NVO GLAS, u okviru regionalnog projekta „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“, objavljuje šesti intervju u seriji razgovora sa mladima i omladinskim liderima evropskih vrijednosti. Projekat ima za cilj da osnaži ulogu mladih u evropskim integracijama i reformskim procesima, podstičući njihovo aktivno učešće u oblikovanju budućnosti Crne Gore i regiona.
Naš sagovornik ovoga puta je Zoran Dabetić, državni sekretar u Ministarstvu ekologije, održivog razvoja i razvoja sjevera Crne Gore, koji svojim obrazovanjem, iskustvom i javnim angažmanom predstavlja primjer kako znanje i odgovornost mogu postati temelj modernog i evropski orijentisanog društva. Rođen u Beranama, Dabetić je po završetku školovanja izgradio bogatu akademsku i profesionalnu karijeru u oblasti međunarodnih odnosa i diplomatije, koju je dodatno usavršavao kroz međunarodne programe i istraživanja. Doktorirao je 2024. godine, a tokom svog profesionalnog puta bio je prepoznat po posvećenosti javnim politikama, mladima i temama održivog razvoja.
Kao najmlađi državni sekretar u Vladi Crne Gore, Dabetić ističe značaj aktivnog uključivanja mladih u evropske integracije, posebno kroz razvoj lokalnih zajednica, zelene politike i digitalnu transformaciju. U razgovoru koji je vodila Milica Dedić, izvršna direktorica NVO GLAS, on govori o ulozi mladih kao pokretača promjena, izazovima „zamora od proširenja“, važnosti obrazovanja i prilika koje evropski procesi nude novim generacijama. Njegove poruke naglašavaju da je budućnost Crne Gore u rukama mladih ljudi koji razumiju da evropske integracije nijesu apstraktna politička tema, već put ka društvu zasnovanom na znanju, održivosti i zajedničkim vrijednostima.
NVO GLAS: Kao najmlađi državni sekretar u Ministarstvu ekologije, održivog razvoja i razvoja sjevera, koji ste i akademski i profesionalno usko vezani za međunarodne odnose, kako vidite ulogu mladih u procesu evropskih integracija Crne Gore?
Zoran: Mladi su ključni akteri evropskih integracija, jer predstavljaju generaciju koja će najduže živjeti sa rezultatima tog procesa. Njihova energija, inovativnost i spremnost da prihvate nove vrijednosti i standarde, čine ih neophodnim partnerima u izgradnji evropske Crne Gore. Oni nisu samo korisnici procesa, već i njegovi kreatori.
NVO GLAS: Koliko Vaše lično iskustvo iz studija i rada u inostranstvu može poslužiti kao primjer i inspiracija mladima da budu aktivniji u evropskim procesima?
Zoran: Moje iskustvo pokazuje da obrazovanje i rad u inostranstvu otvaraju nove perspektive, grade samopouzdanje i jačaju osjećaj odgovornosti prema društvu. To može biti motivacija mladima da se uključe u evropske procese, jer im pokazuje da otvorenost ka svijetu vodi ka većim mogućnostima i ličnom razvoju.
NVO GLAS: Na koji način iskustva sa evropskih univerziteta i institucija oblikuju Vaše viđenje evropske budućnosti Crne Gore?
Zoran: Iskustva sa evropskih univerziteta i institucija pokazuju koliko je važno ulagati u znanje, istraživanje i međusobnu saradnju. Crna Gora može graditi budućnost na evropskim principima meritokratije, inovacija i otvorenosti, što će značajno unaprijediti kvalitet života i institucionalnu stabilnost.
NVO GLAS: Da li smatrate da su mladi trenutno dovoljno informisani o konkretnim koristima i obavezama koje proizlaze iz procesa pristupanja EU?
Zoran: Mladi nijesu u dovoljnoj mjeri informisani o konkretnim koristima, ali ni o obavezama koje proizlaze iz evropskog puta. Informacije su često apstraktne i politički obojene, što smanjuje njihovu praktičnu vrijednost za mlade ljude.
NVO GLAS: Kako izbjeći da evropske integracije ostanu apstraktan politički proces i učiniti ih vidljivim i opipljivim za mlade u svakodnevnom životu?
Zoran: Potrebno je pokazati konkretne koristi — od studentskih razmjena, podrške startapovima, do modernizacije lokalnih zajednica. Mladi će se identifikovati sa procesom tek kada osjete da evropske integracije donose promjene u njihovom neposrednom okruženju.
NVO GLAS: Šta bi po Vašem mišljenju moglo najviše motivisati mlade da se uključe u monitoring i kreiranje javnih politika povezanih sa EU agendom?
Zoran: Najveći motivator jeste osjećaj da se njihov glas čuje i uvažava. Ako mladi vide da njihovo učešće dovodi do konkretnih promjena, biće motivisani da aktivno učestvuju u kreiranju javnih politika.
NVO GLAS: Kao neko ko dolazi sa sjevera Crne Gore, kako ocjenjujete potencijal mladih iz ovog regiona da doprinesu razvoju i evropskim integracijama?
Zoran: Mladi sa sjevera imaju ogroman potencijal, jer su navikli na izazove i razvili otpornost. Ako im se pruži adekvatna podrška kroz obrazovanje, infrastrukturu i zapošljavanje, oni mogu biti stub razvoja i evropskih integracija.
NVO GLAS: Koji su glavni izazovi sa kojima se mladi na sjeveru suočavaju u odnosu na vršnjake iz većih gradskih centara kada je riječ o pristupu informacijama, resursima i mogućnostima u EU procesima?
Zoran: Glavni izazovi su ograničen pristup informacijama, manja dostupnost kvalitetnog obrazovanja i slabija povezanost sa međunarodnim mrežama. Ovi faktori umanjuju njihove šanse da u potpunosti iskoriste evropske programe.
NVO GLAS: Kako se razvojna politika Ministarstva može strateški povezati sa angažmanom mladih u projektima koji prate evropske standarde, posebno u oblasti ekologije i održivog razvoja?
Zoran: Ministarstvo može kreirati posebne programe i fondove za projekte koje vode mladi, sa fokusom na ekologiju, cirkularnu ekonomiju i obnovljive izvore energije. Tako se mladima daje šansa da budu lideri promjena u skladu sa evropskim standardima.
NVO GLAS: EU snažno insistira na zelenoj tranziciji i održivom razvoju. Kako mladi u Crnoj Gori mogu postati ključni akteri u sprovođenju tih politika?
Zoran: Mladi mogu postati lideri u zelenoj tranziciji kroz učešće u inovativnim projektima, startapovima i istraživanjima koja promovišu obnovljive izvore energije i zaštitu životne sredine. Njihova kreativnost i digitalne vještine ključne su za ovu transformaciju.
NVO GLAS: Da li postoje planovi Ministarstva da kreira programe u kojima bi mladi imali aktivnu ulogu u praćenju i unapređenju ekoloških standarda?
Zoran: Da, Ministarstvo planira kreirati programe koji uključuju mlade u monitoring ekoloških standarda, posebno kroz volontiranje, digitalne platforme i saradnju sa školama i univerzitetima.
NVO GLAS: Kada biste morali mladima objasniti evropske integracije bez političkog jezika — kako biste ih opisali u jednoj rečenici?
Zoran: Evropske integracije su proces u kojem gradimo društvo sa više mogućnosti, sigurnosti i sloboda, kako bi naš svakodnevni život bio kvalitetniji.
NVO GLAS: Šta biste poručili mladom čovjeku koji vjeruje da evropske integracije ne utiču direktno na njegov život?
Zoran: Poručio bih mu da su integracije upravo ono što oblikuje njegovu budućnost — od prilike da studira u inostranstvu, do sigurnijeg tržišta rada i čistije životne sredine.
NVO GLAS: Koja bi bila Vaša ključna poruka kreatorima politika u Crnoj Gori u vezi sa uključivanjem mladih u evropski put zemlje?
Zoran: Ključna poruka jeste da mladi nijesu dekor procesa, već njegova suština. Bez njihove energije i vizije evropske integracije Crne Gore neće biti potpune.
Kroz razgovor sa Zoranom Dabetićem postaje jasno da su mladi ključni akteri evropskog puta Crne Gore – ne samo kao korisnici promjena, već kao njihovi stvarni kreatori. Njegova poruka mladima da vjeruju u sopstveni potencijal i aktivno se uključe u procese koji oblikuju njihovu budućnost predstavlja snažan podsjetnik da evropske integracije počinju upravo od inicijative i energije mladih ljudi.
Regionalni projekat „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“ realizuje se u partnerstvu sa organizacijom BIRC iz Sjeverne Makedonije (nosilac projekta), CFID sa Kosova i NVO GLAS iz Crne Gore, uz podršku Western Balkans Fund-a i kofinansiranje Evropske unije.
Interview with Zoran Dabetić: Youth as Drivers of European Transition
Within the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans”, NGO GLAS presents the sixth interview in the series of conversations with young leaders of European values. The project aims to strengthen the role of youth in European integration and reform processes, encouraging their active participation in shaping the future of Montenegro and the wider region.
Our interviewee is Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development of Montenegro, whose education, professional experience, and public engagement exemplify how knowledge and responsibility can serve as the foundation of a modern, European-oriented society. Born in Berane, Dabetić built an impressive academic and professional career in international relations and diplomacy, further enriched through international programs and research. He earned his PhD in 2024, and throughout his career has been recognized for his commitment to youth, public policy, and sustainable development.
As the youngest state secretary in the Government of Montenegro, Dabetić emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in European integration, particularly through local development, green transition, and digital transformation. In the conversation conducted by Milica Dedić, Executive Director of NGO GLAS, he reflects on the role of young people as drivers of change, the challenge of “enlargement fatigue,” the importance of education, and the opportunities that European processes bring to new generations. His message underscores that Montenegro’s European future lies in the hands of young people who understand that integration is not an abstract political idea, but a path toward a society based on knowledge, sustainability, and shared values.
NVO GLAS: As the youngest State Secretary in the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, who is both academically and professionally closely connected to international relations, how do you see the role of young people in the process of Montenegro’s European integration?
Zoran: Young people are key actors in European integration, as they represent the generation that will live the longest with the results of this process. Their energy, innovation, and readiness to embrace new values and standards make them indispensable partners in building a European Montenegro. They are not only beneficiaries of the process but also its creators.
NVO GLAS: How can your personal experience from studying and working abroad serve as an example and inspiration for young people to become more active in European processes?
Zoran: My experience shows that education and work abroad open new perspectives, build self-confidence, and strengthen one’s sense of responsibility toward society. This can serve as motivation for young people to engage in European processes, as it demonstrates that openness to the world leads to greater opportunities and personal development.
NVO GLAS: In what way have experiences from European universities and institutions shaped your vision of Montenegro’s European future?
Zoran: Experiences from European universities and institutions show how important it is to invest in knowledge, research, and mutual cooperation. Montenegro can build its future on European principles of meritocracy, innovation, and openness, which will significantly improve the quality of life and institutional stability.
NVO GLAS: Do you believe that young people are currently well informed about the concrete benefits and obligations arising from the EU accession process?
Zoran: Young people are not sufficiently informed about the concrete benefits, nor about the obligations that come with the European path. The information is often abstract and politically colored, which reduces its practical value for young people.
NVO GLAS: How can we prevent European integration from remaining an abstract political process and make it visible and tangible for young people in their everyday lives?
Zoran: It is necessary to demonstrate concrete benefits — from student exchanges and startup support to the modernization of local communities. Young people will identify with the process only when they feel that European integration brings visible changes to their immediate environment.
NVO GLAS: In your opinion, what could most strongly motivate young people to get involved in monitoring and creating public policies related to the EU agenda?
Zoran: The greatest motivator is the feeling that their voices are heard and respected. If young people see that their participation leads to concrete changes, they will be motivated to actively take part in shaping public policies.
NVO GLAS: As someone coming from the north of Montenegro, how do you assess the potential of young people from this region to contribute to development and European integration?
Zoran: Young people from the north have enormous potential, as they are accustomed to challenges and have developed resilience. If they are provided with adequate support through education, infrastructure, and employment, they can become a pillar of development and European integration.
NVO GLAS: What are the main challenges that young people from the north face compared to their peers from larger urban centers when it comes to access to information, resources, and opportunities in EU-related processes?
Zoran: The main challenges are limited access to information, lower availability of quality education, and weaker connection with international networks. These factors reduce their chances to fully benefit from European programs.
NVO GLAS: How can the Ministry’s development policy be strategically linked with youth engagement in projects that follow European standards, particularly in the field of ecology and sustainable development?
Zoran: The Ministry can create special programs and funds for projects led by young people, focusing on ecology, the circular economy, and renewable energy sources. In this way, young people are given the opportunity to become leaders of change in line with European standards.
NVO GLAS: The EU strongly emphasizes the green transition and sustainable development. How can young people in Montenegro become key actors in implementing these policies?Zoran: Young people can become leaders in the green transition through participation in innovative projects, startups, and research initiatives that promote renewable energy sources and environmental protection. Their creativity and digital skills are essential for this transformation.
NVO GLAS: Are there any plans within the Ministry to create programs where young people would have an active role in monitoring and improving environmental standards?
Zoran: Yes, the Ministry plans to develop programs that involve young people in monitoring environmental standards, particularly through volunteering, digital platforms, and cooperation with schools and universities.
NVO GLAS: If you had to explain European integration to young people without using political language, how would you describe it in one sentence?
Zoran: European integration is a process through which we build a society with more opportunities, security, and freedom, making our everyday lives better.
NVO GLAS: What would you say to a young person who believes that European integration does not directly affect their life?
Zoran: I would tell them that integration is precisely what shapes their future — from the opportunity to study abroad, to a safer labor market and a cleaner environment.
NVO GLAS: What would be your key message to policymakers in Montenegro regarding the inclusion of young people in the country’s European path?
Zoran: The key message is that young people are not a decorative element of the process, but its essence. Without their energy and vision, Montenegro’s European integration will not be complete.
Through this conversation with Zoran Dabetić, it becomes clear that young people are the key actors in Montenegro’s European path — not only as beneficiaries of change but as its true creators. His message to young people — to believe in their own potential and take an active role in shaping their future — serves as a strong reminder that European integration begins with the initiative and energy of youth.
The regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” is implemented in partnership with BIRC from North Macedonia (project lead), CFID from Kosovo, and NVO GLAS from Montenegro, with the support of the Western Balkans Fund and co-financing from the European Union.