The Court of Appeal of Montenegro achieved exceptional and measurable results in its work in 2025, confirming a high level of efficiency, expertise and responsibility in performing its judicial function, it was concluded at the first session of judges chaired by the President of the Court, Mirjana Popović.
This was announced today by the Court of Appeal.
"In conditions of a long-term and serious staff deficit, an increased influx of cases and limited space capacities, the Court of Appeal, according to preliminary reports, ended the year with 99,22 percent of resolved cases in relation to the influx, which places it among the most efficient courts in Montenegro," the statement said.
According to them, the data relating to the resolution of so-called "old cases" is particularly encouraging.
"Out of a total of 496 cases older than three years, 455, or 92 percent, have been resolved, while the average duration of proceedings before the Court of Appeal is only 30,44 days, which is an exceptional result even in the broader regional context. The quality of decision-making is also confirmed by the low percentage of overturned decisions of 13,54 percent, while individual judges achieved an annual norm ranging from 145 percent to as much as 327 percent, which clearly speaks of dedication, expertise and exceptional work engagement," the statement states.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Mirjana Popović, pointed out that these results are the exclusive merit of the work of the president of the court and the judges, as well as all employees, emphasizing that behind the aforementioned statistical indicators stand great professional efforts, teamwork, and personal sacrifices.
"The results we have achieved are proof that the Court of Appeal has the strength, knowledge and integrity to meet the highest professional standards, even in circumstances that objectively make work difficult - a constant increase in the influx of cases, a shortage of a quarter of judges for almost two years now, and vacant civil service positions," said Popović.
The session, as stated, adopted the Work Plan and Annual Work Schedule for 2026, which are based on the achieved results and clearly defined goals for further improving the efficiency and quality of work, and special attention was paid to the rational distribution of work and maximum use of the knowledge and capacities of judges and employees.
"The Work Plan of this court for 2026 defines the following priorities: resolving all older cases and cases that last longer than three years; maintaining a high percentage of resolved cases; further strengthening the role of the Case Law Department in order to harmonize court decisions; continuous training of judges, advisors and clerks; improving transparency through regular publication of decisions and communication with the public," the Court of Appeals said in a statement.
They added that the 2026 plan can be viewed on the court's website.
"Issues of broader public interest were also raised, including: the possible formation of a Special Court from the aspect of the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, the issue of the position of judges, working conditions, salaries, constant staff attrition, etc. The Court of Appeal of Montenegro continues to confirm its key role in strengthening legal certainty and the rule of law, sending a clear message that excellent results can be achieved exclusively through knowledge, responsibility and dedicated work, even in conditions of serious systemic challenges," the statement concludes.
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