On the occasion of Europe Day, the Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the Municipality of Pljevlja and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, organized the "European Tour - Games without Borders" in Pljevlja, in which primary school students participated.
Opening the Games without Borders, the Mayor of Pljevlja, Dario Vraneš, assessed that the celebration of Europe Day is also an opportunity to emphasize key European values such as the spirit of freedom, respect for the dignity of every human being, the rule of law, and the nurturing of cultural and historical heritage.
"While some still look to Europe as a goal, we in Pljevlja can rightly say that we have been living in Europe for a long time. Multiculturalism, religious diversity, historical depth and spiritual strength testify that we have been at the heart of European civilization for centuries," said the first man of Pljevlja.
Director of the Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Support at the Ministry of European Affairs, Bojan Vujović, pointed out that the "Games without Borders" symbolize what the European Union is and should be - a community of cooperation, friendship and fair competition.
"Dear students, you are a generation that will live the full capacity of the European idea. Learn languages, be curious, cultivate tolerance and openness. The European tour, which after Nikšić and Žabljak reached Pljevlja and continues its journey, leads you towards knowledge, understanding and friendship," said Vujović.
The Manager of the Municipality of Pljevlja, Ljiljana Đondović, emphasized that the youngest citizens are the true bearers of the sporting and European spirit, and that Montenegrin society should act united and guided by team spirit in order to achieve European ambitions and achieve progress for all citizens.
"For Pljevlja, such events are not just symbolic. This event is an opportunity to show our willingness to accept the challenges and seize the opportunities that European integration brings. And more than anything, this is a moment to say that we are not looking back, but looking to the future," said Đondović.
Special applause was given to athlete Goran Cmiljanić, who addressed the participants and encouraged them to continue developing through sport and knowledge. Recalling that he began his European tour as a child, precisely at the Games without Borders, Cmiljanić said: "I feel then and now that Pljevlja has always been a part of Europe and a part of the world."
After the opening ceremony, the most joyful and anticipated competition followed – “Games without Borders”, in which students from four primary schools in Pljevlja – “Ristan Pavlović” Elementary School, “Salko Aljković” Elementary School, “Boško Buha” Elementary School and “Mihailo Žugić” Elementary School – demonstrated their skills, team spirit and knowledge about the EU. The title of the best team went to the students of “Salko Aljković” Elementary School, who were awarded for it.
Officials also visited the newly established "EU and (info) point", which will provide Pljevlja residents with access to current information about European programs and the opportunities offered by the accession process.
Pljevlja has shown that European values such as cooperation, inclusiveness, and knowledge are realized through joint activities of local government, educational institutions, citizens, and European partners.
In the spirit of these values, "European Tour - Games without Borders" continues its journey and moves to Berane.
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