The finale of the EUbuzz debate tournament in high school “Stojan Cerović” in Nikšić was organized, as part of the EUbuzz campaign implemented by the Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, with financial support from the EU through the EU4ME and European House projects.
In the final debate, on the topic “Montenegro’s EU membership will positively impact the position of young people”, the affirmation team consisted of Anastasija Vukotić, Teodora Agramović, and Ljiljana Radojičić, while the negation team included Ivana Đukanović, Tijana Dendić, and Andrea Mišović. The jury decided that the affirmation team presented better arguments and declared them the winners of the final.
The debate finale was opened by Montenegro’s Chief EU Negotiator Predrag Zenović, the President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly Nemanja Vuković, and the school’s principal, Dušan Kilibarda. Zenović praised the debaters and thanked the school and mentors for showing interest in EU topics.
“The EUbuzz campaign is dedicated to young people, aiming to bring the European Union closer to them, explain what this community means for our society, and highlight the opportunities it offers. Understanding these processes will be particularly important when we become an EU member tomorrow, and you, dear youth, as its full-fledged citizens, will decide the fate of this strong community,” Zenović stated.
Vuković emphasized that debates like these provide an excellent platform for high school students to express their opinions, articulate arguments, and hear different perspectives.
“The European Union is not just a geographical, political, or economic association. It is, above all, a community of peoples united by shared values, promoting democracy, human rights, inclusivity, the rule of law, and cooperation. Adhering to these principles is vital for our progress toward EU membership and for genuinely improving the quality of life for all citizens. The Municipality of Nikšić strongly supports all activities and initiatives aimed at promoting European integration,” said the President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly.
Kilibarda reminded the audience that the debate club of the Nikšić Gymnasium is one of the first in Montenegro, with a long tradition that includes participation in international competitions, adding a special quality to the day’s final.
“Dear students, when you complete your studies in the future, Montenegro will already be part of the European Union, and you will have the opportunity to choose jobs from Portugal to Poland. While that is wonderful, I always encourage you to consider Montenegro, so let us strive to retain our youth and the best talent we have,” Kilibarda urged.
The Nikšić high school is one of 18 high schools from 16 Montenegrin municipalities that participated in the three-month campaign, during which over 300 debaters engaged in discussions on EU topics. The campaign will conclude in mid-December in Podgorica, where members of the winning teams will receive awards and diplomas.