Strengthening the judiciary, enhancing the capacities of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, the Special Police Department, and the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, as well as empowering working groups for negotiating Chapters 23 and 24 with precisely defined deadlines for implementing reforms, will contribute to meeting Montenegro’s EU membership conditions by 2028. This was the central message of the constitutive session of the Rule of Law Council.

The session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica, focused on overcoming obstacles to improving the state of the rule of law.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development of action plans for fulfilling the final benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24, which outline key obligations for progress in this critical area. It was underscored that defining clear responsibilities and realistic timelines is essential, reflecting the Government’s commitment to completing all European agenda obligations by the end of 2026, with the goal of Montenegro becoming a full-fledged EU member by 2028.

Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen human and administrative capacities in the executive and judicial branches, with a specific focus on creating better working conditions within the judiciary. The Council members agreed that addressing the shortage of judges and improving judicial and prosecutorial infrastructure must be a priority, as these issues directly impact the country’s overall legal security. To this end, a set of specific recommendations and tasks were formulated for the relevant authorities to enhance working conditions, particularly for the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, the Special Police Department, and the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption.

The Council’s Chair expressed expectations for responsible action and full dedication from all members toward meeting the final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24. He announced that the Council will convene monthly to ensure proper oversight and monitoring of obligations related to the rule of law.

The session also emphasized the need for systemic alignment with GRECO recommendations in combating corruption. Additionally, updates were provided on other aspects of the negotiation process, including adjusting the composition of working groups for Chapters 23 and 24 and drafting Montenegro’s EU Accession Programme for 2025-2026. The Council adopted its Rules of Procedure and outlined the main directions for its future methodology of work.

The Deputy Chair of the Council is the Minister of European Affairs. Other members include the President of the Supreme Court, the President of the Judicial Council, the Supreme State Prosecutor, the Chief Special Prosecutor, the Director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, and the Ministers of Justice, Interior, and Human and Minority Rights, as well as the Director of the Police Directorate, the Chief Negotiator, the Cluster I Negotiator, and the heads of the negotiating groups for Chapters 23 and 24. A representative from the NGO sector also participates as a Council member.

The Rule of Law Council is expected to act as a driving force to accelerate the fulfillment of final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, which are crucial for concluding Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations.