European integration is not happening only in Brussels and Podgorica, but in every municipality, with every citizen and through every step we take together, announced today the Deputy Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Montenegro, Riccardo Seri.
As announced by the organizers of the "Municipalities for the EU" Project, Danilovgrad, Plav and Andrijevica marked Europe Day with a series of activities that showed that European values are not abstract or distant, but present in the everyday life of the community.
"Through joint work on the development of public spaces and environmental actions, as well as the spring fair, citizens of all generations have confirmed that European values are lived and developed at the local level," the statement emphasizes.
The "Spring Fair" was held in Danilovgrad, and visitors had the opportunity to visit the stands of the embassies of Greece and Romania, enjoy the works of children from the Public Preschool Institution (PPU) "Irena Radović", the NGO "Rastimo zajdeno" and the Danilovgrad Tourist Organization.
The fair was opened by the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Riccardo Seri.
"I am happy to be in Danilovgrad, one of the first municipalities in which we mark Europe Day, which we will celebrate throughout the month and throughout Montenegro. Because European integration is not happening only in Brussels and Podgorica, but in every municipality, with every citizen and through every step we take together. This is a time for unity, determination and progress because the future of Montenegro is European," Seri said.
The Vice President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Bojan Pavicevic, emphasized that the celebration of Europe Day is just one of the indicators that Danilovgrad is dedicated to the eternal values of the EU.
The statement added that in Plav, Europe Day was marked with a large ecological campaign of cleaning public areas, Plav Lake and the Vardište picnic area.
The President of the Municipality of Plav, Nihad Canović, met with the Ambassador of Slovenia to Montenegro, Bernarda Gradišnik, who, together with her advisor, participated in the clean-up operation on behalf of the diplomatic corps and the EU Delegation.
"Europe Day marks the beginning of peace and unity in Europe. It has never been just a celebration of the historic Schuman Declaration, adopted 75 years ago - it is a living reminder of what our societies can be if we choose cooperation over conflict. To prove that through dialogue, solidarity and mutual support we can build a stronger future together," said Gradišnik.
The statement says that the citizens of Andrijevica marked Europe Day through actions to beautify the town square, plant cypresses and flowers, clean the streets, and walk to the Knjaževac site.
Saša Malovarić, on behalf of the Municipality of Andrijevica, pointed out that by celebrating Europe Day, the Municipality wants to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation, promoting European values, and involving the local community.
The EU Delegation's Program Manager, Orlando Fusco, said that the EU is already present with the citizens of Montenegro - through infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy transition and digitalization.
"Through EU funds, programs and partnerships, we are already working together with you – on roads, schools, hospitals, green energy, digitalization and support for youth and businesses. We are engaging experts who are helping both the Government and local governments implement reforms," said Fusco.
The statement also states that "EU and the Point" has been opened in all three municipalities - a place to inform citizens about the European Union in the local community, which is part of the "Municipalities for the EU" project.
"The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and the Ministry of European Affairs, with the support of the EU projects Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities for the EU, are marking Europe Month across the country, from 3 to 30 May. The aim of this year's celebration is to bring European values closer to citizens through art, culture, education, play and concrete actions - in every part of Montenegro," the statement said.
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