Podgorica, (MINA) - Through concrete investments, Montenegro is strengthening the institutions responsible for the fight against organized crime and corruption, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said during the handover of the adapted former government building to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) and the Special Police Department (SPO).

He pointed out that this event goes beyond infrastructural importance and demonstrates that Montenegro is building a state of law through concrete actions.

 

 

“Today we are not just opening a renovated facility. Today, we are showing that the state stands behind the institutions that lead the most important fight – the fight against organized crime and corruption”, Spajic said at the press conference.

According to him, more than EUR 3 million was invested in the adaptation and equipping of the facility, which, as he stated, permanently resolves the issue of adequate working conditions for the prosecution.

“For years we have listened to promises that SDT and SPO would eceive the conditions they deserve. Today we can say that we are finally resolving this issue permanently – not with words, but with concrete investments”, Spajic said.

Spajic added that the facility is equipped according to the highest security and operational standards, including special security zones and detention facilities, which will enable more efficient implementation of sensitive procedures.

Speaking about European integration, he noted that improving the working conditions of the judiciary and strengthening institutions are among key obligations in the EU negotiation process, especially within Chapters 23 and 24.

“Chapters 23 and 24 are the heart of European integration, but also of Montenegro’s internal transformation into a state of justice, responsibility and equality before the law”, Spajic said.

He also announced the continuation of investments in the judicial infrastructure through building of the Judicial Quarter, as well as reform activities, including amendments aimed at strengthening the personnel of the SDT and SPO.

 

 

Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Markovic assessed that the adaptation of the old Government building for the needs of SDT and SPO will significantly improve their work and create spatial and technical conditions for further strengthening of personnel capacities, raising the level of security and procedures in handling.

“It will facilitate and make more effective the joint work of these two institutions, as well as international police and prosecutorial cooperation”, said Markovic.

 

 

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Becic said that the current Government has resolved one of the most complex and long-standing problems, which will enable SDT and SPO to finally have working conditions that are fundamentally adequate to their results, role and importance for Montenegro.

He stated that SDT, SPO and the Police Administration represent the “backbone and striking fist” of the state in the fight against organized crime.

 

 

Minister of Justice Bojan Bozovic said that the adaptation of the building for the needs of SDT and SPO completes an important project that confirms the state’s support for the fight against crime and corruption.

He announced the further reorganization of spatial capacities, as well as the continued work on the judicial complex project.

 

 

 

Minister of Public Works Majda Adzovic said that another significant state project was completed by the handover of the adapted old Government building, covering ​​3,450 square meters, for use by SDT and SPO.

“The reconstruction was not simple at all, because it involved serious technical and security interventions”, said Adzovic, adding that the total value of the works was around EUR 2.8 million, with an additional EUR 420,000 for equipment.

Speaking about the relocation, Adzovic stated that it would be implemented gradually in order to ensure the smooth operation of the institutions, without specifying deadlines.