The Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget ended a consultative discussion (hearing) on the topic “Implementation of the Law on NGOs regarding their funding”, which started on 21 October 2013.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the following: Ministry of Finance, Commission for Distribution of Income from the Games of Chance, Cooperation Council of the Government of Montenegro with the NGOs, NGO “Civic Alliance”. NGO “Institute Alternative”, coalition of NGOs “Saradnjom do cilja” (With Cooperation to the Goal), and NGO “PK Visokogorci”.

Following the multi-hour discussion, which had been carried out in two parts, among other things, it was concluded that it was necessary to carry out harmonisation of the legislative and regulatory framework, or perform harmonisation of the Law on the Games of Chance, the Law on Minority Rights and Freedoms and the Law on Protection of Cultural Goods with the Law on NGOs. During the discussion, among other things, the significance of transparency of the decision-making process regarding allocation of funds was emphasised, the manner of work of the current Commission for Distribution of Income from the Games of Chance was analysed, and the need to grant greater competencies to this authority was pointed out, but also to establish greater responsibility.

It was agreed that, starting from the stated views, and having in mind the submitted written opinions and proposals, the Service of the Committee should compile a Proposal of Evaluations and Views on which the Committee would vote in one of their following meetings.