Europe House Bar marked its first birthday in a spirit of unity, heritage and hope for a European future.
“We have sought to bring the European Union closer to citizens and demonstrate that it is not something distant, but rather a part of our everyday lives and our future. When we speak about the European Union, we often highlight its motto, United in Diversity. This centre represents the best example of how that motto can come to life in practice,” said Riccardo Serri, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro.
He emphasised the importance of Europe House as a place for meetings, dialogue, the exchange of ideas and co-operation among people of different interests, professions and backgrounds.
In just one year, more than 70 events, workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions and festivals have been organised and supported there.
More than 3,000 participants and visitors have passed through Europe House Bar.
“We can say that Europe House has fulfilled its mission and become a place where the European idea is not perceived as something distant and administrative, but as something that belongs to citizens, their needs, their everyday lives and their future,” said Dušan Raičević, President of the Municipality of Bar.
During the event, the Vox Maris choir performed the anthems of the European Union and Montenegro, while a video titled “One Year of Impact” was screened. Prepared by Europe House, the video presented the key achievements, partnerships and initiatives carried out during Europe House’s first year of operation.
The celebration continued in Old Town Bar, where the second part of the anniversary programme took place. This segment provided participants with a carefully organised cultural heritage experience, offering them the opportunity to explore one of Montenegro’s most significant historical and cultural sites while fostering stronger connections among institutional, diplomatic, cultural and community stakeholders.
Accompanied by professional guides, guests visited selected locations in Old Town Bar, where a series of specially curated musical performances was staged at three heritage sites.
The programme concluded at the Summer Stage of Old Town Bar, where guests enjoyed a folklore performance featuring traditional Montenegrin music.