Art and sport transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering inclusion and creating space for dialogue and mutual understanding, as highlighted during the exhibition showcasing photographs of young talents from the Western Balkans.
The exhibition Ready. Steady. Our Europe. marks the finale of a regional photo competition that received nearly 200 submissions. It was launched as part of the Ready. Steady. Our Europe. campaign implemented by WeBalkans. WeBalkans is an initiative of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).
Paolo Londero, Media and Public Relations Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, officially opened the exhibition. He stated that this initiative aims to engage young people from the Western Balkans, giving them the opportunity to connect, express themselves, and actively shape their future.
“The European Union (EU) recognises young people as drivers of positive change in the region. Young people are key partners in the enlargement process and play a crucial role in shaping the democratic, social, and economic future of the region,” Londero emphasised.
As he pointed out, enlargement is not merely a political and institutional journey but a process of building trust and shared values between societies.
“In this context, sport and art transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, foster inclusion, and create space for dialogue and mutual understanding,” Londero noted.
He stated that the EU remains committed to supporting youth engagement and cultural exchange as integral parts of the enlargement process, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Western Balkans.
Londero stressed that the work presented by the participants is an inspiring example of the positive role which culture and sport play in Europe’s future.
Anton Gjolaj, a representative of the Young European Ambassadors network, stated that he is part of the network because he believes in the power of young people to change society for the better and because he wants to be part of a community that connects youth across Europe and the Western Balkans.
Gjolaj is also a triathlete. He said that for him, sport is not just physical activity but a way of life that teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
“I believe sport can be a powerful tool for connecting people and spreading European values such as solidarity, respect, and inclusion,” Gjolaj highlighted.
He asserted that young people from the Western Balkans can be leaders and agents of change.
“I’m delighted that this exhibition connects sport with values I live by every day – discipline, unity, respect, and perseverance. Initiatives like this are important because they show us that sport is not only about competition, but also a platform for dialogue, understanding, and positive social change,” Gjolaj underlined.
Stanislava Marojević, Coordinator of the Young European Ambassadors Network, said that this initiative is important for several reasons.
The first reason, as she pointed out, is that young people were given the opportunity to express themselves and showcase their creativity through everyday activities.
She stated that over 180 individuals entered the photo competition, and a professional jury composed of photographers, journalists, and experts from the fields of sport and art selected three winners from each of the six Western Balkan countries.
“The next step is voting for the top three photographs. Afterwards, the winners will have the opportunity to participate in a major exhibition in one of the EU countries. It’s up to us to represent ourselves in the best light and to showcase our talents and achievements,” Marojević emphasised.
Young athlete Stefan Vidović, a Montenegrin national water polo player, spoke about the power of sport to transcend borders and connect young people.
He believes this photo competition is an excellent example of youth connection. He said that he hopes there will be more initiatives similar to this one in the future.
Anja Milić, a graduate of “Niko Rolović” High School in Bar, is the author of one of the three award-winning photographs from Montenegro. She stated that it is a great honour for her to be part of an initiative that promotes sport and art.
“As for the photo itself, there was no specific inspiration. It was a moment – something that happened,” said Milić. She added that her photo was taken during the humanitarian tournament With Heart to the Hoop, organised by her school.
The essence of the photo, she said, is to tell a broader story.
Igor Kolašinac, the author of another winning photo from Montenegro, said that his image, taken in Cetinje, depicts a group of young men playing basketball on an old outdoor court.
He explained that he chose to make the photograph black and white to highlight its essence better.