In a period when the region is increasingly demanding examples of responsible and modern governance, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro has positioned itself as an institution that does not wait for changes - but initiates them.
At the forefront of this transformation is the Minister Naida Nišić, recognized as part of a new generation of female leaders. Already in the first half of her mandate, results were achieved that accelerated the labor market, improved social policy and brought Montenegro closer to the most advanced European standards. It is particularly important that the reforms did not remain written in documents – they are seen in the everyday lives of citizens, from modernized legislation to strengthening labor rights and new policies for young people and the most vulnerable.
The Ministry has built a reputation as an institution that plans instead of just reacting, that implements instead of postponing, and that clearly sends a message that decent work is the foundation of a state that wants to be part of modern Europe.
After two years at the helm of the Ministry, what do you consider to be the biggest change you have made to the system?
The most significant change is that we have finally introduced order, clarity and long-term planning. When you manage a system that touches the lives of all citizens – from workers, parents, employers, young people, people with disabilities – then there is no room for improvisation. We have managed to bring labor legislation back into focus, to align it with European standards and to modernize it so that workers get greater rights and employers a more stable business framework.
We have introduced programs that Montenegro has never had before, such as the Youth Guarantee. We have opened the door to European funds – the largest financial agreement to date, worth 31,6 million euros, was signed, intended for employment and social inclusion. And perhaps most importantly – we have established a new culture of accountability in institutions. This is the foundation of every reform.
EU integration is an important part of your Ministry's work. How specifically is the European process changing labor policies in Montenegro?
European integration represents a technical, demanding and profound change in the system. In the field of labor, this means harmonizing every segment of legislation with European directives, especially with regard to equal pay, worker protection, work-life balance, and prevention of workplace harassment.
In 2025, we completed key draft laws: the Labor Law, the Law on Permanent Seasonal Workers, and the Law on Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes. In doing so, we are paving the way for a completely modern labor system. Through IPA III programs and cooperation with the European Commission, our teams have been trained, procedures have become clearer and more transparent, and institutions have, for the first time, sufficient capacity to manage EU funds without “putting out fires.”
Montenegro is now able to attract funds, implement policies and build a system aligned with best European practices. The bottom line is that our citizens live by the standards that apply in modern Europe.
Labor law reforms often provoke resistance. What do you consider to be a key breakthrough in this area?
Reforms of labor legislation are always the most sensitive part of the job, as they affect the rights, obligations and relations between workers and employers. Our approach was based on cooperation – we did nothing without social partners. We formed working groups and included unions, employers and international organizations. We introduced European principles of equal pay and a better work-life balance.
The Law on Permanent Seasonal Workers is particularly important: for the first time, we are solving the real problem of an economy that depends on seasonal work, while at the same time protecting people who work in the most intensive sectors.
An important step forward is also resolving the issue of back wages for former workers through the Labor Fund - it is a message that the state does not forget those who are most affected by injustice.
Montenegro is facing a youth exodus. What is the essence of the Youth Guarantee program and why is it important?
The Youth Guarantee is the largest youth reform programme in the history of the Ministry. It guarantees that no young person will remain registered with the Employment Service for more than four months without an offer of a job, training, internship or further education. It is a new approach that introduces personalised support, rapid intervention and mechanisms that prevent young people from entering the vicious cycle of unemployment.
The pilot program was launched in Bijelo Polje, Nikšić and Ulcinj – cities where the need is greatest. The results are already visible: more young people have been activated and stronger connections with employers have been established.
This is a European model adapted to the Montenegrin context and I believe it will bring significant changes for generations to come.
Supporting the most vulnerable is an important part of your work. What are the most important developments in the field of social inclusion and OSI policies?
Montenegro progresses as a society only if those with the least chance progress. We build all policies towards persons with disabilities on this principle. Through amendments to the Law on Professional Rehabilitation, we raise employment standards for persons with disabilities, and in cooperation with international partners, we implement programs and training that strengthen institutions that work with this population.
A major step forward has been made in the area of occupational health and safety – we adopted the Rulebook on Protective Measures against Exposure to Chemical Substances and prepared a new Law on Occupational Health and Safety, harmonized with European directives and submitted to the European Commission.
Through global networks like GCSI, Montenegro is participating for the first time in the creation of international social economy policies – which shows that even a small country can be part of important global initiatives.
You often say that social dialogue is the foundation of all reforms. What does that mean in practice?
Reforms cannot be imposed – they must be agreed, explained and harmonized. That is why social dialogue is our key mechanism, not only formally, but also in essence. We have adopted two important laws: the Law on Strikes and the Law on the Representativeness of Trade Unions and Employers' Associations. Their value lies in the fact that they introduce order, legitimacy and a culture of negotiation.
We are digitizing the Register of Trade Union Organizations, which is an important step towards greater transparency and professionalization of the system.
I would like to point out that the Labor Inspectorate conducted more than 6.000 inspections in 2025 alone - which shows that the state stands behind the law and protects workers.
All these changes have a common goal: a modern, dynamic and fair labor market. A country where work is valued and workers are protected. And I believe we have shown that Montenegro can be an example in the region – if it has vision, courage and a team that believes in results.
What is your personal biggest motivation in this job?
The biggest motivation is that every decision has the face of a person who works, cares, seeks opportunity and wants security. When you have these people in front of you, when you see their hopes and expectations, you realize that politics is not a job – it is a commitment. And that motivates you to work harder, better and braver.
What does the Montenegro you are fighting for look like?
I see a country where institutions are not late, where work is respected, where young people stay and create, and where rules apply equally to everyone.
I see a Montenegro that does not follow the world, but keeps pace with it – confidently and decisively.
This is a vision of a state in which people believe in the system, and the system believes in people.
(Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro)
