Bečić with Sikirić: I strongly support the idea that Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia organize the European Volleyball Championship

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić hosted a reception for the delegation of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), which is on an official visit to Montenegro. The delegation was led by CEV President Roko Sikirić, and included CEV Vice President Ivan Knežević, President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation Frane Žanić, and the hosts, President and Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, Nikola Kažić and Ivan Bošković.

Bečić and the CEV leadership jointly congratulated the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, led by President Kažić, on the successful organization of the Montenegrin Cup finals in both competitions. The quality and importance of this event is also evidenced by the presence of the highest representatives of European volleyball, which confirms the growth of the reputation of Montenegrin volleyball on the international scene.

Bečić emphasized that sport represents one of the most important bridges of cooperation and friendship in the Western Balkans. He especially emphasized, congratulating them on their recent election, the importance of the fact that the European Volleyball Confederation is led by representatives of the region – President Sikirić from Croatia and First Vice President Knežević from Serbia – who, through their joint work and commitment, confirm that togetherness and cooperation are the paths to success and the future.

"It is also nice to see the national volleyball federations of the countries of our region, with how much sincerity, friendship and team spirit they cooperate and complement each other. That is why I strongly support the idea that Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia submit a joint candidacy for the organization of the European Volleyball Championship in 2028, which, I am sure, will meet with the unequivocal support of the Government of Montenegro. That would be a historic moment and the crowning achievement of this great regional volleyball cooperation that we are witnessing, but also a roadmap for all other segments of our countries on which paths to take. As the Government, we will continue to continuously support the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro because the strategic approach, dedication and enthusiasm they show with the aim of developing volleyball and its further popularization among the youngest generations deserves every respect and support," said Bečić.

CEV President Roko Sikirić praised Montenegro's progress in the development of volleyball, emphasizing that, although among the youngest members of the CEV, its dedication to the sport has brought notable results, both in the promotion of volleyball and in the improvement of sports infrastructure.

"The support of the state leadership is crucial for the development of the sport. Your five-hour presence on Sunday evening at the final matches in both competitions is a confirmation of that commitment, for which the European Volleyball Confederation expresses its deep gratitude. Be proud of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, which has a clear vision for the development of volleyball in your country, and on that path, you can count on our full support and encouragement," said Sikirić.