Press release from the 133rd Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 133rd session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić. The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Election of the President of Montenegro. As highlighted during the discussion, the proposed amendments aim to align the terminology of this law with the current electoral legislation, namely the Law on the Election of Councillors and Members of Parliament, which replaced the former name State Election Commission with Central Election Commission. The draft also clarifies the provision governing the determination of invalid ballot papers in order to eliminate possible ambiguities in its application. Furthermore, given that the current law does not contain an explicit provision regulating the application of certain procedural rules in the second round of presidential elections, the amendments provide for a more detailed regulation of this issue in order to strengthen legal certainty and ensure the consistent implementation of the law.

In order to harmonise legislation with the Law on Same-Sex Life Partnership, the Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Personal Name, the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Central Population Register, the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship, the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Civil Registers, and the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Registers of Residence and Temporary Residence. These legislative amendments enable persons in same-sex life partnerships to exercise the rights guaranteed by law and represent one of the obligations under Chapter 24 of Montenegro's European Union accession negotiations.

The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law on the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro (Ombudsperson). The proposed legal solutions incorporate the standards set out in the Paris Principles and the recommendations of the Venice Commission. Particular attention was paid to ensuring the institution's independence, autonomy from the Government, pluralism, a broad mandate based on universal human rights principles, adequate investigative powers and sufficient resources. Particular consideration was also given to strengthening the status of the Ombudsperson through the new law, with the aim of creating the conditions for upgrading the institution's current B status to A status under the accreditation system of the Subcommittee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). To that end, the draft introduces provisions that were previously absent from the legislation, including full autonomy in staff recruitment, functional immunity, regulation of salaries and financial independence. The new legal framework aims to eliminate inconsistencies with international recommendations while strengthening the institution's administrative and financial independence and increasing the accountability of authorities receiving recommendations in cases of human rights violations or risks thereof.

The Cabinet adopted the Decree on the Payment of Compensation to Former Owners of Expropriated Property Rights in Cash for 2026. Under the 2026 Budget Law, EUR 8.5 million has been allocated for compensation to natural persons and EUR 250,000 for legal entities. In line with these allocations, the Decree defines the schedule and method for paying this year's annual compensation instalments. Compensation will amount to 18% of the outstanding unpaid balance determined by final decisions of the relevant commissions. For enforceable decisions awarding compensation of up to EUR 10,000, the annual instalment will be paid in full.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision on the Basic and Supplementary List of Medicines, continuing the process of improving access to modern and effective pharmacotherapy in Montenegro. The decision represents an important step towards enhancing healthcare by improving treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life, while also contributing positively to family, social and economic productivity. The revision placed particular emphasis on aligning medicine prices with the new maximum prices established by Cinmed. As a result, prices were reduced for more than 180 medicines, while prices increased for 17 medicines. In addition, the list has been expanded to include 11 generic medicines, as well as new pharmaceutical forms and strengths of existing therapies, further improving the availability and range of treatment options for patients.

The Cabinet adopted the Decree on the Methodology for Unified Disability Assessment, fulfilling one of the key prerequisites for the implementation of this model in accordance with the Law on Unified Disability Assessment. The Decree prescribes the methodology for assessing disability based on the List of Impairments, evaluating functional status using the List of Functional Abilities and questionnaires for assessing the functioning of children and adults, as well as determining work capacity. It also defines the procedure for establishing disability status and the level of support required, proposing measures necessary for the full and effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of social life, and specifying the content of the findings and opinions issued by disability assessment commissions.

The Cabinet adopted the Air Quality Management Strategy for 2026-2029, together with its Action Plan, establishing a comprehensive and unified framework for planning and implementing measures in the field of air quality protection. This is the first integrated strategic document combining the Strategy, the Action Plan and air quality plans for all three air quality zones in Montenegro, ensuring a coordinated approach to planning and implementing measures at both national and local levels. The Strategy includes an air pollution control programme aligned with the requirements of EU legislation and Chapter 27 of the accession negotiations. Particular emphasis is placed on preparations for the implementation of the new, stricter air quality limit and target values that will apply across the European Union from 2030. The document envisages improvements to the air quality monitoring and management system through a review of air quality zones, modernisation of the monitoring station network, development of emission projections and systematic monitoring of the impact of air pollution on ecosystems. Special attention is also given to increasing transparency and public awareness through real-time access to air quality data, regular publication of reports and improved communication with citizens.