19 October 2018 - Montenegro will probably reach an Agreement with the European border and coast guard Agency Frontex by the end of this year. European border “keepers” will arrive in Montenegro and will enjoy special immunity.
The privileges and the immunity the keepers will have the aim to provide the successful performance of their duties in accordance with the operation plan. They will have the immunity from criminal competences of Montenegro regarding crime offences committed during the performance of their duties.
“In case a member of the team committed a criminal offence, the CEO of the Agency and the competent authority of their homeland shall immediately be notified. If the criminal offence has been committed during the performance of duties envisaged by the plan, the procedure will not be instigated,” as noted by the Government's document.
Members of the team also enjoy immunity from civic and administrative competences in Montenegro in relation to any offence they commit during the performance of their operational duties. Before any procedure is instigated, the CEO of the Agency confirms whether the offence was committed during the operation or not.
Another important item is that the team members are exempt from any type of taxation of income and earnings in Montenegro. Montenegro allows input of objects for the personal use and approves of the exemption from customs, taxes and related fees, except for the fees for storage, transport and similar services.
Personal luggage of the members can be checked only if there’s suspicion that it might contain objects not intended for personal use or objects whose import or export is prohibited.
The plan explains in detail the organization and procedural aspects of the joint operation or quick border intervention, including the description and assessment of the situation, operation and other objectives, operation concept, type of technical equipment that’s going to be used, implementation plan, cooperation with third countries and so much more.
Team members can perform their tasks and apply competencies in Montenegro only by following the instructions and in the presence of border officials or other competent staff of Montenegro.
Finally, team members will also be allowed to use force during the application of their authorities and that includes official weapons, munition and equipment and in accordance with the national legislation of Montenegro.
Our country can enable the insight into databases in case it is necessary for the achievement of operation objectives envisaged by the operation plan.
