On March 21, 2024 the Southeast Europe Coalition on Whistleblower Protection held its Annual Meeting in Podgorica, Montenegro. The yearly gatherings of the Coalition provide a forum for addressing shared obstacles, devising strategies, and finding solutions to enhance whistleblower safeguarding mechanisms. These meetings also facilitate the optimal utilization of Coalition resources. Moreover, they offer a chance to commemorate achievements, including presenting the Free Speech Award(s) and documenting valuable insights gained. Depending on the location of the meeting, specific activities may spotlight whistleblowing concerns within the host country. On this occasion, we had the privilege of welcoming Montenegrin public officials, activists, and representatives from the EU Delegation in the country and the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative.
Arjan Dyrmishi, the Coalition’s co-coordinator, kicked off the annual meeting, laying the groundwork for a gathering dedicated to whistleblower protection and anti-corruption. He emphasized the pivotal role of whistleblowers in the global fight against corruption, stressing the urgency of promoting the EU Directive. Pavle Ćupić from the Civic Alliance, Coalition member organization that hosted this event, also emphasized that whistleblowers are a big help to institutions and the public good, and pushing for stronger legal backup to keep them safe is essential to public interest.
Riccardo Serri, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro brought attention to the significance of the discussion within the EU, urging support to address legislative and institutional gaps. Reflecting on past endeavors, Nikola Naumovski, Senior Anti-corruption Advisor at Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), shed light on a regional EU-funded project backing the Coalition, emphasizing the importance of amplifying voices and rewarding innovation. In his motivational address, he celebrated the resilience of civil society in confronting challenges and championed the freedom of speech.
Mark Worth, Coalition co-coordinator took pride in the Coalition’s decade-long journey, commending the unwavering dedication of its members and emphasizing the perseverance needed for lasting change.
Jevto Eraković, President of the Committee for Anti-Corruption in Montenegro emphasized the crucial role of public opinion in safeguarding whistleblowers and called for clarity in the anti-corruption fight.
Jelena Grdinić, Director General of the Directorate for Criminal and Civil Legislation at the Ministry of Justice in Montenegro advocated for enhanced legal protections for whistleblowers, proposing improvements within existing laws, upholding international standards and advocating for better safeguards.
Dina Knežević, Chief Advisor, Institution of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro delved into a pertinent case, highlighting the Ombudsman’s pivotal role in upholding international standards and advocating for better safeguards. The discussion also addressed citizens’ apprehensions about reporting to the Ombudsman, the need for training and workshops and collaboration with civil society to provide support. Jelena echoed this sentiment, anticipating significant changes once the law reaches public opinion.
FREE SPEECH AWARD
CELEBRATING MONTENEGRIN CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISTS
The Free Speech Award of the Coalition was awarded this year to Montengrin civil society activists Aleksandar Dragićević, Vuk Vujisić and NGO Birdlife for significant contribution in the fight against corruption in the field of environmental protection.
On this occasion, Aleksandar Dragićević conveyed a message to all NGOs, urging them not to give up or surrender despite challenging times. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating that where there is a will, there is a way. Dragićević highlighted the power of social networks in amplifying the voices of civil society, regarding them as the primary driving force behind the machinery of freedom and the struggle for democracy.
NGO Birdlife attributed the main reason for their award to their longstanding efforts in protecting a natural site, which is now designated as a protected area. They stressed the importance of NGOs having freedom of speech, especially during their campaign, as they confronted influential figures and questionable business affairs. The site, previously privatized by the former prime minister, was slated for development into an eco-resort with a marina and golf course, posing a threat to the habitat crucial for birds along their migratory route. The NGO also revealed information regarding illegal mortgages, adding weight to their campaign, which garnered attention not only nationally but also regionally. Ultimately, their efforts were successful, and the protection of the site became a closing benchmark for Montenegro’s EU accession process.
Vuk Vujisić voiced concerns about the prevalence of illegal environmental inspections conducted by certain companies. He highlighted the presence of individuals within institutions who neglect their duties to avoid conflicting with influential criminal activities, often due to connections with these companies. Corruption within institutions exacerbates this issue. Consequently, Vujisić emphasized the significant responsibility and difficult job of civil society in uncovering illegal activities and combating the false narratives sometimes propagated by these companies in the media to justify their actions.
Workshop where members of the Coalition shared their recent experiences with whistleblowing and anti-corruption
The Free Speech Award of the Coalition was awarded this year to Montengrin civil society activists Aleksandar Dragićević, Vuk Vujisić and NGO Birdlife for significant contribution in the fight against corruption in the field of environmental protection.
On this occasion, Aleksandar Dragićević conveyed a message to all NGOs, urging them not to give up or surrender despite challenging times. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating that where there is a will, there is a way. Dragićević highlighted the power of social networks in amplifying the voices of civil society, regarding them as the primary driving force behind the machinery of freedom and the struggle for democracy.
NGO Birdlife attributed the main reason for their award to their longstanding efforts in protecting a natural site, which is now designated as a protected area. They stressed the importance of NGOs having freedom of speech, especially during their campaign, as they confronted influential figures and questionable business affairs. The site, previously privatized by the former prime minister, was slated for development into an eco-resort with a marina and golf course, posing a threat to the habitat crucial for birds along their migratory route. The NGO also revealed information regarding illegal mortgages, adding weight to their campaign, which garnered attention not only nationally but also regionally. Ultimately, their efforts were successful, and the protection of the site became a closing benchmark for Montenegro’s EU accession process.
Vuk Vujisić voiced concerns about the prevalence of illegal environmental inspections conducted by certain companies. He highlighted the presence of individuals within institutions who neglect their duties to avoid conflicting with influential criminal activities, often due to connections with these companies. Corruption within institutions exacerbates this issue. Consequently, Vujisić emphasized the significant responsibility and difficult job of civil society in uncovering illegal activities and combating the false narratives sometimes propagated by these companies in the media to justify their actions.
