The European tour in Žabljak confirmed that this region upholds European values and highlighted the importance of bringing Europe to every town in Montenegro. This was the message from today’s celebration of Europe Day in Žabljak.
“The cooperation with the European Union so far has brought numerous benefits to agricultural producers and citizens of Montenegro. Through EU funds, we have supported projects that have contributed to the development of rural areas, improvement of infrastructure, modernization of agriculture, and strengthening the competitiveness of our farmers,” said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management Vladimir Joković in Žabljak.
He, along with Montenegro’s Chief negotiator with EU Predrag Zenović, the Mayor of Žabljak Radoš Žugić, and the representative of the EU Delegation in Montenegro Orlando Fusco, participated in the “European Tour” event, which celebrates Europe Day and promotes European values in Montenegro.
Joković emphasized that Montenegro has implemented significant reforms in agriculture, rural development, fisheries, and food safety to align with EU standards and that the European integration process is a priority strategic goal for Montenegro’s state policy. He also highlighted the importance of the IPARD program.
“From 2019 to now, 414 projects with a total investment value of over 60.2 million EUR have been paid out, with EU support amounting to more than 23 million EUR. This year, we also started implementing the IPARD III program, which makes nearly 82 million EUR available to Montenegrin agriculture, of which EU funds constitute 63 million EUR (62% more than the previous IPARD II program),” Joković noted.
Chief negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, expressed his pleasure to celebrate Europe Day with the citizens of Žabljak.
“It fills my heart to be here today to celebrate Europe Day together, to celebrate great European values here in Žabljak, which historically and currently embodies these values. It is truly satisfying to see all these young people celebrating this great day in such a manner,” Zenović said.
He stated that the European values shared by Žabljak are based on its natural beauty, unique in Europe, its culture, traditions, history, and the people who live there and should return to live and create in this region.
“The European ideas that Žabljak embodies also relate to its status as our European ecological capital, from where the ideas of Montenegro as an ecological state originated. There is a whole array of things to be proud of in Žabljak and for its residents, relating to sustainable tourism, organic food, and a different vision of life that is truly European and well-known in this region,” Zenović emphasized.
The Mayor of Žabljak, Radoš Žugić, stated that today’s event and program aim to demonstrate that the European Union and Europe must reach every town in Montenegro.
“Today’s event aims to show that the local leadership and the municipality of Žabljak firmly stand by the official policy of our state, which is that EU membership and being part of a society with enlightened states and enlightened European nations is without alternative and that Montenegro belongs on that path,” Žugić said.
He highlighted that the municipality of Žabljak is represented in numerous European bodies and is actively working on proposing various European projects.
“We want to confirm through our example that we consistently stand on the European path,” Žugić stated.
Orlando Fusco, the representative of the EU Delegation in Montenegro, said that Žabljak and Montenegro have always been part of Europe, and today’s celebration shows that we share a common vision for Montenegro to soon become part of the European Union family.
“This year, we are particularly pleased and proud that the people of Montenegro are sending a clear and strong signal, through celebrations in nine municipalities, that the whole country, from north to south, from east to west, embraces European values and clearly expresses Montenegro’s belonging to the European family,” Fusco said.
He thanked the Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Žabljak for organizing today’s celebrations, which are entirely in the European spirit.
“By cycling, we symbolize the green transition and sustainable transport. With the carnival and songs, we celebrate our diversity. With dishes, we present the culinary wealth of Europe. Through the exhibition of handicrafts, we support local artisans. Today, Žabljak is the best image of Europe!” Fusco declared.
As part of the Europe Day celebration, a cycling tour “Let’s go to the EU” was organized from the Black Lake to Durmitor Warriors Square, promoting an environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Additionally, on the town square, there was a “EU Carnival” featuring children in costumes of great European artists and historical figures; a joint performance of the EU and Montenegro anthems; musical performances of popular Eurovision hits under the name “Children Sing EU”; an exhibition of EU-funded projects; and a presentation of traditional dishes from EU member countries prepared by students under the theme “EU for Us.” There was also an exhibition of traditional handicrafts with a knitting workshop – demonstrating the skills and artistry of knitting souvenirs.
The “European Tour” event continues in Petnjica (May 16) and Pljevlja (May 17).