The assessment finds that Montenegro has a comparatively well-developed legal and institutional framework for social dialogue, with established tripartite structures and formal mechanisms for consultation. At the same time, it highlights an important implementation gap: while the Social Council appears to function relatively well internally, its opinions and recommendations are often not reflected in final legislation or policy decisions, especially once proposals move to higher levels of government or Parliament.

The publication also shows that collective bargaining in Montenegro is stronger in law than in practice. Collective bargaining is more institutionalized and outcome-oriented in parts of the public sector, where agreements have delivered tangible improvements in wages and working conditions. In contrast, bargaining remains weaker and more fragmented in much of the private sector, particularly among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The assessment further underlines that capacity constraints affecting both institutions and social partners limit the depth, continuity and policy impact of dialogue.

Beyond identifying current strengths and challenges, the assessment points to the need to strengthen the connection between dialogue and decision-making, improve follow-up to Social Council recommendations, and expand the role of social dialogue and collective bargaining in addressing emerging labour market issues such as digitalization, labour shortages, skills transitions and the green transition.