This year’s celebration of Europe Day in Montenegro began in Kolašin, where a rich institutional and cultural programme symbolically marked the start of a month dedicated to Europe and European values across the country.

The central ceremony was held at the Kolašin Cultural Centre, attended by representatives of state institutions, the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, local authorities, educational institutions, and numerous citizens.

As part of the institutional segment of the programme, remarks were delivered by the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Petko Bakić, the Minister of Public Administration, Maraš Dukaj, and the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

The President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Petko Bakić, highlighted the importance of marking Europe Day at the local level and the role of municipalities in bringing European values closer to citizens.

“EU is not just a political and economic project. Above all, it is a community of values – solidarity, mutual respect, equal opportunities, cooperation and responsibility. These are the very values we live by in Kolašin, through the work of our local community, openness towards partners, and care for each of our citizens,” said Bakić.

He added that Kolašin is already recognising and making use of the opportunities provided by European funds, and that projects implemented with EU support – such as the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and sewerage network, along with improvements to the water supply system – directly contribute to better infrastructure, environmental protection, and an improved quality of life for citizens.

Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, highlighted the importance of Europe Day as a reminder of the fundamental values on which the European Union is built, as well as a confirmation of Montenegro’s European path.

“Europe Day is celebrated as a reminder of the fundamental values – peace, solidarity and unity among peoples – but also as a confirmation that Montenegro already belongs to these values. Today, we recognise them right here – in our municipalities and cities, in schools and institutions, and among people who contribute to the community every day,” said Chief Negotiator Zenović.

The Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacities of local governments and their role in the European integration process.

“Local self-government is a key level of European policymaking – as much as 70% of EU legislation is implemented at the local level. That is why the Ministry of Public Administration recognised its importance early on and directed reforms towards strengthening municipalities as the foundation of development and European integration. I am proud to point out that, thanks to our proactive approach, the wave of change has already, irreversibly and unstoppable, reached all municipalities in Montenegro,” said Minister Dukaj.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, underlined the EU’s commitment to continuing its support to Montenegro on its European path.

“Thank you to Kolašin for hosting this opening event – and to municipalities across Montenegro for joining this month-long celebration.

Europe Day is not just marked in one place, on one day. It lives in communities like yours, across the country.

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 Satler.

The cultural and artistic programme was prepared by students and teachers from Kolašin’s educational institutions – the Secondary Mixed School “Braća Selić”, Primary School “Risto Manojlović”, Kindergarten “Sestre Radović”, and the School for Primary Music Education.

Through music, dance, and recitation, young people creatively presented the values of unity, respect for diversity, and preservation of cultural identity, accompanied by the symbolic performance of the national anthem of Montenegro and the European Union anthem.

As part of the Europe Day celebration, the first call for project proposals under the EU for All in Montenegro (EU4ALL) project, with a total value of €900,000, was also presented. Through this initiative, the European Union supports Montenegrin municipalities in improving local infrastructure and public services. This call represents an important opportunity for implementing concrete investments at the local level and further strengthening municipal capacities for the use of EU funds.

The celebration of Europe Day will continue this evening with a concert by Marko Louis at the Cultural Centre, starting at 20:00.

The celebration of Europe Day in Kolašin is part of a national programme taking place across Montenegro throughout May, with the aim of bringing European values closer to citizens and highlighting the country’s European perspective.

The Europe Day celebrations are organized by the EU-funded projects Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities4EU in cooperation with Montenegrin municipalities.