Instead of in that city, the ceremonial opening of the 19th school of diplomacy “Gavro Vuković” was held in Cetinje, and the decision did not pass without reactions – starting from the Municipality of Berana, all the way to some parties from the state government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is behind the organization of the summer school, first sent a letter to the Beran local government.
“We ask that for the purposes of the official opening of the Summer School for Young Diplomats “Gavro Vuković” on June 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., only the national flag of Montenegro will be displayed at the Gavro Vuković Memorial House,” the MFA stated in the letter, and was reported by the local media there.
Lutovac also announced himself
But apparently the other side did not listen to the request. Instead, the President of the Municipality of Berane Đole Lutovac announced last night that the opening of the event was moved because of the prominent tricolor.
“The Montenegrin tricolor is not a symbol that should cause anyone’s discomfort. On the contrary, it is the historical flag of Montenegro, under which this country gained international reputation, built institutions and conducted its foreign policy,” he announced.
Lutovac, however, did not specify the reason for not heeding the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Šćekić: Is this a refreshed Montenegro?
The New Serbian Democracy, the Democratic People’s Party, and the Socialist People’s Party also announced their comments, with the former minister and president of the Berane municipality, and today the leader of the People’s Trust Movement, Dragoslav Šćekić, making comments.
“Every day a new negative surprise, or rather an insult and attack on the history of Montenegro. If these are the results of a “refreshed” Montenegro, then, unfortunately, I have to say, it started to suffocate us more and more – all of us who perceive Montenegro as a place for everyone and who fought for these “changes”, said Šćekić.
Young diplomats in the Government House
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not make any announcement regarding the criticisms. Instead, they informed the public about the opening of this year’s school. The ceremony was held in the Government House in Cetinje, in the presence of the head of diplomacy, Ervin Ibrahimović, and the permanent representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova.
As announced by the MFA, this year’s school gathered young diplomats from 48 countries.
“Successful diplomacy rests precisely on understanding and dialogue, which implies respect for the principles of international law. It will depend on your generation how ready the world will be in the future to solve common challenges through cooperation and mutual respect,” said Ibrahimović, opening the event.
The school program lasts until June 26, and after the opening in Cetinje, it will continue in the following days in Kolašin, Žabljak, Budva, Kotor and Podgorica.
