European values are best reflected within local communities – through cooperation, preservation of identity, development and joint efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life. These messages marked the celebration of Europe Day in Petnjica.
The event brought together representatives of the local administration, the Government of Montenegro, the Delegation of the European Union, the education sector and citizens in a joint celebration of the European spirit and Montenegro’s European perspective.
The programme began with an official reception at the Municipality of Petnjica and a meeting with local administration representatives, during which participants discussed the role of local self-governments in the EU integration process, opportunities for accessing EU funds, the development of green projects and cross-border cooperation.
As part of the event, a regional info day dedicated to the First Call for Proposals under the EU4ALL programme in Montenegro was also organised.
The President of the Municipality of Petnjica, Samir Agović, said that European values represent unity, mutual respect and the creation of better opportunities for citizens of local communities.
“Modern and democratic Europe teaches us that bridges must be built, and that all problems and conflicts can and must be resolved through dialogue. Europe is a place for young and ambitious people, where they can easily find employment and fulfil themselves through sports, culture and music. Europe is also about creating a society in which different people feel equally valued and equally respected by institutions and society as a whole, through education, healthcare, the right to work and social care. Our municipality wants to be part of such a Europe,” said Agović.
State secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Krsto Rađenović highlighted the importance of European Union support for the development of local communities and the opportunities that EU funds provide to municipalities and local producers.
“On our European path, we are achieving concrete results, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has made a strong contribution to this process through the successful closure of negotiating Chapters 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development and 13 – Fisheries. Through the accession negotiations and alignment with European legislation, more than 30 legal acts within the areas covered by our Ministry have been amended in order to build a modern and sustainable system aligned with European Union standards. The best indicator of our commitment to European integration and the effective use of EU funds is the fact that Montenegro is today one of the most successful countries in Europe in terms of IPARD fund absorption,” said Rađenović.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, highlighted the importance of connecting people, local communities and young people throughout the European integration process.
“Europe Day is about a simple but powerful idea: that countries and people are stronger when they work together. That idea has shaped Europe for over 70 years. And it still matters deeply today. Across Montenegro this month, we see that idea in action: in culture, music, sport, and local traditions, as we celebrate Europe Day across the country. 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 neighbourhoods”, said ambassador Sattler.
The central part of the programme took place at the Petnjica Cultural Centre, where students of the Mixed Secondary School Petnjica presented the ideas of European unity, tolerance, cooperation and cultural identity preservation through music, recitations, folklore and a theatre performance.
Following the cultural programme, participants visited projects supported by European Union funds, including raspberry plantations financed through the IPARD programme and the NGO “Bihorski ćilim”.
As part of the event, a regional info day was also organised regarding the First Call for Proposals under the EU4ALL programme in Montenegro, worth a total of EUR 900,000, through which the European Union supports Montenegrin municipalities in improving local infrastructure and public services. This call represents an important opportunity for the implementation of concrete investments at the local level and for further strengthening the capacities of municipalities to access and utilise EU funds.
