CeMI organized the workshop “Chinese Influence in Montenegro: Challenges and Responses” on April 11, 2025, at the PR Center in Podgorica. The aim of the workshop was to identify key issues and map out shortcomings in Montenegro's policy toward China. Additionally, it was expected to lay the groundwork for further work by creating a draft set of guidelines and recommendations regarding the bilateral relationship between Montenegro and China. The workshop was led by Dr. Jovana Marović, former

Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) organized the final meeting of the Civic Council for Free and Fair Elections on March 31, 2025.The Civic Council is an initiative aimed at improving the electoral process in Montenegro, with a special focus on ensuring transparency, upholding democratic standards, and protecting voters' rights.During its work, the Council analyzed the existing electoral legislative framework and identified key areas in need of reform. Throughout previous meetings, member

On 28 March, the Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) organised a one-day workshop titled “Strengthening Gender Equality in State Institutions: Challenges and Implementation” at the Information and Education Centre in Nikšić. The workshop was facilitated by Slavica Striković, an expert in gender equality.The workshop gathered representatives of the Department for Gender Equality, the Centre for Social Work, the Health Centre, as well as representatives of civil society organisations. Throug

Electoral reform is crucial for strengthening democracy, restoring citizens’ trust in institutions, and accelerating Montenegro’s European integration. Given that reforms are a prerequisite for EU membership by 2028, the country no longer has time for political deadlock.This message was emphasized in the opening remarks at the conference “Electoral Reform in Montenegro: How to Make the Electoral Process Functional?”, organized with the support of the British Embassy in Podgorica.The President of

The Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) organised a two-day training titled “Advancing LGBTI Rights: Training for Political Engagement and Activism” at Hotel Polar Star in Žabljak. The training brought together members of the LGBTI community, representatives of non-governmental organisations, activists, political party members, and representatives of local government to strengthen their capacities for political and social engagement.The training commenced with introductory remarks and

🌈 Join a two-day training for LGBTI political engagement and activism!🌈This training is intended for all members of LGBTI community who want to be actively involved in political and social life, but face fears of discrimination due to their sexual orientation. Also, the training is open for representatives of NGOs who want to contribute to achieving equality and improving the rights of LGBTI persons in Montenegro. During the training, you will: ✅ Learn how to get involved in publi

The Basic State Prosecutor’s Office (BSPO) in a small municipality in the north of the country has been unsuccessfully trying for months to provide professional support from the police in a case formed due to suspicion of multimillion-dollar embezzlement. The collection of evidence, in cooperation with colleagues from other prosecutor’s offices, lasted for months. They claim several criminal acts were proven, but they cannot trace the money.This is where police experts for financial investigatio

Montenegro does not perceive China as a primary threat or a key strategic partner. Instead, the government should prioritize the nation’s primary interest: advancing toward European Union membership and aligning policies with EU standards.This approach would underscore Montenegro’s dedication to European integration. Moreover, the adoption of a comprehensive state strategy for bilateral cooperation with China is essential. Such a strategy should outline clear objectives and ensure agreements ref

In the past two months, CeMI has organized two meetings of the Citizens’ Council for Free and Fair Elections.  The Council represents an initiative aimed at improving the electoral process in Montenegro, with a special focus on ensuring transparency, respect for democratic standards and protecting voting rights.  The goal is to update and establish a public dialogue on all contentious provisions of electoral legislation in Montenegro. The Council’s members, including represen

Members of the Roma and Egyptian communities lack sufficient awareness or understanding of their legal rights in court. As a result, there is an urgent need for further education and training for all participants in criminal proceedings. This would ensure that both defendants and victims are fully informed and able to effectively exercise their rights, particularly the right to free legal aid.This was the key takeaway from the conference "Contributing to More Effective Protection of the Rights o

Criminal law protection of victims of gender-based violence is not effective enough, which is why it is necessary to improve the legal framework and mechanisms, but also to strengthen institutions so that victims gain confidence and a sense of security when reporting violence. This was announced at the round table "Towards a more effective judicial response: Criminal legal protection of victims of gender-based violence", which we organized as part of the project "Enhancing Judicial Mechanis

CeMI is looking for interns through the Vocational Training Program for persons with higher education, which was launched by the Employment Agency of Montenegro. This is an opportunity to gain practical experience and develop skills for your future career in our organization. Electronic registration through the eGovernment portal will remain open until November 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.We are looking for interns from the following fields: Political SciencePolitical and Administrative Stud