Zvrko: Restoration of Montenegro's independence - 20 years of state responsibility and the European path

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) submitted a text authored by its MP in the Parliament of Montenegro and member of the party's Presidency, Elvir Zvrko, entitled "Restoration of the Independence of Montenegro - 20 Years of State Responsibility and the European Path".

We are transmitting the text in its entirety.

"Twenty years since the restoration of Montenegro's independence represent an important historical jubilee, but above all a moment of state maturity. An opportunity to responsibly look back on the path we have taken, take stock of what has been achieved, and clearly define the obligations that lie ahead of us."

On May 21, 2006, the citizens of Montenegro made a democratic, free and responsible decision. They decided to shape their future within the framework of an independent and internationally recognized state.

This act not only restored the statehood of Montenegro - it confirmed its ability to independently determine its development priorities, choose international partners, and shape its strategic direction.

Twenty years later, Montenegro is a member of NATO, a candidate country for membership in the European Union, and a country leading European integration in the region. It is recognized for its civic, multiethnic, and pro-European character.

These are no small achievements for a country of our size. They confirm that the restoration of independence did not mean closure towards the world, but rather the opposite – opening up space for full international affirmation, partnerships and a stronger positioning of Montenegro in the modern international order.

At the same time, this anniversary reminds us of an important fact: independence is not a state that is once won and then taken for granted.

Independence is confirmed daily — by strengthening institutions, protecting the democratic order, advancing the rule of law, developing the economy, and building a society of equal opportunities, mutual respect, and trust. Montenegro's strength has never been in its size, but in its ability to preserve freedom, preserve diversity, and build unity.

The civic character of the state, multiethnic harmony, and the European system of values ​​are not political slogans — they represent the foundations of modern Montenegro and a prerequisite for its stability, development, and international credibility.

We owe special gratitude to our diaspora, which has remained strongly connected to its country over the decades.

Its knowledge, experience, successes, investments and preservation of identity ties represent an important development potential and a strong bridge between Montenegro and the world.

The twentieth anniversary of the restoration of independence should be an opportunity not only for pride in what has been achieved, but also for a new gathering around common national priorities.

In a time of global challenges, geopolitical changes and economic uncertainties, Montenegro needs stability, institutional seriousness, social cohesion and a clear European perspective.

Our obligation to future generations is to leave an independent Montenegro stronger, more developed, safer and more socially just than we found it.

Twenty years after May 21st, it remains clear: the restoration of independence was not the end of a process, but the beginning of lasting state responsibility.

The responsibility to protect the state, strengthen its institutions, and build a society worthy of its citizens.

Montenegro has renewed its statehood through the democratic will of its citizens. It is up to us to confirm that statehood every day — through the seriousness of our policies, the strength of our institutions, and, above all, through the quality of life of our people.

"That Montenegro is eternal," Zvrko said.