Nišić with Bolandon: Strong support for Montenegro's European path and closing Chapter 19

During the discussion, special attention was given to the importance of Chapter 19 Social Policy and Employment, within which Montenegro has achieved significant reform progress and prepared to meet the obligations necessary for its provisional closure. The minister emphasized that, alongside aligning legislation with the European Union's legal framework, particular focus is placed on strengthening administrative capacities, improving collective bargaining, and creating conditions for effective participation of social partners in decision-making. It is important to further strengthen trust between the state, employees, and employers, improve the culture of bargaining, and ensure that the voices of all relevant actors are heard when shaping policies affecting citizens' economic and social positions. The meeting also highlighted the importance of the European Economic and Social Committee as an institution representing organized civil society at the EU level, enabling the inclusion of employers, employees, and other social actors' views in European decision-making processes. Minister Nišić stressed that Montenegro remains committed to improving collective bargaining, strengthening the representativeness and capacities of social partners, and developing an institutional framework that allows for open and constructive dialogue on key issues in labor and employment. She particularly pointed out the need for social partners to more actively engage in addressing challenges posed by digitalization, new forms of work, changes in labor market needs, and the green transition, to ensure that economic development is accompanied by adequate social security and workers' rights protection.