European values are not built only through institutions and policies, but also through cooperation among communities, connecting people and jointly promoting the potentials that unite the region. This was the message sent from Mojkovac, where Europe Day was marked through the event “Tourism Fair Simulation – Mojkovac as the Host of the North”.

The event gathered representatives of institutions, the international community, the education sector and the local community with the aim of promoting the tourism potential of northern Montenegro and strengthening cooperation among municipalities.

The importance of northern development, regional connectivity and Montenegro’s European perspective was highlighted by the President of the Municipality of Mojkovac, Vesko Delić, a state secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Vuk Žižić and the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

The President of the Municipality of Mojkovac, Vesko Delić, highlighted the importance of jointly promoting the north of Montenegro and developing sustainable tourism.

“Mojkovac proudly celebrates Europe Day, sending a message that development, unity, and the preservation of tradition can and must go hand in hand. Our north, and Mojkovac in particular, has enormous tourism potential, but what truly sets us apart are the people, culture, customs, and identity that we have preserved for centuries,” said Delić.

He added that, through events like this, they want to show that European values are not opposed to their heritage, but rather that by nurturing tradition, authenticity, and togetherness, they can build a safe and prosperous future for their children.

State secretary Žižić spoke about the potential of northern Montenegro and the importance of developing a tourism offer based on natural resources, local communities and human capacities.

“Europe Day is celebrated as a reminder of peace, solidarity and unity among nations, but also as confirmation that Montenegro already belongs to these values. Today, Montenegro has never been closer to the European Union. European integration remains our strategic goal and a process that will further improve the quality of life of citizens, economic development and the competitiveness of our country, especially in the field of tourism as Montenegro’s most important economic sector. Tourism knows no borders, and that is precisely why its development is not possible without regional and multilateral cooperation. Therefore, it is especially significant that today, from Mojkovac, we are sending a message of connecting the north of Montenegro, jointly promoting its potential and strengthening cooperation among municipalities,” said Žižić.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, emphasized the importance of investing in youth, education and local communities as the foundations of Montenegro’s European future.

“Sustainable tourism is not only about attracting visitors, it is about protecting nature, supporting local communities, promoting local culture and ensuring that development benefits young people and families who choose to build their future here. The involvement of students and young people in today’s event is especially encouraging, because they will shape the future of tourism and development in northern Montenegro. It is of utmost importance for EU that youth is heard and participates meaningfully in policy dialogue on issues that are important, including local development strategies”, said Sattler.

A special segment of the programme featured exhibition stands where students presented the tourism offer of Pljevlja, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Mojkovac and Kolašin through a concept promoting Mojkovac as a place of connection and joint promotion of northern Montenegro.
The programme also included a cultural performance and the screening of the tourism film “Host of the North”.

Following the official programme, participants toured the school and the school restaurant, where students presented the practical part of their education and demonstrated that Mojkovac, in addition to its natural potential, is also developing skilled professionals for the tourism and hospitality sector.

The celebration of Europe Day in Mojkovac 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 organized by the EU-funded projects Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities4EU in cooperation with municipalities across Montenegro.