With music, dance, children’s laughter, and the recognizable New Year’s colorful atmosphere of the Capital City, the first EU Day at the Podgorica Bazaar was marked at Independence Square. The event was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs and the Capital City of Podgorica, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, through the EU4ME and European House projects.
During the gathering at the bazaar, numerous visitors of all generations enjoyed the program and the relaxed atmosphere, which once again showed that the European Union is best understood when experienced in everyday life and open dialogue. Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević pointed out that EU Day is the best way to round off Montenegro’s most successful year in EU integration, during which six chapters were closed, Nikšić was declared the Capital of Culture 2030, and Podgorica the European Youth Capital 2028.
“A lot of work lies ahead of us in 2026. I wish you good energy and a pleasant gathering today, to mark both Podgorica Day and move toward 2028, when we will not only celebrate Montenegro’s membership in the European Union, but also Podgorica as the European Youth Capital,” Gorčević said.
Addressing those present, the President of the City Assembly, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, emphasized that the Podgorica Bazaar represents one of the most beautiful events of the Capital City, as it brings together all generations and celebrates the values of togetherness, joy, and family. She particularly highlighted the significance of the fact that EU Day is being held within the Bazaar for the first time this year.
“The EU house at our Square is a symbol of the shared European values that Podgorica shares with the European Union. Today, Independence Square is a meeting place of children’s laughter, music, dance, and creativity, a place where European values are not only promoted but also lived,” Borovinić Bojović said, stressing that Podgorica is a city that connects generations, respects diversity, and builds a European future tailored to all people.
The musical part of the program began with the performance of the national anthems of Montenegro and the European Union by the choir “Vokalisti,” conducted by Saša Barjaktarović, after which the audience was especially energized by the Children’s Choir of the public institution “Zahumlje,” with renditions of well-known European pop and rock songs, as well as the unforgettable songs of Miladin Šobić. The event was given a special touch by a mini concert by Snežana Ljubojević, who, with her emotional performance, reminded everyone why the region already perceives her as a star.
The youngest visitors enjoyed original games with Žarko Žapac, as well as the creative workshop “Super Zvjezdana through a Drawing Class,” through which they learned about the European Union and demonstrated their imagination. Enthusiasts of new technologies had the opportunity to visit Pollinator Park through a VR experience and learn more about the importance of pollinators for preserving the ecosystem.
The first EU Day at the Podgorica Bazaar showed that European themes can be close, understandable, and vibrant when presented in a city space that belongs to everyone.