Press release from the 136th Cabinet session

The Montenegrin Cabinet held its 136th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. The Cabinet adopted the Draft Law Ratifying the Protocol amending the Agreement between the Parties to the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe on the automated exchange of DNA data, dactyloscopic data and vehicle registration data. The Agreement is an important instrument for enhancing operational cooperation among the competent authorities of the signatory states. The amending Protocol is aimed at further clarifying and aligning its provisions, particularly with regard to European Union law and the competence of the European Commission in adopting decisions on the adequacy of data protection. The purpose of the law is to create the legal basis for the ratification of the Protocol and its entry into force within Montenegro's domestic legal order, thereby strengthening the legal framework for international police cooperation and data protection.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision amending the Decision on the introduction of international restrictive measures established by decisions and regulations of the Council of the European Union concerning actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. It was noted during the discussion that these amendments ensure Montenegro's full alignment with all EU decisions and regulations adopted under the relevant sanctions regime. The amendments concern provisions regulating exemptions from asset-freezing measures in relation to designated persons, as well as the annexes to the Decision and Regulation containing the lists of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to the restrictive measures.

The Cabinet adopted the Montenegro Employment Strategy 2026-2030, together with the 2026-2027 Employment Action Plan. This strategic framework sets out the direction for the development of Montenegro's labour market over the medium term, taking into account contemporary labour market challenges. The Strategy aims to create the conditions for sustainable, competitive and inclusive labour markets, increasing employment, improving job quality, strengthening social inclusion and reducing unemployment, particularly among vulnerable population groups. It also represents Montenegro's national contribution to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, with a particular focus on increasing employment, skills development, equal opportunities and social inclusion.

The Cabinet adopted the Report on the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan for 2024-2025. The Plan was developed on the basis of mapping young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), an analysis of existing policies, and consultations conducted within the Interdepartmental Working Group for the Introduction of the Youth Guarantee Programme in Montenegro. The Report states that the document represents a key step towards improving employment, education and social inclusion policies for young people. The first phase, focused on establishing the legislative and institutional framework, was completed in 2024, while pilot implementation began in early 2025 in the municipalities of Ulcinj, Bijelo Polje and Nikšić. This approach enabled testing of the service delivery model, evaluation of the functionality of information systems and assessment of the capacities of the Employment Agency of Montenegro as the main implementing partner before the programme is rolled out nationwide. It also highlighted the need to establish strong implementation mechanisms based on a multisectoral approach involving multiple institutions at all levels. It was noted that the results achieved during the reporting period demonstrate measurable progress.

The Cabinet adopted the Information on the need to establish an Interdepartmental Working Body to ensure the interoperability of information systems for the exchange of data relevant to the implementation of the European Child Guarantee and the European Youth Guarantee. The Information notes that the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, in cooperation with UNICEF and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, is implementing activities under the Quality Education for Every Child in Montenegro initiative aimed at establishing interoperability between the information systems of relevant institutions. Efficient data exchange will enable the timely identification of children and young people requiring support, improve public policy planning, facilitate monitoring of policy outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making. At the same time, interoperability will contribute to more effective access to rights for children and young people and strengthen coordination among competent institutions. The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has therefore been tasked with establishing the Interdepartmental Working Body responsible for implementing this project.

The Cabinet adopted the Decision on granting state-owned forests for use by selling timber in dormant state in the regional units of Rožaje, Bijelo Polje, Plav and Nikšić (sanitary timber in 2026). The sale of timber in dormant state will be conducted through a public bidding procedure, auction or public call, with the expected minimum revenue amounting to EUR 141,172, based on the proposed starting prices. The Decision aims to prevent further risks to forest protection and avoid the deterioration of timber value, while creating conditions for maximising revenues from the sustainable use of forests.

The Cabinet also adopted the Decree on the detailed procedure for the establishment, composition, selection of members, mandate and responsibilities of the State Commission for design review, professional supervision and technical inspection of motorway, expressway, main road and regional road projects. As these are projects of public interest financed by the state, the new Law on the Construction of Structures provides for the establishment of a State Commission to ensure improved oversight of construction works, project implementation timelines and costs.