Deputy Prime Minister Bečić extends congratulations on Europe Day

To the citizens of Montenegro, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of 9 May - Victory over Fascism Day and Europe Day - a date that symbolizes both heroic resistance of the past and a vision for a shared European future.

On this day, we proudly remember the struggle of our ancestors who, by launching the 13 July Uprising in 1941, were among the first in occupied Europe to rise against fascism. Their courage, defiance, and unwavering belief in freedom helped embed Montenegro into the foundations of the victory over totalitarianism and remain a lasting part of our identity.

At the same time, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations of today's European Union - a project of peace, unity, and common progress. Today's EU is built on values that are also woven into Montenegro's social and political fabric: freedom, democracy, solidarity, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity.

By achieving historic progress in the accession negotiations and receiving a positive IBAR, Montenegro reaffirms its strategic and essential commitment to the European path. We are not drawing borders - we are building bridges, both within our country and with our European partners, determined to carry out reforms thoroughly and responsibly.

I am confident that we remain a reliable partner and a leader in European integration in the region, guided by an awareness of our responsibility to the past and an obligation to future generations.

With this in mind, once again, I extend my congratulations to all citizens on 9 May - Victory over Fascism Day and Europe Day!