Montenegro Adopts National Roadmap to Promote RBC and Decent Work Ahead of EU Accession

Montenegro has taken a major step toward strengthening responsible business practices and improving labour standards after government institutions, employers, workers’ organisations, and international partners agreed on a national roadmap aimed at promoting responsible business conduct (RBC) and decent work across the country.

The initiative seeks to improve the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Montenegro’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the country advances toward European Union accession and prepares to align more closely with European sustainability and labour standards.

The agreement emerged during Montenegro’s first National Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct for Sustainable, Productive and Resilient SMEs, which brought together more than 40 representatives from government, labour organisations, businesses, and development institutions.

SMEs at the Centre of Montenegro’s Economy

Small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than 90 percent of businesses in Montenegro and are considered critical to the country’s economic growth, employment, and integration into European markets.

As Montenegro progresses toward EU membership, domestic businesses face increasing pressure to comply with international sustainability requirements, labour protections, and responsible business frameworks demanded within European supply chains.

Participants at the dialogue stressed that improving labour standards and adopting responsible business practices will be essential for helping Montenegrin enterprises remain competitive and attractive to international investors and trading partners.

Focus on Responsible Business Conduct

The discussions centered around the importance of aligning business activities with internationally recognized labour standards and responsible business conduct frameworks.

Particular emphasis was placed on:

• The ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration)

• The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

Participants explored how responsible business conduct can support:

• Decent work opportunities

• Sustainable economic growth

• Social inclusion

• Fair labour practices

• Long-term business resilience

The dialogue also addressed the growing importance of human rights due diligence in global business operations and supply chains.

Government Highlights Importance for EU Integration

Naida Nišić, Montenegro’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue, emphasized that responsible business practices are becoming increasingly important as the country moves closer to European Union accession.

She stated that business models grounded in international labour standards can help:

• Improve job security

• Strengthen labour market inclusion

• Enhance enterprise competitiveness

• Increase attractiveness for investors and trading partners

According to Nišić, SMEs will play a central role in Montenegro’s economic transformation and integration into EU markets.

Social Partners and Institutions Participate

The dialogue brought together representatives from:

• Key government ministries

• Employers’ organizations

• Workers’ organizations

• The Ombudsman’s Office

• International development institutions

• European Commission representatives

Participants exchanged views on policy priorities and practical measures needed to strengthen responsible business conduct frameworks nationally.

The discussions also clarified the complementary roles of governments, employers, workers, and international partners in implementing sustainable business practices and labour protections.

Green Transition and Just Transition Discussed

A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the labour and social implications of Montenegro’s transition toward a greener and more environmentally sustainable economy.

Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring a “just transition,” meaning that workers and communities affected by environmental and industrial changes are adequately supported.

Key priorities discussed included:

• Reskilling and upskilling workers

• Supporting entrepreneurship

• Expanding green employment opportunities

• Reducing regional disparities

• Protecting vulnerable workers during economic transitions

Special attention was given to employment prospects for young people as Montenegro seeks to develop greener industries and sustainable economic sectors.

Coal Plant Closure Raises Employment Concerns

One of the major sector-specific issues raised during the dialogue involved the planned closure of the coal-fired power plant in Pljevlja.

The closure represents a major challenge for workers and local communities dependent on the coal sector.

Participants discussed opportunities to:

• Develop alternative industries

• Create green jobs

• Support workforce retraining

• Promote regional economic diversification

The discussions reflected broader concerns across many European countries undergoing energy transitions away from fossil fuels.

EBRD Highlights Sustainable Finance Opportunities

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) also participated in the dialogue, outlining support available to SMEs seeking financing for sustainable investments.

The EBRD emphasized the growing importance of green financing, sustainability-linked investment, and environmentally responsible business operations within European markets.

Access to finance was identified as a key factor in helping Montenegrin enterprises modernize operations and comply with evolving EU sustainability standards.

National Roadmap Sets Key Priorities

The roadmap agreed during the dialogue identifies several priority areas for future action.

These include:

Formalisation of Employment

Efforts will focus on reducing informal work and improving labour protections across sectors.

Gender Equality and Equal Pay

Participants stressed the need to strengthen gender equality policies and address pay disparities.

Work–Life Balance

Improving work-life balance measures was identified as important for inclusive labour market participation.

Occupational Safety and Health

Strengthening workplace safety standards remains a central labour priority.

Just Transition Policies

The roadmap includes measures aimed at supporting workers and communities affected by economic and environmental transitions.

Planned Follow-Up Actions

Participants agreed on several concrete follow-up steps to advance responsible business conduct nationally.

These actions include:

• Appointing a national focal point for the ILO MNE Declaration

• Strengthening labour provisions in trade agreements

• Developing sector-specific guidance

• Expanding institutional and SME capacity-building programmes

The goal is to help businesses better understand and implement responsible business practices while improving coordination between public institutions and social partners.

Joint International Support Behind Initiative

The dialogue was held under a joint project led by:

• The International Labour Organization (ILO)

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The initiative is supported through the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund.

International organizations say the programme contributes to broader efforts to align Montenegro’s development policies with:

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• European labour standards

• International human rights frameworks

• Green transition objectives

Responsible Business Increasingly Linked to Competitiveness

The discussions reflected a growing international trend where responsible business conduct is increasingly viewed not only as a social obligation but also as a competitive economic advantage.

Businesses that align with sustainability, labour rights, and human rights standards are becoming better positioned to:

• Access international markets

• Attract investment

• Integrate into global supply chains

• Meet EU regulatory requirements

For Montenegro, strengthening responsible business practices is now seen as an important part of preparing the country’s economy for deeper European integration and long-term sustainable growth.