MRZS on closing Chapter 2: An important and clear signal

An important and clear signal that our country has fully fulfilled its obligations in this area and is recognized as a credible and reliable partner of the European Union.

This was announced by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue (MLED), on the occasion of the provisional closure of Negotiating Chapter 2 - Freedom of Movement of Workers, at the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg.

"The closure of Chapter 2 is the result of many years of intensive and dedicated work by all institutions involved in the working group for this chapter, under the leadership of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue. The Ministry of European Affairs, other line ministries, social partners, independent institutions and the professional public also actively participated in the process. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue expresses its gratitude to all institutions and teams that contributed to this joint success," the MLSW statement states.

The government department adds that the closure of Chapter 2 creates conditions for the citizens of Montenegro to realize one of its most important values ​​- freedom of movement of workers, with full social security and certainty in exercising rights in the areas of labor, health care and pension insurance.

"This means that our citizens, as citizens of a European Union member state, will have the opportunity to work in any member state without discrimination in terms of employment, wages and working conditions. At the same time, full portability of rights from the social security system throughout the European Union will be ensured. Years of service and contributions paid for pension, health and unemployment insurance, as well as other acquired social rights, will be able to be added up and recognized without losing rights when working or moving from one member state to another," the statement said.

Of particular value, they add, is the fact that these rights, in accordance with European rules, will also apply to family members of workers, which will further strengthen social security, legal certainty and the quality of life of citizens.

"The closure of this negotiation chapter represents another important step on Montenegro's European path and confirmation that European integration brings concrete benefits that improve the daily lives of citizens, open new opportunities for work and development, and contribute to a safer and more secure future for every family. As part of preparations for the closure of Chapter 2, Montenegro has established a legislative, administrative and institutional framework aligned with the acquis communautaire. Key regulations in the field of labor and employment, prohibition of discrimination and equal treatment of workers, as well as rules that enable unhindered access to the labor market and the exercise of rights arising from the freedom of movement of workers, have been harmonized. This has brought European standards of worker protection and decent working conditions into our legal and institutional system, to the direct benefit of employees in Montenegro," the statement reads.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment also said that significant progress has been made in the area of ​​coordination of social security systems, including preparations for Montenegro's inclusion in the Electronic System for Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI), which will ensure faster, more efficient and more secure exchange of data between our institutions and those of the member states.

"At the same time, activities have been carried out for future inclusion in the European Employment Services (EURES) network, which will enable Montenegrin citizens to access verified information on jobs and working conditions across the EU, and for employers to connect more easily with the European labor market. The closure of Chapter 2 confirms that Montenegro is entering the final stages of accession negotiations as the most advanced candidate country and sends a strong message that our path towards membership in the European Union has clear, substantial and measurable progress. At the same time, it opens up the prospect that freedom of movement of workers will be an additional opportunity for our citizens for professional development, gaining knowledge and experience in the European space, but also an incentive to bring that knowledge and experience back to Montenegro, through return, investment or cooperation with the domestic economy," it states.

They also said that they would continue to work on strengthening the labor market, improving working conditions, and further harmonizing with European standards.

"...So that freedom of movement of workers would be a right of choice for the citizens of Montenegro - and staying and returning to their country would be an equally attractive option as going to one of the European Union member states," the statement concludes.