This year’s celebration of Europe Month and Europe Day, in the spirit of unity among all Montenegrin municipalities, officially began with the “Biogradska Gora Vertical” race. The run through the untouched rainforest of the Biogradska Gora National Park was organized by the Tourism Organizations of Kolašin and Mojkovac, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro through the “Municipalities for the EU” project.
More than 40 participants from different parts of the country and the region gathered at the starting line.
On behalf of the diplomatic corps and the EU Delegation, Boris Gandel, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Montenegro, addressed the participants. Opening the Europe Day celebration and the race itself, Ambassador Gandel highlighted the progress Montenegro has achieved on its European path, while also reminding everyone of the government’s clearly defined goals.
“I sincerely wish for Montenegro to reach its goal—full membership in the European Union—as soon as possible. I hope this will happen by 2028, as announced by the current government. Today, you are symbolically running toward your goal, just as Montenegro is moving toward Brussels. Europe Day reminds us of the values we share—peace, unity, freedom, and mutual support,” said Ambassador Gandel.
Europe Day, celebrated every year on May 9, honors peace, unity, and cooperation among European nations. This date provides an opportunity to highlight the core values of the European Union—democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and solidarity—and to reaffirm the importance of the European integration process for Montenegro’s future.
Milosava Bulatović, Acting Head of the EU Integration Service of the Municipality of Kolašin, reflected on the importance of the support the European Union provides to Montenegrin municipalities.
“We thank the Delegation of the European Union for its support. This race is not just a race, not just an ascent—it symbolizes the effort invested by the Municipality of Kolašin, our tourism organizations, and the NGO sector as we all, together on our path to Europe, embrace European values and build our shared future,” Bulatović emphasized.
Participants demonstrated exceptional endurance and sportsmanship. The winners were Dušan Krstić (first place), Brano Baltić (second place), and Saša Radenović (third place). In the women’s category, Žudana Đokić took first place, followed by Daria Bušikova in second, and Nataša Đurović in third. Their dedication and perseverance further proved that no obstacle is insurmountable when moving toward a goal.
Throughout May, Montenegro celebrates Europe Month in all municipalities through a series of cultural, sports, environmental, and educational events that connect citizens with European values.
The “Biogradska Gora Vertical”race symbolically marked the beginning of this celebration, highlighting unity, commitment, and perseverance as the foundations of Montenegro’s successful European journey.
