The Royal Capital celebrated Europe Day

The royal capital of Cetinje marked Europe Day with a program dedicated to youth, art, and common European values.

The celebration was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), with the support of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, in cooperation with the Royal Capital, the Cetinje Gymnasium and Secondary Vocational School, the "Savo Popović" Primary Music School and the "Petar Lubarda" Secondary Art School.

The Mayor of Cetinje, Nikola Đurašković, said that throughout history, the Royal Capital has borne the epithets of a city of resistance, freedom and dignity, but also a city open to new ideas and progressive ideas of modern European society:

"Today, in the year in which we mark 20 years since the restoration of independence, when Montenegro, despite numerous challenges, is decisively moving towards European integration, Cetinje once again has a special role to be a symbol and leader of these values ​​in our society," said Đurašković.

He, as announced by the MEP, said that he was particularly pleased that Europe Day is celebrated every year with various activities in the Royal Capital, and that this year the students of Cetinje schools made their contribution in a creative and powerful way.

"It is a message that encourages and confirms that European ideas are not distant or abstract, but that they live in our youth, in their energy and faith in the European future of Montenegro," said Đurašković.

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević emphasized that the celebration of two decades since the restoration of independence comes at a time when Montenegro is closer than ever to its goal - EU membership, which confirms the choice of society to be guided by the values ​​of peace, freedom and dignity of every human being.

"I must emphasize that Montenegro has survived throughout history precisely thanks to its ability to preserve what is its own, and I believe that it is precisely in the European family of nations that our culture, tradition and identity will gain an even stronger place and voice. Because the specificities of Montenegro have never been an obstacle to its development, but rather a strength that has enabled it to endure and preserve its identity through all historical challenges," said Gorčević.

Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović said that European integration represents an opportunity for Montenegrin culture and identity to be even more visible and strongly present in the European space.

"For us, European integration is not a renunciation of authenticity. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for Montenegrin culture, our creativity and our heritage to be more visible, stronger and equally present in the great European cultural space. We bring our experience, our identity, our authenticity, our diversity, our art and our heritage to the EU," said Vujović.

Minister of Finance Novica Vuković emphasized the importance of the historical continuity of the European idea in Montenegro.

"Long before modern integration, Cetinje had a truly European spirit, as the capital of freedom, culture and statehood of Montenegro. That is why our European path is not just a political goal, but a natural continuation of history, which we are confirming today through stronger institutions, financial stability, a better standard of living and a more secure future for all citizens," said Vuković.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Montenegro Stefan Dimitrov said that Europe is not something far away, that is, that the European path is becoming tangible and real.

"Young people have a particularly important role in this process," Dimitrov emphasized.

The program was designed as a combination of music, dramatic expression, recitations and stage performances by students, through which the values ​​of the EU – freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance and togetherness – and their connection with Montenegrin identity and cultural heritage were presented.

A special segment of the program was the performance of the "Ode to Joy", in which students symbolically presented the member states of the European Union and Montenegro's European path.

The MEP said that, after the ceremonial part of the program, a meeting of institutional representatives was held, during which further steps within the framework of European integration and strengthening cooperation at the local and state levels were discussed.

The delegation visited the Sports Center, where all windows and doors were replaced with the support of the EU, through the international IPA program "Smart Energy Management and Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources".

After Cetinje, Herceg Novi and Andrijevica, the Ministry of European Affairs will mark Europe Day in Kotor, Tuzi, Plav and Gusinje.