After a successful kickoff in Nikšić, the European Tour (Evropski đir) progressed to northern Montenegro, specifically in the heart of Durmitor. The Ministry of European Affairs and the Municipality of Žabljak, with support from the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro via the EU4ME project, organized a Europe Day celebration that celebrated games, teamwork, and unity while promoting key European values.

The main event, Games Without Borders, was officially inaugurated by Radoš Žugić, the President of the Municipality of Žabljak, who highlighted that Žabljak has recently joined the Euromontana network of small mountain towns.

As a responsible local authority, we aim to showcase through our actions that European integration is achievable—not just through words, but through tangible steps—to guide our country towards full EU membership by 2028, stated Žugić.

Minister without Portfolio Milutin Butorović emphasized Montenegro’s progressing EU accession and its dedication to the European values of peace and solidarity.

From adherence to the rule of law, security, and fostering good neighborly relations, to achieving the highest standards in healthcare, education, and environmental protection, Montenegro is committed through its reforms to ensure excellence for future generations, declared Minister Butorović.

Trifun Savić, Acting Director General of the Directorate for International Cooperation and EU Funds at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development, underscored the unique significance of Žabljak—not just for its natural beauty but also for its potential to become a model of sustainable development and environmental conservation.

The event today, Games Without Borders, transcends mere competition. It provides a platform to demonstrate, through play and camaraderie, the extent of our collective achievements—to embody the European spirit of unity and recognize the impact of our actions in protecting nature, Savić stated.

Mira Vuity, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Hungary, pointed out that European integration occurs not only in Podgorica or Brussels, but also within municipalities where good governance, a clean environment, quality education, and real opportunities must be accessible to all citizens.

Your attendance today reinforces that European values are not merely theoretical concepts but a lived reality—manifested through sports, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and local development, Vuity expressed.

Today’s educational-sports program for children targeted 7th and 8th grade students from local elementary schools. Through activities combining physical, mental, and educational challenges, students gained insights into the European Union and its values while fostering teamwork.

Jelena Vujičić, a Montenegrin national alpine skier and Olympian, emphasized Žabljak’s long-standing commitment to sports and youth development.

I aspire that we, as athletes, can motivate the youth in our town to carve out their own paths, Vujičić noted.

The top performers of the Games Without Borders—from the elementary school ‘Vuk Knežević’—were awarded prizes and medals, conveying the message that the European spirit thrives and flourishes where the community nurtures it—in schools, town squares, and everyday life. Students from ‘Dušan Obradović’ Elementary School also participated in the competition.

Officials also visited the EU Info Corner, a newly established space in Žabljak dedicated to promoting European values and accessible programs. The Europe Day celebration in Žabljak is part of the wider Month of Europe initiative, jointly executed by the Ministry of European Affairs and the EU Delegation to Montenegro throughout May, aimed at promoting European topics and values in every town.