Montenegro on the rise: Solar power, language politics, and fierce passion on the football and basketball courts
I've always been drawn to places in the midst of change. And right now, one of the Mediterranean's hidden gems, Montenegro, is buzzing with an energy that few of us up here in the north ever talk about. I know, I know – most people still associate the country with cheap package holidays and the odd cruise. But beneath the surface, things are simmering. Properly.
Clean energy from the Adriatic coast
I've just been looking at the latest images from the new Vracenovič solar plant. 100 megawatts. This isn't some small-scale experiment – it's a proper industrial facility that's changing the game across the Western Balkans. The project has just received its environmental permit, and from where I'm standing, this is exactly what the country needs. Montenegro has been energy-dependent for years, but now it's truly starting to take control. This isn't greenwashing – it's real, hard fact.
At the same time, tourism is making huge leaps forward. The country has launched a new quality seal for attractions and service providers, particularly to strengthen ties with the British market. I've seen too many beautiful places ruined by mass tourism, but here, they're doing it right. They're investing in quality, not quantity.
A language of their own, an identity of their own
One of the most fascinating things here is, of course, the Montenegrin language – or crnogorski in Montenegrin. It's only been an official language since 2007, and that says everything about the need to stand out from its neighbours. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia. Here, every word is a statement. They use two special letters, ś and ź, which don't exist in any other South Slavic language. A small detail, but a damn important one. When someone speaks Montenegrin, they're not just talking – they're making it crystal clear who they are.
The beating heart of sport: football and basketball
But let's get to what really gets the blood pumping here: sport. Montenegro's national football team has been getting fiercer year by year. I'm not saying they'll win the World Cup tomorrow, but their passion is something you have to respect. Captain Stevan Jovetić is already a legend, but the new generation – like Nikola Krstović – brings raw power and sharp instincts to the pitch. And when Podgorica's stadium fills up, it's like standing on the rim of a volcano.
And then there's Montenegro's national basketball team. They live and breathe basketball here. There's no NBA star on every corner, but they play like every game is their last. Remember their battle in the EuroBasket qualifiers? That wasn't tactics – that was heart. And it was enough to stun the whole of Europe.
- Football: Tough, tackling, proud. No circus – just war on the grass.
- Basketball: Fast, tactical, full of surprises. They never give up, even when they're 20 points down.
- Language: Crnogorski – small, but a proud difference from the neighbours.
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound – a gem in fur
I can't forget one rarity that tells you more about this country than any statistic: the Montenegrin Mountain Hound. This breed is old – really old. They were bred for mountain hunting, and they have incredible endurance and determination. A black dog with brown markings that never stops until the prey is found. It's the perfect symbol for this people: tough, loyal, and occasionally absolutely stubborn as hell.
Next time you're thinking of a holiday destination or even a new passion, turn your gaze towards the Adriatic. Montenegro is no longer Europe's forgotten corner. It's a builder of the future, with the wisdom of an old soul. And that's something we northerners can only envy.