DPM Koprivica meets with Head of Council of Europe Programme Office Lejla Dervišagić

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica, held a meeting with the Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, Lejla Dervišagić, and the Coordinator of the Council of Europe Project for Combating Economic Crime, Marina Mićunović.

At the outset of the meeting, satisfaction was expressed regarding the opportunity to discuss a range of important issues, with particular attention given to projects that the Council of Europe has been implementing in collaboration with the European Union since 2016, within the framework of the joint initiative - Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office, emphasised that the mentioned programme is implemented based on partnerships with institutions that are beneficiaries of individual projects. It provides support for enhancing the strategic and legislative framework, as well as strengthening the capacities of relevant authorities. The meeting highlighted that the Project for Combating Economic Crime in Montenegro has established a long-term framework to support Montenegrin institutions in the fight against corruption in the coming period, in line with the priorities of the Government of Montenegro.

Addressing strategic planning, they noted the special support of the Council of Europe in the planning process for the development of the Strategy for Combating Corruption and the Action Plan. This is aimed at ensuring continuity in strategic planning in this area in Montenegro.

Furthermore, they expressed the expectation that the Government will brief them on the priorities it has set and consult with them on how they can provide expert support related to the established priorities.

Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica informed that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption is preparing a new Decision on the establishment of the National Council for the Fight against Corruption, which will focus, among other things, on preparing a Strategy for Combating Corruption. Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica emphasised that this shows a commitment to an uncompromising fight against corruption on strategic, legislative, and operational levels.

In pursuit of justice and creating a conducive environment, the capacities of institutions in the fight against all forms of crime, especially economic crime, will be significantly strengthened. Economic crime has undermined the foundations of the legal system and the market economy in the previous period.

The meeting also discussed the improvement in the field of games of chance, and in this regard, the Council of Europe offered support. Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of providing expertise in the reform of the legal system.

They exchanged opinions and information on the upcoming obligations, agreeing that it is crucial to intensify cooperation with the Council of Europe at this moment, as a significant partner to the Government of Montenegro in improving the situation in reform areas.