Marina Jovanović, Marketing and Education Adviser, Employers’ Federation of Montenegro
As EU accession draws closer, research reveals that while businesses recognize the opportunities of membership, significant challenges in competitiveness, funding, and institutional support remain
How ready are local businesses to function in the EU Single Market? This subject merits just as much consideration as fulfilling accession obligations as Montenegro approaches EU membership. Legislation must be in line with EU regulations, but this does not ensure that companies will be able to take use of the opportunities that membership provides.
The report from the Montenegrin Employers Federation, titled „Montenegro’s Business Community and EU Readiness: Attitudes, Expectations and Challenges,“ draws on a survey conducted in July and August 2026. It provides a detailed examination of domestic companies’ perceptions regarding the accession process, their preparedness for the European market, and the challenges they encounter.
According to the results, 51.1% of the companies surveyed believe they are mostly or fully equipped for the European market, and 68.5% of them anticipate that membership in the EU will benefit their business. The findings indicate that further preparations must be made in order to operate in the EU market, even if the majority of businesses acknowledge the potential advantages of eventual membership.
The fact that 73.6% of the companies examined do not export is another noteworthy statistic. Exposure to European competition will present a significant number of businesses with chances to grow their operations as well as a need to enhance efficiency, quality, and business procedures. The challenges are real. A lack of knowledge of EU market regulations, the necessity to adhere to European standards, and a lack of funding for modification are some of the most often mentioned. This will require more funding, new skills, and adjustments to long-standing business procedures for many domestic businesses, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It is also unrealistic to expect every company to go through this change at the same speed or to rely only on their own resources.
Additionally, the findings call into doubt institutional preparedness. According to just 10.1% of respondents, the relevant institutions are either mostly or very well-prepared to meet the demands of the business community during the EU accession process. This result emphasizes the need for employers to be more actively involved in developing policies and support initiatives that will have a direct impact on the business climate, as well as to communicate with them more effectively.
These results, according to the Montenegrin Employers Federation, are more than just a picture of the current state of affairs; they serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions about practical support measures with public institutions. Simplifying administrative processes, expanding funding options, and offering companies professional support in putting European standards into practice should be top priorities.
In the end, the advancement of accession talks should not be the only indicator of the success of European integration. The topic of Montenegro’s economy on the day of its EU membership is equally crucial.