PM Spajić’s address at the reception marking 20 years since the restoration of Montenegro’s independence

Distinguished citizens of Montenegro,
esteemed guests, friends of our country,

A state is not made strong by the size of its territory, the strength of its army, or artificial uniformity of thought, but by the ability of its citizens to transform their differences into a shared vision – and then to see that vision through to the very end.

That thought perfectly reflects the present moment. Two decades after the restoration of independence, Montenegro has an idea that unites and guides it – an idea whose realization has never been closer: a European Montenegro and the project of a united Europe, perhaps the last true peace project in the world.

When Montenegro was proclaimed a kingdom in 1910, Prime Minister Lazar Tomanović stated that our country had the right to take its place among nations “just like any other European state.”

More than a century later, through dedicated effort, we have built that place and proudly occupy it.

The referendum on the formal and legal status of the state was a great step – but only the first step in building the state. Day by day, through determined policies, we continue to strengthen the foundations of our independence in every field.

However, Montenegro is not what we possess, but what we choose to be every single day.

For any small state to endure forever, it must be excellent. And that is not possible without excellent people who make excellent decisions; without unity and peace with neighbours; without the rule of law; and without combining the vision of generations whose life experience deserves respect with those who bring new values and skills.

It is precisely this that the vision of a European Montenegro makes possible – one in which we do not lose ourselves or our distinctiveness, but rather give it a new dimension through formal membership in the community of the best.

This path is not a one-way street, nor is it a desire imposed by Brussels. We seek to follow it for the sake of Podgorica, Cetinje, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Bar, Ulcinj, Plav, Berane, and all our towns and cities where people wish to live better, fairer, and safer lives.

Europe is not merely a political goal or a desired destination. It is a mirror in which we see what we aspire to become – a state that protects its citizens, safeguards the rule of law, and respects the dignity of every individual.

And what we call European standards is, in essence, a measure of our readiness to become an orderly society – a conscious choice, not an obligation.

In that spirit, we continue the covenant of our ancestors, woven into the very foundations of our legal tradition: “No nation can be honorable and happy where there is no lawful court and just governance.”

The years ahead will show the extent of our ability to further improve the quality of life of our citizens, strengthen our institutions, and deepen our trust in one another.

At this moment, the greatest achievement and blessing of an independent Montenegro is that life here is good, and we can no longer speak of any form of discrimination. At the same time, we must respect differing opinions, hear and appreciate different voices – because this is the home of all of us.

What must remain constant is respect for our country, which I am convinced is greater today than at any point in the past twenty years.

The most important question is not where we were two decades ago – but what we want to become in twenty years’ time.

Do we want to be a society of divisions – or a society of trust?

Do we see one another through our differences – or through what unites us?

Do we want a Montenegro that closes itself off – or a Montenegro that moves forward?

The answers to these questions are not given by one person. Nor are they provided by institutions or by the system. They are given by all of us.

As Prime Minister, I could speak about programmes, strategies, and reforms. But I want to say something simpler:

I believe in this country. I believe in the people who wake up every morning, go to work, and do their jobs honestly. In those who protect their families as they would their homeland, and who regard their homeland as family.

May this anniversary remind us of what we can achieve when we stand together, but also of our duty – as individuals and as a society – to become better, braver, and more compassionate than we were before.

Politics is public service, and only in that form is it also a privilege. And as Prime Minister, I am aware of the special responsibility carried by those of us who have been elected to make decisions.

“The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.” That is not empty rhetoric – it is the imperative that guides me and to which I call upon all colleagues in public life.

The historical role of every generation in Montenegro has been to fight its own battles. This is ours – the battle for the European Union, for the generations yet to come.

It transcends day-to-day politics and all party, identity, and every other kind of division. History does not knock on the same door twice.

Therefore – let us open that door together!

With that in mind – Happy Independence Day.

May Montenegro be eternal!