“European integration is a process we build here, in our communities, through education, knowledge and entrepreneurship. Through visits like these, we want to show that the path to the EU means real opportunities for the development of every town and a better quality of life for citizens,” said the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, during the celebration of European Day in Rožaje.
The working visit to the Municipality of Rožaje was carried out within the EU4ME project – “Support to Communicating the European Integration Process,” and Minister Gorčević, together with her associates, met with the President of the Municipality, Rahman Husović, and his team. During the meeting, they discussed Rožaje’s European path, projects implemented so far, and the opportunities that new EU programs open for the development of northern Montenegro.
“For Montenegro’s European path, it is important that no municipality is left aside. European integration must be a story of balanced development, of opportunities for young people, and of a shared vision for every local community to become a better place to live. Rožaje has enormous potential and the desire to move forward, and the Ministry of European Affairs will be a partner on that path,” said Minister Gorčević.
The President of the Municipality, Rahman Husović, thanked the Minister for the important visit and emphasized full commitment to European integration, which represents a bright future for Rožaje and Montenegro.
“Through various cross-border cooperation programs and with the support of the European Union, we have managed to launch new ideas and projects that contribute to employment and a better quality of life for our citizens.
European values – work, knowledge and solidarity – are our guiding principles. Our goal is for Rožaje to be a town where these values become part of everyday life,” said Husović.
After the meeting, the Minister and the President of the Municipality visited the Rožaje Secondary Mixed School, which successfully implemented the “Craftspeople” project within the Serbia–Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020. The project contributed to increased employment opportunities through training and mentoring of young craftspeople, as well as the establishment of nine new businesses.
As part of the visit, a panel debate titled “European Day in Rožaje” was held at the Rožaje Cultural Center, attended by Minister Gorčević, President Husović, and students of the Rožaje Grammar School. Young people had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss with officials the challenges and opportunities brought by Montenegro’s membership in the EU, as well as the role of education in that process.
Minister Gorčević emphasized that the energy and knowledge of young people represent Montenegro’s greatest strength on its European path.
“The greatest value Montenegro brings to the European Union is its people—their creativity, work and dedication. Young people in Rožaje have shown that they understand how important education, solidarity and responsibility towards the community are as the foundation of every modern society,” said the Minister.
Answering students’ questions, President Husović highlighted the importance of supporting young people and local development.
“I assure you that the local administration is committed to developing our community and creating quality living conditions on the path toward the European Union. The Municipality of Rožaje will always stand by young people, because they are the drivers of development and the foundation of our future,” said President Husović.
During the visit, Minister Gorčević also visited the NGO “Ikre Rožaje,” where she spoke with members of the organization about the importance of the issues they address for the local community and supported the “Pink October” campaign dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. In a cordial conversation with the women from this organization, the Minister emphasized the importance of prevention and mutual support.
“Pink October is not just a month in which we talk about breast cancer. It is a month in which we remind ourselves and others that prevention is an act of love toward ourselves, our families and everyone we care about. For those we care about, we must think about ourselves and undergo regular check-ups. Prevention saves lives,” said Minister Gorčević.
European Day in Rožaje is part of the broader campaign “European Day in Your Town,” within which Minister Gorčević visits municipalities across Montenegro with the aim of promoting European values, informing citizens about the benefits of membership, and encouraging local communities to actively participate in the European integration process.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS