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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.

Increasingly frequent attacks on journalists remind us how important it is to protect media freedom and enable journalists to do their work without pressure or fear. We express strong support to all journalists who work daily in the public interest. Independent journalism represents one of the key pillars of a democratic society. Journalists play an important role in informing citizens, addressing socially important topics, and encouraging public dialogue. Recently, we have witnessed increasingly frequent attacks and pressures on journalists, which raises concern and reminds us how important it is to continuously work on strengthening a safe environment for their work. Every journalist should have the opportunity to perform their work professionally and responsibly, without fear of threats or violence. As a civil society organization, we want to send a clear message of support to all journalists who, through their work, contribute to transparency, accountability, and informing the public. Supporting journalists means supporting citizens’ right to be informed. That is why it is important that, as a society, we cultivate a culture of respect for the journalistic profession and together contribute to an environment in which journalists can work freely, professionally, and safely.

The non-governmental organization EU Harmonija wishes to once again strongly remind the public of one universal and unquestionable value: there is nothing more important than peace among people and nations. Peace is not only a political ideal nor an abstract concept – it is the foundation of every human life, every society and every civilization. The right to life, freedom of movement, freedom of thought, human dignity and all other fundamental freedoms are inseparably connected with peace. Without peace, all other rights become fragile and uncertain. That is precisely why the preservation of peace represents the highest moral and social obligation of all states, institutions and individuals. In a time of global challenges, divisions and increasingly frequent conflicts, it is important to remind that no political, ideological or economic interest can and must ever be more important than human life. Peace is not only a political category, peace is a civilizational value and a moral obligation of humanity. NGO EU Harmonija calls on all social and political actors, international institutions, civil society organizations and citizens around the world to work persistently on strengthening the culture of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. Only through cooperation, understanding and respect for universal human rights is it possible to build a stable, just and secure world. Societies that preserve peace also preserve their most important wealth such as the right to life, freedom and the dignity of every human being. Therefore today, perhaps more than ever, we must clearly and responsibly state that “ The greatest victory of humanity is not in the wars it wins, but in the peace it manages to preserve.”

The non-governmental organization EU Harmonija believes that the issue of protecting children in the digital space must become one of the more important social and institutional issues in Montenegro. The increasingly widespread and earlier exposure of children to social networks carries numerous risks to their psychological, social, and educational development, which is why it is necessary to consider the introduction of clearer rules and mechanisms for controlling minors’ access to these platforms. Today, children spend a significant amount of time on social networks, often without adequate supervision and without developed capacities to recognize the potential dangers of the digital environment. Numerous international studies indicate that excessive use of social networks can have negative consequences for the mental health of children and adolescents, including increased anxiety, decreased self-confidence, attention disorders, exposure to cyberbullying, as well as the development of addiction to digital content. The NGO EU Harmonija believes that introducing restrictions on access to social networks for children under the age of 16, along with adequate age verification mechanisms, could significantly contribute to healthier child development. Such a measure would allow children to devote more time to education, sports, creative activities, and direct social interaction, which is crucial for their proper emotional and social development. In this regard, we believe that the competent institutions in Montenegro should consider the following steps: introducing an age verification system when opening accounts on social networks; the possibility of mandatory parental or guardian consent for users under the age of 16; improving the legislative framework related to child protection on the internet; strengthening the education of parents, teachers, and children on the safe use of digital technologies; launching public campaigns on the impact of social networks on child development. It is encouraging that in Europe there is increasing discussion about the need to regulate this area. As a positive example, the initiative of Spain can be mentioned, which plans to introduce stricter age verification mechanisms for access to social networks in order to limit their availability to children under the age of 16. Such examples show that states are approaching the protection of children in the digital space with increasing seriousness. The NGO EU Harmonija believes that Montenegro, as a society striving toward European standards and modern child protection policies, should in a timely manner initiate a public debate and consider the introduction of similar solutions that would contribute to a safer and healthier digital environment for the youngest. The protection of children in modern digital society must be a shared responsibility of institutions, parents, and society as a whole, because the quality and healthy development of children represent the foundation of the future of every state.