Gorčević: EU Accession Process Strengthens the Development Potential of Danilovgrad

“At the level of local governments, a framework is being created in which municipalities can efficiently implement EU policies and improve the services they provide to citizens. That is why it is significant that EU integration is already strengthening the development potential of Danilovgrad, while its full potential will be realized after we become the 28th EU member in 2028,” said Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, during European Day in Danilovgrad.

The working visit to the Municipality of Danilovgrad was carried out within the EU4ME project – “Support for Communicating the European Integration Process.” On this occasion, Minister Gorčević met with Aleksandar Grgurović, President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, and during the meeting they discussed development opportunities, ongoing projects, and additional potential for using EU fund resources.

“Through visits like this, we want to show that membership in the European Union is not an abstract political goal, but a process that already today brings concrete opportunities for the development of local communities and a better quality of life for citizens. Danilovgrad is a good example of how European policies and funds can be transformed into visible results on the ground,” Gorčević said.

President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Aleksandar Grgurović, stated that the Municipality recognizes European funds as a key instrument for implementing development policies and improving the quality of life of citizens.

“The Municipality of Danilovgrad is currently actively implementing a number of projects financed from EU funds, related to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, digital connectivity, as well as the development of culture and tourism. The fact that we act as the lead partner in several international and cross-border applications confirms the growth of institutional capacities of the Municipality of Danilovgrad and our recognition at the international level. Our goal is to transform European policies and funds into tangible improvements in citizens’ quality of life, new jobs, and sustainable development of our municipality,” Grgurović said.

During the visit, Minister Gorčević and President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad Grgurović visited the Art Colony, which was supported through the cross-border project “Discover Hidden Attractions,” financed through the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro.

On this occasion, she expressed satisfaction that EU funds were used in this case to enhance cultural potential in order to properly promote Danilovgrad as a recognized artistic space. Minister Gorčević also visited the “Petar I Petrović Njegoš” Gymnasium and spoke with students about the importance of Montenegro’s membership in the European Union.

“Our goal is to provide you, as decision-makers, the right to choose at all stages of personal and professional development. Be open to the opportunities that come and embrace them, because you are among the generations that fully live European values,” Gorčević said on this occasion.

Considering the recent floods that affected several Montenegrin municipalities, including Danilovgrad, Minister Gorčević and President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad Grgurović visited the household of Đusta Jokišić in Bandići, which suffered damage during the floods.

“Because of events like this, we pay great attention to strengthening mechanisms for disaster prevention and resilience, through both state and EU funds. We must increase the efficiency of our response in such situations, and that is why it is important to continuously use the support provided by the EU. Also, based on the damage assessment carried out by the Municipality of Danilovgrad, the Government will allocate funds to compensate for the damage in order to best assist the citizens of Danilovgrad,” Gorčević said.

President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad Grgurović stated that the visit to the family affected by the recent floods, as well as the assurance from the Minister of European Affairs that the Government of Montenegro will support the local government, confirms the state’s commitment to providing assistance to citizens affected by this natural disaster and helping to repair the resulting damage.

The visit to the Municipality of Danilovgrad is part of the wider campaign “European Day in Your City,” within which Minister Gorčević visits Montenegrin municipalities to promote European values, inform citizens about the benefits of EU membership, encourage local communities to actively participate in the European integration process, strengthen cooperation among local governments, and create conditions for the sustainable development of Montenegrin communities.

MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS