Centre for Civic Education (CCE), ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day, reminds that corruption undermines citizens’ trust in institutions, deepens inequalities, and slows down Montenegro’s Europeanisation. This date, observed worldwide since the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption, is an opportunity to reassess how truly committed institutions and society are to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
Corruption is a persistent problem that permeates all layers of the system and erodes it from within. It is not specific only to Montenegro or the region — it is present globally, but in societies with lower democratic capacities it spreads more easily. The key difference lies in the ability of developed societies to prevent it, sanction it, and confront it transparently.
Citizens often come into direct contact with corruption through basic public services, while decision-makers shape institutions to suit political parties rather than citizens. Therefore, it is no surprise, although it is deeply concerning, that mistrust in institutions persists in Montenegro, while the perception of impunity discourages citizens from reporting corruption. In its recently published annual report for Montenegro, the European Commission notes that the lack of effective and dissuasive sanctions contributes to this perception. It is particularly worrying that the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (APC) continues to be perceived as selective and instrumentalised.
Findings from CCE research show that citizens recognise systemic problems in the judiciary, healthcare, security, education, and local governance. CCE assesses that one important cause is the neglect of merit-based principles in public administration recruitment. The findings indicate that 75.3% of respondents consider Montenegrin society to be corrupt, identifying the system (23.9%), politicians (23.6%), the judiciary and police (15.3% each) as the main culprits, while far fewer place responsibility on citizens (13%) and the media (7.1%).
This is also highly relevant in the context of EU integration and negotiating chapters 23 and 24, which cannot be closed without a serious approach to high-level corruption, timely institutional response, and institutional independence. Montenegro must diligently implement the strategic and legal framework, following the recommendations of the Venice Commission, GRECO, and the European Commission, including ensuring the effective functioning of institutions and the financial independence of the APC, as stressed by the European Commission in its report.
Corruption is costly for society – it slows down development, lowers standards, and leaves long-term consequences. Examples from Montenegro and the region show that political corruption can have fatal consequences, and it is essential to prevent them rather than wait for them to occur.
Nikola Mirković, Programme Associate