Montenegro
The European Training Foundation (ETF) cooperates with and complements the work of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in its support to Montenegro, which includes assistance to the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, contributing to EU-Montenegro bilateral policy dialogue.
The ETF is actively supporting the implementation of actions in the Osnabrück Declaration in the region, in close cooperation with its sister agency Cedefop. The Osnabrück Declaration sets out policy actions for the 2021–25 period, in support of the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. The national implementation plan for Montenegro describes how the country plans to address EU priorities and achieve its national objectives in VET.
The ETF also gives inputs to EU policy monitoring mechanisms, including the Economic Reform Programme, training and employment policy, assessment of progress on the Small Business Act for Europe and wider human capital developments reported in the Torino Process. Montenegrin actors are encouraged to participate in European platforms and dialogue processes, including the ETF Quality Assurance Platform.
The ETF provides policy advice on the VET dual system and skills development together with awareness raising for the adoption of the EU self-assessment tool SELFIE in schools to support digital readiness and competence development. It supports the gathering of intelligence on skills needs, monitoring of labour-market intelligence and skills relevance, and the professional development of teachers and trainers.
Read our 2025 update on Key policy developments in education, training and employment (ETF, 2025). For a quick overview, see below:
2025 developments at a glance
🏛️ Political landscape and EU accession progress: Montenegro continues to make steady progress on its EU accession path. The adoption of the Reform Agenda under the EU Growth Plan and the launch of the comprehensive Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 reinforce the country’s commitment to aligning national systems with EU standards. Continued political stabilisation has helped advance reforms in education, employment and social inclusion.
✅ Early childhood education and inclusion: Montenegro continues implementing the Strategy for Early and Preschool Education 2021–2025 and the Early Childhood Development Strategy 2023–2027, with a focus on expanding access, improving quality and strengthening inclusion. Particular efforts continue to support children with disabilities, Roma and Egyptian communities, and other disadvantaged groups through targeted measures and support services.
👩🎓 Education reform and modernisation: The new Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 represents a major milestone for the sector. It aims to improve quality, equity and governance across all levels of education, while strengthening key competences, digitalisation, teacher development and educational infrastructure. Additional reforms focus on curriculum modernisation, school leadership and better alignment between education and labour market needs.
🏫 Vocational education and training (VET): VET remains a central pillar of the education system, enrolling almost 70% of upper secondary students. Recent reforms include amendments to the Law on Vocational Education, implementation of new qualification standards, stronger links with employers and preparations for the development of regional Centres of Vocational Excellence. Adult learning reforms also continue through updates to the legal framework and lifelong learning policies.
🛠️ Work-based learning (WBL): Montenegro continues expanding dual education and practical learning opportunities. New legal provisions established the Dual Education Support Fund, designed to strengthen employer participation, support students and improve the quality of work-based learning. Cooperation between schools and businesses is growing, although further efforts are needed to improve implementation and scale.
💼 Labour market developments: Labour market outcomes improved further in 2024, with employment reaching 56.4% and unemployment falling to 11.5%. However, youth unemployment remains high at 26%, while skills mismatches and long-term unemployment continue to affect employment outcomes. The new legal framework, active labour market measures and the digitalisation of employment services aim to address these challenges.
👦 👧 Youth in focus: Montenegro has begun implementing the Youth Guarantee, with pilot programmes launched in selected municipalities. NEET rates continued to decline, reaching 16.5% in 2024, but remain above EU averages. Improving school-to-work transitions, outreach and personalised support for young people remains a key priority.
💻 Digital skills development: Digital transformation remains a major element of education reform. The Education System Digitalisation Strategy 2022–2027, new EdTech laboratories, digital platforms and teacher training programmes are helping strengthen digital competences among learners and educators. However, digital skills gaps remain, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged groups.
🌿 Green skills development: Montenegro is integrating green skills into vocational curricula through new qualifications in renewable energy and sustainability-related occupations. Programmes such as Green Skills for Green Jobs, INVEST and the Eco-Schools Initiative support environmental awareness, green competences and preparation for the green transition.
Priorities for 2026
👉 Implement the Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035, ensuring effective coordination with Montenegro’s EU accession process and Reform Agenda.
👉 Expand the Youth Guarantee, strengthen outreach and improve transitions from education to employment for young people.
👉 Further develop dual education and work-based learning through stronger employer engagement and full implementation of the Dual Education Support Fund.
👉 Establish and operationalise regional Centres of Vocational Excellence, supporting quality, innovation and labour market responsiveness in VET.
👉 Strengthen adult learning and validation of non-formal and informal learning, supporting lifelong learning, employability and workforce adaptability.