The police should have intensified surveillance of the accused Miloš Medenica and taken into account the fact that the pronouncement of the verdict had been scheduled, Professor of criminal psychology and security expert Sandi Dizdarević told Portal ETV, commenting on the latest information that inspectors are searching for the son of former President of the Supreme Court Vesna Medenica following the High Court’s decision sentencing him to ten years and two months in prison.
High Court Judge Vesna Kovačević ordered Medenica’s detention yesterday during the delivery of the verdict, but police did not find him at his residential address. Miloš Medenica had been in pre-trial detention from May 2022 until 17 October 2025, when it was lifted and replaced with house arrest. He was released from the Remand Prison because no first-instance verdict had been delivered within three years, and a measure banning him from leaving his apartment was imposed.
Dizdarević explained that supervision over the enforcement of imposed measures falls within the competence of the police, which determines whether the accused is complying with the measures through regular and unannounced - extraordinary - visits.
- There are also additional techniques such as electronic monitoring - an electronic ankle bracelet - where a movement perimeter is defined, and if it is violated, that is, if the accused exceeds the permitted range, an automatic signal is triggered at the police - Dizdarević explained.
Several interlocutors from the security sector explained that Montenegro does not have the technical equipment for electronic monitoring - ankle bracelets. According to them, the police are obliged to implement control measures, visit the residence address, maintain contact with the accused, conduct operational checks and surveillance, and regularly report on this to the court.
Sources from the security sector believe that on the eve of and on the day of the pronouncement of the verdict, the police were obliged to „cover“ the High Court in Podgorica, as well as the address where the accused were staying, both on the ground and operationally, in order to ensure the conditions for the enforcement of the court decision.

Marija Žižić

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English

Dizdarević: Police should have increased surveillance of Medenica

The Environmental Inspectorate does not assess whether the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant meets environmental standards - acting Director General of the Directorate for Inspection Oversight Vesna Bigović told Portal ETV, but instead, as she explained, monitors „the implementation of measures envisaged by the Environmental Protection Study for the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant“. - No recommendations have been issued by the Environmental Inspectorate, rather, in accordance with the Law on Administrative Procedure, the Inspectorate will implement measures enabling the enforcement of decisions adopted in the previous period, which relate to the elimination of identified irregularities - she emphasized in her response to questions sent by Portal ETV regarding the results of inspections at the power plant. <h2>INSPECTION SUPERVISION</h2> She also recalled that the ecological reconstruction of the Thermal Power Plant has not yet been completed and that it is being carried out „in accordance with the dynamic plan signed between the contractor and the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (Elektroprivreda Crne Gore – EPCG) AD Nikšić“. - With regard to the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, the Environmental Inspectorate has continuously conducted inspections in the previous period, based on submitted initiatives and regular inspections of EPC AD Nikšić – Pljevlja TPP Branch, and has undertaken appropriate measures and actions in line with the established factual situation - Bigović stated.  <figure><img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/2026012907010_55fe7def48c0f5f018b08b1d377a8f884f5f719d9ad1a994be8575d98e60d8e4.webp" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="2026012907010_55fe7def48c0f5f018b08b1d377a8f884f5f719d9ad1a994be8575d98e60d8e4" data-rendition-name="original" width="768" height="512" loading="lazy" alt="Termoelektrana Pljevlja"><figcaption>The Thermal Power Plant(Photo: PV Informer)</figcaption></figure>  She added that the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPC) submitted a request to the „Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development for the Environmental Inspectorate to conduct an inspection at the Pljevlja TPP facility, with the aim of reviewing the final works on ecological reconstruction projects and preparing documentation to obtain approval for the trial operation of the plant“. - On that occasion, it was determined which facilities covered by the ecological reconstruction had been completed by the date of inspection, as well as the measures previously undertaken by the Environmental Inspectorate to eliminate irregularities. These included ordering the preparation of a new Waste Management Plan and obtaining approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as conducting an environmental impact assessment procedure for the new location for the storage of combustion by-products. In addition, following increased SO₂ concentrations in Pljevlja, an inspection was carried out on 14 December 2025, after which a decision was issued ordering the implementation of measures from the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the ecological reconstruction of Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant I - namely, to put into operation the flue gas desulphurization plant and the nitrogen oxides reduction plant, with a deadline of 30 days from receipt of the decision - Bigović wrote in her response. The Thermal Power Plant was put into trial operation on 30 November last year, after eight months of ecological reconstruction. However, after only about fifteen days, air quality in Pljevlja became alarming. <h2>REDUCED NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS</h2> While citizens, as well as local authorities and institutions, identified the Thermal Power Plant as the sole culprit, the Electric Power Company categorically rejected such claims, although it admitted that trial operation had begun without the desulphurization and denitrification facilities. A week ago, however, the EPC announced the start of „functional testing of the flue gas denitrification (DeNOx) plant at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant“ and acknowledged that nitrogen oxide emissions were immediately reduced severalfold. - During the initial tests, it was confirmed that the plant operates at a high level, and the initial measurements showed extremely encouraging results. Nitrogen oxide emissions have already been reduced to around 130 mg/m³, which is within the projected values and several times lower compared to the previous period, when emissions amounted to around 470 mg/m³ - the Electric Power Company stated. Due to the alarming air quality in Pljevlja, protests were organized in the city in December. The Mayor of Pljevlja Dario Vraneš also reacted strongly and entered into an open conflict with the management of the Electric Power Company, which is led by officials from the same political party he belongs to. According to unofficial information, this further jeopardized his position and was decisive in the fact that even his party, New Serbian Democracy, or its key officials, no longer want him in that role.  <figure><img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/2026012907010_d2ddb6b6b0b078708b84de0e4fa60b6b892f0f9f89ec60f02aa7e192755c46f2.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="2026012907010_d2ddb6b6b0b078708b84de0e4fa60b6b892f0f9f89ec60f02aa7e192755c46f2" data-rendition-name="original" width="1600" height="720" loading="lazy" alt="U decembru organizovani građanski protesti u Pljevljima"><figcaption>Civic protests organized in Pljevlja in December</figcaption></figure>  The situation in Pljevlja was also discussed in the Parliament of Montenegro, and in late December a control hearing of the EPC executives and relevant ministers was held. <h2>CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS</h2> Independent councillor in the Pljevlja Municipal Assembly Saša Ječmenica and civil engineer Nenad Rubežić filed a criminal complaint with the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office for the unlawful commissioning of the Thermal Power Plant for trial operation after ecological reconstruction, that is, for falsification of documents, which they believe led to serious air pollution and endangered public health. They are categorical that the EPC abused the institute of trial operation in order to put a facility that was not fully completed into operation for an indefinite period, without a legally prescribed permit. In this way, they claim, the EP gained unlawful benefit through the production and sale of electricity, while simultaneously endangering the health of Pljevlja’s citizens over a prolonged period. On 17 December, URA party leader Dritan Abazović also filed a criminal complaint for the criminal offence of environmental pollution and abuse of official position. He submitted the complaint to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office against the President of the EPC Board of Directors Milutin Đukanović and board members, as well as Executive Director Zdravko Dragaš and Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović. In December, civic activist Pavle Čolović addressed world leaders, representatives of the UN, the EU, and international environmental organizations with an open letter requesting independent air quality monitoring in Pljevlja and an international review of the effects of the ecological reconstruction of the Thermal Power Plant. The Electric Power Company rejected any responsibility for the enormous air pollution in Pljevlja and on 24 December called on „all relevant stakeholders, representatives of state and local authorities and institutions, as well as representatives of the non-governmental sector focused on environmental protection and sustainable development, to stop and prevent an unfounded campaign directed against the company and the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant“. A week ago, however, the EPC announced that trial operation of the denitrification plant had already reduced nitrogen oxide emissions to „around 130 mg/m³“, which, as they emphasized, is „several times lower compared to the previous period, when emissions were around 470 mg/m³“. According to available information, the desulphurization system is still not operational.

Kaćuša Krsmanović

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Environmental Inspectorate does not know whether the Thermal Power Plant meets environmental standards

Amid protests by freight transporters and blockades at border crossings, concerns have emerged in the public that Montenegro could run out of fuel. The Ministry of Energy and Mining, headed by Admir Šahmanović, told Portal ETV that there is no reason for panic and that the country’s fuel supply and energy stability are fully secured.
- If we speak exclusively about the quantities currently available at petrol stations, they are on average sufficient for two to three days of regular operations, depending on consumption. However, when we talk about total fuel quantities in Montenegro, including commercial and strategic reserves, these are stocks that allow for nearly two months of normal market functioning - the Ministry told Portal ETV.
According to them, it is important for citizens to know that there is enough fuel in the country, both in the commercial stocks of oil companies and in strategic reserves, which together ensure continuity of supply over a longer period.
- There are currently sufficient quantities of fuel in Montenegro, both in commercial stocks and in strategic reserves, which ensure stable market supply even over an extended period - the Ministry of Energy said in a statement to Portal ETV.
FUEL STOCKS AT PETROL STATIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE REAL SITUATION
They note that it is often incorrectly interpreted in the public that, under the current circumstances, operational fuel stocks at petrol stations could be depleted within a few days.
However, as explained by this government department, this does not mean that there is no fuel available; rather, it is a logistical challenge in delivery caused by the current blockades at border crossings, which the competent authorities are addressing in cooperation with oil companies.
STRATEGIC RESERVES – THE KEY TO ENERGY SECURITY
As they emphasized to Portal ETV in the context of the newly arisen situation, the existence of oil reserves is of exceptionally great importance in crisis and emergency situations, which may arise due to supply disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances.
Strategic reserves of petroleum products represent one of the key pillars of supply security and, consequently, an important element of national security for every state.
- Montenegro has begun the process of forming strategic reserves of petroleum products in line with international and European standards, according to which the state is obliged to ensure reserves covering 90 days of average, that is, normal consumption. During 2025, around 40 percent of the prescribed quantities were formed, which corresponds to stocks sufficient for approximately one and a half months of normal market functioning - the Ministry of Energy said.
They added that activities to procure the remaining quantities will continue and that they expect the process to be completed by the end of 2027.
THIS IS NOT THE MOMENT TO ACTIVATE STRATEGIC RESERVES
- Strategic reserves are intended for serious disruptions caused by crisis situations and are not activated in circumstances that can be resolved through regular market and institutional mechanisms - the Ministry of Energy and Mining stated in its response to Portal ETV.
In the context of current developments and potential supply challenges due to blockades at border crossings, it is important to stress, they added, that this is not the moment to activate and release strategic reserves. Such reserves are intended for serious disruptions caused by crisis situations, while the current situation is being resolved through regular market mechanisms and institutional coordination.
INSTITUTIONS AND OIL COMPANIES ARE MONITORING SITUATION
Namely, there are currently sufficient quantities of commercial stocks held by oil companies in Montenegro, which can be placed on the market to ensure uninterrupted supply. Competent institutions, in cooperation with oil companies, are monitoring the situation in a coordinated manner and taking measures to overcome existing logistical challenges and prevent disruptions in supply.
- As already emphasized, the fact that operational capacities at petrol stations at a given moment are reduced to quantities sufficient for a few days of regular operations does not mean that there is no fuel in Montenegro, nor that there is any reason for panic. Existing reserves, both commercial and strategic, together with the active engagement of the competent authorities, represent a strong guarantee of market stability and security of supply - the Ministry of Energy said in its statement to Portal ETV.

Miraš Dušević

Šahmanović’s Ministry to Portal ETV: Fuel reserves sufficient for two months, fuel available at stations for another two to three days

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that the Parliament of Montenegro is the appropriate place to launch an initiative regarding the Serbian language and to consider it, with the involvement of all interested stakeholder - not only parliamentary ones, but also social, professional, and academic actors.
Officials of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) are expected to submit demands to the Government today concerning the resolution of several identity-related issues, which they have set as a condition for their continued participation in the ruling coalition. One of the demands is for the Serbian language to become an official language. The Government session is scheduled for 2 p.m.
- It is completely understandable that the most represented linguistic community in Montenegro has a legitimate aspiration to raise the issue of the status of the Serbian language. Although the European path is a priority above all others, all important topics deserve full attention and a responsible approach - Spajić wrote on the social network X.
Such an approach, he said, is precisely what is envisaged by Barometer 26, which has been agreed upon by all parliamentary parties in Montenegro.
On the other hand, Spajić said that the issue of building a wastewater treatment plant in Botun is a civilizational and environmental matter and should not be linked to cultural or identity-related topics.
- The Government has provided clear and precise guarantees that protect every citizen of Botun and the entire Zeta area, which further confirms the sustainability of this project. This is just one of 32 facilities we plan to build by the end of 2035 in order to meet the environmental standards required for membership in the European Union - Spajić emphasized.
The Prime Minister stressed that a model of cooperation based on blackmail will not be allowed for any political structure within the current parliamentary majority.
- And decisions on the vital interests of Montenegro will be made exclusively in our country - Spajić concluded.

Portal ETV

Spajić: Serbian language is an issue for Parliament, blackmail will not be allowed for any political structure in power

The High Court has issued an order for the issuance of a warrant for Miloš Medenica, Portal ETV has confirmed.
Since yesterday, the police have been searching for the son of former Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica, following the High Court’s decision sentencing him to ten years and two months in prison.
At the sentencing hearing yesterday, High Court judge Vesna Kovačević ordered that Medenica be taken into custody, but the police did not find him at his registered place of residence.
Miloš Medenica was in pre-trial detention from May 2022 until 17 October 2025, when the detention was lifted and replaced with house arrest.
He left the Remand Prison because no first-instance verdict had been delivered within three years, and he was placed under a measure prohibiting him from leaving his apartment.

Court orders the issuance of a warrant for Miloš Medenica

Former President of the Supreme Court Vesna Medenica has been sentenced to ten years in prison, while her son Miloš Medenica has been sentenced to ten years and two months, and both are ordered to pay fines of 50.000 euros each.
The first-instance verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Vesna Kovačević.
All defendants were found guilty. Miloš Medenica, Marko Vučinić, Nikola Raičević, Petar Milutinović, Jovan Miković, Vojin Perunović, Milorad Medenica, Marjan Bevanja, Stevo Karanikić, Ivana Kovačević, and Goran Jovanović are ordered to pay 2,736,715 euros into the state budget as compensation for the damage caused.
Judge Kovačević stated that the judicial panel did not accept the indictment’s allegations that Vesna Medenica committed the criminal offence of forming a criminal organization. She was convicted of unlawful influence.
Pre-trial detention was ordered for Miloš Medenica, while Vesna Medenica was banned from leaving Kolašin and her passport was confiscated.
Marko Vučinić was sentenced to a consolidated prison term of six years and two months and fined 15.000 euros. He was also banned from leaving Podgorica and had his passport confiscated. Nikola Raičević was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined 20.000 euros.
Marko Popović was sentenced to one year in prison, Bojan Popović to six months, and Vasilije Petrović to one year. Milorad Medenica received a consolidated prison sentence of three years and two months. Luka Bakoč was sentenced to one year and four months and his detention was lifted. Radomir Raičević was sentenced to one year and four months, Darko Lalović to one year, and Petar Milutinović to three years in prison and an additional fine of 5.000 euross. Marjan Bevanja and Stevo Karanikić were each sentenced to four years, Ivana Kovačević to four and a half years and a fine of 15.000 euros, Goran Jovanović and Jovan Milović to three years and ten months each, and Vojin Perunović to two years.
According to the Special State Prosecutor's Office indictment, Miloš Medenica’s organization was created for the purpose of smuggling cigarettes and marijuana, as well as exerting unlawful influence on the adoption of court decisions.
Miloš and Vesna Medenica did not attend the pronouncement of the verdict.
The case against the Medenicas and others was initially assigned to Judge Nada Rabrenović, but over a period of one year and ten months, hearings were postponed more than 20 times. After Rabrenović went on sick leave due to health issues, the case was reassigned to Judge Vesna Kovačević, who took over the case in April 2025, and the trial started anew.
Miloš Medenica was in pre-trial detention from May 2022 until 17 October 2025, when it was lifted and replaced with house arrest. He was released from the Remand Prison because no first-instance verdict had been delivered within three years.
In their closing arguments, prosecutors Jovan Vukotić and Vukas Radonjić emphasized that the proceedings established that Miloš Medenica formed a criminal group and that his mother Vesna Medenica, former head of the judiciary, was not „an ordinary member but an institutional shield of the criminal organization“. They believe that the guilt of the other sixteen members was also proven. Prosecutor Radonjić requested that Vesna and Miloš Medenica each be sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined 100.000 euros each.
On the other hand, the defense categorically maintained that the guilt of their clients was not proven by any evidence.
In her closing statement, Vesna Medenica said: „Vesna will never talk. It is known whose Vesna is, and perhaps they thought that by proposing 20 years in prison I would“.
- That will not happen. I will leave with a clean conscience and my head held high. I have endured three years and eight months of a difficult life. I am finishing the first half of my life. I devoted my life to my family, my work, and my profession, and with my kindness I fed wolves - Medenica said.
She added that a second half of her life remains, in which she will defend herself with truth, not assumptions.
From the very beginning of the proceedings, she has claimed that the case against her was fabricated and constructed.

Vesna Medenica sentenced to ten years, her son to ten years and two months, the accused ordered to pay 2,736,715 euros into the state budget

The President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović has sent a letter to the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, highlighting the problems faced by professional freight transport operators due to the implementation of the ETIAS Regulation and the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), and emphasizing the need to find pragmatic solutions within the existing Schengen framework, particularly in light of blockades at border crossings and the Port of Bar in Montenegro.
As stated in the announcement, Milatović informed Commissioner Kos that professional freight transporters have expressed serious concerns regarding the practical application of the EES system, especially in relation to the 90-day stay limitation within a 180-day period.
He also pointed out that blockades of border crossings and the Port of Bar have been ongoing in Montenegro for several days, organized by freight transporters with the aim of achieving an adequate and sustainable solution to this issue.
- Milatović emphasized that Montenegro, as a frontrunner in the EU enlargement process and a country strongly committed to European Union membership, fully supports Schengen standards, as well as the importance of secure and efficient management of the EU’s external borders. At the same time, he drew attention to the concrete challenges faced by professional freight transporters from Montenegro, given the nature of their work, which involves frequent cross-border movements and may result in serious practical limitations - the statement explained.
Milatović stressed that it is the responsibility of institutions to ensure that the specific, day-to-day operational needs of Montenegrin freight transporters are adequately taken into account when applying the existing rules.
- In this context, Milatović expressed readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the European Commission and EU Member States, with the aim of defining practical arrangements that would be in line with the Schengen acquis while being fair to all interested parties. As he noted, this issue is closely linked to broader efforts to strengthen the economic integration of Montenegro and the Western Balkans with the European Union, which is a shared interest - the statement said.
As noted, Milatović expressed confidence that there is room to find a balanced approach that would preserve the European Union’s high standards while at the same time reducing unnecessary burdens on legitimate transport activities.
- In this regard, open and constructive dialogue with the European Commission and Member States was assessed as key to preserving the integrity of the Schengen system and ensuring the unhindered functioning of professional transport - the statement added.
Milatović emphasized that Montenegro remains fully committed to its European path and ready to actively contribute to finding sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions, both on this issue and on all other matters important to the country’s European integration process.

Milatović writes to Commissioner Kos over freight transporters’ issues: Pragmatic solutions are needed

With the votes of seventeen councillors of the Capital City Assembly, Nikola Đurašković has been re-elected as Mayor of Cetinje.
Đurašković also served as mayor during the previous four-year term.
Support for Đurašković was provided by councillors from the Social Democratic Party and Citizens, the Civic Movement URA, the Old Guard of the Liberal Alliance, councillors of the „For a European Capital“ group, and a councillor of the Social Democrats.
Councillors of the Democratic Party of Socialists and two independent councillors did not attend &nbsp;the Assembly sessions, while Democratic Party councillors justified their absence from today’s session.
Đurašković was initially appointed to the position on February 28, 2022, following the local elections held in Cetinje in December 2021.
His mandate has been extended until June 2027, when local elections are expected to be held in all municipalities in Montenegro.
After signing the solemn declaration, Đurašković reminded those present of the importance of Cetinje, which, as he stated, represents for him the greatest source of motivation, foundation, and obligation.
- When we assumed responsibility for governing Cetinje four years ago, we knew that the path ahead would not be easy. We knew we were inheriting a city burdened with debt, poor infrastructure, and a system that had for years functioned at the expense of the future. What we could not fully foresee, however, was the level of pressure, labeling, and accusations that followed simply because we chose to govern Cetinje freely rather than obediently. We were told we had betrayed, that we had made mistakes, that we had turned our backs - yet we did only one thing: we turned toward Cetinje. We did not respond to insults with words, because Cetinje has never won its battles through noise and empty rhetoric. We responded with work and results. We responded with every completed kilometer of road, every renovated public space, every sports field, and every project that restored faith that this city can and must do better - Đurašković said.
Addressing those present, the mayor referred to numerous projects that had been implemented in the previous period after being postponed for years, including the reconstruction and construction of a new water supply network, the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, as well as development projects such as the Kotor-Lovćen-Cetinje cable car, the construction of the „Lokanda“ Hotel with the reconstruction of Students’ Square and the construction of an underground garage, along with demographic policies that have become an example of best practice in the region.
- The growth and realization of the projects we see today are the result of strategic planning and responsible governance. To fully grasp the significance of this transformation, it is enough to recall that in 2021 the Capital City’s budget amounted to 7.27 million euros. Today, with the 2026 budget standing at 17.1 million euros - an increase of more than 135 percent - Cetinje has the capacity to plan long-term, implement major investments, and take responsibility for projects that shape its future. However, the strength of a budget is not measured solely by its size, but by the ability to actually implement what is planned. That is why it is important to note that in 2021 the Capital City’s capital budget was realized at around 50 percent, whereas in the years that followed, and particularly in 2025, we implemented capital investments in full, at 100 percent. This approach has positioned Cetinje among the leaders in Montenegro in terms of capital budget realization - Đurašković emphasized.
In closing, Đurašković said he is ready to continue serving Cetinje honorably, responsibly, and transparently - not because of the office, but because of the city, its children, its future, and the values that must be preserved.
- Finally, I promise that in the period ahead we will continue to work quietly, responsibly, and persistently, guided by the same principle that has led us from the very first day - we work for Cetinje. Not for mandates, not for divisions, and not for short-term political gains, but for a city that safeguards its values and looks confidently toward the future - Đurašković concluded.

Nikola Đurašković re-elected mayor of Cetinje

The Constitutional Court of Montenegro has abolished the Sunday trading ban as unconstitutional, a decision adopted at today’s session.
As specified, Article 35a of the Law on Internal Trade was repealed as unconstitutional.
- The Court assessed that the aforementioned provision violates the freedom of entrepreneurship guaranteed by the Constitution, as well as the constitutional principle of equality before the law, since one group of entrepreneurs/traders was allowed to carry out business activities on Sundays and on state and other public holidays, while another group was prohibited from doing so - the statement said.
The Constitution precisely defines the grounds on which the freedom of entrepreneurship may be restricted (for the protection of human health, the environment, natural resources, cultural heritage, or the security and defense of Montenegro), and the legislator may not independently introduce new restrictions beyond these constitutional grounds, nor without a clearly established legitimate aim in the public interest.
- By allowing one group of entrepreneurs (pharmacies, confectioneries, bakeries, newspaper kiosks, souvenir shops, flower shops, stores selling funeral equipment, plant protection products, petrol stations, markets, etc.) to operate, while prohibiting another, the legislator placed one group of economic actors in an unequal position compared to another - the statement emphasized.
Such a ban, the Court found, lacks objective and reasonable justification from the perspective of the constitutional obligation of the state to ensure equal market conditions for all entrepreneurs.
- Additionally, by banning work on Sundays and on state and other public holidays only for certain traders, there was a restriction of human rights and freedoms and a violation of the constitutional principle of consistency of legal regulations. Any restriction of human rights and freedoms must remain within the limits of the Constitution, serve a legitimate aim in the public interest, and ensure proportionality between the means used and the objective pursued - the statement said.
In the constitutional review proceedings, the Constitutional Court determined that during the adoption of the repealed provision no objective was stated for its enactment, nor was it explained why it was considered necessary and justified to ban wholesale and retail trade on Sundays and on state and other public holidays, including the exemptions from that ban.
- The Constitutional Court does not interfere with the right of the legislator to regulate wholesale and retail trade on Sundays in a different manner, provided that appropriate fundamental constitutional values, or protected constitutional interests, as indicated by the Constitutional Court in this decision, are respected. The ban on Sunday trading and trading on state and other public holidays shall remain in force until the publication of the Constitutional Court’s decision in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, of which the Court will timely inform the public - the statement concluded.

Constitutional Court overturns ban on retail trade on Sunday as unconstitutional

When politicians speak, reality appears rosy - even when they talk about the boys in blue, the police officers. And when officials of Democratic Montenegro make promises, those promises are immortalized on video and shared on the party’s social media channels. „We want to restore beat policing! We want to bring back beat officers! Because it is precisely in that target group that I see people who will tomorrow be police officers in neighborhoods, communities, schools, and squares. We want to restore the strength of the state at all levels and in all aspects!“ <h2>BEČIĆ’S PERFORMANCE FOR THE PUBLIC…</h2> This is how Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister and coordinator of the security sector, thundered on January 23 before Democratic Party activists.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/20260128110144_ec2eb02594c5bc0c2faf9c8d1c9ba2a7b5930dc41eaffa55fd30bb843f51c2a8.png" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="20260128110144_ec2eb02594c5bc0c2faf9c8d1c9ba2a7b5930dc41eaffa55fd30bb843f51c2a8" data-rendition-name="original" width="1535" height="801" loading="lazy" alt="GRAND PROMISES ABOUT BEAT OFFICERS: Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister"> <figcaption>GRAND PROMISES ABOUT BEAT OFFICERS: Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister(Photo: Screenshot)</figcaption> </figure>  But it was - a performance for the public. In reality, although 366 police officers officially began work at the Police Directorate on January 12, the number of police officers has been shrinking day by day. And drastically so: according to information obtained by Television E, by January 24 more than 90 young police officers had decided to leave the service they had only just entered. About thirty have already terminated their contracts, while the others have announced they will return their equipment and are awaiting dismissal. - The trend of terminating employment continues on a daily basis. Some young police officers decided to end their newly established employment because they were assigned outside their place of residence and, with such low salaries, are unable to pay for accommodation for themselves, let alone their families. Others were disappointed by the tasks they were assigned, as well as by the overall atmosphere - sources from the Ministry of Interior told Television E. <h2>…AND THE HARSH REALITY</h2> According to sources from our media outlet, there are two key reasons behind the dissatisfaction of young police officers. First and foremost, the unprofessional attitude of the managerial staff in regional centers and security departments. Additionally, there is a lack of professional care during recruitment and assignment to the organizational units where they received their first deployment decisions.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/20260128110148_56706cb24773ba5f315535e3aa12c2c2b88b029cbd3e6abeaf3b81bb4ec0c9f7.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260128110148_56706cb24773ba5f315535e3aa12c2c2b88b029cbd3e6abeaf3b81bb4ec0c9f7" data-rendition-name="original" width="1250" height="600" loading="lazy" alt="WHO WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS: Veselin Radulović"> <figcaption>WHO WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS: Veselin Radulović(Photo: UGC)</figcaption> </figure>  Renowned Montenegrin lawyer and former senior police officer Veselin Radulović points out that the fact that a significant number of young people left the service immediately after being hired shows that the problem was predictable, but that those in charge chose to ignore it. - It is clear that it is not enough to simply fill positions on paper and publish what I would call political job postings, while assigning those who are hired to positions mostly outside their place of residence, and with salaries that are not adequate to ensure even basic decent living conditions - Radulović said in an interview with ETV. He emphasizes that this approach by officials in the Ministry of Interior demonstrates „extremely irresponsible planning and a lack of accountability not only toward those young people who were hired, but also toward all citizens of Montenegro“.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/20260128110152_a1652c78b47b298fb810ce1a92917d6f86a328345fcec6a8f6d882baa2ff9cc0.jpg" data-media-id="editor_2" data-image-id="20260128110152_a1652c78b47b298fb810ce1a92917d6f86a328345fcec6a8f6d882baa2ff9cc0" data-rendition-name="original" width="1000" height="666" loading="lazy" alt="TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN: MUP and Police Directorate Job Advertisement"> <figcaption>TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN: MUP and Police Directorate Job Advertisement(Photo: UGC)</figcaption> </figure>  <h2>LACK&nbsp;</h2> <h2>OF A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH</h2> Disappointed police officers who contacted our media outlet say they were unpleasantly surprised, even shocked, by the atmosphere that awaited them. - From the very first day of my engagement, a lack of organization was evident, as well as the tendency to leave young officers to fend for themselves. Within the police collective, there is an obvious lack of professional and human attitude toward newly arrived colleagues - said one police officer who terminated his contract with the Police Directorate about ten days ago. In addition, ETV sources say there were technical problems - shortages of uniforms, work equipment, and basic office supplies; some supervisors even instructed new officers to manage on their own or to purchase the necessary equipment themselves.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-etv/swp/8p72gy/media/20260128110156_4b5d30c10827cc879f256880ff677786a14774dfdc4b689e4ad0861373579ef1.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20260128110156_4b5d30c10827cc879f256880ff677786a14774dfdc4b689e4ad0861373579ef1" data-rendition-name="original" width="960" height="600" loading="lazy" alt="HOW TO RETAIN YOUNG POLICE OFFICERS: Šćepanović and Šaranović"> <figcaption>HOW TO RETAIN YOUNG POLICE OFFICERS: Šćepanović and Šaranović(Photo: UGC)</figcaption> </figure>  Among the police officers who entered and then left the service in an unusually short time are university-educated individuals who saw no future for themselves in such a working environment. - Instead of these rushed job postings and political marketing we witness almost daily, what is needed is a system that retains people in the service, not one that drives them away in the very first days, once they see the state of the service and who is running it - lawyer Radulović concluded. <h2>A SOLUTION THAT IS - NOT A SOLUTION</h2> However, it is evident that those in charge - Aleksa Bečić, Danilo Šaranović, and other Democratic Party officials - decided that instead of changing their way of working, they would announce yet another job posting. On the last day of the previous year, the Ministry of Interior published a new public call for the employment of 514 new police officers, which will remain open for 20 days, until January 20, 2026. That hardly looks like a new strategy - more like a bookmaker’s chant: better luck next time.

Draško Đuranović

Siniša Adamović

Why is it that, when the Democrats are hiring, the number of police officers keeps dropping

Služenje obaveznog vojnog roka u Srbiji će početi ili u decembru 2026. ili u martu 2027. godine.
To je, između ostalog, najavio predsjednik ove zemlje Aleksandar Vučić, prenosi Radio Slobodna Evropa (RSE).&nbsp;
Naveo je da odluka o početku vojnog roka zavisi od spremnosti kapaciteta i vojnih objekata.
- Tu odluku ćemo uskoro donijeti, u narednih mjesec ili dva, i ići pred Skupštinu i krenuti sa evidentiranjem vojnih obveznika - rekao je on danas nakon sastanka sa vojnim čelnicima o stanju i analizi sposobnosti Vojske Srbije za 2025. godinu.
Vojni rok će, napominje Vučić, trajati 75 dana.
- Moramo da spremimo sve objekte. Imamo dovoljno pušaka i čizama ali postoje neke stvari koje još nisu potpuno spremne - kazao je on.
Prema njegovom mišljenju, Srbija mora da obnovi regrutne centre, unaprijedi i obnov ambulante...
- To su važna pitanja jer želimo da to spremno dočekamo i da ti mladi ljudi vojsku provedu u najboljim uslovima. Da steknu potrebnu odgovornost i ozbiljnost, kao i odnos prema patriotizmu - izjavio je on.
Uvođenje obaveznog vojnog roka mora da izglasa parlament donošenjem zakona. Predstavnici tamošnjih vlasti su proteklih godina u više navrata najavljivali vraćanje vojnog roka. Ideja je konkretizovana u januaru 2024. Tada je Generalštab Vojske Srbije pokrenuo inicijativu i predložio predsjedniku uvođenje vojnog roka.
Vučić je potom, u septembru iste godine, potpisao saglasnost da se u Srbiju vrati obavezni vojni rok. Od njegovog ukidanja, 1. januara 2011. godine, u vojsku se ide samo dobrovoljno.
Vraćanje obaveznog vojnog roka je u oktobru 2025. izglasala je i susjedna Hrvatska.
Među zemljama koje nisu ukidale obavezan vojni rok su: Švajcarska, Norveška, Danska, Finska, Austrija, Turska, Estonija, Grčka, Kipar, Ukrajina, Rusija i Belorusija.

Vučić: Obavezni vojni rok od decembra 2026. ili marta 2027.

Njemački automobili su statusni simbol i za 1,45 milijardi Indijaca. Zato su njemački proizvođači s nestrpljenjem dočekali trgovinski sporazum sa Indijom i drastično niže carine. Ipak, ni Indija nije lako tržište.
Indija je najmnogoljudnija država na svijetu. U proteklim godinama ostvarila je impresivan ekonomski rast od prosječno šest do sedam odsto godišnje, stope rasta o kojima druge države mogu samo sanjati, piše Dojče vele (DW).
U Indiji postoji sve brojnija srednja klasa i mlado stanovništvo koje postaje sve imućnije.
„Zbog toga je novi sporazum o slobodnoj trgovini sa EU za njemačku automobilsku industriju sigurno prilika da otvori novi pristup tržištu“, smatra Konstantin Gal, savjetnik u firmi EY Parthenon.
„Indiji su potrebni terenci“
U prvoj fazi, carine na određene uvozne automobile, koje sada iznose i do 110 odsto, trebalo bi da se smanje na 40, a kasnije i na deset odsto. To bi se trebalo odnositi na kvotu od 250.000 vozila godišnje. Na auto-dijelove carine bi trebalo potpuno da se ukinu nakon pet do deset godina.
Frank Švope s Visoke škole za menadžment u Kelnu smatra da je to važna osnova za njemačke proizvođače automobila kada je riječ o otvaranju novih tržišta i pronalaženju kupaca.
„SUV vozila u Indiji su potrebna, kao i robusniji automobili, jer putevi u Indiji su daleko od evropskih standarda“, naveo je Švope.
Šta sa fabrikama u samoj Indiji?
Indija je već odavno važno tržište za svjetsku automobilsku industriju. Potražnja je ogromna, a zemlja bi sve više mogla da postane tržište poput SAD ili Kine.
Stručnjak za automobilsku industriju Kristof Štirmer oprezniji je: po njemu, za njemačke proizvođače to je „dvosekli mač“ – novim trgovinskim sporazumom može se podstaći direktan izvoz u Indiju.
„S druge strane, kompanije poput Audija već su otvorile fabrike u Indiji koje čekaju proširenje. To opet postavlja pitanje smisla uvoza vozila iz Evrope“, kazao je Štirmer.
I Indijci sve više voze „na struju“
Elektromobilnost u Indiji danas ima veliku ulogu, jer je zagađenje vazduha u nekim gradovima ozbiljan problem.
„Indija počinje sa sektorima koji su najvažniji za saobraćaj, dakle sa malom i mikromobilnošću“, kaže Štirmer.
To uključuje skutere, motocikle i brojne trokolice „tuk-tuk“ koje se koriste širom zemlje. I autobusi voze na struju.
„U nekim gradovima već su u potpunosti prešli na električne autobuse. Slediće ih i drugi. To je u Indiji centralna strategija“, dodao je.
Država to podstiče, postoje poreske olakšice i subvencije.
Mnoštvo domaćih vozila i „Japanaca“
Teško je procijeniti u kojoj mjeri njemački proizvođači mogu profitirati od rasta tržišta u Indiji. U novom sporazumu o slobodnoj trgovini ne spominju se poreske olakšice za uvezena električna vozila.
Domaći i japanski proizvođači dominiraju tržištem. Suzuki i Honda u Indiji imaju velike pogone, ulažu milijarde u nove fabrike i razvoj modela. Snažno napreduju i južnokorejski proizvođači poput Hjundaija i Kije.
Vlada, s druge strane, podstiče domaće proizvođače:
„Vlada želi da ti proizvođači prvi udovolje potrebama mladog i rastućeg tržišta“, objašnjava Gal.
Frank Švope ipak ostaje optimista:
„Smatram da ima dovoljno prostora i za njemačke proizvođače.“
Sporazum je prilika da se ponovo pozicioniraju na tržištu koje postaje sve zahtjevnije. S tim se slaže i Gal:
„U predstojećim godinama to će za njemačke proizvođače sigurno biti tržište koje ne smiju izgubiti iz vida.“

Njemački automobili pojeftinjuju nakon sporazuma EU–Indija

Premijer Velike Britanije Kir Starmer sastao se danas u Pekingu sa kineskim liderom Si Đinpingom, gdje su dogovorili više sporazuma - a među njima i onaj prema kom će građani Ujedinjenog Kraljevstva koji idu u Kinu poslovno ili kao turisti, moći da putuju bez vize za boravke kraće od 30 dana.
Starmer je rekao da je sastanak, koji je trajao sat i 20 minuta, bio produktivan i da je donio „stvarne, konkretne rezultate“.
Građani Ujedinjenog Kraljevstva koji putuju u Kinu poslovno ili kao turisti moći će da putuju bez vize za boravke kraće od 30 dana. Time se UK usklađuje sa drugim zemljama, uključujući Francusku, Njemačku i Austriju.
Nije naveden datum kada će ovaj bezvizni režim stupiti na snagu, ali se vlada nada da će se to desiti što je prije moguće, prenosi BBC.

Postignut dogovor: Državljani Velike Britanije putovaće bezvizno u Kinu

Predsjednik Ukrajine Volodimir Zelenski zahvalio je danas američkom predsjedniku Donaldu Trampu na mogućnosti obezbjeđivanja bezbjednosti Kijeva i drugih ukrajinskih gradova tokom ekstremnog zimskog perioda.
- Snabdijevanje električnom energijom je temelj života. Cijenimo napore naših partnera da nam pomognu da zaštitimo živote. Hvala vam, predsjedniče Tramp. Naši timovi su o tome razgovarali u Ujedinjenim Arapskim Emiratima. Očekujemo da će sporazumi biti sprovedeni. Koraci deeskalacije doprinose stvarnom napretku ka okončanju rata - rekao je Zelenski u objavi na društvenoj mreži Iks.
Ranije danas, predsednik Sjedinjenih Američkih Država Donald Tramp izjavio je da je ruski predsjednik Vladimir Putin pristao da tokom sedam dana ne izvodi napade na Kijev i druge ukrajinske gradove zbog, kako je naveo, ekstremno niskih temperatura u regionu.
- Lično sam zamolio predsjednika Putina da nedjelju dana ne gađa Kijev i druge gradove, i on je na to pristao - rekao je Tramp na sastanku kabineta u Bijeloj kući, navodeći "izuzetno hladno vrijeme" kao razlog za taj zahtjev, prenosi Gardijan.
On je dodao da su ga pojedini savjetovali da "ne troši poziv", jer, kako su rekli, neće dobiti takav ustupak, ali da je ruski predsjednik ipak pristao.
Ukrajinski ministar energetike Denis Šmihalj rekao je juče da je zbog nestašice struje usled ruskog granatiranja u Kijevu 610.000 potrošača ostalo bez struje.
Najveći ukrajinski proizvođač električne energije DTEK grupa objavio je prethodno da Kijev prelazi sa vanrednog na privremeni režim isključenja struje.