Montenegro continues to make successive moves to strengthen its economy and increase its welfare level in 2025. The “Europe Now 2” program, implemented by the state, aims to improve the quality of life of citizens, raise income levels and support sustainable economic growth.
Main Objectives of the Program
The “Europe Now 2” program is a continuation of the first phase launched in 2022. The first program focused in particular on tax cuts, lower labor costs and an increase in the minimum wage. The new phase includes more comprehensive social and economic reforms:
- Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage was raised from €450 to €600 by 2025, with the aim of increasing it to €700-800 in the future.
- Increase in Average Salaries: As of 2025, the average salary reached €1,012.
- Retirement Salaries: Social security supports were strengthened with increases for pensioners.
- Labor Productivity and Employment: New labor policies aim to reduce both informal employment and youth unemployment.
Economic and Social Impacts
The main objective of the program is to jointly raise the bar for social welfare alongside sustainable economic growth. Higher personal income stimulates domestic demand by increasing consumption expenditures. This in turn boosts demand for businesses and accelerates the economic cycle.
Moreover, thanks to rising wages, Montenegro is on its way to becoming a more attractive labor market than other countries in the Western Balkans. It aims to preserve human capital within the country, avoiding the need for young people to migrate abroad.
One More Step on the Road to the European Union
“Europe Now 2” is not only a package of economic reforms, but also part of Montenegro's harmonization policies towards EU membership. Social security and income levels close to EU standards create a positive impression in the accession process. The transparent implementation of the program, supported by effective public administration, both increases the trust of Montenegrin citizens in the government and creates a positive investment climate for international investors.
Conclusion:
The “Europe Now 2” program is a holistic strategy that aims to develop Montenegro not only economically but also socially. Through income increases, social security reforms, and labor market policies, the country aims to build a more equitable and sustainable economic model. The successful implementation of this program is also critical for Montenegro to become more integrated with Europe.
Europe Now 2
