Podgorica, (MINA) – Even two decades after the restoration of independence, Montenegro does not have strong institutions, as a country that wants to last should have, said Atlantic Alliance President Savo Kentera.

Speaking at the conference “Montenegro 2006-2026: Lessons, Challenges and Democratic Priorities”, he said that if institutions had been built strong, it would matter less today who is in power.

Kentera, according to the Atlantic Alliance, emphasized that authorities are and must be replaceable, adding that states and institutions are not.

He believes that not enough has been done on education, the culture of public accountability and a proper understanding of patriotism.

President of YATA Montenegro Youth Danilo Popovic said that some generations inherit stable systems, while others are called by history “to finish the job”.

“That is the position of our generation in Montenegro. We must start taking responsibility. Responsibility for the quality of public life, political culture, truth in public space and the resilience of society as a whole”, said Popovic.

He emphasized that, 20 years after the restoration of independence, the state more than ever needs people who will unreservedly build it.

Acting Director General for NATO and Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Milos Nikolic said that the choice of the Euro-Atlantic path was crucial for building institutions in line with European standards.