The fourteenth meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between Montenegro and the European Commission was held in Podgorica.

Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood, stated that the chapters connected to the rule of law, covered by this Subcommittee, are at the core of the accession process. She emphasised that progress in these areas dictates the overall pace of negotiations.

"Montenegro has set an extremely ambitious goal to temporarily close all chapters by the end of next year. The European Commission is ready to support Montenegro in this demanding task. There is no time to lose if we want to succeed in this historic mission. Montenegro must maintain political focus and foster broad consensus on EU-related reforms. Ultimately, unity and focus are the only way to swiftly and effectively meet the criteria for closing negotiation chapters," said Superti.

Copyright: Saša Matić, Vlada Crne Gore

Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator, Predrag Zenović, highlighted the need for further strengthening institutions and the judiciary to Ensure lasting progress in combating organised crime and corruption.

Zenović emphasised the importance of the reforms connected to the rule of law for the country’s further progress on the accession path towards the EU and commended the work of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office in prosecuting high-level corruption and organised crime cases.

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice, and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica, stated that Montenegro's legal system is undergoing a fundamental qualitative transformation as part of its harmonisation with the EU acquis.

"Judicial, anti-corruption and media legislation has been reformed over the past year. A new strategic framework for combating corruption, which had been lacking for an entire decade, has been established. Law enforcement institutions are achieving significant and internationally recognised results, particularly in the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime. In this process, they enjoy the government's full support while their institutional autonomy and independence are fully respected," Koprivica asserted.