Pensioners in Serbia and Montenegro face policy shifts and aid

In Serbia, Relja Ognjenović, director of the Republic Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance, announced a 7.5 percent increase in pensions starting in December. During a forum in Novi Sad, it was also noted that pensioners with monthly incomes up to 31,092 dinars may receive a 1,000 dinar reduction in electricity bills during the heating season. Additionally, Novi Sad Mayor Žarko Mićin stated that approximately 5,000 low-income pensioners in the city should receive 20,000 dinars by the end of October through budget rebalancing.

In Montenegro, political discussions regarding pension sustainability are intensifying. Miloš Konatar, Vice President of the Civic Movement URA, criticized current government measures as temporary fixes, stating that the party will propose legislative solutions to provide long-term security. He highlighted that many Montenegrin pensioners live below the poverty line, noting that half of the country's 130,000 pensioners receive the minimum pension of 456 euros, while the official poverty threshold is approximately 580 euros. Lawyer Nikola Laković also raised concerns regarding a proposed “Euro model” for wage increases, suggesting it could jeopardize the sustainability of the pension system by reducing state contributions.