The European Commission, in a staff working document published on 17 July 2026, assesses Montenegro's rule of law situation, noting progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption appointments but highlighting persistent low public trust in the judiciary and high perceived corruption. The report is part of the broader 2026 Rule of Law Report covering EU member states and enlargement countries.
The document details that Montenegro's implementation of the 2024-2027 Judicial Reform Strategy is ongoing, with a new Action Plan for 2026-2027 adopted in March 2026. On 19 February 2026, the government adopted constitutional amendments to strengthen the independence of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils, aligning with European standards. A temporary 30% salary increase for judges and prosecutors was extended until December 2026. However, perceived judicial independence among the general public remains very low at 26% in 2026, and the clearance rate for civil and commercial cases fell in 2024, while disposition time increased.
In the anti-corruption field, implementation of the 2024-2028 anti-corruption strategy and its 2026-2027 action plan is ongoing. A new full-term Director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption was appointed. In the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Montenegro scores 46 out of 100, and 81% of respondents consider corruption widespread according to the 2026 Special Eurobarometer.
On media and fundamental rights, the Councils of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services and Radio Television of Montenegro were restored to full composition. New amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information were adopted in December 2025. Two judges were appointed to the Constitutional Court, but full composition remains to be achieved.
The report's findings imply moderate positive impact on EU integration prospects if reforms continue, but negative impact on public trust due to low judicial independence perception and high corruption levels. Key stakeholders affected include Montenegro's judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, media regulators, and the general public. The European Commission is expected to follow up with recommendations in its annual enlargement package, while the European Parliament and Council will consider the report in their assessments of Montenegro's EU accession progress.