The progress achieved by the State Prosecutor’s Office in combating all forms of crime is becoming increasingly visible beyond the country’s borders and provides a basis for further progress towards European Union accession, it was assessed during a meeting between Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković and Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović and Austrian Minister of Justice Anna Sporrer.

The meeting, held at Villa “Gorica”, provided an opportunity to present concrete results in the prosecution of all forms of crime, particularly organised crime and corruption. It was emphasised that these results are a clear indicator of the strengthening of the rule of law in Montenegro and an important contribution to the overall European integration process.

The prosecution representatives stressed their full commitment to meeting the final benchmarks under negotiating Chapters 23 and 24, presenting the steps taken in this direction through reforms aimed at strengthening the efficiency, professionalism and accountability of the prosecution system. In this regard, the need for continued strengthening of human resources and institutional capacities was emphasised.

The interlocutors agreed that strengthening the rule of law requires a modern and strong prosecution service operating in accordance with European Union standards and enjoying the full confidence of citizens. They stressed that an independent and impartial prosecution service, free from any political or other influence, is a prerequisite for the successful continuation of Montenegro’s European path.

The interlocutors also emphasised that international cooperation is an important pillar for strengthening efficiency through the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices, and expressed their readiness to further strengthen partnerships between the institutions of Montenegro and Austria in the field of justice.