Montenegro, as a small and open economy, aims to approach labor migration strategically and responsibly, with a focus on proper management and protection of workers’ rights, said the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Filip Ivanović.
Speaking at the opening of the Ministerial Conference Labour Migration – Supporting Economic Growth in the Western Balkans held in Budva, Ivanović noted that the conference topic—labor migration and its contribution to the economic development of the Western Balkans—is gaining increasing importance amid dynamic regional and European changes.
“Montenegro, as a small and open economy, strives to address labor migration strategically and responsibly through migration policies that are part of a broader European integration agenda, emphasizing responsible governance, workers’ rights protection, and labor market development adapted to modern challenges,” Ivanović said.
He highlighted the importance of labor mobility as a key factor in building a unified market in the region, pointing out the geographic, cultural, and linguistic similarities that make the Western Balkans a functional whole.
“For many from our diaspora, the regional countries have often been the first destination—not a completely ‘foreign’ environment but an extension of the familiar. This facilitates cross-border mobility, integration, and increases the likelihood of workers returning to their home countries,” Ivanović added, emphasizing that mobility should not be seen as loss but as circulation of knowledge, experience, and capital.
Addressing challenges, Ivanović noted the growing tendency of young people to migrate to EU countries for better living conditions and shared currency, stressing the need for policies that both enable mobility and encourage the return of talent.
“We increasingly focus on circular migration models—which enable exchange of knowledge and experience but also the return, reintegration, and contribution to the country of origin. We believe such models are the bridge between legitimate market needs and our responsibility to youth and skilled professionals,” he said.
Ivanović also expressed gratitude to international partners, stressing that no single country can address migration challenges alone, and that regional cooperation is essential for developing sustainable and integrated policies.
The conference, held over two days, is organized by Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue, the Regional Cooperation Council, the International Organization for Migration, the International Labour Organization, and the European Union Delegation to Montenegro.
In addition to Ivanović, the conference opening featured remarks from senior representatives of the European Commission—Olivier Onidi and Stefan Olson—RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, ILO Assistant Director-General Beate Andres, and IOM Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Arthur Erken.
The event gathered numerous ministers, representatives of international organizations, migration, employment, and development experts, as well as key stakeholders from the private sector and civil society.
