Zagreb, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Croatian labour market expert Ivana Ruzman said that the provisional closure of Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers marks a step forward, but it will still require the consistent implementation of reforms and planned projects under the close scrutiny of the European Commission (EC) until the accession treaty is fully ratified.

“This chapter is crucial for citizens because it directly affects their opportunities to work in the EU, which is why effective implementation of the relevant legislation is so important,” Ruzman told Mina-business. 

At the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg tomorrow, Montenegro is expected to close two more negotiating chapters with the European Union, covering the free movement of workers and consumer and health protection.

Ruzman said the provisional closure of Chapter 2 is a major achievement, as it means the candidate country has achieved a sufficient level of alignment between its national legislation and the EU acquis in this area, and that the European Commission is satisfied with the progress made.

“This confirms that the country is ready to implement the fundamental rights of workers within the EU single market, including equal treatment in employment, pay and social rights,” Ruzman explained.