DPM Bečić meets with new EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met with the new Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro Johann Sattler.

Bečić congratulated the Ambassador on assuming his new role and expressed confidence that, thanks to Sattler's extensive experience and understanding of the specificities of the Western Balkans, the cooperation between Montenegro and the EU will continue to grow, providing strong support for Montenegro's path to EU membership.

Bečić highlighted a recent achievement — the receiving of IBAR, which marks a historic milestone in Montenegro's European integration process.

In recent months, Montenegro has successfully unblocked the integration process through the unlocking of key institutions, the responsible approach of both the Government and the Parliament, and the adoption of numerous laws and regulations, implementing comprehensive reforms across all socio-political spheres. The focus has been on fighting organised crime and corruption, as well as strengthening the rule of law. Bečić stated that the next goal is to close a series of negotiation chapters by the end of the year, through inter-institutional cooperation and strong public support, which raises the level of accountability of all political actors.

Bečić also expressed satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between the security sector, the prosecutor's office, and international partners, emphasising that trust and partnership are crucial to achieving concrete results in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

Our results speak best of the effective cooperation between the security sector, the Special Prosecutor's Office, and other relevant prosecutors, as well as our international partners, primarily EUROPOL. Teamwork, transparency, and accountability of the leaders of all relevant institutions are the strongest weapons in the fight against organised crime and corruption. Over the past ten months, around 70 people have been prosecuted for crimes related to corruption, 95% of all crimes that occurred during this period have been solved, as well as 85% of crimes where the perpetrator was initially unknown. About 600 members of organised crime groups, persons of interest, and their associates have been prosecuted. Additionally, the public has almost daily witnessed the dismantling of smuggling networks for drugs and cigarettes, and the most significant seizures of illegal weapons in recent history have been recorded, Bečić emphasised.

Bečić added that in addition to the fight against organised crime and corruption, the government's priorities include strengthening the economic position of citizens and building a civil society founded on the rule of law and strong institutions.

The Government of Montenegro will continue to improve the socio-economic status of citizens and combat organised crime and corruption in order to build a strong civil society based on the rule of law and trust in institutions. This is the fastest path to the European Union, reflecting true patriotism and love for our country, Bečić concluded.

Ambassador Sattler emphasised that Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become the next member of the European Union.

Your work and your results so far demonstrate the seriousness of your intention to move Montenegro forward on the European path. I look forward to close cooperation with the Government of Montenegro to help you maintain momentum and seize this historic opportunity, Sattler concluded.