Dear citizens, esteemed officials, dear guests,

Thank you for being here with us tonight on this special day. Europe Day is not just a commemoration of the Schuman Declaration made 75 years ago — it is a living reminder of what can be achieved when our societies are built on solidarity, values, and vision, rather than fear, war, and division.

Tonight, we mark Europe Day in a symbolic way: through classical music — universal, powerful, and deeply European. We are honoured to witness the premiere of the Montenegrin symphony Europe, composed by Srđan Nikčević and Darko Bulatović. Please, a round of applause for the composers — and also for the students of the “Vasa Pavić” music school, who are here with us in the front row.

Earlier this evening, we heard a wonderful interpretation of Ode to Joy, part of Beethoven’s famous Ninth Symphony — a melody so universal and symbolic that it has accompanied all those seeking freedom, human rights, and unity, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to today’s protests across Europe and beyond.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

This is proof of what the European Union stands for — especially in a polarised world, where more and more voices promote the law of the strongest. In such a world, we are a reliable partner. We are not perfect, but we are principled. And we will never turn our backs on our core values or our partners. We will continue to support the rule of law, to defend human rights, and to stand with Ukraine.

Tonight, we are celebrating not only the Europe of today — but the Europe of tomorrow, and Montenegro’s place in that future.

You’ve heard it many times from the highest EU officials: our door is open. You are the front-runner. You can be a success story. You have the opportunity. But we have never hidden our expectations. The work must be done. The opportunity can pass.

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At the beginning of the year, valuable time was lost due to political instability. I am confident that everyone now fully understands just how crucial these next two years are. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity — and you can be remembered as the generation that brought Montenegro into the European Union.

And this is not just coming from me — it comes from the citizens of Montenegro, who overwhelmingly support European integration. You cannot be half-committed to something. You either are, or you are not. Or, as Njegoš put it: “Why soot your hands if you don't want to forge?”

The good news is that, together, we have managed to overcome the political deadlock — and nothing has been lost. Montenegro can recover and make up for the lost time. I believe you will once again regain the momentum that commanded respect across Europe. And the EU will be by your side every step of the way — with expert and political support, financial assistance, and our new Growth Plan for Montenegro.

We want to show that change is not only possible — but that it can happen quickly. Soon, you’ll see through our new environmental campaign — how fast mindsets and habits can change. We want to help you fulfil the promise of your Constitution — the promise of an ecological state — and to preserve your beautiful country for generations to come. We want to grow together, until Montenegro takes its rightful place in the European family.

Dear friends,

Like it or not, we live in “interesting times” — as the old curse goes. The best we can do is stay true to our principles, work hard, and plan for the best. So tonight, on Europe Day, I invite you to plan for Europe — to plan for that “day in a thousand colours,” as the band Perper would say — and I warmly invite you to their concert tomorrow evening on the main square in Podgorica.

This year, for the first time, Europe Day is being celebrated across all of Montenegro — from Pljevlja to Ulcinj, and from Herceg Novi to Rožaje — sending a clear message that we are all in this together and that we share the vision of a European Montenegro.

And now — let this symphony, your symphony, echo far beyond these walls, as a symbol of Montenegro’s European spirit and its steadfast commitment to a shared future at the heart of Europe.

Happy Europe Day.