Tripartite constituents in Montenegro have agreed on a national roadmap to strengthen responsible business conduct and promote decent work, with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
More than 40 representatives of government, employers' and workers' organisations, together with other stakeholders, took part in the first National Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct for Sustainable, Productive and Resilient SMEs. The meeting took place as Montenegro advances towards European Union (EU) accession, with SMEs - accounting for more than 90 per cent of enterprises in the country - seeking to integrate into EU supply chains and markets.
Participants highlighted the need to align business practices with international labour standards and RBC frameworks, notably the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). Discussions focused on promoting decent work in the context of business activity, investment and trade, while supporting alignment with EU sustainability requirements.
Representatives of key ministries, the Ombudsman's Office, employers' and workers' organisations exchanged views on policy priorities and practical measures. Contributions from national institutions and partners, as well as the European Commission, helped identify opportunities to promote RBC and strengthen national frameworks.
Naida Nišić, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue, stressed that responsible business practices grounded in international labour standards are essential to ensure job security, foster an inclusive labour market and enhance the attractiveness of enterprises, particularly SMEs, in the context of Montenegro's EU accession process.
The dialogue also addressed the role of enterprises in the transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies. Participants emphasised the importance of a just transition, highlighting measures such as reskilling and upskilling and supporting entrepreneurship for workers affected by the green transition. Particular attention was given to emerging employment opportunities for young people and to regional disparities.
Participants also discussed sector-specific challenges, including those related to the planned closure of the coal-fired power plant in Pljevlja, as well as opportunities for green job creation. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) outlined its support to SMEs in accessing finance for sustainable investments.
The dialogue fostered a shared understanding of RBC and the labour dimension of human rights due diligence, as well as the relevance of the MNE Declaration and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Participants clarified the complementary roles of governments and social partners.
The agreed roadmap prioritises areas such as formalisation, gender equality, equal pay, work-life balance, occupational safety and health, and just transition. Follow-up actions include appointing a national focal point on the MNE Declaration, strengthening labour provisions in trade agreements, developing sectoral guidance and building capacities of institutions and SMEs.
The dialogue was held under a joint ILO-UNDP project supported by the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund.
