13.10.2026.

Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking Ćuprija Municipality Day

Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremonial session of the Ćuprija Municipal Assembly to mark Ćuprija Municipality Day.

During the event, the President of the Municipal Assembly, Jelena Đulinac, presented the Minister of Defence with the local government’s highest honour, the Key to the Town of Ćuprija, and the Honorary Citizen Charter, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and contribution to the renovation of the Miodrag Novaković Džudža Barracks.

At the beginning of his address, Minister Gašić expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasising its particular personal significance as “it comes from a town that has lived side by side with its military for almost two centuries, sharing both difficult and glorious moments, and feeling deep respect for those who have dedicated their lives to serving their homeland."

- For decades, the military has been a part of Ćuprija’s everyday life, a part of its economy and development. People here hold military calling in high regard and wear uniform with pride. As Minister of Defence, this is particularly important to me, because the history of this town and the history of our armed forces are so closely intertwined - said the Minister of Defence.

According to him, Ćuprija knows only too well the heavy price paid for freedom and peace throughout our history. History reminds us that the state must be capable of protecting its people, land, and interests, he said.

- That is the reason why we are investing heavily in the Serbian Armed Forces today. Fourteen years ago, we were left a military that had been weakened for years and a defence system that was suffering from chronic underinvestment. Since then, Serbia’s economy has grown stronger, and with it, our armed forces have grown stronger too. Today, we are investing in state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, infrastructure, training, and, most importantly, in the people who have chosen to serve the country. We are building a military that instils confidence in people and is capable of preserving the peace, security, and independence of our homeland. Our country’s strength also depends on the development of its towns and municipalities. Ćuprija is situated at a prime location, it has a rich tradition and, above all, hard-working, capable people. These are the foundations for its future development - Minister Gašić stressed, adding that the goal is to lay the groundwork for new investments, new jobs, and a stronger local economy, while giving young people the reason to stay and raise their families in Ćuprija.

The Minister of Defence stated that receiving the Charter was a great honour and a token of trust that can only be justified through actions.

According to him, the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces are currently considering how to reinstate Ćuprija as a military garrison next year when young conscripts start undertaking their compulsory military service.

- Unfortunately, back in 2005, a part of the military base was hived off under obscure circumstances, with no paperwork remaining in the records of either Ćuprija Municipal Hall or the Ministry of Defence. Back then, there was a systematic attempt to completely dismantle the armed forces and undermine military potential. Although certain facilities were refurbished in 2007, the military never returned. Expect major investments in the Ćuprija barracks next year and the return of the military, which, in economic terms, is equal to opening another factory in Ćuprija - Minister Gašić emphasised.

Municipal Assembly President Jelena Đulinac stated that she continuously strives for better results, faster project implementation, and creating a prettier, more attractive town. She highlighted that her primary responsibility is to listen to residents, assist them, and find solutions to their problems, because people are the municipality's greatest strength.

During the ceremonial session, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Tatjana Macura, Minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, to acknowledge her contribution to successful cooperation. Awards and certificates of appreciation were also presented to individuals and institutions that have contributed to Ćuprija’s development and promotion.