Montenegro is resolutely implementing a comprehensive security sector reform, as a historical and institutional responsibility towards citizens and the state, said Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović.
He opened the 3rd Donors' Conference and the 16th Annual Meeting with Liaison Officers and Police Attachés in Podgorica today.
"Police who do not know who they answer to, who do not know how to react, or who wait for permission to enforce the law — are not police, but administration in uniform. That is why we have taken on the responsibility to restore trust, integrity, capacity and purpose to the system," the minister said, as reported by the Ministry of Interior.
In this context, Šaranović particularly emphasized the importance of the vetting process, emphasizing that it is not a matter of anyone's will, but rather an existential necessity for a healthy and resilient police service.
"Continuous verification of the integrity of police officers is not a matter of choice, but an obligation - towards citizens, the state and partners. Officers who have worked against the system for years, while enjoying its protection, no longer have a refuge. Integrity is not an added value - it is the foundation without which no reform makes sense," said Šaranović, saying that Montenegro will continue to decisively implement this process, as the key to restoring trust in institutions.
The Ministry of the Interior announced that the focus of the event was on reforms of the Police Directorate, improving institutional efficiency, as well as concrete results in the fight against organized crime, corruption, economic and environmental crime. The importance of investing in human resources, technical equipment and the integrity of the service was emphasized.
In addition to Šaranović, the opening speeches were given by the Acting Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović, the Head of the Political Department of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro Riccardo Seri, and the Deputy Supreme State Prosecutor Jelena Đaletić. The conference was attended and "fully supported by key international partners" - ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of EU member states and international organizations: Ambassador of the United States of America Judy Rising Reinke, Ambassador of Italy Andreina Marcella, Ambassador of France Anne-Marie Maske, Ambassador of Germany Peter Felten, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekatarina Paniklova, Head of IOM Mission Vladimir Gjorgjiev and Deputy Head of OSCE Mission in Montenegro Giovanni Gabassi.
All speakers, as announced, emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation, inter-institutional coordination and support for Montenegro in continuing the decisive fight against organized crime, as well as continuing reforms in the security sector.
In their introductory addresses, they "unequivocally supported the reform direction that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police Administration are implementing", recognizing Montenegro as a credible partner and stable actor in the joint fight for security in the region and beyond, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
"Never before has there been greater trust from international partners in our security system. This is not a compliment - it is an obligation. Today, our institution carries not only the weight of the uniform, but also the weight of domestic and international trust, and we will not waste that capital. Today's conference, the minister concluded, was not a protocol, but a strong confirmation that Montenegro is not building security alone - but with the support of partners who see it as part of a common European space of stability and law," said Šaranović.
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