The delegation of the Nikšić European Capital of Culture 2030 team traveled to Brussels on October 19, 2025, to present the city’s vision before a panel of European Commission experts and participate in the final stage of the competition. This candidacy represents a significant opportunity for cultural, economic, and social advancement – transforming a post-industrial city into an open, creative, and contemporary European cultural hub.
October 19 – Preparations for the Final Presentation
The day before the final presentation was dedicated to intensive preparations. The team meticulously reviewed every segment of the presentation – from the cultural program and infrastructure to strategies for sustainable development and ways to engage the local community and international partners. Each delegation member had a key role in presenting Nikšić’s vision, with the goal of ensuring that the presentation was clear, well-reasoned, and grounded in concrete projects.
October 20 – Final Presentation
On October 20, the Nikšić delegation delivered the final presentation before the European Commission panel in Brussels. The presentation was evaluated as highly professional and serious, followed by two rounds of detailed questions. The team answered all questions clearly, precisely, and convincingly, confirming that Nikšić’s candidacy was thoughtfully planned, sustainable, and capable of truly transforming the city in the years to come.
October 21 – Official Announcement
At the House of European History, the panel president, Hrvoje Laurenta, announced that Nikšić had been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2030. This recognition is a tribute to the dedicated work, clear vision, and community energy behind this project.
The Nikšić delegation representing the city in Brussels:
- Marko Kovačević – Mayor of Nikšić
- Tamara Vujović – Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro
- Mato Uljarević – Project Manager, Nikšić 2030 ECoC
- Nemanja Popović – Operations Manager, Nikšić 2030 ECoC
- Aljoša Matović – Outreach Manager, Nikšić 2030 ECoC
- Lucija Strunjaš – International Cooperation PR, Nikšić 2030 ECoC
- Darko Aleksić – Administrative Manager, Nikšić 2030 ECoC
- Nataša Krivokapić – Professor, Faculty of Philosophy, Nikšić
- Anđela Nikčević – Project Manager, IPC Tehnopolis
- Nina Bogdanović – Art Historian
- Miljan Mijušković – Cultural Advisor to the Mayor of Nikšić
Their presentation reflected the spirit of our city, Nikšić’s readiness to shine on the European cultural stage and its ability to meet all standards and expectations of this prestigious recognition.
This is a victory for all of us – for everyone who loves Nikšić, lives it, creates in it, and believes in its potential.