The European Tour in Žabljak confirmed that this region nurtures European values and showed that Europe must reach every city in Montenegro—a message that was conveyed during the celebration of Europe Day in Žabljak.
“Previous cooperation with the European Union 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, infrastructure improvement, agriculture modernisation, and strengthening the competitiveness of our farmers,” said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management Vladimir Joković in Žabljak.
Together with Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, the Mayor of Žabljak Radoš Žugić and representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro Orlando Fusco participated in the “European Tour” an event marking Europe Day and promoting European values in Montenegro. Joković emphasised that Montenegro has implemented significant reforms in agriculture and rural development, fisheries, and food safety to align with the standards of the European Union, and that the European integration process is a strategic priority for Montenegro’s state policy.
The minister also highlighted the importance of the IPARD programme. “From 2019 to date, 414 projects with a total investment value of over €60.2 million have been implemented, with the EU support payments exceeding €23 million. Starting this year, we have also begun implementing the IPARD III programme, through which close to €82 million are available for the Montenegrin agriculture, with the EU funds amounting to €63 million (62% more than the previous IPARD II programme),” Joković emphasised.
Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, expressed his pleasure in celebrating Europe Day together with the citizens of Žabljak. “It fills my heart to be here today, celebrating Europe Day together, celebrating great European values here in Žabljak, which historically cherishes and lives these values. And it is truly a great pleasure to see all these young people celebrating this great day this way,” said Zenović.
He stated that the European values that Žabljak nurtures are based on its natural beauties, making it truly unique in Europe, in addition to its culture, nurtured tradition, history, and the people who live here or should return to this region to live and create.
“The European ideas that Žabljak embodies also relate to it being our European green capital, with the ideas of the Ecological State of Montenegro originating precisely from this region. There is a whole range of things that can be a source of pride for Žabljak and its residents, relating to sustainable tourism, organic food, and a different vision of life that is actually European, which this region knows very well,” Zenović emphasised.
The Mayor of Žabljak, Radoš Žugić, stated that the event and programme organised aim to show that the European Union and Europe must reach every city in Montenegro.
“Today’s event aims to show that the local leadership and the Municipality of Žabljak firmly stand on the positions and principles of our country. There positions and principles are that the EU membership, a society of enlightened countries, and enlightened European people have no alternative, and that Montenegro’s place is precisely on that path,” said Žugić.
He emphasised that the Municipality of Žabljak is represented in numerous European bodies and institutions and that they are actively working on nominating numerous European projects.
“Through our example, we want to confirm that we consistently stand on the European path,” Žugić concluded.
Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Orlando Fusco, stated that Žabljak and Montenegro have always been part of Europe, and the celebration organised in Žabljak shows that we share a common vision for Montenegro to soon become part of the European Union family. “This year, in particular, we are 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 and east to west, is joining European values and clearly expressing Montenegro’s belonging in the European family,” stated Fusco.
He thanked the Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Žabljak for organising these festivities, which are absolutely in the European spirit.
“By cycling, we symbolise the green transition and sustainable transport. With the carnival and songs, we celebrate our diversity. Through the various dishes, we present the culinary richness of Europe. With the exhibition of handicrafts, we support local craftsmen. Today, Žabljak is the best picture of Europe!” Fusko concluded.
As part of the Europe Day celebration, a bicycle tour “Let’s go to the EU” was organised in Žabljak, starting from the Black Lake and ending at the Square of Durmitor warriors to promote environmentally friendly transportation.
Along with the tour, an “EU carnival” was organised in the city square, where children participated in costumes of famous European artists and historical figures, including a joint performance of the European anthem and the anthem of Montenegro, as well as musical performances of popular Eurovision hits under the name “Children sing EU.” Additionally, an exhibition of EU-funded projects, and a presentation of traditional dishes from EU member states prepared by students under the title “EU for us” were also organised, as well as an exhibition of traditional handicrafts with a knitting workshop, serving to demonstrate the skills and artistry in souvenir knitting.