Montenegro’s judiciary marked a significant milestone last week with a ceremonial academy titled “From Traditional to European Judiciary”, organised to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Montenegro. The event brought together more than 170 participants from the judiciary, government, civil society, and international partners.

Hosted by the Supreme Court in partnership with the AIRE Centre, and supported by the Delegation of the European Union and the British Embassy in Podgorica, the event provided space not only to honour the court’s history but also to discuss the future of judicial reform in Montenegro.

Judges from all levels of the court system, members of the Judicial Council, representatives of the Ministry of Justice, and legal experts from the UK, the EU, and the wider region took part in open conversations about strengthening independence, transparency, and efficiency in Montenegro’s judiciary.

In her opening remarks, Valentina Pavličić, President of the Supreme Court, reflected on the key milestones that shaped Montenegro’s judicial reforms. Her speech was a clear call to restore public trust in justice and reinforce the dignity of society.

“Laws must serve the ends of justice, and equality before the law is the path to social and political progress. The judiciary must not stand alone in this pursuit; responsibility for building a sound legal order lies with all three branches of government. Nevertheless, the courts must remain steadfast guardians of the Roman law principle: there can be no liberty without justice, and no state without an independent judiciary,” said President Pavličić.

She stressed that Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership requires an unwavering commitment to the values of justice, equality, and the rule of law.

“In times of political division and institutional strain, the role of a judge is not only a great responsibility, but a profound honour. Judges must remain upright, resilient to pressure, and accountable only to their conscience and the law—for the judiciary is the final bastion in the defence of a free society,” she concluded.

Montenegro’s Minister of Justice, Bojan Božović, underlined the importance of concrete progress in the EU accession process.

“Montenegro has demonstrated regional leadership in the EU accession process. Our goal now is to translate that progress into measurable outcomes: a judiciary that is efficient, impartial, and capable of meeting EU standards—not through shortcuts, but with a clear vision and determined commitment. The rule of law is not merely a negotiating chapter—it is the cornerstone of the European identity to which Montenegro aspires,” said Minister Božović.

Delivering the keynote address, The Rt Hon. the Lord Reed of Allermuir, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, reflected on the essential role of courts in maintaining democratic trust.

“I’m honoured to have been invited to address the conference on the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Montenegro. The issues of transparency and communication which we discussed are vital to the purpose of gaining and maintaining public trust in the courts and judiciary, which in turn is absolutely essential in a democracy,” said Lord Reed.

The panel discussion, titled “Towards an Efficient, Transparent and Independent Judiciary,” was moderated by Biljana Braithwaite, Director of the AIRE Centre’s Western Balkans Programme.

“For over two decades, the AIRE Centre has worked hand in hand with Montenegro’s judiciary—supporting its evolution from the earliest stages of reform to alignment with European standards. This is not just about fulfilling accession requirements; it’s about creating a justice system that delivers fairness, integrity, and trust for Montenegrin citizens. The progress is real, but this is the moment to move from commitments to results,” said Braithwaite.

The event also served as a platform to openly address some of the ongoing challenges. Radoje Korać, President of the Judicial Council, pointed to areas where improvements are still needed.

“Court efficiency in Montenegro remains inadequate. The judiciary must do all within its power to improve performance and ensure timely adjudication. Meanwhile, the executive and legislative branches must enhance the legal, material, spatial and technical framework necessary to enable judicial efficiency. Expanding the pool of qualified candidates, enhancing transparency and accountability, and embracing judicial digitalisation will all contribute to a more effective system and help restore public confidence,”he stated.

Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, echoed the importance of continued judicial reform as a condition for EU accession.

“Consistent application of the law, strengthening judicial independence, a more resolute fight against corruption and crime, and improved court efficiency are key priorities. Alongside the implementation of merit-based appointments and the restoration of public trust in judicial decisions, these are the keys to closing Chapters 23 and 24. The European Union stands ready to support you in these reforms—through expert assistance and in every other way,” said Sattler.

Dawn McKen, British Ambassador to Montenegro, noted that this is a defining moment for Montenegro’s justice system.

“As Montenegro implements the reforms necessary for accession to the European Union, the judiciary plays a central role in that process. And precisely because of these reforms, the judiciary is now in the spotlight. Every change, every decision, and every judgment now carries the weight of European credibility. The United Kingdom, together with our partner the AIRE Centre, has worked closely with Montenegrin institutions for many years. Through cooperation with the Supreme Court, the Judicial Council, the Ministry of Justice and other institutions—whether through mentoring, training, strategic guidance or support in aligning judicial practice with European standards—we are working together to strengthen the justice system,” she said.

She added:

“We will continue to work together because the judiciary must be a reliable and respected pillar of the state—everywhere. A court that speaks clearly and communicates openly remains resilient to the influence of power. It sends a clear message: no one is above the law,”said Ambassador McKen.