Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković participated in a public dialogue with university students on the prosecutorial profession, justice and the European Union, held in the Blue Hall of the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro and organized by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM).
The event was dedicated to presenting the prosecutorial profession as a career choice to students, while providing concrete insights into the day-to-day work and challenges faced by the prosecution service. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of independence and accountability in exercising the prosecutorial function, as well as on the role of the judiciary in the European integration process and alignment with European Union standards.
The event was opened by Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, who highlighted Montenegro’s significant progress in the area of the rule of law, particularly in strengthening the independence and accountability of the judiciary. She stressed that this progress had contributed to the European Union beginning to view Montenegro as a serious candidate for future membership, and expressed the expectation that negotiations with the EU would be completed by the end of 2026, while Montenegro could become a full member by 2028.
Nevenka Vuksanović, Director of CEDEM, welcomed the large number of participants and congratulated Montenegro on its significant progress in the accession process: “The establishment of the working group for drafting the Accession Treaty represents a strong and concrete step forward for Montenegro towards EU membership, confirming institutional maturity and commitment to the final stage of the negotiation process.”
Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković reflected on his student days and professional development, emphasizing that the prosecutorial profession is, above all, a profession of responsibility. “Working in the prosecution service requires courage, continuous professional development and a willingness to make sacrifices. Public criticism is often inevitable, but the key is to remain true to one’s conscience and professional principles.”
Through an open dialogue, more than 80 participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange views and receive direct answers about the functioning of the prosecutorial system, its reforms and development prospects in the context of Montenegro’s accession to the European Union.
The participants, including university students and secondary-school students, were particularly interested in the professional position of prosecutors, the functioning of the criminal justice system and the broader social context of their role. Particular attention was paid to the psychological challenges of the profession, ethical standards and the impact of public pressure, as well as methods of combating crime, legislative changes and cooperation between the prosecution service, courts and the legal profession. Discussions also addressed the future of law, including its adaptation to contemporary challenges and its application in emergency and wartime circumstances.
The event confirmed the importance of connecting the judiciary, civil society and young people as an important step towards strengthening trust and improving the legal system. It was held as part of the “EUROHUB28 – Montenegro in the EU by 2028” project, implemented by CEDEM with the financial support of the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro.
