Investments in the rule of law are investments in the European future of the Western Balkans, which should be marked by freedom, prosperity and quality of life, said the regional conference on the rule of law in the Western Balkans, organized by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) and the German Friedrich Foundation Ebert (FES).
German Ambassador to Montenegro Peter Felten said that in the process of joining the European Union (EU), the issue of the rule of law rightfully plays a central role, explaining that many reforms cannot have an effect if everything in this area does not work properly.
"The economic prosperity of Montenegro and the countries of the Western Balkans can only be achieved on the basis of a functional rule of law. In my opinion, in order to improve the state of the rule of law in all these countries, the focus must be placed on the fact that justice and equality are the pillars of democracy. That is why Germany, as well as other EU members, as well as Union institutions, attach great importance to this topic," said Felten.
He said that in a state without the rule of law, there is no social justice, no use of public funds in the interest of the entire society.
"No one wants to invest money in the long term if they are not absolutely sure that the framework provided by the state is stable," Felten said, stressing that governance is a prerequisite for the just development of every society and state.
Felten also assessed that there are many challenges in that area, which is why Germany supports the countries of the Western Balkans in initiatives aimed at strengthening the judiciary and the rule of law, as well as civil society.
"Investments in the rule of law are investments in the European future of the Western Balkans, which should be marked by freedom, prosperity and quality of life. The rule of law is also the basis for the application of European values in practice," said Felten.
Referring to the latest report of the European Commission (EC) on Montenegro, he pointed out that good strides were made in the area of justice and fundamental rights last year, but also that in certain areas it is necessary to make additional efforts, for which the EC gave specific recommendations.
Felten emphasized that as long as the judgment is not final, the presumption of innocence applies.
"That principle is extremely important and politicians and the media must adhere to it," he said.
Director of the FES Regional Office for Serbia and Montenegro, Kirsten Schonefeld, pointed out that the rule of law is a topic of democracy and concerns all citizens.
"It is about the basic right to a good and quality life and to social justice, which should be satisfied. This is also a guarantee of peace, which is achieved without violence, and it is all the more important to strengthen the rule of law in all the countries of the region," Schonefeld added.
Speaking about the EC's annual reports on the countries of the region, Schonefeld said that some countries of the Western Balkans have taken certain steps, while certain countries have not.
"Despite the progress, there is a lot to be done," he said.
Executive Director of CGO Daliborka Uljarević said that we are witnessing a kind of paradox.
"Messages are coming from the EU about the progress of all countries in the region on the way to the EU, and Montenegro is even positioning itself as a leader, especially after receiving a positive IBAR. However, the image of that European progress is marred by the undeniable democratic regression that all of us, who live in the region, witness every day," said Uljarević.
She said that it is the duty of civil society to influence, although it is neither easy nor popular, in deconstructing the prevailing narratives that do not move forward.
Uljarević pointed out that the real goal is not technical membership in the EU, but a transformed society that will live democratic principles, civic values and ensure a functional rule of law, which will be, in a way, rounded off by membership in the Union.
She pointed out that bad practices in Montenegro can also be seen in the way those in power relate to the legal and institutional order, showing and, unfortunately, still proving that the same rules do not apply to them as to others.
"And when they are caught in the wrong, the most common line of defense, if we exclude the one when they try to clumsily avoid the facts, is - those others before us did worse things. That 'defense' is at the level of the one when the accused claims that someone else committed more crimes," concluded Uljarević.
Bonus video:
