DPM Koprivica meets with Ambassador of Slovakia Boris Gandel

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica met with the Ambassador of Slovakia to Montenegro, H.E. Boris Gandel.

DPM Koprivica extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador and expressed gratitude for the support that Slovakia provides to Montenegro. At the beginning of the conversation, the Ambassador thanked for the kind words, congratulated on the formation of the Government, and the assumption of the important position by Deputy Prime Minister.

During the discussion, DPM Koprivica highlighted that the primary goals of the 44th Government include reforms in the judiciary and anti-corruption legislation, closing Chapters 23 and 24, and implementing economic reforms. Important judicial appointments have been made during this period, including the election of the seventh judge of the Constitutional Court, three members of the Judicial Council, and the President of the Judicial Council. However, the appointment of the Supreme State Prosecutor remains, a crucial step for reforms and European integration. Furthermore, essential reform laws targeting corruption and money laundering have been enacted, including the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, as well as the Law on Games of Chance. Slovakia has played a significant role in providing assistance in this domain. Additionally, the approved budget includes measures such as an increase in the minimum pension.

Ambassador Gandel expressed congratulations on the overall work done and emphasized the importance of appointing the Supreme State Prosecutor as it would facilitate the fight against organized crime and corruption, crucial for Montenegro's European perspective.

The Ambassador conveyed his belief that appointing the Supreme State Prosecutor ahead of the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference would send a positive signal and have a very positive impact on Montenegro. He reminded that Slovakia was the state that fulfilled EU accession conditions the fastest, emphasizing the strategic goal of EU enlargement for both Slovakia and Montenegro. The Ambassador expressed the belief that if Montenegro continues on this path, there is a great opportunity to complete the accession process before 2030.

At the end of the meeting, the two officials highlighted the good relations between Slovakia and Montenegro, intertwined with historical and cultural ties. They emphasized positive initiatives, such as the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group, of which Slovakia is a member, expressing the desire to deepen cooperation and joint political action. They agreed on the continuation of productive cooperation in areas of common interest.