The fourth edition of MFIC Talks, organized by the Montenegrin Foreign Investors Council (MFIC), traditionally took place today at the Risto Stijović Gallery in Podgorica. The guest of the event was Bojan Božović, Minister of Justice in the Government of Montenegro, while Arijana Nikolić Vučinić, MFIC Executive Director, moderated the discussion. The discussion focused on strengthening the legal framework, one of the key factors for attracting and retaining foreign investors.
One of the biggest challenges for investors in Montenegro is lengthy administrative and judicial proceedings. According to available data, the average duration of civil litigation in the first instance is 229 days, while the European average is 194 days. In criminal cases, first-instance proceedings in Montenegro last an average of 189 days, compared to the European average of 145 days. These differences highlight the need for a more efficient judiciary, which would contribute to greater legal certainty and an improved investment climate.
Minister of Justice Bojan Božović emphasized that the Ministry recognizes these challenges and is actively working on improving the regulatory framework. “The predictability of the business environment does not mean influencing the outcome of disputes, but ensuring that they are resolved within a reasonable timeframe. That is why it is crucial to raise awareness of the importance of an efficient judiciary, not only among legal professionals and institutions but also among the wider public. Investment disputes do not affect only the parties involved in the process—their duration often has broader economic consequences that impact the overall business environment and the country’s credibility as an investment destination,” Minister Božović stated.
The Minister expressed concern over the status of civil litigation, stressing that its importance has been overlooked in public discourse, including commercial and labor disputes. He pointed out that litigation is a fundamental pillar of the legal system and that statistical data are particularly alarming in complex cases, which involve a higher degree of legal and social responsibility.
To improve judicial efficiency, Minister Božović highlighted the need to increase the number of judges, which would help ease the burden on litigation departments. He also emphasized the importance of improving the status of judges. The Ministry is working on a Draft Law on Judicial Salaries, while the new Budget Law foresees a 30% salary increase for judges and state prosecutors this year. Minister Božović expressed hope that these measures would help enhance working conditions, attract high-quality professionals, and strengthen the judicial system as a whole.
MFIC Talks is a platform launched by the Montenegrin Foreign Investors Council to foster dialogue on key economic and regulatory issues. Through these discussions, representatives of the business community, policymakers, and experts from various fields come together to identify challenges and propose solutions that can improve the investment and business environment. MFIC Talks is supported by the member companies of the Montenegrin Foreign Investors Council: CKB, Jugopetrol, One Crna Gora, Mtel, Luštica Bay, and Porto Montenegro.
