EU supports volunteering and social activism in candidate countries

The European Union promotes volunteering as a positive social value and financially supports the activism of young people in countries that strive for EU membership, because it develops solidarity among the citizens of Europe and countries of democratic value.

The forum "Be socially active. Make a contribution" was organised at the Gymnasium "Slobodan Škerović", within the EU4ME project funded by the European Union, and implemented by UNDP. Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević and Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Aivo Orav spoke about the importance of social activism of young people and the development of empathy. Following the Forum, they showed their activism by planting fifteen seedlings in the courtyard of the Gymnasium.

Speaking with high school students, Drljević pointed out that volunteering has an impact on common European values, such as solidarity, democracy, equal opportunities, self-respect and respect for other cultures, and that on these foundations we are building a common life and future within the EU.

"Volunteerism and socially responsible behaviour is one of the values that exists in Montenegro. This is confirmed by the students of this school who contribute to these values through daily actions within their volunteer club. We are here to learn from you and show that, if we work together, we can do more and better," the Chief Negotiator stressed.

"The whole society should contribute to the accession of Montenegro to the EU, which is why the activism of the young people is very important, so that they can influence the Government to be more efficient in doing its job. The EU promotes activism and believes that civil society should be more functional, and therefore financially supports it," Ambassador Orav noted.

Director of the Gymnasium Zoja Bojanić-Lalović emphasised that the mission of this educational institution is to prepare young people for life and to teach them that the moral and social satisfaction is greater than the material satisfaction.