Montenegro’s Prime Minister reveals major updates in “Europe Now 2” economic program

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić unveiled key components of the “Europe Now 2” program, highlighting three major changes. The first major update involves increasing the minimum wage to 600 euros for those with secondary education and 800 euros for university graduates.

• “To put this in perspective, in Croatia and the Czech Republic, the minimum wage is about 650 euros, in Latvia it’s 601 euros, in Hungary 460 euros, in Romania 417 euros, while Serbia stands at 404 euros and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 380 euros,” Spajić explained. “This marks a significant progress, enabling our citizens to live with dignity.”

Another significant change includes reducing the tax burden on labor to lower business risks and offer employers competitive conditions across Europe.

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• “The tax relief will ensure that labor costs do not rise, keeping gross wages lower compared to EU countries. This policy underscores our commitment to fostering a pro-business environment, aiming for higher employment and better-paid jobs for everyone,” Spajić added.

Additionally, the “Europe Now 2” program promises pension increases of 50 to 60 euros starting January 2025.

• “These increases will surpass those in Croatia, and I am confident that in the next two decades, Montenegro will rank among the top five most developed EU countries,” Spajić said optimistically.

Opposition criticisms:

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MP Miloš Konatar from GP URA accused the Prime Minister of misleading the public regarding wage promises and other commitments.

• “Prime Minister Spajić’s repeated falsehoods do not change the facts. You promised a minimum wage of 700 euros, but it’s set at 600 euros. Additionally, only those on specific job positions will receive the 800 euros, and the seven-hour workday has been dropped,” Konatar said.

Mihailo Anđušić from DPS expressed skepticism about the “Europe Now 2” program, suggesting it was hastily assembled before the press conference.

Spajić addressed these criticisms by reaffirming that all campaign promises will be met within the scheduled timeframe. He clarified that the minimum wage adjustments and other measures align with EU standards and practices.