Berane proves that the European spirit resides not only in large cities and institutions, but also in local communities that know how to invest in education, culture and solidarity, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), Berane celebrated Europe Day with art, sports and entertainment.
"Berane's '21 July' Square and the Main Street were transformed into a stage for playful teams, European symbols and sports competition as part of the 'European Tour - Games without Borders', organized by the MEP and the Municipality of Berane, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro through the EU4ME project," the statement said.
It is stated that the European Tour brought together citizens of all generations – students, teachers and officials – in the spirit of European values that are best learned through play, fair play and joint action.
Gorčević, as announced, praised Berane for proving year after year that the European spirit resides not only in large cities and institutions, but also in local communities that know how to invest in their children, in education, in culture and solidarity.
"I am also pleased to be able to share with you some good and important news, which is that Montenegro has received the first payment from the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, within which we will receive over 300 million euros over the next three years," said Gorčević.
She said that a significant portion of that money will be invested in education - new schools and kindergartens, digitalization.
"The growth plan is not just a technical or financial matter, it is confirmation that our European path is alive, that we are moving forward and that the EU believes in us," said Gorčević.
The celebration, as stated by the MEP, began with a tour of the exhibition of children's works on the town square, followed by the ceremonial opening of the "Games without Borders".
The President of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac, assessed that the Games without Borders are a great opportunity to promote European values.
"Berane is Europe. The local government will make all necessary efforts to improve the situation in all areas and improve the quality of life of citizens," Lutovac emphasized.
He said that they are actively involved and participating in all available EU programs available to them.
"In the past few months, we have participated in the Cerv, Creative Europe, Interreg Europe, Interreg Adrion, bilateral and trilateral calls," added Lutovac.
The representative of the EU Delegation, Malgorzata Skocinska, emphasized that they are proud that all Montenegrin municipalities have decided to celebrate Europe Day together this year.
According to her, Europe Day marks the beginning of peace and unity in Europe.
Europe Day, as Skocinska said, was never just a celebration of the historic Schuman Declaration adopted 75 years ago, but a living reminder of what society can look like when cooperation is chosen over conflict.
"It shows that through dialogue, solidarity and mutual support we can build a stronger common future. Your presence today confirms that European values are not just ideals on paper, but a reality we live, through sport, togetherness, environmental care and local development," said Skocinska.
The statement states that the children were also provided great support and inspiration by athlete Vučić Dobrašinović, who encouraged them to cultivate team spirit and not give up on their goals.
The European Tour, he said, is an opportunity to show that even in small communities, big hearts beat, that they have potential, that they want to move forward and that they know how to get there.
"The EU offers a lot, both for sports and for youth and for the development of our community. It is up to us to seize this opportunity, but without losing who we are," said the former boxer from Berane.
The MEP stated that in the "Games without Borders", an educational and sports program, the Berane elementary schools (OS) "Radomir Mitrović", "Vuk Karadžić", "Vukašin Radunović" and "Donja Ržanica" competed.
As they said, the title of the best was won by the students of the "Vuk Karadžić" Elementary School, who were presented with medals and awards by officials.
"While the games were taking place on the city's main street, representatives of the Ministry and the EU Delegation held a meeting with the Mayor of the Municipality in the local government building, where the 'EU and the Dot' information center was presented - a new place for informing citizens about European programs and opportunities," the statement said.
"Europe is a way of life"
The Municipality of Gusinje, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the project "Municipalities for the EU", marked Europe Day through an EU knowledge quiz for primary school students, demonstrating the knowledge, interest and engagement of young people.
"The students of the 'Džafer Nikočević' Elementary School presented their city in the most beautiful way - with knowledge about the European Union, self-confidence and enthusiasm. Through teamwork, competitive spirit and good fun, they showed that they already understand the values on which the EU is based, but also the importance of the European perspective for their community," the "Municipalities for the EU" project announced.
The participants were addressed by Agata Stasiak, Head of the Finance, Contracts and Audit Sector at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, with a message reminding everyone present of the essence of Europe Day.
"Your presence today shows that European values are not just ideals on paper, but a reality we live – through sport, togetherness, care for the environment and local development. Europe Day is not just about flags and anthems. It is about people – you. Your energy, your values and your future are at the heart of the European project. Because you belong here. Montenegro belongs to the European Union – not only geographically, but also politically, culturally and historically."
The President of the Municipality of Gusinje, Sanel Balić, said that Europe is not just a political creation, but an idea and way of life shared by the citizens of Gusinje.
"The European Union is not just a geographical concept. Europe is the idea of togetherness, life in peace, unity and shared values. These are the foundations that we, as the municipality of Gusinje, inherit. Today we are proud that our youngest citizens are so clearly and confidently showing that they understand the Europe to which they belong."
First place was won by the team "Italy" (Suljo Brdakić, Darija Omeragić, Adil Omeragić and Rialda Đonbaljaj), second place went to the team "Sweden" (Dženan Čekić, Elhana Kalač, Amil Nikočević and Fatjeta Đonbaljaj), while third place was taken by the team "France" (Almin Čekić, Hana Radončić, Rejhan Radončić and Lorena Dedusaj).
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