The "European Tour" event, on the plateau in front of the "Topolica" sports hall, marked the Europe Month in Bar today with music, a festive program and a program for children, organized by the Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Bar, and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the EU4ME project.
Bar is, after Nikšić, Žabljak, Pljevlja, Berane and Petnjica, the last stop of the "European Tour".
The program was opened by Stanislava Tanja Bardić, manager of the Municipality of Bar, who emphasized the importance of such events for strengthening unity and promoting European values in the local community.
"In a changing world, these values require that we not take them for granted, but rather live them. The symbolism of this year's title "European Tour - Games without Borders" does not need any special explanation. Free movement, exchange of ideas and the encounter of diversity - that is Europe. It is a space in which borders, physical, linguistic, cultural, become an invitation to encounter, not obstacles," said Bardić.
On behalf of the Government of Montenegro, Jovan Šćekić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, addressed the audience, emphasizing that events like this are an important reminder that the European future begins with young people - in classrooms, on sports fields and through joint initiatives.
"Through this event, we are showing in a symbolic and joyful way what a Europe without barriers looks like, where diversity is respected and borders are erased – through play, sport and togetherness. Montenegro is part of that European story – not only through geography, but also through its values, aspirations and concrete steps towards full membership in the European Union," said Šćekić.
The Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, Riccardo Seri, recalled that Europe Day is not a symbol of the past, but a guide to a future based on solidarity, support, dialogue and togetherness.
"I am glad that the turn of Bar, our long-time partner in celebrating Europe Day, but also a municipality with great EU projects, has come during the Europe Month. We want to show with these celebrations how important municipalities and local communities are for European integration, but we are going a step further, we want to have a permanent presence at the local level. Specifically in Bar, through the EU Info Point in the municipality and the new Europe House that we are opening soon," said Serija.
The speech by Bar athlete Vladimir Mijač was particularly well received, as he told young people to believe in themselves, cultivate fair play and always give their best – both in sports and in everyday challenges.
"Dear children, first of all, I want to tell you to engage in sports and, in addition to the opportunity to become champions, take advantage of the opportunity to become, above all, good people, to foster togetherness and friendships," emphasized Mijač.
Part of the ceremony was a karate performance, in kata and fighting, performed by the Bar Karate Club. The opening ceremony was followed by the "Games without Borders", an educational and sports competition in which teams from four Bar elementary schools participated: "Anto Đedović", "Jugoslavija" Elementary School, "Meksiko" Elementary School and "Blažo Jokov Orlandić" Elementary School.
The title of the best went to the students of the "Jugoslavija" Elementary School.
Bonus video:
