DPM Bečić meets with Jakov Devčić

Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs, met with Jakov Devčić, the Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) for Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Devčić congratulated DPM Bečić on his appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership in the entrusted areas crucial for Montenegro's European future would contribute to the country's stability and citizens' safety.

The results you have achieved with your colleagues in a short time inspire hope and optimism that Montenegro is rapidly progressing towards becoming the next member of the European Union, highlighted Devčić.

Montenegro aspires to join the European Union as soon as possible, and on that path, the support of international partners is of invaluable importance, concluded DPM Bečić, thanking the Foundation for its contribution to the development of democracy and improvement of Montenegro's socio-political environment.

In this historic moment when Montenegro, in the past few months, under the new government, has made significant steps on the European path, it is crucial to continue at this pace, as closing chapters becomes a topic discussed as a realistic and tangible goal, emphasised DPM Bečić, highlighting the impressive results achieved by the new government in a very short period.

With the selection of the seventh judge of the Constitutional Court, the completion of the Judicial Council, the appointment of the Central Bank governor, and, hopefully soon, the appointment of the Supreme State Prosecutor, as well as numerous other decisions of the executive and legislative authorities, we send a clear message to our citizens that the institutional functionality of the entire system has been restored, said Bečić.

Recognising Montenegro's efforts on the European path, Devčić praised recent successes in unblocking the judiciary, pointing out that "just as credible NATO membership contributed to security, EU membership will enhance democratic processes and strengthen institutions, giving momentum to overall rule of law reforms".

Pointing out the challenges Montenegro faces in the fight against drug cartels and other criminal structures, Bečić promised to continue the determined and courageous fight, stating that numerous actions, prosecutions, and arrests are a clear indicator of the determination of relevant institutions in the fight against crime and corruption.

Building strong, independent institutions and the rule of law are key steps towards creating an environment in which criminal groups cannot survive. There are no privileged ones, nor will there be. The tarnishing of the honorable badges of Montenegrin security services will no longer happen, and you will continuously witness that. From now on, no one will be stronger than the laws and institutions of the state because it is not just a question of internal or external policy, but of the honor, dignity, and future of Montenegro, concluded Bečić.