Ocean Race comes to Montenegro, symbolizing EU accession – PM Spajić: Let’s showcase the beauty of our country to Europe

The breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Kotor will captivate the global Ocean Race family this September. This renowned yacht race will conclude its European odyssey in Montenegro, with the slogan "Connecting Europe," chosen by the organizers to symbolically mark Montenegro’s anticipated accession to the European Union.

Montenegro is ready to seize this unique opportunity to present its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage to the world. Now, more than ever, we need to show the citizens of Europe that we belong in their community. Ocean Race Europe will be instrumental in this effort. As our saying goes, ‘The eyes don’t lie,’ so we want as many people as possible to witness Montenegro at its finest, emphasized Prime Minister Milojko Spajić during a meeting with Ocean Race CEO Richard Brisius in Davos.

Ocean Race is also an excellent opportunity to extend our tourist season, which is why we are delighted it will take place in the second half of September. This adds significant value to the event for us, he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the race provides a unique platform to promote Montenegro’s underwater treasures and its rich maritime tradition. Starting in the Baltic Sea, the race will navigate through the North Sea, the English Channel, across the Atlantic Ocean, and finally reach the Adriatic Sea and Montenegro.

This is not just a sporting challenge but also an exploratory endeavor and part of a larger scientific project. The yachts, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will collect valuable data for monitoring the health of the world’s oceans.

Our competitors are thrilled to visit Montenegro because they are explorers at heart and look forward to discovering a new destination. It’s especially meaningful that the race finishes in the Bay of Kotor, as the journey is long and challenging, and the thought of the finish line keeps you going. This time, that finish line is Montenegro, said Brisius. He also explained the race’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Teams will be required to generate at least 30% of the energy used on board during each leg from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro. Using advanced technologies, we also collect a significant amount of data for scientific research. For instance, we use special filters that collect microplastics two meters below the surface, providing critical insights into the increasing presence of plastic in our oceans, he added.

During the meeting, a special Summit was announced, to be held in Montenegro in 2026. Prime Minister Spajić proposed that the event take place in May to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence.