Sattler: It is time for swift and decisive action in Chapters 23 and 24

Montenegro’s progress is the fastest in the region, but we are now entering a phase in which swift, decisive institutional actions are crucial to closing Chapters 23 and 24. This can be achieved by making the key institutional appointments and strengthening the fight against organised crime and corruption, priorities that the Government of Montenegro has clearly committed itself to delivering.

This was stated during the first panel discussion, “Final Steps: The Path Towards Closing Chapters 23 and 24.” Johann Sattler, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Bojan Božović, Minister of Justice, and Danilo Šaranović, Minister of the Interior, were among the panellists.

Johann Sattler, the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, stated that while there has been progress in the rule of law, there are still areas where decisive action and accelerated efforts are required.

“There is a lot of work that you must focus on and tasks you need to complete,” Sattler said. 

According to his statement, “swift action is now essential”.

The Ambassador underscored the necessity of electing the three judges required to complete the Constitutional Court's composition. 

“We also need a fully constituted Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services. These are areas in which quick results can be achieved,” Sattler stressed.

He noted that the European Union expects unity in Parliament on support for European legislation.

“We have seen that this is possible in the case of electoral reform. Now there are no local elections that could serve as a distraction, and you can focus on what unites you rather than what divides you. I see a good opportunity for this task to be completed by the end of next year,” he said.

Speaking about obligations under Chapter 24, the Ambassador stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of key obligations, including the most important appointments in the Ministry of the Interior, as well as full alignment of visa policy with the EU.

Copyright: EUD

Božović: Chapters 23 and 24 can be seen also as the “Cinderellas” of the negotiation process

Minister of Justice Bojan Božović said that Chapters 23 and 24 are not only the most important for the negotiations but also the “Cinderellas” of the negotiation process.

“There is no democracy without negotiating Chapters 23 and 24. That is why our views and positions are fully aligned with those of the European Union. Our task is the full implementation of the recommendations,” Božović stated.

“We do not have time. We have only a few months ahead of us, which we must use in the best possible way to obtain the most positive report, because in order to conclude the negotiation process, we have no time for creative interpretations. We have clear tasks, and we must fulfil them,” he said.

Božović emphasised that the Government had sent a clear political message that it “wants constitutional amendments concerning the composition of the Judicial Council”.

He said that the Criminal Procedure Code is “the most important legal source” and crucial for judicial reform.

He noted that work on the law is ongoing and that a faster approval from the European Commission is expected, allowing amendments to be sent for adoption. “We have submitted very important legal proposals to the European Commission, which will enable faster and more efficient judicial proceedings, primarily through amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. Also, regarding anti-corruption, we have drafted the Whistleblower Protection Act and numerous other amendments.

“We had certain obstacles, but we expect next year to have around 20 newly hired, high-quality legal professionals who will contribute to addressing these matters,” Božović said. He added that the Commission’s and Venice Commission’s recommendations must be followed.

Božović stressed that it is entirely possible to complete the negotiations by the end of 2026.

“This idea did not simply occur to us; it was agreed. We must complete this by September next year,” he said.

Božović announced that amendments to the Criminal Code relating to unlawful enrichment of officials will be presented by the end of the year, along with amendments to the Law on the Special State Prosecutor’s Office in line with Venice Commission recommendations, as well as amendments to the draft Law on the Permanent Confiscation of Property Acquired through Criminal Activity.

Copyright: EUD

Šaranović: We expect the Director of the Police Directorate to be appointed by the end of the year

Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović stated that, through coordination between the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice, Montenegro can enter the end of next year with 100% of the prerequisites fulfilled for closing Chapters 23 and 24.

The results achieved in the fight against crime were highlighted in the progress report.

“If there is one area in which this state demonstrates unity and determination, it is the fight against organised crime,” Šaranović said.

Regarding the Law on Internal Affairs, “I expect we will receive the opinion of the European Commission, and that it will enter parliamentary procedure, which is one of the conditions for achieving results in the next 12 months,” Šaranović stated.

“The Law on Weapons is in its final phase, and we expect it to be sent to the European Commission for an opinion within the next ten days. The Law on Foreigners has also undergone a serious public debate and is on the agenda of the Parliament of Montenegro,” he said.

Šaranović emphasised that the good results were achieved thanks to strong cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the SDT.

“We have carried out a thorough reorganisation of the Police Directorate, but what has been particularly highlighted is the strengthening of internal control mechanisms, verification procedures, and the integrity assurance system within the police service,” Šaranović said.

A reorganisation has been implemented, and full professionalisation is underway—and it must begin from the top.

“A few weeks ago, a competition for the selection of a full-term Director of the Police Directorate was announced, and we expect this to be completed by the end of the year,” Šaranović stressed.

The Forum represents a high-level platform that has gathered state officials, representatives of key institutions, and representatives of the European Union for an exchange of views on key reform obligations in the area of the rule of law on Montenegro’s path towards EU membership.

Through several thematic panels, the discussions will focus on the obligations arising from Chapters 23 and 24, which relate to the rule of law within the EU accession negotiation framework, as well as the dynamics and timelines for their implementation.