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The costs of a gender-reassignment operation for transgender people in the future will be fully covered, not only in practice but also by the law. The costs of the process, instead of 80%, will be fully funded by the Health Insurance Fund in the future, as envisaged by the new amendments to the Law on Health Insurance, drafted at a public hearing by March 28th.
In the association "Spektra", the organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of transgender, gender-based and interpolate people, considers such a proposal an example of good analysis and that what occurs in practice only reflects into the legislative framework.
According to the head of the Association Jovan Ulicevic, amendments to the Law represent a simple recognition of the practice that the Health Insurance Fund finances health interventions, among which is the process of gender adjustment.
"In the practice so far, the costs for all the situations above have been covered in full, and not in the amount of 80%, taking into account the fact that supplementary insurance has never come to life in practice," he said to "Vijesti".
He also added that "Spektra" significantly contributed to the reduction of the costs paid by FZO during the gender reassignment process, in the way they managed to establish cooperation with doctors employed in the health institutions in Montenegro.
"This is also significantly facilitated by the procedure for the community itself, which now has access to experts in the field of mental health, endocrinology, and some surgical interventions. In this regard, we consider that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Health Insurance is an example of a well-analyzed current situation and a simple mapping of the real situation into the legislative framework. "
For more information, please follow TMN's dedicated page
Text by Damira Kalac, on March 22nd 2019, read more at Vijesti
March 22, 2019 - Porto Montenegro hosts the second stage of the 3rd European Match Race Tour, which is in the waters of the Tivat Bay from 22 to 24 March. The European Match Race Tour (ETMR), which consists of seven stations and a grand finale, is the new Match Race format designed to promote duel sailing and affirmation of younger sailors to compete and progress worldwide, reported from Porto Montenegro.
Of the ten participating teams, eight sailors are in the top 100 in the world ranking of sailing races. Ettore Botticini from Italy is 4th in the world, Mati Sepp from Estonia takes 6th place and Dejan Presen from Slovenia 14th. Porto Montenegro Yacht Club (PMYC) is hosting six teams that will sail for the first time in Montenegro while the other four teams have been in our waters before.
PMYC has been selected as an EMRT station because of its excellence and perfection in the organisation of the regatta, especially when it comes to two-legged sailing, excellent facilities and sailing conditions in the Tivat Bay Aquatorium.
While many of the tour stops were already hosts in previous editions, among them also Porto Montenegro in Tivat, the 2019 tour visits Italy's Lago di Ledro and Romania's black sea town Limanu for the first time. The hosts of the 2019 Grand Final will be Croatia's beautiful sailing city of Sibenik in October. Last year's Grand Final was sailed in Tivat waters.
The tour 2019 consists of the proven and well-known format as in the previous two editions. Europe's best skippers can earn points at seven qualifying events to qualify themselves for the Grand Final with double points. Besides, there are also a separate U23 ranking and U23 European Tour champion as well as a women’s only ranking list. These two ranking lists and titles shall highlight the diversity of match racing in Europe and be a stepping stone for young and up-and-coming teams into the match racing circuit.
The opening event was traditionally in Sibenik on the Dalmatian coast, where skippers had the chance to try out the conditions for the season finale. The next stage is taking place a bit further south the Adriatic coastline at Tivat's Porto Montenegro followed by the stop-over on Austria's Lake Neusiedl before heading south again to Romania for the first visit of the picturesque fishermen town of Limanu. Two events on the Baltic will follow – Gothenburg in Sweden and Swinoujscie in Poland – before the last game of round one in Italy's match race Eldorado at Ledro. The tour will finish with the Grand Final 2019 at Sibenik in Mid-October.
"We are very excited about the 2019 calendar, and we look forward to defending our title," explained Piotr Harasimowicz, the winner of the 2018 European Match Race Tour. "We believe the format is great and again many of Europe's best match race skippers will take part in it!"
European Match Race Tour Calendar:
21-23 February: Sibenik, CRO
22-24 March: Tivat, MNE
12-14 April: Lake Neusiedl, AUT
03-05 May: Limanu, ROU
25-26 May: Gothenburg, SWE
21-23 June: Swinoujscie, POL
29 Aug – 1 Sept: Lago di Ledro, ITA
Mid-October: Sibenik, CRO (Grand Final)
Source: Porto Montenegro European Match Race Announcement, European Match Race Official Website
March 22, 2019 - The Orjen Development and Protection Agency will organise on Sunday, March 24, an educational pedestrian tour marking the World Water Day. Departure is scheduled for 10 am from the plateau of the Kotobilje Spring, and the last point is Ljuti karst (750 m above sea level) below the former motel Borići, on the southern edge of the Orjen Nature Park.
March 22, 2019 - Representatives of the "Odupri Se" (Resist) protest movement have proposed the Agreement on Future to the opposition deputies to agree to jointly advocate for the formation of a government of unity, whose primary task will be to create the conditions for maintaining fair and free elections. As announced at yesterday's press conference, protest organizers hope to achieve unity of 39 opposition deputies in the Montenegrin Parliament, which is 49 percent of the representative body. They remain at the earlier demands for the resignation of senior officials, and the opposition offers a common platform for resolving the political crisis.
21 March 2019 - Civic protests do not pose a threat to the state and its political system, according to Prime Minister Duško Marković, who assessed that the Government of Montenegro is persistent in the protection of the state and its citizens.
Prime Minister explained that the demands for the resignation of the representatives of the Government were not grounded because, as he says, the Government has support in the parliament in which it was elected.
At the assembly during which the reporters were allowed to ask the PM questions regarding the current conditions within the country and plans of the Government, Marković announced that the state is becoming more and more stable.
"Montenegrin institutions are capable and ready to protect the constitutional and legal order of our country at any time and in any circumstances, ”Marković estimated. This conclusion of the PM was based on the fact that Montenegro is a state with established institutions; the country is a NATO member, a politically stable country based on democratic and European values.
"Therefore, despite the challenges that accompany us, we are achieving to protect the state, protect the citizens and their interests, and the attempts of destabilization have made our security apparatus more compact, and the state more stable," Marković emphasised.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that the European and Euro-Atlantic future, as well as the independence of Montenegro, cannot be endangered in any way: "I want to believe that even protesters do not want to endanger the independence of our country. I want to believe that they do not want to demolish Montenegro, but build the country towards a better future. Still, we will not allow the creation of an overthrowing atmosphere, because that is an ambience that can lead to unwanted consequences, "the PM stated during the assembly.
He added that protests are a democratic and legitimate way of expressing opinions and that the representatives of the Government fully understand their need to emphasize their demands, especially when they are motivated by the desire to improve the standards and quality of life of citizens.
However, as PM explained, the citizens of Montenegro must all agree that the Government is working on improvements daily, which is confirmed by notable results that are visible and measurable.
He pointed out that the economy grew at a rate of almost 5 per cent in the previous two years, that new jobs were created reducing the unemployment by 12,000 people concerning 2016, that development momentum in infrastructure is achieved, as well as the balanced regional development.
He said that the results gave him the right to say that there is no place for protests against the work of the Government: "We provided free tuition for students, 1,500 new places for children in kindergartens, reconstruction and construction of over 150 facilities in the education and health sector, and created new jobs in these sectors".
21 March 2019 - International Fair of Tourism, Hotel and Catering Equipment – METUBES, which represents a promotional event aimed at businesspeople from the hotel and catering branch from Montenegro and abroad, was officially opened on March 21 and will last until March 23.
The organisers of International Tourism Fair METUBES created this event to motivate and encourage all tourism services providers to raise their company’s profile and engage customers on a deeper level, accomplish successful promotion of their businesses and reach their business goals altogether. Each year, the Fair is attended by numerous representatives of tourist destinations, accommodation capacities, catering facilities and services, tourist agency programs, transport operators in the function of tourism, organisers of congresses, cultural, sports and other events.
This traditional event, which is organised for the 28th time in Montenegro, is an excellent opportunity to build a brand story and ‘lifestyle’ around products and services, and therefore it often plays a leading role in the marketing strategy of more prominent brands from the hotel industry. This year, the International Tourism Fair, Ecology Fair and Food Fair, which are all organised by Adriatic Fair and merged into one single event, gathered 86 exhibitors that come from 9 different countries! Over 20 exhibitors are making their first appearance to the local market at this very event.
When it comes to the Food Fair, this event managed to gather companies from various sectors - meat and meat products, Mediterranean food, organic food, distilleries and wineries. A special place at the food fair was given to the producers of food who create delicacies following traditional recipes, producers of eco-food and non-governmental sector, dealing with the issue of recycling, waste treatment and education.
Budva - Zero Waste City Project, which is implemented by NGO Eco Centre Budva and Coca-Cola system, will be premiered at the fair. A Zero Waste city is a city that has openly committed to the goal of continuously reducing waste generation and improving separate waste collection and hence redesigning the relationship between people and waste. All visitors will be able to get acquainted with this initiative, whose primary goal is to increase recycling in Budva.
21 March 2019 - Montenegrin companies will have the opportunity to obtain non-refundable financial aid for at least 1,3 million EUR, through the Programme for the improvement of economic competitiveness.
The Ministry of Economy has consolidated supports to the development of entrepreneurship and business sector and shaped it into a unique programme, with the aim of developing companies and increasing their competitiveness, which will eventually create an export-oriented and robust economy.
Funds will be granted to private companies, established in Montenegro, which pay taxes and contributions regularly and which are away from bankruptcy procedure, as well as for those companies who have not already have financial aid for the same project in the past three years.
This year’s programme envisages six lines of financial support: improvement of innovation, setting international standards, modernization of processing industry, development of clusters, stimulation of direct investments and development of crafts.
In addition, the program will offer two lines of non-financial support – provision of monitoring services and development of entrepreneurship. At the same time, two measures will be implemented – Business zones regulation and promotion of the enhancement of the competitive ability of products and services.
Program line for innovation improvement amounts 50.000 EUR, while 140.000 EUR will be provided for the introduction of international standards. This amount will be used for co-financing accreditation and adaptation of business to international standards. Around 70% of costs will be refunded to the companies.
The budget of the program line for crafts development amounts 50.000 EUR. It will refund up to 20% of costs related to the acquisition of equipment and tools, up to 50% for manifestations, design and promotional material. Deadline for submitting applications is 1st December.
Clusters might be able to get up to 15.000 EUR by the draft project that should be delivered not later than 2nd September. It’s the Amount not higher than 50% of the costs of the project.
Program line for the stimulation of direct investment is worth 1,05 million EUR.
The amount of granted funds is determined by the number of new employees and a score number in the valuation of the investment project. It can range from 3.000 EUR to 10.000 EUR per employee.
A public call will be open by 30 September.
Source: Cafe del Montenegro
21 March 2019 - Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović paid an official visit to the Republic of Kosovo at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Behgjet Pacolli. Minister Darmanović also met with Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj.
The officials noted that Montenegro and the Republic of Kosovo have developed very good relations and expressed their satisfaction with the frequent political dialogue that strengthens the overall cooperation. "It is essential that all actors in the region cooperate closely, as well as to act responsibly for the purpose of faster integration into the European Union," said Minister Darmanović.
Kosovo Foreign Minister Pacoli emphasised that the two countries are sincere friends. cherishing good neighborly relations and mutual support.
"The Montenegrin contribution to regional stability is very important and the citizens of our country appreciate it," Minister Pacoli stressed.
The meeting with Speaker of the Kosovo Parliament Veseli noted excellent cooperation between the two coutries, which was confirmed in the previous period when addressing issues of common interest.
"The Republic of Kosovo and its citizens have great respect for the results of the Montenegrin state policy," Mr Veseli underscored. The importance of the parliamentary dimension of cooperation between the two countries was also emphasised as an important segment of the overall relations.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Haradinaj, the head of the Montenegrin diplomacy stressed that Montenegro closely monitors and supports the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, stressing that it is important for the two sides to achieve a sustainable agreement that will be in the function of the long-term stability of the Western Balkans. Commenting on bilateral relations, the Kosovo Prime Minister said that " Montenegro is an example of successful development and a role model in European and Euro-Atlantic integration process." The two officials also pointed out the need to boost economic cooperation between the two countries, primarily through better infrastructure connections.
Minister Darmanović particularly highlighted the issue of the status of the Montenegrin community in Kosovo, which is in the focus of attention of the Government of Montenegro, hopeful that the Montenegrin national minority will soon receive a constitutional and legal treatment. In that context, the Kosovo officials said that they strive for the recognition of the status in the highest legal act of Kosovo, greater representation and a better position of the Montenegrin community. Minister Darmanović also spoke with the representatives of the Montenegrin emigrant societies, and pointed out the assurances of the Kosovo side that their status will be recognised in the future by the Constitution. They also discussed the soon opening of the Development Centre of Montenegrins, which will be the hub of cultural, economic, scientific and educational projects of Montenegro's community in Kosovo.
Ministers Darmanović and Pacoli signed an agreement on cooperation between the two countries in the context of accession to the European Union.
"Montenegro is set, based on its commitment to good neighbourly relations and close regional cooperation, to share experience and expertise in the process of European integration with all its neighbours," Minister Darmanović stated, adding that Kosovo can count on Montenegro's support for its EU bid.
March 21, 2019 - Continuing our look at the real estate scene in Montenegro through the eye-catching RE/MAX portfolio, this week a chance to buy in the delightful Petrovac.
Spring is here, and so thoughts of lazy days at the beach and relaxing cocktails on the terrace come to mind. The Montenegrin coast is sure to be popular again once more this summer, and with the real estate market booming, we continue our look at the real estate offers on the coast, in partnership with RE/MAX Montenegro.
This week we head to gorgeous Petrovac, a lovely spot which is a little calmer than its more boisterous neighbours, Budva and Sutomore.
Situated on the road from Budva to Bar, close to the old mountain road to Podgorica, Petrovac is a great base for a stay in Montenegro, and sandy beach lovers will enjoy its famous 600 metre-long beach.
The latest RE/MAX property of the week comes with a great view of the sea and the small chapel on the rocky islet in front of Petrovac, which was built as a thanksgiving for a shipwrecked sailor's life.
From the RE/MAX property description:
"Luxury apartment in Petrovac for sale! Three-bedroom apartment has 152 sqm. It is fully furnished and has a multi-split system. Each room has a separate bathroom. The owner offers the option of buying a parking space.
"It is located a few minutes walk from the city beach in Petrovac. 100 m from the building is medical center, bakery and mini markets, while the big market is 200 m away. From the apartment there is a beautiful view of the sea and Petrovac."
Asking price 420,000 euro. For more information, photos and to book, check out the original listing on the RE/MAX website.
Montenegro is ranked 73rd place in the world rankings of happiness, which includes 156 countries, according to the UN World Happiness Report 2019, published today.
Out of the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the happiest is Slovenia, which is 44th place. Ahead of Montenegro is also Serbia in 70th place, followed by Croatia (75), Bosnia and Herzegovina (78) and Macedonia (84).
Out of the countries in the region, the happiest is Romania, which is 48th place. Following it is Greece (82), Bulgaria (97) and Albania (107).
Finland is officially ranked the happiest for the second year in a row, and at the last position, this year is South Sudan. The UN launched a report in 2012 that ranked 156 countries at the level of citizens' happiness. The report consists of the results of citizens' surveys in countries on the ranking list. Respondents are invited to answer the questionnaire and grade from 1 to 10, which is the degree of certain factors in the country they live in, which include, among other things, compassion, freedom, generosity, honesty, and health.
For more information, please follow TMN's dedicated page
Text by Vijesti online, Agency BETA, on March 20th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
Recognizing the needs of pupils and students who do not have the status of unemployed and the importance of their early acquaintance with the labor market, the Employment Agency of Montenegro has enabled the electronic application of students and graduates for seasonal jobs.
On the home page of the official website of the Employment Bureau www.zzzcg.me there is the field "Pupil and student registration for seasonal jobs". Clicking it opens a questionnaire, which needs to be filled out.
"It is important that we know the answers to all the questions asked so we can successfully inform the employer about the candidate. Based on the information provided by the youth in the application, we find the appropriate vacancy and contact them to come to a job interview. Also, we ask the young people who will use this service to keep in mind that in most cases more people are interested in one job and that it is necessary to prepare for the conversation with the employer," said the Institute.
The role of the Employment Bureau is to link an employer and a young person who is interested in a seasonal job, and the employer in the final selection chooses a candidate. For more detailed information, the interested young people, every working day, from 8 am to 2 pm, can come to the Center for Information and Professional Counseling (CIPS) in their city or the closest Bureau.
For more information, please follow TMN's dedicated page
Text by Dnevne novine, on March 21st, 2019, read more at CdM
Remax Property of the Week
Editorial
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07 Mar 2018, 08:08 AMWelcome to Total Montenegro News!
Interview of the week
- 09 Nov 2020, 20:21 PM
Ranka Vukasovic Botica on Montenegro as a Maritime Country
