Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Centre for Economic and European Studies (CEES) believes that financial literacy must become an integral part of both formal and non-formal education for young people, enabling them to use digital financial services more safely and make responsible financial decisions.

Research and workshops conducted as part of the project Digital Security for Greater Financial Inclusion of Youth showed the need for stronger integration of financial literacy topics into formal and non-formal education.

The project, implemented by CEES, included a survey of more than 1,000 young people aged 15 to 25, as well as workshops held in seven secondary schools across Montenegro. 

Its aim was to assess the level of financial and digital financial literacy among young people and identify challenges and educational needs through direct engagement with students.

The findings showed that the Digital Financial Literacy Index stood at 41.3 among the younger age group and 58.2 among the older group, while the overall score for young people aged 15 to 25 was 49.9.

These indicators suggest that financial and digital financial literacy among Montenegro's youth is at a moderate level, while also highlighting significant room for improvement, particularly among secondary school students. 

Workshop conclusions showed that young people recognize the importance of financial literacy and regularly use different digital financial tools, but often lack the confidence and habits needed to use them responsibly.