18 April 2019 - Numerous environmental campaigns, with an emphasis on climate change and environmental protection, will be held in Montenegro on April 22 - Earth Day.

On this occasion, Montenegrin Olympic Committee (MOC), Montenegrin Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme will sign a Cooperation Agreement on the realization of the Games of the Small States of Europe, which will be hosted by Montenegro from May 27 to June 1.

As announced by UNDP, with the slogan “Be fair by nature”, Montenegro 2019 is part of the Programme “Green Games”, supported by Olympic Solidarity, whose goal is to create a sustainable sport event. It consists of 3 phases: the creation of the environmental standards related to the organisation of sporting events, education, and promotion.

The project of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee "Not just a field game – be fair by nature", which promoted sport and its role in environmental protection was rated as one of the best projects in this area within the Olympic solidarity of the International Olympic Committee.

For the organization of Games MNE2019, the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, as the leading carrier of this project, will employ more than 500 volunteers, over 250 members of associations and clubs as well as 50 employees from five Montenegrin municipalities working in sports, that will all undergo training which integral part will be a GREEN aspect of the MNE2019 Games.

The goal of education, but the complete project as well, is that all national associations and their technical staff pass training and adopt these solutions and recommendations, and implement them when organizing all future events in Montenegro.

"More than five thousand people from all over the world have applied to participate as one of 450 volunteers who will contribute to the organization of Games and help the organizers to present Montenegro as a good host," the statement said.

The UNDP said that Montenegro would host competitors from Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Iceland, Monaco, Luxembourg, Andorra, Malta and San Marino.

After the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation, as announced, a tree planting project is planned in front of the Morača Sports Centre in Podgorica, with the participation of the Mayor and officials of UNDP, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and the MOC.

"The tree planting will be organized simultaneously in Budva, Tivat and Cetinje in the presence of the city’s Mayors and representatives of the organizers of the Games of Small European Countries - Montenegro 2019," said the official announcement.

18 April 2019 - During the past week, President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received the President of the Parliament of Iceland Steingrimur Sigfusson, who was on an official visit to Montenegro.

The President of Montenegro expressed his satisfaction with the visit of the Icelandic Parliament President, which represents an opportunity for further improvement of relations between the two countries.

"With the exceptionally positive emotion and the relationship that Montenegro has towards Iceland, the country that first recognized our independence and ratified the NATO accession protocol, the dynamics of the meeting at the high and highest level opens up the impression that the relations of the two countries will continue to go only as an upward line," said the President of Montenegro.

He particularly pointed out the possibilities of cooperation in the field of agriculture and fisheries, as well as the exchange of experiences in tourism, investment, and trade. Referring to the achievements of Montenegro in the period since the renewal of independence, Đukanović briefed the interlocutor on the priorities of state policy after joining NATO, integration into the EU and the continuation of dynamic economic growth.

"The date of admission to the EU does not burden us; we are committed to this process primarily because we want to be part of the European value system. That is why we are strongly committed to implementing institutional and structural reforms and creating a stable investment environment," he said.

The President recalled the reasons for the decades-long lag of the Western Balkans for a developed Europe that warns that there is no alternative for this region and that it is important to catch the connection with European development and thus strengthen the stability of the Western Balkans. 

The President of the Icelandic Parliament highly assessed the relations of the two countries with excellent predispositions for strengthening cooperation. In addition to fishing and trade tourism, he pointed out the possibility of joint action in the field of energy. President Sigfusson expressed full support for Montenegro's integration aspirations, recognizing that integration is an optimal framework for improving the quality of life of citizens in this region. European relations for Montenegro can only bring good, he stressed.

"It is jointly estimated that Montenegro and Iceland as small countries through intensive dialogue and cooperation can further affirm their positions on the international scene and through the principles of multilateralism. We must work as small countries together, and this is why we are more and more wondering among big players," said the Parliament President in Iceland, adding that international cooperation of small countries is vital.

The first "Bar Spring Joy” festival was opened at the Square of Vladimir and Kosara today. By April 26^th, in the square and other places, a dozen diverse and entertaining, educational and humanitarian programs will be set up primarily for children, from creative workshops and games in search for Easter eggs in the park of King Nikola's Castle.            

During the festival, the stands at the square will be selling decorative ornaments, paintings, garments, jams, cakes and other specialties, and money from the souvenir sale and other handicrafts are intended for the financing of the National Kitchen.

"As the event takes place at the time of the most joyful Christian holiday, between Catholic and Orthodox Easters, the citizens of Bar and their guests will be able to buy beautifully decorated eggs and wonderful festive decorations at the square. In the preparations and organization of the event members of the NGO "Women of Bar with the Big Heart", “Bar Educational Center" and DES "Scene", with the support of Tourist Organization Bar, Cultural Center, CDM Press and Olive Society Bar," have been working for days, announced Gordana Vujovic from the organizing team.

She added that the Festival would bring together children from preschool institutions "Svetionik" and "Mala bajka", pupils of elementary schools "Yugoslavia", "Blazo Jokov Orlandic", "Mexico" and "Anto Djedovic", Karate club "Bar" "24^th November" and "Jadran , the ensembles of the cultural and artistic societies "Jedinstvo", "Rumija" and "St. Jovan Vladimir", "Creative Studio “Male ruke”, Dance Studio “Habanera”, the small actors from the Acting School of Des" Scene". The festival is also assisted by members of the Youth Volunteers Club "Klupko" as part of the project "OCD Portret" implemented by the Active Society Fund and the US Embassy in Podgorica.

The highlight of the first festival will be on 25th of April in the gallery Velimir A. Lekovic, a sales exhibition of paintings donated by artists from Bar as their support to the National Cuisine.

"We hope that the citizens of Bar, who many times showed that they are noble and generous people will visit the exhibition, buy some of the paintings and help those who need it most," concluded Vujovic.

Text by Radomir Petric, on April 16th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

The contest of high school bands called DANILOVGRADATION will be held on May 10th at the plateau next to the river Zeta. At the event, organized by the Gymnasium "Petar I Petrovic Njegos" from Danilovgrad, the Ministry of Education with support from the Danilovgrad Municipality, ten bands from 10 Montenegrin gymnasiums will compete.

Each band will perform three compositions -one they've authored, and two already known compositions, in Montenegrin and a foreign language.

The first placed band will have the opportunity to record their song in the studio, while the second and third prizes will receive musical equipment which is necessary for the band. Marija Bozović & Band will play in the inaugural part.

The goal of this event, as suggested by the organizers, is to encourage young people to consume high-quality and healthy content. As the project relies entirely on the attitude of the Ministry of Education that institutions should work to encourage extracurricular activities and to profile youth tastes. That is why, among other things, the "Day of Art Education" project with Zetski dom was realized, during which several thousand children had the opportunity to visit the Royal Theater and the National Museum

Director of the Danilovgrad High School, Natasa Latkovic, said this is an important event.

"At the institutional level, we send a message that we will fight for quality to take place in the lives of young people. We will not leave them to the mainstream, but we will do our best to direct them and show that they have our support," Latkovic said. The Ministry of Education spokesperson Milica Lekic said that the quality of human life is measured, among other things, by his capacity to perceive the world around himself, to develop a constructive critical opinion and to be a creator, but also a consumer of high-quality content. The bands that will compete are KOTOR - Kotor Gymnasium - SUNSET, CETINJE - Cetinje Gymnasium - IVAN CRVENI, ROZAJE – Gymnasium 30th September”. SILENCE, NIKSIC - Gymnasium "Stojan Cerovic" - NE BILO ROCK-A, BAR - Gymnasium "Niko Rolović" - KRUG, PODGORICA - Gymnasium "Slobodan Skerovic" - ABISSYA, BIJELO POLJE - Gymnasium Miloje Dobrasinovic "- LITTLE DOTS, BERANE - Gymnasium" Panto Malisic "- ALT, PLJEVLJA - Gymnasium, Tanasije Pejatovic" - BISERI PLJEVALJA, DANILOVGRAD - Gymnasium, Petar I Petrović Njegos "- NOEMA.

Text by Vijesti online, on April 16th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Montenegro, Alison Kemp visited the Teacher's Parliament of the Economy-catering high School (EUS) in Bar and participated in the panel "Without Plastic" devoted to the consequences of using plastic products on the environment. The Ambassador met high school students in Bar with the active campaign in the UK, pointing to endangered natural resources in Montenegro and invited young people to engage actively with relevant services and institutions.

"Mitar Radonjić from the Niksic Institute for Social and Educational Policy (ISOP) pointed out the lack of proper treatment of car tires in Montenegro, the devastation of the forestry fund over the past five years, during which over 30 percent of the trees were destroyed over 80 years, as well as the results of the ISOP Environmental and Animal Protection Team called "Green Patrol." During the panel discussion involving over 60 students and professors, there were student's comments on the recent ecological incident in the schoolyard when cypresses several decades old were illegally cut. Student Masa Kovacevic met the participants of the panel with the school's ecological section, led by professors Dragica Radović and Danijela Djokovic, whose projects received international awards," said professor of EUS Mr. Nedjeljko Djurovic.

The panel was held within the “Climate Diplomacy” project, an educational program for the pupil population, whose main representatives are in the diplomatic missions in Montenegro. It is implemented by ISOP with the Podgorica Youth Implementation Council and its goal is to promote a viable and "green" economy, and that our youth through the presentations by the diplomatic representatives is acquainted with the appropriate ecological practices of the countries they come from.

Text by Radomir Petric, on April 18th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Brewery "Trebjesa" and Niksicko Beer extended the sponsorship agreement with the Montenegrin Football Association, which has continued its long-standing support to the development of Montenegrin football.

A two-year sponsorship contract was signed by the Executive Director of "Trebjesa" Sanja Calasan and the President of the Montenegrin Football Association Dejan Savicevic.

"Today, with the signed sponsorship, we continue to support the Football Association and the National Team, as well as our company's investments in the development and popularization of the sport in Montenegro. The brewery "Trebjesa" supports different sports groups, both smaller as well as those at the national level," said Sanja Calasan, Executive Director of the brewery " Trebjesa".

"In addition to supporting the Football Association, we also prepared several activities for lovers of the most important sport in the world. We as the sponsors, players, but also the entire football community share the same dream - placement in the upcoming European Championship. I hope that dream will be realized and celebrated - with Nikcicko Beer."

President of the Montenegrin Football Association Dejan Savicevic expressed his satisfaction in continuing the cooperation with Trebjesa.

"I am extremely pleased that today we have the opportunity to extend the cooperation agreement with one of the most important Montenegrin companies, which has been active for many years on the sports scene of our country. The Football Association has a trusted partner in Niksic brewery who is very pleased to participate in the development and promotion of sports, especially football. We are confident that the outstanding relationship between this company and the Football Alliance will last much longer than it is stipulated by the contract signed today and that the cooperation will be even more successful than in the previous years.”

Text by Promo, on April 18th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Radio Boka went on air for the first time in Herceg Novi on April 17^th, 1979, two days after the devastating earthquake that hit the Montenegrin coast. The program of Radio Boka was carried out by the leading journalists of ex-Yugoslavia from Belgrade, Sarajevo and Podgorica, and they worked daily in a metal container placed at the square in front of the municipal building. Radio Herceg Novi, which began to broadcast the program on the same radio-frequency after two years on 25^th May 1981, according to employees, inherited the tradition of Radio Boka.

On this occasion, a cocktail party was held, bringing together representatives of the municipality, councilors, colleagues, former editors and employees. Executive Director Dubravka Perovic announced the beginning of the work of the television that will happen under the same roof as the radio but on the new premises.

Radio Boka was a "tough" media, technologist Djuro Krnic said, who as a radio amateur was in "the first set up." "The program was broadcast in the middle frequency, and it was listened to from Ulcinj to Dubrovnik and up to Bilece. The work was done with an old technique, but when one of our colleagues came from some bigger media houses, after listening to our program and seeing where the program was being broadcasted, he would be puzzled and in disbelief, Krnic said.

"I was a student in Belgrade when in the summer of the unfortunate 1979, I came to my Herceg Novi. I was astonished by the appearance of the city, but also by the enormous desire and strength of the inhabitants to renew their homes as soon as possible and to continue their normal lives. Randomly, my high school professor, Zarko Bulatovic, then journalist and editor of TV Titograd, suggested that I should help in creating a program of Radio Boka, which went on air only two days after the earthquake.

It was a big challenge for me, the first journalist real job in extraordinary circumstances. There was supposed to be daily visits to the ravaged Herceg Novi Riviera, listening to and recording various sad stories, people who were left without a roof above their heads, but also those who were encouraged with the help coming from all sides. My first report was from Kumbor," journalist Rada Djakovic recalls.

She reminds editors and experienced journalists who came from the great media centers of the former SFRJ, especially from Radio Titograd: Vlatko Ivanovic, Vladimir Gojnic, Bozidar Terzic. "I dreaded when I handed over the handwritten text for them to look at, before going on air. She says that she forever remembers the hot summer in a small metal container, on the plateau in front of the municipal building, from where the program was broadcasted with two big tape recorders by the brand "Studer" and chronicles of the municipalities: Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat.   

Despite all technological advances, the radio is today the fastest medium - at the same time the media that continually confront us with reality and leaves enough space for imagination - because there is no image just a living word.

This also applies to Radio Herceg Novi from the moment we first went on air. As a media founded by the Municipality - we watched and experienced everything that the city had experienced, all the fractures in society, all the ups and downs, the bad and the good times. We have breathed and continue to breathe with the city," said journalist and editor of Radio Herceg Novi, Vitka Vujnovic.

Text by Slavica Kosic, on April 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

April 18, 2019 - To meet the high tourist season, the local Tourism Organization of Herceg Novi, in cooperation with National Tourism Organisation, is about to launch a so-called "road show" promotion in the pre-season and the post-season in the cities of the region. The aim is to extend the season and increase the number of tourists in May, June, September, and October.

April 18, 2019 - Kotor is a member of numerous international organizations and has twin cities around the world. In the context of regional cooperation, cooperation with Dubrovnik, Split, Mostar, and Ohrid has intensified in the past period. Kotor is also a member of international associations of cities that are based on UNESCO's principles of development for the areas of universal importance, multiethnic principles of spreading the culture of peace and the integrating principles of the European Union.

April 18, 2019 - The Ninth ODUPRISE protest will be held on April 20th at 7 pm in front of the Montenegrin President's building, announced the organizers and called "all the free citizens to say together that there is a lot of corruption and autocracy, and that we are those who fight and work for this country. "