Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Negotiating Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers regulates the right of citizens of European Union (EU) member states to work, seek employment and exercise social rights in any member state under the same conditions as nationals of that country.

At the Intergovernmental Conference on Accession held on Monday in Luxembourg, Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers was formally closed between Montenegro and the EU. 

This is an important and clear signal that Montenegro has fully met its obligations in this area and has been recognized as a credible and reliable partner of the European Union.

The closure of Chapter 2 creates the conditions for Montenegrin citizens to enjoy one of the EU’s fundamental freedoms, the free movement of workers, while ensuring full social protection and security in the exercise of rights related to employment, healthcare and pensions.

The core objective of Chapter 2 is to establish a system that enables the free movement of workers, equal treatment in employment, and the recognition of rights acquired while working and residing in different EU member states.

Montenegro opened Chapter 2 at the Intergovernmental Conference held on 11 December 2017. Since then, numerous activities have been undertaken to align national legislation and strengthen the administrative capacities of institutions responsible for employment, healthcare and pension insurance, ensuring their readiness to implement EU rules upon accession.

Chapter 2 will enable Montenegrin citizens, following EU accession, to seek employment and work in other member states under the same conditions that apply to their nationals. This means that citizens may not be discriminated against on the basis of nationality in matters related to employment, working conditions, career advancement or access to vocational training.