Suljević: Municipalities in northern Montenegro have the same predispositions for development, progress and better living conditions

The Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Petnjica organized the European Tour - Games without Borders in Petnjica today.

As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, the European Tour is being organized on the occasion of Europe Day, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro.

It is stated that the celebration of Europe Day is organized with the aim of promoting knowledge, teamwork and active participation of young people in social processes, through values ​​such as solidarity, tolerance and inclusion that are the foundation of the EU.

"Although it is May according to the calendar, Petnjica was surprised by snow, but even the unusual weather conditions did not manage to dampen the mood and energy at another edition of the European Tour," said the Ministry of European Affairs.

The Vice President of the Municipality of Petnjica, Selvudin Šabotić, emphasized at the opening of the games that the municipality strongly supports European integration.

"The fact that Petnjica lives in Europe and Europe in Petnjica is also shown by the fact that the European Tour is being held in our municipality for the second time, and we are looking forward to now being able to contribute to the accelerated path towards the EU," said Šabotić.

The Minister of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, Ernad Suljević, said that events such as the "European Tour - Games without Borders" connect the local and European levels.

Such events are significant because, as he stated, they enable young people to develop sports skills, competitive spirit, healthy competition, mutual trust and friendship.

"Today, when we are facing challenges in balanced development, events like this are of exceptional importance and show that municipalities in northern Montenegro have the same predispositions for development, progress and better living conditions," said Suljević.

According to him, Petnjica, like many municipalities in northern Montenegro, has enormous potential.

"Events like this, which bring together children, youth and the community, are not only an opportunity for entertainment and sports competition, but also for deeper connecting people and strengthening regional cooperation," Suljević pointed out.

On behalf of the Ministry of Diaspora, which actively connects communities in the country and abroad, the audience was addressed by the Acting Director General of the Directorate for Cooperation with Diaspora, Denis Martinović, who emphasized that municipalities in Montenegro, thanks to EU support, are increasingly involved in programs for local development, green transition, digitalization, sustainable resource management and strengthening institutional capacities.

According to Martinović, the celebration of Europe Day here in Petnjica has multiple symbolisms.

"On the one hand, it is confirmation that the European idea and European principles are not reserved for metropolises and administrative centers, but are universal and equally present in every community - regardless of size, geographical distance or number of inhabitants," said Martinović.

As he explained, on the other hand, it is confirmation that local communities are key partners in the European integration process.

An athlete from Petnjica and member of the Petnjica football club, Omer Agović, spoke about the opportunities that athletes have in EU member states, stating that he hopes that young Montenegrin athletes will also have such opportunities.

"We are trying to bring our sport to the level it is in Europe, which opens the way for us to Europe very quickly and brings many benefits and even better sporting successes," said Agović.

As stated in the statement, representatives of ministries and the municipality of Petnjica also visited the "EU and the Dot" information center - a place where citizens can easily and directly obtain information about the EU and the opportunities that European integration brings.

It is added that the most joyful and exciting part of the day was the "Games without Borders" - an educational and sports competition in which students from the elementary schools "Mahmut Adrović", "Trpezi", "25. maj", "Tucanje" and "Savin Bor" demonstrated the strength of team spirit, knowledge and skill.

"With the encouragement of their peers and smiles, the competitors competed in games that combined physical activity with questions about Europe, learning through fun, socializing, and healthy competition. The most skillful and best team was from the Mahmut Adrović Elementary School and was therefore awarded," the statement said.

The Ministry of European Affairs pointed out that, after passing through five municipalities, the "European Tour - Games Without Borders" is moving towards its last stop this year: Bar.

"The sun, the sea and the finale with the youngest Barans will be the symbolic finale of this playful European journey, which shows that the values ​​of Europe are most alive where children learn to play - together," the statement concludes.