17 March 2019 - It is an undoubted duty of every society that perceives justice as its core virtue to counter most fiercely against violence against women, said Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin at the opening of the conference "Violence against women - application of the Istanbul Convention and resistance to retrograde processes."

He noted that today the criminal legislation of Montenegro is mostly in line with the Convention.

"Additional protection of the physical, psychological and social integrity of women is ensured by the introduction of new criminal offenses. Stricter sentences have been introduced in the criminal offense of domestic violence or the family community in the way that the sentence for the basic form of this criminal offense is increased from one to two years, while the violation of the measure of protection against domestic violence determined by the court or other state body foresees a prison sentence of up to one year, instead of the previous six months," the Deputy Prime Minister explained.

To reduce the risk of re-execution of certain criminal offenses, the possibility has been introduced for perpetrators of the criminal offense of domestic violence to be imposed a measure of prohibition of approaching the victim or leaving the apartment. "In line with the Convention, new criminal offenses - rape and the conclusion of a null and void marriage, have been introduced. Furthermore, by amending the Law on Free Legal Aid, victims of domestic violence have been granted the right to free legal aid, in the same way as victims of trafficking in human beings," he underscored.

He pointed out that in September last year, a new Protocol on the Treatment, Prevention, and Protection against Domestic Violence was signed, which envisages improved procedures and closer cooperation between state authorities and the civil sector in combating domestic violence and violence against women.

"Regardless of what has been achieved, we can and must do more in this area. The recommendations of the last year's GREVIO Committee's report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Montenegro give us excellent guidelines in this direction," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

He added, however, that violence against women cannot be eliminated only by laws and penalties. "It is necessary that the entire society and all of us as individuals, both publicly and privately, raise the voice against violence against women and send a clear message that Montenegro cannot and will not tolerate it," said Deputy Prime Minister Pažin.

He expressed the belief that this is the only way to make the unsubstantiated condemnation of violence against women become a firmly established moral norm in Montenegro.

"Only then will we know with certainty that as a society we have achieved an enviable level of awareness of the true meaning of justice," he underlined.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the conference organisers, as well as numerous other partners from the civil sector and the international community, for significant efforts they have invested in the achievement of this valuable social mission. "Whether you provide support and protection to victims of violence, affirm female entrepreneurship or strengthen civil and political rights of women, you contribute to a safe, just and richer Montenegro. I assure you that on the path of emancipation and prosperity of the Montenegrin society, the Government of Montenegro remains your sincere and reliable partner," he concluded.

The Istanbul Convention is a partner initiative of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and the Women's Political Network within the Gender Equality Programme, funded by the Delegation of the European Union, and implemented by the UNDP.

17 March 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović is welcomed in Berlin with the highest military and state honors, where he arrived at the invitation of President of Germany Frank Walter Steinmeier. After the official ceremony, the two presidents discussed the relations between Montenegro and Germany, the European future of Montenegro and the Western Balkans.

President Steinmeier expressed his great satisfaction with the opportunity to host President Đukanović, with the assessment that the relations between Germany and Montenegro are very close and that the two countries have the potential for even stronger cooperation, primarily in the economic sphere. Steinmeier recalled the support of Germany's Montenegro during NATO accession, saying that Montenegro is a valuable partner in the Alliance.

"Our next task is integration into the EU," said the German President and stressed that Montenegro is one of the fastest countries on the European path.

In that sense, he expressed the belief that the EU will, after elections for the European Parliament and more precise images of Brexit, focus more heavily on the integration of the Western Balkans. On this path, Montenegro will have full support from Germany, especially regarding one of the most important issues in the negotiations on the rule of law.

The President of Montenegro thanked President Steinmeier for inviting him on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany and the very eventful program of the tour. With the satisfaction of the extremely good relations between the two countries, he thanked President Steinmeier for the great support of Germany, which is continually provided to Montenegro at the time when the country preserved stability, and when it embarked on the path of integration and the establishment of democracy, as an independent state, for working hard on the construction of institutions and achieving European standards. This German attitude is not only toward Montenegro, but also toward the entire region, for which stability is the key to further integration, and a higher quality of life of citizens.

Germany's attention is impressive, and it would be essential to use your influence so that other European addresses help europeanization of the Balkans, said President Đukanović. He also introduced Steinmeier with the priorities of state policy-the dynamic economic development of the country and EU membership. Even more important is the presence of German investors, which will help us to adopt European standards faster and more directly, Đukanović said.

"Although a small country, we are trying to be a serious promoter of European politics in the region," he said, with the assessment that Germany's support in the field of justice, internal affairs and foreign affairs is particularly important.

A significant part of the conversation was dedicated to the current situation in the region. President Steinmeier was particularly interested in the position of President Đukanović in relation to the remaining open issues. Both sides welcomed the agreement of Skopje and Athens, which can be an example of how difficult issues are solved when there is political will and clear goals for it, which should serve as an inspiration for the remaining open issues in the region.

The First Ladies of Montenegro and the Federal Republic of Germany Lidija Đukanović and Elke Budenbender had a separate conversation during which they paid special attention to the role of women in public and political life and youth education.

Montenegrin basketball national coach Zvezdan Mitrovic said that in the preparations for the World Cup, he would think about his team and the game, and only later about their rivals.

"The Red" will play against Greece, Brazil, and New Zealand in Group F.

"We will focus only on ourselves. We are interested in what condition our guys will arrive to the preparations, whether they will all be in the perfect shape. We will think about us and our game, and later about our rivals," Mitrovic said.

Greece is the favorite in the group.

"I said before the draw that apart from the Americans there is not much difference from the strongest hat. If Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing, the Greeks will certainly be the main medal candidates. However, in the competition of Serbia that could happen to us, they are still a better choice, under the condition that Antetokounmpo will not play. A lot will depend on the composition, certainly, the Greeks are a team with great potential and experience, but they are very much dependent on the motivation. During some championships they are excellent, and in the next one, they can completely fail," Mitrovic said.

Brazil is a traditional force from South America

"Brazil is an attractive opponent, in any case, we will see what their composition will be. We know good players in the NBA league and Europe, but we will see who they will invite and who will come from the domestic championship," Mitrovic said.

And New Zealand has a great tradition

"New Zealand is certainly a good team; it's definitely not the one we will easily win," he said. "What I know is that they always play extremely hard. What they show at continental championships can be very interesting, "Mitrovic concluded.

For more information, please visit TMN's dedicated page

Text by Vijesti sport, on March 16th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Buducnost Voli won against Cibona in the last round of the ABA League at Moraca with 91:82 (26:21, 19:24, 21:23, 25:14). The "Blue" finished the regular part of the ABA league in the third place, with the same result as a second-ranked Cedevita, which was better in mutual meetings. 

To defend the title, Buducnost will play the semifinals against Cedevita. The first leg will be played in Zagreb on March 25th.

The match against Cibona did not have a competitive character, and the guests had a 13-point advantage during the third quarter. However, domestic players used this opportunity for a routine victory.

Goga Bitadze was the most effective with 24 points, while 15 were added by Earl Clark. For the guests, Ljubicic scored 17 points.

For more information please visit TMN's dedicated page

Text by Slavisa Zivaljevic, on March 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

"Cempresari" from Bar performed a great ecological action of cleaning Virpazar at several locations. Over forty activists from Bar, Virpazar residents, but also their friends from all over Montenegro and foreigners living in Montenegro, managed to clear the plateau beneath the hotel "13 July", in the afternoon, for the most part, the field behind the restaurant "Crmnica" and Mijela in Boljevici.

Over a hundred sacks of various plastic, glass, and metal waste were collected, but also a large number of car tires, discarded parts of cars, and even motor oil cans.

The collected waste was disposed at three locations, about which the Utility workers in Bar were informed. With the activists, along with members of a small English community that has been living in Crmnica for many years, was the British ambassador in Montenegro, Alison Kemp, who also cleaned up the wast and said that she supports all ecological actions and environmental concerns.

"We do not think that today we cleaned Virpazar, but that we have given the idea that this must be done in continuity both for the locals and for the tourists, who came today in this beautiful weather on Skadar Lake and in Virpazar. Therefore, our goal was to awake the ecological awareness of the population in connection with the disposal of waste in the National Park Skadar Lake, because selective disposal is here, but unfortunately there are dozens of illegal mini-dumps, because waste is disposed wherever, on all sides," said Neven Lekovic, for "Vijesti" after the action who, with part of "cempresara ", cleared the plateau under the hotel "July 13th".

The "Cempresari" thanked Jelena Dabanovic for logistical support and activated both locals and foreigners to help the activists from Bar, and then allowed them to cruise the lake in a motorboat and kayaks. The campaign was also supported by the well-known environmental activist from Virpazar Nenad Petranovic Badanj, who served the ecologists with the fish soup, from as he pointed out, "a carp caught before the ban".

"We want these actions to be repeated not only in this part of Crmnica, but also that the state sees that this is a huge problem. At the end of the action, all participants received the shopping bags with the “cempresari” and it would be nice if all the stores which operate within this national park would use these or biodegradable bags, and not the ones made of nylon," concluded Dr Lekovic.

Among the participants in the action were Swiss and French tourists, students and their parents from Tivat school "KSI Montenegro", English, Turks, Americans, members of NGO "Green Key" and representatives of "Helen Doron" school from Podgorica.

For more information please visit TMN's dedicated page

Text by Radomir Petric, on March 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

March 18, 2019 - The Maritime Museum of Montenegro in Kotor will organise the opening of the exhibition "Old and Rare Books - The Collection of the Maritime Museum of Montenegro of Kotor" on Tuesday, 19 March at 7 pm.

March 18, 2019 - Polluted air, which is mostly a consequence of the Pljevlja thermal power plant, takes more lives than traffic accidents every year, the Institute of Public Health warns.

18 March 2019 - Croatian multinational oil company “INA - Industrija nafte, d.d.” recently expanded its retail network in Montenegro by purchasing five petrol stations from the company “Pavgord CG d.o.o.”, and after launching all new facilities, it now manages 11 gas stations in Montenegro. This purchase will increase the market share of INA – Industrija nafte d.d. to around 15 per cent, according to the recent statement by the company’s PR service.

The purchased facilities are located in Kotor (in Radanovići and Škaljari), Podgorica, Bijelo Polje and Mojkovac, while INA – Industrija nafte d.d. already has a network of existing locations in Podgorica, Tivat and Pljevlja.

According to News Agency BokaNews, the transaction for the purchase of five retail locations of Pavgord CG, which value is not stated in the announcement, was approved by the regulator for the protection of market competition. These petrol stations are valuable for their desired locations and associated structures, especially stations in the coastal cities of Tivat and Kotor.

With this business move, the company INA further improved its position on the Montenegrin market. Compared to 2017, when INA had a 1% market share, its market share will now reach about 15%.

Management board of INA – Industrija nafte d.d. made this business decision based on a solid knowledge of market conditions in Montenegro, with the aim of further building a leading regional position that could have a positive impact on the company’s business and the placement of its high quality products in that market, said the official statement by the PR service. Also, the company plans to further expand the retail network on the Montenegrin market by introducing a wide range of services, such as the gastronomic concept Fresh Corner.

"Previous business experience tells us that buyers in Montenegro value the quality of INA's fuel and other products and services. Therefore, in the medium term, we want to become one of the most important “players” in the Montenegrin retail market of derivatives. This transaction is in line with INA’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading regional brand, "said Darko Markotić, Operations Manager of Customer Service for INA Company.

As reported by the company, INA now employs about 150 workers in Montenegro country, with the possibility of increasing their number in the future.

18 March 2019 - The introduction of electric buses in Podgorica would potentially solve the problem of public transport, which currently does not satisfy the needs of citizens, and the Capital is already considering this solution, said Lazarela Kalezić, Secretary of Traffic, during an interview for the News Agency Dan.

"The climate in Podgorica would not allow us only to use electric buses, so it would be good to think about the option of combined buses. Cities with a similar climate have mostly made a combination of electric and gas buses or other alternative fuels," said Kalezić.

During an official assembly held in December 2018, the Mayor of Podgorica Ivan Vuković, and representatives of the diplomatic corps and foreign businesspeople in Montenegro discussed the planned capital projects and investment potentials of the Capital City. On that occasion, the possibility of the use of electric buses in Podgorica was first introduced. Stating that one of the biggest challenges in Podgorica is solving the problems of public transport, the Mayor said that in that field, the Capital would look up to the solutions already implemented by Belgrade, which has introduced 84 electric buses in 2018.

Secretary Kalezić noted that the current public transport in Podgorica causes many problems, such as air pollution, and stated that buses in the Capital are mostly old and not comfortable for passengers.

"In Podgorica, we currently have 109 buses covering 29 lines. The profitability of public transportation everywhere in the world is questionable. We are considering introducing electric buses, which would lead to a reduction in the use of conventional fuel, which is expensive. We are also thinking about increasing the role of the local government when it comes to transportation issues, "said Kalezić.

Switching to use electric buses should significantly improve the quality of air and reduce morbidity and mortality due to air pollution. The electric bus has numerous advantages over gas buses, such as lower cost of maintenance, lower energy losses, reduction of environmental noise etc.

The advantages of the electric bus, and especially its contribution to the quality of life, justify the efforts and costs required in the initial stages of implementation, and the citizens of Podgorica eagerly await the new form of public transportation.

16 March 2019 - "According to the current state of the booking and information, we can expect a stable trend of good visits by Russian tourists, both individuals and organized groups that come to our hotels and private accommodation through a tour operator," said Maja Liješević, director of the Tourist Organization Budva at the international tourism fair "MITT 2019", which was held in Moscow from 12 to 14 March.

"Last year more than 3 million overnight stays were realized from this market in Montenegro, of which 2 million were realized in Budva, so there are really great reasons that we are present in this market this year," added the director of the Tourist Organization Budva and emphasized that a significant number of Budva hotels representatives are present in Moscow, among which are the hotel groups "Montenegro stars" and "Budvanska rivijera", hotels: "Avala", "Maestral", "Melia", as well as the company "R Tours Montenegro".

The most frequent questions of visitors during the first two days of the fair were about hotels and private accommodation, gastronomy, sports activities, such as diving and sports fishing, the possibility of organizing trips and similar. Most have expressed satisfaction with good flights connection with Montenegro.

Special interest was caused by the presence of Budva and Montenegro in the special edition of the Russian Gazeta, which printed more than 70,000 copies just before the fair and distributed alongside the daily version of one of the most circulating newspapers in this country.

As part of the activities of the Tourist Organization Budva during the fair, Krsto Radović, President of the Municipal Assembly and a member of the Executive Board of Tourist Organization Budva and Danilo Kastratović, President of the Executive Board of Tourist Organization Budva participated in the fair.

The tourist offer of Montenegro is organized by the National Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism at "MITT" in 2019 (Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition), in cooperation with the Embassy of Montenegro in Russia, local tourism organizations, strategic partners and tourism industry.

The most important tourist fair manifestation in the Russian Federation market brings together over 2,500 exhibitors and 23,000 professionals from all over the world.