“Today, as we celebrate Europe Day, we are reminded that our goals are much greater than only membership. We sincerely strive to create a society where we can live with dignity, feel secure, and have equal opportunities for progress and development,” said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević at the “European Tour” event held today in Pljevlja.
The minister stated that the event in Pljevlja is an opportunity to recall the values that connect us, to celebrate our common future, and to strengthen our commitment to European goals.
“I am proud that Europe Day will be represented in the best light today by children, who will convey the values of the European Union through song and dance, such as unity, solidarity, and peace – values that Montenegro, and especially Pljevlja, have long cherished,” said Gorčević.
She mentioned that at the regional leaders’ summit held the day before in Kotor, they discussed the Growth Plan, a new type of assistance and support provided by the European Union.
“I mention this because I want to assure you that the process of European integration does not belong only to politicians but to all of you, who can equally contribute to Montenegro becoming the next member of the European Union,” Gorčević emphasized.
The president of the municipality, Dario Vraneš, emphasized that when we say the word Europe, we immediately think of freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, and reflect on our past and future. He reminded on the historical and cultural development of the municipality, from the Middle Ages to the present, and highlighted some of the most significant achievements in building the European spirit of Pljevlja.
“What do we want today? We want freedom, equality, justice, equal rights for everyone. This is the clear goal set by the current local government: equal rights for all. We do not consider European values to be just European funds and money. We want cultural and economic revival because one cannot go without the other. We believe that these are the values that the European Union cherishes and that we will soon find ourselves fully within the family of European nations,” Vraneš said.
The manager of the municipality, Ljiljana Đondović, said that by accepting the principles of the European Union, we are building a path to a better future. As she pointed out, this is a step towards improving the quality of life for all citizens and creating an environment that fosters economic growth, social inclusion, and access to better services.
“Pljevlja is a multinational environment that prides itself on its wealth of diversity, different cultural identities, and traditions, which are the foundation of our strength and creativity. Diversity enriches us in many ways – it contributes to our artistic expression, promotes understanding among people, and creates an open and inclusive society. We are learning how to appreciate and celebrate what makes us different because it is precisely in that diversity that the strength that connects us lies,” Đondović said.
Deputy Head of the Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation, Liselote Isakson, expressed her satisfaction that the municipality of Pljevlja joined the celebration of Europe Day by organizing wonderful activities focusing on music, culture, and the cultural heritage of Pljevlja, and said that today Pljevlja represents the best of Europe.
“I see that children, students, and artists are already prepared to celebrate the EU and our common European values through play, music, and art. This clearly shows that we share a common vision for Montenegro to become part of the EU family in the very near future,” Isakson said.
She added that as Montenegro accelerates its path towards the EU, municipalities across the country must become even more active and involved in the European integration process.
“This will enable citizens to become acquainted with the EU in light of the many opportunities offered by the European integration process, even before accession, with the aim of improving the quality of life through various support models, projects, and programs,” Isakson said.
A plentiful program on the “13th of July” Square showcased the wealth of Pljevlja’s culture and arts through the participation of local cultural and artistic associations “Volođa” and “Pljevlja,” the City Tambura Orchestra, the dance club “Sonrisa,” as well as children and youth – users of the services of the “Daily Center” and the NGO “Ray of Hope.”
With the celebration in Pljevlja, the “European Tour” event, organized by local governments in cooperation with the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro and supported by the EU Delegation in Montenegro within the EU4ME program, concluded.
The name “European Tour” symbolizes the dynamism and energy with which Montenegro approaches the European integration process, emphasizing the importance of movement, progress, and unity. Under this symbolic slogan, a series of diverse events in several Montenegrin municipalities—Bar, Nikšić, Mojkovac, Berane, Žabljak, Petnjica, and Pljevlja—celebrated Europe Day throughout May, all aimed at strengthening the European spirit and identity and celebrating Montenegro’s European future.
