The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro organized a training session in Podgorica entitled *"Practical Application of the General Administrative Procedure Act (GAPA) through the Case Law of the Administrative Court, with Reference to the Standards of the European Court of Human Rights"* for representatives of local self-government units. The aim of the training was to familiarize participants with the case law of the Administrative Court and the European Court of Human Rights through the analysis of the most common cases from their judicial practice. This enabled participants to gain insight into the key areas of administrative proceedings and their specific features, while enhancing the quality, legality, and effectiveness of the work of local administrations.
During the training, participants examined the application of the rules and principles of administrative procedure under special laws, particularly in the areas of real estate transfer tax, free access to information, spatial planning and construction, as well as other areas of legislation where the application of the General Administrative Procedure Act is mandatory. The training was delivered by judges of the Administrative Court Davor Stojković and Lidija Novović, the judges of the Administrative Court shared their practical experience and expertise with the participants, placing particular emphasis on the application of European human rights standards in the day-to-day work of local administrative authorities. The interactive nature of the training and the active participation of all attendees were especially highlighted.
The training brought together representatives of local self-government units, including chief administrators, heads of authorities and services, officials responsible for decision-making in first-instance administrative proceedings, as well as other local officials who apply the General Administrative Procedure Act in their daily work.
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro had previously organized a professional training programme entitled *"Practical Application of the General Administrative Procedure Act (GAPA) through the Case Law of the Administrative Court, with Reference to the Standards of the European Court of Human Rights."* During that training, the same lecturers shared their experience and professional insights through the analysis of specific cases and judgments, providing participants with valuable guidance for improving the work of local administrations in line with national legislation and European standards, with the aim of reducing the costs to which municipalities are exposed in such proceedings. Through an interactive approach, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the most common examples from the case law of the Administrative Court of Montenegro, as well as with the judgments and standards of the European Court of Human Rights relating to administrative procedures and the protection of the rights of parties involved in such proceedings.
Particular emphasis was placed on the application of the principles and legal mechanisms of administrative procedure under special legislation, such as the Law on Real Estate Transfer Tax, the Law on Free Access to Information, and the Law on Spatial Planning and Construction, while also examining other laws in which the application of the General Administrative Procedure Act (GAPA) is mandatory.
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro continues to support local self-government units through such training activities, strengthening their capacities for lawful, efficient, and accountable administrative decision-making and procedures.
