"Notaries and public bailiffs are bound by the ethical rules of their professions at both national and international level. The confidence entrusted in their legal professions is very significant and requires not only the extensive knowledge of many facets of domestic and international law, but also high integrity, probity and discretion". This was one of the key messages from the regional workshop for notaries and public bailiffs which was held in Budva, on 16 - 17 December 2021, under the framework of the action "Accountability and ​professionalism of the judicial system in Montenegro".

The workshop was organised in co-operation with the Chamber of Notaries and Chamber of Public Bailiffs from Montenegro and the Centre for International Legal Co-operation (CILC) from the Netherlands. It brought together notaries and public bailiffs from the region, international experts, as well as judges and representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro.

During the workshop, different international and regional experiences were presented, and key ethical issues were clarified, including with respect to relevant EU law matters, with practical examples being provided to illustrate situations that a notary or a bailiff is likely to encounter. The participants agreed that it is necessary for notaries and bailiffs to remain up-to-date with professional matters and to consider ways for greater regional co-operation. It was concluded that the chambers' professional bodies should remain the key resource of awareness raising and knowledge sharing, with a crucial role in forward-looking reforms and dialogue with the ministries of justice.

The action “Accountability and professionalism of the judicial system in Montenegro”, that is a part of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019 – 2022”.