Montenegro parliament proposes maternity allowance for entrepreneurs' partners

On 28 June 2026, members of the Bosniak Party (BS) and other governing parties in Montenegro's Parliament submitted a draft amendment to the Law on Social and Child Protection to create a maternity allowance for the wives or life partners of persons engaged in entrepreneurial activity.

The allowance would be payable only to partners who are not in paid employment and is presented as a measure to increase social security for families, reduce the financial burden during pregnancy and after birth, and support the continuity of family‑run businesses. The proposal ties its implementation to Montenegro’s future accession to the European Union.

The amendment is being championed by Amer Smailović, head of the BS parliamentary club, who described the measure as “an important support for parents and families” and an investment in families as the country moves toward EU integration.