“As the saying goes: Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. The people of Montenegro have clearly made their choice,” said the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa, during the Europe Day Reception organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro in the new building of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Popa emphasised that the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts symbolises the abundance of Montenegro’s creative talent and the power of education.
“Moments like these, rich in talent, and hopeful about Montenegro’s bright future, is what I have loved most during my mandate in this beautiful country,” she added.
She said that this particular evening holds special significance for her.
“This is my last Europe Day as an EU Ambassador to Montenegro. I will be here for only a few more months,” said Popa.
While addressing the path that Montenegro still must cross within the EU accession process, Popa stated: “We all know that working on the EU accession process is not always the most glamorous job in the world. Generally, it often involves complex issues, long hours, tight deadlines, pressure, and a lot of patience. Yet, we must never lose sight of how essential this work is in building a fairer and more prosperous society, and how essential it is in making sure that Montenegro’s brilliant young people can grow, study, and prosper in a united Europe.”
Popa thanked everyone for their partnership, commitment, and faith in Montenegro’s imminent European future and concluded with Europe Day greetings.
During the Europe Day Reception, the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, also addressed the attendees, stating that the current moment represents a turning point in the accession process and that he expects all political and social actors to work even more decisively towards fulfilling tasks that lead to Montenegro’s full membership in the European Union (EU) by 2028.