DPM Ivanović opens Ministerial Conference on Labour Migration: Labour mobility as a pillar of regional development and European integration

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović officially opened the Ministerial Conference “Labour Migration – Supporting Economic Growth in the Western Balkans”, taking place on 15 and 16 May in Budva. The event is organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro, in cooperation 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.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović emphasized that the topic of the conference—labour migration and its contribution to the economic development of the Western Balkans—is gaining increasing importance amidst dynamic regional and European changes.

He underlined that Montenegro, as a small and open economy, is committed to addressing this issue in a strategic and responsible manner, through migration policies aligned with the broader European integration agenda, focusing on responsible governance, protection of workers’ rights, and the development of a labour market adapted to modern challenges.

Ivanović particularly highlighted the importance of labour mobility as a key factor in building a single regional market, pointing to the geographic, cultural, and linguistic similarities that make the Western Balkans a functional whole.

For many in our diaspora, the countries of the region were their first destination—not as completely ‘foreign’ environments, but as extensions of the familiar. This facilitates cross-border mobility, integration, and increases the likelihood of return migration, Ivanović said, adding that mobility should not be seen as a loss, but as a circulation of knowledge, experience, and capital.

Addressing current challenges, he pointed to the growing aspirations of young people to move to EU countries due to better living standards and a common currency, stressing the need for policies that simultaneously enable mobility and encourage talent return.

We are increasingly focusing on circular migration models—ones that enable the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as return, reintegration, and contribution to the country of origin. We believe these models serve as bridges between the legitimate needs of the market and our responsibility toward young and skilled individuals, he stated.

In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to international partners, emphasizing that no country can respond to the challenges of migration alone and that regional cooperation is essential in shaping sustainable and integrated policies.

Alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović, the opening ceremony featured 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 brought together numerous ministers, representatives of international organizations, migration, employment and development experts, as well as key stakeholders from the business community and civil society.