Montenegro’s European future does not depend only on institutions and reforms, but also on young people who are shaping society today through their ideas, energy, and readiness to be part of the European community, it was stated at the event “The European Future of Youth in Pljevlja”, organized on the occasion of Europe Day.
The event, held at the Creative Hub in the Ada Sports Centre, gathered representatives of institutions, the international community, the education sector, and students from the “Tanasije Pejatović” Gymnasium and the Secondary Vocational School in Pljevlja.
The President of the Municipality of Pljevlja, Dario Vraneš, emphasized that young people are the municipality’s greatest potential and the key to the development of the local community.
“Young people in Pljevlja are already achieving exceptional results in education, sports, science, and creative industries, and that is precisely why we have an obligation to create conditions for them to build their future here, in their own town. The Municipality of Pljevlja will continue to support young people, their ideas, education, and active participation in society, because without young people there can be neither the development of Pljevlja nor the European future of Montenegro,” said Vraneš.
Municipality Manager Ljiljana Đondović said she was especially pleased that today’s event was dedicated precisely to young people.
“You are the generation that will live European values – openness, solidarity, education, mobility, and cooperation without borders. That is why it is important for you to be informed, active, and involved in the processes shaping the future of our country,” said Đondović.
Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Orlando Fusco, said that discussions often focus on negotiations, chapters, reforms, and legislation, but that today he wanted to speak about opportunities, choices, and the future of young people.
“The European Union is not just a political project. The European Union is a space where young people have the opportunity to learn, travel, discover other cultures, develop their ideas, start businesses, volunteer, study, and build a life worthy of their ambitions. It is a community based on knowledge, freedom, solidarity, and equal opportunities. That is why young people are at the heart of Montenegro’s European future,” said Fusco.
As part of the programme, a segment of the documentary film “MASTER – A Step Towards the EU” was screened. The film presents Montenegro’s European path from the perspective of young people and citizens who see their future within the European Union. The film was produced by the Network for European Policies – MASTER, with the aim of bringing European policies closer to the public and encouraging dialogue on European integration.
A panel discussion titled “The European Future of Youth in Pljevlja” was also held, focusing on the role of young people in Montenegro’s EU accession process and the importance of European values at the local level. The panel featured Andrea Popović, Executive Director of the NGO MASTER, Darko Stojanović from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Ljiljana Gogić from the Erasmus+ Office in Montenegro, and Erasmus+ student from Montenegro, Danijel Karađinović.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that young people in Pljevlja and across Montenegro are already achieving outstanding results in science, sports, and education, and that they represent the future of a European Montenegro. Special attention was given to the importance of the new Youth Law, developed through a broad consultative process involving young people and youth organisations, as well as to the need to strengthen mechanisms for active youth participation in decision-making processes, including youth councils at both local and national levels.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, which offers young people opportunities for academic and professional exchanges across Europe, enabling them to gain new knowledge, experience, and international contacts, with financial support for mobility and internships.
The celebration of Europe Day in Pljevlja is part of a national programme implemented throughout Montenegro during May, with the aim of bringing European values closer to citizens and promoting the country’s European perspective.
Europe Day celebrations are organized by EU-funded projects – Europe House, EU4ME, and Municipalities4EU – in cooperation with municipalities across Montenegro.
