Spajić: We are focused on the professionalization and optimization of administration – reducing sick leave and fixed-term contracts, enhancing regulations

Today, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić led the fourth session of the Public Administration Reform Council, during which significant advancements in meeting Montenegro’s essential criteria for European Union membership were acknowledged. Additionally, an action plan was established for the forthcoming period to ensure ongoing progress in this sector.

Prime Minister Spajić underscored the specific accomplishments achieved in recent months, which include improvements and alignment of the regulatory framework pertaining to the civil service system, heightened efforts to advance the Law on Free Access to Information, the endorsement and implementation of the Law on Information Security, and the completion of an employment strategy in the fields of environmental protection and social policy with EU backing.

Moreover, enhanced oversight has resulted in a one-third decrease in sick leave absences. The Commission tasked with analyzing and monitoring fixed-term contracts aims to decrease the number of individuals working under such contracts by 20% by year-end. Optimizing public administration continues to be a top priority for the Government.

We must professionalize the system to attract top talent into the public administration, thereby creating a much more efficient structure. It can be exceedingly challenging to entice qualified individuals to take on responsibilities unless we provide mechanisms to reward outstanding performers and thereby improve overall performance. Progress in EU integration has shown that dedicated employees within the system are appreciated for their efforts. Conversely, certain areas of administration are overstaffed, while others—vital for economic growth and reinforcing the rule of law—are understaffed. Our aim is to address these gaps and redeploy currently underutilized staff to roles where their skills can be better utilized, Prime Minister Spajić emphasized.

He reiterated that the primary objective of the 44th Government is to create an efficient public administration that effectively serves the citizens and the economy, emphasizing the Government’s political commitment to advancing this process.

As a small economy, Montenegro faces a labor shortage in the private sector, which has become a considerable barrier to economic growth and development. Additionally, in recent years, public sector salaries have eclipsed those in the private sector, rendering public administration especially attractive and prompting a shift of skilled professionals from private enterprises to government institutions. At the same time, Montenegro must comply with all European Commission requirements that necessitate additional personnel engagement. Hence, it is crucial to strike a balance between these requirements while simultaneously optimizing public administration, asserted the Prime Minister during the session, which was also attended by EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

Ambassador Sattler affirmed that the European Union fully endorses and encourages Montenegro to accelerate its efforts in creating a modern, efficient public administration capable of providing high-quality services to its citizens.

To facilitate this process, the European Union will fund the recruitment of skilled personnel in critical sectors such as environmental protection and social policy. Furthermore, it will assist in formulating a strategic approach to planning and human resource management to address skill shortages and fulfill future requirements. Montenegro’s aspiration to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2026 will demand robust leadership and concrete reforms in public administration and public finance. Engaging highly qualified and educated managers, as well as training current personnel, will be vital for the successful implementation of these reforms, Sattler stated.

The forthcoming reform actions will concentrate on executing the Public Administration Reform Strategy and the Public Finance Management Reform Programme. Their implementation will be a governmental priority in the upcoming period, supported by SIGMA and other international partners.

Gregor Virant, Head of SIGMA, presented the organization’s Monitoring Report on Montenegro, outlining key recommendations for achieving European administrative standards. This report will guide further public administration reform and bolster administrative capacities.

During the session, Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj updated Council members on ongoing initiatives to draft a new Law on Local Self-Government. This legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of local administrations. Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening decentralization, improving cooperation between state and local governments, and boosting their financial sustainability.

The Government of Montenegro remains devoted to reform initiatives that will ensure a modern, efficient, and transparent public administration for the benefit of all citizens and in accordance with European standards.