DPM Koprivica meets with delegation of International Republican Institute in Montenegro

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica met with a delegation of the International Republican Institute in Montenegro (IRI), composed of Borislav Spasojević, Nenad Koprivica, and Zlatko Vujović, a member of the IRI's working group for the Western Balkans.

Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica welcomed the guests and emphasised that the goals of the 44th Government are the rule of law and European progress. He informed the guests that the establishment of the National Council for the Fight against Corruption is nearing completion and that his office is undertaking preparatory activities regarding the drafting of a strategy for combating corruption, which is important, among other things, in terms of obligations under chapter 23. He expressed readiness for cooperation with IRI on the issue of combating corruption. Additionally, he noted the importance of expediting the drafting of judicial and anti-corruption legislation and obtaining high-quality documents as soon as possible, with the opinions of the European Commission and the Venice Commission.

Borislav Spasojević, the Programme Director of the IRI, extended congratulations to the Government for its overall work and briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on the IRI's activities in Montenegro. He highlighted that one of the areas covered by the Regional Programme is the fight against corruption, and reassured Montenegro of support in this regard.

Zlatko Vujović, a member of the IRI's working group for the Western Balkans, emphasised the recommendation to use an inclusive approach in drafting the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption. He stressed the importance of involving non-governmental sectors in the development of the Strategy and amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption. He expressed readiness to assist in drafting these documents.

During the meeting, the participants agreed on the success achieved by the Government in appointing the Supreme State Prosecutor, members of the Judicial Council, and the remaining judge of the Constitutional Court. They also emphasised the importance of respecting the recommendations and opinions of the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the drafting of regulations and strategic documents. Furthermore, consensus was reached on the need to promptly appoint the Council of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, which is also a priority in meeting the interim benchmarks for chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights.