EC Non-paper: Progress towards meeting benchmarks for chapters 23 and 24, delays in appointments

Montenegro is progressing towards meeting the final benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24, according to a non-paper by the European Commission on the rule of law, which Televizija Vijesti had access to.

It is emphasized that the focus must remain on the adoption of laws and increasing administrative capacity in order to fully meet the closure benchmarks, especially in the areas of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, visa policy, border management, media freedom and fundamental rights.

The European Commission warns of delays in appointments to the highest judicial positions, which directly affects the efficiency of the institutions. Among other things, it points to unclear rules on the retirement of judges, especially in the Constitutional Court. They note progress in strengthening the institutional and legislative framework in the fight against corruption and assess the election of a new director of the Anti-Corruption Agency as important progress, but point out that this institution still does not have enough employees or sufficient funds for effective law enforcement.

When it comes to the fight against organized crime, the EC assessed that the legislative framework is largely aligned with the EU acquis and international standards, and that the number of final judgments in cases of organized crime and money laundering should be increased.

Montenegro, as stated, continues to maintain a high level of compliance with the European Union's visa policy, but still insists on full harmonisation in this area.

The EC assesses that the media in Montenegro function in an environment that enables free, independent and professional work, but that there has been little progress in resolving old cases of attacks on journalists, and the poor socio-economic position of media workers has also been noted.

They note that the election of four members of the RTCG Council is underway, and that criminal proceedings are ongoing against the current members for abuse of office during the appointment of director Boris Raonic, noting that he remained in office despite court rulings.