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NGO EU Harmony welcomes the initiative to amend the Labour Law by introducing one long weekend per month, whereby the last Friday of each month would become a non-working day. We believe that improving the work-life balance is an important step towards a more modern and higher-quality society, as it contributes to greater employee satisfaction and motivation. At the same time, this right must be accompanied by clear criteria for accountability and performance, in order to prevent any decline in productivity or deterioration in the quality of services provided to citizens and businesses. Therefore, we propose that the implementation of this measure be linked to the achievement of work objectives and measurable results, particularly in the public sector. European practice shows that more flexible working models deliver the best results when they are based on performance. In Iceland and the United Kingdom, pilot projects involving reduced working hours have demonstrated that productivity can remain stable or even improve with good work organization. We call on the competent institutions and social partners to engage in dialogue and find a sustainable solution that balances employees' rights with the efficiency of the system and the needs of the economy. NGO EU Harmony remains committed to solutions that improve the quality of life of citizens while preserving accountability, productivity, and European labour standards.

Sexual violence against children represents one of the most serious challenges facing modern society. Although this issue is most often discussed only after the violence has occurred, numerous international studies show that the key to effective child protection lies in prevention, early identification of risks, and timely institutional response. NGO EU Harmony believes that child protection must not be based solely on responding after violence has occurred, but rather on building a system that recognizes risks before a child becomes a victim. According to data from the World Health Organization, child sexual abuse has long-term consequences for children's mental health, emotional development, and social functioning. Scientific research shows that children who have been exposed to sexual violence face a higher risk of depression, anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and revictimization later in life. At the same time, global meta-analyses confirm that this problem exists across all societies, regardless of their economic or cultural context. Particularly concerning is the fact that modern forms of child sexual exploitation are increasingly taking place in the digital environment. Online grooming, sexual extortion, the misuse of photographs, and manipulation through social media represent growing threats that require new models of protection for children and young people. For this reason, EU Harmonija proposes the establishment of a "Digital Shield for Children" model, a preventive initiative that would connect social welfare centers, schools, parents, mental health professionals, and civil society organizations. The objective of this model is to create local early warning networks that would enable faster identification of high-risk situations and more effective protection of children in both physical and digital environments. Research shows that the most successful child protection strategies are those based on coordinated action across different sectors. Social workers play a particularly important role in this process, as they serve as the link between families, the education system, healthcare institutions, and the judiciary. Their ability to recognize early signs of vulnerability is often a decisive factor in preventing more serious forms of violence. EU Harmonija therefore calls for: - continuous training of professionals in the field of social protection on contemporary forms of sexual violence against children; - the development of specialized protocols for identifying and reporting online child sexual exploitation; - strengthened cooperation among social welfare centers, schools, the police, healthcare institutions, and the non-governmental sector; - the introduction of digital safety programs for children, parents, and teachers; - the establishment of local preventive teams that would act before a crisis occurs, rather than only after the consequences have emerged. Protecting children is not the responsibility of a single institution. It is the responsibility of society as a whole. Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment, and every protection system must be strong enough to recognize danger before it becomes a tragedy. EU Harmonija remains committed to strengthening professional capacities and building communities in which children are safe, protected, and empowered to develop their full potential without fear of violence and exploitation.

Montenegro closed negotiation chapters 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers and 28 – Consumer and Health Protection at the Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union, marking further progress in the process of accession to the European Union. The NGO EU Harmonija welcomes this significant achievement and believes that the closure of two additional negotiation chapters represents a clear confirmation that Montenegro continues to achieve concrete results on its European path. This step demonstrates that the reform processes are yielding results and that there is a readiness to meet demanding European standards in areas of particular importance to citizens. It is especially encouraging that the European Union recognizes the progress achieved by our country, which represents an additional incentive for the continuation of reforms and the efficient implementation of undertaken obligations. We believe that the closure of Chapters 2 and 28 will contribute to strengthening confidence in the European integration process and further motivate all institutions to continue working responsibly and with dedication. The NGO EU Harmonija remains a strong advocate of European values and the European integration process, convinced that membership in the European Union is the best framework for the further democratic, economic, and social development of Montenegro. The continued successful closure of negotiation chapters represents the path toward achieving the strategic goal – Montenegro’s full membership in the European Union.

NGO EU Harmony points out that the process of inclusion of young persons with disabilities in Montenegro, especially in the transition from the education system to the labour market, is still burdened by numerous structural, institutional and social barriers. Although there is a normative and institutional framework regulating this area, its implementation in practice still does not produce sufficiently visible results. The modern human rights approach, confirmed through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizes the obligation of states to ensure equal access to education, justice and employment. However, in practice there is still a gap between formally guaranteed rights and their actual availability, which is especially reflected in young persons with disabilities who are leaving the education system. Analyses show that persons with disabilities still face multi-layered challenges, including insufficient accessibility of education, lack of adequate preparation for employment, as well as limited resources and adapted support programmes. Additionally, the problem of insufficient awareness of existing rights and support mechanisms contributes to the fact that a significant number of persons with disabilities do not fully exercise their legally guaranteed rights. The legislative framework in Montenegro, including the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, as well as institutional mechanisms through the Employment Agency and the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation, represent an important basis for improving the position of persons with disabilities. However, current practice shows that the effects of these measures are still limited, especially when it comes to the systemic transition of young people from education into the world of work. For all the above reasons, EU NGO EU Harmony believes that further improvement of the system is necessary through strengthening the connection between education and employment, the development of individualized and proactive support measures, improving system accessibility, as well as consistent implementation of existing legal solutions in practice. Special emphasis should be placed on enabling independent living, greater availability of local services, and strengthening opportunities for choice and inclusion of persons with disabilities themselves.

Montenegro, in the period 2021–2026, according to data from the Media Literacy Index, has achieved visible and measurable progress in the field of media literacy. In the period from 2021 to 2023, a relative stagnation in results is recorded, without significant growth, with Montenegro remaining at approximately 32 points and around the 35th position on the international ranking list. However, in 2026 there is a clear turning point in the trend, reflected in an increase in the overall score to 44 points, as well as advancement to 26th place in the global ranking. At the same time, there is a change in classification status, with Montenegro moving from cluster 4 to cluster 3, thereby being classified among transitional media literacy systems. In the regional context, Montenegro is positioned in the mid-range of Western Balkan countries, with a noticeable trend of gradual convergence towards European Union standards in the field of media literacy and strengthening resilience to disinformation. The NGO EU Harmonija assesses that the presented results constitute a relevant indicator of positive institutional and social developments in the field of media literacy. Progress to 26th place, as well as the transition to a higher cluster, are interpreted as confirmation of the existence of continuous and measurable improvement in public policies and institutional capacities in this area. Such a trend indicates that the implemented interventions in the domains of education, digital competencies, and strengthening media resilience have produced empirically visible effects. From the perspective of public policy, these indicators provide a basis for concluding that a process of institutional consolidation of the media literacy system has begun in Montenegro. At the same time, the NGO EU Harmonija emphasizes the need for further normative, strategic, and operational upgrading of policies in this area, in order to ensure the continuity of the positive trend and its further alignment with European Union standards.

The non-governmental organization EU Harmonija emphasizes the importance of greater involvement of young people in decision-making processes, pointing out that investing in youth represents a direct investment in the future of the state and society as a whole. In a time of accelerated social, technological, and economic changes, young people must be recognized not only as beneficiaries of policies, but as active participants in their creation. EU Harmonija believes that it is necessary for the state to demonstrate increased and systematic care for youth, through the creation of concrete mechanisms that will enable their continuous participation in public life. Particular emphasis is placed on the need that youth participation should not be limited exclusively to political action in the narrow sense, but that modern and flexible forms of participation should be developed. In this regard, the establishment of digital and institutional platforms is proposed, which would enable young people to communicate directly with representatives of state institutions, as well as to present their proposals, initiatives, and conceptual solutions aimed at improving the system and the quality of life of young people. Such platforms would enable:  direct communication of young people with decision-makers,  transparent consideration of their proposals,  involvement of young people in the creation of public policies,  development of innovative solutions for local and national challenges. EU Harmonija emphasizes that young people possess knowledge, creativity, and energy that can significantly contribute to the development of society, and that it is the task of institutions to provide them with space and mechanisms for action. The inclusion of young people in decision-making processes does not represent only a democratic standard, but also a strategic necessity for every society that strives for progress and European values.

The establishment of an ad hoc working group for the drafting of the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the European Union represents an important and encouraging step on Montenegro’s European path. This decision confirms that the integration process is entering its final phase and that there is clear political will and support for its successful completion. NVU EU Harmonija welcomes this progress and emphasizes that it is now particularly important to preserve the momentum of reforms, with full transparency and active involvement of civil society. Such developments further strengthen our belief that achieving full membership by 2028 is a realistic and attainable goal. In the coming period, it is crucial to continue strengthening the rule of law, institutional stability, and citizens’ trust in the integration process. We believe that through joint and responsible action by all stakeholders, Montenegro can seize this momentum and successfully bring the negotiation process to a close, for the benefit of all its citizens.

Today we observe International Romani Day, celebrating their culture and contribution to society, while reminding of the importance of equality and inclusion. This day is not only an opportunity for celebration but also a strong reminder that discrimination, poverty, and exclusion faced by the Roma community are unacceptable. Systemic changes are needed to ensure equal opportunities, equal access to education and employment, and a dignified life for all citizens. As a civil society organization, we express our commitment to promoting equality and inclusiveness, emphasizing that equality is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. It is our responsibility to create a society in which every child has equal opportunities and every individual has the right to respect and dignity. Through collective action against injustice, we build an inclusive society in which diversity represents strength, not an obstacle.

Data from the Environmental Protection Agency show a rise in temperatures, precipitation instability, and an increase in greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. During the five-year period, Montenegro has recorded continuous warming and increasing precipitation instability, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. All years are above the climate norm: 2020 and 2021 were predominantly extremely warm, while 2022–2024 range from “warm” to “extremely warm.” Precipitation varies from very dry to very wet periods, indicating growing climate extremes and risks to agriculture, water resources, and forest ecosystems. Imports of ozone-depleting substances (HCFC-22) have continuously decreased: from 3,087 kg in 2020 to 480–627 kg in the 2022–2024 period. At the same time, imports of alternative HFC gases have increased in 2022–2024 (52–67 t), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, although reducing the negative impact on the ozone layer. The sectoral inventory shows that the energy sector and industrial processes remain the main sources of CO₂ emissions, while agriculture and land-use change contribute to methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The Agency’s results clearly indicate that the combination of continuous warming, unstable precipitation, and increasing HFC emissions requires urgent action: adapting agriculture and forestry, reducing industrial emissions, and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. As an NGO dedicated to environmental protection, we emphasize that the Agency’s data highlight the urgency of action. We recommend a transition to renewable energy sources, support for cleaner technologies in industry, adaptation of agriculture and forestry to climate challenges, rational use of HFC gases, and active citizen engagement. Timely and coordinated measures can reduce the risk of extreme weather events and protect ecosystems and quality of life in Montenegro.