“Još ne sviće rujna zora” for victims in Serbia
The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, in partnership with the Municipality of Bar, celebrated Europe Day on the promenade in Bar, with the placement of the flower carpet and the EU Fair. Embassies of EU member states were presented at the fair as well as projects funded by the EU and the Municipality of Bar. The ceremony started with a minute of silence for the victims of tragic events in Serbia. In honour of the innocent victims, the Montenegrin opera diva Tamara Radjenovic sang the traditional Montenegrin song “Još ne sviće rujna zora.”
After performing the anthems of Montenegro and Europe, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa, said that the decision to celebrate the holiday of a united Europe in Bar was made because it is a unique and diverse place that brings together different cultures and communities, just like the European Union.
“I am pleased that we have gathered here in Bar to celebrate Europe Day. We have prepared a rich program and various activities for you. However, in light of the tragedy that struck Serbia and made the whole region mourne, we had to postpone some of them,” said EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Popa.
Referring to the ceremony in Bar, the Ambassador expressed gratitude to the local business community for supporting the creation of the flower carpet, whose 24,000 plants will be planted in the city’s green areas. The Tourist Organization of Bar, as well as the companies: 2. decembar, Gold, Racc, Allegra Cruises, and Kalamper, supported the making of the flower carpet.
“Gifting flowers is a symbol of friendship, love, and peace. It is our token of friendship to the citizens of Bar, symbolising the unity between the EU and Montenegro. This symbol of friendship will therefore remain in the city for many months to come. “Popa said.
The President of the Municipality of Bar, Dušan Raičević, welcomed the attendees and emphasised that on that day the city of Bar was joining the map of Europe’s metropolises celebrating the great holiday of Europe together as a symbol of the unity of citizens, cultures, and nations and also as a symbol of the triumph of reason, anti-fascism, freedom, and justice that were the foundation of Europe, this city, and Montenegro.
“United in diversity” is the motto under which the European continent is unified on this day. Here, at the foot of Rumija and Tudjemili we understand this motto very well, and by this motto, we have lived essentially for centuries – united in our differences, our greatest wealth. Unfortunately, today, we are also united in grief due to the tragedies that have occurred in our neighborhood, in which innocent people, and particularly tragically, children, lost their lives. Therefore, I also want to honour their sacrifice from here and pay them a tribute and eternal peace on behalf of Bar and its people,” said Raičević.
Raičević thanked everyone who brought a part of their culture and tradition to Bar through their presence and exhibition of authentic products from their respective countries. He emphasised that the celebration of Europe Day in Bar was an opportunity for “those gathered around the idea of unity, progress, and joy to get to know each other better, to understand and accept each other, and to realise how much we have in common that connects us, as Europeans, and above all as human beings.” Embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Kingdom of Sweden to Montenegro took part in the EU Fair.
Activities around the EU Fair were held according to the previously planned program, while the concert scheduled for the evening was postponed and will be held on Saturday, May 13th, at 8 pm.