Aiming to strengthen institutional integrity and improve the detection of irregularities, representatives of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption participated on 12 and 13 June in a professional training entitled “The Role and Responsibilities of Authorized Officers at Employers”. The training was intended for officials responsible for receiving and processing internal whistleblower reports within public sector institutions.

During the two-day training, key topics in the field of whistleblower protection were addressed – ranging from the international and European legislative framework, through the conditions for judicial protection in accordance with the applicable Law on the Prevention of Corruption, to practical aspects of handling internal and external reports. Particular emphasis was placed on the handling of reports containing classified information, as well as on employers’ obligations aimed at protecting whistleblowers.

The Assistant Director of the Agency, Kristina Braletić, highlighted the importance of proper and timely handling of internal reports, emphasizing them as one of the key mechanisms for the early detection and prevention of corruption, the strengthening of institutional integrity, and the preservation of citizens’ trust in public administration.

“It is encouraging that the drafting of a dedicated Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers is underway, with the draft currently open for public consultation. We believe that the adoption of the new law will contribute to establishing a comprehensive and effective legal framework for the protection and empowerment of citizens who have the courage to report corruption,” Braletić stated.

The training was organized through joint cooperation between the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), within the project “Merit-Based Employment in Public Administration in Montenegro”, implemented with the support of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Montenegro.