GRECO considered the report on Montenegro: Implementation of recommendations requires the adoption of key systemic regulations

At the 103rd plenary session of the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), held from 8 to 12 June in Strasbourg, the Second Compliance Report for Montenegro within the Fifth Evaluation Round was discussed, among others, the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (AKC) announced.

As ASK reminded, the report refers to the implementation of GRECO recommendations regarding the prevention of corruption and the improvement of integrity in central government, that is, in persons performing the highest executive functions, as well as in law enforcement bodies.

The plenary session was attended by ASK Director Kristina Braletić, as the head of the Montenegrin delegation, together with representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration and the General Secretariat of the Government of Montenegro, including the Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica.

"The implementation of the majority of recommendations that are currently assessed as partially implemented requires the adoption of key systemic regulations, primarily the Law on Government, as well as anti-corruption laws - the Law on the Prevention of Corruption and the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers. When it comes to the remaining recommendations related to the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, they are primarily aimed at further strengthening institutional capacities, including ensuring financial independence and strengthening human resources, especially in the area of ​​verifying the income and assets of public officials," the ASK statement reads.

It is added that during the session, GRECO also considered the reports of other member states within the Fifth and Sixth Evaluation Rounds, as well as issues of importance for the further development of European anti-corruption policies.

"Montenegro remains committed to implementing international recommendations and continuing to improve the normative and institutional framework in order to more effectively prevent corruption, strengthen the integrity of the public sector and increase citizens' trust in the work of state institutions. In this context, the competent institutions will continue their activities on the implementation of the remaining recommendations, taking into account the upcoming deadline for reporting to GRECO. In accordance with GRECO rules and procedures, the report will be available to the public after the Government of Montenegro carries out the publication procedures," the ASK said.