Concerning the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees—an essential reform initiative by the Government and the relevant ministry—Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica proposed an amendment that was accepted, aimed at instituting anti-corruption measures and integrity checks for key high-ranking officials, especially within the executive branch.

The current legislation failed to impose any restrictions or integrity verification processes on these officials, who occupy influential decision-making roles. This notable gap in the system has been consistently emphasized in international assessments of Montenegro’s anti-corruption framework, particularly in the recommendations from GRECO.

To enhance anti-corruption measures and vetting protocols, the Government has incorporated provisions in the Draft Law specifying that individuals cannot be appointed or nominated as advisers to the President of the State, Parliament, or Government; as advisers to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament or Deputy Prime Ministers; or as chiefs of staff and deputy chiefs of staff in these institutions if they:

• Have been convicted by a final judgment of a criminal offense that disqualifies them from holding public office;
• Have been dismissed, suspended, or subjected to disciplinary actions for breaching anti-corruption laws within the past three years;
• Have been found to have violated regulations on prohibited donations to political parties and election campaigns;
• Have engaged in illegal lobbying within the last three years;
• Have been listed in the lobbyist register within the past year, under the lobbying regulations.

Prior to any nomination, appointment, or assignment to these roles, an integrity check will be performed to ensure adherence to these criteria.

The integrity verification procedure will require candidates to complete a questionnaire and submit a formal declaration on a designated form. The information provided will subsequently be cross-referenced with the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and the criminal records registry.

The relevant government bodies responsible for appointments will establish the content and format of the questionnaire and declaration form needed for integrity screening.

Through this measure, the Government reaffirms its dedication to developing a system that is entirely resistant to corruption and misuse, while bolstering the credibility and integrity of institutions. By implementing stringent selection criteria, the administration guarantees that public policy remains exclusively oriented toward the common good and upholds the rule of law.