The European Union launched an initiative to change the name of the swimming pool in Kotor

The European Union of Kotor today submitted to the Municipal Assembly a proposal to initiate procedures to repeal the 2021 decision on the name of the indoor swimming pool "Zoran Džimi Gopčević".

They said they were launching this initiative "responsibly and with full awareness of the sensitivity of the topic."

"Montenegro is facing a historic opportunity to become the 28th member of the European Union in the near future. This path is not just a technical process of closing a chapter. It is a process of maturing society. A process in which we show that we are capable of resolving sensitive issues through dialogue, institutionally and without division. Kotor is a city under UNESCO protection, a city of culture, coexistence and European tradition. Our local politics must reflect European values, responsibility, stability and respect for diversity," the statement reads.

Time has shown, as the European Union says, that the decision on the name of the pool has created social tensions that go beyond the local framework and have repercussions beyond the borders of Montenegro. They believe that no public facility, especially one that belongs to all citizens, should be a source of division or a "potential burden on the international reputation of the city and state."

"The 'Primorac' water polo club is a European champion and a symbol of Kotor and Montenegro. It is our sports ambassador. We must not allow sport to become collateral damage of political decisions. We want Primorac to play in its own pool, in front of full stands, without burdens and without disputes that go beyond sport," the European Union said.

They said that this proposal does not diminish Gopčević's sporting contribution and that his results remain part of sports history, but that public facilities financed by the citizens of Kotor and the state "must bear a name that unites, not divides."

The European Union believes that the name "Kotor City Swimming Pool" represents a "neutral and inclusive solution", a name that belongs to all citizens and that "returns the focus to sport, children and the European future."

"At a time when Montenegro wants to be part of the European family of nations, it is our obligation to demonstrate political maturity and the ability to make decisions that contribute to stability, good neighborly relations and international reputation. Kotor can and must be an example of such a policy," the statement reads.