Jems
The Municipality of Ulcinj marked May 9 – Europe Day with a diverse cultural and artistic program at the archaeological site of Šas. This event was organized within the framework of the manifestation “Night of Fortresses – Goes Green”, which this year was held simultaneously at 72 locations across 11 European countries, featuring around 230 different cultural and artistic programs.
On this occasion, the opening of infrastructure works at the archaeological site of Šas was also marked. The works are being carried out within the GIFTSnet project, financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
The event was attended by high-ranking local and state officials, as well as representatives of the European Union Delegation, led by the President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, the Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, and Bernard Brunet, Head of the Cooperation Sector of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro. They initially planted indigenous pomegranate saplings as part of the GIFTSnet project, while the Fushëpranvera area within the archaeological site of Šas was enriched with 15 local pomegranate trees.
The central event was held at the Šas amphitheater and was opened by the children – the “little pirates” from the kindergarten “Dallëndyshja” (“Swallow”), with an excellent performance that impressed all attendees, prepared by educator Arta Luka.
The attendees were also addressed by officials, who spoke about the importance of celebrating Europe Day and, at the same time, preserving cultural and historical heritage, particularly the archaeological site of Šas.
The President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, emphasized that Europe Day is not only the day of the European Union, but also the day of children in Kosovo, Ukraine, and everywhere where integration is still insufficient.
“Montenegro is a frontrunner in European integration and enjoys the support of the European Union, and we are happy about that. We have fought for a long time for this step, but our rights still need to be protected, defended, and strengthened through continued hard work. For this, we need continuous and even stronger support from the Government and European institutions,” stated President Nimanbegu.
The Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, stressed that significant reforms have been implemented in recent years in the field of protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, minority rights, and equal opportunities policies, with the aim of achieving European standards and improving the quality of life of citizens.
“Our obligation is to successfully complete the accession process, but also to ensure that every citizen, in every municipality and every part of Montenegro, feels its concrete results – through a higher quality of life, more opportunities, and a safer future,” Minister Gjeka stated.
Bernard Brunet, Head of the Cooperation Sector of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, said that Europe Day carries a simple but powerful message: that states and people are stronger when they work together.
“That idea has shaped Europe for more than 70 years and is just as important today as it was in the past. Throughout this month across Montenegro, we see this idea in action – through culture, music, sports, and local traditions, as we celebrate Europe Day together across the country. These moments bring people together. They make Europe tangible. They show that Europe is not something distant, but something we build together every day – in our villages, towns, and communities,” said Mr. Brunet.
The amphitheater, specially renovated for this evening, with its unique view of Lake Šas, was filled with visitors, while guests, besides enjoying traditional food tastings, also enjoyed the humorous theatre performance “9 Souls” by the “Adriana” Theatre from Ferizaj.
