Address by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić on the occasion of May 21st - the Independence Day of Montenegro

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a true honor to greet you this evening on behalf of the Government of Montenegro and in my own name, and to welcome you to the ceremony marking the most important holiday in Montenegro’s recent history – May 21st, the Independence Day.

All the more so because this evening is dedicated to the finest among us—those who, over the past 19 years since the restoration of independence, have received national recognition for their scientific achievements, work, and results. I am pleased that some of them are with us tonight and that we have had the opportunity during this event to personally become acquainted with their inventions and innovations—for a new era, and that future is now!

This slogan best reflects the vision of the Government I lead—a vision in which Montenegro no longer waits. We are strengthening Montenegro by reinforcing its institutions, infrastructure, education, and partnerships with the most powerful global players of our time, and we create new opportunities for all young people under this piece of our sky.

No goal is out of reach when it is pursued by a free, educated and dignified citizen.

We stand on a foundation of a millennium-long statehood, a historical continuity that is an inseparable part of European cultural heritage and European historiography. We have shared the fate of the peoples and states of our continent, and everything modern Montenegro represents is Europe in miniature. Our inherited multiethnicity, multiculturalism, and multiconfessionalism, preserved through all the historical upheavals and transformations, are values that practically prove where we truly belong, and which are finally fully reflected by the executive authority.

Next year, we will mark two decades since the restoration of independence. I am deeply confident that it is our generation’s obligation to take Montenegro—on this great anniversary—where it has always belonged: into the European Union. The next two years will be the ultimate test of our society’s maturity and readiness to collectively achieve this generational dream that is within reach. Proud of the depth, complexity and diversity we have maintained amid the ever-challenging Balkan reality, we approach the final phase of the accession process with dignity and enthusiasm.

Our intention is for Montenegro to fulfill all the requirements of the negotiation process by the end of next year and become a full EU member by 2028. Such an ambitious goal demands the engagement of society as a whole, setting aside of all differences, and requires a more efficient administration and more constructive politicians.

Allow me a brief digression. I would like to draw your attention to the names inscribed on the walls around us—1,381 recipients of national knowledge competition awards since the restoration of independence in 2006. These are the names of the best. But the question remains—have we, in these nearly two decades, truly enabled them to advance their knowledge and realize their full potential? I believe we would all give more or less the same answer. And I am just as certain we would all agree on one thing—this country simply cannot afford to lose another generation of its best.

That is why the Government of Montenegro is determined that the EU negotiation process will not be a relentless bureaucratic battle, but a socially transformative journey that brings us closer to the highest standards of the European Union and the world.

We intend for education to lead the way in that process. This is one of the reasons why we have decided to allocate the majority of Growth Plan funds over the next two years to the construction of 12 new kindergartens, 11 elementary schools, and 2 new student dormitories—as well as many other reforms that will completely change the face of our education system.

We must be aware that without knowledge, there can be no progress—at least not at the speed needed to ensure that no generation in this country waits for a promised better future, but instead lives it as they deserve.

Therefore, I ask you to give a loud round of applause this evening to Itana, Pavle, Antonija, and to all the brilliant young people, innovators, and scientists here with us—as well as those who are not—because they are the future that begins here and now.

Dear citizens,

We are marking 19 years since the restoration of independence, during which Montenegro has been internationally positioned as a NATO member and a candidate for EU membership. At the same time, domestically, we have witnessed social divisions driven by party and personal interests. I believe this experience has taught us the importance of turning to our own strengths—aware that we have no more sincere friends than ourselves, within our own community and national interest, within our own potential.

Let us focus on our real needs, challenges, and goals. Let knowledge and competence, integrity and professionalism, initiative and leadership become our true tools for preserving dignity and independence in the future.

What matters most now is to accelerate legislative reforms. The accession process of a state is not one undertaken by the Government, the Parliament, or any single social segment alone—but a shared obligation to our ancestors and descendants. That is why tonight I invite all of you to avoid division and keep at the forefront the expectations of the vast majority of our citizens—because ultimately, it is they to whom we are accountable, and for their sake, we must work tirelessly.

I am confident that each of us, and the system as a whole, will prove capable—at this decisive historical moment—of choosing, despite our differences, the clear common interest, the public good, and a long-term, bright future: membership in the European Union and a better standard of living for our citizens.

Esteemed friends,

This country has, time and again throughout its history, shown how to defend the right to be one’s own.

Today, as it marks its May 21st for the 19th time, we have the chance to show not only how to defend—but how to claim the future. A future in which no one needs to leave Montenegro to succeed, but stays—because this is a country where knowledge is worth more than any privilege.

Let this anniversary, therefore, be more than a celebration. Let it be a holiday of knowledge and excellence, a reminder that we have a chance we must not miss, a country we must love through action, and a future that must not be awaited as a miracle—but created through our own deeds.

And in that spirit—in the name of a glorious past and an even brighter future—Happy Independence Day!

May Montenegro be eternal!