Montenegro‑Serbia EU accession reforms

In mid‑July 2026 Montenegro approved an Action Plan for Chapter 19 of its EU accession process, creating dozens of new public‑sector jobs and allocating €31.6 million for employment and social‑policy measures through 2028. At the same time, Serbia adopted a 2026‑2028 Action Plan to implement its 2023‑2030 Youth Strategy, backed by UNFPA, to improve health, education and civic participation for young people.

A week later Montenegro moved from sector‑specific measures to a broader governance agenda, unveiling a Draft Strategy for state‑NGO cooperation for 2027‑2031, together with a 2027‑2028 Action Plan. Public round‑tables were held to solicit input on strengthening partnership with civil‑society groups, ensuring an open space for NGOs and securing transparent financing, all framed as necessary steps to meet EU accession obligations and the EU civil‑society strategy.

At the end of July 2026 the Montenegrin Parliament completed a record‑fast legislative session, passing 414 laws in two years, a pace the government linked to EU integration. On 30 July 2026 the cabinet approved a National Employment Strategy to 2030, targeting a sustainable, competitive and inclusive labour market, with specific measures for youth, skills development and social inclusion. A pilot NEET programme was launched in Ulcinj, Bijelo Polje and Nikšić to test service models before a nationwide rollout, reinforcing the alignment with the EU Social Pillar and the broader accession reform agenda.