Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said that they were impressed by what Montenegro had achieved in the past year in the field of the rule of law and respect for human rights.
This was announced by the cabinet of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who met with Berse in Podgorica.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Council of Europe in the context of obtaining IBAR, "as a sign of our country's great progress in the field of the rule of law."
Spajić emphasized that the Council of Europe has made a monumental contribution in this field and that it is very important for Montenegro to continue excellent cooperation, especially in line with our country's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 2026 to May 2027.
"We are seriously preparing to take over the presidency, and we expect to be completely transformed by then and close Chapters 23 and 24, which would be confirmation that we have reached the highest European standards in the areas of the rule of law and respect for freedoms," said the Prime Minister.
Spajić thanked Berse for the participation of the Venice Commission in situations that require expert assistance to create a better and more precise legal framework.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, as announced, praised "Montenegrin commitment to European values, as well as progress in the field of European integration."
"We are all impressed by what Montenegro has achieved in the past year in the field of the rule of law and respect for human rights, especially in the context of the evident regression of democratic processes in numerous other countries," Berse said after the meeting.
During the conversation, it was emphasized that Montenegro is "committed to resolving war crimes," for which, according to Spajić, it has zero tolerance.
Berse emphasized the need to strengthen the Council of Europe, as an international organization established to help the continent in challenging times.
The Prime Minister concluded that holding the European Political Community Summit in Montenegro would be a great honor for the country, especially in light of the anniversary celebration of the restoration of independence.
"At the end of the meeting, it was emphasized that the Council of Europe will continue to provide expert assistance so that Montenegro can successfully conclude the integration process," the statement reads.
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