The Ministry of European Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MESI), with financial support from the European Union (EU) through the EU4ME and the European House projects, organized the EUbuzz campaign. The campaign which began in October, aimed to familiarize young people with EU topics, encourage critical thinking, and motivate their active engagement in societal processes.
Over the past two months, debate tournaments on EU topics were organized in 18 high schools across 16 Montenegrin cities, involving more than 300 participants. At a ceremonial event in Podgorica, winning teams from school tournaments, along with their members and mentors, were awarded diplomas and prizes (a €50 bookstore voucher).
The event was opened by Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, and EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.
Zenović highlighted that the EUbuzz campaign was more than just debates; it was a platform where young people built knowledge, improved skills, and showcased the future of Europe as open, critical, and bold.
“I want to sincerely thank you for your dedication and aspiration to get to know the community you will shape as its full-fledged citizens tomorrow. You are the generation that will soon decide what kind of Montenegro should be in the European Union. That is why I urge you to continue exploring, learning, and participating in programs that connect you with peers across Europe. Through projects like EUbuzz, you are already proving that you do not wait for change—you create it yourselves,” said Zenović.
Ambassador Sattler, after speaking with the youth, expressed confidence in Montenegro’s future being in capable hands.
“I am certain that among you are future commissioners, members of the European Parliament, and EU ambassadors worldwide. I want you to understand a key message today: the European Union is not a one-time project frozen in time. It is a process of constant dialogue, adaptation, and development. Through EUbuzz, you have already become part of this process. Listening to you, it’s clear that Montenegro will not just join the EU but enrich it. Your energy, creativity, and commitment will make the EU stronger and more diverse,” stated the EU ambassador.
Following the awarding ceremony, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, views, and ideas in an informal setting with representatives of the ministries and the EU Delegation to Montenegro.
High schools from Podgorica, Tuzi, Bar, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Budva, Nikšić, Danilovgrad, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Petnjica, Rožaje, Mojkovac, Žabljak, and Berane participated in the EUbuzz campaign.