Montenegro is a Southeast European nation of approximately 630,000 people that has rapidly integrated into the international community since regaining its independence in 2006. After joining the United Nations and the Council of Europe, the country attained EU candidate status in 2008 and began a comprehensive negotiation process in 2012. Following a period of significant reform through 2024, Montenegro entered its most productive phase of alignment, successfully closing key chapters such as the free movement of capital, company law, and agriculture by the end of 2025. Currently recognized as the most advanced candidate in the enlargement process, Montenegro is maintaining a clear trajectory toward full European Union membership with a target date of 2028.

Central to this successful pathway is the substantive involvement of the youth population. Individuals aged 15 to 29 represent 23.2% of the total population, serving as a significant demographic indicator of the necessity for youth engagement in driving developmental solutions. This cohort has emerged as a primary factor in facilitating societal and constitutional shifts throughout the negotiation process. Through formal education, international mobility, and cultural exchange, young people have championed discourse on pivotal contemporary issues, including environmental protection, the rule of law, and the eradication of xenophobia, corruption, and cyberbullying.

Recognizing the breadth of youth participation in the integration process, the state has established a robust legislative framework, notably through the Law on Youth (2019) and the Youth Strategy (2017–2021). These legal instruments mandate the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes at both local and state levels. Grounded in the principles of equality, volunteerism, and active citizenship, these policies define proactive participation as engagement through political organizations, civil society, independent associations, and non-formal civic unions. Despite this progressive legal architecture, however, certain systemic barriers persist, including information deficits and fluctuating motivation levels among the youth demographic.

A primary institutional driver of civic engagement is the Youth Parliament, an initiative facilitated by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. This organization bridges the gap between the youth and local representatives, fostering deliberations on policy-making and democratic processes. By promoting political awareness and active citizenship, the Youth Parliament directly contributes to the integration process, equipping participants with leadership, critical thinking, and diplomatic skills that reflect the core values of the European Union. Furthermore, in coordination with the educational sector and various non-governmental organizations, the Erasmus+ program serves as a vital platform for promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. These EU-funded projects allow young citizens to acquire social responsibilities and engage in intergroup dialogue, which is essential for regional reconciliation and peacebuilding within the Western Balkans.

The educational sector further reinforces these European values through partnerships between universities and international entities. By participating in academic mobility and student exchanges, educational institutions foster intercultural dialogue and scholarly cooperation. Beyond formal curricula, schools and universities host specialized seminars and panel discussions on minority rights and social responsibility, thereby heightening student awareness regarding the importance of active civic contribution. Central to this successful pathway is the substantive involvement of the youth population. Individuals aged 15 to 29 represent 23.2% of the total population, serving as a significant demographic indicator of the necessity for youth engagement in driving developmental solutions. This cohort has emerged as a primary factor in facilitating societal and constitutional shifts throughout the negotiation process. Through formal education, international mobility, and cultural exchange, young people have championed discourse on pivotal contemporary issues, including environmental protection, the rule of law, and the eradication of xenophobia, corruption, and cyberbullying.

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that while Montenegro has made significant strides, the potential of its youth remains partially inhibited. The lack of centralized information regarding opportunities and the geographic disparities between urban centers and rural areas – often resulting in internal migration – remain critical challenges. To ensure the continued development of the nation, it is imperative to persistently refine strategies that encourage youth involvement in state-level decision-making. As the primary drivers of progressive change, the youth remain indispensable to Montenegro’s successful transition into a member of the European Union.