“Europe is synonymous with values of democracy, and these values are the essential pillars of our European identity; the protection of minorities and human rights, non-discrimination, media pluralism, and the rule of law are just some of the hallmarks. As citizens of a country that is a candidate for the EU membership, this is an opportunity to renew our commitment to strengthening cooperation and dialogue within Europe and with the rest of the world,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sports and Youth, Dragoslav Šćekić, during the event organised within the “European Tour,” which continued the celebration of Europe Day in several Montenegrin municipalities.
Deputy Prime Minister Šćekić emphasised that Europe Day reminds us of the importance of intercultural dialogue and understanding, and that through the exchange of ideas, cultures, and experiences, we build bridges between us and strengthen connectivity among citizens on our continent.
“Let this day be a reminder that we are stronger when we act together, with respect for diversity and openness to the future we are building together. This is an inspiration for further commitment to peace, prosperity, and solidarity within our continent and beyond. We must strive to create a more organised system within the country itself so that, as a full member of the EU, we can shine brightly,” Šćekić concluded.
The Mayor of Mojkovac, Vesko Delić, stated that by celebrating Europe Day the local administration aims to bring the accession process of Montenegro to the European Union closer to our citizens, along with the benefits and obligations it entails, as well as informing about the changes that will occur on the path towards a full membership.
“I believe that young people are crucial for the process of the European integration, and it is necessary to hear their voices. Together, with the support of the state, we want to provide young people with knowledge and information about the EU and the negotiation process on a daily basis,” Delić stated.
Programme Manager for Regional Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Valentina di Sebastiano, said that Europe Day marks the birth of the idea of a united Europe.
“On this day, we celebrate the principles of peace, unity, and solidarity in Europe that define the European Union. It is a day when we reflect on the achievements of the EU and look towards the future with optimism,” said di Sebastiano.
She emphasised that the celebration in Mojkovac shows that we share a common vision for Montenegro to become part of the EU family in the very near future.
“I see that the youngest residents of Mojkovac already have a good understanding of the EU and are ready to celebrate our shared European values through play,” she said.
The European Tour in Mojkovac was enriched by the children from the “Jevrosima Jevra Rabrenović” kindergarten who organised dance performances and interactive entertainment on the square Ljubomir Bakoča.
European Tour in Berane
As part of the European Tour in Berane, the main city street came to life with performances by students from the Elementary School of Music Education and the Cultural-Artistic Society “DUGA,” who further enriched this celebration with their programme. An outdoor painting activity with the theme “Europe and Me” was also organised in the main city street, with the participation of pupils of elementary schools.
In Berane, a debate was held at the Polim Museum on the topic “Montenegro’s EU membership will positively affect the preservation of the Montenegrin tradition and identity,” which was led by members of the debate club of the “Panto Mališić” Gymnasium.
To mark the occasion, Acting Director-General for Montenegro’s Accession to the EU and the Legal Acquis in the Ministry of European Affairs, Jovana Dragović, said that the European future is a priority goal for the 44th Government of Montenegro, which is confirmed by the concrete steps and results.
“In the past six months, a significant number of interim measures have been fulfilled in Chapters 23 and 24, after a long stagnation in this process, leading to the expected obtainment of the IBAR at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference.”
She reminded of some of the results achieved in the last half year related to the election of missing members of the Judicial Council, and the election of a Constitutional Court judge and the Supreme State Prosecutor, whose election unblocked the judiciary. She also pointed out the adoption of several laws that are fully aligned with the EU acquis, leading to a better and more organised society we strive for.
“All this paves an even clearer path towards the EU membership by 2028. We are convinced that Montenegro, through the EU membership, will adopt universal values of unity, freedom, and solidarity—not only nominally, but functionally as well. Values that will serve the prosperity and well-being of all its citizens, such as economic stability and a society of equal opportunities for us all,” Dragović concluded.
On behalf of the Municipality, the Mayor of Berane, Vuko Todorović, stated that he wants to send a strong message about the readiness of the local administration in the EU accession process for the benefit of the citizens and a more fulfilling quality life.
“During the past period, we have used the opportunities available to us through European funds, aiming to create a more favourable business environment, improve infrastructure capacities, and achieve concrete improvements for our citizens. Significant projects have been implemented that have raised awareness among citizens about the opportunities and benefits that the EU accession process brings, but also ones which announced what will follow the accession. I have no doubt that the future of our children lies in the community of economic prosperity,” said Todorović.
Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Margarida Mariguesa, said that the EU and the Ministry of European Affairs are supporting nine municipalities in Montenegro in organising celebrations for Europe Day this year.
“It is a great pleasure to be in Berane today to celebrate Europe Day with the vibrant community of this beautiful town. I want to thank the Municipality for organising today’s festivities, which were in the spirit of Europe, and to emphasise that the EU will continue to support all municipalities on this path,” Mariguesa stated.
The European Tour is an initiative through which several municipalities in Montenegro celebrate Europe Day, organised with the support of the Ministry of European Affairs and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro as part of the EU4ME project.