Horizontal Facility - Vijesti
Advancing legal reforms to strengthen court expert accountability in Montenegro
In a concerted effort to enhance the quality, professionalism, and accountability of court experts in Montenegro, key support [BB1] has been provided to the Ministry of Justice in drafting amendments to the Law on Court Experts, by compiling relevant European standards related to the work of...
New Codes of Ethics for judges and prosecutors in Montenegro to bolster judicial integrity
The process of drafting of new Codes of Ethics for judges and prosecutors in Montengro has been recently launched, marking an important step forward toward reinforcing ethical standards and promoting integrity across the justice system. Supported by the joint European Union and Council of Europe...
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...
State Cadastre Agency in Albania strengthens communication efforts to better serve citizens
In order to address a core institutional need of the State Cadastre Agency (SCA) to ensure that citizens consistently receive clear and helpful communication, a workshop was organised in Tirana with the support of the EU and Council of Europe. More than 45 staff from the Agency and its regional...
Strengthening police role to ensure journalists' safety in Albania
Police play a vital role in protecting journalists and ensuring a safe environment for free and independent media. Strengthening their capacity to understand, prevent, and respond to threats against journalists is essential to uphold freedom of expression and democratic values. The two-day...
Albanian women’s prison to pilot trauma-informed therapy
The European Union and Council of Europe continues to assist Albanian prison service to introduce Trauma-Informed Therapy (TiT) in Pojska, Albania’s only prison for women offenders. Following earlier advanced training on TiT for Pojska prison psycho-social staff and representatives of the...
Strengthening protection of journalists in Albania through dialogue and co-operation
As threats and attacks against journalists in Albania remain a concern, efforts to improve their safety through institutional co-operation and dialogue are gaining momentum. Journalists, prosecutors, police officials, civil society, and international partners gathered in Shkodër for a...
Enhancing Transparency and Accuracy of Beneficial Ownership Data in Türkiye
The European Union and Council of Europe “Action against money laundering in Türkiye”, in co-operation with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), held a workshop in Ankara to support ongoing domestic efforts to enhance the transparency and reliability of beneficial ownership (BO) data...
Venice Commission provides legal opinions for the authorities in Montenegro and North Macedonia
The Expertise Co-ordination Mechanism (ECM), a system established under the joint European Union and Council of Europe Horizontal Facility III programme, continues to provide important legislative expertise and policy advice for the beneficiaries in the Western Balkans. At its 143rd Plenary...
Call for tenders: Purchase of the communication services relating to the social media awareness raising initiative on academic integrity and inclusion in higher education in Montenegro
Within the framework of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, the Council of Europe is currently implementing the action “Quality education for all in Montenegro”. In that context, it is looking for a Provider for the...
Judges and civil society in Serbia join forces to counter abusive lawsuits against public interest voices
In a joint effort to tackle Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), as a growing threat to freedom of expression and public debate, judges from Serbia’s High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court came together with members of the Serbian Anti-SLAPP coalition for a Council of...
Montenegro takes further steps to improve access to justice for victims of human trafficking
With the aim to enhance the access to justice for the most vulnerable victims, on 19 June 2025 a coordination meeting took place on development of a specialised training course for provision of free legal aid to the human trafficking victims. The initiative is part of a broader framework to...
Towards a cultural shift in preventing human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in North Macedonia
Between 2019 and 2024, 46 victims of human trafficking for labour exploitation, mostly adult men, were identified in North Macedonia. [1] Reportedly, many of the victims of labour exploitation go undetected, as there is a lack of general understanding of the concept of forced labour, not only by...
In Belgrade, youth and decision-makers join forces to counter hate speech through dialogue and art
In a strong show of solidarity against hate and discrimination, youth representatives and senior officials gathered at the Silosi cultural centre in Belgrade to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The event featured a vibrant panel discussion followed by the unveiling of a...
United Against Hate: Strengthening Law Enforcement to Combat Discrimination
The regional workshop “Police Operating in Diverse Societies: Addressing Hatred Against Ethnic and Religious Minorities” held in Durres, Albania, underscored the commitment of the European Union, the Council of Europe and the regional partners to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination. The...
Albanian authorities reaffirm their commitment to advance the fight against economic crime
Advancement of legal reforms and strengthening of institutional capacities to combat corruption, money laundering, and terrorist financing in Albania was the focus of the fourth Steering Committee meeting of the joint European Union and Council of Europe Action against Economic Crime, bringing...
Police in North Macedonia equipped to better protect journalists
Recognising the vital role of journalists as watchdogs of democracy, police forces in North Macedonia were empowered with tools and knowledge to better protect media professionals from threats, harassment, and violence—both offline and online. In this framework, with the support of the EU and...
Strengthening the health protection of persons in police detention throughout Serbia
Over 230 medical doctors and police officers from across Serbia received specialised training in May and June to strengthen the health protection of persons in police detention, in line with Council of Europe standards. The one-day accredited sessions took place in Belgrade, Niš and Novi Sad,...
Montenegro launches new HELP course on judicial ethics
A new HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) course on judicial ethics for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers is being launched in Montenegro, in close collaboration with the EU and Council of Europe joint Action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing...
Montenegrin prison practitioners strengthen their skills in preventing radicalisation
Representatives from correctional staff from the penitentiary -system of Montenegro enhanced their expertise and knowledge in managing, rehabilitating and preparing for release of violent extremist and radicalised prisoners, as well as other prisoners at risk from radicalisation. The 2-days...
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