ECHR President: Montenegro successful in meeting requirements, implementing EU standards

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 September 2011) – Cooperation between the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and Montenegrin Judiciary is essential for Montenegro and beneficial for both sides, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić and ECHR Jean-Paul Costa concluded at their meeting earlier today, which was a part of Mr Costa’s first official visit to Podgorica.

ECHR President Costa underlined that Montenegro has adopted the majority of the Council of Europe (CoE) conventions and has significantly harmonised its Judiciary with the ECHR recommendations. He also commended the adoption of the Election Law: “By adopting the Election Law, the Government confirmed its commitment to the European Convention” and he underlined that the importance of judicial institutions in Europe and their capacity is on the rise.

The two sides agreed that it is crucial to ensure the full protection of basic human rights and judicial efficiency at the national level and therefore to reduce the workload of the ECHR.

Prime Minister Lukšić underlined the Government’s commitment to creating preconditions for strengthening the judiciary, protection of vulnerable groups of citizens and respect for citizens’ human rights in general.