Government of Montenegro establishes integrity commission in line with GRECO recommendations

In accordance with the GRECO recommendations and at the proposal of the National Council for the Fight Against Corruption, the Government of Montenegro has established the Integrity Commission with the aim of strengthening the system for preventing corruption among holders of the highest executive offices.

The task of the Commission will be to provide confidential counseling and continuous training for holders of the highest executive positions regarding issues of conflict of interest, integrity, corruption prevention and other anti-corruption obligations. This not only implements an important GRECO recommendations, but also strengthens the capacities of the executive branch and sends a message of readiness to perform executive duties responsibly and in accordance with the highest anti-corruption standards.

The establishment of the Commission represents another concrete step towards building a system in which accountability is not merely a political slogan, but an institutional obligation and a continuous responsibility. Through this, the Government confirms that the prevention of and fight against corruption begins precisely with those who make the most important decisions in the country.

This measure is part of the Government’s comprehensive policy aimed at preventing corruption, strengthening integrity among the highest executive officials and aligning with international standards.

Furthermore, the Commission will be tasked with conducting activities aimed at strengthening integrity, preparing guidelines, identifying risks and weaknesses within the integrity system, and proposing measures to enhance ethics, transparency, and accountability among holders of the highest executive offices. One of the key goals behind this decision is to strengthen awareness of the importance of consistent and full compliance with anti-corruption obligations.

The members of the Commission will be representatives of the Government’s General Secretariat, Secretariat for Legislation and Ministry of Justice, selected from among permanently employed staff. The prescribed conditions for selecting Commission members include holding a Level VII-1 qualification, having at least three years of work experience and at least one year of experience in anti-corruption activities. The Commission will cooperate with bodies responsible for corruption prevention.

At the previous Cabinet session, all holders of the highest executive offices were instructed by conclusion to participate in the “Ethics and Integrity” training programme developed by the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The implementation of this task is currently progressing successfully.

The proposal for constitutional amendments and changes to the normative framework, as well as the establishment of the Integrity Commission, demonstrate the Government’s continuous commitment to preventing corruption and implementing the highest anti-corruption standards within Montenegro’s legal system.

In this regard, the Government has already adopted a modern and comprehensive Draft Law on the Government, which includes, among other things, clear provisions on integrity checks before appointment and during the exercise of office, as well as the adoption of a Code of Ethics. In addition, the Government has adopted a proposal to amend the Constitution, envisaging the abolition of immunity for the President of the State and Cabinet members in cases involving criminal offenses related to official duties.

Simultaneously, amendments to the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees have introduced clear conditions for the appointment of special advisers to the Prime Minister and deputy prime ministers, chiefs of the PM Office, and deputy chiefs of office. These positions may not be filled by persons convicted of criminal offenses rendering them unfit for public office, persons involved in illegal lobbying or unlawful donations to political entities, or persons sanctioned for violating the Law on the Prevention of Corruption. Previously, this area was entirely unregulated and represented a serious legal gap. In addition to these requirements, the amendments also introduce an integrity verification procedure for such individuals.

These measures, along with numerous other activities undertaken, testify to the continuous efforts to improve the anti-corruption framework in line with international standards.

For the first time, Montenegro is systematically establishing mechanisms that oblige the highest state officials not only to political accountability, but also to full professional and ethical responsibility, while creating incentives for continuous work on strengthening legal and ethical integrity and the consistent fulfillment of anti-corruption obligations.