09 March 2019 - The danger of a military threat to Montenegro has been significantly reduced as a result of the country's integration into NATO and the reduction of military assets in the region, but it should not be ignored in the future, it is stated in the Defence Strategy Proposal.

At the end of 2018, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted the Strategy of National Security of Montenegro, a document that defines the development and functioning of the system of national security of Montenegro and it is an expression of its commitment to be a part of the regional and global security systems. The Strategy addresses the national interests, security objectives, security risks and challenges, possible reactions of the state of Montenegro to these risks and challenges as well as the structure of the national security system.

Although the likelihood of the outbreak of conventional conflicts in the region is low, they cannot be completely excluded, according to the Defence Strategy Proposal. The security of Montenegro can be adversely affected by the crisis in the region of Southeast Europe, but due to indirect influence, instability in other regions cannot be ignored. The environment will continue to be exposed to political, security, economic, ethnic, religious and other differences and events in the Western Balkans.

As stated in the proposal, the danger of a military threat to Montenegro has significantly decreased today, but should not be ignored in the future. Globally, challenges, risks, and threats to national security are not primarily related to the use of military force. Non-military threats and risks are becoming more and more complex and they are significantly increasing: cyber threats, the intelligence of some states, massive illegal migration, regional differences in the demographic structure of the population and others.

The basic principles of the defence policy of Montenegro include building an effective, credible and sustainable defence system, development of military capabilities, improving regional cooperation, strengthening capacities and capabilities to meet future challenges as well as securing financial and material resources necessary for further development of the defence system.

The strategy defines defensive goals, resources and the way of achieving the set goals. The strategy is the basis for development of the defence system; the preparation of the Doctrine of the Army, the Defence Plan of Montenegro, the development plans of the Army, the plans for equipping the Army; defence preparations of state bodies and economy of Montenegro, and preparation of other documents in the field of functioning and development of the defence system and the army.

March 9, 2019 - There are currently 226 animals in the Kavac dog shelter, which is one hundred more than the capacity of the asylum. Although the centre is planned for 130 to 150 dogs, many more animals live in this facility, Mladen Lucic, director of the Utility Company of Kotor told "Dan", announced the shelter enlargement.

March 9, 2019 - Continuing our look at the real estate opportunities through the mouthwatering RE/MAX portfolio, find a view which beats this one!

It is said that there are only three things you need to consider when buying real estate - location, location and location.

And while that is certainly very true, my experience over the years dealing with real estate on the Adriatic over the last 17 years has been that there are three other factors which are equally important - the view, the view and the view.

And they don't get much better than this. 

Located just a few kilometres from Budva and yet a world away from the busy summer season, this breathtaking view of the Adriatic is just one of several highlights for this week's RE/MAX Property of the Week. 

This standalone and fully-furnished house comes with an additional plot of land (430m2), where you can build either a swimming pool or an additional house. 

More details of the property from the official RE/MAX property description:

"Located in a small village near Budva, this house is few kilometres away from the Old Town of Budva and nearby beaches. This completely furnished house has an area 105m2 on a plot of 250m2 with additional 430m2 plot adjacent to the house which can be used to build a swimming pool or another house. In addition to that, there is a 45m2 basement and on the flat roof one more apartment can be built. Excellent potential for further development.

"The internal area is divided between one bedroom, spacious living room and kitchen, bathroom and the spacious balcony. In front of the house there is a parking spot. The whole area is surrounded by fence on automatic settings. This beautiful private oasis can be yours. Think about moments with family and friends in the garden with a wonderful view of the city & sea and energy of the sunsets, every day and night... with music, Mediterranean dishes and fresh air. Sounds priceless, right?"

And how much for this priceless view, with options for another apartment and additional house or swimming pool? A mere EUR 260,000. For more information, photos and to book a viewing, check out the original RE/MAX listing.

08 March 2019 - Olympiacos Piraeus ended a five-game losing streak on the road on Friday by beating Budućnost VOLI Podgorica 89-76 and improving to 13-12 on the season in the process. The victory moved the Reds up to seventh place in the standings as their playoff aspirations remain alive and kicking. Budućnost, on the other hand, lost its fifth in a row to drop to 6-19 on the season with the defeat.

Olympiacos had five double-digit scorers, including an impressive display from Nikola Milutinov, who posted 15 points and 12 rebounds. Georgios Printezis led all scorers with 19 points while Axel Toupane added 13, Sasha Vezenkov and Nigel Williams-Goss 12 apiece.

For Budućnost, Edwin Jackson and Filip Barović downed 13 points each while Norris Cole finished with 10 points and five assists. Olympiacos started strong and let the hosts lead only once, at 16-15 of the first quarter, and would eventually lead by a high of 24 points, 39-63, in the third quarter to win going away.

Olympiacos exploded out of the blocks and led 0-6 early. The Reds would continue their focused start with a three from Kostas Papanikolaou before extending their lead to 11 points at 4-15. Budućnost responded with a 12-0 run off a timeout to get back in the game and take its first lead at 16-15. Olympiacos finished strong though, and at the end of that first quarter, it was 21-27.

The visitors extended their lead to 21-34 to open the second behind 5 points from Vezenkov. Edwin Jackson landed a three followed by a mid-range jumper as Budućnost continued to chase Olympiacos. Vangelis Mantzaris drained a three to give Olympiacos a 33-42 lead midway through the second quarter. Milutinov was up to 10 points by then and kept adding pressure inside for the visitors who pulled into halftime with a lead of 17 points, 34-51.

Olympiacos grew the difference early in the third quarter thanks to another five-point spurt by Vezenkov on a triple and free throw. The lead would increase to 24 in the middle of the quarter, 39-63, as Budućnost's hopes faded. Suad Šehović scored 5 in a row for the hosts to reduce the deficit to 21 and the deficit would soon be whittled down to 16. But Olympiacos finished strong and would carry a 54-73 lead into the final quarter. The two sides exchanged scores to start the fourth, but Olympiacos had done enough in the three previous periods not to have to worry. Budućnost did manage to get the lead down to 12 points with an 8-0 run late in the game, but time was running out, and that's as close as it would get with the visitors winning 76-89 in the end.

Milutinov finished with 15 points and 12 boards as Budućnost missed their rising star, Goga Bitadze, to challenge him in the paint. Bitadze suffered an injury the night before the game and was ruled out after a game-time decision.

Olympiacos will travel to Italy next to face Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan in Round 26, while Budućnost goes to play KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.

Source: EuroLeague

08 March 2019 - Criminal Code of Montenegro has been harmonized with the European Union’s Law on Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters. Twenty criminal offences, out of 32 that have been entailed, have already been harmonized, reads the Analysis of the harmonization of norms contained in the European Arrest Warrant.

Through the negotiating chapter 24 in the Program of the accession of Montenegro to the EU 2019/2020, the Ministry of Justice planned the amendments to the Criminal Code, with the aim of harmonizing the norms with the elements of criminal offences in the European Arrest Warrant that haven’t already been harmonized in the domain of the punishment determined for these offences.

In order to harmonize these norms, term of imprisonment for 12 criminal offences needs to be increased. As the aforementioned analysis points out, adoption of this law is one of the prerequisites for the accession of Montenegro to the EU, and according with the provisions of the Law, it will be applied from the day of Montenegro's accession to the Union onwards.

Thus, a member of the criminal organization who exposes a criminal organization or contributes to its exposure will be punished by a 3-year imprisonment, instead of one year imprisonment or even acquittal.

In addition, a minimum of three-year long imprisonment will be imposed on the perpetrators of the criminal offence of sexual misconduct. Up until now, a fine of up to two-year imprisonment has been prescribed for such offences.

Requirement for determining the punishment for the criminal offences of unlawful command influence and cover-up hasn’t been met yet. The imprisonment for such offences should be three years or more.

As far as the criminal offence of fraud is concerned, the perpetrator who commits the offence only with the aim of inflicting damage to another person will be sentenced to three-year long imprisonment or longer, instead of a fine or six-month long imprisonment.

Person who took counterfeit money and used it as real money, and put it into circulation while knowing that the money is fake, or a person who knows that such money has been put into circulation and fails to report it, will be punished with a prison sentence of minimum three years.

In accordance with the demands of the European Arrest Warrant, more severe prison sentences should be passed for the criminal offences of damaging computer data and programs, design and transmission of computer viruses, computer frauds and abuse of devices and programs. There will be a prison sentence of minimum three years for each of these offences.

It is also necessary to impose heavier prison sentences for criminal offence such as: environment pollution, waste environment pollution, failing to take measures for the protection of environment, inflicting damage to the structures and devices for the protection of the environment, abuse of GMOs, destruction of plants, killing and torturing animals and their habitat and for destruction and damage of protected natural goods.

Punishment will be imposed more severely on those who try to cross the Montenegrin border without permission, who try to cross the border armed or with the use of violence. In addition, unlawful arrest and unauthorized use of a patent or a design of an individual will be punished more severely – minimum prison sentence will last three years.

Source: Dnevne novine

07 March 2019 - Portonovi Resort developed by Azmont Investments, is one of Europe’s largest tourism development projects. The Company Azmont Investments has announced the opening of the first phase of the exclusive resort for 2019.

As reported by the representatives of AI, Portonovi is set to become one of the most sought-after residential and leisure destinations in the Mediterranean, located in Montenegro’s stunning Bay of Kotor – one of the most unique spots of the Montenegrin coast loved by sailors and travellers alike. The Resort will offer a 26 hectares haven of exclusivity with over 1.8 kilometres of beachfront access, delivering Europe’s first-ever One and Only Hotel, along with 214 luxury residential properties in first phase, high-end boutiques, world-class restaurants, and a deep water D-Marin Portonovi Marina that is due to start operations from June 2019.

"People from all over the world are turning to undiscovered places that nurture a lavish, but also inspiring lifestyle, nature and its wealth, a relaxing and safe environment, as well as an inspiring cultural and artistic scene. In addition to all of the above, Montenegro has one of the most favourable legal framework for investments. The growing number of airlines that connect the country with global destinations is certainly an advantage, as well as an open visa policy for many countries of the world. All this gives us confidence in good cooperation on the international level "said Ahmet Erentok, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azmont Investments for TVCG.

Montenegro enjoys growing popularity, especially in the context of its natural beauty, Mediterranean climate, long tradition, and rich cultural heritage.

"The spirit of tradition, but also the specific elegance that will soon come to life in Portonovi, makes it one of the most interesting residential options in the Mediterranean, but also one of the most exclusive luxury property projects in this part of Europe," Erentok emphasizes.

The countdown to the opening of the Portonovi Resort in the summer of 2019 began with the participation at the Moscow Boat Show. The show is the leading event for representatives of yachting business, professionals of the branch and numerous fans of water sports and active outings.

"D-Marin Portonovi marina has one of the most prominent booths at this prestigious fair, since the opening of this marina is eagerly awaited in the world of international nautical industry," the company announced. “The marina, which is furnished with the latest features and technology, is equipped to cater for vessels of up to 120 meters and has a berthing capacity of 238. It will play host to yachts wishing to explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Dalmatian coasts and will serve as a customs entry and respond to needs such as water, electricity, shower, laundry and gas stations, ”explains the statement by the Azmont Investments.

Project Portonovi was launched six years ago. The plan was to invest more than 600 million euros, but the representatives of the company confirmed that it is almost certain that this figure will be exceeded. The total investment, including the hotel itself, is expected to amount to 700 million euros, "said General Manager of the Portonovi Resort Stevan Milić.

The addition of Portonovi to the Mediterranean coast will continue to position Montenegro amongst the most attractive yachting destinations worldwide, guaranteeing a first-class tourist and lifestyle offering.

07 March 2019 - The promotional film "Crna Goro" by the author Miki Dragićević won the first prize in the international competition organised by The Golden City Gate at the world's leading ITB Berlin Convention.

The annual award ceremony The Golden City Gate takes place during ITB Berlin – the world`s leading tourism trade show. The companies represented at the fair include hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. The ITB Berlin takes place annually in March. The Golden City Gate Awards are handed over to the tourism representatives and their artworks in different categories. The artworks are judged by an international jury based on a point system.

Montenegrin promotional film won the first place in the category named International Campaign, which shows that the content is recognised as a top-level presentation of tourism and natural potentials of Montenegro.

Forty independent judges evaluated the submitted entries, and out of over 2,000 reported tourist projects from 40 countries, the members of the jury awarded the project "Crna Goro" with the first place. The jury members are specialists in their specific field of work, such as artists, travel agents, professors, students, executives, directors, ministers, consuls, ambassadors and even travellers themselves.

After the award ceremony at ITB Berlin, the promotional video “Crna Goro” will be presented at leading international seminars, workshops, social networks, various campaigns, which will be a significant contributor to presenting Montenegro to all key world tourism companies.

The Golden City Gate Award is yet another substantial international recognition for great work and effort in presenting the true values of the country. "We are pleased to have the video recognised on such a large and leading tourist stock market and business platform," the authors of the promotional film said.

“We want to thank all those who have helped us promote our country in the best possible way. This song is the result of this collaboration. Many thanks to the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, National Tourism Organization of Montenegro, TO Kotor, The Capital City - Podgorica, National Parks of Montenegro and "Katunjanka" – Danilovgrad.

The award ceremony was broadcasted by the world's leading media, BBC, CNN, DW-WORLD, DM SAT, in over 150 countries. Official patron of the competition is the Federal Association of German Film Producers.

March 8, 2019 - Before joining the European Union, it is necessary that Montenegro prepares a register of small coastal fishing. To protect the traditional way of fishing, we need to collect data as a base on negotiations with Europe. It is thus possible to seek the protection of the habits which are historically, geographically and culturally belonging to the people of the coastal area of Montenegro.

The main city square in Podgorica will be in the colors of Montenegro on Sunday, March 10th.

"As the Law on Sports stipulates, the National Team of Montenegro will be celebrated on March 10^th, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth organized a program at the Main Square on that day. The celebration of the "National Team Day" event begins with the organization of the sports fair, which will be held on Sunday, March 10^th, 2019, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Independence Square in Podgorica," the Ministry said in a statement, adding:

"Promotional points at the sports fair, with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, will also have the following sports organizations: Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Paralympic Committee, Bowling (Boce) Association, Athletic Association, Basketball Federation, Boxing Federation, Montenegrin Ski Association, Football Association, Gymnastics Federation, Jitsu Alliance, Karate Federation, Kick Boxing Federation, Volleyball Federation, Hiking Federation, Handball Federation, Chess Federation, Shooting Association, Student Sports Federation, Taekwondo Federation, Table Tennis Association, Tennis Association and Water Polo and Swimming Federation.

Also, Montenegrin representatives will be present who, through direct communication with citizens and children, will bring the importance and advantages of dealing with sports closer with the aim of strengthening and improving the cult of the Montenegrin national team. The sports associations that will present their activities in the central part of the Square are the Shooting Federation, Athletic Federation, Table Tennis Association, Gymnastics Federation, Football Association, Basketball Federation, Chess Federation of Montenegro, while presentations in front of their promo points will have other organizations.

For more information please follow TMN's dedicated page

Text by CdM, on March 7th 2019, read more at CdM

Elementary School "Marsal Tito" from Ulcinj has won the Great Gold Medal at the International Education Fair "Putokazi", which was completed today in Novi Sad.

Director of the school, Arben Lunji, said that the prestigious recognition is the result of many years of work and dedication of the administration to the education and upbringing of the students.

For more information please follow TMN's dedicated page

Text by Samir Adrovic, on March 7th 2019, read more at Vijesti