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 middle of real change. And right now, one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems, Montenegro, is buzzing with an energy that hardly anyone up here in the north talks about. I know, I know – most people still think of it as just a cheap holiday package or a cruise stop. But underneath the surface, things are simmering. Properly.
Clean energy from the Adriatic coast
I’ve just been looking at the latest shots of the new solar plant in Vracenovič. 100 megawatts. This isn’t some small trial – it’s a proper industrial-scale operation that’s going to shake up the whole Western Balkans. The project has just got its environmental green light, and take it from me, this is exactly what the country needs. Montenegro has been energy-dependent for years, but now it’s finally taking the wheel. This isn’t greenwashing – this is the real deal, hard facts.
At the same time, tourism is making huge leaps. The country has launched a new quality mark for attractions and service providers, especially to strengthen ties with the UK 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.
Own language, own identity
One of the most fascinating things here is, of course, the Montenegrin language – or crnogorski as they call it. It’s only been the official language since 2007, and that tells you everything about the need to stand out from the neighbours. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia. Here, every single word is a statement. They use two special letters, ś and ź, that no other South Slavic language has. A small detail, but bloody important. 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. The Montenegro national football team has been getting fiercer every year. I don’t mean 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 the Montenegro national basketball team. These guys breathe basketball. There aren’t NBA stars on every corner, but they play like every match could be their last. Remember their fight 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 – a small but 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. Bred for mountain hunting, with incredible stamina and determination. A black dog with tan markings that never stops until the prey is found. It’s the perfect symbol for this people: tough, loyal, and at times bloody stubborn.
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.