Bureau for Operational Coordination of the Intelligence and Security Sector holds a session

The Bureau for Operational Coordination of the Intelligence and Security Sector, with the participation of its members, as well as the Minister of the Interior and the Acting Assistant Director for the Crime Prevention Sector, held its twelfth session, during which a number of issues within its competence were considered.

The Bureau noted that, based on previously adopted conclusions, the period between the two sessions saw a continued trend of positive results in areas defined as national priorities in the fight against serious and organised crime. As particularly significant, the Bureau assessed the results of preventive and repressive activities undertaken over a two-month period starting in October, reflected in 3,785 checks of members of organised criminal groups and persons associated with them, as well as 395 inspections of hospitality establishments linked to, or frequented by, these categories of persons. Based on undertaken procedural activities against members of organised criminal groups and operationally interesting individuals, 177 criminal and misdemeanour charges were filed.

Within the scope of implementing previously established obligations, the Bureau also reviewed and analysed the actions of the Police Directorate towards foreign nationals in the context of the provisions of the currently applicable legislation, emphasising a multiple increase in the effectiveness of measures undertaken compared to the previous year, 2024.

In this regard, in the period from 1 January to 1 December of the current year: 10,568 misdemeanour charges were issued, which is 52% more compared to the entirety of 2024; 1,790 decisions on voluntary return to the country of origin were adopted, which is 82% more compared to the entirety of 2024; 212 foreign nationals were forcibly removed, which is 168% more compared to the entirety of 2024; 186 foreign nationals were expelled, which is 142% more compared to the entirety of 2024; the permitted stay of up to 90 days was cancelled for 1,989 foreign nationals, which is 70% more compared to the entirety of 2024; and procedures for the termination of temporary residence were initiated for 2,401 foreign nationals, which is 708% more compared to the entirety of 2024.

At the same time, the Bureau sent a very clear message that Montenegro remains open to foreign nationals who, through respect for regulations, clean investments, and good examples and practices, can contribute to the prosperity of the state.

Taking into account ongoing security challenges, as well as increased movement and presence of citizens during the upcoming holidays, the Bureau pointed out to the competent authorities their obligation to undertake all necessary measures to ensure a stable environment, with particular focus on the implementation of conclusions relating to preventive and repressive activities targeting high-risk individuals and groups. 

With regard to ongoing reform processes, the Bureau commended activities aimed at finalising amendments to strategically important laws – the Law on Weapons, which has been sent to the European Commission for an opinion; the Law on Road Traffic Safety, the text of which has been harmonised with the Secretariat for Legislation; and the Law on Foreigners, which is already in the final phase of parliamentary procedure. It is therefore expected that the proposed laws will, in the shortest possible time, become part of the national legal framework and form the basis for improving conditions in the respective areas.

The Bureau affirmed the strengthening of the human resources structure of the Ministry of the Interior – Police Directorate through the recruitment, on various grounds, of approximately 500 new police officers, with the intention of announcing new public calls in the coming period in accordance with current and forthcoming legislative improvements. In this context, the Bureau strongly supports other reforms proposed by the Government, including amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs, as well as the prompt resolution of the employment status of graduates of the Police Academy. 

In the field of digitalisation, the Bureau was informed of progress achieved in the procedures for introducing stationary radar systems, as well as expanding the public-area video surveillance system to the territory of the Old Royal Capital Cetinje and the municipalities of Herceg Novi and Nikšić, once again recalling that these are strategic and fundamental projects.

The Bureau expressed satisfaction that, through the adoption of the new Rulebook on Internal Organisation and Job Classification of the Ministry of the Interior, the conclusion regarding the establishment of a special organisational unit exclusively competent for criminal offences in the field of environmental crime has been implemented. This, together with the results achieved so far in this area, demonstrates a very clear commitment to combating this form of crime.

Finally, with the aim of fulfilling the final benchmarks for negotiating Chapter 24, the Bureau adopted a decision to establish an interdepartmental working group for the preparation of one of the key documents addressing the issue of serious and organised crime – SOCTA MNE 2026.

In line with planned activities, the Bureau also reviewed reports on the work of interdepartmental working groups and considered several other issues within its competence.