With the aromas of homemade products, the buzz of exhibitors, and an audience that filled the hall of the Nikšić Sports Center, the XII New Year Fair of Local Products in a European Way opened, which will last until 28 December. More than 200 exhibitors from Nikšić and other parts of Montenegro presented agricultural products, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
The fair is organized by the Municipality of Nikšić, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Tourism, the Nikšić Tourist Organization, Nikšić Sports Center, Alter Modus Bank, and the Volunteers of Montenegro Foundation. This year, the organization of the fair was also supported by the Ministry of European Affairs, with financial support from the European Union, on the occasion of the closure of Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development.
The fair was opened by the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, who stated that the closure of the chapter directly concerns all of us – producers, hosts, rural people, but also all those who want to make a living from their work.
“At the stands, I see quality food, authentic products, and people who know how to work, create, and preserve their heritage – exactly what the European Union expects from us. To preserve our authenticity and bring new value. In front of us are products that form the identity of our regions and tell the story of Montenegro in the most beautiful way,” said Gorčević.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management traditionally supports the fair. Minister Vladimir Joković, during his address, pointed out that this year’s fair has special significance because it takes place at a time when Montenegro has temporarily closed five negotiation chapters, including Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development and Chapter 13 – Fisheries.
“It is clear that by Montenegro joining the European Union, our agriculture will gain access to European funds and significant financial resources. This will bring new investments, modernization of production, stronger support for rural areas, and additional development opportunities. Our task is to prepare in time so that these funds are used smartly, responsibly, and for the benefit of our producers,” Joković said.
The Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, stated that he is pleased that there are more exhibitors this year, as the Municipality of Nikšić has improved conditions for holding the fair in the previous period.
“This year we gathered over 200 exhibitors from Nikšić and other parts of Montenegro. We made efforts to improve the conditions for the fair — new tables and flooring in the hall allow all products to be presented in the best light. I wish our exhibitors successful sales, and to all of you — to spend the upcoming holidays in peace, joy, and prosperity,” Kovačević emphasized.
The President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, Milica Lalatović Žižić, in her address, noted that the New Year Fair of Local Products in a European Way, as well as other similar events organized with partners, provides an excellent opportunity for our citizens to make their agricultural products, souvenirs, artworks, and handicrafts much more visible and recognizable on the market.
“In this way, they improve their business, strengthen and expand their network of partners and contacts, and we get the opportunity to buy domestic and the best. In this way, we jointly contribute to strengthening the economic image of Nikšić, which is one of our primary goals. I am confident that this year’s fair will meet all our expectations, and as the local government, we will make maximum effort to ensure that each next fair is better than the previous ones,” said President Lalatović Žižić.
The Ministry of Tourism also awarded the best participants in the competition for the best rural tourism in 2025 at the fair.
“I am proud that this area of tourism is achieving historic results. This sector has never had such tourist traffic as this year,” emphasized the State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Petar Drašković.
The official opening of the XII New Year Fair of Local Products in a European Way was complemented by a rich cultural and artistic program, and the fair will remain open until 28 December, with humanitarian activities and additional attractions for citizens, under the media sponsorship of Radio Television Nikšić.