Montenegro's Cabinet approves anti-corruption law, discusses 2015 budget bill

Podgorica, Montenegro (6 November 2014) -- Montenegro’s 2015 Budget Bill has been reviewed at today’s meeting of the Cabinet. The discussion underscored the bill has to reflect the actual situation in the country and to define its key policies. Therefore, the intention is to secure stronger support for Montenegro’s priority development projects and encourage investors in order to stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.

The 2015 budget provisions will also pay particular attention to fulfilling obligation arising from the EU agenda, most notably in relation to the rule of law negotiating chapters 23 and 24, the Cabinet session concluded.

Continuation of the debate about the 2015 budget bill is scheduled for Monday, 10 November.

The Cabinet also approved toady the Bill on Prevention of Corruption, as one of the five priority measures in the context of the negotiating process with the European Commission, Svetlana Rajković of the Justice Ministry said following the Cabinet session.

The bill provides for the setting up of an independent anti-corruption agency which will unify and strengthen competences of all existing institutions combating corruption in Montenegro.

Apart from the competences prescribed by this law, the agency will monitor the implementation of the Law on Lobbying and the Law on Financing Political Parties, Ms Rajković added.

Through the implementation of the Law on Prevention of Corruption, the agency will exercise its jurisdiction in preventing conflict of interest, restricting the exercise of public functions, checking property cards, receiving gifts, donations and sponsorships.

Second part of the bill is related to performance and protection of whistleblowers, Ms Rajković pointed out.

The Government approved today the Bill Amending the Law on Prevention of Conflicts of Interest. The reason for adopting the bill is to make rapid progress in the EU accession process and to position Montenegro as a country with good practice concerning (preventive) anti corruption policy. Ultimately, this would raise its international reputation, boost regional and international cooperation and empower integration processes. Most significantly, it would increase public confidence in the performance of anti-corruption institutions.