Montenegro’s “Europe Now 2” program aims to significantly boost wages, with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announcing that average salaries in the country will soon reach 1,000 euros. The program targets 300,000 employees and promises wage increases starting October. For those currently earning above the new minimum wage (ranging from 600 to 2,000 euros), salaries will rise by 35 to 135 euros. Spajić highlighted that high school graduates will receive a minimum of 600 euros, and university graduates 800 euros, alongside reduced contributions and fiscal strategies to sustain economic balance.
Acknowledging regional disparities, Spajić defended a 600-euro minimum wage in the north, citing challenges for small employers. He emphasized the sustainability of fiscal measures amid high unemployment rates in certain regions. Debt management underpins the program, ensuring infrastructure investment and debt repayments without burdening future budgets. The Pension and Disability Insurance Fund remains intact, with pensions set to rise by 50 to 60 euros from January 2025.
Spajić refuted claims of property sales funding the initiative, asserting the program’s independence from such measures. He pledged stable VAT rates and emphasized combating the shadow economy to bolster revenues. Plans include resurrecting a financial oversight agency akin to the previously successful State Auditing Commission (SDK), underscoring its pivotal role in ensuring fiscal integrity.
Criticism from opposition figures like Miloš Konatar highlighted concerns over pension fund cuts and wage hike discrepancies. President Jakov Milatović cautioned against jeopardizing Montenegro’s pension system’s sustainability. Despite these criticisms, Spajić projected substantial wage increases and pension reforms underpinning Montenegro’s economic future.
