More Information about Montenegro

Political Situation

The status of the union between Montenegro and Serbia was decided by a referendum on Montenegrin independence on May 21, 2006 . A total of 419.240 votes were cast, representing 86,5% of the total electorate. 230.661 votes or 55,5% were for independence and 185.002 votes or 44,5% were against. The 45.659 difference narrowly surpassed the 55% threshold needed to validate the referendum under rules set by the European Union. According to the electoral commission, the 55% threshold was passed by only 2,300 votes. Serbia, the member-states of the European Union, and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have all recognized Montenegro's independence; doing so removed all remaining obstacles from Montenegro's path towards becoming one of the world's newest sovereign state. However, the pro-Union bloc in Montenegro refused to acknowledge the result of the referendum, as they allege that up to 16.000 foreign people came into the country to vote pro-independence, and that the Montenegrins in Serbia were given free train passes to vote pro-union.

The 2006 referendum was monitored by 5 international observer missions, headed by an OSCE /ODIHR monitoring team, and around 3.000 observers in total (including domestic observers from CEMI and other organizations). The OSCE/ODIHR ROM joined efforts with the observers of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE) and the European Parliament (EP) to form an International Referendum Observation Mission (IROM). The IROM—in its preliminary report—"assessed compliance of the referendum process with OSCE commitments, Council of Europe commitments, other international standards for democratic electoral processes, and domestic legislation". Furthermore, the report assessed that the competitive pre-referendum environment was marked by an active and generally peaceful campaign and that "there were no reports of restrictions on fundamental civil and political rights".

The 2006 referendum commission, with an equal number of members from both blocs, was headed by a European Union designated official Frantisek Lipka (a Slovak diplomat) who held the "golden vote".

On June 3, 2006 , the Parliament of Montenegro declared the independence of Montenegro, formally confirming the result of the referendum on independence. Serbia did not obstruct the ruling, confirming its own independence and declaring the Union of Serbia and Montenegro dead shortly thereafter.

Montenegro began the process of seeking international recognition as well as a seat at international organizations, and on June 28, 2006, it became the 192nd member state of the United Nations.

With the change in the national flag to match that of the pre-1918 royal standard, there is speculation that the exiled king of Montenegro, Prince Nikola II Petrovic-Njegos, could return to the country as a constitutional monarch. Nikola II is currently living in Paris. Nikola II has never renounced his throne and has always championed Montenegrin independence, and has several times during 2006 expressed that he is at the disposal of the Montenegrin people to serve as king, if it's the general consensus of the population.

Main article: Foreign relations of Montenegro

The first state to recognise Montenegro was Iceland, on June 8, 2006, followed by Switzerland and Estonia on June 9, and Russia on June11. Recognition by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia soon followed. The European  and the United States recognized Montenegro on June 12, as have various member states of the EU and other European countries (including Bulgaria). The United Kingdom formally extended recognition on June 13, as did the People's Republic of China and France on June 14, meaning that all five permanent United Nations Security Council members recognise the government of Montenegro. Serbia, the other former component of the State Union, recognised Montenegro on June 15. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe decided to accept Montenegro as the 56th member of the organization on June 21 and the country took its seat at the Permanent Council on June 22. The United Nations, in a vote of the Security Council, decided to offer full membership of the organisation to Montenegro on June 22, 2006. Montenegro was confirmed as a member on June 28.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro

Economy

Spared much of the devastation faced by other Former-Yugoslav countries during the civil war of the 90’s, Montenegro nevertheless suffered considerable economic hardship. It is now going through a period of rapid change and economic growth by reforming its fiscal system while developing new business opportunities through privatization and the diversification of its economy.  Being a little rough around the edges adds much to Montenegro’s charm, but it is a safe and welcoming country.

Montenegro was recently announced as having the fasted growing tourism industry in the world by The World Tourism Organisation.

The Property Market

The Montenegrin property market is still a couple of two years behind Croatia allowing investors to take advantage of getting to the marketplace early, while property prices are still affordable but increasing steadily. In 2005 property prices appreciated in the range of 20-30% and rose about 30% in 2006. Because there is no Capital Gains Tax on property for private buyers, Montenegro has become very attractive to foreign investors. Until 2006 there were very few new developments in the costal and mountain regions of Montenegro. We have secured some interesting and exclusive new projects in 2007 that we would like to put at your disposal. In addition, it is important to mention that development on the seafront is still possible in Montenegro but it will likely follow the pattern of Croatia in the future, as both Montenegrin and Croatian Governments find it very important to protect their precious golden Adriatic coast. Further, rental yields in Montenegro have been between 2-4% per annum and they are expected to increase in accordance to the rising tourist levels Montenegro is experiencing and due to the fact that Montenegro is considered to be the fastest growing tourist market in the world according to the official WTTC survey.

Living in Montenegro

There is really something for everyone in Montenegro with stunning coastlines, towering mountains and four national parks with a diversity of wildlife as well as being home to the second deepest canyon in the world and a wealth of historical towns and culture.  In the winter you can ski in the mountains while the summer season enjoys 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Banking and Currency

Montenegro uses the Euro as currency. A cash culture mainly exists but you can use major credit cards in most restaurants / big shops and your credit card can be used to draw cash over the counter in the bank. All that is needed to open a bank account is your passport as proof of identification. At Damen Real Estate we can assist you in opening a local bank account. It is also possible to open a bank account in Montenegro from your country of residence and we will be pleased to assist you with the procedures.

Insurance

It is important to have adequate health care and travel insurance when travelling. When driving in Montenegro you must carry vehicle ownership / registration documents and proof of insurance with you, as well as an international driver’s license.

Visas

There are no visa requirements for UK and Irish citizens for visits to Montenegro of under 90 days. If you intend to stay longer, you must register as a temporary resident with the local police within the three month visitor period.  Work permits and residence visas should be applied for in Montenegro.

Access

There are direct flights from Heathrow and Dublin to Tivat between May and September with Yugoslav Airlines and Concord Travel respectively. JAT fly directly to Tivat from London Heathrow and Cosmos fly from Manchester to Tivat from May to October. Concorde travel offer direct flights from Dublin to Tivat during the summer months. BA fly from Heathrow to Belgrade throughout the year and from Belgrade you can take a connecting flight to Podgorica. Montenegro Airlines also fly from London to Podgorica, Tivat and Belgrade via Frankfurt or Vienna.  Another option is to fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia which is only a 20 min drive from the Montenegro border. British Airways and Croatian Airlines fly to Dubrovnik from London throughout the year and Aer Lingus fly to Dubrovnik from Dublin from the end of March to the end of October. 

Car Hire

Car rental firms have offices throughout Montenegro and at the airports, staffed by English speaking personnel.  Damen Real Estate can assist you with your car rental at no charge. 

Communications

Montenegro enjoys a modern and reasonably priced postal, telecommunications and internet sevice. UK and Irish mobile phones can be used within Montenegro although roaming charges are subject to individual network operators. Damen Real Estate advises clients to purchase a SIM card pack from one of the two Montenegrin mobile operators for calls made within Montenegro. These are available for between €10 - €20 and include prepaid call credit.

Crime

Day-to-day crime is minimal and our clients say Montenegro feels much safer than the UK or Ireland!  Houses and cars are often left unlocked and it is safe for women to travel alone. However just as in every country, it is always better to leave your doors locked.

Food and Drinks

Montenegrin cuisine can be divided into northern Continental and coastal Mediterranean style. Virtually everything is organic, and tastes are distinctive. On the coast wine, fish and olive oil are a must. Pizza is popular in local corner cafes and smoked ham, cheese and olives are offered regularly.

For drink you can try the Montenegrin beer Nikšić or the fine, locally produced red wine Vranac. The true national drink is Rakija, a fiery brandy distilled from white grapes. Many people distil their own, and if you are a guest in someone’s home you are likely to be offered it.