DPM Koprivica participates in regional event on harnessing technology to prevent corruption in public procurement and strengthen business integrity

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica participated in the opening of a regional event on harnessing technology to prevent corruption in public procurement and strengthen business integrity. The event was organised by the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and UNODC, with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI).

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of a conference dedicated to a highly important issue in modern society: the role of technology in preventing corruption in public procurement and strengthening the integrity of the overall system.

He pointed out that public procurement represents one of the key segments of managing public resources but is also an area particularly exposed to risks of abuse. It is precisely in this area that technology provides powerful tools for improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Digital platforms, open data, and advanced analytical methods enable real-time monitoring of processes, reduce the scope for manipulation by the human factor, and strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions.

However, as Koprivica emphasised, technology alone is not a sufficient solution. Its true value becomes evident only when it is rationally combined with clear rules, strong institutions, and the commitment of all stakeholders to integrity and accountability.

The Anti-Corruption Strategy of Montenegro for the period 2024–2028 defines public procurement as one of its six priority areas. At its core, the Strategy highlights that comprehensive, precise, and coherent regulations on the one hand, and the broad application of modern information technologies on the other, form the foundation of effective corruption prevention. In this regard, solutions have also been developed in other important areas, such as the regulation of free zones through a new and comprehensive law.

Montenegro has closed the negotiating chapter on public procurement, which demonstrates sustainable progress in this area. The Ministry of Finance and the Government of Montenegro remain continuously committed to improving both the regulatory framework and practice in this field, reflecting a strong commitment to the rational use of public resources, as well as to strengthening anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica emphasised that today’s conference represents an opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and to jointly contribute to building a public procurement system that is transparent, fair, and resilient to corruption.