National Security Council holds its 7th (extraordinary) session

Council defines urgent steps in response to security challenges due to increased activities of criminal clans

Topics discussed and conclusions made:

The National Security Council of Montenegro held its seventh (extraordinary) session following recent developments related to the conflict between the "Škaljari" and "Kavač" clans, including the killings of Petar Lipovina and Željko Pejaković on 6 November 2024. In the last ten year, the conflict between organised crime groups has raised understandable public concerns.

In addition to council members, invited attendees included: Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković, Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović, Acting President of the Supreme Court of Montenegro Vesna Vučković, President of the Higher Court in Podgorica Zoran Radović, Director of the Police Directorate Zoran Brđanin, Acting Assistant Director of the Organised Crime Department Lazar Šćepanović, Head of the Special Police Department Predrag Šuković, and Defence and Security Adviser to the Prime Minister Todor Goranović.

The Council adopted goals to enhance the security situation and the efficiency of institutions in combating organised crime:

- Assessment of security strategies and operational measures - A review of existing approaches was conducted, with a focus on strengthening strategies and operational capacities.

- Identification of institutional weaknesses - Key areas were identified where collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, the National Security Agency, and judicial authorities needs to be reinforced.

- Assignment of responsibilities and priorities - Responsibilities and priorities were clearly defined for each sector to improve the fight against crime and protect citizens.

Security agencies presented the latest report on the activities of criminal clans within Montenegro and abroad. The current status of security measures in the most vulnerable areas and potential hotspots was also reviewed, as well as the resources needed for future priority actions in combating organised crime.

The Ministry of Justice, the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office, the Supreme Court, and the Higher Court reported on the prosecution of members of organised crime groups, along with procedural obstacles slowing judicial decision-making. Key areas were identified where legislative changes are expected to improve judicial efficiency.

At the conclusion of the session, the National Security Council:

- Determined urgent operational measures and assigned clear responsibilities to relevant institutions and individuals.

- Set priorities for resource allocation to enhance the security and judicial systems.

- Established necessary initiatives for the legislative branch of government.

- Made a decision to strengthen cooperation with international partners to improve intelligence-sharing.

- Introduced regular progress reports on implementing measures to combat criminal activities, along with regular meetings to monitor results.

The Council remains committed to decisive action in the fight against organised crime, strengthening security capacities, and collaborating with international partners to ensure that every citizen of Montenegro feels secure and trusts institutions; through enhanced cooperation among all relevant authorities, efforts will be made to prevent the escalation of criminal activities and to secure stability and peace in our country.

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