On 27 December 2019, Montenegro adopted a Law on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs and Legal Status of Religious Communities.
This law intends to nationalise all the religious properties, lands and buildings. It forbids religious elementary schools and the parental religious education of children over 11 without their consent. The major church in Montenegro needs to apply for a new registration and may lose its legal personality. It interferes directly in the canonical organisation of the Church, forbidding, inter alia, some bishops from exercising their ministry in Montenegro.
This law is provoking massive demonstrations and the contestation of many church leaders across Europe and the world.
It is an affront to the freedom of religion or belief and to religious autonomy. The Venice Commission and the European Union EEAS expressed their grave concerns over this law.
Mr Knežević
To ask the Committee of Ministers:
What measures does the Committee of Ministers intend to take towards Montenegro to enforce religious freedom and the recommendations of the Venice Commission?