EUROL 4 organized on 7, 9 and 10 July 2025 in Podgorica an EU MS short-term expert mission by three EU MS senior experts with regard to the potential introduction of an integrity testing program for the police service in Montenegro. The mission represents a continuation of the activities organized on the same topic during EUROL 3.
The introduction of an integrity testing program within the police service would be of great importance for Montenegro, particularly in the context of its efforts toward EU integration, the achievement of final benchmarks under Chapters 23 and 24, the fight against organized crime and high-level corruption, and the strengthening of the rule of law.
A well-publicized, fair integrity testing program demonstrates commitment to accountability, encourages citizens to report misconduct without fear, and helps legitimize police authority. Furthermore, an efficient integrity testing system helps to identify officers who may be vulnerable to criminal influence and protect the institution from becoming compromised from within.
Rather than being purely punitive, integrity testing can be used to educate officers on expected standards, encourage peer accountability, shift organizational culture toward ethics and professionalism.
Implementing this in Montenegro would signal modernization of the police force and allow cooperation and intelligence sharing with international law enforcement agencies that operate under high ethical standards.
