Montenegro’s labour market has reached a historic milestone, with unemployment falling to a record low of 8.93%. David Percobic, Director of the Employment Agency, attributes this success to major reforms by the Agency, the Ministry of Labour, and the Government, as well as strong partnerships with employers and trust from citizens. He emphasises that the Agency is no longer a bureaucratic office but a modern, service-oriented institution focused on connecting people with jobs.
Despite the overall progress, regional disparities remain significant, with unemployment as low as 2.6% in the south and over 31% in the north. Targeted measures are being implemented to support the northern region through local partnerships and job creation initiatives.
Percobic highlights the importance of employer collaboration, digital skills, and future-oriented jobs, particularly in IT. While tourism, hospitality, and construction remain the most in-demand sectors, those with low qualifications still face the greatest challenges. The Agency is addressing this through training and upskilling programmes.
Modernisation efforts include digital services, online applications, and support for lifelong learning. Future priorities focus on youth, women, and harder-to-employ groups, alongside promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening small businesses. The ultimate goal, Percobic says, is not just programmes on paper but real results: more people employed and businesses with access to qualified workers.
