The Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro Johann Sattler on an official visit to Nikšić

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Ambassador Johann Sattler, paid an official visit to Nikšić today, where he met with the municipal leadership and representatives of civil society, and visited projects supported by the European Union.

In his meeting with the President of the Municipality, Marko Kovačević, and the President of the Municipal Assembly, Milica Lalatović-Žižić, Ambassador Sattler discussed the development priorities of Nikšić, particularly in the context of the city's forthcoming role as the European Capital of Culture 2030. He underlined that this recognition represents an important opportunity for long-term investment in culture, sustainable development, and the quality of life of citizens.

As part of his visit, Ambassador Sattler joined local councillors and the city leadership in planting a linden tree, one of 41 trees donated by the European Union as a gift to the people of Nikšić. The Ambassador highlighted the symbolism of the linden in European tradition – representing values that unite communities, bridge differences, and reflect the essence of shared European heritage.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

"I am encouraged to see local representatives working hand in hand in the best interest of the people of Nikšić. Places like Nikšić, with its proud tradition of resilience, antifascism, and the enduring pursuit of freedom, deserve more opportunities like this one, which bring people together, foster open dialogue, and nurture mutual trust," said Ambassador Sattler.

The Ambassador then joined a clean-up action along the Gračanica River, organised within the national environmental campaign Čuvaj da te čuva, reaffirming the campaign's achievements to date: the remediation of five ecological blackspots, the establishment of a digital platform for reporting environmental violations, the creation of a specialised police unit for environmental crime, and the procurement of the first tyre-shredding machine.

"Our gathering here today is intentional. The Gračanica River is among the most polluted in Montenegro, with consequences for local biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of citizens. But it also represents a clear opportunity. When a country succeeds in protecting its smaller rivers, it demonstrates its capacity to safeguard larger ecosystems as well. Let this moment mark the turning point for Gračanica, from a symbol of neglect to a measure of responsible policy and successful restoration," added Ambassador Sattler.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

The visit concluded with a tour of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Technopolis, as well as several other local initiatives supported by the European Union – notably a cross-border cooperation project in the field of reproductive health, through which preventive screening services and specialised medical equipment have been made available in local health institutions, and a successful local agribusiness managing an expanding apple plantation and modern fruit processing facility.

Ambassador Sattler underlined that support to local projects and communities has a direct impact on the quality of life and creates opportunities that encourage young people to stay and build their future in their own communities – which remains one of the essential goals of Montenegro's European path.