Montenegro advances EU alignment through human rights and data protection reforms

Montenegro is advancing its legislative framework to align with European Union standards, though challenges remain regarding the practical enforcement of human rights and data protection laws.

A recent EU report on human rights notes that while Montenegro has established the necessary institutional frameworks, more effort is required to ensure access to justice and the protection of vulnerable groups, including Roma, Egyptians, persons with disabilities, and LGBTI individuals. The report highlights that despite the adoption of a new anti-discrimination law, these groups remain exposed to hate speech and crimes. Additionally, while democratic institutions have remained relatively stable, they face ongoing challenges due to political polarization and crises.

In the realm of digital privacy, the Montenegrin government has adopted a draft Law on Personal Data Protection. Aligned with EU GDPR regulations, the proposed law introduces stricter rules for data processing and significant penalties for violations, which can reach up to 2 million euros. Experts suggest that while the law aims to increase awareness and citizen rights, the primary obstacle will be effective implementation due to potential shortages in specialized personnel and the need for stronger oversight.