Agency for Prevention of Corruption

Press Release of the APC’s Director Jelena Perovic on the EC Working Document for Chapters 23 and 24

June 22, 2021

My election as Director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in July 2020 was an expression of the determination of the new convocation of the Council with the intention of initiating radical structural, organizational and personnel changes.

I assumed public office aware that the fight against corruption is one of the fundamental preconditions built into Montenegro's European orientation and perspective, and that its success, as stated in the United Nations Convention against Corruption, is conditioned by institution building and strengthening their capacities.

By basing the Agency's activities in legality, which implied impartiality and non-selectivity in the interpretation and application of the letter and spirit of the law, transparency, which brings with it a different attitude towards the public's right to know and full openness, and adoption of European values ​​and professional standards, we have taken a firm reform course.

We have added, through the proactive approach in the use of legal powers, interactivity, intensive communication, cooperation and coordination of activities with partners on the path of European integration, media and civil sector, as well as with other state bodies, ready to listen to all useful suggestions and experiences and to include them in our own practice, constantly striving to improve the efficiency and quality of our decisions.

Less than a year later, looking back, we can see that behind our work are tangible results: the growth of public trust, expressed in the last research on public opinion conducted in December 2020, according to which 73.4% of respondents believe that the Agency has contributed to strengthening transparency in the use of public resources and financing of political entities during election campaigns, and, more importantly, in increasing the number of reports, which in the first five months of 2021 were 64, by only 11 less than in the entire 2020.

In the period from January 1 to June 1, the Agency initiated a total of 633 misdemeanor proceedings due to violations of anti-corruption laws, which is 15% more than during the entire last year. The number of issued misdemeanor warrants (137) is more than three times higher than in 2020.

It makes us proud, but at the same time additionally obliging, which our progress has been noticed and, in its Working Document for Chapters 23 and 24 for Montenegro, the European Commission pointed out, stating, among other things, that “after changes in the Council The Agency and its leadership 2020, the Agency has embarked on a proactive approach to the challenges of its independence, integrity, impartiality, transparency, non-selective approach and the quality of its decisions, improving overall performance ”.

We perceive the messages we received as support and encouragement, not only for us in the Agency to continue the initiated reform, but also for all state institutions, that the dedicated care for protection of public interest and rule of law will not go unnoticed, and that it is a key part of European integration process.

Understanding that we have just taken the initial steps in fulfilling our mission, which requires long-term, layered and systematic engagement, firmly committed to reducing the space for error, we will continue to contribute to reducing real and perceived levels of corruption, upgrading comprehensive ethical infrastructure and the environment of citizens' trust in public administration and the rule of law.

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