Youth employement measures
Montenegro is implementing a comprehensive set of measures aimed at integrating young people into the labour market, reducing youth unemployment, and empowering the economic potential of the younger generations. These efforts encompass the Youth Guarantee, professional training, entrepreneurship and innovation support, as well as investment in STEM and digital skills development.

Youth Guarantee

The Youth Guarantee is the cornerstone instrument for addressing the NEET phenomenon (“not in employment, education or training”), which, as of late 2024, affected over 20% of young people in Montenegro. A pilot phase is currently being implemented in the municipalities of Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, and Ulcinj. The goal is to ensure that every young person under the age of 29 receives a quality offer of employment, internship, training, or further education within four months of leaving education or becoming unemployed. Modelled on EU practices, the Youth Guarantee facilitates smoother transitions from education to work and promotes regional and public–private partnerships.

Professional Training (PSO)

The Professional Training Programme for university graduates without prior work experience is one of the most widely implemented employment support schemes in Montenegro. It provides young graduates with a nine-month work placement in public or private institutions, which is recognised as one year of work experience, enabling them to take the professional licensing exam. Employers are not financially burdened, while participants gain practical experience and develop skills in real working environments.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support

Youth entrepreneurship is strategically integrated through partnerships between the Government, the EU, and UNICEF, particularly within the education reform and career guidance framework. The Employment Office and line ministries deliver mentoring workshops, business incubator support, and grant schemes, primarily through the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. In 2025, over €28.6 million is allocated to active labour market measures, including entrepreneurship support. Young entrepreneurs are offered pathways to transform their ideas into market-ready ventures, supported by seed funding, mentorship, and visibility.

Support for STEM and Digital Skills

The Education Reform Strategy (2025–2035) prioritises the development of STEM and digital competencies through targeted scholarships, the establishment of digital innovation centres and green jobs, and the piloting of dual education models in vocational schools. Initiatives such as the “Digital Classroom” and the “Eco-Schools” programme also contribute to enhancing the quality of education and supporting Montenegro’s transition to a green and digital economy.

Active Labour Market Measures (ALMP)

The Employment Office of Montenegro’s Annual Work Programme for 2025 foresees a wide range of active labour market measures including training, subsidies, public works, upskilling programmes, and targeted support for hard-to-employ groups. There is a strong emphasis on intersectoral coordination (education–labour market), digitalisation of services, and focused support for NEET youth under the Youth Guarantee framework.

Young people also benefit from increased access to grants, mentoring, and acceleration opportunities through Montenegro’s growing innovation ecosystem, including the Innovation Fund, the Science and Technology Park (NTP Montenegro), the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis, universities, and international partners.

European and Regional Innovation and Start-up Opportunities

Montenegro’s start-ups and research-driven entrepreneurial teams have growing access to European networks and funding mechanisms:

EIT Jumpstarter 2025: Teams from Montenegro’s RIS regions may win up to €10,000 in pre-seed support, including bootcamp training, mentoring, and access to the broader EIT innovation network—ideal for early-stage validation and internationalisation.

EIT KIC Support (Horizon Europe 2025 Call): The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation covers up to 80% of the membership fee (up to €8,000) per organisation, promoting the participation of Montenegrin stakeholders in EU innovation value chains.

WB EDIF / ENIF: The Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility offers equity investment ranging from approximately €100,000 to €1.5 million for early-stage, high-tech companies—critical for scaling up and accessing EU markets.

Interreg, IPA CBC, and Eureka LinkUp: These cross-border cooperation instruments fund collaborative R&D and innovation projects, support academia–industry knowledge transfer, and open new markets for young entrepreneurs and researchers.

By combining national programmes, regional cooperation, and EU-level innovation instruments, Montenegro offers an increasingly structured and inclusive framework for youth employment. These efforts not only address the immediate needs of young jobseekers but also foster a long-term transformation towards a knowledge-based, green, and resilient economy.

Quality assurance

Youth Guarantee

To ensure the effectiveness of the Youth Guarantee pilot programme in Montenegro, several mechanisms for quality assurance have been embedded in its design and implementation. The programme is closely aligned with EU standards and monitored through performance indicators such as the number of young people reached, the percentage receiving an offer within four months, and the sustainability of employment or training outcomes. Data collection is coordinated by the Employment Office of Montenegro (ZZZCG), with technical support from international partners such as the European Training Foundation (ETF). Regular evaluations and progress reports are conducted in pilot municipalities (Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, and Ulcinj) to assess service delivery, identify barriers, and inform scaling-up strategies. Particular attention is paid to matching offers with individual profiles and market needs to avoid mismatch and reinforce long-term employability.

Professional Training Programme (PSO)

The PSO programme is subject to national regulation and oversight by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and the Employment Office of Montenegro. Quality is ensured through a standardised framework that defines eligibility, the duration of the placement, and the responsibilities of host institutions. Employers submit reports on participant engagement and performance, while trainees are encouraged to provide feedback on the relevance and quality of the experience. The programme’s impact is also assessed based on follow-up employment rates, progression to licensure, and integration into the labour market. Periodic reviews of the programme are used to adapt it to changing market dynamics and youth needs, contributing to its long-standing popularity and effectiveness in addressing youth unemployment.