Social Dialogue as a Key Driver of Integration: Open Dialogue on the Path to the EU

Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić and Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević organized a thematic session that gathered representatives of the European Union Delegation in Montenegro and the representative social partners: the Union of Employers of Montenegro (UPCG), the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (USSCG), and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Montenegro (SSCG). EU Delegation representatives congratulated Montenegro on closing Chapter 2 (Free Movement of Workers), as well as two other negotiating chapters, with special emphasis on the significant progress in Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), considered one of the most comprehensive and demanding chapters in the negotiation process. Minister Nišić highlighted that a series of amendments in labor legislation and the labor market have been implemented recently, emphasizing the importance of strengthening labor inspection capacities and occupational health and safety. Liselotte Isaksson, Deputy Head of Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation in Montenegro, stressed that Montenegro must demonstrate clear and measurable strengthening of social dialogue at all levels as part of EU accession negotiations. 'Social dialogue should be based on facts and analyses, and partners should strive for greater mutual understanding for the benefit of all actors.' She encouraged all partners to fully commit to fulfilling obligations undertaken in the context of EU integration, and reiterated that the European Commission and EU member states will continue to monitor progress in this area even after Chapter 19 is closed. Duško Zarubica, Confederation of Trade Unions of Montenegro (SSCG): 'The Confederation of Trade Unions of Montenegro, as a representative social partner with a decades-long history of activity at the national level, is ready to support EU integrations and further strengthening of social dialogue as one of the valuable achievements of the European Union.'