International Conference on the Constitution, State, and Democracy

About the event

The International Conference “On the Constitution, State, and Democracy” is envisioned as more than a gathering of distinguished institutions and individuals. It is a meeting of ideas, experience and shared responsibility — a forum for dialogue on the principles upon which democratic societies, strong institutions and the rule of law endure.

There could hardly be a more meaningful setting for such an encounter than Montenegro — a country shaped by centuries of statehood, an enduring spirit of freedom and a profound commitment to preserving its identity and heritage.

Against the majestic backdrop of the Bay of Kotor, the Conference will bring together substantive professional dialogue and an encounter with some of Montenegro’s most remarkable cultural and historical treasures — in a country where history lives, tradition endures and the past continues to inspire the future.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION & CULTURAL PROGRAM

May the ideas exchanged, the connections forged and the moments shared during these days reach far beyond the Conference itself — inspiring new perspectives, lasting cooperation and a renewed commitment to the values that unite us.
May Montenegro remain not only the place where we gathered, but a place we remember.

Agenda

We hope that, alongside the important dialogue and ideas that will define the International Conference “On the Constitution, State, and Democracy,” these encounters with our country will become part of the experience participants carry with them long after the Conference has concluded.

20:00
Welcoming Reception
08:30 – 09:00
Registration
09:00 – 09:30
OPENING CEREMONY
09:00 – 09:30
Introductory remarks Snežana Armenko
President of the Constitutional Court of Montenegro Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Mr. Edgar Alfred Gansen, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Montenegro
09:30 – 09:45
Keynote address Mattias Guyomar President of the European Court of Human Rights
09:45
Group photo
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 1

Constitutional Challenges and Institutional Capacities in Montenegro’s Accession to the European Union: How to Ensure an Effective Rule of Law?

Snežana Armenko,

Moderator

President of Constitutional Court of Montenegro

Panelists:

Christoph Grabenwarter,

President of the Constitutional Court (Austria)

Pierre Nihoul

President of the Constitutional Court (Belgium)

Siniša Rodin

Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union

Simona Granata-Menghini

Director/Secretary of the Venice Commission

11:30 – 12:00
Networking Coffee
12:00 – 13:30
Panel 2

Amendments to the Constitution in the Function of Eu- ropean Integration: Legal Implications and Challenges of the Transfer of Sovereignty to the European Union

Ivana Jelić

Moderator

Vice-President of the ECHR

Panelists:

Francesco Viganò

Judge of the Constitutional Court (Italy)

Peter Frank

Judge in the Federal Constitutional Court (Germany)

dr. Neža Kogovšek Šalamon

Vice President of the Constitutional Court (Slovenia)

13:30 – 15:00
Lunch
15:00 – 16:00
Panel 3

The Use of AI Tools in Constitutional Adjudication: Sup- port or Threat to Constitutional Court Independence – Perspectives, Risks, and Ethical Dilemmas

Mattias Guyomar

Moderator

President of the ECHR

Panelists:

Lord Sales,

Deputy President of the Supreme Court (United Kingdom)

Dr. Martin Kuijer

Judge of the Supreme Court (Netherlands)

Mr Villu Kõve

Chief Judge of the Supreme Court (Estonia)

16:10-16:50
Closing Remarks
09:15-14:30
SOCIAL PROGRAMME
Exclusive Cruise of Boka Kotorska Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Practical Information

  • Date: October 2, 2026
  • Venue: Porto Montenegro, Tivat

All participants are kindly asked to register for the conference, via the provided registration link. Needed information for registration: full name and title, contact information, position and institution, country and travel information. All registrants will receive a confirmation email upon registering.
Should there be any changes to your travel itinerary, we would kindly ask that you update your registration accordingly.

A valid passport is required to enter Montenegro. For visa requirements and application procedures, please consult the following link: Visas and Entry Requirements – Government of Montenegro.If required, the Constitutional Court of Montenegro can liaise with the relevant Montenegrin authorities to assist with visa processing.

  1. Tivat Airport (TIV), Montenegro - closest, approximately 30 minutes by car.
  2. Podgorica Airport (TGD), Montenegro – approximately 1.5–2 hours by car.
  3. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Croatia – approximately 2 hours by car; border crossing required.
  • Tivat enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate in October, with pleasant daytime temperatures of approximately 18–22 °C and cooler, comfortable evenings around 10–15 °C. Sunshine is still common, although rainfall becomes more frequent as autumn progresses. The Adriatic Sea remains suitable for swimming, with sea temperatures generally around 20–22 °C, particularly in early October. Please check a short-range forecast shortly before your trip for the most accurate conditions.
  • International dialing code for Montenegro: +382.
  • Montenegro observes Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00).