Podgorica, (MINA) – The voices of the young must be heard equally as those of institutions, because they are the generation that will live European standards and shape the country’s future, it was heard at the “Ask the Minister” Forum on Thursday.

The Forum was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) as part of the EU4ME project funded by the EU, on the occasion of April 4, Students’ Day.

Ministers of European Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, Culture and Media and Tourism, Maida Gorcevic, Ervin Ibrahimovic, Nik Gjeloshaj, Tamara Vujovic and Simonida Kordic, spoke with around 60 students from all universities in Montenegro about Montenegro’s readiness for the obligations and opportunities that full EU membership will bring.

“They also exchanged views on the challenges, opportunities and strategic directions of the country’s development”, the MEA announced.

Gorcevic congratulated students on the upcoming holiday and praised their willingness to actively participate in decision-making and the development of society.

She presented the Government’s plan to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026 and secure Montenegro’s EU membership by 2028.

Students discussed with Ibrahimovic the impact of global events on Montenegro, as well as the importance of foreign policy improving regional relations, and the activities undertaken by the department with the aim of increasing the visibility and influence of Montenegro in international organizations.

Gjeloshaj spoke with students about the opportunities of starting their own businesses and developing startups and the changes EU membership will bring in that field.

Vujovic pointed out the connection between culture and economic development, innovation and European integration.

Kordic spoke about the importance of air connectivity for tourism development and the impact of the intensification of flights by low-cost companies and global events on the upcoming tourist season in Montenegro.