The Delegation of the European Union and diplomatic corps mark the European Beach Clean-up Day

The Delegation of the European Union and diplomatic corps mark the European Beach Clean-up Day

On the occasion of the EU Beach Clean-up Day, organized for the seventh time this year in Montenegro, the Delegation of the European Union, alongside representatives of EU member state embassies in Montenegro, and young European ambassadors, gathered to clean the Ribnica riverbed near the Delegation building. For the third consecutive year, participants have come together for this symbolic action, sending a clear message that the fight for a cleaner environment "begins at home."

"With our joint efforts to clean the Ribnica riverbed, we demonstrate how important it is to take care of our environment" said Johann Sattler, the newly appointed Ambassador of the European

Union to Montenegro. "EU Beach Clean-up Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in preserving and maintaining a healthier environment and that all the efforts towards a cleaner watersides should begin right "at home", in our own neighborhood".

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern, impacting both ecosystems and human health. Most plastic waste found in waterways is single-use plastic, as significant issue the European Union has taken concreate steps to address by banning such items. Despite these efforts, it is estimated that 37 million tons of plastic waste end up in the world's rivers, seas, and oceans each year.

The European Union has been a leading force in raising global awareness of the critical need to protect marine environments. Through initiatives like EU Beach Clean-up Day, the EU has brought together citizens, civil society and governments to underscore the collective responsibility we all share in reducing pollution and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

As part of these efforts, cross-border cooperation and environmental projects funded by the EU are working to improve waste management, water quality and nature conservation, all of which are crucial to addressing the challenges facing our oceans and rivers.