Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović held discussions with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during their official trip to Brussels.

Commissioner Kos congratulated Montenegro on the notable progress it has made toward EU membership. “You have my complete backing in your goal to finalize all negotiation chapters by 2026. Although there are still challenges ahead, especially regarding visa policy, I commend you, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister, and your team for your accomplishments in fighting crime and corruption. Your efforts in managing borders and migration are already enhancing the safety of the EU,” she stated.

Expressing his appreciation, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić thanked Commissioner Kos for her supportive messages regarding Montenegro’s milestones and persistent endeavors in advancing its European integration and reinforcing the rule of law.

“We are pleased that the EU’s annual report has acknowledged Montenegro’s exceptional achievements in combating organized crime and corruption. This progress is largely attributable to the strong collaboration between our security sector and the prosecution with Europol. The trust level is reflected in the significant boost in data sharing over the last year. We are witnessing groundbreaking results in prosecuting members of organized crime groups and those of operational interest, as well as in tackling economic and environmental crimes, dismantling smuggling operations, and addressing corruption-related offenses. Yet, challenges persist in the realm of rule of law, particularly with inefficient judicial processes frequently impeded by procedural abuses. One of our main priorities is to rid the security sector and the entire state apparatus of criminal and corrupt influences. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior has made significant strides in legislative reforms, adopting essential strategies and laws in line with the European agenda. A more stringent Law on Firearms is in preparation, and it is crucial to emphasize the success of the Ministry’s ‘Respect Life, Return the Weapons’ campaign, which resulted in the voluntary surrender of more weapons in the last two months than in the preceding decade. Ultimately, Montenegro is committed to continuing its European journey, and by closing several negotiation chapters this year, we strive to maintain our momentum toward realizing the historic goal and aspiration of many generations—to become the 28th EU member state by 2028,” concluded Bečić.

Minister Šaranović pointed out that Montenegro has made significant progress in strategic planning. “We have achieved optimal results, with a 100% implementation rate of strategic documents under Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom, and Security, reflecting a substantial improvement compared to previous years,” he added.

Furthermore, in the legislative arena, the Ministry of the Interior successfully adopted seven key laws and regulations in 2024, a remarkable enhancement over the previous year when only one of 13 planned laws was enacted.