Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

An event dedicated to enhancing the procedural rights of victims in criminal proceedings, with a particular focus on the right to compensation, was held in Podgorica.

The training brought together representatives of judicial institutions and the Bar Association aiming to provide floor for exchanging experiences, identifying challenges and discussing way forward for enhancing judicial practice. Particular attention was given to the continuous monitoring of the Guidelines' implementation. To support this process, a methodology has been developed, and indicators have been defined which, once integrated into the judicial information system, are expected to improve monitoring and reporting.

The event is part of ongoing efforts of the Montenegrin judiciary to effectively implement the Guidelines for improving victims’ rights to compensation in criminal proceedings, issued in December 2025. Through training and capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers, the aim is to ensure the consistent and effective application of the Guidelines in everyday practice.

These activities contribute to meeting the closing benchmarks under Chapter 23 of Montenegro's European Union accession process. Participants also highlighted the important support provided by the joint European Union and Council of Europe project in advancing reforms in the justice sector.

The one-day meeting was implemented as part of the 2026 Continuous Training Programme for Judges and Public Prosecutors and supported through the Action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims’ rights in Montenegro,” part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.”