DPM Koprivica meets with Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Montenegro Martijn Elgersma

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica met today with H.E. Mr. Martijn Elgersma, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Montenegro. The meeting focused on ongoing reform processes, Montenegro’s European integration, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. 

Ambassador Elgersma commended Montenegro’s reform efforts, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption, which are essential for further progress on its European path. He emphasized that the Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly supports Montenegro’s European perspective and stands ready to provide expert and technical assistance in implementing the necessary reforms. The Ambassador also acknowledged the progress Montenegro has made, especially in strengthening independent institutions and improving the legal framework, reiterating that the Netherlands remains committed to a merit-based approach. 

Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica briefed the Ambassador on the Government’s key achievements, reaffirming Montenegro’s commitment to implementing reforms that will ensure the functionality of the judicial system, enhance anti-corruption efforts, and promote institutional transparency. He highlighted the Government's dedication to fulfilling the interim benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, which are crucial for advancing EU accession negotiations. In this regard, he pointed out that judicial appointments, reforms in the judiciary, anti-corruption, and media legislation, the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the outstanding results of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office contributed to Montenegro receiving a positive IBAR. However, he stressed that reforms in anti-corruption and criminal legislation continue, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to sustained progress beyond positive evaluations from the European Commission. 

Furthermore, Koprivica emphasized the Government’s dedication to significantly improving the working conditions of the judiciary. He noted that €1.2 million has been allocated for the completion of the renovation of the former Government building for the needs of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Police Department. Additionally, the 2025 budget includes funding for substantial salary increases for judicial office holders. The Government is also working on resolving pressing issues related to the spatial capacities of other judicial institutions. 

Koprivica informed Ambassador Elgersma that a working group he established has drafted the Draft Law on Judicial Police, a major project of critical importance for ensuring the security of judicial buildings, judicial personnel, and other participants in legal proceedings. 

Both officials agreed on the need for continued intensive reforms to achieve tangible results in strengthening the rule of law and institutional framework. They also discussed opportunities for further cooperation between Montenegro and the Netherlands through projects supporting judicial reforms and capacity-building initiatives for institutions responsible for combating corruption. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Elgersma for the Netherlands' continued support to Montenegro and reaffirmed his confidence in the continued successful cooperation between the two countries, contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions and the acceleration of Montenegro’s European integration.