Sibenik and Partizan will remain the only teams that have defended the title in the WABA League, and the basketball players of Buducnost Bemax will long mourn the way they dropped the throne in the finals of the 18th edition of the regional competition.

Goran Boskovic's team was after Berovo the whole time; the Bulgarians had plus 15 points (43:28) in the 3rd quarter, but the Montenegrin side fought back.

They started to beat the opponents with Nikolic Babić, who 51 seconds before the end scored a 6:0 series for the first lead - 60:59. Sania Chong made the shift, and Jill Bart, 22 seconds before the end, missed the shot for the new lead. Snezana Aleksic hit two free throws for 63:60 with nine seconds to go, but it was only the beginning of the drama.

After Boskovic's time-out, Nikolina Dzebo scored, and the team started celebrating, but the refs showed that she stepped on the line, so the score was 62:63.

A foul was quickly made over Aleksic, who scored both free throws 2.9 seconds before the last buzzer.

The ball came to Babic, who tried to hit for three points with her left hand, but Teodora Dineva naively made a foul even when the time was running out.

The captain of Buducnost calmly hit the first two, but for the third, her hand started shaking, and the trophy went to Bulgaria for the second time. Recall, in 2007, the champion was CSKA from Sofia.

The girls from Podgorica missed a chance to remain in the 2nd place of the eternal list with three trophies, behind the undisputed Sibenik, who was champion five times.

Take a look here at the entire match YouTube

Text by Nikola Nikolic, on March 24th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

England has never had a stronger representation than the one that is coming to Podgorica, said the Montenegrin national player Nikola Vukcevic at the press conference before the big game under Gorica.

"I have not played against a national team like England; this is the best team that has come to us, at least since I'm in the team. They play at a high level, and they are young. We believe, of course, that we can achieve a positive result," said Vukcevic.

Montenegro's qualifications started with a draw against Bulgaria and victory was lost over a controversial penalty. 

"Maybe we emptied ourselves emotionally after losing two points in this way. However, we have to look into the future, there is an important game waiting for us, in which we can get a lot, and we have nothing to lose," he said. 

England has been the guest under Gorica twice, and both times Montenegro took a point.

"In the previous two games we were not defeated, we want to continue the positive set, but it will be difficult. We believe in our quality; the most important thing is that we enter in 15-20 minutes very strong mentally, to amuse the fans so they could give us the wings. The fans are a great help, but the atmosphere depends on us," said Vukcevic. 

England is made up of great players, but Vukcevic signals out two of them. They are Kane and Sterling. "They are the greatest danger to us, but I believe we can stop them," said the Levante midfielder.

For more information, please follow TMN's dedicated page

Text by Vijesti Sport, on March 24th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

23 March 2019 - Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Osman Nurković spoke at the press conference following the Government of Montenegro session about what was done in the area of regular and investment maintenance, reconstruction and construction of state roads in 2018 and what is planned for 2019.

Minister Nurković pointed out that the budget for 2018 amounted to 244,400,000 EUR (out of which 207,200,000 EUR was intended for the Bar-Boljare motorway's priority section and 800,000 EUR for the road crossings belonging to the Railway Directorate's budget).

The 2019 budget plans an investment totalling 45,087,263 EUR.

Projects implemented from European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loans, in line with the Budget Law, will be funded up to the amount of their execution.

Under the Programme for reconstruction and modernisation of main and regional roads, works will be carried out on 25 roads, and 27,300,000 EUR will be allocated to the rebuilding of the main and regional roads. The projects will be funded from the General Revenues of the Budget of Montenegro, the European Investment Bank loan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan.

In the last five years, a total of 197.84 million EUR was invested in maintenance, reconstruction and construction of regional and trunk roads in Montenegro, said the director of the Directorate for state roads within the Ministry of Transport, Mirsad Ibrahimović during mid-October 2018. As he said, this had an impact on more comfortable, economical, safer and high-quality transport and, therefore, resulted in better accessibility of Montenegro as a tourism destination.

“The European Commission also recognized insufficiently developed infrastructure of the Western Balkans. It, therefore, aims to increase the maturity of projects and enhance the development of the transport network through the available mechanisms of Berlin process,” said Ibrahimović during this occasion.

24 March 2019 - The Government of Montenegro has recently signed a contract with the private company Novi Volvox on the completion of conceptual design, main project and the construction of a six-seater ski lift “Z4” at the ski resort Žarski in Mojkovac, according to the principle "Project and build".

The founder of the Novi Volvox is a company from Podgorica, Holding One, owned by the businessman Milan Ivanović with a 90 per cent ownership share and Predrag Poček, who owns 5 per cent of the company.

The deadline for the completion of the design of the six-seater cable car is two months.

The Government will invest nine million EUR in the realization of this strategic project, all with the aim to continue the valorisation of tourist potentials and to improve the living standards of citizens, especially in the North, the Government representatives announced.

"The main designer and manufacturer of equipment which will be installed at the Žarski site is the Italian company Leitner, one of the largest manufacturers of ski lifts in the world. The quality and standard that Leitner applies in their projects are recognized in all countries, so that its lifts are now present at the most attractive ski resorts in the world, "the Government representatives explained.

The deadline for completing the preliminary design of the six-hour lift cable is two months from the day of signing the Contract, while the deadline for the construction of the Main Cableway Project is four months from the day of acceptance of the Preliminary Design.  The contract also envisages the completion of the construction of the cable car and ski track 12 months from the date in which the contractor starts construction works.

24 March 2019 - According to the latest data published by DataReportal, in 2018, the total number of active social media users in Montenegro amounted to 380.000 thousand, which is 2,7 per cent more than a year ago. The data also shows that 330.000 Montenegrin citizens are active social media users that access the networks via mobile devices.

Online service DataReportal is designed to help people and organisations all over the world to find the data, insights, and trends they need to make more informed decisions. Millions of people in more than 150 countries around the globe already read their reports and analyses each year, including employees of many of the world's top companies, award-winning journalists, key decision-makers in sovereign governments, and leading academics. DataReportal has recently published a Global Digital Report, which provides essential insights into the use of the internet, mobile devices, social media, and e-commerce around the world, including essential global headlines. The Global Digital Report also includes the latest trends for each country, and the most recent report shows the data for Montenegro during 2018.

According to the report, last year, 465.700 citizens of Montenegro had access to the Internet, which is 74 per cent of the total population and 5,9% more than in 2017.

The total number of mobile connections in Montenegro amounted to 1.24 million, which is 197% of the total population. The percentage of mobile connections that were pre-paid was 52%, and the percentage of mobile connections that were broadband was 56%. The overall mobile connectivity index score was 70,45 (out of a maximum possible score of 100), while in relations to the affordability of devices and services, the index score was 68,80 (out of a maximum possible score of 100).

The per cent of the population aged 15+ that reports having an account with a financial institution was 68%, while 17% of citizens own a credit card.

You can get some more details in the graphs shown on pictures, and you can see the complete report on DataReportal’s official website.

In the traditionally good and cheerful atmosphere, the two-day, 22^nd Festival of Wine and Ukljeva Fish opened in Virpazar. Throughout Virpazar, at 44 stands, numerous visitors from all over Montenegro could try and buy wine, ukljeva fish, but also honey, cheese, rakija, vegetables, and fruits.

The hard-working organizers also prepared two stands where 300 liters of wine were distributed free of charge, and three booths where ukljeva fish was distributed, also free of charge.

By opening the festival, the President of Bar Municipality Dusan Raicevic said that the local government for this year raised the agro-budget from 200 to 300,000 euros, out of which 200 is going to farmers and 100,000 euros for the construction of the infrastructure. He announced the continuation of the support to producers, adding that part of the budget for the infrastructure will also go for priorities in Crmnica-construction of wine roads and Kuce wines that will serve "both for tasting and for education”.

The Acting President of MZ Crmnica Committee, Ilija Markovic, invited the state to continue investing in this region, keep the famous Montenegrin winemaking tradition with young wine growers and the construction of wine cellars. He particularly urged the preservation of the vast wealth of the Skadar Lake, primarily its fish fund.

With a minute of silence respects were paid to the founders of the festival that are no longer among the living, as well as to the victims of the recent tragedy in Vranjina.

Awards for the best poems about wine were announced.

From the received 13 poems, the jury composed of the President Goran Radoicic, a literary critic, and members poet and humorist Rajko Jolicic and playwright Dragisa Simovic, awarded the first prize to the poem "Kapi istine" (“Drops of truth”) by Slobodan Vucinic from Podgorica. The second prize was given to the poem “Da zajedno ljubimo vinograde” ("To Love Together Vineyards") by Sonja Milatovic from Niksic, and the third to Zarko Marovic from Virpazar for the poem "Vino za potonju uru" (“Wine at the dying bed”).

Marovic refused to accept the prize for personal reasons.

However, the price of wine ranges from 5-15 euros, honey from 8-12 euros, fried ukljeva fish two, and fresh three euros. Among the exhibitors was for the first time our celebrated handball representative Mladen Rakcevic, who said that after the ending of the sports career, it is possible for him to dedicate even more to the production of top quality wine.

The folklore KUD "Jedinstvo", Dino Beharović and "D band", choir "Via profesori" and famous band from Belgrade "Zana" performed as part of the entertainment program. Stressing that he is glad that the band is soon celebrating 40 years of existence and successful work, the popular Zoran Zika Zivanovic from Zana said that the band members are thrilled to be the first to perform at this festival.

The organizers of the festival are MZ Crmnica, Association of winemakers "Crmnicki vranac", NGO "Days of Skadar Lake", with the support of Bar Municipality and TO Bar.

For more information please follow TMN's dedicated page

Text by Radomir Petric, on March 23rd, 2019, read more at Vijesti

The campaign for cleaning the Gorica hill and Zeta river basin has been completed in the organization of the Capital city, the companies “Cistoca”, “Zelenilo” and the Protection and Rescue Service, as well as a large number of citizens and pupils of elementary schools from Podgorica.

The mayor of Podgorica, Ivan Vukovic, is pleased that the capital has launched an environmental protection initiative even this time and reminded of the new campaign of planting trees that was announced a few days ago, symbolically, in the Mediterranean Garden in Gorica.

"In addition to the campaign of planting new trees in different parts of the city, we will give citizens a chance to help us make Podgorica greener and cleaner and to better preserve the environment," Vuković said.

That's, as he said, the first action of this type.

"It is a pleasure to see today many children from different elementary schools in Podgorica. The primary goal is to collect small waste which, unfortunately, is still visible on Gorica hill. We want to send a message that we need to preserve these kinds of places better and at the same time, we announce similar actions in the coming period," said Vukovic.

He added that the effort is futile if each of us does not contribute to the protection of the environment in which he lives and he invited fellow citizens to dispose of the waste in the places that are foreseen for this.

In addition to Gorica, the cleaning action was realized at the Vranjska njiva site where, due to the steepness of the terrain in the cleaning of the river Zeta basin, only members of the Protection and Rescue Service participated.

For more information, please follow TMN's dedicated page

Text by MINA News, on March 23rd, 2019, read more at Vijesti

March 24, 2019 - The great international carnival procession with about 400 participants, ended the jubilee 50th Mimosa Festival, which broke all records - by duration, number of participants, program and attendance. The closing saw the traditional trial and burning of the culprit for Herceg Novi's citizens in the past year – Mito Kovertic (Bribe Envelope), as well as the concert by Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović.

March 24, 2019 - The sixth protest in the campaign "Odupri Se - 97,000" (Resist!), the series of the most massive civil protests in Montenegrin history, gathered more than ten thousand citizens from all parts of Montenegro in Podgorica last night, the organizers said.

"Our empty refrigerators and pockets are our policy," said one of the speakers Maja Jovovic, a representative of the mothers, former users of benefits for mothers for three or more children, who were abolished by the Constitutional Court's decision.

Jovovic pointed out that Djukanovic cannot read, because demonstrators do not endanger the state, but "rescue the state from him." “Unemployment, pensions, salaries and electricity bills for ordinary citizens are the reasons for protesting!" said Jovovic. He also considered abolishing benefits for mothers with three or more children.

"In the multitude of lies and deception, there is a deception of over 22,000 mothers. Two years ago, mothers hungered for 11 days for injustice and violations of the Montenegrin Constitution. We are still on the street, and we will be until the laws in Montenegro are respected! We will be in the street until everyone asked resigns," Jovovic said.

Photo by Igor Benic

Nikola Grdinić, a manager of small and medium enterprises and a free citizen, was also summoned to the assembled.

"I believe that the protest is the basis of the revival of this country and that everything must go from the street. Not just this street, but from all our cities, north, south, east, and west. The protest is a reflection of the culture of a nation. The protest has become a way of life in Montenegro. It is the first step to breaking this regime, but also announcing the control of every future government."

Grdinić asked the demonstrators to rate the work of "the president of the Ramada Assembly," the "self-contained prime minister and his fears" and the "self-proclaimed president." Loud whistles followed the questions by the crowd.

"These are not our institutions. We are a legislative, executive and judicial authority. We are a state! We are Montenegro!" said Grdinić, stressing that "the greatest act of patriotism is here."

On behalf of the Student Initiative of Montenegro, a student of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts at Cetinje, Minja Novaković, was convened. The speech started with a mini performance with a chair because she "grew up in a society that teaches us to sit, listen, and suffer."

"Tonight I refuse to sit! I stand here in the name of all students and young people of Montenegro. We do not want us and our parents to fear. When they say at work, 'Watch out what your boy or girl is doing in protest,' I say, 'I just watch!' I'm worried that I do not let them threaten me. I take care of my right to freedom. I keep my power to a dignified existence," she said.

On behalf of the students, she said she wanted an educational system that would make her a specialist.

"I want to create a future in this country. I do not want to suffer from the collective depression imposed on us by this society. It's enough! We are responsible and fearless! Let everyone hear us, 'Students are here!'" Minja said, urging her colleagues to join them in large number on Sunday in front of the Montenegrin Assembly.

The actor Slaviša Grubiša read the "Free Citizens' Declaration" in which the demands for resignation at previous meetings are listed.

We recall, in the previous protests, the resignation of Council members and general director of Montenegrin Radio Television, Božidar Šundić, was requested. Irrevocable resignation was also demanded by Supreme State Prosecutor Ivica Stankovic, Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoja Katnić, and director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption of Sreten Radonjic. The protest organizers also demand the resignation of Prime Minister Duško Markovic and Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic.

Grubiša emphasized that "opposition parties’ unity and close cooperation are essential in this process."

"Among the free citizens, from the first day in protest, and representatives of the parliamentary opposition from the Democratic Front, Democratic Party of Montenegro, Socialist People's Party, Social Democratic Party, Demos, URA Civic Movement, Labor Party, United Crna Gora, as well as Independent Deputies." 

"There are also with us non-parliamentary parties, trade unions, students, academics and doctors, and we will be even more. It is a protest of all citizens, and everyone is welcome. "

The protest march moved to the Freedom Street, next to the Prosecutor's Office building, then the Boulevard of St. Petar Cetinjski near the Central Bank, the Assembly, and the President's building. Passing by each institution, loud sounds were heard, and demonstrators screamed: "We are a state!" And "Leave!” In front of the Assembly, the citizens turned to the police with the transparencies, "And your children deserve better" and "This police work for citizens."

The walk continued through the bridge of Blažo Jovanović, where the column stopped short by the Elektroprivreda of Montenegro, with the chanting of "Raise the electricity bills, you'll hear a storm." Then the column went to Moscow Street next to the RTCG building, and the Boulevard of Revolution and the Street of Ivan Vujsevic returned to Boulevard of St Petar Cetinjski and the same way back to Independence Square.

The meeting concluded on behalf of the organizer Denis Mekić, addressing the citizens who did not join the protest yet.

"Everyone of you, who call your chief to check if you voted in the elections, all of you who have been told that your job is threatened, that your child's future is threatened in this country, all those who are threatened by intimidation - your salary does not give you any Prime Minister or President, but us, citizens. Citizens will continue to pay you as long as you work for them, for your Country".

With the message: "We'll see you on the street proudly and without fear!" The organizers called for the next protest, scheduled for Saturday, March 30 at 6 pm at Independence Square.

March 24, 2019 - The only maritime passenger line between the Montenegrin and Italian coasts this season will be connected by the ferry of the Croatian company Jadrolinija. The ferry begins operating on 21 May.

It will be the third season that the Bar-Bari line will sail using the "Dubrovnik" passenger ship from Rijeka, as the Montenegrin state-owned company "Barska Plovidba" still failed to buy a ferryboat that would inherit the ship Sveti Stefan II, sent to old steel three years ago because of the shortage and inability to meet the technical conditions.

Management of “Barska Plovidba” visited colleagues in Rijeka at the end of February, where the conditions of operations and the line of navigation between the Montenegrin and Italian coasts were discussed with the leaders of Jadrolinija.

"Certainly, in "Barska Plovidba," we have the priority to buy a used ferryboat that could meet the conditions of the Bar-Bari line. The company currently has no money for this investment," said the Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Barska Plovidba," Ljubo Kočović.

Representatives of the two companies in the presence of Croatia's Ambassador to Montenegro Veselko Grubišić signed a business cooperation agreement on the Bar-Bari line maintenance in 2019 on Friday. 

The line starts on 21 May by traveling from Bari to Bar, and this year's first "Dubrovnik" entry into the Bar harbor is expected on 22 May in the morning.

"Dubrovnik" will connect the coasts of Montenegro and Italy with the following dynamics from the second half of May to the end of November: in May and June once a week, July and August twice a week, and in September, October and November once a week. The agreed financial conditions will be at the level of last year," announced AD Barska Plovidba.

During 2018, the Bar-Bari line "Dubrovnik" crossed the Adriatic Sea 74 times and transported 21,887 passengers, 3,955 cars, 888 trucks, 206 campers, 44 buses, 36 trailers, and 460 motorcycles.