Europe Day was also celebrated in Pljevlja, which became the epicenter of children’s energy, sporting spirit, and the collective celebration of European values. The Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the Municipality of Pljevlja and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, organized the “European Tour – Games Without Borders” to mark Europe Day. The event brought together students from local primary schools.
Opening the “Games Without Borders,” the Mayor of Pljevlja, Dario Vraneš, stated that celebrating Europe Day is also an opportunity to highlight key European values such as the spirit of freedom, respect for human dignity, the rule of law, and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage.
“While some still look to Europe as a goal, we in Pljevlja can rightfully say that we have been living Europe for a long time. Our multiculturalism, religious diversity, historical depth, and spiritual strength prove that we have been part of European civilization for centuries,” said Vraneš.
Bojan Vujović, Director of the Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Support at the Ministry of European Affairs, emphasized that the “Games Without Borders” symbolize what the European Union is and should be—a community of cooperation, friendship, and fair competition.
“Dear students, you are the generation that will live the full potential of the European idea. Learn languages, stay curious, and nurture tolerance and openness. The European Tour, which after Nikšić and Žabljak has now arrived in Pljevlja and continues on, leads you toward knowledge, understanding, and friendship,” said Vujović.
Pljevlja Municipality Manager Ljiljana Đondović underlined that the youngest citizens are the true bearers of sporting and European spirit, and that Montenegrin society must act united and with a team mindset to achieve its European ambitions and progress for all.
“For Pljevlja, events like this are not merely symbolic. They are a chance to show our readiness to embrace the challenges and seize the opportunities that European integration brings. More than anything, this is a moment to say that we’re not looking back—we’re looking ahead,” Đondović stated.
A special round of applause was given to athlete Goran Cmiljanić, who addressed the participants and encouraged them to continue growing through sports and education. Recalling that he began his own European journey as a child, through games without borders, Cmiljanić said: “Back then and now, I’ve always felt that Pljevlja was part of Europe and the world.”
After the official opening, the most cheerful and eagerly awaited event followed—the “Games Without Borders” competition, where students from four primary schools in Pljevlja—“Ristan Pavlović,” “Salko Aljković,” “Boško Buha,” and “Mihailo Žugić”—showcased their skills, team spirit, and knowledge of the EU.
The title of best team was awarded to students from “Salko Aljković” Primary School, who were also recognized with prizes.
Officials also visited the newly established “EU Info Point,” which will provide citizens of Pljevlja with access to up-to-date information on European programs and opportunities available through the EU accession process.
Pljevlja demonstrated that European values such as cooperation, inclusiveness, and knowledge are realized through joint efforts of local authorities, educational institutions, citizens, and European partners. In the spirit of those values, the “European Tour – Games Without Borders” continues its journey and moves on to Berane.