Back Montenegro adopts new appraisal rules for judges and prosecutors to enhance transparency and merit-based evaluation

Podgorica 24 June 2025
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Montenegro adopts new appraisal rules for judges and prosecutors to enhance transparency and merit-based evaluation

In a landmark move towards strengthening the rule of law and promoting professional excellence within the judiciary and prosecution service, the Judicial Council and the Prosecutorial Council of Montenegro have recently adopted new rules governing the appraisal of judges and prosecutors.

The new appraisal systems represent a significant step forward in creating a transparent, fair, and merit-based evaluation process for legal professionals. Developed through an inclusive and consultative process, the rules are designed to provide clear performance criteria, ensure consistency in evaluations, and support the ongoing professional development of judges and prosecutors.

Under the revised framework, appraisals will be conducted based on objective indicators, with a focus on professional competence, integrity, efficiency, and adherence to ethical standards. The aim is to recognise excellence, identify areas for improvement, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous growth. Within this process, the action delivered expertise on guiding Council of Europe policies and standards regarding judicial appraisals and facilitated consultations with relevant stakeholders during the drafting process.

Both councils have begun implementing the new rules, and the project will continue to support this process through the development of practical guidelines and training for members of the appraisal bodies, in order to ensure effective application at all levels of courts and prosecution offices.

Support to drafting of the new rules has been provided 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 Programme for the Western Balkans and Türkiye".

 

 

 

 

Horizontal Facility III

The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative, running from 2023 until 2026.

The programme covers actions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. It enables the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards, which is also a priority for the EU enlargement process.

The third phase of the programme is worth €41 million (85% funded by the European Union, 15% by the Council of Europe).

*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.