Lutovac: The local government in Berane is resolutely committed to promoting European values

The local government in Berane is resolutely committed to promoting European values, while projects implemented with the support of the European Union (EU) contribute to a better quality of life for citizens, connecting people and creating new jobs, which is why local governments must play a strong role in creating and implementing policies that lead Montenegro towards full membership in the EU.

This, as reported by PR Center, was stated by the Mayor of Berane Municipality Đole Lutovac at an event marking Europe Day at the Berane Cultural Center.

He said that municipalities play a key role in the EU accession process because most European regulations are implemented at the local level.

"Local authorities are responsible for implementing policies in the areas of environmental protection, municipal services, regional development and rural development, thereby directly influencing the improvement of the quality of life of citizens in accordance with EU standards. Therefore, local governments must have a strong role in creating and implementing policies that lead us towards full membership," Lutovac emphasized.

According to him, one of the most important items is the preparation and implementation of projects financed from pre-accession funds (IPA), which essentially contribute to the development of local infrastructure, but also make European integration visible to citizens, transforming policies into concrete projects on the ground.

"We can boast of projects funded from available European Union programs in Montenegro, which are changing Montenegrin society, strengthening the economy and harmonizing our standards with the EU," said Lutovac.

He pointed out that a large part of European legislation, more precisely two-thirds of the European acquis, is implemented at the local level, especially in the areas of the environment, infrastructure, air quality and municipal services.

"The largest number of investments necessary to meet European obligations, from wastewater treatment plants, through sewage and water supply networks, to environmental standards, are being implemented precisely in municipalities. The investment needs of local governments are significantly greater than our fiscal capacities," said Lutovac.

He said that the local government in Berane is resolutely committed to promoting European values.

"The path of the European path was paved long ago in our city and initial steps were taken with the first major projects, such as 'Improvement of the capacities of the Protection and Rescue Service'. Today, it is one of the most modernly equipped protection services in Montenegro. Then, one of the largest infrastructure projects 'Improvement of the water supply system, construction of a sewage network and wastewater treatment plants' solved one of the burning problems, then in Berane, and we are witnesses that this issue is still relevant in Montenegro," said Lutovac.

The construction of 94 housing units for displaced persons in the Rudeš settlement and the construction of the Business Center were also financed by the European Union, according to the PR Center.

"The central heating system through the project to improve energy efficiency in the Cultural Center building, the implementation of archaeological research and conservation measures at the Tumbarice site, which improved the protection of cultural heritage and enabled further valorization of this site for tourism purposes, and numerous other projects made possible through IPA funds, the Municipality of Berane has shown that it is, I dare say, one of the best examples of how to successfully manage European funds," said Lutovac.

He said that intensive activity is underway in the Municipality of Berane to prepare project and technical documentation, and the implementation of several large projects is underway.

"All of what I have mentioned speaks in favor of our foundation in the European perspective, and today's event is a strong incentive to continue. We see the European Union as a reliable partner, which provides us with support in overall democratic reforms in Montenegro. The projects that we have implemented and that we plan improve life, connect people, and create new jobs," said Lutovac.

He said that the Municipality of Berane has become part of the important project "Municipalities for the EU - Empowering Local Communities in the European Integration Process of Montenegro", which aims to strengthen the capacities of local governments so that they are ready for the efficient implementation of EU policies and standards.

"We are recording intensive cooperation and partnerships, exchange of experiences with municipalities from the EU and participation in cross-border cooperation. I am convinced that all Montenegrin municipalities are already showing that they know how to use European funds, especially in the areas of environment, infrastructure, sustainable tourism and digitalization," Lutovac said.

According to him, the benefits of the European path are best seen at the local level through projects, investments, better communal infrastructure and a higher quality of life for our citizens.

"We will continue to be an active partner to the Government and the EU Delegation in all subsequent phases. I assure you that we will remain strongly committed to this process, in full cooperation with the European Union Committee of the Regions," said Lutovac.

The event was also addressed by the Deputy Head of the Hungarian Mission to Montenegro, Mira Vuity, and the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić.

The cultural and artistic program brought together students and professors from educational institutions from Berane, who sent messages of unity, peace and respect for diversity through music, debate and recitations.

The program opened with the performance of the Montenegrin anthem by the City Choir and the European Union anthem by the Music School choir. The program continued with the presentation of Tara Damjanović's essay "United in Diversity", the debate "Why the EU", and the recitation of Dragan Radulović's poem "I Seek Respect" in four different languages.

The audience also had the opportunity to enjoy a performance by violinist Ksenija Vukičević, while the program ended with a performance by the high school band with the song "Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon, accompanied by the students' choreography of "Crazy Summer Dance".

After the ceremonial part of the program, a visit to projects financed by the European Union and the World Bank was organized, including a tour of the Lim River embankment and wastewater treatment plants.

The celebration of Europe Day in Berane is part of a national program that is being implemented throughout Montenegro during May, with the aim of further bringing European values ​​closer to citizens and highlighting the country's European perspective.

The celebration of Europe Day is organized by projects funded by the European Union – Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities for the EU – in cooperation with municipalities in Montenegro.