Gorčević: The European path is a chance to show our young people that they can succeed here, in their own country.

The European path is not just about harmonizing regulations – it is a chance to show our young people that they can succeed here, in their own country, said the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević.

The Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) announced today that Gorčević hosted Claudia Plakolm, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family of Austria, during her official visit to Montenegro.

"The conversation between the two ministers was marked by European values, cooperation and a common understanding that European integration is not just a political process, but also an investment in the future of young generations," the statement said.

MEPs said that during the meeting, Gorčević and Plakolm discussed Montenegro's progress in the negotiation process, the importance of reforms and Austria's support for the region's European perspective, emphasizing that the European path is not measured only by policy harmonisation, but also by society's ability to foster trust, knowledge and active citizenship.

"Montenegro remains committed to the European path and the implementation of reforms that bring essential changes to citizens. In this process, young people have a special place - those who see the European Union not only as a foreign policy goal, but as a space of opportunities, solidarity and shared values," Gorčević emphasized.

Plakolm emphasized that Montenegro's commitment to European integration is clear and that Austria continues to be a strong advocate for the enlargement of the European Union (EU).

"At the upcoming investment conference "Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro", which will be held on October 14th and 15th in Luštica, Austria will be represented by five large companies, with the aim of further deepening economic cooperation with Montenegro in multiple sectors," said Plakolm.

Europe as a space of opportunities, and Montenegro as a home that preserves identity

The MEPs said that after the official meeting, in Njegoš Park in Podgorica, there were "Conversations with Youth - European Perspective and Challenges of EU Membership" with young European ambassadors and students from Podgorica's "Slobodan Škerović" Gymnasium.

"The young people discussed with the ministers the future opportunities that membership in the European Union will bring to Montenegro - from education and professional development, to questions about how to prevent brain drain and encourage the return of knowledge and experience to the homeland," the statement reads.

Gorčević said that European integration should be viewed as a joint project of the state and young people.

"The European path is not just about harmonizing regulations - it is a chance to show our young people that they can succeed here, in their own country. The knowledge and experience they gain in EU member states have the greatest meaning when applied at home. That is why we are building stronger institutions, a digital administration and an economy that can provide real opportunities for young people," Gorčević emphasized.

Plakolm added that Europe should be a community in which identity is preserved and opportunities are shared.

"Young people from Montenegro should not have to choose between Europe and their homeland - EU membership means they can have both. Identity is not lost through integration, but rather strengthened through it. Europe grows through diversity, and Montenegro has a lot to offer in this regard," said Plakolm.

The MEP statement states that the young participants emphasized that the conversation with the ministers further motivated them to think about their future in Montenegro, especially in the context of the country's European path.

"This moment represents a significant opportunity for young people to exchange opinions with people in leading positions in their countries. Creating an academic environment results in deepening knowledge and a more detailed understanding of the European integration process and the functioning of the European Union," said Young European Ambassador Branko Danilović.

For Ena Durutović, a student at the Slobodan Škerović High School, the conversation with the ministers was an opportunity to hear the voice of young people and to connect experiences from abroad with opportunities in the country.

"It is important to build bridges between the knowledge that young people acquire abroad and opportunities at home. A direct conversation with ministers means a lot, because young people rarely have the opportunity to express their opinions and have them respected. Events like this are a chance to change that," Ena pointed out, adding that the participants had the opportunity to learn more about life and the benefits of EU membership.

The MEPs said that in their final messages, the ministers thanked the young people for the inspiring conversation and called on them to continue to be active participants in social and European processes.