The State Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro remains a strong and stable institution, firmly committed to leading reform processes within the framework of European integration, said Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković at a meeting with European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath.
As announced by the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office (SPO), Marković met with McGrath in Podgorica, as part of a high-level dialogue dedicated to further improving the rule of law and strengthening the independence of the prosecution in Montenegro.
"Marković emphasized that the State Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro remains a strong and stable institution, firmly committed to leading reform processes within the framework of European integration," the statement said.
It is stated that Marković emphasized that independence, professionalism and accountability are the foundation of an effective fight against crime and that any form of inappropriate influence on state prosecutors, as well as attempts at institutional discredit, represent a serious challenge to the rule of law that requires a clear and decisive institutional response.
McGrath, as stated by the State Prosecutor's Office, said that the European Union (EU) strongly supports the independence and integrity of the State Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro.
"He particularly emphasized that any form of inappropriate influence on prosecutors is unacceptable and that there is no place for such pressure in a state governed by the rule of law," the statement said.
McGrath, as stated by the VDP, expressed full support for the Prosecutor's Office to continue its work in accordance with the principles of independence and professionalism, emphasizing that concrete and visible results have been achieved in the fight against organized crime and corruption and the protection of fundamental rights, which are essential for progress in the negotiation process.
"He also encouraged the continuation of reform activities and confirmed the European Union's readiness to continue providing expert and institutional support to strengthen the capacities of the prosecutorial organization," the statement added.
The State Prosecutor's Office said that at the meeting, special attention was paid to the results achieved by the Prosecutorial Council in the field of selection, evaluation and integrity of state prosecutors.
"The interlocutors agreed that further staff and professional consolidation, along with strengthening administrative and technical support, is crucial for the efficient processing of complex cases," the statement said.
As stated, McGrath particularly emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation and efficient data exchange with EU member states, while Marković confirmed that developing capacities for international legal assistance and direct cooperation is one of the strategic priorities of the Prosecutor's Office.
The VDP said that the meeting with McGrath confirms the strong support of European institutions for further strengthening the independence, professionalism and efficiency of the prosecutorial organization in Montenegro, with a clear message that the fight against crime, protection of the integrity of institutions and consistent application of the law are priorities from which there is no deviation.
The meeting at Villa Gorica, in addition to Marković, was attended by Deputy Supreme State Prosecutor Jelena Đaletić and Head of the Office of the Supreme State Prosecutor Ikonija Radojičić.
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