a lawsuit filed by the Public Enterprise for the Management of the Maritime Property before the Commercial Court to terminate the Long Term Rental Agreement on the location of the former Jadran Hotel, a final verdict on this case has not yet been issued, the Prime Minister said, adding that inertia of the local self-government was observed regarding the recommendations of the Government to remove objects from Cape Bratislava, in order to create conditions for the tourist valorization of this site.

Prime Minister Marković stressed that investors with a clear vision and potential are desirable in Ulcinj, and that the Government will act in partnership with all those who are willing to invest their capital in sustainable development projects.