01 June 2019 - Although the significance that NATO and the EU have to the Western Balkans does not need to be explained in more detail, it is important to emphasise the significance of their shared commitment to this region that is still in discrepancy between the past and the present, Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the opening of the 9th To Be Secure (2BS ) Forum in Budva.

It is important, he stressed, to support the democratic forces, especially considering that integration processes are the core and the main driver of democratic and reform processes.

"It is important to send a clear message from all addresses that there are no alternatives and that NATO and the EU stand together with the states of the Western Balkans on this path. Every absence of clearly demonstrated commitment leaves room for third countries that show interest in this region to use the vulnerabilities of states and the system and endanger their integration path," the Prime Minister said at the Forum.

In the year when NATO marks 70 years of existence, and the 12 member states mark the membership anniversary, the Alliance has a full agenda of facing new and old challenges, with a changed geopolitical situation. The Prime Minister pointed out that special attention, which is very important to us, has been dedicated to the Western Balkans region in the past period.

The Prime Minister also referred to the countries of the region and expressed the belief that North Macedonia will soon become the 30th member of NATO. It is very important, PM Marković added, that Bosnia and Herzegovina was invited to deliver its first Annual National Programme to NATO.

"As the youngest member of the Alliance, Montenegro actively advocates and promotes open door policy. We do this through bilateral support, to Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, as well as within regional initiatives and cooperation mechanisms, such as the US-Adriatic Charter and Adriatic Trilateral. We are ready to continue to help all the neighbours and aspirants with whom we want to share experience and lessons learned from the accession process," PM Marković noted.

Furthermore, he spoke about Montenegro's accession to the EU and said that, aware of the size and the length of the process, Montenegro maintains motivation and commitment to this goal.

"The Government is focused on the reform agenda and the development agenda on a daily basis, not as it is sometimes thought of simply because of membership in the EU, but because of the value of the democratic and free society that we need to ensure progress and prosperity for the state and citizens," the Prime Minister highlighted.

He assessed that the European Commission Report on Montenegro had realistically examined the state of progress and the need for further results. We are happy to note the overall work, in particular of the Government and its authorities, the robust growth of the economy and the results achieved in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

"Recognising the importance of individual progress of each candidate on the basis of our own merits, we advocate for the greatest progress of all countries in the region. We hope that the forthcoming Council will adopt a date for opening accession negotiations for North Macedonia and Albania. Likewise, we hope to continue the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, whose positive outcome will open their way towards the European and Euro-Atlantic family of the developed countries," the Prime Minister of Montenegro pointed out.

Although there is always speculation or analysis of how strong the EU's presence in the region is or its commitment to enlargement policies, we appreciate the many ways in which the Union is present – through investments, donations or support in negotiating, PM Marković noted.

"However, it is important to bear in mind the wider picture and context of the unification of Europe and its permanent stabilization by integrating this part where there is still "unfinished business", and that's why we are convinced that in addition to all the serious issues that the Union is dealing with daily, it will not falter in the most successful EU policy – enlargement policy," Prime Minister Marković said at the 2BS Forum.

The 9th To Be Secure Forum is held under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro and the participants will discuss issues of vital importance for the security of the Euro-Atlantic community, including the Western Balkans, the unity of the Alliance, the influence of third countries, as well as new security challenges.

31 May 2019 - The International Mountain Car Race Kotor (IMCR Kotor 2019 - "Tripo Bukilica Memorial") organized by the Auto Moto Sports Club (AMSK) Kotor, will be held on June 1 and 2.

The points in this race are earned for the championships of the Central European Zone (CEZ), Croatia, the Auto Moto Sports Clubs of Montenegro, as well as the Kotor CUP.

Over 100 drivers from Montenegro and the region have been registered for this year's competition, among which is Laslo Saš, who achieved the best result at last year's Kotor-Trojica race.

Technical receipt and verification of vehicles were scheduled for May 31st from 2 PM to 7 PM, while additional technical inspection will be held on June 1st, from 8 AM to 8.30 AM. The first training race will be held on Saturday at 12.00 PM, and the second is scheduled 30 minutes after the end of the first one. On Sunday, after the opening ceremony, the first race will be held at 11 AM and the other one 30 minutes after the end of the first one.

Regular traffic on the Kotor-Trojica section will be disabled on Saturday and Sunday, from 8 AM to the end of the car race.

IMCR Kotor 2019 s supported the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as numerous sponsors and friends of the automotive world.

The director of this year's international race is Nenad Bukilica, and the deputies are Mato Sebalj and Dubravko Ćikor from Croatia.

So far, organizer of the race, AMSK Kotor, won the first place in the general placement at the first annual high-mountain race of this year at Podi.

After the race in Kotor, the next races to come are scheduled for "Glava Zete" on 22-23 June, "Lovćen" 5-6 July, Pljevlja 24-25 August and Dubrovnik 5-6 October.

Source: Radio Jadran

28 May 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković opened the 2019 Games of Small States of Europe - the biggest sports event ever hosted by Montenegro, saying that diversities of Europe - from its northernmost to the southernmost parts - gathered in Montenegro, and that, with the motto of the International Olympic Committee "unity in diversity", they represent the heritage Montenegro traditionally fosters.

"We in Montenegro believe that diversity is actually our greatest asset. Due to that, our state has survived through centuries cultivating all our differences in religion, national affiliation, and cultural heritage. We share the ideas of European visionaries who, after World War II, reversed historical trends, accepting that diversities do not pose a threat; that they are natural and that there is only one answer to them: to respect them! That is why Montenegro has found its place among the countries that share these values and that is why, after the restoration of independence, the thirteenth anniversary of which was celebrated the other day, we courageously and without hesitation embarked on the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. I believe that during your stay in Montenegro, you will recognize this pro-European enthusiasm among our people, as well as our traditional values and specificities, of which we are proud and which we lovingly cherish. All of our diversities, from the northernmost to the southernmost parts of Europe, gathered in one place these days – that is the wealth that these Games bring us. That is why these are the small states games only in the light of the numbers. But, in many other respects - great and special European nations," Prime Minister noted.

The Prime Minister said that the organisation of the Games is a special honour for Montenegro's Olympic Committee, for the towns in which competitions will be taking place, for the whole of Montenegro, which since the restoration of independence has attached special importance to sports in promoting the State on the international scene, as well to the construction of sports infrastructure throughout our country.

27 May 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović met in Budva with the Regents of San Marino, Michele Muratori and Nicola Selva, who are on a visit to Montenegro on the occasion of the Games of Small States of Europe.

President Đukanović said that bilateral relations between Montenegro and San Marino are extremely good, that since the renewal of Montenegrin independence, they have been promoted in a spirit of mutual understanding and trust, and that there is a considerable space for their further progress. To this, as the President said, the high delegation's visit will also significantly contribute as an important step in intensifying the political dialogue that is the cornerstone of successful cooperation.

"Montenegro sees this event as yet another opportunity to connect and strengthen the cooperation of small countries, and to promote sports, economic potentials and confirmation of openness and friendship," Đukanović said. He particularly welcomed the holding of the small-scale economic forum as a good opportunity for connecting businesspeople.

The meeting assessed that Montenegro and San Marino, two small, friendly countries, have many similarities: a long and rich history and significant cultural heritage, and recognized as countries that respect tradition, at the same time follow the achievements of modern civilization and are committed to the affirmation of European values, but also of its peculiarities. Regents have shown great respect for the achievements of Montenegro, stressing that San Marino is looking for a more dynamic economic development and a European perspective.

"We are honored and pleased to stay in Montenegro rich in history, culture, and beauty. We are divided by the Adriatic Sea, but our nations are connected," said Muratori and Selva. Regents of San Marino called on President Đukanović to visit their country, which was accepted with pleasure.

During the conversation, numerous areas have been identified in which there are a mutual interest and opportunities for cooperation in the field of economy, tourism, and culture.

It is jointly assessed that the implementation of the concept of sustainable development, the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage, and the readiness for cooperation in this regard is extremely important for the two countries.

President Đukanović wished success to San Marino teams at the upcoming Games.

May 27, 2019 - The opening ceremony of the Games of Small Countries of Europe 2019 is scheduled for tonight, May 27 at 9 pm next to the Wall of the Old Town in Budva, which will be the epicentre of athletes from ten countries, who will compete in ten sports from May 27 to June 1 in several Montenegrin cities.

23 May 2019 - Due to the importance of the Decision on the Community Order in the daily functioning of the city, citizens of business entities, tourists and their relation to common public spaces, it is necessary that as many citizens as possible help with their suggestions in drafting the Decision on the Community Order which will regulate penalty fees for disturbance of Community Order, as reported from the relevant municipal services.

The importance of this decision, as well as the rules and limitations of behavior on public surfaces, can be seen in the decisions of the cities of neighboring countries where, for example, tourists were given notice of the rules and penalties that they expect in the event of improper conduct. Thus, walking without a shirt calls for a 500 EUR fine, and walking in a swimsuit 600 EUR, while a penalty for eating and drinking in a public area is 700 EUR.

This decision may prescribe various, other rules of conduct that would regulate neighborhood parking problems, drying of laundry, garbage disposal, appearance of buildings, loud music, etc.

Also, as this decision stems from the Law on communal activities regulating public water supply, management of communal waste waters, management of atmospheric waters, municipal waste management, arrangement and maintenance of public areas, public lighting management, public transport of passengers in urban and suburban settlements, maintenance of municipal roads and cycling trails, the maintenance of troughs and watercourses of local importance, maintenance of public cemeteries, chapels and burials, maintenance of markets and parking spaces, maintenance of public toilets, disposal of abandoned animals and maintenance of shelters for their collection, all citizens need to take part in its forming.

Due to those above, the Public Call for Preliminary Consultation will last two months in order to prepare the draft of the Decision on the Community Order that will be at a public hearing in the extended period, so that all interested parties could solve problems that have not been defined by the existing regulations.

22 May 2019 - The solo concert of pianist Nikola Vučković will be held in the concert hall of the Music School of Herceg Novi on May 24th at 7.30PM. The programme will, among many others, include pieces of composers Ravel and Liszt.

After finishing the Elementary Music School in Budva, Nikola Vučković started studying at the secondary Music School in Subotica in the class of Professor Matija Molcer. He continued his education at the Music Academy in Novara, Italy, in the class of Professor Marian Mike, where he graduated with honors in 2002. He also studied at the Music Academy in Cetinje in the class of professor Boris Kraljević, in which he graduated in 2004. He has a master's degree in the class of Professor Vladimir Bockarjev.

He has been improving in the country and abroad with famous pedagogues such as Dmitri Bashkirov, Sandor Falvai, Noel Flores, Vladimir Ovcinjikov, Kemal Gekić, Aleksandar Serdar, etc.

In addition to his remarkable performances at domestic and international competitions, he performed at over 250 concerts as a soloist and chamber musician in Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, Austria, France, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany. Among the significant performances in Montenegro, recitals should be singled out in the National Theater of Montenegro, the Royal Theater Zetski Dom in Cetinje, the Park Hall in Herceg Novi, City Theater in Budva, and at Barski Letopis, as well as at the one of the most important ones - concert at the National Theater of Montenegro, which he performs with the Montenegrin Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Radovan Papović, who also represents his orchestral debut.

Out of his concerts abroad, the most significant are the opening of the "Verbanja Musica" festival (Italy) - on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Chopin, the city of Martelag (Venice), a concert in Milano for the most influential politicians of Forza Italia, a recital in Naples, a performance at the Bosendorfer Hall, in Vienna and in the Royal Casino in Baden, at the Army Hall in Sarajevo, "Olivier Messian" in Paris etc. So far, he has recorded a large number of notable performances that were recorded and broadcast by TV stations: RTS, RTCG, RTV Novi Sad, RTV Budva, Rai Uno (Italy), as well as radio stations of classical music "Bela Bartok" (Hungary). Since 2015 he is a permanent member of the duo "2Soul(o)s" with prominent violinist Dušica Kordić. He is currently engaged as director of the Music School in Budva.

Source: Radio Herceg Novi

21 May 2019 - Representatives of Public Enterprise Parking Service of Budva stated that last year's seasonal offer of 2000 parking lots would be significantly increased, and starting from the summer season 2019, Budva will offer new parking lots near beach Jaz and in Petrovac. These parking lots are currently undergoing adaptation.

Most of the tourists who come to Budva by car calculate their holiday costs by summing the expenses for accommodation, food, night parties, and the use of beach equipment.  It is evident that tourists rarely take parking costs into account. Of course, faced with a lack of available parking lots, tourists are willing to pay high prices just to solve the problem of safe car parking.

There is generally very little free parking space in Budva that is not charged, which forces tourists to have to make a good calculation of whether they will walk to the beach or go by car during each beach trip.

Municipal Public Enterprise Parking Service currently owns nine parking lots in Budva and Petrovac, with about 2,000 parking lots, which are practically filled to the last during the summer season, especially in the evening hours. The Parking Service Budva finally announced the expansion of the parking lot in the city.

Two parking lots began operating in Petrovac yesterday - the parking lot near the Post Office and the parking lot Voli. These lots played a significant role when it comes to parking services in Petrovac last year, as Budva was still facing a massive problem in this field.

As far as Budva is concerned, after a short winter break, drivers are already able to look for a parking lot near the Post Office 2, which is located in the city centre. Also, it is certain that the garage in Rafailovići will be operational within a couple of days, state the representatives of the Municipal Parking Service.

18 May 2019 - On May 18, President of Budva Marko Carević opened the XI European Ju-Jitsu Cup 'Budva Open 2019'. Over 350 competitors from eight different countries are taking part in this competition.

The cup was organized by the Ju-Jitsu Federation of Montenegro and the Ju-Jitsu Club Budva, under the auspices of the Municipality of Budva.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the European and world Ju-Jitsu federations. The goal of the organizer is to respect all the criteria of the European Federation. The biggest problem is in this case finances, and the representatives of Montenegrin Ju-Jitsu Federation hope that this problem was overcome with the help of the local government.

Carević said that the Ju-Jitsu Cup Budva Open 2019 is a tournament that the European Federation of Ju-Jitsu declared one of the three best tournaments in Europe and awarded it with the title of the European Qualifier at its congress in Almeria. As Budva’s president explained, this accomplishment is a great recognition to the Budva Ju-Jitsu Club, but also for the Budva Municipality as well.

"The municipality is proud of the accomplishments of the Budva Ju-Jitsu Club and will continue to support its work," said the president at the opening of the Cup, wishing the contestants to enjoy competing in this ancient sport and to make their best efforts to win.

Budva Open 2019 is being organized at the Sports Centre Rea in Budva. Clubs from several European countries have announced their participation in the Cup. Clubs from Poland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Montenegro are particularly prominent.

The event itself is a great honour and privilege for the development of Ju-Jitsu in Montenegro because it will be a great test through which the European public will once again be able to get acquainted with the efforts of the Montenegrin Ju-Jitsu Federation and Budva Ju-Jitsu Club.

Source: RTV Budva

May 16, 2017 - Twenty-five organizations and 150 participants from 22 countries will gather in Budva, Montenegro at the Digital Influencers in Action Forum, organized by the Digital Communication Network to be held 18-19 June.