A delegation from Montenegro’s Agency for the Prevention of Corruption visited Rome on 13–16 October 2026 to learn from Italy’s experience in preventing corruption, handling reports of wrongdoing and protecting whistleblowers.
The study visit was organised under the Falcone–Borsellino Programme for the Balkans and Central Europe, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) in cooperation with the CEI - Executive Secretariat. It responded to an urgent priority identified by the Montenegrin authorities: training and exchanges originally planned for 2027 were brought forward, showing the Programme’s flexibility in meeting partner countries’ needs. The visit followed the needs assessment mission to Podgorica on 28–30 July 2026, which identified public integrity and whistleblower protection among the priorities for cooperation.
Over four days, the delegation took part in institutional meetings, training sessions and technical discussions at MAECI, the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC), the National School of Administration (SNA) and the Guardia di Finanza. Participants explored how Italy receives, assesses and investigates reports of wrongdoing, the role of ANAC as an external reporting channel and the cooperation among competent authorities. They also looked at measures to protect whistleblowers, the investigation of retaliation and the related sanctions.
Practical cases and court decisions fostered discussion on confidentiality, safeguards for reporting persons and the application of whistleblowing legislation. Further sessions presented the anti-corruption training approaches developed by SNA and the Guardia di Finanza, while meetings at MAECI introduced Italy’s legal diplomacy initiatives, coordinated by Minister Plenipotentiary Luigi De Chiara, and the functions of the Ministry’s Inspectorate General.
The exchanges were particularly relevant to Montenegro’s ongoing work on the regulatory framework supporting its anti-corruption legislation and its alignment with European standards as part of the EU accession process.
Officially launched at the CEI headquarters in Trieste on 12 June 2026, the Falcone–Borsellino Programme is directed by Giovanni Russo, magistrate and legal adviser at MAECI. It supports institutional cooperation through the exchange of expertise and practical experience, with activities tailored to the priorities identified by participating countries.
The study visit offered Italian and Montenegrin institutions a concrete opportunity to share approaches and examine solutions relevant to Montenegro’s needs, reflecting the CEI’s commitment to good governance, the rule of law and European integration through practical regional cooperation.
