After visiting Nikšić, Žabljak, Pljevlja, and Berane, the “European Tour – Games Without Borders” made its way to Petnjica. Although it was May on the calendar, an unexpected snowfall greeted Petnjica, but even the unusual weather couldn’t dampen the mood or energy of this latest stop on the European Tour.
The Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Petnjica, with support from the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, organized the celebration of Europe Day to promote knowledge, teamwork, and active youth participation in social processes—founded on the values of solidarity, tolerance, and inclusion, which are the pillars of the European Union.
The “Games Without Borders” were opened by the Deputy Mayor of Petnjica, Selvudin Šabotić, who emphasized the municipality’s strong support for European integration.
“The fact that Petnjica lives in Europe and Europe lives in Petnjica is shown by the European Tour being held in our municipality for the second time. We are glad to be in a position to contribute to the accelerated path toward the European Union,” said Šabotić.
Ernad Suljević, Minister of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs, stated that events like “European Tour – Games Without Borders” bridge the local and European levels and are important because they allow young people to develop sports skills, a spirit of competition, healthy rivalry, mutual trust, and friendship.
“Today, as we face challenges in balanced development, events like this are extremely important and demonstrate that northern Montenegrin municipalities have the same potential for progress, development, and improved living conditions. Petnjica, like many northern municipalities, has great potential, and events like this that bring together children, youth, and the community are not only an opportunity for fun and sports competition but also for deeper human connection and strengthening regional cooperation,” Suljević noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Diaspora, which actively connects communities within and outside the country, Acting Director General of the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora, Denis Martinović, highlighted that municipalities in Montenegro are increasingly joining programs for local development, green transition, digitalization, sustainable resource management, and institutional capacity building—thanks to EU support.
“Marking Europe Day here in Petnjica carries deep symbolism. On the one hand, it confirms that the European idea and principles are not reserved for major cities and administrative centers but are universal and equally present in every community—regardless of size, geographic location, or population. On the other hand, it confirms that local communities are key partners in the European integration process,” said Martinović.
Europe Day, symbolizing peace, cooperation, and a shared future for European nations, holds special meaning for Montenegro as a country in the process of EU accession. In this context, initiatives like the “European Tour” are a valuable opportunity to bring EU values—solidarity, inclusivity, and participation—directly to citizens, especially young people.
Additional inspiration for the competitors came from Petnjica athlete and local football club member Omer Agović, who spoke about the opportunities available to athletes in EU member states, expressing hope that Montenegrin youth will soon enjoy the same.
“We are working hard to raise our sports to the level seen in Europe, and in doing so, we’re paving our path to Europe quickly—bringing many benefits and greater sporting success,” Agović concluded.
Representatives from ministries and the Municipality of Petnjica also visited the “EU Info Point” – a center where citizens can easily and directly access information about the European Union and the opportunities offered through European integration.
The most joyful and exciting part of the day was the “Games Without Borders” – an educational-sports competition where students from the primary schools “Mahmut Adrović,” “Trpezi,” “25. maj,” “Tucanje,” and “Savin Bor” demonstrated teamwork, knowledge, and agility. Cheered on by their peers and smiling all the way, competitors engaged in games combining physical activity with quizzes about Europe—learning through fun, friendship, and healthy competition.
The most skilled and successful team came from “Mahmut Adrović” Primary School and was awarded accordingly.
Having passed through five municipalities, the “European Tour – Games Without Borders” now heads toward its final stop: Bar. Sun, sea, and the cheerful spirit of the youngest citizens of Bar will provide a symbolic conclusion to this vibrant European journey—showing that the values of Europe are most alive where children learn to play – together.