Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Montenegro is paving the way for stronger human rights protection, rule of law, and democracy with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme, “The Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, according  to  the participants at the programme’s annual Beneficiary Steering Committee meeting held in Podgorica today.

The meeting showcased tangible results achieved through the programme, which has been instrumental in driving positive change in Montenegro. Key accomplishments include the establishment of human rights clinics at all the three law faculties to provide free legal aid to vulnerable groups, collaborative efforts to combat hate speech and advancements in freedom of expression and digital rights. Other milestones highlighted were the adoption of anticorruption strategic documents, the development of a new Judicial Council communication strategy and initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive and democratic schools.

Opening the meeting, Ms. Nizaheta Kurpejović – Cikotić, acting General Director of the General Directorate for Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, emphasised the importance of the programme, expressing satisfaction with the increasingly intensive and concrete forms of cooperation with the Council of Europe. "Today, as we reflect on what has been achieved during the programme period, we are pleased to note the valuable contribution of the Council of Europe to strengthening the capacities of our institutions. This aligns with Montenegro's aspiration to become a full-fledged EU member by 2028. EU membership is Montenegro's absolute priority, and the targeted support of the Council of Europe in harmonising legislation with the highest European standards will be welcomed in addressing the remaining tasks on our European path," she noted.

Mr. Schnutz Dürr, Head of Programming Department of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe, said that substantial reforms call for sustained, long-term efforts and unwavering commitment. "Guided by shared values, the Council of Europe, together with the European Union and in partnership with the beneficiaries on the ground, remains dedicated to supporting Montenegro in advancing its reform agenda in human rights, rule of law and democracy,” he stressed.

Mr. Yngve Engström, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro stressed that “Rule of Law standards are of particular importance for joining the European Union. It was a great success of Montenegro this year to meet the interim benchmarks. But further work is needed in the coming period to close all chapters by the end of 2026. EU/CoE cooperation will be essential in helping Montenegro. The recently adopted Growth Plan for Montenegro for 2024-2027, will in addition reward achievements of key reforms with substantial funding in the area of judiciary, fight against corruption and fundamental rights.”

Senior representatives from beneficiary institutions—including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, the Ombudsperson's Office, and the Rectorate of Montenegro — participated in the event. They discussed the tailored support provided by the Horizontal Facility in addressing recommendations of the Council of Europe monitoring and advisory bodies. The participants also reviewed progress made so far and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing effective co-operation in implementing the programme.

The “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe, running from 2023 to 2026. The programme helps beneficiaries meet their reform agendas in human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, aligning with European standards and EU enlargement priorities. The budget of the current phase of the programme is €41 million, with 85% funded by the European Union and 15% by the Council of Europe.

Photos from the event.

For more information, please contact:

Bojana Barlovac, Regional Communication Officer, Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, +381 (0)63 60 13 37

Tatiana Baeva-Frachon, Media officer, Council of Europe, Strasbourg +33 (0)3 88 41 21 41