EU Delegation: Urgently appoint new members of the AMU Council to ensure its functioning and independence

The new media laws were a key part of the rule of law legislation that enabled Montenegro to receive a positive IBAR and move to the crucial phase of closing the negotiation chapters. Their full and effective implementation is essential for meeting the final rule of law benchmarks, the Delegation of the European Union told Pobjeda in response to a question on the full implementation of the media laws.

In this regard, as specified by the EU Delegation, it is urgently necessary to appoint new members of the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services (AMU), in order to ensure its functioning and independence.

"For Montenegro to meet its ambitious plan to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and meet the final benchmarks for the negotiation chapters on the rule of law, it is crucial to ensure the consistent implementation of all laws related to the rule of law, including the Law on Audiovisual Media Services and the Law on RTCG. This is necessary to ensure Montenegro's commitment to fundamental reforms and further progress in the accession process based on merit," the EU Delegation said.

They note that while there may be a legitimate need to further improve any law, it is essential that any changes are subject to consultation with the European Commission, as well as contribute to further alignment with EU standards and requirements.

"In this sense, amendments to the existing media legislation, if necessary, should not jeopardize the political independence of the governing bodies of the public service broadcaster RTCG and the regulatory agency AMU," the EU Delegation to Pobjeda said.

An initiative by 101 civil society organizations was submitted to all parliamentary groups in the Parliament of Montenegro with strong opposition to the announced changes to media laws that should enable full party control over the councils of RTCG, the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services, and local public broadcasters.

The applicable laws clearly define strict criteria for the selection of council members – VII1 level of education and at least 10 years of experience, and allow for NGO representatives to be selected by the organizations themselves that have proven experience and results in relevant areas.

The proposed changes open the door to party recruitment, lower professional standards and lead directly to the collapse of the system, according to NGOs.