Members receive 482 euros each for "intensive" work: Remuneration for the team monitoring the implementation of the anti-corruption strategy

The Government of Montenegro decided at the end of last week that members of the Operational Team for Monitoring the Implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028 will receive a one-time financial compensation of 482 euros, in recognition of "intensive and responsible engagement in the implementation of key anti-corruption activities."

In the explanation of the proposed decision, signed by the Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica, it is stated that it is based on the fact that "through the intensive work of the Operational Team, continuous monitoring was successfully carried out, on the basis of which the Report on the Implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy for the period 2024-2025 was prepared."

It further explains that the Operational Team has successfully developed a new Action Plan for the period 2026-2027, which specifies future steps in line with the dynamics of the EU Reform Agenda and Growth Plan, "ensuring that anti-corruption policies remain a priority in the European integration process."

"Given the complexity and continuity of the work, which includes the preparation of expert reports, coordination between institutions and the identification of challenges in real time, it is justified to grant appropriate remuneration to the members of the Operational Team. Their engagement was crucial for obtaining a positive opinion from relevant international institutions and the adoption of the final reports...", said Koprivica.

Given that the Ministry of Finance gave a positive opinion for the payment of compensation for completed work, a payment of 40 percent of the average gross salary in the previous year has been proposed.

Koprivica stated that, according to Monstat data, the average gross salary was 1.206 euros, which means that the members of the Operational Team would receive a net compensation of 482,4 euros (per member).

Financial resources for the payment would, as stated in the document, be provided from the budget funds of the institutions that delegated representatives to the Operational Team.

At the proposal of the National Council, on June 4, 2024, the Government adopted the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028, along with an accompanying action plan.

The strategy, as stated, is a key document that sets a long-term framework for combating corruption, strengthening integrity, and promoting good governance.

For the purpose of efficient implementation of the Strategy, an Operational Team was formed, consisting of representatives of several key institutions of the system.