The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, said that Podgorica's candidacy for the European Youth Capital in 2028 has his full support.
He met with Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović, deputy mayors and the leadership of the Capital City on the topic of the candidacy.
"I had the pleasure of discussing with Mayor Mujović and his team, deputy mayors, a very important topic concerning the future of Podgorica and the promotion of our Capital - namely Podgorica as the European Youth Capital. This candidacy has my full support and today we agreed on some further steps, in which way, as the president of the state, I can additionally promote and support this candidacy, so that in 2028 we can celebrate Podgorica together as the European Youth Capital," said Milatović, as announced by his office.
He said that today's meeting is a good message to all young people in Montenegro from the President of the state and the Mayor of the capital that their needs are being put in focus.
"This is a continuation of all the things that I initiated in the previous period, which is the scholarship program for our excellent, best students who are studying at prestigious world universities, but also the initiative to form the Council of Youth Initiatives of the President of the State, and it seems to me that this is now an additional step in that direction," said Milatović.
Mujović, as announced, thanked the President of the country for his visit and support.
"It was a pleasure to talk to him and we are glad to enjoy his great support in terms of Podgorica's candidacy for the European Youth Capital. This is an event that is due to take place in 2028 - the year when we are also due to become a full member of the European Union, so there is a lot of symbolism and reason for optimism. The support promised to us by the President will help us a lot on this path and I believe that we will convince the jury that we are better than our opponents and that Podgorica deserves this award. I think this is a real example and indicator of how cooperation between the local community and state authorities can create the basis for good results and progress of the capital city," said the Mayor of Podgorica.
Podgorica submitted its candidacy for the European Youth Capital 2028 in February, and passed the third round of evaluation by the jury in August. The final of the competition is in November, and four other cities are in the running: Pernik (Bulgaria), Chisinau (Moldova), Paralimni (Cyprus) and Leuverden (Netherlands).
The European Youth Capital is a project that has been implemented since 2009 by the European Youth Forum, which consists of youth organizations from several European countries, within the framework of the Council of Europe system.
Mujović: Ready to show why we deserve the title
The capital, in a separate statement after the meeting, stated that the candidacy has been a great success in the process so far.
"During a constructive meeting, Mayor Mujović presented the city's ambitious plan and strategy within this prestigious competition, highlighting the potential of Podgorica as a center of youth, innovation and culture. He particularly emphasized the important role of the Capital City Assembly and the Youth Office in the organization and implementation of numerous programs and initiatives that support the development of youth activism and creativity," the statement reads.
Mujović, they said, announced the continuation of intensive activities in order to present themselves as well as possible before the committees that will evaluate the candidate cities.
"Podgorica is ready to show why it deserves this prestigious title and should be one of the most important youth centers in Europe in 2028," he said.
Milatović, it is added, pointed out the importance of investing in young people, "who are our future."
Vladimir Perazić, Secretary General of the Youth Network, which is actively participating in this process, informed the President of the state about the activities so far, from submitting the application to the finals of the competition where Podgorica will compete with cities from Moldova, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Bulgaria.
"The support of the city administration, the Capital City Assembly, the Secretariat for Local Self-Government and the Youth Office was very important in this process. We are pleased with the support of the President of Montenegro, which is also very important and valuable to us, and we look forward to the next phases of Podgorica's candidacy for EYC 2028 with great optimism," said Perazić.
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