Awareness-raising initiatives

In Montenegro, awareness-raising initiatives related to youth social inclusion are primarily implemented through education policies, legislative reforms, targeted campaigns and international cooperation, with a strong emphasis on inclusive education.

A central role is played by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation:

• Education of children with special educational needs
  
  The Ministry promotes inclusive education through:

  • enrolment in mainstream education
  • Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
  • assistants and professional support services
  • local expert commissions for assessment and referral

  The system is based on a rights-based and inclusive approach, ensuring equal access to education.

Other campaigns and projects:

• Inclusive Education Strategy 2019–2025
  Promotes equal access and aims to remove barriers to participation in education.

   

• “It’s about ability” campaign
  A national awareness campaign aimed at reducing stigma towards children with disabilities and promoting inclusion.
• “Digital, inclusive and transformative: Quality education for Montenegro” (2024–2026)
  Implemented with UNESCO, UNICEF and ILO, focusing on inclusive teaching and equal access to education.
• EU–Montenegro Inclusive Education Services Project
  Supports system reform through teacher training, resource centres and intersectoral cooperation.
• “Family Outreach” (Porodični saradnik / Family support programme)
  Implemented within the social and child protection system, this programme supports vulnerable families through:
  • direct field work with families
  • strengthening parenting capacities
  • prevention of child institutionalisation
  • support for children’s inclusion in education
  • The programme contributes to early intervention and social inclusion of children and young people at risk.
• Youth Innovation Lab and UPSHIFT programmes
  Promote youth participation, social innovation and awareness of inclusion challenges.
• Community dialogue and social cohesion programmes
  Focus on intercultural dialogue, inclusion and youth engagement.
• Erasmus+ and Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) programmes
  Support mobility, intercultural learning and inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

Montenegro combines legislative reforms, education system improvements, targeted programmes and international cooperation to promote social inclusion and raise awareness among young people. A particular emphasis is placed on inclusive education, early intervention and support to vulnerable groups.

Montenegro has made steady progress in promoting the social inclusion of young people, largely driven by its EU accession process. As a candidate country that has opened all negotiating chapters, Montenegro continues to align its policies with EU standards, particularly in areas such as social policy and employment, fundamental rights, and education and culture. Reforms in these fields have contributed to the development of inclusive education systems, strengthened support for vulnerable groups (including Roma and Egyptian youth), and the implementation of active labour market measures targeting young people, especially those not in employment, education or training (NEETs). Participation in programmes such as Erasmus+ and Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) has further supported youth inclusion, mobility and intercultural learning.

Despite this progress, challenges remain in ensuring the full and consistent implementation of reforms, particularly at the local level. While Montenegro is considered the most advanced EU candidate country in the Western Balkans and has provisionally closed a number of negotiating chapters, further efforts are needed to strengthen institutional capacities, reduce regional and social disparities, and improve access to services for the most vulnerable young people. Overall, the country is moving in a positive direction, with EU integration continuing to serve as a key driver for advancing social inclusion and equal opportunities for youth.