Co-chair,Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Political System, Judiciary and Administrationof the Parliament of MontenegroMs Snežana Jonica, emphasised that the efficiency of the judicial system was as important as independence, because “justice delayed is justice denied”.

She said that only a system which was well measured could be changed and only such system could be well governed.

Speaking of new legal regulations within the EU and the practice of the International Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, Ms Mady Delvaux, MEP and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs, emphasised that there would be harmonisation with the national legislation in perspective, and that the acceptance of common standards was imminent.

Ms Delvaux concluded that the conflict of regulation could be resolved, and that the legislative procedure must be observed.

Chairperson of the Committee on Political System, Judiciary and Administration of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Rifat Rastoder highlighted that the independence of the judiciary was the foundation of a legal state, which was why he thanked his colleagues on sharing experiences of their countries of origin in this two-day Conference.

 “As for the situation in Montenegro, the constitutional and legal system is largely in compliance with the European standards”, said Mr Rastoder.

Speaking of the division of powers and independence of each of the branches, Mr Rastoder concluded that the Parliament of Montenegro, honouring the democratic principles, had excluded itself from adopting any decisions, with the exception of the election of four distinguished jurists for membership in the Judicial Council.