Transparency in the judiciary is not just a principle—it is a fundamental requirement for a functioning democracy – this was the key message voiced at the workshops for courts and prosecution officers dedicated to the development of actions plans for the implementation of judicial communication strategies in 2025.

These workshops enabled heads of prosecution offices, courts presidents, press judges and press prosecutors to discuss the challenges and effects of action plans in 2024, while outlining a set of priorities and measures for 2025, focusing on media outreach, and community engagement and education to ensure that citizens receive quality information about the work of judiciary.

Recognizing the increasing need for transparency, especially in challenging circumstances, the Judicial Court and the Supreme Court have also taken proactive steps towards developing a comprehensive Crisis Communication Protocol for courts, to ensure that accurate, timely, and consistent information reaches media and the public.

“Trust is the cornerstone of the justice system. By changing our approach to communication and transparency, we are re not just reacting to challenges, but proactively building a foundation for greater judicial accountability and resilience “– said Radoje Korać, president of the Judicial Council of Montenegro, at the opening of the workshop for courts.

„Courts are not only venues for dispute resolution but pillars of public trust and transparency. How you communicate, whether on procedural matters or high-profile cases, has a profound impact on the community’s confidence in the fairness of justice“- emphasized Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica.

At the opening of the workshop for prosecutors,  Anna Yeghiazaryan, Project Coordinator from Strasbourg stated „that clear, timely, and strategic communication helps demystify prosecutors’ role, reinforcing the mission and values of the prosecution service among citizens.“

„The activities that were implemented under Horizontal Facility have resulted in much greater recognition of the importance of timely and open communication within the prosecution organization today“ – Dragana Maljević, Head of PR Service in the Supreme State Prosecution Office, concluded.

These activities resulted from a collaborative endeavor between the actions PROFREX M and "Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims' rights in Montenegro" both of which are part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.