Fifty years since the Constitution of the SFRY: views and perspectives at an international conference
At the solemn opening of the international scientific conference "The 1974 SFRY Constitution – Fifty Years Later," the director of the Historical Institute at the University of Montenegro, scientific advisor Dr. Radenko Šćekić, conveyed that through such assemblies, the Institute would contribute to the development of historical sciences and the illumination of key questions from the near and distant past, in alignment with the Universitys jubilee celebrations.
"Todays topic, the Constitution as the highest legal act, fundamentally redefined the relationships within the then Yugoslav federation. Over the four and a half decades of its existence, socialist Yugoslavia changed four constitutions, indicating the continuous challenges it faced," said Šćekić. He invited scholars from the region to contribute their perspectives to the discussion on this important historical issue, noting the last decade as a period when the Constitution, instead of ensuring stability, became a point of disintegration of the state.
Prof. Dr. Čedomir Čupić from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade emphasized that history, although often contested, has a significant impact on the future, thanks to the lessons it provides. "The right moment for deep discussions on this topic is, as history itself advises, fifty years later. This is not just a regional issue; federalism, as a form of governance that has existed since the first organized states, holds global significance and varying implications over time," said Čupić.
The Vice-Rector for Teaching at the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Veselin Mićanović, reminded attendees of the significance of 1974, the year the University was founded, which marks its fiftieth anniversary this year. In celebration of the jubilee, round tables are being organized to consider the future decade-long development of Montenegro in areas such as education, economy, healthcare, law, culture, energy sustainability, transportation, reindustrialization, and digital transformation. Mićanović expressed hope that the conference would initiate many topics and lay the groundwork for considering different perspectives, which is crucial for a better understanding and advancement.