Key policy developments in education, training and employment – Montenegro 2023

In 2023, Montenegro continued to express commitment towards European policy objectives and standards, however with little evidence in implementation. The education sector review carried out with the support of UNICEF was concluded and approved by the government. Its recommendations point to an increase in the efficiency of the school network for quality education. An important focus will be on equipment delivery by the EIB: The recommendations of the European Commission’s (EC) assessment of Montenegro’s Economic Reform Programme 2022-2024 and the EC Annual Enlargement Package 2023 reiterate the need for a multi-year education strategy and costed action plan, as well as further developments in work-based learning. Like the other Western Balkan economies, Montenegro benefits from the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, whose focus in 2023 was on funding investment in energy. In autumn 2023, the European Union launched a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to accelerate economic reforms and convergence with the European Union. There is a reinforced strategic priority consisting of cooperation with international financial institutions, such as the EIB, the EBRD, the World Bank and UN institutions, such as UNICEF in education.