“The voice of young people must be heard just as loudly as the voice of institutions, because they are the generation that will live European standards and shape the future of this country,” it was said today at the Forum “Ask the Minister!”.
The Forum, within the EU4ME project funded by the European Union, was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs on the occasion of April 4, Students’ Day.
Ministers of European Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Economic Development, Culture and Media, and Tourism — Maida Gorčević, Ervin Ibrahimović, Nik Gjeloshaj, Tamara Vujović, and Simonida Kordić — spoke with around 60 students from all universities in Montenegro about Montenegro’s readiness for the obligations and opportunities that full EU membership will bring. They also exchanged views on challenges, opportunities, and the strategic directions of the country’s development.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević congratulated the students on the upcoming holiday and praised their willingness to actively participate in decision-making and social development.
She presented the Government’s plan to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026 and to ensure that Montenegro takes its place as a full EU member in 2028. She explained what EU membership will bring to young people in terms of employment and mobility and emphasized the importance of continuing to be active participants in the process.
“Every generation has its role in shaping society, and while ours faced many challenges, your generation will very soon have the opportunity to live fully according to EU standards. This Government is working dedicatedly to provide you with quality conditions for life and development here in Montenegro, but also the opportunity, as citizens of the European Union, to go abroad for studies and training, and always have a place to return to and apply the knowledge and experience gained. We all want a prosperous country, and therefore it is important that we together live the idea of Montenegro as the next member of the European Union,” Minister Gorčević told the students.
Together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, the students discussed the impact of global events on Montenegro, as well as the importance of foreign policy for improving regional relations, and the activities that the ministry undertakes to increase Montenegro’s visibility and influence in international organizations.
“The goal of Montenegro’s foreign policy is clear – to replace tensions with trust, and divisions with concrete cooperation. And what is perhaps most important in that process is that we listen to young people. Because data shows that there is already a clear generational message that young people in the region want connectivity, free movement, and a European future. It is up to us to turn that into reality,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ibrahimović.
He stated that Montenegro’s entry into the EU is not only a political issue. “It is a question of the generation that is studying today, planning life, thinking whether to stay or leave. When we bring Montenegro into the EU, we are not only strengthening the state, but creating a space in which you, young people, see your future here, not somewhere else,” Ibrahimović said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj spoke with students about the opportunities for starting their own businesses and startups, and the changes that EU membership will bring in that field. Students also expressed interest in the reforms Montenegro is implementing to become a more competitive economy within the European Union, and how the Government plans to retain young professionals in that process.
“Strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic economy is one of the key prerequisites for sustainable economic growth, increased employment, and improving the overall economic stability of Montenegro,” said Deputy Prime Minister Gjeloshaj.
Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović pointed to the connection between culture, economic development, innovation, and European integration. “This is precisely where we see an opportunity to offer young people prospects in Montenegro. One of the key priorities of the Ministry of Culture and Media is creating better conditions for young people in culture and media, because the future of these sectors depends on them,” Vujović said.
She stated that the Ministry of Culture and Media is actively working on improving media literacy through the implementation of concrete policies and programs aimed at empowering young people to become informed, responsible, and critically oriented citizens.
Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić spoke about the importance of air connectivity for tourism development and the impact of increased low-cost airline flights and global developments on the upcoming tourist season in the country.
“The universal conclusion of all international meetings with tourism partners and representatives of the economy is that tourists at this moment will choose destinations that are physically closer, safe, and stable. This is where Montenegro has a real chance. Of course, rising prices will have a certain impact, and that is why it is important for the tourism sector to pay attention to the price-quality ratio. This is a moment when we have the opportunity to make a stronger step towards the European market, but also to invest in future seasons – because a satisfied guest is the best promotion and a returning guest,” Minister Kordić said.
The students expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to exchange views with members of the Government on various topics, ask questions, and make proposals aimed at improving conditions in different areas. They expressed readiness, together with the Government, through continued constructive dialogue and cooperation, to work on building a more prosperous country, a future member of the EU.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS