Montenegro set to contribute to European security cooperation

Podgorica, Montenegro (15 May 2018) -- As a future EU member, Montenegro is determined to contribute to the joint fight of the EU countries against organised crime and violent extremism, but it also expects EU assistance in fighting international security risks reflected in Montenegro, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin emphasised at a meeting with officials of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission.

EEAS Deputy Secretary General Pedro Serrano stressed that strengthening European security is a common goal of the European Union and Montenegro. He welcomed the efforts Montenegro has made in that regard and expressed the European Union's commitment to providing all the necessary support and assistance in combating terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime.

Deputy Prime Minister Pažin spoke about the importance of coordinated actions of Montenegro, the countries of the region and the European Union in the fight against international security risks, pointing out Montenegro’s determination to decisively suppress all manifestations of these risks on its territory, including especially reckless and dangerous conflicts between criminal gangs.

"For this reason we have raised the level of coordination of the competent services, especially the Prosecutor's Office and the Police, to the highest level, and established joint investigation teams for these cases. We expect concrete results in identifying and punishing the perpetrators of these serious crimes," DPM Pažin noted.

He recalled that Montenegro has introduced the criminal offense of "participation in foreign armed formations" into its criminal legislation, which will strengthen its contribution to global efforts to suppress international conflicts and fight terrorism.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER