DPM Koprivica meets with Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica is paying a working visit to Strasbourg, where he met with Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica briefed Mr. Esposito on the key reform activities the Government of Montenegro is implementing within the framework of European integration, with a special emphasis on the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, strengthening judicial independence, and the protection of human rights. He emphasized that the Government’s priorities are aligned with the requirements of Chapters 23 and 24, which are crucial for Montenegro’s progress towards full EU membership. Additionally, he stressed that the Government of Montenegro shares the Council of Europe's position that democratic security is a prerequisite for overall security, and that efforts must be made on all fronts to counter the trends that threaten democratic development and spread disinformation that undermines democratic values.

Koprivica underlined the importance of implementing recommendations, particularly those of GRECO, highlighting concrete progress and measures aimed at strengthening the legal and ethical integrity of top executive officials, especially through the Draft Law on Civil Servants and State Employees.
He also pointed to increased transparency through the Draft Law on Free Access to Information, and the reinforcement of mechanisms to fight corruption.

Director General Esposito positively assessed Montenegro’s efforts, noting that visible progress has been made in the area of rule of law in the recent period. He highlighted that significant positive changes have taken place, marking an important step forward, and that the Council of Europe recognizes the strong political will of the Montenegrin Government to implement reforms.

Esposito emphasized that the recommendations of GRECO and MONEYVAL, as well as progress in Chapters 23 and 24, are of key importance for the overall reform process and Montenegro’s EU accession path, adding that the goals set and results achieved in these areas are encouraging. He expressed the Council of Europe's readiness to continue providing Montenegro with full support through expert assistance, ensuring that the reform process is successfully completed and aligned with the highest European standards.

The meeting was assessed as constructive and encouraging for further work, with both sides agreeing that the continuation of intensive cooperation and implementation of recommendations is crucial for achieving Montenegro’s strategic goal — membership in the European Union.