In Montenegro, reform of the judiciary and amendments to the Constitution are necessary in the fight against corruption and organized crime, warned the representative of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) Alberto Kamarata.
At the round table on Prevention of Corruption and Implementation of Integrity Plans, he assessed that corruption still remains one of the most sensitive areas in Montenegro, stating that criminal prosecution is necessary in all cases.
"The most important thing is that the reform of the judiciary will have to continue, because it will strengthen the credibility in the fight against corruption. In this sense, the process of amending the Constitution is of key importance," Kamarata said.
Kamarata assessed that there has been progress in the fight against corruption in Montenegro, explaining that numerous documents have been adopted that contributed to its suppression.
"It is of key importance for chapters 23 and 24, and in this context, the finalization of the action plans of the chapters is current, which represents an excellent opportunity to translate all intentions in the fight against corruption into concrete actions," said Kamarata.
He said that the development of integrity plans is an exceptional tool that can be very useful in the fight against corruption.
"Integrity plans represent one instrument, which should enable civil servants to be guided by highly ethical principles in their daily work," he explained, stating that they only make sense if they are implemented.
Vesna Ratković, Director of the Administration for Anti-Corruption Initiative, said that Montenegro, recognizing integrity as an important principle and tool in the fight against corruption, introduced the obligation to adopt integrity plans for state bodies.
He assessed that in the past few years, there has been progress in the fight against corruption in Montenegro, explaining that numerous documents have been adopted that contributed to its suppression.
"We should do everything to make corruption prevention effective. It is a joint activity in which the state administration plays a key role and other relevant entities such as companies, non-governmental organizations, citizens," he concluded.
Vesna Ratković, Director of the Directorate for Anti-Corruption Initiative, said that Montenegro, recognizing integrity as an important principle and tool in the fight against corruption, introduced the obligation to adopt integrity plans for state bodies.
Photo: Savo Prelevic
According to her, the Action Plan for the Implementation of the 2013-214 Strategy for the Fight Against Corruption and Organized Crime foresees the adoption and implementation of integrity plans in the public sector.
"Also, the Law on Civil Servants and Officials foresees that the state body adopts an integrity plan that contains measures to prevent and eliminate opportunities for the emergence and development of corruption, in accordance with the guidelines of the administrative body responsible for anti-corruption affairs," explained Ratković.
She stated that the law stipulates that the state body appoints an official, the non-integrity manager, responsible for the preparation and implementation of the integrity plan, which has been done by about 40 bodies so far.
"With the help of German experts, who are responsible for training civil servants, risk analysis is being prepared in four institutions, the Police Directorate, the Higher State Prosecutor's Office, the Customs Administration and the Basic Court in Podgorica," said Ratković.
She explained that based on the analyzes done, with the help of a Slovenian expert, integrity plans will be drawn up for those institutions and will serve as a model for developing integrity plans in other institutions.
"I expect that the adoption of integrity plans, as well as the consistent application of laws and strategic anti-corruption documents, will further contribute to the ethical and professional performance of official duties," she concluded.
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