Montenegro ended 2024 with an average net salary of €993, ranking ahead of countries like Romania (€924) and Bulgaria (€822), although still behind Slovenia (€1,529) and Croatia (€1,191). The increase in wages is largely attributed to economic reforms from the “Europe Now 1 and 2” programs, which lowered taxes and labor costs, along with strong tourism and foreign investments boosting employment.
Inflation was successfully controlled, remaining at just 2.3%, one of the lowest in Europe. Key factors contributing to this stabilization included fiscal discipline, price control measures, and a reduction in external shocks like rising energy prices. This marks a significant recovery from the high inflation of 15.7% in 2022 due to the Ukraine war.
Despite these positive indicators, experts warn that wage increases need to be matched with productivity growth to maintain stability. Additionally, ongoing investment in infrastructure, attracting foreign capital, and addressing demographic challenges, such as an aging population, are crucial for sustainable economic growth in the future.
