The government adopted the agricultural budget for this year at its session today, which amounts to 77,3 million euros, of which 35,9 million euros are from the budget of Montenegro.
In a statement after the session, the Government stated that the adoption of the agricultural budget creates conditions for the full implementation of the provisions of the law regulating agricultural policy measures.
"And in this sense, providing support to agricultural farms, associations of agricultural producers, cooperatives, with the aim of ensuring the income of agricultural farms, strengthening the competitiveness of Montenegrin agriculture, creating better living conditions in rural areas, strengthening the capacities of institutions, achieving EU food safety standards and strengthening the fisheries sector," the statement says.
It was explained that the agro-budget for this year amounts to 77.324.258 euros, of which 35,9 million euros are from the budget of Montenegro, 18,6 million from European Union funds, 11,6 million euros from donations and 11 million euros from loan funds.
"The planned funds are allocated for the system of direct payments in the field of livestock and plant production, market interventions and support for rural development measures," the statement said.
It is added that funds have also been provided for support for general services in agriculture, social transfers to the rural population, technical and administrative support for program implementation, institutional development and strengthening of Montenegrin agriculture, fisheries, a program of phytosanitary measures, a food safety program, and a program of mandatory animal health protection measures.
The Government today also adopted a proposal for amendments to the Law on Games of Chance.
The discussion highlighted that the proposed amendments extend the deadline for the organizers to align their operations with the prescribed provisions to 450 days from the date of entry into force of the Law on Games of Chance, thus extending the existing deadline of 270 days by an additional 180 days, i.e. until November 11.
The Government noted that concession contracts are considered extended until the expiration of the aforementioned deadline.
As they said, this would provide additional time for harmonization, ensuring the continuity of the organizers' business, as well as the further implementation of the Law adopted in August last year.
"The additional time will ensure smooth coordination of all organizers' systems, primarily in areas related to business regulation in the area of prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing," the Government said.
At today's session, a proposal for amending the Personal Income Tax Law was also established, which seeks to improve the system of taxation of winnings from games of chance by introducing a single proportional tax rate of 12 percent, instead of the currently applicable progressive taxation model of zero, ten and 15 percent.
"One of the main goals is to prevent abuses arising from the existing progressive taxation system. The introduction of a single tax rate reduces the possibility of tax avoidance through the division of profits into smaller amounts," the statement said.
It is stated that the goal is to increase the efficiency and transparency of the tax system, and the proposed solution will ensure fairer treatment of all taxpayers.
"An important goal is also the stabilization and potential increase in budget revenues from taxes on winnings from games of chance, and the long-term goal is to strengthen tax discipline and trust in the tax system," the statement added.
As announced, the session adopted the Information on implemented activities to overcome open issues regarding the water supply of the golf course and the entire "Luštica Bay" project, in accordance with point 6 of the Government Conclusions of April 4, 2024.
The Information states that the "Luštica Bay" project is one of the most significant development projects in the tourism sector, with strong positive effects on economic growth, improving the quality of the tourism offer, creating new jobs and strengthening the international recognition of Montenegro as an attractive and competitive destination.
The Government said that one of the key open issues that directly affects its full implementation relates to providing an adequate water supply system, especially for the needs of the planned golf courses.
"In this context, in order to provide a timely, long-term sustainable and reliable solution for water supply, the Government has adopted a series of conclusions that ensure the further development of this project and the implementation of the planned contents," the Government added.
The Government today adopted information on arbitration proceedings number 215352, which is being conducted before the Court of International Arbitration in London.
"The information contains an overview of the situation regarding the reopening of the Aman Sveti Stefan complex (Sveti Stefan Island and Villa Miločer), as well as a proposal for measures to ensure public interest in terms of fiscal revenues, employment, preservation of the cultural landscape and the international reputation of the destination," the statement said.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
