Šćepanović at Europol headquarters: Montenegro is not just part of the European security space – it is a partner trusted by European police services

Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović participated in the European Convention of Police Chiefs 2026 held in The Hague, attended by over 500 police chiefs and delegates from 59 countries and 15 international organizations, including INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization. He exchanged views with Prefect Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Italy's National Police, and the Director of Criminal Police on cooperation in fighting organized crime, financial investigations, money laundering, asset confiscation, drug smuggling, and illegal migration, with particular emphasis on Italy's support through specialized programs, training, and projects. Discussions with Assistant Director General of Police of Croatia Antonio Gerovac confirmed intensive operational cooperation, especially in international wanted persons, information exchange, and actions against organized crime groups, focusing on cooperation among specialized units for targeted searches. It was jointly noted that the ARO offices of both countries have excellent cooperation, already resulting in the recovery of illegally obtained assets, and the next step identified was the formation of joint investigative teams (JIT) in financial cases as an important mechanism for more effective fight against various forms of crime. Talks with Acting Director General of Slovenian Police Danijel Lorbek focused on improving international information exchange, financial investigations, strengthening SIRENE capacities, and combating cross-border criminal networks, with Slovenia's support for Montenegro's European path and the development of police capacities in line with European standards. A clear message was sent from The Hague: Montenegro is not only part of the European security space – it is a reliable and respectable partner that European police services rely on, having achieved progressive results through regional and international initiatives and securing an equal place in the family of the international intelligence community.