Music, light, children’s smiles, and the scents of local products marked this year’s Europe Day in Budva, Danilovgrad, and Ulcinj. Citizens, institutions, and international partners gathered to celebrate the values that connect us—solidarity, unity, and cooperation.
From morning family gatherings in nature and cultural and educational activities to evening concerts and art programs—Europe Day in Montenegro yesterday was a true event for all generations.
Budva: Europe in the Rhythm of Music and Light
Budva marked Europe Day in its signature style—energetic and urban. The Mogren Fortress glowed in blue, while the Old Town served as a meeting point for citizens and European ideas through an educational-informative hub. The evening culminated with a performance by the DJ duo ARTBAT, turning the atmosphere into a celebration to remember.
“Culture, music, sports, environmental protection activities, and local traditions connect people. They make Europe tangible. They show that Europe is not something distant, but something we build together every day in our communities,” said Jorge Urbiola Lopez de Montenegro, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Spain, who attended the event in Budva.
Danilovgrad: Europe as a Space for Unity and Care
In Danilovgrad, Europe Day took on a warm, family dimension. In the natural setting of the “Kami – The Essence” estate, citizens enjoyed a day filled with socializing, creative workshops, and educational content for the youngest. A special emphasis was placed on environmental preservation and support for the local community, with the event also carrying a humanitarian character.
The President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Aleksandar Grgurović, stated that children, family, and community are the greatest values of any society, emphasizing that investing in the family means investing in the future of the city and the community.
The Ambassador of Greece to Montenegro, H.E. Dimitrios Gioldassis, pointed out that Europe Day reminds us of the strength of unity and cooperation among nations. He noted that European values are built daily within local communities—by supporting youth, strengthening togetherness, and creating better living conditions for citizens. He particularly emphasized that Greece remains a strong and sincere supporter of Montenegro’s European path, recalling the historical ties of friendship between Greece and Danilovgrad.
Ulcinj: Europe through Heritage, Nature, and Art
Ulcinj marked Europe Day in a unique way—blending history, nature, and contemporary art. At the Shas (Šas) site and the Maslina-Fushpranvera promenade, the program included the planting of indigenous saplings, an exhibition of works by young artists, and a presentation of local products, creating an authentic experience connecting the past and the future.
The central ceremony brought together numerous dignitaries, including representatives of the Municipality of Ulcinj, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Yngve Engström (Note: Bernhard Brunet), and the Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka.
The President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, stated: “Today is Europe Day, and it is not just a day for the European Union. It is also a day for children in Kosovo, Ukraine, and everywhere where we are not yet sufficiently integrated. Montenegro is a leader in European integration and enjoys the support of the European Union, which makes us happy. We have fought for this step for a long time, but our rights still need to be protected; we must fight and work hard for them. For that, we need continuous and even stronger support from the Government and European institutions.”
The Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Bernhard Brunet, said that Europe Day carries a simple but powerful message: that nations and people are stronger when they work together.
“This idea has shaped Europe for over 70 years and is as important today as ever. Throughout Montenegro this month, we see this idea in action—through culture, music, sports, and local traditions. These moments bring people together. They make Europe tangible. They show that Europe is not something distant, but something we build together every day—in our villages, towns, and neighborhoods,” said Brunet.
Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka emphasized that significant reforms have been implemented in the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, minority rights, and equal opportunity policies to reach European standards and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
“Our obligation is to successfully bring the accession process to an end, but also to ensure that every citizen, in every municipality and every part of Montenegro, feels its concrete results—through a higher quality of life, more opportunities, and a more secure future,” the Minister stated.
The Europe Day celebrations are organized by EU-funded projects—Europe House, EU4ME, and Municipalities4EU —in cooperation with Montenegrin municipalities.
