Koprivica: The state is determined to end practices of impunity and establish a standard of full accountability

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica participated in the opening of an event marking the presentation of the Regional Study on the integrity and independence of criminal justice in the Western Balkans, with a special focus on Montenegro in the EU accession process. The event was organised by the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, and the Faculty of Law of the University Mediterranean.

Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica stressed that an independent judiciary is a prerequisite for a strong democracy. There can be no successful state without institutions that operate freely, professionally and responsibly. Nor can there be a European future without a clear and determined fight against corruption at all levels.

He noted that today’s event is important not only as a professional forum, but also as a confirmation of the shared commitment to carry out reforms to completion. The goal must be a system in which the law applies equally to all, where legal awareness is continuously strengthened, where there are no privileged individuals, and where institutions operate free from political influence.

In that context, Koprivica highlighted the importance of implementing the GRECO recommendations. These recommendations are not merely a list of technical tasks; they provide a clear roadmap for improving transparency, preventing conflicts of interest, strengthening ethical standards of public officials, and further reinforcing the independence of the judiciary, anti-corruption bodies and law enforcement authorities.

The Government remains firmly committed, in cooperation with Parliament, the judiciary and all relevant stakeholders, to accelerating the implementation of the remaining GRECO recommendations. This is not only a matter of international obligations, but above all a matter of responsibility to citizens and their expectation to live in a well-regulated system. It is also a priority of both the Government and the National Council for the Fight against Corruption.

The importance attached to strengthening the anti-corruption framework is further demonstrated by the Government’s recent adoption of a Proposal to amend the Constitution, aimed at eliminating the immunity of Government members from criminal prosecution for offences related to abuse of office, which lie at the core of corruption. This means that one of the strongest anti-corruption measures will be embedded in the highest legal act of the state.

Public office cannot and must not serve as a shield from accountability. On the contrary, the higher the office, the greater the responsibility. Public trust is not built through privileges, but through the willingness to ensure equality before the law and adherence to the highest standards.

This reform sends a strong message to the domestic public, European partners and every citizen: that the state is determined to end practices of impunity and establish a standard of full accountability. Systemic solutions are the most effective means of preventing corruption, and by embedding one of the strongest anti-corruption measures into the Constitution, the fight against corruption is given the highest priority.

He also underlined that the Ministry of Justice is continuously, professionally and diligently working on analyses and concrete solutions to improve the normative framework within which the judiciary operates, which is of particular importance for strengthening the rule of law and accelerating EU integration.

The task ahead is not an easy one. Reforms that affect structures of power always encounter resistance. However, serious states do not choose the easier path, but the right one.

He concluded by expressing the expectation that the conference will offer expert findings, concrete proposals and recommendations, as well as an additional impetus to continue reforms together. The Government will support any solution that strengthens institutional integrity, judicial independence and zero tolerance for corruption.

Finally, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica emphasised that the fight for the rule of law is not an obligation towards others, but an obligation towards ourselves and future generations.