The Ministry of European Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MESI) have launched the educational and communication campaign EUbuzz, with financial support from the European Union (EU) through the EU4ME project. As part of the campaign, debates on EU-related topics will be organised in secondary schools across Montenegro. The aim of the three-month campaign is to bring EU topics closer to young people, encourage critical thinking, and motivate them to actively engage in social processes.

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The EUbuzz campaign began with the organisation of the Info Day at Europe House in Podgorica, which was attended by nearly 50 members of debating clubs from six schools in Podgorica, Nikšić, Danilovgrad, and Tuzi.

During the event, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, highlighted the importance of critical thinking related to the European integration and added that innovation, which should underpin the progress of every society, cannot exist without debate and critical thought.

“I want us to speak critically about the EU within the EUbuzz campaign, about its flaws as well as the benefits of the membership. Observe both Europe and Montenegro with critical dialogue and free thought. I hope we will also discuss what Montenegro stands to lose if it does not conclude its European path swiftly and efficiently,” Zenović said.

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He added that the MEA will continue to support young people, relying on them and maintaining communication with the entire education system.
Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, emphasised that Montenegro’s future depends on how well we succeed in adopting the values upon which the EU is founded. “This campaign reminds us that education is key to understanding and applying those values, which are the foundation of modern Europe–namely, values such as freedom, equality, solidarity, and justice,” said Jakšić Stojanović.

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The Minister added that education is one of the most important pillars of society, and the European integration provides an opportunity for Montenegro to become part of a wider European family through joint work and the exchange of experiences.

Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, stated that the debates within the EUbuzz campaign will provide a learning experience on how the EU was created and about its values.

“They say that the EU is a political and economic union. However, it is much more than that–it is a union based on values,” Ambassador Sattler explained. The Ambassador also reminded the audience of the EU’s slogan: United in Diversity.

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The Ambassador added that the EU is working diligently with the MEA and other ministries to complete the accession negotiations by 2026.

“There is a good chance that Montenegro will be the next EU member state. Political stability and a great deal of discipline are required,” Sattler emphasised, adding that the EU is also enriched by what each new member brings, and that Montenegro has much to offer. Eighteen schools from 16 municipalities in Montenegro have applied to participate in the campaign. Lola Marković from the Slobodan Škerović Secondary School in Podgorica explained how important such activities are for young people. “Through persistent work, we complement and learn from each other. It opens up horizons and paths to a better future,” said Marković.

Markovic also explained the significance of participating in debates like those which will be held as part of the EUbuzz campaign.

During the Info Day, a Guide to “Buzzing” about the European Union was presented, containing illustrated educational content on EU values, the European integration, and the potential that this process brings to Montenegro.

The author of the Guide is Melita Rastoder Ljaić from the MEA. Participants also had the opportunity to develop additional skills needed for debating EU topics during a practical exercise led by Krsto Vuković, head of the Debating Programme of Montenegro. Additionally, Young European Ambassadors Enes Pućurica and Emina Balota spoke with secondary school students about the opportunities that the EU offers to young people and how much it meant to them to learn more about the EU.

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The next Info Day is scheduled for 14 October in Berane for secondary schools from the north of the country, followed by an Info Day for schools from the south on 21 October in Budva.

In November, the debate tournaments on EU topics will be held in all 18 participating schools. The members of the winning teams will be awarded prizes and diplomas at a ceremony which will be held at the end of the year in Podgorica.