Institutions may conduct negotiations on membership in the European Union (EU), but the future of Montenegro is being built by young people and generations that are growing up with European values, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević at the celebration of Europe Day in Tuzi.
The Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) announced that the young people from Tuzi, with the play "Bridges, Not Walls", sent a message that society is built on understanding and dialogue, not on divisions and prejudices.
The celebration of Europe Day was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs, with the support of the EU Delegation to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, in cooperation with the Municipality of Tuzi and the "Mehmed Fatih" Madrasah.
Gorčević reminded that Montenegro is on the verge of achieving its goal - full membership in the EU.
As she explained, this means more opportunities for young people, a more secure future and a more modern Montenegro in which knowledge, work and talent will be the greatest value.
"Europe is not something far away and unattainable. It is in your education, in the languages you learn, in the ideas you share, in respect for diversity and the willingness to build a society without divisions," said Gorčević.
She stated that it was especially important that they watched a program called "Bridges, Not Walls" today.
"This message is not just an artistic theme, it is the vision of Montenegro as we want it. Institutions can lead negotiations, but the future of Montenegro is built by young people like you, the generation that grows up with European values, who believe in knowledge, dialogue and togetherness," said Gorčević.
The President of the Municipality of Tuzi, Lindon Đeljaj, recalled the importance of cooperation between nations and the power of dialogue in building a better future, which awaits the country with its accession to the EU.
"The municipality of Tuzi, as a multiethnic environment and an example of coexistence, cherishes European values of respect and tolerance. We are proud that our citizens, with their culture, tradition and dedication, make a significant contribution to strengthening the European spirit in Montenegro," said Đeljaj.
Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj pointed out the importance of local governments in the integration process.
"The adoption of the Draft Law on Local Self-Government represents an important milestone in the modernization of Montenegrin administration and the strengthening of local self-governments. This law is of particular importance for fulfilling the obligations under Chapter 23, because with the support of the EU, we want every city and every citizen to feel the benefits of integration," said Dukaj.
Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović pointed out the importance of investing in communities and infrastructure that connects people.
"As we mark two decades since the restoration of independence, we are clearly demonstrating that we, as a state, are capable of making strategic decisions and implementing them consistently," said Adžović.
According to her, the European path is no longer just a commitment, but a reality that is built daily through concrete results.
"That is why it is important that today, right here among young people, we send a clear message: the European future of Montenegro belongs to the generations to come. It is our responsibility to leave them a stable, orderly and prosperous state," said Adžović.
German Ambassador to Montenegro Peter Felten emphasized that the future of Montenegro and the future of its people is in the EU.
"But the opposite is also true, that the future of Europe lies in the hands of Europeans, and especially in the hands of young Europeans. For which the EU provides young people with many opportunities through numerous programs: to learn together, travel, connect and be creative. And almost every day I witness how young people in Montenegro use these opportunities," said Felten.
The MEP said that the program prepared by the madrasa students, through stage performances, recitations and symbolic transformation of concepts such as fear, prejudice, hatred and exclusion - into dialogue, peace, solidarity and dignity, showed that the European idea lives through concrete human relationships and values.
As they stated, the play raised issues of responsibility, community, and the role of youth in building an open society.
Assistant to the Reis for Religious Affairs and Education Rahman Kačar emphasized that EU membership for young people is much more than a political goal, it is access to the European space of knowledge, universities, science, and professional opportunities.
"Looking at our students, I see the future of such a Montenegro: European, educated, responsible and open," said Kačar.
He emphasized that this is a generation that knows how to think critically, but also looks at other people with respect.
"I see young people who understand that knowledge without ethics can become cold, and ethics without knowledge can become powerless. That's why we need both: knowledge that opens doors and morality that protects a person," said Kačar.
The statement states that, before the ceremonial part of the program, officials held a meeting in the Municipality of Tuzi, during which they discussed improving cooperation and European integration at the local level.
"After that, they visited the EU project "Lučka Olive", the first regional oil mill in the continental part of Montenegro. It is a modern center developed through the IPARD program, which combines agricultural tradition and advanced AI technologies in the olive oil production process," the statement said.
After Tuzi, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Andrijevica and Cetinje, the Europe Day celebration organized by the MEP ends in Plav and Gusinje at the end of May.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
