Montenegro is advancing the digitalisation of its judicial system through a new cooperation framework between the University of Montenegro and the Justice Ministry, covering digital services, information systems, cybersecurity, data management and potential applications of artificial intelligence. The institutions signed a cooperation memorandum, establishing a domestic research and technical channel for the further development of digital technologies in the justice sector.
Judicial digitalisation requires systems capable of integrating case management, documents, evidence, court schedules and secure communications, while maintaining strict controls over access and audit processes. This creates requirements for systems integration, cybersecurity testing, identity management, data architecture and specialised legal-technology services. Artificial intelligence is also included among the potential areas of application. Possible uses include document classification, search and administrative tasks, while sensitive judicial applications require controls covering data, transparency and human oversight.
Technology deployment is taking place alongside an implementation gap under Montenegro’s 2025-2028 judicial digitalisation strategy. Of 29 activities scheduled for 2025, 11 were completed, according to the source, leaving technology implementation behind the objectives set by the strategy. The implementation requirements create potential work for external technology providers and professional advisers. Judicial information systems have specific requirements related to confidentiality, evidence integrity and uninterrupted access, meaning suppliers must demonstrate software capabilities alongside cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
The technology requirements also extend beyond initial system installation. Case-management platforms require maintenance, security updates, data migration and user support, while cybersecurity assessments and AI-governance reviews can require recurring technical work. The memorandum does not itself establish a new large procurement programme. The cooperation between the university and Justice Ministry comes alongside the existing implementation backlog under the judicial digitalisation strategy. The digitalisation programme covers systems intended for use across the justice sector, including by judges, prosecutors, lawyers and citizens.
