Europe Day in Podgorica
The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro marked Europe Day with a rich programme that brought together institutions, the diplomatic corps, artists, and citizens in a celebration of Montenegro’s European perspective
The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro marked Europe Day with a series of events in Podgorica, reaffirming its commitment to European values, partnership, and a shared future for Montenegro and the European Union.
The central reception to mark Europe Day was held at the “Špiro Mugoša” Sports Aerodrome, in the presence of the highest state officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, state and local institutions, the media, civil society, and the academic community.
Addressing those in attendance, the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, emphasised that Montenegro belongs to the European family of nations.
“Montenegro, as an old European country, is not ‘acceding’ to Europe, nor are we ‘bringing’ Europe here. It is better to say that our mission is to help Montenegro return home, to take the place that belongs to it in the European family,” Sattler said.
The ceremony was opened with performances of the European Union and Montenegrin anthems, rendered by the operatic artist Olivera Tičević, accompanied by the “Three Cellos” ensemble. A special moment of the evening was marked by the parachutists of the “Špiro Mugoša” Aeroclub, who, during the performance of the anthems, executed a helicopter jump carrying the flags of the European Union and Montenegro, symbolically affirming partnership and a shared European future.
The cultural segment of the programme was further enriched by performances from the “Ljute Kamilice” children’s choir and the Mjesna muzika “Đenović” orchestra.
As part of the Europe Day celebrations, the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, in partnership with the Ministry of European Affairs and the Capital City of Podgorica, also organised an EU Fair in the University Park. The programme was opened by the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Riccardo Serri, the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, and the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, who underscored the importance of European values, cooperation, and solidarity.
The musical segment of the programme featured performances by the O.M. band of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, the Fantom band, and Petar Wagner, while an evening concert by the regional music star Nina Badrić on the Square of Independence drew a large number of citizens.
Particular attention was attracted by the stands of 14 European Union member states – Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia – as well as numerous partners and institutions, presenting European cultures, gastronomy, educational programmes, and opportunities for cooperation.
An interactive European passport game generated great interest, with visitors touring the stands and participating in activities inspired by European traditions and cultures.
Thematic zones offered a diverse range of content for all generations – from sports and creative workshops, a photography exhibition entitled “What Does Europe Mean to You?”, a “With Wine and Colours” workshop, an innovation zone dedicated to robotics and digital technologies, through to a dog adoption programme organised in cooperation with the dog shelter.
This year’s celebration of Europe Day once again affirmed the importance of open dialogue, cultural exchange, and strong partnership between Montenegro and the European Union, through events that brought together citizens, institutions, and international partners in a spirit of solidarity and European values.