“European integration is not just a political process—it is an opportunity to improve the everyday lives of our citizens, especially young people and children who will be the future citizens of the European Union. Through education, practical experience, and participation in European projects, we are building the foundation of a modern, sustainable society,” said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević during the Europe Day celebration in Tivat.
The working visit to the Municipality of Tivat was carried out within the framework of the project “EU4ME – Support to the Communication of the European Integration Process.” Minister Gorčević and her team met with the Mayor of Tivat, Željko Komnenović, and his team. The meeting focused on opportunities and projects available to the Municipality of Tivat through cross-border cooperation programmes, further development possibilities, and the importance of active engagement of local governments in the European integration process.
The Minister presented the ongoing calls within the Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation programmes, highlighting that Tivat has significant opportunities to participate in projects in the fields of ecology, culture, mobility, and sustainable energy.
“Our goal is for Tivat, like other municipalities in Montenegro, to feel the tangible benefits of European integration. The Ministry of European Affairs remains a reliable partner to local governments on the European path, contributing to a better quality of life for citizens,” stated Minister Gorčević.
The Mayor of Tivat, Željko Komnenović, expressed his satisfaction with the visit and emphasized the local government’s readiness to continue strengthening the town’s European path.
“Local communities are the foundation of Montenegro’s accession to the European Union,” said the Mayor. “Tivat has been very successful in implementing projects funded by international funds, and I hope we will maintain that momentum. I would like to note that procurement is underway for an electric bus and a solar power plant, and there are promising prospects for improving urban mobility and waste recycling.”
During her visit to the Public Preschool Institution “Bambi,” Minister Gorčević attended an educational workshop titled “Recycling in Color: Protecting Nature,” aimed at introducing the youngest to the importance of proper waste disposal and environmental protection. As part of the “EU4ME – Support to the Communication of the European Integration Process” project, the Ministry donated three eco-benches and three recycling bins for plastic, paper, and glass. The benches and bins are made from eco-boards created by recycling plastics marked 2 and 5, further promoting the sustainable use of resources. The Minister also gifted eco-themed coloring books to the children, stating that adopting ecological habits from an early age is the foundation for creating responsible, environmentally conscious citizens.
Europe Day in Tivat was also an opportunity for Minister Gorčević and Mayor Komnenović to visit the “Mladost” Secondary Mixed School, where a modern professional kitchen for the training of hospitality students was installed as part of the Interreg IPA “CUHaCHA” project. Students had the opportunity to speak with the Minister and the Mayor about the importance of education, vocational training, and the opportunities offered by European programs and funds.
While visiting educational institutions, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation had submitted a large number of projects under the Reform Agenda for the Growth Plan, stressing that investing in education and infrastructure for schools and preschools must be a priority in order to provide modern learning and development conditions for young people.
Tivat is the eighth municipality visited by Minister Gorčević as part of the campaign “Europe Day in Your Town,” and such events once again highlight the importance of promoting the European idea and encouraging local communities to actively participate in the European integration process.