EU and UNDP Support Montenegro’s Fight Against Firearms Trafficking with New Equipment for Criminal Police
Danilovgrad, 18 June 2025 - At a handover ceremony held today in Danilovgrad, Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović, Acting Director of the Police Directorate, Lazar Šćepanović, EU Ambassador Johann Sattler, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, officially marked the delivery of a major donation of specialized equipment to Montenegro’s Police Directorate. Valued at USD 327,519, the donation includes specialized equipment, forensic and detection tools that will significantly strengthen the country’s capacity to address the illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The equipment, funded by EU and procured based on a detailed needs assessment, includes X-ray scanners, ground metal detectors, crime scene kits, forensic lighting, laboratory instruments, and computers. This approach ensures the tools meet the operational needs of Montenegro’s Criminal Police.
"This valuable donation is not only a contribution to strengthening the technical and forensic capacities of the Police Directorate, but also a confirmation of the strong partnership and trust that Montenegro enjoys from its international partners. Through joint efforts, we are making our security system more efficient and our society safer, thereby further reaffirming our commitment to meeting key standards on the path toward full membership in the European Union," said Minister
Danilo Šaranović.
The Police Directorate’s Acting Director, Lazar Šćepanović, emphasized: "We are aware that forensics does not begin in the laboratory, but at the crime scene, where criminal investigation techniques are used to collect evidence. The quality of the evidence largely depends on the expertise, equipment, and working methods applied. Our job is to ensure accurate, impartial, and scientifically grounded evidence, and your support is the driving force that enables us to perform this
task in accordance with the highest quality standards and using the most advanced technologies. The Police Directorate remains fully committed to further strengthening its capacities, cooperation with international partners, and unwaveringly fighting all forms of crime - to jointly contribute to building a safer and more just society for all citizens of Montenegro."
“Recent gun-related tragic events shocked Montenegro and the region, serving as painful reminders of how dangerous the illicit possession and misuse of firearms can be — and how far we still are from resolving this challenge. The European Union remains a dedicated partner in supporting Montenegro’s efforts to combat illicit firearms trafficking,” said EU Ambassador Johann Sattler. “Today’s handover of specialised equipment to the Criminal Police is an important step towards meeting both local and international obligations — but above all, in ensuring the safety and security of citizens,” he added.
UNDP Resident Representative Ekaterina Paniklova pointed out: “This handover is just one element of the broader, continuous support that UNDP, through SEESAC, is providing to the Police Administration. At UNDP, we strongly believe in developing sustainable solutions to peace and security challenges. As Montenegro progresses toward meeting its local, regional, and international commitments, we stand ready to continue our support and partnership.”
This support contributes directly to Goal 3 of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap, which aims to significantly reduce the risk of proliferation and diversion of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
As part of this effort, UNDP SEESAC continues to assist jurisdictions across South East and East Europe in strengthening effective, accountable, and inclusive security institutions.
The donated equipment will boost the operational readiness of the Criminal Police in Montenegro, particularly in forensic investigations and emergency response involving weapons and explosives – contributing to stronger law enforcement and enhanced public safety across the country.
The support is financed by the European Union through Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2111, amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/381, in support of SEESAC’s disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe, aimed at reducing the threat posed by illicit small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.