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Jul 13 2021

Montenegro's Statehood Day

Statehood Day is a holiday that occurs every year on July 13 in to commemorate the day in 1878 on which the Berlin Congress recognised Montenegro as the twenty-seventh independent state in the world.

Statehood Day is not to be confused with Montenegro's Independence Day, which is held each year on May 21 in honour of the 2006 plebiscite that indicated that 55.5% of Montenegrins were in favour of becoming a sovereign nation.

Meet Major Sanja Pejovic, SHAPE's Gender Advisor.  We asked her a few questions about her country and about Statehood Day.

Read her answers below:

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Montenegro

Major Sanja Pejovic

SHAPE Gender Advisor

1. What do you miss most about home?

Despite great Mons geographical location and proximity of the numerous European capitals, Mediterranean climate is something that most members of the Montenegrin community in SHAPE are missing the most. Belgium is a wonderful host nation but it is hard to compensate for an average of 250 sunny days in Montenegro.


2. What have you learned working at SHAPE in an international environment that you can take back to your national military?

It is well known that SHAPE is one of the most prestigious military HQ and has all the virtues and characteristics of the international environment. Working at SHAPE as the highest level military HQ is matter of prestige for each single military professional. There are not many organisations as SHAPE that gives the opportunity to work with 40+ different nations, military and civilian professionals with various backgrounds. The way in which so many nations work together in harmony, unity, respect and friendliness is fascinating. 

I will always be grateful for professional experience but also for personal one as well as for lifelong friendships I am making while in Belgium. Learning how such multinational and multicultural diversities are transformed into advantage for a heterogeneous organization as SHAPE is something that clearly I am going to bring back to our Armed Forces.


3. What is something unique about Montenegro that others might not know?

Although the 10th smallest European country, Montenegro has a lot to offer. Not just beautiful beaches and the sea, but also awesome landscapes, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains. This is the newest skiing area in Europe, the most popular is Kolašin.

From the top of the Lovcen mountain people may enjoy in the view of the six surrounding countries (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania) and in the deepest river canyon in Europe. 

Also, Montenegro hosts the impressive ~ 50% of all of Europe`s bird species – and one of them is the adorable flamingo.
Montenegrin people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. They enjoy spending free time with their families and friends.


4. During normal non COVID times how would you usually celebrate this national day?

Known in Montenegrin as "Dan nezavisnosti" this national holiday marks the anniversary of the Montenegrin independence, regained at the referendum that took place on this day in 2006. First off all we are honouring all those that fought for Montenegro's independence and freedom throughout history. The national holiday is a great opportunity for family and friends gatherings usually on open air - picnic areas in addition to different cultural events both on local and national level.

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