About us

A few words about MEF

The Montenegrin Employers Federation (MEF) was founded in 2002, a an employers’ organization, based on voluntary membership. By gaining the status of a representative organization in 2005, we have become an umbrella employers’ organization and an independent voice of business in the country and internationally. MEF is a social partner (2006), thus the official representative and protector of the interests of employers in relations with the Government and the trade unions. For almost two decades we have encouraged the development of social dialogue and equal, partnership relations with the representatives of the executive and the trade unions, advocating for better business conditions – through greater efficiency of state administration, elimination of business barriers and improvement of business environment.

Our mission

The Montenegrin Employers Federation represents the interests of employers, improves business conditions and promotes responsible business practices, in order to create a modern, competitive and strong economy and a prosperous state of Montenegro.

Vision

The leading employers’ organization in the country, dedicated to building a business environment that is enabling for the development of sustainable companies and permanent, stable employment.

Our values

01 Independence

Autonomy and full independence in work, policy creation and decision making are the key principles by which we operate and act as a legitimate representative of Montenegrin employers.

02 Transparency

We show openness, clarity and full transparency in our business on a daily basis, through all reports, adopted decisions, policies, as well as the work of the MEF bodies.

03 Equal treatment of members

Our members are equal, regardless of size and activity, and have the same rights in proposing activities, initiatives and policies, participating in the work of MEF bodies and using all the benefits of MEF membership.

04 Social responsibility

Our priorities are in line and lean on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the universal principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labor rights, environmental protection and anti-corruption.

05 Ethical, professional and lawful operations

The Code of Ethics for Employers (adopted in 2005) and all the successes we have achieved confirm our commitment to business based on the law, ethical principles and professional work standards.

Three MEF priorities

Business environment promotion

 

We create a business environment that is stable, predictable and enabling for sustainable development of enterprises. Montenegro needs successful companies – they are a generator of economic growth, increase in employment, increase in the living standard and prosperity of society as a whole.

Competitiveness of the economy

 

The strength of the business community also determines the strength of the state. As a responsible social partner, we are committed to cooperation and consensus with the Government and trade unions on all issues that regulate the status and directly affect the position of employers and employees. With such an attitude, we strengthen the economy and build a prosperous state of Montenegro.

Sustainable development

 

Economic growth, employment and decent work are the basic principles of our action. Looking to the future, we strongly encourage and promote innovation and digital transformation, the green economy, skills development and education that responds to the needs of the labor market.

International
 positioning

Through the cooperation with related international organizations, forums and bodies, MEF contributes and actively participates in the processes that introduce both employers and the state of Montenegro to the European and global trends.

We work closely with the International Labor Organization (ILO), and we have been working in line with its principles and standards since our establishment. We are a member of the strongest global network – the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and leading European organizations – the Association of European Employers’ Organizations (BusinessEurope), and co-founder of the Adriatic Region Employers Center (AREC). MEF is a member of the EU-Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), a body established under the EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Agreement.