Clear and objective criteria are an essential prerequisite for strengthening the quality and efficiency of prosecutorial work. To support the implementation of the new Rules on the Professional Appraisal of State Prosecutors, a targeted training programme for heads of appraisal councils in the prosecution service was designed and delivered in collaboration with the Judicial Training Centre, the Prosecutorial Council and the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office.

"It is very important that prosecutors responsible for appraisal are well acquainted with and fully understand the appraisal indicators, so that all state prosecutors are assessed in an equal, objective and impartial manner. Only the consistent application of the established criteria can ensure fairness and trust in the appraisal system," said the Supreme State Prosecutor of Montenegro, Milorad Marković at the opening of the programme.

The two-day training programme provided participants with an opportunity to discuss the practical application of the new appraisal framework, relevant European standards and comparative practices, as well as to analyse practical cases and challenges arising in the first stages of implementation, with support from the Council of Europe consultant.

The programme was focused on the quality of work of state prosecutors, beyond formal indicators, affirming the principle that only such an approach can provide a comprehensive and realistic insight into the professional engagement of each prosecutor.

The capacity-building activity was organised within the framework of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye III, under the action "Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims' rights in Montenegro".