DPM Koprivica meets with Austrian Minister of Justice Alma Zadić

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica met in Vienna with Austrian Minister of Justice Alma Zadić. Koprivica expressed gratitude to Austria for its continued support for Montenegro's efforts toward full European Union membership.

Koprivica highlighted that the Government of Montenegro has made substantial progress in strengthening anti-corruption capacities, including aligning national legislation with EU standards, establishing a new strategic framework, and empowering judicial institutions. He emphasised ongoing high-level anti-corruption cases, underscoring the critical role of the Special State Prosecutor's Office and the Special Police Department, which deserve full support in their work. As a result, Montenegro received a positive IBAR and, for the first time, an acknowledgment of significant progress in Chapters 23 and 24 in the European Commission's Report on Montenegro.

Minister Zadić noted the significant progress Montenegro has made in internal reforms since her visit earlier this year. She affirmed Austria's ongoing support for Montenegro's efforts to strengthen compliance systems in the fight against corruption and to enhance the integrity of judges and prosecutors. Zadić emphasised that Montenegro's advancement toward EU membership is crucial for the entire region, calling Montenegro a leader and a positive example, especially following the recent IBAR and the announcement of chapter closures in the negotiation process. To this end, Austria's Ministry of Justice has signed joint declarations of cooperation with justice ministries in regional countries, representing a substantial achievement, particularly concerning Chapters 23 and 24.

The two officials agreed that Montenegro is setting high standards in judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts and could serve as a model for other countries in the region. They also highlighted the importance of recognising this progress. Both parties agreed to continue cooperation between Montenegro and Austria, particularly through the existing support mechanisms that Austrian institutions provide to their Montenegrin counterparts.