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Harmonization of the Laws on Internal Affairs and the National Security Agency with the EU acquis is essential for legal certainty and European integration. Proceeding from the principle of the rule of law and the obligations that Montenegro has in the process of accession to the European Union, the non-governmental organization EU Harmonija expresses concern regarding the European Commission’s assessment that the proposed amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency are not fully aligned with the EU acquis, particularly in the part relating to the protection of personal data. Within the framework of the negotiation process, especially in Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security, the alignment of national legislation with European standards represents a fundamental prerequisite for building a functional, transparent, and democratic security system. We believe that normative solutions governing the work of police and security structures must be fully harmonized with European standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED). Given the sensitivity of the processing of personal data in the security sector, it is necessary to ensure a high level of legal precision, transparency, and institutional safeguards in order to prevent potential abuses of authority and to protect citizens’ rights. In this regard, we consider that, in the interest of legal certainty and the credibility of the European integration process, it is necessary to achieve full alignment of the proposed legislative solutions with the EU acquis before their final adoption. EU Harmonija also emphasizes the importance of clear procedural safeguards, particularly with regard to merit-based recruitment in the police, as well as with regard to the dismissal of officials, which must be grounded in objective reasons while ensuring effective legal remedies. At the same time, we recall that the closing benchmarks for Chapter 24 entail strengthening institutional and human resource capacities to combat organized crime, money laundering, and other forms of serious crime, as well as ensuring effective border control. Normative reforms must therefore be accompanied by the strengthening of the professional capacities of institutions. EU Harmonija calls on the competent institutions, in cooperation with the European Commission, the professional community, and civil society, to further improve the proposed legislative solutions in order to ensure their full alignment with European standards and to secure a stable legal framework for the functioning of the internal security system in Montenegro. The consistent application of European legal standards remains a key condition for strengthening the rule of law and building institutions that operate professionally, lawfully, and in the interest of citizens.

The north of Montenegro is facing serious demographic challenges. Monstat data indicate that the natural population growth is decreasing, and an increasing number of young people are leaving towns in search of better living and working opportunities. Cities such as Pljevlja and Bijelo Polje are recording a declining number of newborns, while schools and local communities are becoming emptier. Although it is clear that economic factors play a key role, the problem also requires long-term strategic measures. Support for families, better housing availability, employment opportunities, and the development of local infrastructure could slow down negative trends. Without such interventions, the decline in natural population growth and the depopulation of the north threaten to become a permanent reality. To change demographic trends, it is necessary to invest in concrete measures that provide young people and families with a sense of security and perspective. This includes support in employment, accessible housing, quality healthcare and educational infrastructure, as well as programs that encourage childbirth and the retention of young people in communities. Only a synergy of economic, social, and local initiatives can strengthen the north of Montenegro and create an environment in which the new generation sees a reason to stay and build their future.

🗣️As a non-governmental association dedicated to the advancement of human rights and respect for legal certainty, we believe that the adoption of amendments to the Law on Internal Trade, which confirm the non-working week, represents a firm confirmation of the fundamental principles of labor law and social protection. The decision of the Assembly confirms the inalienable rights of employees, including the right to rest and preservation of dignity, as well as the balance between professional obligations and private life, which is in accordance with international standards and relevant judicial practice. At the same time, this decision clearly denies the unfounded claims that the non-working week threatens the economy and sets a legally based framework for the further development of policies that place human rights and social responsibility at the center of legislation. Support for changes to the law in this form is unequivocal, principled and based on legal standards that protect workers, confirming society's commitment to law, justice and balance between work and life. ⚖️🤝