Work in this thematic area focuses on prisons and police (including human rights in policing, healthcare in prisons and safeguards against torture and ill-treatment), human rights standards in the judiciary (focusing on enhancing the application of case-law of the European Court of Human Rights), the efficiency of justice systems (with a focus on analysing judicial statistics to optimise court administrations) and/or legal co-operation (which concentrate on increasing the individual independence of judges and prosecutors and the accountability of the judicial system).

Back Montenegrin legal professionals strengthened skills on judicial ethics and AI dilemmas

Podgorica 31 July 2025
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Montenegrin legal professionals strengthened skills on judicial ethics and AI dilemmas

Nineteen judges, prosecutors and lawyers from across Montenegro have completed a specialised training course aimed at strengthening the application of European judicial ethics standards, including the emerging critical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

The training was organised under the action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims' rights in Montenegro”, which is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, and the Council of Europe’s HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) programme.

The HELP online course Ethics for judges, prosecutors and lawyers, which focused on strengthening knowledge and practical skills in applying European standards, brought together a diverse group of 19 legal professionals from across the country. Through interactive modules, case-based discussions and expert-led sessions, participants engaged with key topics including challenges related to conflicts of interest, undue influence, and appropriate conduct both in and outside the courtroom. Particular ethical dilemmas were raised regarding the use of AI tools and ethical standards on these matters.

The course underscored the importance of continuous professional development in fostering a judiciary that upholds international standards, equipping legal professionals with practical tools to better apply the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and relevant case law in their daily work. Key areas covered included procedural safeguards, anti-discrimination, gender equality, and the right to a fair trial. As a direct outcome, participants demonstrated improved their understanding and reasoning on ethical issues.

Actions under theme i: ensuring justice
  • Strengthening the quality and efficiency of justice in Albania - Phase III  
  • Supporting enforcement of judicial decisions and facilitating execution of ECtHR judgments in Albania           
  • Enhancing the protection of human rights of prisoners in Albania  
  • Strengthening human rights treatment of detained persons based on European standards and best practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina  
  • Strengthening the quality and efficiency of justice in Kosovo* -  Phase II  
  • Accountability of the judicial system in Montenegro - Phase II  
  • Improved procedural safeguards in judicial proceedings in Montenegro  
  • Further enhancing human rights protection for detained and sentenced persons in Montenegro  
  • Strengthening independence and accountability of the judiciary in Serbia  
  • Strengthening the effective legal remedies to human rights violations in Serbia  
  • Enhancing the human rights protection for detained and sentenced persons in Serbia  
  • Supporting enhanced access to higher quality Free Legal Aid services in North Macedonia  
  • Enhancing the capacities of the penitentiary system and the external oversight mechanism in North Macedonia                                                                                                                                                                                                 
  • Supporting the implementation and reporting on the Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkey  
  • Judicial training institutes for Quality and Sustainability in the Western Balkans 
  • Initiative for legal certainty in the Western Balkans  
  • Enhancing penitentiary capacities in addressing radicalisation in prisons in the Western Balkans  
  • Towards a better evaluation of the results of judicial reform efforts in the Western Balkans  
  • Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) in the Western Balkans 
  • PACE cooperation with the parliamentary assemblies with a view to achieving legislative improvements in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia 

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.