Cetinje, a city where European diplomacy left a deep mark, remains one of the key places in Montenegro’s state and cultural history. In that spirit, the Royal Capital marked Europe Day with a program dedicated to young people, art, and shared European values. 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 Royal Capital, the Cetinje Gymnasium and Secondary Vocational School, the “Savo Popović” Primary Music School, and the “Petar Lubarda” Secondary School of Fine Arts.
The Mayor of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, Nikola Đurašković, stated that throughout history Cetinje has earned the titles of a city of resistance, freedom, and dignity, but also a city open to new ideas and the progressive values of modern European society.
“Today, in the year in which we mark 20 years since the restoration of independence, as Montenegro despite numerous challenges moves decisively along the path of European integration, Cetinje once again has a special role to be a symbol and leader of those values in our society. That is precisely why I am especially pleased that we celebrate Europe Day every year through various activities in the Royal Capital, and that this year students from Cetinje’s schools contributed in a creative and powerful way. This is an encouraging message and confirmation that European ideas are neither distant nor abstract, but live in our youth, in their energy and belief in Montenegro’s European future,” said Đurašković.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević emphasized that the marking of two decades since the restoration of independence comes at a moment when Montenegro is closer than ever to its goal — membership in the European Union — confirming society’s choice to be guided by the values of peace, freedom, and the dignity of every individual.
“I must point out that throughout history Montenegro survived precisely because of its ability to preserve what is its own, and I believe that within the European family of nations our culture, tradition, and identity will gain an even stronger place and voice. Because Montenegro’s distinctiveness has never been an obstacle to its development, but rather the strength that enabled it to endure and preserve its identity through all historical challenges,” said Gorčević.
Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović stated that European integration represents an opportunity for Montenegrin culture and identity to become even more visible and more strongly present within the European space.
“For us, European integration does not mean giving up authenticity. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for Montenegrin culture, our creativity, and our heritage to become more visible, stronger, and equally present within the broader European cultural space. We bring to the European Union our experience, our identity, our authenticity, our diversity, our art, and our heritage,” said Vujović.
Addressing those present, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković highlighted the importance of the historical continuity of the European idea in Montenegro.
“Long before modern integration processes, Cetinje possessed a true European spirit, as the capital of Montenegro’s freedom, culture, and statehood. That is why our European path is not merely a political goal, but a natural continuation of the history that we are confirming today through stronger institutions, financial stability, a better standard of living, and a more secure future for all citizens,” said Vuković.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Montenegro, Stefan Dimitrov, had an important message for young people.
“Europe is not something distant — the European path is becoming tangible and real. Young people have a particularly important role in this process,” Dimitrov emphasized.
The program was designed as a combination of music, dramatic expression, recitations, and student stage performances, through which the values of the European Union — freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, and unity — and their connection with Montenegrin identity and cultural heritage were presented. A special segment of the program was the performance of the “Ode to Joy,” in which students symbolically represented the member states of the European Union and Montenegro’s European path.
Following the ceremonial part of the program, a meeting of institutional representatives was held, during which further steps in the process of European integration and strengthening cooperation at the local and national levels were discussed. The delegation visited the Sports Center where all windows and doors were replaced with EU support through the international IPA programme “Smart Energy Management and Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources.”
Following events in Cetinje, Herceg Novi, and Andrijevica, the Ministry of European Affairs will continue marking Europe Day in Kotor, Tuzi, Plav, and Gusinje.