The recommendations and legal opinions of the Venice Commission have further contributed to building democratic capacities and implementing Council of Europe standards in key areas that contribute to a better and higher quality of life for our citizens, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, in talks with Council of Europe officials.
He participated in the ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), at the Doge's Palace in Venice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the event brought together the highest officials of the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission, the presidents of Italy, Moldova and North Macedonia, as well as former and current members of the Venice Commission, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Council of Europe. The exhibition "Democracy through Law: from the Republic of Venice to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe" was also organized.
"Montenegro had the honor, along with the Declaration on Human Rights and key documents of importance for the rule of law, to present the 2007 Constitution of Montenegro as one of the most successful examples of constructive cooperation between Montenegro and the Venice Commission during the process of restoring independence between 2005 and 2007," the statement reads.
The ceremony was addressed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, the President of the Venice Commission, Claire Bassi Mallori, and the Presidents of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, and Moldova, Maja Sandu. The host country was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani. During the second part of the event, entitled "Renewed Democracy: Lessons from Transition, Contemporary Challenges of Backsliding and Our Commitment for the Future", the attendees were addressed by Judge Ivana Jelić, Vice-President of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe.
"During his participation in the event, Minister Ibrahimović, in talks with Council of Europe officials, pointed out that Montenegro continuously achieves intensive and high-quality cooperation with the Venice Commission, whose recommendations and legal opinions have additionally contributed to the building of democratic capacities and the implementation of Council of Europe standards in key areas that contribute to a better and higher quality of life for our citizens," the MFA announced.
At a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, Ibrahimović "presented Montenegro's progress" in the area of protection and promotion of human rights and democratic values, "which is an additional incentive for the affirmation of efforts towards EU membership."
"The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on ongoing processes within the Council of Europe and Montenegro's preparations for chairing the Committee of Ministers next year. Berse expressed satisfaction with the meeting and his readiness to provide the necessary support for Montenegro's successful chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers in the period November 2026 - May 2027. It was jointly concluded that Montenegro represents an example of constructive action in the region and commitment to the values of the Council of Europe," the statement reads.
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