Government grants Josip Marković Cultural Centre in Tivat to Croatia

In a move to promote and affirm the values and heritage of the Croatian community in Montenegro, the Government, during a telephone session today, adopted a decision on regulating property and legal relations between the Government of Montenegro and the Municipality of Tivat regarding the Josip Marković Cultural Centre in Donja Lastva.

As noted, the national and public interest of Montenegro lies in supporting and preserving the identity of the Croatian minority, which is an integral part of Montenegrin society. To this end, the Government is committed to ensuring appropriate conditions for the preservation and development of the cultural, linguistic, and identity heritage of the Croatian community.

In light of this, it was deemed to be in the public interest for the property in question to be returned to the Government of Montenegro. This will fulfill an obligation to the Croatian minority, providing them with a modern and adequate space for gatherings, cultural activities, and the preservation of their heritage.

In this regard, the Government has tasked the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Assets to submit a request, on behalf of the Government, to the Municipality of Tivat for the transfer of the right to use the Josip Marković Cultural Center, after which the process of signing an interstate agreement with the Republic of Croatia will commence.

This initiative aims to affirm the Croatian community in Montenegro while strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Croatia.

Montenegro and Croatia will continue to maintain an open and constructive dialogue on this and other issues of mutual interest, fostering diplomatic cooperation and friendly relations in the spirit of shared European values and goals.