Without Implementing Venice Commission and GRECO Recommendations, Montenegro Cannot Close Chapter 23

_{Photo: Parliament of Montenegro}

Chapter 23 of Montenegro’s negotiations with the European Union, which covers the judiciary and fundamental rights, cannot be closed without full implementation of the recommendations of the Venice Commission and GRECO, particularly regarding integrity checks for public officials and the prevention of conflicts of interest.

According to government sources, the Government has already invited the parliamentary majority and the opposition to a dialogue on drafting concrete solutions for the Law on the Government. Meanwhile, GRECO has recommended that integrity checks be carried out before the appointment of ministers and state secretaries, while the Venice Commission has called for the law to clearly define the steps to be taken in the event of a negative integrity vetting result.

On September 3, Parliament adopted the proposal to amend the Constitution, which foresees lifting the immunity of the prime minister and ministers for corruption-related criminal offenses, but two more votes are needed for the final changes.

The EU Delegation in Montenegro has stressed that the country must also fulfill other rule-of-law obligations, including the full functioning of the State Election Commission, the election of the missing members of the Judicial Council, and the adoption of the second package of constitutional amendments.