Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography Damir Gutić said that the Government's goal is to temporarily close Chapter 19 in negotiations with the European Union - Social Policy and Employment by the end of 2026.
He met in Brussels with the Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission, Katarina Ivanković-Knežević.
The topic of discussion was reforms within the aforementioned negotiation chapter, as well as preparations for the new European Commission Report on Montenegro.
"The meeting emphasized that Montenegro remains fully committed to implementing reforms in the field of social policy and harmonizing legislation with European Union standards. Minister Gutić said that the Government's goal is to temporarily close Chapter 19 by the end of 2026, and achieve EU membership by 2028," the Ministry announced.
Gutić thanked the European Union for its continued expert and technical support through instruments such as IPA funds, TAIEX and the SOCIEUX+ program, emphasizing that the European Commission's assistance significantly contributes to the reform process.
"Director Ivanković-Knežević praised Montenegro's results so far, especially in implementing the European Child Guarantee, which is of key importance for reducing child poverty and improving access to education, healthcare and social services," the statement reads.
She also briefed the Minister on the latest European Union initiatives related to long-term care, intergenerational solidarity, social housing and poverty reduction. She emphasized that Chapter 19 is one of the most complex in the negotiations, as it requires extensive reforms, but also that social benefits should be seen as an investment in the future, especially when they relate to children.
"Both interlocutors agreed that the progress made so far is visible, and that continued reforms in social policy can bring a better quality of life and a more secure future for the citizens of Montenegro," the statement reads.
"Visible progress in meeting final benchmarks"
In Brussels, he also met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).
The topic of the meeting was the negotiation process within Chapter 19, as well as the reform of the social system in Montenegro.
Gutić thanked the European Commission for its expert assistance and assessment of the large number of legal acts submitted by Montenegro. He stressed that the Commission's comments and suggestions are of crucial importance for the harmonisation of national legislation with the EU acquis.
"He particularly emphasized the importance of the new Law on Social and Child Protection, which will soon be submitted to the European Commission, as well as the reform of the disability assessment system - one of the largest structural changes in the social field. The Minister also recalled the successful start of the implementation of the European Child Guarantee, which provides better protection and equal access to education, healthcare and social services for the youngest and most vulnerable. He also highlighted concrete results in the implementation of the final benchmarks, which confirms Montenegro's commitment to closing Chapter 19 within the planned deadline," the Ministry announced.
Superti, they said, praised Montenegro's efforts in implementing reforms and highlighted the European Commission's continued expert support. She stressed the importance of timely planning and submission of stable draft laws for more efficient assessment, as well as the need to strengthen institutional capacities. Superti recalled that the goal is to close Chapter 19 by the end of 2026.
"In a joint conclusion, the interlocutors assessed that Montenegro is recording visible progress in meeting the final benchmarks under Chapter 19. It was emphasized that reform processes should remain consistent and that the results must be clearly visible through measurable benefits for citizens," the statement reads.
Bonus video:
