A significant agreement was reached in Montenegro on the usage of the national “watch” list aimed at improving security measures within the country. On [date not provided], Danilo Šaranović, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and Dragan Krapović, the Minister of Defense, along with other key officials, signed the agreement that outlines the operational guidelines for utilizing the national watch list. This list is crucial for monitoring individuals and entities associated with security, financial, or criminal risks.
The signing ceremony included key figures such as Lazar Šćepanović, the Director of the Police Administration, Ivica Janović, the Director of the Agency for National Security, and Maja Vučić, the Acting Director of the Customs Administration. It was conducted in the presence of Aleksa Bečić, the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, and Internal Politics, who emphasized the importance of this collaboration.
Purpose and Scope of the Agreement
According to a statement from the Bureau for Operational Coordination of Intelligence and Security Sector (BOK), the national watch list includes information from various governmental sources such as Interpol, the FBI, and the United Nations. It serves as a comprehensive tool for monitoring threats and ensuring national security. This agreement aims to enhance the direct exchange of intelligence data concerning terrorism and serious organized crime.
Bečić noted that the agreement is the culmination of several months of work by an inter-ministerial task force established by BOK in February 2024. This initiative aligns with the provisions of the Law on the Foundations of the Intelligence and Security Sector, which has effectively completed all defined tasks to date.
The BOK highlighted that during its first session, held on December 20, 2023, improving interoperability among intelligence and security bodies was identified as a priority. The establishment of channels for data access and exchange is intended to facilitate better coordination across various agencies.
Future Collaborations and Initiatives
The statement also mentioned that in June 2025, an additional agreement was signed involving collaboration with the Maritime Information Unit. This initiative is designed to strengthen cooperation in detecting crimes related to drug trafficking, human smuggling, arms trafficking, and other serious offenses defined under Montenegrin law, which have cross-border or international implications.
BOK reiterated the significance of a meticulous approach in implementing these agreements. To date, several memoranda related to the exchange of criminal intelligence data have been signed between the Police Administration and other relevant agencies. A forthcoming agreement is expected to address cooperation between the Police Administration and the Ministry of Defense, specifically focusing on the Directorate for Intelligence and Security.
In summary, BOK emphasized that enhancing cooperation and data sharing among security entities will continue to be a critical priority. The goal is to establish standards that promote greater automation in data exchange, ultimately aimed at protecting national security and safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms. This initiative reflects Montenegro’s commitment to advancing its security framework and ensuring effective collaboration in combating crime.
