Languages are bridges that connect us and help us understand one another. They open doors to new opportunities. This was the central message of the European Day of Languages celebration held in Podgorica. Pupils from Sutjeska Primary School participated in activities that demonstrated how linguistic and cultural diversity strengthens unity and fosters friendships without borders.
The event was organised by the Ministry of European Affairs and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, with the support of the projects Europe House and EU4ME, and in cooperation with the embassies of EU Member States. The aim of the event was to promote the richness of languages and cultures across the European continent.
Particular attention was drawn to an interactive memory game through which seventh-grade and eighth-grade pupils learned the basics of the languages of Austria, Romania, Italy, Greece, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Slovenia and Poland, directly interacting with representatives of the embassies of those countries.
Opening the event, Riccardo Serri, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, said that Europe consists of many countries, cultures, and languages, and that it is precisely this diversity that makes the Union strong, creative, and united.
“Languages are more than words – they are bridges. They help us communicate, understand one another and connect across borders. Each language you learn opens new doors to a culture, a way of thinking and fresh opportunities,” said Serri.
Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, reminded the audience that the European Day of Languages is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of languages and cultures on our continent, noting that more than 200 languages are spoken across Europe.
“On behalf of the Ministry of European Affairs, I can proudly say that Montenegro today is closer than ever to becoming the next member of the European Union. There is a real opportunity and an extended hand to our country, with strong support from Brussels and all EU Member States. We are aware of the major challenges and complex reforms ahead, but I assure you that our administration is working at full capacity to achieve this goal. I believe that our language too will soon join the great family of European languages, thereby contributing to the richness of the common European house,” said Papović.
Pupils were advised to learn languages, as this would one day enable them to take advantage of the many programmes offered by EU Member States and other countries, including opportunities to continue their education abroad.
The European Day of Languages is an initiative launched by the Council of Europe in 2001 in cooperation with the European Commission. Since then, it has been marked every year on 26 September across Europe.
This day reminds us that knowledge of languages is both a right and a necessity for every individual. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of language learning, encourage multilingualism, and foster intercultural dialogue among people and nations.