DPM Bečić meets with delegation of OSCE PA Committee on Countering Terrorism

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met earlier today with a delegation of the Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT) of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, headed by the Committee Chairman Kamil Aydin.

DPM Bečić expressed satisfaction with the visit taking place at a time when Montenegro, as he emphasised, is achieving remarkable results, highlighting that cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly had been at a high level even during his term as President of the Parliament of Montenegro.

He pointed out that Montenegro, under this Government's mandate, continuously delivers results in relation to two key priorities: intensifying the European path and resolutely combating all forms of crime.

“Reforms are being carried out from multiple directions. The system is being modernised and digitised, interoperability has been significantly improved, modern equipment is being procured, personnel reform is being implemented by opening doors for young people, motivating professionals and eliminating undue influences, all aimed at healing and building a strong, resilient and professional security sector,” Mr Bečić stated.

Considering the transnational component, the unpredictability of this type of crime, the challenges of the digital world and artificial intelligence, the fight against terrorism and extremism is one of the national priorities, DPM Bečić noted, stressing that the list of national priorities in the fight against crime during this security sector's mandate has been expanded to include environmental crime, with the initiative of the Bureau for Operational Coordination that in the coming period hybrid actions will also be part of it.

“The strategy for combating violent extremism is in the final stage of preparation, in coordination with the European Commission. The legal framework in this area is largely aligned with the EU law. At the national level, we have established an inter-ministerial operational team dealing with this issue, and with the engagement of the Bureau for Operational Coordination and the working team, work is being done to establish a national “watch” list, in line with which the agreement between the competent institutions was signed a few weeks ago, Mr Bečić said.

Particular focus has been placed on young people, he added, considering their exposure to the online space and potential risks, noting that educational activities aimed at strengthening media and digital literacy are being carried out in that direction.

DPM Bečić also pointed out the importance of international cooperation, information exchange and joint operations as key elements of an effective response to security threats.

He also warned about the challenges brought by accelerated technological development, especially in the field of artificial intelligence.

“Our goal is to develop the State's digital capacities and ensure that technology is a tool for prevention, not a means of threat,” he stated.

Chairman of the OSCE PA Committee on Countering Terrorism Kamil Aydin noted that he is familiar with the security situation in Montenegro and the results being achieved.

He praised the work of the Government of Montenegro regarding efforts invested in preventing the radicalisation of young people and violent extremism, as well as combating all forms of organised crime.

Speaking about the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Aydin said that this body brings together 323 members from 57 countries, while the Committee on Combating Terrorism consists of 13 members from 12 countries, with the key mission of strengthening cooperation, exchanging views and making constructive recommendations.

He expressed concern over the growing challenges of radicalisation, especially among young people, as well as the abuse of modern communication technologies by terrorist and criminal structures.

Both sides also referred to the organisation of the "School Dialogue", which is taking place in Cetinje this year, while the previous one was held in Italy.

Mr Aydin emphasised that this event brings together parliamentarians and representatives of international organisations, with the view of better understanding the mechanisms through which young people are exposed to radicalisation influences, as well as defining adequate preventive responses.