The ninth session of Montenegro’s National Security Council, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, took place on 23 July 2025.

The Council performed an in-depth analysis of recent mafia-style homicides that have sparked significant public alarm.

It was determined that a link exists between the rise in crimes against life and bodily integrity, an increasing number of overturned detention decisions, and the inability to reach final court verdicts within the legally mandated three-year period.

ADOPTED MEASURES

The Council acknowledged serious shortcomings within the judiciary, particularly in the prompt issuance of court judgments.

To assess the judiciary’s effectiveness in dealing with serious criminal cases, the Council will request detailed information from the Judicial Council regarding the total number of court decisions that remain unissued beyond legal deadlines, along with the number of pre-trial detentions that have been cancelled due to courts not issuing verdicts within three years of indictment.

In light of ongoing delays in delivering verdicts within the prescribed three-year period, the Council recommends that the Ministry of Justice initiate amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and submit these to the European Commission, specifically aiming to extend the maximum allowable period for pre-trial detention, increasing the current three-year limit for severe criminal offenses.

The Ministry of Justice is responsible for sending this recommendation to the European Union as an addition to the previously submitted Draft amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, along with an explanatory note.

The Council suggests that the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the European Commission, promptly develop a vetting model for judicial officials, focusing on integrity assessments, professional qualifications, and lifestyle evaluations. This model will be compliant with constitutional requirements and international standards, incorporating insights from both domestic and international experts.

The Council urged the Ministry of Justice to expedite the adoption of the Law on the confiscation of assets obtained through criminal activity by October, along with other relevant legislation crucial for the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Additionally, the Council proposes that the Ministry of Finance work with the European Commission to commence preparatory actions to establish a specialized Financial Agency tasked with conducting independent and thorough audits of financial statements and reports.

The National Security Council expressed its full support for the Acting Director of the Police Directorate and the current leadership in their efforts against organized crime and corruption.

ADOPTED REPORTS

During the session, the following reports were adopted unanimously:

• The National Security Council’s Report for the period from 15 May to 31 December 2024;
• The Bureau for Operational Coordination of Security Services’ Report covering 7 June to 31 December 2024, highlighting the Bureau’s pivotal role in coordinating the actions of the National Security Agency, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Defence.

The Council also addressed other pressing matters within its jurisdiction.

It was decided that the Council will convene in a smaller composition on Friday, 25 July, to outline specific operational steps for enforcing the measures ratified during this session.