The Government agenda for 2012, which comprises 200 topics, puts special emphasis on Montenegro’s EU and NATO integration efforts, alleviation of the negative effects of the economic crisis and encouragement of economic growth, as well as regional and bilateral cooperation, the Secretary General of the Government Žarko Šturanović told the press conference following the Cabinet meeting earlier today.

Bearing in mind that EU accession talks are expected to begin in June, the Secretary General announced the establishment of the negotiations structure and the proposal for the European Commission’s spring report containing the report on activities in meeting the European Commission's seven key priorities in the period 1 September 2011 – 1 March 2012.

The 2012 agenda, in his words, provides for the prioritised obligations referring primarily to the harmonisation of domestic legislation with that of the EU, strengthening the rule of law, judiciary and public administration reform, fight against corruption and organised crime, strengthening cooperation with the civil sector and protection from discrimination.

The Government will undertake measures to ensure monetary and fiscal stability, reduce public spending, improve the business environment and conduct other reforms in areas such as education, health, science and social welfare, Secretary General Šturanović noted.

He said that further regulatory reform, envisaged by the agenda, will create preconditions for reinforcing productivity of small and medium-size enterprises, attracting foreign direct investment, increasing employment and the economy’s competitiveness.

Secretary General Šturanović also informed the media about the novelty according to which the ministries are required to submit a bill along with the report of the public hearing to the Government. The measure aims at better definition of public policies and involving the general public into their creation from the very beginning.