Part 12 of 14
Civil Service and State Administration System of Montenegro
Structure, 2022–2026 reform and digitalisation
The civil service and state administration system of Montenegro have undergone significant changes since independence in 2006. These transformations have been driven by the democratisation of society, the development of a market economy and integration into the European Union. Today, public administration reform remains an important condition for the country's EU accession. This article examines the constitutional and legislative foundations of state administration, the structure of executive bodies, the status of civil servants and the results of the reform.
Constitutional and Legislative Foundations
The 2007 Constitution laid the foundation of the modern state administration system. It introduces the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial; enshrines the central role of the Government of Montenegro in implementing domestic and foreign policy (Art. 112); establishes the principle of legality (Art. 145): all actions of state bodies must be based on laws.
Structure of Executive Bodies
The Government — the central executive body, comprising the Prime Minister, 7 deputy prime ministers and 24 ministers (data as of July 2024). Key tasks: developing state policy; coordinating ministry activities; managing state property; preparing and executing the state budget.
The following ministries operate in Montenegro (structure may change by government decision):
Ministries are divided into departments and divisions by area of activity.
Operate in 24 municipalities and the capital Podgorica. Include: police stations (Ministry of Interior), tax and customs units, inspection departments, employment and social protection centres.
Legal Status of Civil Servants
Recruitment to the civil service is carried out on a competitive basis with verification of professional competencies. Requirements: Montenegrin citizenship, appropriate education, no criminal record.
- •Legality and professionalism
- •Political neutrality
- •Responsibility and accountability
- •Equal access to positions
- •Merit-based promotion
- •Professional development
- •Fair remuneration
- •Protection against unlawful dismissal
- •Trade union activity
The central human resources management body, responsible for planning, running competitions, training and advising state bodies.
Public Administration Reform 2022–2026
The reform aims to create a transparent, professional system that meets EU standards. Key directions:
- •Politicisation of the civil service
- •Fragmentation of governance bodies
- •Lack of administrative and financial resources
- •Corruption and weak transparency
- •Bureaucratic procedures
E-Government and Digitalisation
The development of an electronic public services system is a priority for modernising state administration.
- •Insufficient digital literacy among the population
- •Digital divide between regions
- •Infrastructure limitations
- •Information security concerns
Montenegro's state administration system is being actively reformed and modernised, which is an important step on the path to EU integration. Key challenges of politicisation and corruption remain to be addressed, along with strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms. Continuing digitalisation and the depoliticisation of the civil service will be the most important tasks for creating an effective and modern state administration system in Montenegro.