European values do not only imply cooperation and dialogue, but also responsibility towards the environment we live in and the generations to come. It was precisely the messages of unity, peace and environmental protection that marked the celebration of Europe Day in Berane.
The event brought together representatives of institutions, the international community, the education sector and citizens in a joint celebration of the European spirit and Montenegro’s European perspective.
The importance of European values, cooperation and Montenegro’s European path was highlighted by the President of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac, Deputy Head of Mission of Hungary in Montenegro Mira Vuity, and the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, Damjan Ćulafić.
Minister Ćulafić pointed to the importance of sustainable development and projects contributing to infrastructure improvement and environmental protection in the northern region of Montenegro.
“Europe Day is also the day of triumph over the greatest scourge of the modern and contemporary era – the triumph over Nazism and fascism. If free Europe had achieved only that in the 20th century, it could proudly say before the world that it filled an entire century with good,” said Minister Ćulafić.
As he stated, Montenegro’s current position makes him optimistic, as the EU accession process represents a strong motivational force. It implies redefining the system and undertaking a comprehensive reform process. Once all negotiation chapters are closed, Montenegro will no longer be the same country as before. In fact, it is already becoming something different today.
“In the field of ecology, almost the same percentage of citizens in Montenegro and the EU personally consider ecology to be one of the most important issues in the country, while an almost twice higher percentage of Montenegrin citizens compared to EU citizens believe that the environment is one of the greatest challenges facing the country. And we will continue. Because protecting the environment means protecting the future for our children,” said Minister Ćulafić.
Deputy Ambassador of Hungary Mira Vuity spoke about the importance of cooperation, dialogue and European unity in times of contemporary challenges. She stressed that Montenegro continues to make steady progress on its European path, leading among candidate countries thanks to its determination and commitment to reforms.
President Lutovac highlighted the importance of European integration for the development of local communities and improving citizens’ quality of life.
“Municipalities play a key role in the EU accession process because most European regulations are implemented at the local level. Local authorities are responsible for implementing policies in the areas of environmental protection, communal services, regional and rural development, thereby directly contributing to improving citizens’ quality of life in line with EU standards. Therefore, local governments must have a strong role in creating and implementing policies that lead us towards full EU membership,” said Lutovac.
The cultural and artistic programme brought together students and teachers from educational institutions in Berane, who conveyed messages of unity, peace and respect for diversity through music, debate and recitals.
The programme opened with the performance of the Montenegrin national anthem by the City Choir and the anthem of the European Union performed by the Music School Choir.
The programme also featured Tara Damjanović’s essay “United in Diversity”, the debate “Why the EU”, and a recital of Dragan Radulović’s poem “I Seek Respect” in four different languages.
The audience also enjoyed a performance by violinist Ksenija Vukičević, while the programme concluded with a performance by the Grammar School band of John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance”, accompanied by the student choreography “Crazy Summer Dance”.
Following the formal programme, participants visited projects financed by the European Union and the World Bank, including the embankment on the Lim River and the wastewater treatment plant.
The celebration of Europe Day in Berane is part of the national programme taking place across Montenegro throughout May, aimed at bringing European values closer to citizens and highlighting the country’s European perspective.
Europe Day celebrations are organised by European Union-funded projects – Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities for EU – in cooperation with municipalities across Montenegro.
