Montenegro and Serbia Adopt Action Plans for Employment and Youth Development

Montenegro's government approved an Action Plan for Chapter 19 of its EU accession process, earmarking at least 157 new positions in the Employment Agency, social work centres and the Ombudsman's office. The programme, worth €31.6 million, targets recruitment from 2026 through 2028 to meet the chapter’s social policy and employment criteria.

In Serbia, the cabinet adopted a 2026‑2028 Action Plan to implement the 2023‑2030 Youth Strategy. Backed by UNFPA, the plan outlines measures, responsibilities and funding to enhance young people's health, education and participation in society, following a public consultation process across four cities.