Montenegro Court Overturns Anti-Corruption Decision on Đukanović's Watches

Montenegro's Administrative Court has overturned a decision by the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (ASK) regarding former President Milo Đukanović's undeclared luxury watches. The court ruled that ASK incorrectly applied material law, as the proceedings initiated in 2019 were conducted and concluded using the 2024 Law on Prevention of Corruption. This legal discrepancy led to the annulment of the earlier decision, which had alleged that Đukanović failed to declare several high-value watches. The case has been remanded for reconsideration under the correct legal framework. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and anti-corruption bodies in Montenegro, a country seeking European Union membership.

Global Impact

Politically, the decision undermines the credibility of Montenegro's anti-corruption framework, potentially slowing EU accession negotiations. Economically, it may deter foreign direct investment, as rule-of-law concerns persist.