Montenegro’s Civic Movement URA has proposed doubling the basic child benefit and increasing payments for children in several other categories, at an estimated annual cost of about 55 million euros. The proposal, put forward by URA lawmaker Milena Vuković, would raise the basic benefit from 30 euros to 60 euros and increase support for families across the country.
Under the proposal, the benefit for children of families receiving material support would rise from 44 euros to 88 euros. Payments for children whose families receive an allowance for care and assistance would increase from 52 euros to 104 euros. The rate for children receiving a personal disability allowance and children without parental care would double from 60 euros to 120 euros.
Vuković said child benefits had not increased since they were introduced five years ago, while living costs had risen. She cited Monstat data showing prices increased by 5.2% over a year, and said food, clothing and footwear, transport and health services had become particularly more expensive. “The child benefit amount must reflect price growth and the real cost of living,” she said.
More than 22,000 citizens have signed a petition calling for higher child benefits, Vuković said. She urged the parliamentary majority to put URA’s proposal on the parliamentary agenda without delay and support it. “The parliamentary majority must not ignore the demand of more than 22,000 citizens,” she said.
The government’s 2027 budget would show whether children and their living standards are among its priorities, Vuković said. She described the budget as the clearest indicator of the authorities’ priorities and said support for families should keep pace with rising living costs. She characterised the proposed increase as an investment in children and families’ security.
Vuković also said funds should be available for children if money was being found for consultants, advisers and administration. “Parents cannot wait for elections for the government to remember their needs,” she said. The proposal’s estimated annual cost is around 55 million euros.
