Montenegro has shown many times in history how to defend the right to be yourself, and today it has a chance to show how to conquer the future, said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at the Independence Day ceremony.
He said that Montenegro has a millennial state-building past, a historical continuity that is an inseparable part of European cultural heritage and European historiography.
"We shared the fate of the peoples and countries of our continent, and everything that today's Montenegro is is a picture of Europe in miniature," Spajić said.
As he said, multiethnicity, multiculturalism, and multiconfessionalism, which have been defended through all historical maelstroms, are values with which Montenegro proves where it essentially belongs.
Spajić said that Montenegro will mark two decades of independence next year and added that it is the obligation of this generation to take the country to where it has always belonged - to the European Union (EU) for the great anniversary.
"The next two years will be the best test of overall social maturation and readiness to jointly realize this generational dream that is now within our reach. The intention is for Montenegro to fulfill all the requirements from the negotiation process by the end of next year and to become a full member of the EU by 2028," Spajić said.
Such an ambitious goal, according to him, requires the engagement of society as a whole, a more efficient administration, but also more constructive politicians.
Spajić said that Montenegro does not have the luxury of losing another generation of the best.
That is why, he adds, the Government is determined that the negotiation process with the EU will not be a "timid bureaucratic struggle", but a socially transformative process that will bring Montenegrin society closer to the highest standards of the EU and the world.
"We want this process to have its starting point primarily in the field of education. We must be aware that without knowledge there is no progress. At least not at the speed that is needed so that no generation in this country is waiting for the promised future, but lives it the way it deserves," said Spajić.
He also said that during the 19 years of independence, Montenegro has been positioned internationally as a member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership, but that, on the other hand, internal social divisions have been witnessed that have been fueled for the sake of party and personal interests.
"All of this, I believe, has taught us that it is necessary to turn to our own strengths, aware that we have no more sincere friends than ourselves. Let us focus on our real needs, challenges and goals. Let us allow knowledge and competences, integrity and professionalism, initiative and leadership to be our full tools in the future preservation of the dignity and independence of Montenegro," said Spajić.
He said that the most important thing now is to accelerate legislative reforms, noting that the process of Montenegro's accession to the EU is not a process of accession of the Government or the Parliament, but a common obligation towards ancestors and descendants.
"That is why I call on you all tonight to avoid divisions and keep in focus the expectations of the vast majority of our citizens, because ultimately we are accountable to them and we must work intensively for their good," Spajić said.
He said that he was certain that everyone would opt for the public interest and a bright perspective - EU membership.
"I am only certain that we will all individually, as well as the system as a whole, prove that we are capable of, at a crucial, historical moment, regardless of our differences, opting for the undoubted general interest, public good and long-term global perspective - EU membership and a better standard of living for our citizens," Spajić said.
He said that Montenegro has shown many times in its history how to defend the right to be yourself.
"Today, as we celebrate our 19st of May for the 21th time, we have a chance to show how we not only defend, but also conquer the future. A future in which no one leaves Montenegro to succeed, but stays because this is a country where knowledge is worth more than any privilege," said Spajić.
He added that the independence anniversary should be more than a celebration.
"Let it be a holiday of knowledge and excellence. A reminder that we have an opportunity that must not be missed, a country that we must love with deeds, and a future that should not be waited for as a miracle, but created as a deed. In that name, in the name of glorious history and an even brighter perspective, let us have a happy Independence Day. May Montenegro be eternal," Spajić said.
The ceremony was attended by the highest state officials, representatives of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, as well as the diplomatic corps, media and non-governmental sector.
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