European integration must be a story of balanced development, opportunities for young people and a shared vision for every local community to become a better place to live, said the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević.
During a working visit to Rožaje and the celebration of Europe Day in that city, she said that youth, knowledge and entrepreneurship are the foundation of Europe's future.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), Gorčević discussed with the Mayor of the Municipality Rahman Husović and his team the European path of Rožaje, projects so far, and the opportunities that new EU programs open up for the development of northern Montenegro.
"European integration is a process that we are building here, in our communities, through education, knowledge and entrepreneurship," said Gorčević.
She emphasized that through such visits they want to show that the path to the European Union (EU) means real opportunities for the development of every city and a better quality of life for citizens.
"For Montenegro's European path, it is important that no municipality is left behind. European integration must be a story of balanced development, opportunities for young people, and a shared vision for every local community to become a better place to live," Gorčević said.
She said that Rožaje has enormous potential and a desire to move forward, adding that MEP will be a partner on that path.
Husović emphasized his full commitment to European integration, which represents a bright future for Rožaje and Montenegro.
"Through various cross-border cooperation programs and with the support of the EU, we have managed to launch new ideas and projects that contribute to employment and a better quality of life for our citizens," said Husović.
As he added, European values - work, knowledge and solidarity - are their guiding principles.
"Our goal is for Rožaje to be a city in which these values become everyday life," said Husović.
As stated in the statement, Gorčević and Husović also visited the Rožaje Secondary Mixed School, which successfully implemented the "Craftsmen" project within the framework of the Serbia-Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2014–2020.
MEP said the project contributed to increasing employment opportunities through training and mentoring of young craftsmen, as well as the opening of nine new businesses.
It is added that, following the visit, a panel debate "European Day in Rožaje" was held at the Rožaje Cultural Center, in which, in addition to Gorčević and Husović, students from the Rožaje Gymnasium participated.
"Young people had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss with officials the challenges and opportunities brought by Montenegro's membership in the EU, as well as the role of education in that process," the statement said.
Gorčević emphasized that it is the energy and knowledge of young people that represent Montenegro's greatest strength on its European path.
"The greatest value that Montenegro brings to the EU are our people, their creativity, work and dedication. The young people in Rožaje have shown that they understand how important education, solidarity and responsibility towards the community are the foundation of every modern society," said Gorčević.
Answering students' questions, Husović emphasized the importance of supporting youth and local development.
"I assure you that the local government is dedicated to the development of our community and the creation of quality living conditions on the path to the EU," said Husović.
He said that the Municipality of Rožaje will always stand by young people, because they are the drivers of development and the foundation of the future.
The MEP announced that Gorčević also visited the non-governmental organization "Ikre Rožaje", where she spoke with members of the organization about the importance of the topics they deal with for the local community and supported the "Pink October" campaign, dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.
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