The 5th meeting of the Steering Committee of the joint European Union and Council of Europe action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims' rights in Montenegro”, held online, brought together institutional stakeholders and partners to review the progress achieved since October 2024 and to jointly shape the roadmap for the next six months.

The meeting served as a key platform for presenting the results accomplished to date, which reflect steady and meaningful advancement in strengthening mechanisms for judicial accountability, improving access to justice, and enhancing the protection of victims of crime. Participants of the Steering Committee meeting discussed the tangible outcomes of technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and legislative support provided under the project framework.

Equally important, the Steering Committee engaged in an open dialogue on the evolving priorities of beneficiaries, identifying areas where targeted support will be most impactful in the coming period. This collaborative exchange provided a clear direction for the next phase of the action’s implementation, with activities planned to further improve institutional practices, enhance victim-centered approaches, and foster trust in the justice system of Montenegro.

Beneficiary institutions expressed strong satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the support provided, noting that the expert guidance and tailored interventions have made a visible difference in their day-to-day work and long-term strategic planning.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination and strong partnership between the European Union and the Council of Europe, which remains essential for delivering results and addressing the complex challenges in the justice sector.

As the action moves into its next phase, the shared focus remains on fostering a more transparent, accountable, and victim-sensitive justice system, anchored in the rule of law and respect for human rights.