Montenegro on the rise: Solar power, language policy, and fierce passion on the football and basketball courts
I've always been drawn to places going through real 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 are talking about. I know, I know – most people still think of it as just a cheap holiday spot or a cruise stopover. But beneath the surface, things are really simmering. And I mean it.
Clean energy from the Adriatic coast
I've just been looking at the latest shots of the new Vracenovič solar plant. 100 megawatts. This isn't some small trial – it's a proper industrial-scale facility that's going to change the game across the Western Balkans. The project has just gotten its environmental green light, and from where I stand, 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 – it's real, hard fact.
At the same time, the tourism sector is making huge leaps forward. The country has launched a new quality seal for attractions and service providers, specifically 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 focusing on quality, not quantity.
Own language, own identity
One of the most fascinating things here is, of course, the Montenegrin language – or as they call it, crnogorski. It's only been the official language since 2007, and that alone tells you everything about their need to stand out from their neighbours. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia. Here, every word is a statement. They use two special characters, ś and ź, which don't exist in other South Slavic languages. A small detail, but a bloody 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: sports. The Montenegro national football team has been getting fiercer year by year. I'm not saying they're about to 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 edge of a volcano.
And then there's the Montenegro national basketball team. These guys breathe basketball. You won't find NBA stars on every corner, but they play like every match is 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, hard-tackling, and proud. No circus acts – just war on the grass.
- Basketball: Fast, tactical, and full of surprises. They never give up, even when they're 20 points down.
- Language: Crnogorski – a small but proud difference from the neighbours.
Montenegro Scenthound – a gem in a fur coat
I can't forget one rarity that says more about this country than any statistic: the Montenegro Scenthound. This breed is old – really old. They were bred for mountain hunting, and they've got unbelievable endurance and determination. A black dog with brown markings that never stops until it finds its quarry. It's the perfect symbol for this people: tough, loyal, and sometimes downright 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.