Montenegro records registered unemployment below 8% for the first time

Montenegro has achieved a historic milestone in its labour market. According to the latest data from the Employment Agency of Montenegro, the registered unemployment rate stood at 7.84% in May 2026, marking the lowest registered unemployment rate since the Agency began keeping these statistics.

For the first time in Montenegro's history, the registered unemployment rate has fallen below the 8% threshold, thus confirming the continued positive trends in the labour market and the effectiveness of the measures implemented by the Government of Montenegro in the areas of economic policy, employment and improving living standards.

At the end of May, 24,751 people were registered as unemployed with the Employment Agency of Montenegro. Compared with the end of 2023, when nearly 40,000 people were registered as unemployed, the number of unemployed persons has declined by more than 15,000, or approximately 38%. Compared with May 2024, when 35,415 people were registered as unemployed, the number has fallen by 10,664, representing a reduction of almost one-third.

Even more striking is the fact that the registered unemployment rate stood at 20.48% at the end of 2020, compared with 7.84% today.

Positive trends are evident across all regions of the country. In May 2026, the registered unemployment rate was 28.47% in the northern region, 4.57% in the central region and 2.31% in the coastal region. Although the north continues to record the highest unemployment rate, it remains the primary focus of development policies and employment programmes aimed at encouraging investment, creating new jobs and promoting more balanced regional development.

Significant contribution to these results has come from the employment services and active labour market programmes implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue and the Employment Agency of Montenegro. During 2026, a new cycle of programmes was launched to improve employability and facilitate the integration of unemployed persons into the labour market. These include support for employment with employers, vocational training and work experience programmes, support for self-employment, as well as dedicated programmes for young people, women, the long-term unemployed, recipients of social assistance and other individuals requiring additional support in finding employment.

In parallel, the Employment Agency has enhanced its services through the digitalisation of its processes, strengthened cooperation with employers and intensified dialogue with the business community and local authorities. As a result, the supply of labour has been better aligned with the needs of the labour market.

The historically low registered unemployment rate confirms that responsible public policies, strong institutional cooperation and sustained investment in active labour market measures deliver tangible and measurable results.

The Government of Montenegro will continue, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue and the Employment Agency of Montenegro, to implement policies that encourage job creation, increase employment, and create quality employment opportunities for all citizens, with particular emphasis on young people and the northern region of the country.