The Defense and Security Council convened today to decide on the scheduling of a special session with a broader composition to discuss the nation’s security situation, including a suggestion to revise the National Security Strategy.

The 36th and 37th sessions of the Council took place today at Villa Gorica in Podgorica, under the leadership of President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović. Participants included: Speaker of the Parliament Andrija Mandić, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, as well as invited guests such as Defense Minister Dragan Krapović, Internal Affairs Minister Danilo Šaranović, Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević, Acting Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović, Presidential Advisor Dejan Vukšić, and Prime Minister’s Advisor Todor Goranović.

“The Council concluded its 36th session with an agreement for further consultations between the Cabinet of the President of Montenegro and the Cabinet of the Minister of Defense to seek an optimal resolution,” Milatović’s office announced.

Mandić suggested during the Council meeting that Milatović and Spajić amend the National Security Strategy regarding the political influence of organized crime, advocating for the classification of transnational drug trafficking cartels as terrorist organizations.

Šaranović and Šćepanović briefed Council members on the current security landscape in Montenegro.

The session approved a Proposal for a Decision regarding the Engagement of Members of the Army of Montenegro in NATO Activities for Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine – NSATU). The Council agreed that Army members’ activities within NSATU would take place exclusively in NATO member countries. This proposal will be submitted to Parliament for review and decision-making.

“The session also adopted a Decision approving the participation of Montenegro’s Army units at the platoon level or higher in three exercises abroad scheduled for 2025. This proposal from the Ministry of Defense aligns with Montenegro’s NATO commitments, EU accession efforts, regional initiatives, and plans for bilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing military capabilities and combat readiness,” the announcement stated.

The Council reviewed an initiative from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, and the Ministry of Health to deploy police officers in Montenegro’s educational and health institutions. The Council requested a response from the Government regarding this proposal.

They also considered the Trade Union of Defense and the Army of Montenegro’s (SOVCG) request concerning employee rights within the Army. The Council noted that a new Regulation on Army Employee Salaries was enacted at the end of 2024, and they urged relevant institutions to prioritize completing necessary obligations to ensure amendments to the Army Law can be passed in the first half of 2025.

During today’s session, the Council also evaluated proposals for the appointments and dismissals of Army officers.

Additional matters within the Council’s purview were also discussed today.

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