On the occasion of Students’ Day, the Ministry of European Affairs organized the eighth edition of the “Ask the Minister!” Forum, as part of the EU4ME project. The event brought together around 60 students from Montenegrin universities, who had the opportunity to speak with the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, Damjan Ćulafić, and the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas and acting Head of the Ministry of Energy, Admir Šahmanović.
The forum aimed to encourage greater youth participation in the EU accession process, enabling students to engage with ministers on key topics and to share their ideas and concerns.
Opening the Forum, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy, Aleksa Bečić, highlighted the importance of dialogue with youth, who he described as crucial actors in the transformation of society and in building a European future.
“Happy Students’ Day. You are the force moving this country forward, and a reminder to us older ones that no reform is worth it unless it serves you. Today, through your eyes, I see the future this country can have—if we don’t let you down. If anyone ever told you that you’re too young to understand or too young to decide, let me tell you now—that was a trick, a way to keep you from the truth. And the truth is, we found a country where those meant to uphold the law have become a shield for those who break it the most. That’s why I speak to you today as someone who knows that real change doesn’t happen when you change a government, but when a generation wakes up. And you are that generation,” said Bečić.
Minister Maida Gorčević congratulated students on their day and said the Ministry supports ideas and projects that give youth the space to actively participate in social processes. She emphasized that listening to young people is crucial, as their opinions and critiques contribute to change and that their voices must be present when important decisions are made.
“The accession process involves the transformation of the entire society. I firmly believe that young people, and especially students, are key drivers of change and bearers of new ideas that are immensely important for our future. The role of youth in the EU accession process is not just important—it’s essential. They must be given space to express their opinions and proposals, because only through their active engagement can we ensure our EU path is truly inclusive, progressive, and sustainable,” Gorčević stated.
Students spoke with Minister Ćulafić about the importance of sustainable development for Montenegro’s future and about the policies needed to meet the criteria for the closure of Chapter 27 – Environment.
“Our future is you—students, change-makers, and hope for a better tomorrow. You are the ones who will shape the world we live in, and your passion, knowledge, and innovation play a key role in solving the challenges ahead. As Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, I’m pleased to be part of this dialogue and to support you in our shared mission of creating a more sustainable and healthier planet for generations to come,” Ćulafić said.
Minister Admir Šahmanović presented current energy projects to students and discussed the importance of energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“It’s a pleasure to speak with young people who are incredibly well-informed, engaged, and constructive in their discussions. The energy sector is not only significant on its own but also in the direction it is heading—it is a powerful source of inspiration. Through today’s discussion, I wanted to show our students how important it is for Montenegro to harness its exceptional potential in the energy sector,” Šahmanović stated, adding that energy—along with tourism—can and should be one of the main pillars of the country’s economy and a key source of exports.
Students responded in large numbers and had the opportunity to ask the ministers questions, share their perspectives, express dilemmas, and discuss what truly matters to them.
“This event is a great opportunity for direct dialogue between students and decision-makers in our country,” said Vladimir Grujić, a student of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montenegro.
Ivana Popović, a student of the Faculty of Law at the University of Montenegro, said that more such events should be organized throughout the year so that student voices can be more clearly heard and valued in decision-making processes. “The impressions are very positive and I’m glad students have the chance to directly talk about topics that matter to them,” she shared.
It was concluded that young people play an essential and irreplaceable role in Montenegro’s future development and European path, and that their engagement must be recognized as a foundation for achieving long-term goals.