The Iberian nation's armed forces have lost nearly 20 percent of their personnel in recent years, falling from more than 29,000 professionals in 2015 to 23,220 in 2024.

The exodus prompted Defence Minister Nuno Melo to complain that "the armed forces have not been the priority of various governments".

Hailing the pay rises as a "historic day for soldiers", Montenegro said the measures were also intended to show "great respect" for those "bearing the weight of the national defence system today".

Under his centre-right government's plans, military personnel stand to benefit from an increase in several bonuses.

Those include the military status allowance which will gradually quadruple from 100 euros ($109) to 400 euros a month in January 2026.

Since coming to power following general elections in March, the government has had to respond to the demands of various state employees, including for salary increases.

It has already reached agreements with teachers, clerks and the police.

Lacking a majority in parliament, Montenegro's administration will have to rely on the support of the centre-left Socialists or the far-right Chega party to pass the measures in parliament.

However, analysts agree that it is not in the opposition's interests to risk provoking new elections by blocking the 2025 budget it will vote on this autumn.