Europe Now’s Economic Reform Agenda: Public Support, Doubts and a Call for Delivery

Nearly two years into office, the Europe Now party’s economic programme has left Montenegrins divided, not over its ambition but over its impact. While some citizens say they’ve seen tangible benefits, many remain unconvinced that their daily lives have improved. As the government rolls out its Europe Now 2.0 agenda, public opinion offers both a warning and a window of opportunity.

Have People Felt the Benefits?

Only a minority of Montenegrins report feeling a clear personal gain from Europe Now’s economic leadership. Just 8% say their financial situation has “significantly improved” since the party took power in October 2023, while 30% say it has “somewhat improved”. Meanwhile, a majority of 62% say they’ve seen no change or have experienced a worsening of their situation. This is echoed by responses to whether Europe Now’s policies have contributed to personal financial stability: only 6% say they’ve done so “greatly”, while a further 27% say they’ve “somewhat” contributed. But 67% say the policies have either had no impact or have actively hindered their financial stability.

Notably, the age groups which have seen the most benefit are 18–24 (50%) and 45–54 (55%) compared to 25–34 year olds (31%), suggesting that Europe Now’s impact has been unevenly distributed. Those in the Northern region of Montenegro are significantly more positive, with 53% saying they’ve benefited at least moderately from the government’s initiatives, compared to just 38% in the Central region.

Cost of Living Pressures Dominate

Despite reform promises, the cost of living continues to cast a shadow over public sentiment. A combined 81% of respondents say their household expenses have increased in the past two years, with nearly half (49%) saying costs have “increased significantly”. This feeling is consistent across all age groups and regions, underscoring that any policy gains are being offset by the cost of living pressure.

What Policies Have People Noticed?

Europe Now’s headline initiative, minimum wage increases, has made the greatest impression. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they’ve noticed wage reforms in daily life, including 80% of those in the Northern region. However, other pillars of the government’s agenda, such as tax reforms, job creation initiatives and social welfare improvements, remain largely invisible. Only 4% report noticing tax changes and less than 10% recall job or welfare improvements.

A striking 31% of voters say they’ve noticed none of Europe Now’s policies at all, a number that climbs to 41% in the Coastal region and 32% in the Central region compared to 16% in the Northern region, raising concerns about the visibility and communication of reforms outside of the capital.

Europe Now 2.0: Confidence or Cynicism?

Looking ahead, voters are sceptical that Europe Now 2.0 will deliver the change they need. Just 8% are “very confident” that the programme will improve their economic situation in the next two years and only 17% are “somewhat confident”. Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents say they are either “not confident at all” (33%) or “somewhat unconfident” (15%), a sharp signal that the government faces growing doubts about its capacity to follow through.

Business and Tourism: A Mixed Picture

When asked about the impact of Europe Now’s policies on small businesses, 41% say they are neutral and 31% express some level of disagreement. Only 7% strongly agree that small businesses have benefited, with another 20% somewhat agreeing. Regional divides are again present, with the Northern region most likely to express support (41%).

The tourism sector, often cited as a growth engine for Montenegro, has failed to translate into widespread personal benefits. While 17% report a positive impact on their financial situation from tourism since 2023, a larger 24% say the effect has been negative and 59% say it has had no impact at all. Even in the coastal region, where tourism is most concentrated, only 27% say they’ve benefited.

The poll indicates that Europe Now must do more to make its reforms feel real and relevant. While wage hikes are being recognised, voters want to see broader cost-of-living relief, tangible job opportunities and visible progress for small businesses and families. Crucially, they also need reassurance, only a minority believe the future holds economic promise under Europe Now 2.0.

Download the data tables for this poll.