07 April 2019 - Budućnost VOLI has returned to the Aba League Finals! The reigning ABA League champions defeated Cedevita on the road in decisive Game 3 of this semi-final series and will be fighting for the regional trophy for the 2nd year in a row. The Blue team were down by 11 points after the first quarter, they were down by 7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter, but they managed to keep the focus and make a comeback in the last 10 minutes.

Budućnost VOLI will face Crvena zvezda in the 2019 ABA League Finals, with the Belgrade side having the home court advantage.

In the end, Budućnost VOLI has won this match thanks to two crucial defensive plays. The visitors were up by 73:71 with one minute remaining in the game, when Earl Calrk stopped Cedevita’s best player in this match Justin Cobbs by forcing him to make a difficult shot, which he missed. Some 40 seconds later Budućnost VOLI were up by 74:71, with Cedevita having the ball possession. Jacob Pullen pulled up for a 3-pointer to tie the score with James Bell right in front of him. Pullen missed the shot.

"Where to start? With the players who did everything to proceed to the finals and congratulate them from their hearts! I would also like to congratulate our numerous fans who have come, and I think that everyone now understands how much the Budućnost project is important for Montenegro, Podgorica and all these people. We did not open the match properly; we did not adapt to the criterion where an excellent game was played, and I think we made the first foul somewhere in the fourth minute. They had 11 rebounds in the first half and scored eight points. The second half was decided upon a single ball, as expected. However, I think we deserved it and went to the finals," said Jasmin Repeša, head coach of Budućnost VOLI.

Budućnost VOLI power forward Earl Clark made so many important shots for his team this evening, and eventually, he was the top scorer of the away side with 19 points.

The two sides had almost identical stats. In the end, those two good defensive plays of Budućnost VOLI team decided the winner.

The Central Bank of Montenegro introduced bankruptcy at Atlas Bank today, and Mirko Radonjic was appointed as the bankruptcy trustee. Out of the work remains the current 198 employees, of which the bankruptcy trustee can temporarily keep up to 10 percent of this number during bankruptcy. Total deposits with this bank amount to 189 million euros, of which there are protected deposits in individual amounts up to 50,000 thousand and guaranteed by the Deposit Protection Fund for 89 million euros. The deadline for deciding on the payment of protected depositors is 15 days, and the fund now in the accounts has 108 million euros so it can pay off all protected depositors.

This was stated by representatives of the Central Bank and the Deposit Protection Fund at a press conference today.

Governor of the Central Bank, Radoje Zugic, said that the interim administration since its introduction on December 7^th found that Atlas Bank's parameters were much worse than the bank represented, that the solvency was negative by minus seven percent, that the total assets were precluded and that the total bank's liabilities exceeded its capital by EUR 1.14 million, which are the reasons for direct bankruptcy. Mr Zugic said that they could not ascertain earlier that this bank had such bad parameters and that they hoped that the bank would be saved through recapitalization. He stated that there were more interested investors for recapitalization, that two of them submitted the bid but did not pass a credibility test.

Asked if he felt obliged to resign due to a violation of the banking system, as two banks went bankrupt, Zugic said there is no reason to resign, stating that deposits grow, the liquidity of all other banks is strengthened and the banking system has never been better.

The Governor said that he had several meetings with the owners and the management of IBM and Atlas Bank last year in order to improve the situation in these banks. He said that they came out stronger from this situation and that the banking system was more robust as it strengthens departments for bank control and preventing money laundering.

Zugic admitted that when the forced administration was introduced, he promised the healing of the bank and not bankruptcy, but then they did not have all the information on bank parameters and hidden situations and they expected recapitalization. Director of the Department for Bank Control Dejan Vujacic said that Atlas Bank has 88,526 depositors, out of which 70,000 depositors have claims less than ten euros, and ten thousand depositors have less than 100 euro claims. The state has 8.9 million deposits as well as a 7.1 million claim for paid guarantees to Atlas Bank. Vujacic said he expected that part of this, the state would charge through bankruptcy. According to him, 63 million deposits are frozen by the decision of the High Court for investigation, that the non-residents have another 37 million deposits, and all residents are 22 million, counting the state. As he said the frozen part of the funds is in the account at another bank and was not used.

Director of Deposit Protection Fund Predrag Markovic said they had a 15-day deadline to start paying off guaranteed deposits and that they have the money for all. He said that IBM depositors have so far been paid 15.6 million or 60 percent of guaranteed deposits, as well as they have already paid ten million of that amount through bankruptcy proceedings.

Vujačić said he expects that from the bankruptcy of Atlas bank the Fund will charge up to 90 percent of 89 million which needs to be paid to protected depositors and that there will be no need to raise premiums by commercial banks to compensate for the money lost by the Deposit Protection Fund.

Asked why the two remaining models to try to recover Atlas Bank were not used, such as the sale of shares of existing shareholders with the recapitalization and the transfer of assets and liabilities of the bank to another bank, Vujacic responded that new parameters showed that liquidity was minus 7 percent and that the assets are less than the obligations, pointing out these as the main reasons for bankruptcy. He argued that CBCG could not establish it earlier.

Temporary administrator at CBCG Tanja Teric said there had been an overestimation of assets, also due to the lost dispute with Kaspia and claims from the Mail bank from Austria. She argued that it was not true that temporary administration increased costs and deteriorated the parameters, as criticism could be heard by Atlas bank, but these were rather improved as much as the temporary administration could do.

She also pointed out that she calculated well that 22 million euros were needed for healing the bank through recapitalization, as despite the bad parameters with such recapitalization, the solvency ratio would be 10.8 percent or 10 percent above the legal limit.

Text by Goran Kapor, on April 5th 2019, read more at Vijesti

The Civic Education Center (CGO) relaunches the action of collecting books to enrich the library of the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions (ZIKS).

The action will last until April 25^th, and everyone who wants to donate books can do it at CGO's premises on Boulevard St. Peter Cetinjski 96, every working day from 8 to 5 p.m. or during street actions in Podgorica 20^th April on the plateau in front of the National Library "Radosav Ljumovic" from 11 to 1 p.m.

This action is part of the project "Alternative sanctions - from punishment to reintegration", whose aim is to contribute to the improvement and protection of human and minority rights in Montenegro through the active participation of civil society organizations.

"Through the implementation of this action, CGO wants to change the paradigm of alternative criminal sanctions, re-socialization and reintegration of prisoners, so CGO volunteers will inform interested citizens about systems of criminal sanctions, focusing on alternative sanctions. By renewing the library fund in ZIKS, help will be provided to those who are serving time in prison, improve their quality of life, and under these conditions help them acquire some new knowledge and spend time more effectively. This could also reduce the recidivism and improve the re-socialization of the persons deprived of liberty," the CGO statement writes.

The project "Alternative sanctions - from punishment to reintegration" is implemented by the CGO in cooperation with the Institute for Legal Studies (IPLS), with the support of the Ministry of Justice.

Text by Vijesti online, on April 5th 2019, read more at Vijesti

The EducationUSA Network Advisory Center in Podgorica, in co-operation with the US Embassy in Podgorica, is organizing the United States Universities Fair on Monday.

The fair is part of the regional visits by the representatives of US universities in Southeast Europe organized by the EducationUSA network during which similar events were organized in Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania.

The fair will, as stated, allow high school pupils and students to be informed about faculties and universities in the United States.

"Representatives of 14 US universities will share information on basic and postgraduate programs that offer opportunities to study in the United States for foreign students," said the US Embassy in Podgorica.

Representatives of the EducationUSA Network Advisory Center will provide services that the Center regularly offers to pupils and students interested in studying in the United States.

"The fair is part of a wider program where they collaborate with the US Embassy and EducationUSA Network with the support of the State Department.

This program aims to promote opportunities for studying in the United States for students from overseas. This is the sixth fair of this type that EducationUSA network organizes in the region and the fourth that includes Montenegro.

According to data from 2018, 115 citizens of Montenegro are currently studying in the United States, which is 14 percent more than in 2017.

Text by MINA News, on April 6th 2019, read more at Vijesti

April 7, 2019 - The eighth in a series of peaceful civic protests under the slogan Odupri Se 97,000 was held on Saturday in Podgorica with the participation of several thousand people insisting on resignations and fundamental political and social changes in Montenegro. 

The demonstrators gathered this time on the plateau in front of the Assembly, then held a protest walk along the Street of Liberty near the Supreme State Prosecutor’s building, Boulevard of Ivan Crnojević, then Stanko Dragojević Street near the Government building and back to the Assembly. Nikola Grdinić addressed the gathered citizens before the protest walk, saying that he was, on behalf of the organiser, the one who announced the eighth gathering.

"I use the word to announce the actions of nonviolent resistance that we will start on other days, not just on Saturdays and not just in Podgorica but in all Montenegrin cities."

Grdinić emphasised that the Odupri Se movement will not become a political party and that it will remain the movement of all citizens.

"This is the chance we will unite in the best possible way among us, and we will become the first free choice in this country. We, the citizens, are here to ensure that this process is in the direction of a better future for all of us. We want to see the state on which the leaders will be statesmen, not thieves," Grdinić said.

He also pointed out his two impressions about the police.

"When I reported this meeting, I met an official, and I was delighted with his professionalism and attitudes. Only two days after that, a situation appeared where ten police officers were battling an unarmed young man. That record should be the last drop in the full glass of our reasons for the protest. "

He urged young people to form a living wall in front of the protective fence to send a "message of solidarity and unity."

Vuk Vujisic, a representative of the Student Initiative, who has been focusing on the University's imprisonment and the unparalleled work of the Student Parliament in the last couple of months, said that the students "will not stop until every young man knows about freedom."

"These young people are here because they want the state to create the conditions for a normal life. It is not normal for young people after graduating to leave this country in search of a better life. It is not normal for a party booklet to be worth more than knowledge and diploma. It is not normal for one's son to spend 300 euros a night, while someone works for the same sum for a month."

Vujisic recalled that the University of Montenegro was "captured and under the influence of party structures".

"It was the Day of students, our day, but as it usually goes, the students who present together with the authorities say that everything is fine. That situation is never better. And I'm wondering if you're happy or you want change," the demonstrators screamed, "We Want Change! ".

"I dream of a country in which a young man after college gets a job based on his knowledge, from whom he will be able to live and not survive! I dream of an ecological state in which public good and natural beauty are in front of an individual's pocket. I dream of a state of Montenegro with equal chances for everyone. For such a country it is worth fighting and inviting all young people to fight for it," said Vujisic.

Citizens were also addressed by "civil activist" Dragan Sošić. He said he was proud of being "a civic activist because it meant fighting this system and loudly speaking".

"The state is made up of territories, governments and citizens. The territory is endangered every day. We need bodies to defend Montenegro. We defend Zabljak, lakes, sea, rivers that several families have kidnapped and not released for 30 years. They plunder, kidnap, scare, blackmail, and kill! Enough!”

Sošić said that the citizens are the most delicate part of the state and that they are on defence. He announced a non-violent action of civil disobedience that would "paralyse the system and make them leave".

After the walk, Grdinić checked out of the eighth Odupri Se gathering. He said, "we should not pay attention to what the DPS and Duško Knezevic are talking about and not to let the opposition fight back."

"These are our protests, protests by all citizens, those who do not want to suffer humiliation and poverty. It is only important that we all together raise a voice against this regime. We must not give up," emphasised Grdinić.

The date of the next protest will be announced soon, together with the plan of all other civil disobedience actions, informed the PR team of the Odupri Se movement.

07 April 2019 - According to recent research related to babysitting services published by Pobjeda Daily, there is currently only one agency that provides experienced childcare services in the whole country. This company covers only two cities in Montenegro, the Capital City, Podgorica and the coastal city of Bar.

The study shows that parents who need childcare services mostly have to turn to ads on the Internet and in newspapers, or they try to find a reliable person through friend recommendations. The same research showed that an individual specialised in childcare, a nanny, can earn up to 400 EUR a month, while the parents have to give from two to five euros for one hour of experienced childcare.

When it comes to professional babysitting companies, a large number of women and girls are interested in providing babysitting services in Montenegro, but only those who are deemed capable, with proper education and who have experience in childcare actually get chosen by the company to be their permanent employee. The cost of professional and loving childcare per hour is 4,95 EUR, while the price of the “basic package” per month is 330 EUR.

The company guarantees the satisfaction of their clients and the children as well as their employees (babysitters) to ensure that the experience exceeds expectations for everyone. Babysitters come from various professional backgrounds, and they have to exhibit a high level of professionalism, intuitive care, and inspired desire to deliver the best experience for the client and children.

The parent usually defines the duties of the babysitter and gives that person instructions related to the responsibilities of the child during the day and the content of entertainment.

In terms of internet and newspaper ads for babysitting services, there are frequent bids and demand ads related to childcare. The time usually depends on the parents’ needs (working hours, daily obligations). Price for babysitting services per hour is about two euros, the cost for one day is around 10 euros, and monthly services require from 200 to 400 euros. The ads also cover babysitters who are trained for the job - educators, pedagogues, teachers, but also those who have gained such experience by raising their children.

April 7, 2019 - For the 13th Tivat Regatta UNA Montenegro Cup, YC Delfin organises a photo competition on "Sailing." The contest is open from 7-18 April for all lovers of photography who believe they've caught a "good moment" sailing. Photos from races, sailing, and everything about sailboats and the sea are welcome, suggests the Tivat Regatta organisation committee.

06 April 2019 - Students are the most important resource of Montenegrin society and the primary driver of Montenegro's development, and systemic educational reforms have significantly contributed to their better knowledge and European competitiveness of all Montenegrin universities, it was assessed during the "Ask Minister" Forum. 

Minister of Education Damir Šehović, Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović and Minister of Sports and Youth Nikola Janović spoke with about 60 students from all universities in Montenegro within the second "Ask Minister" Forum. This year's "Ask Minister" Forum was organised by the Secretariat-General of the Government, in cooperation with the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Science, within the project EU4ME, funded by the European Union, and implemented by UNDP. 

Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević congratulated the students on the upcoming holiday and said that they are the most important resource and the greatest wealth of this society. 

Rector of the University of Montenegro Danilo Nikolić pointed out that students, as representatives of the future intellectual elite and the general force of the development of Montenegrin society, are vital witnesses of the adequate application of higher education programmes, scientific and development projects and cultural and sports content from the university and wider social milieu. 

Minister Šehović reminded that free basic and master studies were introduced last year and that the second generation of students who do not pay scholarship is enrolled this year, 3,541 of them. 

Minister Janović said that Montenegro's youth is the future of Montenegro, stressing that the Ministry of Sports and Youth creates conditions for young athletes and their professional development. 

As Minister Damjanović emphasized, Montenegro needs innovative ideas that will strengthen entrepreneurial culture and reduce the outflow of talents. 

05 April 2019 - The Ministry of Sports and Youth, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organised a conference dedicated to strengthening the Adriatic and Ionian cooperation in the field of youth policy. 

The conference brought together 50 representatives of the countries of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, international and regional organisations, domestic institutions and non-governmental organisations. 

Minister of Sports and Youth Nikola Janović assessed that Montenegrin chairmanship of the Initiative, which promotes economic and social growth in the region, as well as European integration of the Western Balkans, is of particular importance to Montenegro. 

"Through the close cooperation with the countries of the region as well as the member states of the European Union, Montenegro actively participates in defining priorities that are important for the entire Adriatic and Ionian region. In all areas of common interest at the regional level, it is necessary to work diligently and consciously to improve the conditions and create opportunities for young people," Janović said. 

Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Maryse Daviet, emphasized that the OSCE recognizes the importance of working with young people and the significant role they play in building a peaceful and secure environment. 

For the first time, the Conference gathered representatives in charge of youth policy in member countries of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, to intensify cooperation in the mentioned area. 

"Montenegrin chairmanship of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative has been very successful, and I would like to congratulate you on the efforts you are making in developing partnerships with all the countries of the region," Ambassador Fabio Pigliapoco stressed. 

Janović concluded that this event was an opportunity to discuss key challenges and achieved results, as well as to exchange experiences among the countries of the region regarding the improvement of the position of youth.

05 April 2019 - The Clinical Centre of Montenegro and the Montenegrin health system, thanks to the Government of Montenegro, Ministry of Science, Ministry of Health and enthusiasm of Prof. Dr. Marina Ratković, is richer for another important segment, Laboratory for HLA Tissue Typing.

On that occasion, the ceremony marking the opening of the HLA Laboratory took place at the Institute for Blood Transfusion of Montenegro.

Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović congratulated Professor Marina Ratković and her team for showing responsibility, professionalism and efficiency, saying that this laboratory is part of a Ministry of Science's project. "It is a grant supported by the Government and funded by the World Bank loan through a special HERIC project," she explained.

"Beside the laboratory, where important analyses necessary for organ transplantation will be carried out, we will also get trained domestic staff through the transfer of knowledge and technology with the assistance of the Zagreb Clinical Centre," Minister Damjanovič noted.

As one of the fine examples of "Science for Society", the project is also important in terms of economy.

"So far, these important analyses have been carried out in foreign institutions with high costs. The value of the project is about half a million euros, the Ministry of Science finances 70% (315,000 EUR) and 30% is co-financed by the Ministry of Health. And all these investments will be repaid in just a few years, meaning that it is also an economically sustainable project," said the Minister of Science.

For Montenegro, the research aspect of the project is important as the analyses will be carried out in the country, which will enable monitoring of the movement of various diseases in Montenegro and obtaining very significant scientific and research results in the field of medicine. All of the above will contribute to the recognition of Montenegro and its medical institutions regionally and internationally as serious scientific research centres in the area of medical science.

Thanks to the Government's support and a budget increase of 60%, the Ministry of Science has the opportunity to finance such projects, as well as others that recognise the importance of scientific research activities in Montenegro.