5.9 E-participation
The digital transformation of youth participation in Montenegro is driven by the need to bridge the gap between institutional decision-making and the digital-native lifestyle of young people. This is framed within the National Strategy for Youth 2023–2027 and the broader Digital Transformation Strategy of Montenegro.
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Centralized Institutional Platform: eParticipation
The primary government-led mechanism is the eParticipation Portal, managed by the Ministry of Public Administration.
This portal serves as a central hub for public consultations. It allows citizens, including young activists and representatives of youth NGOs, to actively participate in the creation of laws and strategic documents.
Young people can provide comments on draft legislation, follow the progress of public debates, and nominate candidates for working groups within state authorities. It ensures transparency by making all government responses to public suggestions visible.
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U-Report Montenegro: Data-Driven Advocacy
In partnership with UNICEF Montenegro and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the U-Report Montenegro platform has become the most effective tool for real-time digital consultation.
Using social messaging apps (Viber and Facebook Messenger), U-Report periodically surveys young people on critical issues such as mental health, education reform, and civic engagement.
The data collected through U-Report was used as a primary evidence base for drafting the current National Strategy for Youth. It allows young people to voice their opinions anonymously and see how their views compare with their peers nationwide.
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The e-Petitions Mechanism ("Voice of the Citizens")
The e-Petitions platform enables young people (aged 18+) to launch digital initiatives directed at the Government.
If an e-petition gathers 6,000 signatures within 60 days, the relevant Ministry is legally obligated to turn the petition into a formal proposal for the Government to consider.
This tool has been used by youth-led environmental and human rights movements to bring local issues to the national agenda.
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Digital Outreach through Youth Services
The network of Youth Services (Youth Centers and Clubs) across Montenegro acts as a physical bridge to digital participation.
These centers provide training on digital citizenship, helping young people navigate official government portals and engage in online advocacy safely.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth and the National Youth Council (Mreža za mlade) utilize Instagram and Facebook not just for broadcasting information, but as interactive spaces for "Ask Me Anything" sessions and informal consultations with youth.
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Other
The Action Plan for Youth 2025–2026 identifies the enhancement of digital tools as a priority to reach youth in rural areas. Key goals include:
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Standardizing digital consultation processes across all 25 municipalities.
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Reducing the "digital divide" by providing equipment and internet access in local youth clubs.
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Integrating "Youth-friendly" language into official digital government platforms to make them more accessible.