There was no progress in judicial reform. The judicial system continued to face a deep institutional crisis, resulting in weak leadership and governance, lack of strategic vision and poor planning, affecting the country's ability to deliver justice.
This was said at the press conference by the head of the European Union delegation in Montenegro, Oana Kristina Popa.
She welcomed the fact that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić's priority is the appointment of holders of judicial positions.
"Regarding the fight against corruption, we have seen some progress as several cases of high corruption are under investigation. Montenegro now needs to show a serious response from the criminal justice system. Montenegro has not sufficiently improved its legislative and strategic framework for the prevention and fight against corruption . Corruption, including high-level corruption, remains an issue of concern and is present in many areas, including state structures. There have been some achievements in the fight against organized crime," said Popa.
He adds that the EU welcomes the fact that the Office of the Special Prosecutor acted swiftly in several cases, which appear to indicate the deep infiltration of corruption and organized crime into state structures, including the highest levels of the judiciary and law enforcement.
"However, systemic deficiencies in the criminal justice system remain".
She said that at the meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, she was assured of the commitment of the new Government to quickly and without delay implement reforms related to negotiations and accession to the European Union, for which, as she said, the moment is right.
"We hope that the election of the 44th Government can be a turning point for Montenegro when it comes to joining the EU," said Popa.
"Geopolitical changes have opened up a unique opportunity for Montenegro and for EU enlargement, it is at the top of the agenda of the European Commission (EC). The first message that EC President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed to the ambassadors is that Montenegro must now be fully focused to join the Union and to cross that last mile across the finish line," said Popa.
She pointed out that the new thing is the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which is "heavy" at six billion euros.
"It is intended for investments and it has the opportunity to double the Montenegrin economy in one decade. However, the prerequisite for obtaining funds is not only commitment, but also the implementation of all necessary reforms," Popa pointed out.
She briefly summarized the Report and said that during the past year, the government and the Assembly did not show commitment in practice regarding the reform agenda related to the EU.
"It makes no sense to only emphasize the shortcomings and missed opportunities. This is the moment to look to the future. The report is only a practical tool for the state to focus on recommendations, to follow them, to implement them so that the next report can really reflect actions and not only commitment . The report should be used as a guide".
Popa pointed out the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of electoral legislation, voting and candidacy rights, dispute resolution mechanisms, transparency and supervision of funding and media activities
"The report mentions political tensions and polarization, the failure to build a common consensus around issues of national interest. These issues are actually crucial when it comes to the accession process because we want the convergence of all efforts in that direction. Due to the lack of consensus, the functioning of the institutions has suffered, slowing down the process of decision-making and reforms," said Popa.
When it comes to freedom of expression, Popa said that Montenegro has a pluralistic media environment, and in new cases of attacks on journalists, the authorities gave a quick response, but there is no judicial response to old cases.
She pointed out that good progress can be seen in four chapters: intellectual property rights (chap. 7), science and research (chap. 25), transport policy (chap. 14) and foreign, security and defense policy (chap. 31).
"When it comes to chapter 24, the report welcomes the signing of the contract with Frontex and the deployment of forces. It welcomes the fact that the economic citizenship program has been abolished. There are chapters where we saw good progress compared to last year, such as intellectual property rights, science... Konstanto we praise Montenegro's compliance with EU policy. The focus of all political actors should be on building a consensus on the issues of Montenegro's further progress, especially when it comes to the rule of law. That is the core. I mean judicial appointments and electoral reforms. The potential exists and should to seize it, seize this moment," said Popa.
She said that she had discussed the urgency of appointing a new chief negotiator and that the process is ongoing, as well as the appointment of negotiating structures.
When asked to compare this report with the previous report, Popa replied that the comparison is difficult to make because in some areas it is better, in others worse.
"All the chapters are equally important because you cannot finish the negotiations without one chapter. Appointments in the judiciary are not enough, but they are necessary to fulfill the criteria. Appointments are actually a condition for other institutions in the justice system to be able to function, which would lead to the closure of the temporary criteria" .
Gorčević: Citizens expect us to fix the current situation
Gorčević stated that the report of the European Commission provides an objective view of the situation and serves as a guideline.
"Only eight days after it was voted, the Government commented on the report on the process led by our predecessors. The citizens expect us to correct the situation we found. Montenegro welcomes the report with a functional executive and legislative power. We heard encouraging messages from Ursula von der Leyen that Montenegro and still a prednodnica," Gorčević said.
She added that the report reiterated the good assessment of compliance with EU foreign policy guidelines.
"This government will have zero tolerance for organized crime and corruption. We expect continued expert support from the EU in this task and an understanding that results cannot be achieved overnight. We are encouraged by the new growth plan. The investment package can be a significant boost to the economies of this region."
Gorčević expressed her expectation that the assembly will proceed with the appointments in the judiciary so as not to miss the opportunity.
"In the coming period, we will do everything to strengthen the negotiation structure. We expect the appointment of the main negotiator, the negotiator for the clusters who will be the locomotive of the negotiation process".
In response to the journalists' questions, the minister stated that it is too early to bid on the names of the candidates for the chief negotiator.
"We are talking to several candidates of high expertise who can present this process. We will try to ensure that this person can answer in the best way. We are in the process of passing legal provisions to return the position of chief spokesperson to the Ministry of European Affairs. I hope that this person will to start working in a month," Gorčević said.
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