As part of Europe Day celebrations, the municipalities of Plužine and Tivat, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union through the “Municipalities for the EU” project, marked Europe Day with volunteer cleaning actionsthat symbolically demonstrated that European values live in everyday small steps toward a better and more sustainable future.
In Plužine, citizens, employees of the municipality and public enterprises, together with the Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro, H.E. Andreina Marsela, and the EU Delegation representative in Montenegro, Marija Laura Pasquinelli, participated in an environmental cleanup action at Mratinje, organized in cooperation with the Piva Nature Park.
The Italian Ambassador emphasized that events like this, as well as others held during the Europe Month celebrations in various Montenegrin municipalities, represent the true essence of the EU: a community of people who, almost sixty years ago, decided to combine values and principles, markets and resources, experience and skills, intelligence and heart to create a better future for all.
“Italy, as a founder of the EU, has always supported EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, because this will not really be enlargement but a reunification of Europe. We want you in the EU family because you belong to the EU family, and the EU will not be complete until you are part of it,” emphasized Marsela.
The Ambassador met with the Chief Administrator of the Plužine Municipality, Vladimir Knežević, and the program concluded with a visit to the Lazar Sočica Tower Museum, along with the presentation of certificates of appreciationfor contributions to the action.
Marija Laura Pasquinelli, representative of the EU Delegation in Montenegro, highlighted the importance of local self-governments in the EU integration process.
“Your presence today confirms that European values are not just ideals on paper, but a reality we live — through sport, community, environmental care, and local development,” said Pasquinelli.
In Tivat, a volunteer cleaning action was carried out along the promenade behind Pržna – Plavi Horizont Beach, one of the most beautiful and visited beaches in Montenegro. Pržna Beach has been a protected natural site – a nature monument – since 1968.
“We hope that this eco-activity will make the location even cleaner and more beautiful. The Municipality of Tivat has committed in its strategic documents to sustainable management. Activities to reduce waste, protect the environment, and especially sustainably manage the coastline are strategic goals of the municipality. Through such activities, we aim to bring together and connect the local community, local authorities, and European initiatives,” said Milica Manojlović, Secretary for Spatial Planning in Tivat.
Ana Mariguesa Lorentzen, Program Manager of the EU Delegation, emphasized the importance of Europe Day as an opportunity to promote European values at the local level.
“We believe that Europe can progress only through unity and peace – this is a message we will continue to nurture year after year, and that is why we are very pleased to organize such events across Montenegro today, with the participation of local communities and citizens who share with us the spirit of the celebration,” said Lorentzen.
Within the framework of the “Municipalities for the EU” project, Tivat also received a new information point for citizens about the European Union, its programs, policies, and opportunities – “EU & Point.”
The actions in Plužine and Tivat are part of a broader program implemented by the EU Delegation in Montenegro and the Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the European House, EU4ME, and Municipalities for the EUprojects, from May 3 to May 30, aiming to ensure that European topics are present in all parts of Montenegro.
