Montenegro is decisively moving towards the European Union, sharing its fundamental values of peace, cooperation, and solidarity, while simultaneously contributing to its unique cultural diversity. This dedication to integration was clearly evident today through a series of cultural and educational activities in Bar and Nikšić, which attracted hundreds of citizens, including a large number of children. The events, organized as part of the “European Tour,” symbolized the common path towards a better future within the European family.
In Bar, a hiking tour with an educational lesson “Let’s Talk About Europe,” a visit to the monuments at Tuđemilima, as well as workshops for children and the quiz “Symbols of Europe” were organized.
Acting Director of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation in the Ministry of European Affairs, Miloš Marković, said that by celebrating Europe Day, we pay tribute to the idea of unity, cooperation, and peace that has shaped our continent.
“Through challenges and triumphs, Europe has built bridges across differences, paving the way for a better future. Let this day be a reminder of our shared values and the obligation to nurture them every day. United, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our common goals,” said Marković.
He expressed satisfaction that elementary school students from Bar participated in today’s events, demonstrating impressive knowledge about the European Union through their involvement in creative workshops and convincing us that Montenegro has a youth it can rely on.
Head of the Department for Contracts, Finance, and Audit in the EU Delegation, Agata Stasiak, said that on this day, we celebrate the principles of peace, unity, and solidarity in Europe that define the European Union.
“Bar is a unique and diverse city that brings together different cultures and communities, just like the EU,” said Stasiak.
She emphasized that municipalities across the country need to become even more active and involved in the European integration process as Montenegro approaches EU membership.
“Today’s celebrations in Bar are proof of the joint commitment of both the Government and local authorities, supported by the EU. Together, we share the vision that Montenegro will become part of the EU family in the near future,” Stasiak said.
In Nikšić, Europe Day was marked by a conference titled “Nikšić Initiative: European Capital of Culture 2030 – Benefits for the Community and Youth,” an exhibition of works by students from the “Tibor” Art School and the “Art Center” on the plateau of the House of the Revolution, and tree planting next to the Municipality building, sending a message about the importance of forests and trees for a greener and more beautiful Europe.
At the conference, held at the Technopolis, the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, emphasized the importance of May 9th.
“As a local government in Nikšić, we strive to behave, in those areas where we can, as if Montenegro were already a member of the EU. I believe that in the previous period, through a series of projects we implemented, we managed to send that message and assist our country as a local government on the path to the EU. I hope that very soon we will celebrate this day as a member of the EU, not forgetting, of course, all the sacrifices made by our ancestors in the fight against Nazism and fascism, which ended on May 9, 1945,” Kovačević said.
Acting Director-General for the Coordination of EU Financial Support in the Ministry of European Affairs, Bojan Vujović, stated that the EU accession process should not only lead us to formal membership but also to gradually adopting European values.
“Every day, through all our work, both in the Ministry of European Affairs and in the Government, as well as at the local level, we are not only creating new laws and adopting European regulations but also adopting European values in all areas, in order to become a better, fairer, and more European society,” concluded Vujović.
Representative of the EU Delegation in Montenegro, Liselot Isakson, praised the Municipality of Nikšić and its cultural scene for the candidacy for the European Capital of Culture, adding that this initiative represents an excellent opportunity to stimulate creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange, as well as to promote tourism, investment, and economic growth in the city.
“I am particularly impressed by the involvement of young people and people with disabilities in this. Investing in the cultural development and education of young people not only broadens their horizons but will, hopefully, give them the opportunity to enter the creative industries, which in turn can create new jobs. This is a sector that deserves much more attention in Montenegro,” Isakson assessed and added that today’s celebration in Nikšić is evidence of the joint commitment to the European integration process by both the Government and local authorities.
To celebrate Europe Day, activities within the European Tour were organized by the municipalities of Bar and Nikšić and the Ministry of European Affairs with the support of the EU Delegation, as part of the EU4ME program. The European Tour continues its journey through Montenegro, with a cycling race scheduled for tomorrow in Nikšić, and numerous activities planned in Mojkovac, Berane, Žabljak, Petnjica, and Pljevlja in the following weeks.
