"There is an ideal scenario that I would like to see happen, and that is for Nikšić to receive the title of European Capital of Culture for 2030 this year for those cities and countries outside the European Union, and for Montenegro to join the European Union in 2028, so that we welcome 2030 as a city that has received that title, and as a city in the European Union," said the Mayor of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, at the conference "European Capital of Culture and EU Integration" organized in Nikšić on the occasion of Europe Day, and organized by the Nikšić 2030 - European Capital of Culture Initiative Office.
"That would be an ideal scenario that we would like to see, considering the efforts that the ministry and the minister are making on that path, as well as the entire government and the parliamentary majority. We have the basis and we hope that it will indeed be so. Our candidacy includes numerous cultural contents, exchange of experiences, and we are already seriously preparing for that, but also some infrastructure projects that will be significant for both Nikšić and Montenegro and which will put us on the European and world map when it comes to cultural contents," Kovačević emphasized.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said that Nikšić "carries the rhythm of rock music, the smell of iron and the sound of poetic words."
"A city that gave us Vito Nikolić and Miladin Šobić, the best rock scene in the country, but also valuable cultural projects that keep the spirit of the city alive. That is why it is not surprising that Nikšić is in the final of the selection for the European Capital of Culture. What is particularly pleasing is that the concept 'Nikšić 2030 - Open City' is inclusive - it includes artists and cultural actors from all parts of Montenegro. This is also a concrete example of what EU integration means in practice. It is not just negotiations and administration - it is a chance to change lives, create opportunities, and be part of a wider European community, in terms of values and culture," said Gorčević.
According to her, as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Montenegro, with this project, shows what it means to live European values even before formal membership.
"Let Europe Day be a reminder for us to strive for a community that cherishes diversity, freedom of creation and solidarity. And may Nikšić – a city that was once a symbol of industrial strength – become a new capital of creative energy, to the pride of all of us," said Gorčević.
Gianandre Vila, Program Manager at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, said that for cities like Nikšić, being a finalist for the 2030 title is already a great achievement.
"It offers a chance to reinvent the city, to boost tourism, engage young people, attract investment in culture and infrastructure and strengthen social cohesion. Above all, it tells a European story – a story of openness, resilience and imagination. Nikšić has always struck me as a city with soul, strength and creativity. Once known for factories and heavy industry, it has also created a raw, rebellious rock scene – as if the rhythm of the machines inspired the rhythm of the music. That unique mix of courage and creativity has shaped an identity that still resonates today," said Vila.
He pointed out that the EU is proud to support Montenegro on its European path, as well as to support cities like Nikšić that show how "integration is lived through culture and shared ambitions."
The conference, led by Mato Uljarević from the Nikšić 2030 - European Capital of Culture Initiative Office, was dedicated to European values, cultural policies and international cooperation.
The conference presented Belgian cities, candidates for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, and the attendees were also addressed by Fatima Zibu, Commissioner of the Molenbeek project for Brussels 2030, and Katrin Kops, coordinator of the Leuven 2030 project.
After the representatives of the Belgian cities, a presentation was held of the Polish cities that were finalists in last year's competition for the title of ECOC, and which will hold the title of Polish Capital of Culture in the coming years. The presentation was addressed by Edita Ruta, representative of the city of Bielsko-Biała, as well as Ilona Gredas-Vojtovicz and Mihal Merczinski, representatives of the city of Kołobrzeg. This was followed by a presentation by an expert in the field of ECOC and former Minister of Culture of North Macedonia, Robert Alagjozovski.
Bonus video:
