Kotor marked Europe Day through a program that demonstrated that European values are not merely a political category, but live in the hands of women weaving lace, in the steps of graduating students dancing the quadrille, and in the voices of young people asking what it means to be free. The 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 Kotor, Kotor Gymnasium, and the “Nikola Đurković” Cultural Center.
The program began with a visit to the Pacijenca project, dedicated to preserving Dobrota lace, which this year won the prestigious Europa Nostra award and was included among the world’s most significant cultural heritage preservation projects. More than a craft skill, this project speaks about women, community, and Kotor’s heritage that must not be forgotten. At Saint Tryphon Square, Kotor’s graduating students danced the quadrille — a tradition that has been nurtured in the city for years as a symbol of peace, unity, and dialogue.
The program continued at the Cultural Center, where students of Kotor Gymnasium performed the play “Reading The Little Prince Here and Now” as part of the Europe Day celebration. Through a contemporary interpretation of the well-known literary classic, the students raised questions about freedom, diversity, and the way society measures human value, reminding the audience that empathy, understanding, and the right to one’s own voice remain universal values.
As part of the program, those present were addressed by the President of the Municipality of Kotor, Vladimir Jokić, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović, and the Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro, Christian Steiner.
The President of the Municipality of Kotor, Vladimir Jokić, stated that Europe Day reminds us of values that are not measured by limitations, but by people’s ability to understand one another, cooperate, and patiently build the place to which they belong.
“The European Union is founded on the idea that patience — pacijenca — is often the greatest strength and that lasting values are created step by step. Often through the spirited strength of ambitious and determined youth carrying their vision of the future. Kotor knows this well. A city that has stood for centuries between the rocks and the sea has taught us that time is not an obstacle, but an ally, and that what truly matters endures precisely because it was created with faith and perseverance,” emphasized Jokić.
Opening the cultural program, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević stressed that Montenegro’s European future is not built only within institutions, but precisely in schools, through culture, local communities, and the energy of new generations.
“And perhaps it is right here, in a city that for centuries has lived open to the world, that we can most clearly send a message about the kind of society we want — one that preserves diversity, connects people, and believes in the future. Happy Europe Day, dear citizens of Kotor, with the conviction that we will soon celebrate it as a full member of the European Union,” concluded Gorčević.
Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović stated that today everything is being done to ensure Montenegro becomes part of the European family as soon as possible.
“I assure you that we are not doing this for accolades, but for you, dear parents, and especially for our youngest generation — our greatest treasure. You are the reason why these days we work day and night, striving to make Montenegro better, fairer, and ready to take its seat at the table with other EU member states from 2028 onward. It is precisely you, our dear children, who, by living in an open and free Europe, will have the opportunity to experience the benefits such an environment brings and to be equal in every respect with your peers from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and other EU member states,” said Krapović.
The Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro, Christian Steiner, emphasized that the European Union is built on unity and concrete benefits for citizens, highlighting support for Montenegro’s European path.
“Around 70% of EU legislation is implemented precisely at the local level. In that sense, the EU supports better infrastructure, stronger local economies, higher-quality services, and a cleaner environment. This is where the European Union becomes reality — where cooperation brings concrete and tangible benefits to citizens. We are very pleased that Montenegro wholeheartedly strives to become the next member of the European Union,” concluded Steiner.
Following events in Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Andrijevica, the Europe Day celebration organized by the Ministry of European Affairs continues throughout May in Tuzi, Plav, and Gusinje, through programs that connect culture, community, and European values, with young people as their most important carriers.