Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the Ministry of European Affairs, with the closure of Chapter 19 – Social Policy and Employment, the focus is shifting from intensive legislative alignment to the full and consistent implementation of European standards.

“The key challenge will be to ensure that the laws, strategies and action plans adopted deliver results that are tangible for citizens,” said the Ministry of European Affairs, which leads Montenegro’s negotiations with the European Union (EU).

Particular emphasis will remain on increasing employment and labour market participation, especially among young people, the long-term unemployed, women and other groups facing greater barriers to employment, as well as better aligning knowledge and skills with labour market needs.

The Ministry added that efforts would continue to modernize and digitalize the Employment Office, develop tailored services for users, strengthen labour inspection and occupational safety and health inspection, and improve the quality of community-based social services.

“The coming period will also see the continuation of the Youth Guarantee and the extension of its Implementation Plan until 2028, preparations for EURES and Montenegro’s future role in the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), continued deinstitutionalization, stronger collective bargaining and the full implementation of the new framework on equality and non-discrimination,” the Ministry said in a press release.

The Ministry recalled that Montenegro is expected to close Chapter 19 shortly at an Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg.