Marko Škerović, Head of the Integrity Department at the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, presented the Agency’s work during the 15th session of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Group, held from November 4th to 8th in Vienna.

During his presentation, Škerović emphasized the key role of the Agency in preventive anti-corruption activities and its contribution to the effective and consistent implementation of UNCAC in Montenegro. He placed special emphasis on the Methodology for Assessing the Implementation of Anti-Corruption Measures, an innovative tool developed in cooperation with UNDP, which evaluates the implementation of anti-corruption measures based on evidence. Referring to Montenegrin experiences, he discussed the process of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of anti-corruption measures contained in integrity plans, which have been adopted by over 700 government bodies.

Škerović further explained that the Agency coordinated the entire second cycle of the UNCAC implementation evaluation in Montenegro, continuously informing the public about all undertaken activities. Given the importance of the civil sector, the Agency included non-governmental organizations in meetings with UNODC representatives during the expert mission, demonstrating its openness and transparency. He highlighted that the Agency supports the active participation of civil society in the UNCAC subsidiary bodies and that Montenegro has been part of the UNCAC Coalition's "Transparency Pledge" initiative since 2022, aimed at strengthening cooperation with the non-governmental sector.

"It is our obligation to make strong, continuous, and comprehensive efforts in the joint fight against corruption, involving all relevant stakeholders," Škerović said.

Speaking about changes in the organizational structure of the Agency and legislative reforms this year, Škerović noted that the Agency had a new Council and leadership, and key amendments to Montenegro's anti-corruption legislation were also implemented. In July, Montenegro adopted the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2024-2028, establishing a long-term framework for combating corruption, promoting integrity, and enhancing good governance. Currently, work is ongoing to further improve anti-corruption legislation, with international partners, institutions with anti-corruption missions, and non-governmental organizations involved in the process.