CEV President and Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister discuss CEV EuroVolley 2028 bid

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Aleksa Bečić held a reception for a high-profile CEV delegation during their official visit to the Balkan country. CEV President Roko Sikirić was at the helm of the group, which included CEV First Vice President Ivan Knežević, President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation Frane Žanić, and the local hosts, President and Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, Nikola Kažić and Ivan Bošković.

Deputy Prime Minister Bečić and the CEV leadership jointly congratulated the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, led by President Kažić, on the successful organisation of the Montenegrin Cup finals contested on March 30 in Budva. The quality and importance of this event was cemented by the presence of the highest representatives of European Volleyball, confirming the growing reputation of Montenegrin Volleyball and their rising status on the international stage. Bečić emphasised that sport is one of the most important bridges for cooperation and friendship in the Balkans. He particularly highlighted, offering his congratulations on their recent election, the significance of the fact that the European Volleyball Confederation is currently placed under the leadership of representatives from the region – President Sikirić from Croatia and First Vice President Knežević from Serbia – who, through their joint work and dedication, confirm that unity and cooperation are the paths to success and a bright future.

“It is beautiful to see how the National Federations of our countries cooperate and complement each other with such sincerity, friendship, and team spirit. Therefore, I strongly support the idea that Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia submit a joint bid to host the CEV EuroVolley 2028, which will, I am sure, receive unequivocal support from the Government of Montenegro. This would be a historic moment and the culmination of this wonderful regional Volleyball cooperation we are witnessing, but also a guide for other sectors of our countries showing the paths we should take. We will continue to support the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro as a Government because the strategic approach, dedication, and enthusiasm they demonstrate in the development of Volleyball and its further popularisation among the youngest generations are deserving of great respect and support,” said Bečić.
 
CEV President Roko Sikirić praised Montenegro’s progress in the development of Volleyball, highlighting that despite being one of the youngest members of the CEV, Montenegro’s commitment to the sport has brought notable results, both in promoting Volleyball and improving sports infrastructure. “Support from the government leadership is crucial for the development of sports. Your five-hour presence on Sunday evening at the final matches in both categories is proof of this dedication, for which the European Volleyball Confederation expresses its deep gratitude. Be proud of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, which has a clear vision for the development of Volleyball in your country, and on that journey, you can count on our full support,” Sikirić concluded.