Montenegro is not looking for shortcuts, but wants to close Chapter 24 through proven security protection and the rule of law, said Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović.
He said this at the meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security, which continued today in Podgorica, as part of the ongoing dialogue between Montenegro and the European Union (EU) on key reform processes in the area of the rule of law.
As announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), the progress that Montenegro has made in the accession negotiations in negotiating chapter 24 was presented during the meeting.
It is stated that Šaranović presented the achieved results and the further direction of reforms within Chapter 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security, emphasizing that Montenegro is close to meeting the final benchmarks in this area.
"Montenegro is on the verge of fulfilling the final benchmarks for Chapter 24. We have aligned our migration policy with EU rules, and improved border management in line with Schengen standards," said Šaranović.
He emphasized that the state is continuously investing in the modernization of the security sector.
Šaranović recalled that this year's capital budget has allocated more than 54 million euros for the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, while additional capacity development is ensured by a strong partnership with the Frontex agency.
Special focus, as he stated, is on the systematic and decisive fight against organized crime, high-level corruption, human trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime and environmental crime, with intensive cooperation with EUROPOL.
Šaranović also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional and personnel capacities in key security structures.
"We are strengthening the human resources capacities of the Border Police, the Special Police Department and the Financial Intelligence Sector, with a special focus on money laundering investigations and the confiscation of illegally acquired assets," added Šaranović.
He said that they are aware that without the principle of integrity, institutional reform is not complete, which is why, as he added, rigorous checks are being introduced through the Law on Internal Affairs.
"Zero tolerance for unprofessionalism is a guarantee of resistance to corruption. We are not looking for shortcuts - we want to close Chapter 24 through proven security protection and the rule of law," said Šaranović.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, Riccardo Seri, stressed the importance of further progress in meeting the final benchmarks, especially in terms of concrete results in the implementation of reforms.
He stressed, as stated in the statement, that meeting the final benchmarks for Chapter 24 is now essential.
"What is most important is a credible and continuous track record of results in implementation, especially in the fight against serious and organized crime, because progress in the area of the rule of law will determine the dynamics of Montenegro's accession to the EU," Seri said.
He said that Montenegro also needs to make further progress in harmonizing its visa policy, in line with the requirements of one of the final benchmarks for Chapter 24.
"The meeting once again confirmed Montenegro's commitment to strengthening institutional capacities, improving the security system and implementing reforms leading to full compliance with European standards, with a clear strategic goal - to become a full member of the EU in 2028," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
Bonus video:
