Šaranović: The goal is to build a system that will permanently prevent criminal structures from endangering institutions

Our goal is clear - to build a system that will permanently prevent criminal structures from endangering the institutions of the system, announced Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) announced today that Šaranović said in London that "Montenegro, as a leading country in the EU accession process, is strongly committed to strengthening border security, positioning itself as a key partner in all regional and European initiatives that have strategic importance for the protection of external borders."

The statement added that Šaranović participated in the Berlin Process meeting, at the invitation of the United Kingdom Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmud.

"The meeting was attended by the interior ministers of the Western Balkan countries, EU member states, as well as senior officials of the European Commission," the statement said.

During the meeting, discussions focused on continuing to combat irregular migration and criminal groups, protecting women and girls in the digital age, and strengthening cooperation and resilience against serious and organized crime.

"Judging by the results achieved in the last two years, Montenegro has the right recipe for fighting organized crime," it was concluded, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior.

Šaranović said that organized crime does not only break the law.

"It undermines the very foundations of society, destroys citizens' trust in institutions and slows down the country's economic development. This is a global threat that knows no borders, and that is precisely why it requires a coordinated, synchronized and decisive response from all competent structures," said Šaranović.

He emphasized that Montenegro is strongly committed to strengthening its institutions, improving the rule of law, and reforms aimed at building a modern, professional, and resilient police service.

"It is particularly important to strengthen the integrity of the police and other security agencies, because only institutions free from corruption and other illicit influences can effectively fight organized crime. Our goal is clear - to build a system that will permanently prevent criminal structures from endangering the institutions of the system. The concrete results we are recording in reducing the number of migrants on the territory of Montenegro confirm that by acting together, strengthening institutional mechanisms and intensifying regional cooperation, we can effectively respond to modern security challenges and contribute to the overall stability of the region," said Šaranović.

He added that "our goal goes beyond border control alone, it involves building a system of trust, partnership and solidarity, through which we jointly strengthen the resilience of the region and create conditions for long-term stability and integration into the European security framework."

Recalling the recent regional meeting in Podgorica on asset recovery and strengthening financial integrity, Šaranović emphasized that Montenegro, through intensive cooperation with partners from the region, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, has laid solid foundations for strengthening trust, improving the rule of law and fighting organized crime.

"At a multilateral meeting, chaired by Minister Šaban Mahmud, dedicated to improving cooperation through the Joint Migration Task Force, Šaranović emphasized Montenegro's commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in managing migrant flows, while respecting national competencies and European standards. It was emphasized that joint approaches based on operational connectivity and information exchange are key to building more resilient systems and preserving regional stability," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.