Our Scholars 2023 – Jelena Radović Ivanišević

Your current occupation and country of work?
I work as a trainee judge in the Court of First Instance in Podgorica, Montenegro.

How you use European law in your work?
In my role as a trainee judge, I frequently encounter cases where the application of European law is necessary. Given Montenegro's commitment to aligning its legislation with EU standards, many aspects of civil litigation, including procedural rules and substantive law, have been influenced by European legal principles. As such, I often refer to the practice of the Court of Justice of the European Union when drafting judgments that require the interpretation of provisions or terms aligned with EU law. The court's practice serves as an auxiliary source of law, aiding me in applying and interpreting national laws in line with European legal standards.

How you benefitted from the scholarship and the gained knowledge?
Participating in the Summer Course on Civil Litigation in the EU, organized by ERA in Trier, has been immensely beneficial to my professional development and future career as a judge. The knowledge and insights gained during the course have equipped me with a deep understanding of civil litigation procedures within the EU legal framework. Given that I will soon be appointed as a judge in the civil department, the knowledge acquired from the course directly aligns with my upcoming responsibilities.
Moreover, legislative reforms in Montenegro have also addressed civil judicial cooperation on civil matters within the EU (in Montenegrin Code of Civil Procedure), which includes specific provisions on 2007 Service Regulations, 2001 Evidence Regulation, the European Payement Order, and the ESCP, and currently, the Montenegrin legislator is about to approve another amendment on the Act on Enforcement and Securing of Claims, concerning the EAPO Regulation. Therefore, as Montenegro has already adopted laws that are in line with EU legislation concerning civil litigation, the scholarship has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices prevalent within the EU legal system. This knowledge will enable me to effectively implement EU law in my future role, contributing to the continued harmonization of Montenegro's legal system with the EU.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity provided by the ERA scholarship. Without this scholarship, acquiring such in-depth knowledge and expertise in civil litigation within the EU legal context would have been challenging. The scholarship has not only broadened my horizons but has also equipped me with the necessary tools to excel in my professional journey as a judge.
The support and resources provided by the scholarship have paved the way for the successful integration of European law principles into my daily work. I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained through the scholarship will enable me to make a positive impact within the Montenegrin legal system. I am committed to utilizing this opportunity to the fullest, contributing to the continuous development and alignment of Montenegro's legal practices with those of the European Union.