"We want European values, opportunities and support to not be something far away, but part of the everyday life of local communities. This is a place of meeting, dialogue and change – an important point of an already tangible European future, right here in Bar."
This was said by Johan Sattler, Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, at the opening ceremony of the Europe House in Bar.
The European Union's presence in southern Montenegro has been strengthened today through the establishment of a new official space for communication with citizens, officials said.
The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, in partnership with the Municipality of Bar, opened this "modern platform that will serve as an institutional framework for dialogue, information and civic engagement", as stated by the Europe House.
This space, in addition to Satler, was opened by Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, and Dušan Raičević, Mayor of the Municipality of Bar.
In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of strengthening the EU's institutional presence at the local level and the importance of direct dialogue with citizens in the European integration process.
Sattler said that the Europe House in Bar is not just a new address - it is a space where Europe becomes real, tangible and present in the lives of the citizens of this city and the entire coast.
He especially thanked the head of the Bar Municipality, Raičević, and his team, whom he said were most responsible for the successful implementation of this project.
Gorčević said that the opening of the Europe House in Bar comes at a time when Montenegro is showing full commitment to European integration.
"This Government has, in a short time, brought the European agenda back to the center of political action. This is also recognized by our European partners, who are investing in institutions, reforms and projects across the country with more confidence and readiness. And the citizens of Montenegro see this too - trust in the European Union - one of the highest in the region - shows that we as a society are firmly committed to the European path. This is proof that the European path is not just a foreign policy goal, but a deep internal need of our society," said the Minister of European Affairs.
Sattler and Gorčević expressed mutual satisfaction that the next European House, the third in a row, in addition to those in Podgorica and Bar, will be opened in Bijelo Polje.
The mayor of Bar, Raičević, emphasized that the European House in Bar is a confirmation of the trust that the European Union places in this city and the local administration, and that at the same time, it is also a recognition of the commitment that Bar shows in adopting and implementing European standards and best practices.
He said that the Municipality of Bar has been successfully cooperating with the European Union for years through 12 European projects in various areas related to sustainable development, social inclusion, preservation of rich cultural and natural heritage, green policies, urban mobility, which have been implemented or are ongoing, and amount to over two million euros.
"The European House is a symbol of solidarity, equality and respect for diversity. These are precisely the values that Europe inherits, and those that we here in Bar have lived and preserved for centuries. I am certain that the European House will be a space for meeting, exchange of ideas, dialogue and development. Let it be a bridge between the citizens of Bar and European institutions, between the local and the global, between today's challenges and tomorrow's solutions," concluded the Mayor of Bar.
Located in the Radio Bar building, on 24 November Boulevard, the European House in Bar is conceived as an open space where citizens will be provided with information about the European Union, its policies, programs and values - through educational activities, public debates, exhibitions and cultural events.
The opening program included a presentation of activities that will be implemented at the European House starting tomorrow, some of which include informal youth meetings, educational workshops, use of the workspace, and sharing of useful information in the field of the European Union, its member countries, and European integration.
The opening brought together high-ranking government representatives at the state and local levels, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society, councilors in the Bar Municipal Assembly...
The red ribbon was symbolically cut by Satler, Raičević and Gorčević, after which they toured the premises of the Europe House, where the managers briefed them on further work plans.
On the occasion of the opening of the Europe House, the Delegation of the European Union organized a concert at Vladimir and Kosara Square for the citizens of Bar and other visitors.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
