The rule of law is a strategic priority of this Government and a guide to European integration

The strategic priority of this Government is the rule of law and the implementation of the principle of zero tolerance to corruption. We are determined to implement the comprehensive reforms in Chapters 23 and 24 and accelerate activities through a focused planning process and the implementation of dynamic plans for Chapters 23 and 24. I believe that in this way we will show that Montenegro remains steadfast on its European path, as well as that our results will prove the transformative power of European integration and improve the lives of our citizens, said Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić at the second session of the Collegium for Negotiations.

The second session, chaired by Prime Minister Krivokapić, was held today.

The session discussed the key activities of the dynamic plans for Chapters 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security, as well as the implementation of projects from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) in the rule of law.

The Prime Minister expressed his belief that the efficient and coordinated implementation of dynamic plans for Chapters 23 and 24 will mobilise all our resources in order to meet the provisional benchmarks as soon as possible and create preconditions for a stronger fight against corruption and organised crime.

He reminded that these plans are the result of synergistic and thorough work of working groups on reviewing the interim benchmark requirements, recommendations of the last meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security, as well as the last Non-Paper on the state of play regarding Chapters 23 and 24 in Montenegro in May 2021.

When it comes to the implementation of projects from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) in the area of rule of law, it was assessed that during the previous period, significant EU support was intended to improve the situation in the rule of law sector.

The session expressed satisfaction with the fact that support for the rule of law sector is expected through IPA 2020 for activities in the field of strengthening the efficiency of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime.