Society is built on understanding, dialogue, and the courage to extend a hand to one another, not on divisions and prejudice — this was the message sent by young people from Tuzi through the performance “Bridges, Not Walls” marking Europe Day. The Europe Day celebration was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs, with the support of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro through the EU4ME project, in cooperation with the Municipality of Tuzi and the “Mehmed Fatih” Madrasa.
The President of the Municipality of Tuzi, Lindon Gjelaj, recalled the importance of cooperation among peoples and the power of dialogue in building a better future that awaits us through accession to the European Union.
“The Municipality of Tuzi, as a multiethnic community and an example of coexistence, nurtures the European values of respect and tolerance. We are proud that our citizens, through their culture, tradition, and dedication, make a significant contribution to strengthening the European spirit in Montenegro,” said Gjelaj.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević reminded attendees that Montenegro stands on the threshold of achieving its goal — full membership in the European Union. As she explained, this means more opportunities for young people, a more secure future, and a more modern Montenegro in which knowledge, work, and talent will be the greatest values.
“Europe is not something distant and unattainable. It is present in your education, in the languages you learn, in the ideas you share, in respect for diversity, and in your willingness to build a society without divisions. That is precisely why it is especially important that today we are watching your program entitled ‘Bridges, Not Walls.’ This message is not merely an artistic theme — it is a vision of the Montenegro we want. Institutions may conduct negotiations, but the future of Montenegro is being built by young people like you, generations growing up with European values, who believe in knowledge, dialogue, and unity,” said Gorčević.
Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj emphasized the importance of local governments in the integration process.
“The adoption of the Draft Law on Local Self-Government represents an important turning point in the modernization of Montenegro’s administration and the strengthening of local governments. This law is of particular importance for fulfilling obligations under Chapter 23, because with the support of the European Union we want every town and every citizen to feel the benefits of integration,” said Dukaj.
Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović pointed to the importance of investing in communities and infrastructure that connects people.
“As we approach the marking of two decades since the restoration of independence, we are clearly demonstrating that, as a state, we are capable of making strategic decisions and implementing them consistently. The European path is no longer just a commitment, but a reality we are building every day through concrete results. That is why it is important that today, right here among young people, we send a clear message: Montenegro’s European future belongs to the generations to come. It is our responsibility to leave them a stable, orderly, and prosperous country,” said Adžović.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, Peter Felten, emphasized that the future of Montenegro and its people lies in Europe, within the European Union.
“But the reverse is also true — the future of Europe lies in the hands of Europeans, especially young Europeans. And this is exactly why the European Union offers young people so many opportunities through numerous programs: to learn together, travel, connect, and be creative. And almost every day I witness young people in Montenegro making use of these opportunities,” said Felten.
The program, prepared by students of the madrasa, used stage performance, recitations, and the symbolic transformation of concepts such as fear, prejudice, hatred, and exclusion into dialogue, peace, solidarity, and dignity to demonstrate that the European idea lives through concrete human relationships and values. The performance raised questions of responsibility, unity, and the role of young people in building an open society.
Prof. Rahman Kačar, Assistant Reis for Religious Affairs and Education, emphasized that membership in the European Union means much more than a political goal for young people — it represents access to the European space of knowledge, universities, science, and professional opportunities.
“Looking at our students, I see the future of such a Montenegro: European, educated, responsible, and open. I see a generation capable of critical thinking, but also of viewing other people with respect. I see young people who understand that knowledge without ethics can become cold, while ethics without knowledge can become powerless. That is why we need both: knowledge that opens doors and morality that preserves humanity,” said Kačar.
Before the ceremonial part of the program, officials held a meeting at the Municipality of Tuzi, during which they discussed strengthening cooperation and European integration at the local level. Afterward, they visited the EU project “Lučka Olive,” the first regional olive oil mill in the continental part of Montenegro.
It is a modern center developed through the IPARD program, combining agricultural tradition and advanced AI technologies in the olive oil production process.
Following events in Tuzi, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Andrijevica, and Cetinje, the Europe Day celebration organized by the Ministry of European Affairs will conclude in Plav and Gusinje at the end of May.