The continuous co-operation between the European Union and the Council of Europe with the authorities and civil society of Montenegro contributes to alignment with European standards and encourages further reform processes crucial for improving the lives of the people of Montenegro and advance the country on the European path. This was underlined at the first Beneficiary Steering Committee meeting within the third phase of the joint programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye", which was held in Podgorica today.
Under this programme, since 2016, significant results have already been achieved over the years. The European Union and the Council of Europe have been supporting authorities of Montenegro in crucial reforms - by strengthening accountability of the judicial system and better protection of victims’ rights, protecting the rights of prisoners, improving the fight against economic crime, and upholding freedom of expression and freedom of the media in line with European standards. The programme has also been continuously supporting local partners in the fight against discrimination and hate speech.
In his opening remarks, Filip Ivanović, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, emphasised that the Government of Montenegro fully shares the European standards and principles and recognises them as a priority in its activities. “We are grateful for the continuous assistance that the Council of Europe provides to Montenegro in many areas through legislative expertise and policy advice. This assistance contributes to strengthening of Montenegro’s democratic processes and institutions in implementation of Council of Europe’s commitments. At the same time, it is complementary to our EU objectives and assist us in making progress towards EU membership”, said Ivanović.
Yngve Engström, Head of Co-operation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, encouraged Montenegro to step up work towards meeting the benchmarks set in the key areas - chapter 23 – judiciary and fundamental rights and chapter 24 - justice, freedom, and security. “Now is the time to step of efforts in the area of rule and law and to make sure that reforms are implemented effectively and efficiently by the police, prosecution and in the courts. In partnership with the Council of Europe, the EU will continue providing substantial financial and expert support to assist Montenegro in meeting European and international standards in the areas of democracy, human rights and rule of law, to the benefit of all Montenegrin citizens”, he concluded.
Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Co-ordination at the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe, said: “In the spirit of shared values, the Council of Europe works jointly with the European Union under the Horizontal Facility programme to provide targeted support to Montenegro in meeting its reform agenda”.
The European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” is a joint co-operation initiative, the third phase of which is running from 2023 to 2026. It works in the areas of human rights, rule of law and democracy. The current, third phase of the programme, is worth 41 million euros (85% funded by the European Union and 15% funded by the Council of Europe).
