Montenegro celebrates Europe Day

Organised by the Delegation of the European Union, the Ministry of European Affairs and the municipalities of Montenegro
Montenegro celebrates Europe Day throughout May

The Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro and the Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with Montenegrin municipalities and with the support of EU projects Europe House, EU4ME and Municipalities for EU, are marking Europe Day through a rich and diverse programme throughout May all across the country. Through culture, art, and a wide range of activities, European values will be brought closer to citizens across Montenegro-as part of a shared story of unity, understanding, and the future we are building together.

The Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, with the support of the Europe House, will organise a series of events during May in Podgorica, Bijelo Polje and Bar. The central Europe Day celebration is planned for 9 May in Podgorica, when the traditional EU Fair will be held in the University Park, featuring the embassies of EU Member States, institutions, EU projects, and local producers. On the same day, citizens will be able to enjoy a concert by regional music star Nina Badrić at Independence Square, while musical programmes will also be organised in Bar and Bijelo Polje.

"Europe Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that the European Union is not merely a political project, but a community of values shared in Montenegro each day more and more. Through a rich programme across the country, we aim to further strengthen this sense of unity-through encounters, culture and shared experiences," the Delegation of the European Union stated.

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The Ministry of European Affairs, through the EU4ME project, in cooperation with local authorities, is organising a special segment of the programme in several municipalities-Andrijevica, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tuzi, Plav and Gusinje. In these towns, cultural and artistic programmes prepared by local schools will be presented, inspired by European literature, music and art. Through performances and stage presentations, pupils and their mentors will creatively showcase European cultural heritage, linking it with the local context and contemporary expression.

"In the year in which we mark two decades since the restoration of independence, Montenegro stands on the threshold of achieving its most important strategic goal-membership in the European Union. This is the result of dedicated work, committed reforms and a clear vision to develop our society in line with European values and the highest standards. We celebrate Europe Day as a reminder of peace, solidarity and unity among nations, but also as confirmation that Montenegro already belongs to these values," the Ministry of European Affairs announced.

The "Municipalities for EU" project further expands the celebration to the local level through various activities in other municipalities across the country. Europe Day will be celebrated in Kolašin, Nikšić, Budva, Ulcinj, Danilovgrad, Berane, Žabljak, Plužine, Petnjica, Mojkovac, Šavnik, Tivat, Rožaje and Zeta. In addition to school programmes in several municipalities, celebrations in other towns will include environmental actions, fairs, artistic and educational content, as well as sports and family events tailored to the needs and interests of local communities. In this way, Europe Day is marked in accordance with the specific characteristics of each area, conveying a strong message of unity and belonging to the European space.

"The celebration of Europe Day in Montenegro symbolically brings together institutions, local communities and citizens in a shared marking of the values on which the European Union is founded-solidarity, diversity and cooperation. Numerous events across the country confirm that the European idea lives precisely where it is most strongly felt-in local communities and in the everyday lives of citizens," the Municipalities for the EU project stated.

The Europe Day celebration begins in Kolašin on 6 May, where several activities will be organised, including a concert by Marko Louis in the main square, and concludes on 29 May in Plav and Gusinje, where local schools will jointly perform a cultural and artistic programme inspired by European values.

A detailed calendar of events can be downloaded here.