Abazović meets with Jourova: Government determined in applying the principle of zero tolerance for corruption

During his official visit to Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović met with Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová.

Abazović said that the Government of Montenegro wants to take a decisive step forward in the area of the rule of law and that, in consultation with the European and Venice Commission, Montenegro wants to implement reforms that will lead to the closure of Chapters 23 and 24.

Speaking about the Government's results in the rule of law, Deputy Prime Minister Abazović pointed out that the Government is determined to apply the principle of zero tolerance for corruption, adding that in the first 100 days of work, despite problems with the Prosecutor's Office, certain results have been achieved and many high-ranking officials have been prosecuted. Abazović noted that the National Council for the Fight against High-Level Corruption, which was formed in December 2020, will give significant contribution in the fight against corruption. The aim of the Council is monitoring and coordinating activities aimed at combating high-level corruption.

Referring to other activities of the Government in the previous period, Abazović said that a new Rule of Law Council was established in early February 2021, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Council confirms Montenegro's commitment to resolving the issue of the rule of law at a high level.

Speaking about prosecutorial laws and necessary changes in that area, DPM Abazović said that he was convinced that a political consensus would be reached and that adequate candidates for the highest positions in the judiciary would be found, especially for the positions of Supreme State Prosecutor, President of the Supreme Court and members of the Judicial Council, all in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commision and the Venice Commission.

The meeting exchanged opinions on future plans, further course of negotiations with the EU, reform and development path of Montenegro, with the aim of speeding up the negotiation process and more dynamic entry into the next phase of negotiations.

Montenegro's Chief Negotiator with the EU Zorka Kordić and Adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Ana Rašović also attended the meeting.