Montenegro, according to the European Commission's Draft Progress Report, has made some progress in the areas of education and innovation, but investments in research and development are still significantly below the European Union average.
The document states that in April 2025, the Government adopted the Education Reform Strategy for the period from 2025 to 2035, which is based on four key areas - quality and equity, support for teachers, governance and financing, as well as the modernization of school infrastructure. The strategy, the EC document states, aims to develop "future skills" and competences, reform teacher education and sustainable financing of reforms.
It was also specified that the Strategy, in addition to reform measures, also envisages large investments in school facilities.
"Amendments to the General Law on Education were adopted in July, which further strengthen school safety, improve professional orientation and the quality of teaching," the document states, adding that, according to data from the European Commission, 8,99 percent of the state budget for 2024 is intended for education.
Children from other countries make up seven percent of students
The enrollment rate of children in preschool institutions increased by 3,4 percent in the 2024/2025 school year, and the coverage of children aged three to six is 79,6 percent, which is still below the EU average (94,6 percent).
The Draft Report also states that the number of Roma and Egyptian children in primary and secondary schools has decreased, while the number of children with disabilities in regular education has increased by 27 percent in preschool, 14 percent in primary and one percent in secondary schools.
It was also specified that children from other countries make up about seven percent of all students in Montenegro, and in some municipalities their share in primary schools reaches 30 percent.
Better alignment of studies with the labor market is needed
The Higher Education Strategy, the EC reminds us, recognizes the need for better alignment of study programs with the labor market, recognition of diplomas, and improvement of infrastructure.
They also emphasize the importance of full alignment with the Bologna Process and the standards of the European Research Area, as well as strengthening the international role of universities.
According to the report on the implementation of the Bologna Process for 2024, Montenegro must work further on the automatic recognition of diplomas and improving the quality assurance system in higher education.
Innovation and research: Growth, but still modest
The European Commission notes that Montenegro is making progress in innovation, but that investment in research and development remains significantly lower than the European average. They recall that in 2025, research spending increased, which in 2024 amounted to 0,4 percent of GDP. The government has completed the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy for the period from 2019 to 2024, and a new cycle (from 2026 to 2031) is being prepared.
The Draft Report also states that the Innovation Fund continues to provide support to startups and small businesses, while the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center "Tehnopolis" and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro are expanding their capacities.
"During 2024, 24 scientific research projects are being implemented, with a total value of around 2,2 million euros. On the European Innovation Scoreboard for 2025, Montenegro has a performance of 45,3 percent of the EU average," the EC document states.
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