European Standards for Better Protection of Employees and Greater Social Security

It covers nine interconnected areas that together shape a dignified and safe life and working environment for citizens: labour law, occupational safety and health, social dialogue, employment policy, the European Social Fund Plus, social protection and inclusion, deinstitutionalisation, non-discrimination, and gender equality. It recalls that, in order to close Chapter 19, Montenegro had to meet three benchmarks: align the Labour Law and the Law on Occupational Safety and Health while strengthening labour inspection; align legislation on non-discrimination and gender equality while strengthening the institution of the Ombudsman; and build administrative capacity, including readiness to manage European Social Fund resources. “Bringing such a complex chapter, covering so many areas, nearly 60 EU directives and three closing benchmarks, to closure earlier than planned—through reforms requiring the coordinated work of a large number of institutions—represents a significant achievement of the negotiating and reform process,” concluded the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, which coordinates the work of the Chapter 19 working group. The reform of disability assessment is being implemented, along with activities envisaged by the strategic framework for deinstitutionalisation, the development of the social and child protection system, and the prevention of and protection of children from violence. The aim is to increasingly provide support to children, persons with disabilities and families through services in their communities rather than through placement in large institutions. Through IPA III, Montenegro is already implementing the 2024–2027 Operational Programme for Employment and Social Inclusion, worth €31.6 million. An operational structure has been established for its implementation based on a management model that is preparing Montenegro for the future use of the European Social Fund (ESF). “In this way, through the practical management of IPA III funds, Montenegro is already building the institutional capacity needed to efficiently use the significantly larger funds that will become available after EU membership,” the Ministry of European Affairs stated.