Although the European Commission recognizes the results achieved by the Parliamentary Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform by amending several laws at the end of July, Brussels also notes that the amendments that were adopted were not consulted with relevant stakeholders.
The report also expresses some concern because Prime Minister Milojko Spajić does not regularly appear in the Parliament, but states that the legislative chamber can still control the Government in a "generally effective" manner.
However, recalling everything that happened in parliament due to the retirement of constitutional judge Dragana Đuranović, they state that the letter of the Venice Commission must be followed.
"'Her recommendations must be implemented urgently. Despite these developments, the Parliament's procedure for selecting a replacement for the Constitutional Court judge in question has continued," the European Commission report states.
When it comes to the Government, they emphasize its diversity and size, but also the lack of coordination and general management. Praise from Brussels goes to those in charge of EU integration - they say that we have maintained a European focus, but also slowed down the harmonization of some laws important for chapters 23 and 24 at the beginning of the year, due to domestic political challenges. They recognize some reforms and praise them in the area of the judiciary, but we need to do more.
"In the coming year, Montenegro should, in particular: increase the efficiency of prosecution/adjudication in cases of serious and organised crime, in particular in cases of money laundering; address the lengthy trials and frequent delays in organised crime cases; and ensure the seizure and confiscation of assets acquired through criminal acts," the report says.
They believe that things need to be improved regarding the introduction of visa policy, and they are also demanding that vacant positions in the Special Police Department, the Special Prosecutor's Office, and the High Court be filled, as well as old ones that are repeated year after year.
"In the coming year, Montenegro should, in particular: continue with appointments to high judicial positions through merit-based and transparent procedures, including appointments to the Constitutional Court and the Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, in order to ensure the independence, accountability and proper functioning of the judicial system; Continue strengthening the independence of the judiciary," the report stated.
They call for a reduction in the number of backlogged court cases, and note that some progress has been made in implementing anti-corruption reforms, but efforts should be made to implement some more recommendations and to increase the number of final convictions for high-level corruption.
"Montenegro must urgently appoint a full-time director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption. In particular, the results in proactive corruption investigations, prosecutions and convictions, especially high-level corruption, should be improved in the coming year."
They state that we are moderately prepared in the area of freedom of expression and that there is progress in implementing reforms, but they again criticize the fact that the missing members of the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services have not been elected, which is a task for the coming period. They also deal with the verdicts regarding the illegal election of the RTCG Director General, Boris Raonić, and make harsh assessments.
"The ongoing legal process challenging the legality of the appointment of the Director General of RTCG continues to raise questions about the lack of transparency and potential violation of legal procedures. A swift legal resolution of this case is necessary to ensure that the public broadcaster fully respects the law and the highest standards of professional integrity and accountability," the EC report states.
Montenegro has made some progress and is between a moderate and good level of preparedness in developing a functioning market economy. However, they emphasize that economic growth has slowed amid weaker tourism in 2024 and the first half of 2025.
"To improve the functioning of the market economy, Montenegro should in particular: design and implement measures that limit public spending and increase revenues, ensuring compliance with fiscal rules; implement the Law on Budget and Fiscal Responsibility so that the Fiscal Council is formed in time to review the 2026 budget proposal."
The annual report, which will be presented tomorrow, states that our country has made the most progress on its European path in the past year among the Western Balkan countries and that Montenegro is the most advanced in the accession process because it has opened all 33 negotiation chapters.
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