Venice Commission: Montenegro accepted recommendations on the Constitutional Court Law

The Venice Commission adopted a Draft Opinion on the Draft Law on the Constitutional Court of Montenegro.

The adopted opinion states that Montenegro has fully accepted and incorporated three out of four recommendations of the Venice Commission.

With regard to the fourth recommendation, it was assessed that the proposed solution is in line with European practice and with the recommendation of the Venice Commission, while noting that additional clarification of the proposed solution is required. In this context, the Ministry of Justice will proceed, in the coming period, with additional normative harmonisation in accordance with the Opinion.

Specifically, the fourth recommendation relates to the issue of extending the mandate of Constitutional Court judges after the termination of their term of office, until the election of new judges.

The Government of Montenegro will be informed of the Venice Commission’s Opinion at the earliest opportunity, after which the Working Group will further harmonise the provision relating to this issue. Upon completion of this process, the Draft Law will be submitted for public consultation.

At the session of the Venice Commission, Montenegro was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica.

The adoption of the Venice Commission’s Opinion confirms that the Ministry of Justice has fulfilled its assumed obligations and honoured its commitments, and that previous criticisms and doubts regarding this process were unfounded.

Our credible, inclusive and expert-based approach is best confirmed by the positive assessments and comments of the Venice Commission.

The rule of law and the protection of human rights remain Montenegro’s permanent commitment and clear path forward.