Transparent and effective communication is key to maintaining public trust in the judiciary. To support this goal, a specialised workshop for judicial spokespersons in Montenegro focused on enhancing crisis communication skills.

The workshop “Crisis communication for judges” provided a hands-on approach, drawing from real-life case studies and concrete examples to illustrate effective crisis communication strategies. Participants engaged in practical exercises on public speaking techniques, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to address the media and the public confidently and effectively during challenging situations.

The Protocol for Crisis Communication for Courts served as a key framework, offering structured guidance on how courts should respond to crises, manage public perception, and maintain institutional credibility in times of heightened scrutiny. By combining theoretical insights with practical training, the workshop aimed to strengthen the role of judicial spokespersons as trusted intermediaries between the judiciary and the public, contributing to the implementation of the Recommendation Rec (2003) 13 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the provision of information through the media in relation to criminal proceedings.

This initiative marks an important step in equipping judicial representatives with the necessary tools to navigate modern media landscapes and uphold public confidence in the judiciary. At the same time, it underscores the commitment of the European Union and the Council of Europe to fostering a transparent, accountable, and well-communicated judicial system. 

This activity has been carried out in cooperation between the actions PROFREX M “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Montenegro”, implemented by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression and "Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims' rights in Montenegro" under the joint European Union and Council of Europe Programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2023-2026”.