The government of Montenegro has taken a significant step in bolstering national security by signing an agreement aimed at improving the utilization of the national “watch” list. On February 23, 2024, key officials, including Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović, Defense Minister Dragan Krapović, and Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović, formalized this agreement. It establishes general operational rules and collaborative frameworks for the national watch list, which tracks individuals and entities posing security, financial, or criminal risks.
According to a statement from the Bureau for Operational Coordination of the Intelligence-Security Sector (BOK), led by Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić, the national watch list includes important databases such as those from Interpol, the FBI, and various sanction lists from international bodies like the UN and the EU.
Strengthening Intelligence Collaboration
The signing of this agreement represents a crucial advancement in the direct exchange of intelligence data, particularly concerning terrorism and organized crime. Bečić emphasized that the agreement enhances the collaborative model within the intelligence-security sector, drawing on best practices from partner countries.
This initiative follows a multi-month effort by a cross-sector working group formed by BOK in February 2024. Bečić noted that the team successfully achieved all its defined objectives, demonstrating a commitment to improving national security protocols.
At the first session of the current assembly held on December 20, 2023, BOK identified enhancing interoperability among intelligence-security agencies as a strategic priority. This initiative aims to establish channels for data access and exchange that comply with national legal regulations.
Furthermore, during the tenth session in June 2025, Šaranović, Krapović, Janović, and Vučić signed a cooperation agreement with the Maritime Information Unit. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in detecting criminal activities related to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other serious crimes defined under Montenegro’s criminal code, especially those with cross-border implications.
Future Priorities for National Security
BOK highlighted that the ongoing implementation of this agreement will be a key priority going forward. The focus will be on establishing standards that facilitate increased automation in data exchange among intelligence agencies. This effort is essential for planning and executing further activities aimed at protecting national security, citizens’ rights, and property.
BOK reiterated that the current operational coordination bureau has successfully signed agreements for the exchange of criminal intelligence data between the Police Administration, the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, and the National Security Agency. Additional agreements are in preparation, including one between the Police Administration and the Ministry of Defense’s Intelligence Security Directorate.
In summary, this agreement marks a pivotal development in Montenegro’s approach to national security, emphasizing cooperation and efficient data sharing among agencies. The commitment to enhancing safety and protecting citizens underscores the government’s proactive stance in addressing security challenges effectively.
