Montenegro’s obligations under Negotiating Chapter 2 and the delegation’s first participation in a meeting of the Administrative Commission’s Working Group on the coordination of social security systems

As part of Montenegro’s obligations under Negotiating Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers, which includes preparing institutions and administrative capacities to apply the European Union acquis in the areas of free movement of workers and the coordination of social security systems, a Montenegrin delegation participated for the first time in a meeting of the Working Group of the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, held in Brussels. The delegation consisted of Ivana Šućur, head of the Working Group for Negotiating Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers; Darka Džabasan from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography; and Vinka Vukeljić, a representative of the Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro. Participation in the meeting provided an opportunity to present Montenegro’s social security system to EU Member States, share experience in implementing bilateral social security agreements, and discuss the obligations Montenegro will face in the process of aligning with European rules in the context of Negotiating Chapter 2. The participation was particularly important for presenting Montenegro’s experience to representatives of Member States and European institutions, gaining a better understanding of administrative and operational requirements, and improving the preparations of Montenegro’s competent institutions for the future application of European rules. Montenegro’s goal is to establish a functional and efficient social security coordination system by the date of accession to the European Union, capable of directly applying European rules and protecting its citizens’ rights from the first day of membership. The delegation’s first participation in this meeting confirms Montenegro’s commitment to preparing its social security system in a timely manner, through continuous cooperation with Member States and EU institutions, for the challenges and obligations brought by EU membership.