The Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Nikšić, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, celebrated Europe Day in the spirit of unity and diversity through a vibrant program that combined environmental, sports, educational, and cultural activities. A special place in this colorful mosaic was reserved for the European Tour – Games Without Borders, a joyful and inclusive event that brought together children from Nikšić elementary schools, promoting teamwork, solidarity, and european values.
The Europe Day celebration began with a green volunteer action titled “Teach Me How to Grow a Garden”, involving local preschoolers at Bedem Fortress. The event was organized by the Bedem Fest in cooperation with the public preschool institution “Dragan Kovačević,” the Nikšić Museums and Galleries, the Nikšić Tourism Organization, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The central celebration took place at Freedom Square, where the Games Without Borders were officially opened. The event gathered seventh and eighth-grade students from the elementary schools “Ratko Žarić,” “Mileva Lajović Lalatović,” “Olga Golović,” and “Milija Nikčević.”
Opening the celebration, the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, congratulated everyone on Europe Day and Victory Day, reminding the audience that Nikšić is in the finals for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030—something he described as a form of healthy competition.
“Today, from Nikšić, we want to send the message—both us and these children, our future—that through fair play and healthy competition, we build better outcomes, new opportunities, and a more stable community. And all this, without the borders that are imposed on us—borders we are breaking down together through play and goodwill, making our society and all of Europe a better place to live,” said Kovačević.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević emphasized that celebrating Europe Day is not only about marking an important date but about recognizing and celebrating the EU’s universal values: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“Our task is to ensure that every child, whether growing up in Nikšić, Podgorica, or Rožaje, has equal access to the opportunities provided by the European space—access to knowledge, exchange programs, and life chances. That is the essence of the European idea: that every child, anywhere in Europe, can dream big and realize those dreams in a free, fair, and solidary society,” said Minister Gorčević.
Gianandrea Villa, Program Manager at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, stated that today’s celebration is proof that local communities play a key role in the country’s European path.
“European integration does not happen only in Podgorica or Brussels. It happens here—in your town, where 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 written on paper, but a reality we live every day—through sports, unity, care for the environment, and local development,” Villa noted.
A special guest of the event was Boško Drašković, a successful boxer from Nikšić, who further inspired young participants of the Games Without Borders with his support and encouragement to nurture sportsmanship and perseverance.
“As a former Olympian, I can tell you that sport is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together, regardless of our differences. Europe is the cradle of many sporting achievements as well as cultural exchange. Together, we can build a better future—not only for ourselves but for generations to come,” said Drašković.
The best performances during the Games Without Borders came from students of “Mileva Lajović Lalatović” Elementary School, who won first place and were awarded medals and prizes.
Europe Day in Nikšić was also marked by the conference “European Capital of Culture and EU Integration”, which brought together key speakers from the cultural sector in EU member states. The city also gained a new information center “EU Info Point” located in the Municipal Building of Nikšić, opened through the Municipalities for the EU project to provide citizens with up-to-date information about the EU, its funds, policies, and opportunities within the accession process.
The Europe Day celebration in Nikšić, also attended by the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić, was organized as part of the European Tour, which the Ministry of European Affairs is conducting in five other Montenegrin municipalities (Žabljak on May 13, Pljevlja on May 14, Berane on May 15, Petnjica on May 16, and Bar on May 20). The European Tour is part of a broader program being implemented from May 3 to May 30 across Montenegro by the EU Delegation and the Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the projects Europe House, EU4ME, and Municipalities for the EU.