Following a successful launch in Nikšić, the European Tour continued in northern Montenegro – in the heart of Durmitor. The Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Žabljak, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, organized a Europe Day celebration filled with games, team spirit, and unity, all while promoting European values.
The central event, Games Without Borders, was officially opened by the Mayor of Žabljak, Radoš Žugić, who reminded attendees that the Municipality of Žabljak is now a full member of the small mountain towns network Euromontana.
“As a responsible local government, we are striving to demonstrate through our own example that European integration is achievable—not just in words, but with real, formal actions that can inspire our country to become a full member of the EU by 2028,” said Žugić.
Minister without Portfolio, Milutin Butorović, highlighted Montenegro’s increasingly close relationship with the EU, emphasizing that peace and solidarity are fundamental European values.
“From rule of law, safety, and good neighborly relations, to the highest standards in healthcare, education, and environmental protection—Montenegro, through its reforms, both wants and owes it to future generations to ensure excellence,” he stated.
Acting Director General of the Directorate for International Cooperation and EU Funds at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Trifun Savić, emphasized Žabljak’s special significance—not only for its natural beauty, but also for its potential to become a model of sustainable development and environmental conservation.
“Today’s event, Games Without Borders, is more than just a competition—it is a chance to demonstrate, through play and togetherness, how much we can achieve as one, to feel the European spirit of unity, and to recognize how every action we take matters for the preservation of nature,” said Savić.
Deputy Ambassador of Hungary, Mira Vuity, reminded the audience that European integration doesn’t only happen in Podgorica or Brussels, but in municipalities where, as she noted, good governance, a clean environment, quality education, and real opportunities must reach every citizen.
“Your presence today confirms that European values are not just ideals on paper, but a lived reality: through sports, community, care for the environment, and local development,” Vuity stated.
The educational-sports program European Tour – Games Without Borders was designed for seventh- and eighth-grade students of local primary schools. Through games combining physical, mental, and educational challenges, children learned about the European Union, its values, and the importance of teamwork.
Montenegrin alpine skiing representative and Olympian Jelena Vujičić emphasized that Žabljak has always had a vision for sports and their development.
“I hope that we, as athletes, can inspire the youth in our town to find their path in the right way,” Vujičić said.
The most successful participants in Games Without Borders—students from Vuk Knežević Primary School—received awards and medals, accompanied by a message that the European spirit lives and thrives where communities nurture it—at school, in public squares, and in everyday life. Students from Dušan Obradović Primary School also took part in the competition.
During the celebration of Europe Day in Žabljak, officials visited the EU Info Point—a newly established space for promoting European values and informing citizens about available programs.
The Europe Day celebration in Žabljak is part of the wider Month of Europe program, organized throughout May by the Ministry of European Affairs and the EU Delegation to Montenegro, with the goal of promoting European themes and values in every town.