The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Filip Ivanović, formally inaugurated the Ministerial Conference titled “Labour Migration – Supporting Economic Growth in the Western Balkans,” held on 15 and 16 May in Budva. This event is organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro, in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro.

During his opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović noted that the conference’s theme—labour migration and its role in the economic development of the Western Balkans—has become increasingly significant in light of ongoing regional and European transformation.

He emphasized Montenegro’s commitment as a small, open economy to tackle this issue strategically and responsibly, through migration policies that align with the broader European integration agenda. This includes a focus on responsible governance, the protection of workers’ rights, and the development of a labour market suited to modern challenges.

Ivanović particularly pointed out the importance of labour mobility as a crucial element in creating a unified regional market, highlighting the geographic, cultural, and linguistic similarities that unify the Western Balkans.

For many individuals in our diaspora, the countries of the region serve as their initial destination—not entirely ‘foreign’ lands, but rather extensions of their familiar environments. This promotes cross-border mobility, integration, and enhances the chances of return migration. Ivanović remarked that mobility should be viewed not as a loss, but as a flow of knowledge, experience, and capital.

Addressing the current challenges, he noted the increasing aspirations of youth to migrate to EU countries for better living conditions and a common currency. He stressed the importance of policies that enable mobility while simultaneously encouraging talent to return.

We are increasingly prioritizing circular migration models—those that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as return, reintegration, and contribution to the home country. We believe these models act as a bridge between the legitimate market needs and our obligations toward skilled youth, he stated.

In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister thanked international partners, underscoring that no nation can tackle migration challenges in isolation and that regional cooperation is vital for developing sustainable and integrated policies.

Alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović, the opening ceremony included remarks from representatives of the European Commission, Olivier Onidi and Stefan Olsson, RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, ILO Assistant Director-General Beate Andrees, and IOM Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Arthur Erken.

The conference gathered numerous ministers, representatives from international organizations, experts in migration, employment, and development, along with key stakeholders from the business sector and civil society.