EU and UNDP Hand Over Two Mobile Crime Scene Investigation Laboratories to Montenegro's Ministry of Interior

Podgorica, 9 July 2026 – The European Union and UNDP with SEESAC, today handed over two fully equipped mobile crime scene investigation laboratories, valued at EUR 64,000, to the Montenegro's Ministry of Interior.

The new laboratories will enable forensic teams to examine crime scenes and collect evidence more efficiently, strengthening Montenegro’s capacity to investigate firearms-related crime in line with EU standards.

The handover ceremony was attended by H.E. Stephan Klement, EU Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ms. Dragana Kažanegra Stanišić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro, and Ms. Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro.

Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Stephan Klement underlined that the handover represents far more than investment in equipment. “Today’s event is about strengthening institutions, advancing professional expertise, and reaffirming our shared commitment to security, justice, and the rule of law. Crime scene investigation is a vital link in the criminal justice chain, providing the reliable evidence needed to advance investigations, secure effective prosecutions, combat illicit arms trafficking, and reinforce public confidence in the justice system. With the continued support of the European Union, the efforts of the Western Balkans in this field contribute to regional stability and security.” he said.

Progress in the rule of law, security, and effective arms control forms an integral part of the EU accession process, and as Montenegro advances toward membership, the emphasis is increasingly shifting from the adoption of legislation to its effective implementation. Strengthening forensic capacities is an important part of translating these commitments into measurable results. 

State Secretary Dragana Kažanegra Stanišić, on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior and the Police Directorate of Montenegro, expressed gratitude for the valuable donation, financed by the European Union, which represents a tangible demonstration of the successful and continuous cooperation with UNDP SEESAC in strengthening the operational capacities of the criminal police. “Today’s donation is much more than technical assistance. It directly strengthens the capacities of the Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Units by enabling faster deployment to crime scenes, improving the quality and integrity of the evidence collected, strengthening chain-of-custody procedures, and enhancing their ability to process complex crime scenes in accordance with international forensic standards. This support comes at a crucial moment and confirms that we are working jointly and with dedication to meet European standards and modernize our institutions.”

The two mobile laboratories enable investigators to examine crime scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and transport it safely while maintaining chain of custody. Equipped with specialized forensic tools, photography and lighting systems, independent power supplies, and metal detectors, they strengthen criminal investigations and efforts to combat firearms trafficking and organized crime.

The handover builds on more than two decades of UNDP’s support through SEESAC to authorities in the region, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and capacities to more effectively combat the illicit possession, trafficking and misuse of firearms.

In parallel, investments in strengthening overall forensic capacities have enhanced methods, resources, and expertise for investigations involving firearms and explosives.

Ekaterina Paniklova, Resident Representative of UNDP in Montenegro, highlighted the broader stakes: "These mobile laboratories represent much more than new equipment. They strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Interior and the Police Directorate to conduct crime scene investigations in line with international and ultimately EU standards, reinforcing the rule of law, strengthening public trust in institutions, and ultimately making communities safer. UNDP, together with its international and national partners, remains committed to supporting effective, accountable, and resilient justice and security institutions " the Resident Representative noted.

In 2025, more than 432 firearm-related incidents were recorded in Montenegro, affecting 108 people, including 25 fatalities, 27 injuries, and 35 cases involving threats with firearms. These findings from UNDP SEESAC’s, EU-funded, Armed Violence Monitoring Platform highlight the scale of firearm-related violence and the sustained operational demands placed on law enforcement institutions.

This support contributes to the implementation of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap, which sets out the region's collective commitment to evidence-based arms control and significantly reducing the illicit possession and misuse of weapons by 2030.

The donation forms part of the European Union’s broader support for stronger arms-control and criminal justice capacities in the Western Balkans, implemented by UNDP SEESAC under the regional project 'Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans' funded by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II).