Brunner Praises Bečić and Šaranović for Their Genuine Efforts and Accomplishments
Joint statement from Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, and Danilo Šaranović, Minister of the Interior
Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović held a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.
Commissioner Brunner expressed his unwavering support for Montenegro and reiterated his dedication to facilitating its EU accession alongside his team.
Deputy Prime Minister Bečić pointed out the advancements and tangible outcomes in Montenegro’s European integration journey, acknowledging the crucial role of the Ministry of the Interior. Despite facing a challenging legacy marked by systemic deficiencies, criminal infiltration, ineffective judicial processes, and other obstacles, the resolute collaboration between the security sector, prosecution, and international allies—especially EUROPOL—has led to significant progress in combating organized crime and eliminating illicit influences. This reflects Montenegro’s firm commitment to establishing strong institutions, dismantling criminal networks, and pursuing its European future, Bečić remarked.
He further noted historic levels of resolved criminal cases, the prosecution of members of criminal groups and notable figures, efforts against economic and environmental crime, and the dismantling of smuggling networks, all of which underscore this commitment. Moreover, in the last four months, the campaign “Respect Life, Return the Weapons” led to a 20% increase in voluntarily returned weapons and a 70% increase in ammunition compared to the last decade combined.
Bečić also highlighted that over the past few months, more than 100 police officers have faced suspension, arrest, or prosecution. Around 30 investigations have been initiated to scrutinize the assets, income, and lifestyles of police officials, particularly those in senior management. A first-instance verdict has been issued against a former Director of the Police Directorate, while charges have been confirmed against various high-ranking officials from the security, judiciary, and prosecutorial sectors, as well as other institutions from prior administrations.
In addition to these significant strides on our European path over the past year and a half—transforming a phase of stagnation into one of progress—we have enacted action plans for closing Chapters 23 and 24, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining this momentum. The action plan for Chapter 24 includes 62 objectives and 106 activities to be executed over the next 18 months, with clearly defined responsibilities and timelines, targeting full EU membership by 2028, Bečić concluded.
Minister Šaranović underlined the significance of the existing regulations that mandate lifestyle checks for police officers, emphasizing that over 100 officers have been suspended—specifically those engaged in criminal activities. This is evidenced by the objective and resolute actions of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office and the Police Directorate, he stated.
Commissioner Brunner concluded the meeting by commending Bečić and Šaranović for their genuine efforts and measurable results, highlighting that ultimately, it is the results that matter most. He also welcomed the adoption of a new Strategy for the Fight Against Crime.