CorD Magazine, December 2022, Issue No. 218

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The views expressed in this publication are those of the presenter; they do not necessary reflect the view of publications published by alliance international media

If the euphoria felt around Serbia ahead of the match against Brazil was a classic example of Serbia’s unrealistic expecta tions, then Vučić’s policy on Kosovo is the exact opposite: based on realistic expecta tions. That is to say, on the expectations of the Brussels Agreement of April 2013, which the EU moderated and sponsored. Vučić never talks about Kosovo being brought back under full Serbian sovereignty, but rather always emphasises the need for compromise.

The West – from U.S. Ambassador Hill in Belgrade to Borrell in Brussels – seems to have shown a higher degree of sensitivity towards Serbia, while Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti has been warned about any further delays to the liberalisation of visas for citizens of Ko sovo. Of course, Serbia has also been warned that “sensitivity” is limited and implies the optimising of solutions in a format that isn’t excessively flexible, but that is subject to various forms of euphemistic bravado and a series of implications without the kind of explicitness that could harm someone’s narrative, i.e., could the Community of Serb Municipalities be at least Republika Srpska “light”?

Representing a warning to Serbia is the latest Resolution on EU enlargement emerging from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which once again seeks that Serbia impose sanctions against Russia. European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilčik notes that this is a “political signal”, although Tanja

BY ZORAN PANOVIĆ

Limited Sensitivity

If Serbia’s World Cup match against Brazil in Qatar proved to be a major tactical defeat for Serbia (0:2), then the agreement reached on vehicle license plates between Belgrade and Priština in Brussels was, as President Vučić has said, a minor tactical victory

Miščević, as Serbia’s minister for European integration, rationalises the whole thing by citing the non-binding nature of the Reso lution, which doesn’t imply the freezing of European funding for Serbia.

There is nevertheless serious engineering in an attempt to bring to a close the crisis that began less than a year after Tito’s death – with the 1981 Albanian demonstrations in Kosovo (though the crisis can actually be traced back much deeper into history) – in the context of the war in Ukraine. The West is rushing.

There is nevertheless serious engineering in an attempt to bring to a close the crisis that began less than a year after Tito’s death – with the 1981 Albanian demonstrations in Kosovo (though the crisis can actually be traced back much deeper into history) – in the context of the war in Ukraine. The West is rushing

You will hear in diplomatic circles that Washington has opted for “strategic patience” towards Serbia, which means that there is now no “Holbrooking” – a term coined to illustrate Richard Holbrooke’s brutal dip lomatic practises. The same sources stress that the “geopolitical vacuum” – that state of “exhausting limbo” – is the worst possible state of affairs for Serbia. The introducing

of sanctions against Russia is a ritual issue, while the essence is in the negotiating of a breakthrough towards a final binding agree ment for Kosovo.

You may not have noticed that the Ameri cans no longer mention the Bytyqi brothers, which could also be a gesture in the afore mentioned sensitivity. If this November had commemorated the centenary of World War I victory, as was the case in Paris in 2018, we doubt that the protocol of France’s Elysée Palace would have made what daily news paper La Figaro characterised at the time as an “unacceptable lapse” and placed Kurti (like Thaçi in 2018) in a better spot than Vučić.

Both Macron and Scholz are trying to offer a “crunchier carrot”. And Borrell is sounding a lot like Claude Lévi-Strauss when talking about a “structural solution” for Kosovo. And I also heard that, if they could choose, the Russians would rather we didn’t impose sanctions against them than remained staunch on the Kosovo issue.

Instead of the 2007 “two Germanies” plan of German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, Demostat has learned that the “Ischinger plus” model (yes, that’s the current “crunchier carrot” of Scholz and Macron) is now on the table. The agreement doesn’t envisage mutual recognition or for Belgrade to, in any way, enable Priština to join the UN, but it does envisage a clearer perspective on full EU membership for Serbia, significant economic assistance, protection for the rights of Serbs based on the Ahtisaari Plus model, as well as help for Serbia in freeing itself from its energy dependence on Russia.

Isn’t that a little gentler?

VÁRHELYI / EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENLARGEMENT

Serbia Strategically Chose To Join The EU

We need more and not less engagement with the Western Balkans during these unprecedented times. And we will continue our strong political and financial support to all partners in the Western Balkan region, including Serbia, on their path to EU membership. The EU counts on Serbia as a sincere partner that stands in support of our shared values, security and prosperity ~ Olivér Várhelyi

OLIVÉR

REGION

The normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, through the EUfacilitated dialogue, is essential for future peace and stability in the region

Speaking before the European Parliament on the eve of the recent adoption of the Resolution on the new EU enlargement strategy, also known as Picula’s report, European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi emphasised the importance of the part of the document that confirms that enlargement “remains a strategic investment in stability and prosperity on the European continent”. The adopting of the Resolution has caused concern in Serbia over assertions that link the imposing of sanc tions against Russia not only to the country’s further progress on integration, but also to Serbia’s access to European funds intended for candidate countries. Speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine, Várhelyi says that Serbia is considered as having made a strategic choice when applying for EU membership. And that decision implies the alignment of Belgrade’s foreign policy with that of the EU.

 Commissioner Várhelyi, considering the latest annual EC report on Serbia, which assessments do you consider as being the most important and how will the report impact on the pace of Serbia’s further EU integration path?

Serbia made important advances on its EU accession path over the last year.

By now, 22 of the 35 chapters have been opened in the accession negotiations. With the opening of negotiations under Cluster 4, overing the Green agenda and sustainable connectivity, in December last year, following reform progress, including on the constitutional reform in the area of the judiciary, Serbia really leapt forward.

In our latest report, we have also confirmed our assessment that Serbia has fulfilled the benchmarks to open Cluster 3 (Competitiveness and inclusive growth).

In addition to these developments, it is important to underline that Serbia’s progress on the rule of law is essential and will continue to determine the overall pace of accession ne gotiations. We are therefore looking forward to working with the new government to speed up these reforms.

In the current geopolitical context, it is also clear that Serbia needs to step up its efforts to align with EU positions on foreign policy,

EPC

The aim of the EPC is to offer a platform for high level political discussions between European countries and partners, and is not about replacing existing EU policies and instruments, including enlargement

ENLARGEMENT

Our enlargement policy – based on strict, but fair conditionality and the principle of one’s own merits –applies to anyone

including declarations and sanctions, in line with the negotiating framework. Finally, it is also necessary to make progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.



It was recently suggested, during discussions regarding the European Parliament’s Resolution on the new EU enlargement strategy, that Serbia’s fur ther integration process should depend on the readiness of Belgrade to impose sanctions against Russia. How do you, in your capacity as enlargement commissioner, view this?

We need more and not less engagement with the Western Balkans during these unprecedented times. And we will continue our strong politi cal and financial support to all partners in the Western Balkan region, including Serbia, on their path to EU membership.

Serbia made a strategic choice, when ap plying for EU membership, to be part of our politically and economically integrated bloc. Serbia’s decision implies aligning its foreign policy with that of the EU.

The EU recognises that challenges need to be tackled in this context and we are helping

The EU recognises that challenges need to be tackled in this context and we are helping Serbia to address certain challenges, but we also need Serbia to help us overcome the biggest European peace and security challenge since World War II

Serbia to address certain challenges, but we also need Serbia to help us overcome the biggest European peace and security challenge since World War II. The EU is counting on Serbia as a sincere partner that stands in support of our shared values, security and prosperity.

Alongside the obligatory imposing of sanctions, as a new condition for the Eu ropean integration process to continue, there is also increasingly vocal mentioning of the old condition: recognition of Ko sovo’s independence. Considering evaluations from the new report on Serbia’s progress, which relate to the dialogue with Pristina, to what extent do current relations between Belgrade and Pristina serve to slow down Serbia’s EU integration process?

There are no ‘new conditions’. The negotiating framework with Serbia speaks very precisely about the achieving of the comprehensive normalisa tion of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, in the form of a legally binding agreement by the end of Serbia’s accession negotiations, with the prospect of both sides being able to fully exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities.

The normalisation of relations between Bel grade and Pristina, through the EU-facilitated dialogue, is essential for future peace and sta bility in the region. Progress on this dialogue

also determines, together with the rule of law, the overall pace of EU accession negotiations with Serbia.

Our expectation is that both sides engage more constructively in negotiations on the

legally binding normalisation agreement in the coming period, and that they both show a readiness to compromise to make rapid and tangible progress.

 Early October saw the Czech Re public host the first meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which brought together the leaders of the 27 EU member states and ap proximately 20 other states seen as potential EPC partners – from Iceland and the UK, via Ukraine and Moldova, to the Western Balkans. How should the EPC concept be properly understood?

The aim of the European political community is to offer a platform for high level political discussions between EU countries and neigh bouring partners.

It was high time to have a platform that offers the opportunity for such a dialogue, where we can address the most burning issues of common interest to strengthen the European continent’s security, stability and prosperity.

It is feared in the Western Balkans that the EPC represents a kind of substitute to EU enlargement, due to there currently being a lack of interest in enlargement within the EU, as evidenced by the many years of delays in advancing the status of North Mac edonia and Albania, as well as the slow progress of Montenegro and Serbia. Do you think the EPC will influence the pace of accession negotiations with candidate countries?

As I mentioned, the aim of the European political community is to offer a platform for high level political discussions between Euro pean countries and partners, and is not about replacing existing EU policies and instruments, including enlargement. I think this format provides a good opportunity to have a seat at the table to discuss issues that are of common interest to the whole continent.

Moreover, besides being a good place to meet and discuss issues of common interest, it can also offer the opportunity to build trust and mutual understanding on certain issues between our Western Balkan Partners and EU Member States.

There is an impression in the region that the EPC has now prioritised the strengthening of ties between the EU and Ukraine, and perhaps Moldova, as opposed to the countries of the Western Balkans, which have been following stringent and complicated EU accession procedures for decades.

There are no ‘new conditions’. The negotiating framework with Serbia speaks very precisely about the achieving of the comprehensive normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, in the form of a legally binding agreement by the end of Serbia’s accession negotiations, with the prospect of both sides being able to fully exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities

This is not the case.

In the last year, major developments have taken place on the EU Western Balkans enlargement agenda. For the first time since the revised enlargement methodology was applied, last December we opened a cluster of four chapters in one go with Serbia. July’s first intergovern mental conferences on accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia were a major breakthrough. This opened a new chapter in the EU’s enlargement policy. And in our last Enlargement Package we have recom mended the granting of candidate status to Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken.

There are no shortcuts to enlargement. Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are subject to the same expectations in the accession process.

Joining the Union that’s been built on freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights remains a powerful vision for many citizens on our continent. We provide all our support to the countries to live up to these criteria. Our enlargement policy – based on strict, but fair conditionality and the principle of one’s own merits – applies to anyone.

Even though the citizens of Western Balkan countries have been represented at the Conference on the Future of Eu rope, opinion polls conducted in these countries show a decline in the number of people who see the EU as their future home. For example, a survey conducted among the Serbian youth revealed that only 39% of young people support the country joining the EU, with 33% op posed and 28% undecided. How do you see these figures?

These surveys are perhaps important to some extent, but they do not ask the real questions: would you want the same living standards in Serbia as in the EU; would you want to use the opportunity existing within the EU? These questions might prompt completely different answers.

The Serbian leadership has repeatedly con firmed the strategic objective of Serbia to join the EU. I welcome this decision and agree with it. This is the best option for Serbia to secure long-term peace and stability, including through the creation of a prosperous and suc cessful economy and society. This is what we are working on. We need to show tangible benefits that are convincing for people. Reforms may be difficult, but they are in the interests of both Serbia and Serbian citizens. The EU is, and will remain, Serbia’s main political and economic partner and the country’s biggest donor.

 According to the latest analysis of Carnegie Europe, the EU accession of Western Balkan countries has stalled due to both issues within the Union and within the region itself. It suggests that renewed commitment is required on both sides to break the current impasse. However, given the ongoing political and economic challenges caused by the war in Ukraine, is it realistic to expect such a commitment?

There is already such a commitment. Earlier this summer, EU leaders reconfirmed their full and unequivocal commitment to the EU member ship perspective of the Western Balkans. The European Council called for an acceleration of the accession process and for the further advancement of gradual integration between the European Union and the Western Balkans. A lot is being done to give effect to this call to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans. For instance, through participation in EU programmes and agencies, through the implementation of Stabilisation and Associa tion Agreements, the Economic and Invest ment Plan and inclusive regional cooperation frameworks, but also through the fostering of regional economic integration that can help establish bridges with the EU Single Market.

I look forward to making further break throughs in the Common Regional Market. We continue to show solidarity with our partners in the region and are providing support for their economic recovery, energy and food security, and for their society. For instance, in addition to our already extensive support on energy transition in the Economic and Investment Plan, we are now putting forward an Energy Support pack age for our Western Balkan partners worth one billion euros, in order to provide support in the context of the current energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

The surveys are perhaps important to some extent, but they do not ask the real questions: would you want the same living standards in Serbia as in the EU; would you want to use the opportunity existing within the EU? These questions might prompt completely different answers

H.E. ILIR BOÇKA

AMBASSADOR OF ALBANIA TO SERBIA

The three countries of the Open Balkan Initiative are like those boys from the suburbs whose neighbours don’t permit them to play in their big and beautiful stadiums. We, the small countries of the Western Balkans, have created a local championship, where we train ourselves and play among one another to stay fit for upcoming matches, as well as to combat the stress of the long wait ~ Ilir Boçka

Preparing For The Champions League

EU MEMBERSHIP

The feeling of frustration caused by the long wait among the countries of the region, as well as the “enlargement fatigue” felt among EU member countries, have been real phenomena for a long time

Relations between Albania and Serbia “resemble a construction site with a signpost that reads ‘Work in Pro gress’,” says Ambassador Ilir Boçka speaking in this CorD Magazine interview. And while the quality of the two countries’ political relations are largely dependent on contrasting views of the situation in Kosovo, on the other side is the impact of the movement of a large number of people in both directions, through tourism, which has brought “positive feelings in human relations and has broken stereotypes,” explains the Albanian ambassador. He insists that it isn’t difficult for him to imagine a day when the citizens of one of our countries will find employment in the other country without major problems, a contribution to which is pro vided by the regional agreements signed recently.

Your Excellency, in your capacity as ambassador of Albania to Serbia, how do you see the recent signing of several agreements within the scope of the Berlin Process, which should ease mobility and freedom of movement among citizens of the Western Balkans?

- Firstly, thank you for this possibility to be with you. I see this moment, the meeting in Berlin and the agreements signed between the countries of the Western Balkans as a focal point and a return to the real life of the Berlin Process, with the emphasis on address ing some challenges and issues that have been under discussion for a long time. The return of attention to the region of the Western Balkans, especially now in the background of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, seems to be the most normal reaction of Germany and the other countries of the European Union.

Do you believe in the possibility of a future in which Albanians, with recognised diplomas, will gain employment in Serbia, while Serbs will find work in Albania?

SECURITY

Maybe both the EU and NATO should, in the future, consider the Western Balkan egion as being a more important factor in terms of overall security

SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO

Albania, for reasons that are known, has supported and continues to support the actions of the government of Kosovo to consolidate independence and the state in Kosovo, as well as its efforts on international recognition

Workers and specialists

construction,

transport

advantage

the opportunities offered by the regional labour market in both Serbia and Albania. The Open Balkan Initiative has also offered a great possibility to have work permits ready in the short term

- Of course, it is a great facility for the realisation of the right to free movement and employment, and this has been in the process of being real ised for some time now. For four years, both sides, Albanian and Serbian institutions, have mutually agreed to recognise diplomas and have simplified the procedures, according to well-known European models. Workers and specialists in fields like construction, tourism and transport have begun taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the regional labour market in both Serbia and Albania. The Open Balkan Initiative has also offered a great possibility to have work permits ready in the short term.

in fields like

tourism and

have begun taking

of

Some analyses consider initiatives like the Berlin Process and the Open Balkan as a kind of consolation prize for Balkan countries, compensating for the slow process of EU member ship negotiations. What is your view?

- It’s true. The feeling of frustration caused by the long wait among the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as the “enlargement fatigue” felt among EU member countries, have been real phenomena for a long time. I will il lustrate the similarities or differences between the Berlin Process and the Open Balkan Initia tive with a metaphor from the beloved sport of football. The three countries of the Open Balkan Initiative are like those boys from the suburbs whose neighbours don’t permit us to play in their big and beautiful stadiums. We, the small countries of the Western Balkans, have created a local championship, where we train ourselves and play among one another to stay fit for upcoming matches, as well as to combat the stress of the long wait. Through these initiatives, we learn to “play” and to stand together; we try to show others that we are capable, good and worthy to play together with them in the Champions League. which would be the European Union.

Albania has yet to start formal EU accession negotiations. What do you believe is causing the delay?

- I think that Albania and North Macedonia have already started the negotiation process since July 2022. The state administration in Albania has started seriously working on concrete files that will soon find themselves on the negotiation table.

Does the recently presented Euro pean Political Community concept only serve to distance the Western Balkans from EU membership, or does it represent an opportunity to forge new forms of association?

- At the moment, it seems to me that the European Political Community concept is a discussion of a theoretical nature and that it has not yet reached the stage of discussing concrete issues. The real developments around us are rapid and violent and the time demands unity from all, a clear vision, energetic action to

It is apparent that both parties understand the reality that opposing positions on issues like Kosovo should not become an obstacle for the advancement of relations between the two countries. In the continuation of this idea, we can say that this new reality of relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Serbia also serves to improve the political climate in the Western Balkan region

face these major existential challenges that have been laid before citizens, states and alliances. Maybe the EU and NATO should consider the Western Balkans in the future as a more important factor in terms of security. Therefore, the same question can be asked in a different way: to keep them close, or rather very close.

Relations between Albania and Ser bia are generally viewed through the scope of personal interactions between Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Aleksandar Vučić. With the exception of that relationship, how would you describe current bilateral relations between our countries?

- Relations between Serbia and Albania resemble a construction site where it is written in bold letters “Work in Progress”. In these relations there is movement and dynamism, but also issues. They have the potential to progress, but there is also a problem: Kosovo, as an issue on which both parties have opposing positions. The resolution of this issue and the advancement of the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue will also mark a very favourable moment in the development of relations between Albania and Serbia.

I strongly agree with you when you say that interpersonal interactions between Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Aleksandar Vučić generate positive energy in this process.

In which areas has our cooperation advanced the most; would that be tourism?

- We have very positive indicators in the field of the tourism sector, because the impact of the movement of a large number of people in both directions has brought positive feelings in human relations, has broken stereotypes of the past and has improved the climate of human and business relations etc. The agreements reached within the scope of the Open Balkan Initiative have created opportunities for further development in invest ments, agriculture and energy.



To what extent is our bilateral cooperation negatively influenced by Albania’s support for Kosovo’s uni laterally declared independence, as well as Albania’s lobbying on behalf of Kosovo in international organisations?

- It is true that the subject of Kosovo has been, and remains, a factor that has always influenced our relations. Albania, for reasons that are known, has supported and continues to support the ac tions of the government of Kosovo to consolidate independence and the state in Kosovo, as well as its efforts on international recognition. This is not a secret. We have tried to ensure that our attitude towards Kosovo doesn’t become an obstacle in the development of bilateral relations between Serbia and Albania. It is apparent that both parties understand the reality that opposing positions on issues like Kosovo should not become an obstacle for the advancement of relations between the two countries. In the continuation of this idea, we can say that this new reality of relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Serbia also serves to improve the political climate across the Western Balkan region.

Do you agree with the assessment of Brussels and Washington, D.C. that a Community/Association of Serb Municipalities must be formed in Ko sovo, in accordance with the accepted provisions of the Brussels Agreement?

- As a diplomat, and as ambassador of Albania in Belgrade, I should avoid any discussion of issues that pertain to the sphere of bilateral relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Of course, in prin ciple, I am for seriousness when it comes to the implementation of obligations that arise from the agreements signed in Brussels or elsewhere. I would also state that the product of these agree ments should be aligned with the Constitution and the laws of Kosovo, because otherwise it will not work and would create new problems.

What do you expect from the elections for the Councils of National Minorities, which you were familiarised with by the candidates of Albanian political options from Preševo and Bujanovac.

- I followed the census conducted in Serbia in October with great attention. The reason was due to the fact that it captured the registration of the Albanian minority living in the three municipalities of the Preševo Valley in the south of the Republic of Serbia. I heard from observers of international organisations and specialists talking with regard to the positive feedback they gave to the organisers of the

The voter registration and voting process was conducted in a correct manner and the Albanians of the Preševo Valley, like all other minorities in Serbia, exercised their constitutional right to elect their members in these National Councils

census, including with regard to the registra tion forms in Albanian, the training of census personnel of Albanian ethnicity, as well as the fact that the process was developed correctly in all areas and municipalities where Albanians reside. I wish and hope for the process to be completed in the same way it began. I have also heard from Albanian activists, as well as

from foreign observers who are monitoring the registration, that some irregularities were observed in one of the municipalities where members of the Albanian minority live, particu larly in Medveđa, where some party officials and administrators of the municipality in question created difficulties in the process, while also contradicting the council and the directives of the authorities of the Statistical Office.

Another important activity involving the Albanian minority was the elections for the National Councils of Minorities, which took place in November. The Albanian minority in the three municipalities participated in the electing of the National Councils. Accord ing to foreign observers and official reports, the election process ran smoothly. The voter registration and voting process was conducted in a correct manner and the Albanians of the Preševo Valley, like all other minorities in Serbia, exercised their constitutional right to elect their members in these National Councils. Both activities are so important in the political, economic and social life of minorities.

GLOBAL DIARY

SHADE

SLOVENIA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT

Natasa Pirc Musar (54), a lawyer, won the second round of Slovenia’s presidential election and will be come its first female head of state. She won 53.86 per cent of votes in the runoff, while her rival, right-wing politician and former foreign minister Andze Logar, won 46.14 per cent.

“I will do my best to be a true president for all, to work for fundamental and constitutional human and democratic rights and democracy,” Pirc Musar told reporters after claiming victory.

Although the role is mostly ceremonial, the president is commander in chief of the armed forces and also nominates several top officials, including the central bank governor. Natasa Pirc Musar will replace Borut Pahor who has been active in politics for 30 years.

EU MONEY

SLOWLY SLIPPING AWAY FROM HUNGARY?

In September, the EU’s executive called for an estimated €7.5 billion in European funds to be withheld from Hungary over corruption concerns after it triggered a new rule of law mechanism. The Hungarian government could get the money if it passed 17 remedial measures negotiated with the Commission

DUBAI TRANSFORMS AMONG THE WORLD’S FITTEST COUNTRIES

According to a new report, the UAE’s physical index score has risen by almost five points. The improvement in citizens’ health over the last four years is in line with the growth of key community initiatives, among them, the an nual Dubai Fitness Challenge. Conducted by global health ser vices company Cigna Insurance Middle East, the Cigna 360 Wellbeing Survey showed that the UAE is now among the fittest countries in the world, with a physical index score of 65.4 compared to a global average of 60. The survey gathered data on key markets, including Australia, China, the USA, the UK and Spain.

before November 19. Budapest sent the necessary paperwork by 19 November with Justice Minister Judit Varga describing herself last week as “very optimistic” the funds would be disbursed. But the European Commission’s assessment is that Budapest has not delivered and it has decided to refer the matter to the EU Council. EU countries are therefore expected to vote on this in mid-December with a qualified ma jority necessary to block the disbursement.

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago” ~ WARREN BUFFETT, CEO OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

CHILDREN

FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 KICKS OFF WITH GRAND OPENING IN QATAR

With a grand opening ceremony, FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off in Qatar on 19th November which saw per formances by international celebrities. The ceremony started with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar arriving at the stadium surrounded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to a roaring crowd, while American actor Morgan Freeman spoke about hope, unity and tolerance in dulcet voice and an Arabian theme with camels. Singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS along with Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi per formed in the new tournament song called ‘Dreamers’. It may be mentioned that Qatar is the smallest nation to host football’s biggest global event. The opening match is being played between Qatar and Ecuador at Al-Bayt Stadium in Doha.

SPAIN’S KING CHARLES V’S SECRET CODE CRACKED AFTER FIVE CENTURIES

A team of researchers have cracked a five-century-old code which reveals a rumoured French plot to kill the Holy Roman Emperor who was also King Charles V of Spain.

SPAIN PREPARES FOR WINTER DROUGHT

Under the new Catalan rules, pools cannot be refilled, showers are limited to five minutes, many municipal fountains have been turned off, cars cannot be cleaned, and gardens can only be washed two days a week. Pri vate water companies will alert authorities if households are using too much water. So far, drinking water has not been cut but unless the heavens open soon, authorities may have to impose more restrictions in Barcelona and more than 500 towns in this northeastern region. It’s the second area in Spain to impose water restrictions. Seville cut water supplies in September after a long summer when temperatures reached as high as 47 degrees Celsius near Cordoba in southern Spain.

SPENCER TUNICK GATHERS 2,500 VOLUNTEERS FOR MASS NAKED PHOTO

Around 2,500 people stripped off for a naked photoshoot on Australia’s Bondi Beach, designed to raise awareness of skin cancer. The crowd gathered to take part in the latest work by US photographic artist Spencer Tunick, who is known for naked photo shoots at important landmarks around the world.

Charles was one of the most powerful men of the 16 th century, presiding over a vast empire that took in much of western Europe and the Americas during a reign of more than 40 years. It took the team from the Loria research lab in eastern France six months to decipher the letter written in 1547 by the emperor to his ambassador in France.

“We have an opportunity to raise awareness about skin checks and I’m honoured ... to come here, make my art and just celebrate the body and protection,” Tunick said at the beach in Sydney, according to Reuters. It is Tunick’s fourth project in Australia, following on from a 2010 shoot in which he gathered some 5,500 people at Sydney’s famous Opera House. He is partnering with Skin Check Cham pions, a charity that runs free, educational skin check clinics.

“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow” ~ A. P. J. ABDUL KALAM, FORMER INDIAN SCIENTIST AND POLITICIAN

How could the U.S. midterms impact foreign policy?

No Storm On The Horizon

Following the unexpected retaining of the balance of power between the Democrats and Republicans after the midterm elections marking the halfway point in the mandate of President Jo Biden, it seems that U.S. policy on Ukraine won’t change drastically, as was suggested. The U.S. attitude towards the Balkans wasn’t even expected to change, but perhaps the public’s stance on Washington will change a little.

It is said that when the U.S. sneezes, the world gets the sniffles. The same kind of thing was announced with great certainty even after the elections marking the halfway point in Jo Biden’s presidency, but that didn’t come to pass. Despite the mistakes of many analysts, including those sympathetic to the Democrats,

the election results don’t mean that U.S. policy regarding the war in Ukraine will remain completely unchanged. On the other hand, it doesn’t seem as though changes to the U.S. policy led in our region, and in Serbia, were possible at all, according to CorD’s interlocutors for this issue of Focus.

ALEKSANDAR MITIĆ

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE AT THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND ECONOMICS, PRESIDENT OF THE CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE COULD REDUCE

IT IS TOUGH TO EXPECT THAT THE DEEP POLARISATION THAT HAS MANIFESTED WITHIN U.S. SOCIETY WILL HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL INFLUENCE ON WASHINTON’S FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY IN THE SECOND HALF OF JO BIDEN’S TERM. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ACTIVITIES AND PROCESSES WILL DEVELOP IN CONGRESS THAT WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE COUNTRY’S FOREIGN POLICY TO FUNCTION, AND THAT SHIFT THE FOCUS AWAY FROM IT

One of Biden’s key foreign policy priorities – support for Ukraine – could be reduced, though not revoked entirely, in the event that Russian forces advance or a stalemate is reached on the battlefield, but also in the event of a worsening of the economic crisis within the U.S., in a context that could lead the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to bring into question issues of responsibility and limitations on the continuation of aid to Kiev. We can certainly also expect Biden to make a “pre-emptive strike” on Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy, in the scope of which he will invest significant energy, both at home and abroad, in warning American society and the country’s allies on the international stage about the “threats” to their interests in the event that his predecessor returns to the White House. This is also evident in the Balkans, where 2024 is being increasingly cited and leading to speculation on deadlines for the finalising of the process prior to any possible return of Trump to power, which is a possibility that’s causing a certain sense of unease in Priština and Sarajevo.

CREATING “FAKE URGENCY” FOR RESOLVING THE STATUS OF KOSOVO BRINGS NEITHER STABILITY NOR LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS. PRESSURE ON PRIŠTINA TO ABANDON ITS UNILATERAL MOVES COULD, ON THE OTHER HAND, STRENGTHEN WASHINGTON’S AUTHORITY IN THE EYES OF THE SERBIAN PEOPLE

It will be difficult for U.S. policy in the Balkans to change, because it continues to be burdened by old targets: the attempt to legitimise the NATO aggression of 1999 and legalise “Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence”, the support for Kosovo Albanians and Bosniaks of the “allies from the ‘90s”, and the region’s integration under the umbrella of the NATO alliance despite clear opposition to it among the Serbian people.

On the flip side, the misguided attempt to utilise the Ukraine crisis to pressurise Serbia didn’t yield results either on the issue of Kosovo or on the issue of Belgrade imposing sanctions against the Russian Federation. On the contrary, it caused only increased Euroscepticism and resistance to blackmail within Serbian public opinion. Creating “fake urgency” for re solving the status of Kosovo brings neither stability nor long-term solutions. Pressure on Priština to abandon its unilateral moves could, on the other hand, strengthen Washington’s authority in the eyes of the Serbian people.

The U.S. has a clear interest in ridding Serbia and the Balkans of Russian and Chinese influence. However, that mission is doomed to failure. Russian and Chinese interests aren’t only deeply embedded, but also compatible to a large extent with Serbian national interests, in terms of the preserving of Serbia’s territorial integrity, the preserving of the original Day ton Agreement, respect for military neutrality, energy security and infrastructure development. Respecting this fact would actually help the U.S. more effectively adjust its own policies and project its interests in the region.

How could the U.S. midterms impact foreign policy? Focus

ALEKSANDAR R MILETIĆ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR HISTORY STUDIES AND DIALOGUE

NO MAJOR CHANGES TO FOREIGN POLICY DISCOURSE

I DON’T BELIEVE THE CURRENT U.S. ADMINISTRATION’S POLICIES ON UKRAINE OR OUR REGION WILL CHANGE FUNDAMENTALLY. MORE SIGNIFICANT COURSE ADJUSTMENTS COULD ONLY OCCUR FOLLOWING THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, BUT THERE WE ARE ALREADY ENTERING THE DOMAIN OF REMOTE SPECULATION

The results of the U.S. congressional elections are partly surprising, given the expected better election success of the Republicans. It is, however, encouraging to see the electoral will of voters, a majority of whom rejected Trump’s populism by refusing to give their support to his proposed candidates. Regardless of the final outcome of these elections, I don’t believe the policy of the current administration will change fundamentally as it relates to Ukraine or our region. There could be more “drawing out” in the process of approving future tranches of military and financial aid for Ukraine, but I’m doubtful that the Repub licans would dare bring into question America’s restored status as the “policeman of democracy” in the Western world. More significant course adjustments could only occur following the next presidential elections, but there we are already entering the domain of remote speculation.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S POLICY – AFTER THE MEANDERING, IMPROVISATION AND INCONSISTENCY OF THE TRUMP ERA – HAS ONCE AGAIN RETURNED TO PREDICTABILITY AND CONSISTENCY. THE IDEA OF THE SERBIAN WORLD AS BEING PROBABLY THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE REGIONAL PROJECT HAS BEEN REINED IN AND ALMOST BANISHED FROM THE PUBLIC SPACE

When it comes to our region, the Biden administration’s policy – after the meandering, improvisation and incon sistency of the Trump era – has once again returned to predictability and consistency. The idea of the Serbian world as being probably the most destructive regional project has been reined in and almost banished from the public space. On the other hand, the stability of the region, and conse quently its EU integration perspective, are linked much more directly to Russia’s subversive long-term influence. If Ukraine’s recent military successes represent a prelude to the more significant degrading of Russia’s status as a great power, that will contribute significantly to cooling the situation in the region. It may be paradoxical, but it seems that the policies, values and principles of the EU are the least present in the current foreign policy constellations of a region in which all countries are either formal EU membership candidates or signatories of stabilisation and associa tion agreements with the Union.

DRAGAN BISENIĆ

FOREIGN

POLICY JOURNALIST, PUBLICIST AND FORMER AMBASSADOR

WITHOUT A WEAK PRESIDENT

NO ONE WILL DEAL WITH A “WEAK” AMERICAN PRESIDENT ON FOREIGN POLICY IN THE FUTURE, AS WAS EXPECTED PRIOR TO THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS. HOWEVER, THE REPUBLICANS’ VICTORY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOT BE WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE

The elections for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have not yet provided a final answer as to what positions have been achieved by the two parties and the two rival competitors for the new presidential mandate, President Biden and former President Trump. However, it is quite certain that they passed much more successfully for the Democratic Party and President Biden than anyone had previously expected. The Democrats retained control of the Senate, while the defeat they sustained in the House of Representatives is not even remotely spectacular, though the final results are still being awaited. And therefore no one will deal with a “weak” American president on foreign policy in the future either, as was expected prior to the midterm elections. Nevertheless, the Republicans’ victory in the House of Representatives will not be without consequence. It is certain that aid to Ukraine will not be approved automatically, as it was in the Congress with a Democratic majority. Republicans, however, will not easily succeed in bringing into question Biden’s Ukraine policy. Ukraine is also a divisive issue among Republicans. Trump’s followers, who have a strong urge to contest everything proposed by the current president, also call into question the generous aid to Ukraine. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has already warned that members of his caucus are starting to question the funding that Washing ton has been sending to Ukraine. “Ukraine is important, but at the same time it can’t be the only thing they do and it can’t be a blank cheque,” he said.

THE ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO PERSUADE BOTH SIDES TO END THE WAR AND THE SLOW APPROACH TO NEGOTIATIONS ARE ALREADY NOTICEABLE, SINCE AMERICA DOES NOT SEE DEALING WITH THE WAR IN UKRAINE AS BEING IN ITS LONG-TERM INTEREST

Another school of thought believes that “bipartisan agreement” should be reached on this issue and that there should be no difference between Republicans and Democrats. Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, urged Republicans to continue supporting Ukraine, saying “there can be no place in the conservative movement for apologists for Russian President Vladimir Putin,” in a speech he gave for influential conservative group the Heritage Foundation.

Just a day later, the foundation’s president, Kevin Roberts, issued a statement saying: “Heritage will vigorously oppose the big spenders in Washington who are trying to pass another Ukrainian aid package without debate, clear strategy, targeted funding and spending results.”

Democrats, whose control of Congress is guaranteed until the end of the year, have seen an apparent erosion of the will to support Kiev. That’s why it has been announced that they could insist on another large infusion of military aid at the end of the year, with the intention of guaranteeing the supply of weapons and equipment to Ukrainians over the coming months. The administration’s efforts to persuade both sides to end the war and the slow approach to negotiations are already noticeable, since America does not see dealing with this war as being in its long-term interest.

CHRISTOPH NEUMAYER, General Secretary of the Federation of Austrian Industry

Partnerships Are Crucial In Gloomy Times

The volume of trade and investment between the Western Balkans, Serbia and Austria is increasing. We are convinced that this economic relationship can be deepened even more. In this spirit, it is crucial that the rule of law is guaranteed and political stability preserved ~ Christoph Neumayer

Austria’s economy successfully traversed the pandemic, achieving moderate economic growth, low inflation and social stability. And yet, according to the General Secretary of the Federation of Austrian Industry, Christoph Neumayer, re sponding to the new global challenges remains a complex issue.

“It is true that Austria managed the COVID crisis quite well. However, the debt ratio had to be increased significantly to avoid a high unemployment rate. Supply chains also gave us a headache, though they are slowly returning to normal,” explains our interlocutor. Sadly, he adds, the next crisis has emerged and is hitting us hard. Above all, the unsettling energy crisis and corresponding inflationary development continues to jeopardise Austria’s economy. Current numbers indeed portray a gloomy picture. Recent estimates show projected GDP growth of +0.2% for 2023 – which represents de facto stagflation. Moreover, we estimate possible inflation as high as 12 – 14% for the first months of next year. The industrial sector even expects to face recession in the first half of 2023.

The Federation of Austrian Industry, VÖI, has always worked to liberalise foreign trade and integrate Austria into the European common market. Which tasks leading in those directions do you envisage today, when we are witnessing a reversal of globalisation?

- Free trade creates jobs, reduces prices and increases product diversity. Austria is a strongly export-oriented economy. An export ratio of 59%

proves that wealth and jobs are based on trade. According to the calculations of the European Commission, 585,000 domestic jobs are secured through exports to non-EU countries. Access to global markets is therefore crucial for us. I do not expect a reversal of globalisation, but perhaps new aspects may occur. Deepening the European

Single Market and establishing new free trade agreements, such with Mercosur and the U.S., are certainly needed. At the same time, current geopolitical developments call for intensive multilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the recent Western Bal kans Conference in Berlin, Austrian Federal Minister Susanne Raab confirmed your country’s stance supporting the acceleration of the EU integration process for the countries of the region. How are these developments influencing economic cooperation between Austria and the Western Balkans, and Serbia in particular?

The new priorities of the government are very relevant to us and could attract the attention of Austrian companies to the Serbian market

- The volume of trade and investment between the Western Balkans, Serbia and Austria is in creasing. We are convinced that the economic relationship can be deepened even more. In this spirit, it is crucial that the rule of law is guaranteed and political stability preserved. The Federation of Austrian Industries supports Austria’s position regarding the EU integration of the Western Balkan states. We are convinced that the final goal of EU membership, within the rather complex integration process, is attainable and will be followed by intensified trade.



Among the topics being discussed the most today are offshoring and nearshor ing. To what extent do your members consider Serbia a place where Austrian companies could seek new partners?

- Serbia is a major partner for Austria, with about 400 Austrian companies active in the country. Austrian direct investments of approximately three billion euros and a trade volume of around a billion euros are remarkable. Yes, we do believe in the potential of increasing the volume of trade and investment. In this context, the new priorities of the government are very relevant to us and could attract the attention of Austrian companies to the Serbian market.

Your Federation has underlined the importance of research, technology and innovation for a wealthy future economy many times. How satisfied are you with the support to advances in these areas that’s being provided by the Austrian state?

- Innovation and R&D investments always pay off. A research and development ratio of 3.26% of GDP also highlights Austria’s strong position within the EU in this respect (ranked third after Belgium and Sweden).

We welcome the recently adopted national transformation initiative with a total of 5.7 bil lion euros earmarked until 2030. This creates an essential basis for the necessary financial planning security and long-term investments in the decarbonisation of our industry. Austria’s rather unique investment incentive instrument provides investments with grants worth 14 per cent of the total amount of the investment. So, we are happy in general, but - as always - there is room for improvement.

 The members of VÖI represent more than 80 per cent of Austria’s domestic manufacturing companies. How are they dealing with increased automation and labour force shortages?

- The shortage of skilled labour remains a key challenge for Austrian companies. It is therefore of utmost importance to carve out the full potential of the labour market and strengthen employment incen tives. In this respect, we recently launched a campaign entitled “Work must pay off”, which comprises 10 concrete proposals (including, among others, tax incentives for overtime or switching from part-time to full-time, and tax breaks for people who remain in employment after reaching the age of retirement). When it comes to automation and digitisation, it is clear that we make ourselves more resilient and competitive by achieving a more productive economy. That ultimately secures and creates jobs.

How attractive are renewable energy sources, decarbonisation practises and environmentally friendly industry for your members?

- New technologies provide a great opportunity for us. In fact, industry sees itself as a partner and enabler of the green transformation that is already underway. Austria’s industry is among the world’s champions in climate protection and sustainable production. We are proud to see that many of our members are engaging in innovative projects, like research on hydrogen as a green technology, innovative ways of resourcefriendly production, the decarbonisation of steel production. As an example, Austria is a world champion when it comes to carbon-efficient cement production.

At the same time, we must manage this sensitive transformation in a responsible way. That means being aware of the challenges and ensuring political goals remain realistic.

What kinds of opportunities do you see when it comes to the Green Agenda in Serbia?

- Serbia is a country with huge potential in many respects. Modern waste management and sewage treatment plants, effective recycling processes in general and more renewable energy projects could boost Serbia’s economy and raise the country’s living standard. The government has announced a strong focus on these issues for good reason.

The shortage of skilled labour remains a key challenge for Austrian companies. It is therefore of utmost importance to carve out the full potential of the labour market and strengthen employment incentives

WITH H.E. CHRISTIAN EBNER, AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

By Oceane Duboust & Natalie Huet

Eugen Rochko, The Man Behind Twitter Rival Mastodon

These words now sound like they were premonitory for the 29-year-old German program mer, who has been gaining no toriety in recent weeks as his social network attracts hordes of disenchanted Twitter users.

“People are voting with their feet. The future of social media doesn’t have to belong to a billionaire, it can be in the hands of its

To function, Mastodon relies on a whole network of interconnected servers, or a “fediverse” in the platform’s jargon. A new user joins a server, also called an “instance,” and can then publish posts of up to 500 characters.

users,” Mastodon posted on Twitter this week, saying it now had over two million active monthly users, up from a million just two weeks ago.

If Twitter dies, what will replace it? From Mastodon to Discord, here are some alternatives.

“There is no way to control when success comes, only to lay a foundation for it”, Eugen Rochko, the creator of Mastodon

So, what exactly do we know about Rochko and how different is he from Twit ter’s new owner Elon Musk, the world’s richest man?

An open-source enthusiast, Rochko was born in Moscow, but his family emigrated to

Germany when he was 11 years old.

He grew up using classic social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. While he enjoyed the online interaction these allowed, he says he became wary of the concentration of these technologies in the

hands of large private American companies.

In 2016, when he was 24 years old and had just wrapped up his computer science studies at the University of Jena in Ger many, Rochko launched Mastodon, based on open-source technologies – as opposed to proprietary software.

In the company’s 2021 annual report, he revealed that he had first started working on the project in his bedroom while still living at his parents’ flat.

While Mastodon started out as an ex periment alongside his studies and freelance work, Rochko told Wired in an interview that he had been working 14 hours a day ever since the network exploded in popularity this past month.

To function, Mastodon relies on a whole network of interconnected servers, or a “fediverse” in the platform’s jargon. A new user joins a server, also called an “instance,” and can then publish posts of up to 500 characters.

On his own account, which is followed by more than 200,000 people, the computer scientist shares the latest developments in his social network and re-shares photos of cats.

A person can also choose to create and host an instance – a voluntary organisation that has been put to the test with a sharp jump in new users: over one million since last month.

As a decentralised social network, Masto don takes a stand against Big Tech practises

by embracing different technology and a different philosophy. Rochko’s work is, with just a few clicks, accessible to everyone and free of charge.

“A centralised social media platform has a hierarchical structure where rules and their enforcement, as well as the development and direction of the platform, are decided by the CEO, with the users having close to no ways to disagree,” he explained in a post in December 2018.

For him, decentralisation is the “hallmark of a healthy ecosystem” to ensure Mastodon’s longevity and resilience.

One difference that Mastodon users will probably be happy about is the absence of ads on the platform. Another notable choice: there is no algorithm and the publications are presented chronologically.

Away from the volatility of stock markets, Rochko pays himself and finances Mastodon through donations via membership platforms, such as Patreon.

The size and structure of Mastodon cer tainly look very different when compared to those of rival social media giants. In the company’s 2021 annual report, Rochko was the only permanent employee, earning €2,400 per month, alongside a handful of contractors.

Due to its open-source, decentralised nature, Maston is also growing thanks to the work of volunteers, such as the people hosting its servers.

On the issue of freedom of speech and moderation, which social networks have been grappling with since their creation, Rochko’s views are starkly different from those of Twitter’s new billionaire owner.

“I think that is a very uniquely Ameri can idea of creating this marketplace of ideas where you can say anything you want completely without limits,” Rochko said in an interview with Time magazine.

“It is very foreign to the German mindset where we, in our Constitution, our number one priority is maintaining human dignity. And so, hate speech is not part of the Ger man concept of free speech, for example,” he explained.

“So I think that when Elon Musk says that everything’s gonna be allowed, or what ever, I generally disagree with that”.

As a decentralised social network, Mastodon takes a stand against Big Tech practises by embracing different technology and a different philosophy.

Awards Confirm Value

Within a framework of daily educational activities that’s shaped by the principles of the Montessori method of education, children at the HAPPY KIDS Preschool are encouraged to perform their tasks as independently as possible. An emphasis is placed on a wide range of activities that impact on the development of intelligence, various abilities and social skills

Here CorD Magazine speaks with Tatjana Rackov Sinadinović about her preschool institu tion’s unique educational pro gramme that recognises the individual differences, potential, affinities and ten dencies of each little one, awards of the Association of Business Women of Serbia, the film success of her daughter, the system of values that she passes on to children, but also the love that’s essential to ensure we have happy kids.

You have just received the Association of Business Women of Serbia’s Flower of Success for A Courageous Lady award in the category of Successful business model. Congratulations on yet another accolade!

I’m extremely happy because of the award I received and I thank you sincerely for your congratulations. For me, the Flower of Success for A Courageous Lady award represents a testament to the quality of my work, but is also significant as confirmation of the value of the HAPPY KIDS business system that I’m building. I’m proud of the HAPPY KIDS business model, and this acknowledgement is also important to me as motivation for future business projects and new ideas.

At the time Happy Kids was established, did you have any idea of how many challenges await a woman who opts to venture into the world of entrepreneurship? Is it even more precious to you that you succeeded despite everything and that you are enduring at the top?

I entered the world of entrepreneurship determinedly, with positive thoughts and faith that I’m on the right track in business. I didn’t then know how many challenges awaited me, but nor did I fear them, but rather I faced them courageously and solved them wisely. I became more pro fessional, wiser and more determined to succeed in my work with each new challenge. That’s like when you play a computer game. Once you master one level of the game, you need to advance

to a higher one. Entrepreneurship is a business game of limitless possibilities that has no end.

Do you believe our businesses are really a reflection of our personalities? Would Happy Kids be what it is if you hadn’t introduced your personal values and standards to the operational system?

I don’t hide my satisfaction that HAPPY KIDS is characterised by the same quali ties that characterise me. HAPPY KIDS is a strict, well-organised system with clear rules and operating standards. For me, in every aspect of my being, only the best is good enough. And HAPPY KIDS is precisely that – good, excellent, unsurpassed.

It’s dear to me that I’ve had an oppor tunity in my life to transfer the values in which I believe into a business model that is recognised and highly valued. HAPPY KIDS today operates at eight locations, employs about a hundred people and cares for almost seven hundred children, which is yet more confirmation of the quality and value of this business model.

Did you open a preschool because you wanted to provide your own child with an ideal environment for growth, development, socialisation and individual progress? Is it that personal approach that made the HAPPY KIDS programme special?

When my eldest son was ready to start nursery school more than 16 years ago, I was unable to find a nursery that met the needs of my child, but also the require ments of my family, so I decided to open HAPPY KIDS – a modern, innovative and

different preschool institution of the 21st century. HAPPY KIDS is today an institu tion with online video surveillance avail able all day long, via which parents can monitor their child’s activities at nursery any time and from anywhere on the planet. This transparent model of cooperating with our children’s parents, but also a plan and programme that recognises the individual needs, potential, affinities and tendencies of each child, render our business model exceptional and differ ent from anything else that exists on the private preschool market.

Your daughter, Nina Sinadinović, is a star of the film Wolf Berries [Vučje bobice], which premiered in October 2022. You must be very proud... She actually developed and nurtured her interest and talent for acting at HAPPY KIDS?

The greatest happiness for any parent is the happiness of their own children. A talent lurks in every child, and it is the task of adults to uncover that talent. I am im measurably satisfied and proud, because the benefits of the operating model of the HAPPY KIDS Preschool are evident in the example of my own child, but also in all the other children going through this educational system. A great film was created, Nina’s talent was discovered and stable foundations for her further matur ing were laid. There are many successful older boys and girls among the children who’ve attended HAPPY KIDS.

Does Nina’s success testify to the great importance of the fact that your pre schools observe the progress of each child individually and that its verified programme is modified in accordance with both the needs of the children and the wishes of the parents?

Thanks to the individual approach and the right values that HAPPY KIDS strives to inculcate in children, our little ones follow the path of their dreams during their further education, growing up and maturing, and develop to become suc cessful, self-confident and happy people. Within a framework of daily educational

Thanks to online video surveillance available all day long, parents can monitor their child’s activities at nursery any time and from anywhere

activities that’s shaped by the principles of the Montessori method of education, we encourage the children to perform their tasks as independently as possible. An emphasis is placed on numerous activi ties that impact on the development of intelligence, various abilities and social skills. We believe that every child should be adequately motivated to achieve re sults, regardless of mistakes. Many years working with children has taught us that a child’s success mustn’t go unnoticed. However, what is most important is that every child at HAPPY KIDS grows up with a lot of love and unconditional acceptance.

Happy Kids endeavours to remain in step with the times, and even ahead of them,

which is why you are continuously enriching your range of basic and additional services. It isn’t easy to outdo you when it comes to the number of contents and organisation, but also in terms of price and quality?

Our primary goal is to ensure the progress of every individual child and the trust of par ents. We listen to the needs of our clients, whose demands influence the creation of operating models and the inclusion of new activities. We also monitor children’s cognitive and developmental needs, which change from year to year. Specifically, each new generation of children that joins HAPPY KIDS requires new programmes and working methods. We insist on the high quality of the services that we pro vide, while their quantity is a result of our professional and dedicated work.

HAPPY KIDS is a modern preschool for the 21st century, which nurtures happy children who will one day grow up to be the leaders of this society. Our vision is that the happy children of the present are the successful people of the future, and our mission is to use love, knowledge and commitment to create a better world.

U.S. COMPANIES HAVE INVESTED MORE THAN FOUR BILLION DOLLARS IN SERBIA

The joint vision of the economies of Serbia, the U.S. and regional economies is for the Western Balkans to become a region of success, because the entire region has great potential when it comes to knowledge, innovation and creativity, said Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia President Marko Čadež, speaking at the regional conference “Western Balkan Regional Commercial Conference and Business-to-Business Event” held on the premises of the Chamber.

“I am sure that, after today’s meeting, we will have new investments and jobs. If we invest in people together, our region will be a place where people don’t leave, but to which they return,” said Čadež. He emphasised that the meeting had brought together more than 160 regional companies and 27 global American companies, such as Amazon Web Services, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, Motorola and others.

ZIJIN MINING BOR THE MOST PROFITABLE COMPANY IN SERBIA

The most profitable company in Serbia in 2021 is Zijin mining d.o.o. Bor, with a net profit of 34.36 billion dinars, which is almost 13 times higher than last year, the Agency for Business Registers (APR) announced in the report “100 BEST…business companies in 2021”. In second place is MK Group, with net profit amounting to RSD 26.16 billion, which represents an almost tenfold increase at the annual evel. When it comes to losers, the first place belongs to Elektroprivreda Srbije, a public company that is also the largest company in Serbia, and in 2021 it recorded a loss of 10.95 billion dinars. The report points out that Zijin mining d.o.o. Bor has achieved high profitability by performing its primary activity, considering that the company started the production and sale of copper concentrate in 2021 after the activity of field testing, which enabled it to realise business profits that are as much as 37 times higher, reaching 55.07 billion dinars.

SAVA CENTRE TO RE-OPEN IN NOVEMBER 2023

The reconstruction of Belgrade’s iconic Sava Centre is proceeding according to plan and it is scheduled to open exactly one year from now, in November 2023. That’s when the congress area with 40 halls, a shopping area and office space will be opened.

“We have to date carried out works on the rehabilitation of the structure of the building, sandblasting, impregnation and rehabilitation of concrete surfaces on the facade, and also launched the installing of facade glass with a high degree of energy efficiency. We have also started work on the Blue Hall, which will be among the most sophisticated segments in the reconstructed Sava Centre,” said Katarina Gajić, director of design and construction at Delta Real Estate.

“Serbia is highly integrated into the European market, but not institutionally in the EU. That is why all our concrete proposals and activities aim to harmonise domestic and EU legislation” ~ MIKE MICHEL, FIC PRESIDENT AND YETTEL CEO

“It is time to trust each other. I have decided to hand over my mandate as president of the WB6 CIF Board of Directors, as our common regional chamber, to my dear friend Lulzim Rafuna, president of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce” ~ MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

SECOND GENERATION OF STARTECH STARS ANNOUNCED

Nine start-ups from Serbia, nine teams and another 10 small and medium-sized enterprises offered the most innovative ideas in the second annual competition of the StarTech programme and deserv edly won a grant of one million dollars. In competition among 197 submitted projects, many interesting ideas stood out, among others for the development of self-sustaining ecological houses, anti-caries gel, fire extinguishing gel, a basket that returns balls after a shot, a smart toothbrush for dogs and a smart house for pets, building blocks, a house with almost zero consumption of thermal energy, breeding bees in your own home or smart bins for disposing of packaging. The cheques were presented to them at a formal ceremony by Minister of Information and Telecommunications Mihailo Jovanović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begović, Director of Corporate Affairs of Phillip Morris for Southeast Europe Ivan Miletić and NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanović.

“CAMPAIGNS WITH A PURPOSE” ANNOUNCED IN 2022

At a ceremony in Marsh Open Space, the “Campaigns with a Purpose” 2022 were announced. “Campaigns with a Purpose” recognise, honour and encour age socially responsible communication aimed at the well-being of children and individuals. The winners are:

1. “SUPERHERO” campaign of the MASTERCARD company for Nurdor, created by agency McCann Belgrade;

2. The campaign “SAVE FOOD, SAVE HUMANITY”, created by agency NEW MOMENT NEW IDEAS COMPANY for the COALITION FOR CHARITY led by the ANA AND VLADE DIVAC FOUNDATION;

3. “PROGRAMERS FOR CITIZENS” campaign of VEGA IT company.

1ST REGIONAL FIRESTARTER CONFERENCE HELD

The first FIRESTARTER regional conference was held in Belgrade with the topics of Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX), where world-renowned experts and representatives of companies from the country and the region participated during the two days of the programme, sharing their experiential advice and examples of best practice with attendees.

The dynamic two-day programme was devoted to the user experi ence on the first day, and to the employee experience on the second, thus covering two separate, yet closely related topics. Without a positive experience for employees in a company, their satisfaction will be absent, and when there are no satisfied employees, there is no customer satisfaction either.

Former Hellenic Petroleum Becomes HELLENiQ ENERGY

HELLENIC PETROLEUM, one of the largest energy companies in Southeast Europe, has proudly presented its new name, HEL LENiQ ENERGY, as part of the company’s, sustainability-focused business strategy. The same evening saw its subsidiary in our country, EKO Serbia, celebrate 20 years of successful operations in the country.

The outstanding rebranding event was presented to numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, business partners, media representatives and employees of EKO Serbia on 16th November. The event also included the presenting of strategic changes that are aligned with the visual identity and the new company name.

HELLENiQ ENERGY’s corporate rebranding marks the completion of a comprehensive business transformation process that marks the first stage in the group’s ambitious ‘Vision 2025’ strategic plan. The company will focus on sustainable development, while investing significant resources in the use of renewable energy and refinery digitisation and moderni sation. HELLENiQ ENERGY aims to reduce its environmental footprint in a bid to tackle the challenges of climate change.

The new logo has carefully designed aspects representing parts of HELLENiQ ENERGY’s identity and illustrating the com pany’s main values: energy transition and progress. Retaining a strong connection to the company’s history, the recognisable stripes have been set in motion and evolved to form an energy wave, while the guiding star represents a spark of intelligence and guiding element. The new brand appearance of HELLENiQ ENERGY is also characterised by a bright and strong colour code that pays tribute to the Group’s deep roots in Greece, with ocean blue as the main brand colour. Addressing the public on this occasion

HELLENiQ ENERGY CEO Andreas Shiamishis said: “Our company has always been striving for a growth-driven innovative spirit that leads to global success. I had the privilege this evening of presenting this milestone moment for Hel lenic Petroleum - unveiling our new corporate identity and proudly presenting the business vision and corporate strategy that will create crucial business changes at the global and regional level. That’s why we are changing the basis of our Vision 2025. We will utilise all our resources with the vision of creating improved environmental and social landscapes. HEL

LENiQ ENERGY will reduce its environmental footprint, while addressing climate challenges. We are reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. We are incorporating innovation, leverage on new technologies and advanced knowhow into this essential energy transition. And we’ve only just started.”

In his welcome address to guests, EKO Serbia CEO Aris Karousos noted: “This is new era for HELLENiQ ENERGY, for our country, with green initiatives, modern energy solutions and reducing the environmental footprint. Our company’s new business visions, in cooperation with local institutions, will be synonymous with renewable energy sources and environmental protection in Serbia and the region. Tonight, we are also celebrating the 20-year anniver sary of EKO Serbia. We are proud of the long journey that helped us build bonds of trust with consumers and customers, investing more than 100 million euros in the country. With more than 700 employees engaged with the company, as well as a network of 56 petrol stations offering great quality products and services, EKO Serbia will continue this journey by placing our consumers, the society and the environment at the core of our operations for the next 20 years.”

The parent company of EKO Serbia has rebranded and committed itself to a sustainable future

dm Srbija Comes of Age

Pioneering endeavours, successful results, record-breaking donations and recordhigh wage increases, new social responsibility campaigns and launching the online store have all marked the 18th year of the Serbian operations of dm drogerie markt

The value principle “Man at the centre of operations”, which has been applied consistently throughout the entire group since its foundation, remains dm’s main guiding principle. Whether it refers to employees, customers or partners, dm is always led by the notion that the economy is in the service of people, and not the other way around.

As a company, dm drogerie markt in Serbia achieved a turnover of 22.5 billion dinars in the 2021/22 business year, representing growth of 18.67%, thus successfully completing its 18th year of doing business in the country. The company’s coming of age was accompanied by the introduction of the concept of persis tently favourable prices, which changes the way shopping is done on the local market, as well as record-breaking salary increases of up on three occasions during the year. As one of the retail sector’s biggest players, dm began the new business year by launching its online shop, thus bringing its services and products closer to customers all over Serbia.

Over the course of the previous business year, dm Srbija expanded its retail network with the opening of seven new drogerie. It thus now has 119 shops in 31 towns and cities in the country. The company has invested more than 1.06 billion dinars in the opening of new retails outlets and the renovating of existing ones, expanding the distribution centre and opening a new central headquarters for dm, while the number of employees has reached almost 1,600. The company introduced its “always affordable” concept at the begin ning of 2022, thereby replacing occasional discounts with consistently favourable prices that reflect stability during the ever-present rise in market prices.

At the level of the group as a whole, which encompasses operations in 14 countries, dm achieved a total turnover of 13,581 billion eu

ros and expanded its sales network to 3,945 drugstores, while the number of employees across the group exceeded 71,600.

LEADERS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

During the 2021/22 business year, dm Srbija donated as much as 34.74 million dinars to lo cal communities, including 28 million donated in the form of financial assistance and used to procure essential equipment, while 6.74 million was given in the form of donations of goods from the company’s range. The company’s social en gagement over the preceding business year was

completed with the now traditional “dm Women’s Race”, under the organisation of the Belgrade Marathon, with which this drugstore chain once again provided support to women, while the number of participants was in excess of 1,600.

September 2022 marked the start of the fourth cycle of the traditional “Plant a tree” project, which represents the largest afforestation campaign in Serbia and was launched by dm Srbija in partnership with media company Adria Media Group and institutional partners. As a result of this project’s engagements to date, the previous three iterations of the campaign resulted in the planting of a total of 350,000 trees, while 250,000 new seedlings are planned to be planted during the upcoming cycle.

SERIES OF ACCOLADES AS MOST DESIRABLE EMPLOYER CONTINUE

dm Srbija ranked among the “20 most desirable TOP employers in Serbia” according to the largest domestic survey on the perception of employer branding in Serbia, conducted by labour market solutions portal Poslovi infostud. This acknowl edgement further fortifies the dm chain’s position as one of the most sought-after companies for employment, professional advancement and expert training. Competitive salaries, with two additional salary instalments during the year, the “smart working” work from home concept, vari ous courses, training sessions and seminars, but also free general health check-ups – represent just a few of the numerous benefits that this chain provides for its employees.

Managing Board of dm drogerie markt Serbia and North Macedonia: Branko Basar, Alexandra Olivera Korichi, Vesna Stojanović

EU ANNOUNCES BILLION-EURO ENERGY SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS

The European Union is preparing an energy support package of one billion euros in grants to help the Western Balkans face the immediate consequences of the energy crisis and build resilience in the short and medium term, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the Western Bal kans Summit held within the framework of the Berlin Process. The commission is ready to provide budget support of 500 million euros, which will be adopted in December and available in January. The financial support is intended to support households and small and medium-sized enterprises to mitigate the effects of rising energy prices and their impact.

BURGER KING COMING TO MONTENEGRO

The world-famous Burger King brand, which includes 19,200 restaurants worldwide, will soon arrive in Mon tenegro. As reported by portal CDM, the country’s first restaurant will be opened in Podgorica at the end of this year or during next year. Burger King, which is based in Miami. Florida, and was founded in 1954, is the world’s second-largest hamburger fast-food chain.

TURKISH YILDIRIM TO BECOME MAJORITY OWNER OF PETROKEMIJA FROM CROATIA

Croatian oil and gas company INA has announced that it has signed an agreement with gas company Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo (PPD) to sell Terra Mineralna Gnojiva, which owns a majority stake in mineral fertiliser producer Petrokemija, to Turkish holding company Yildirim. The change of owner ship and the completion of this process will occur after the conditions from the sales contract are met, it added without elaborating. Terra Mineralna Gnojiva acquired a 54.52% stake in Petrokemija in 2018 through a capital increase of 300 million kuna (€40 million), it was reported earlier. The shareholders of Petrokemija decided to delist the company’s shares from the Zagreb stock exchange in February. INA’s shares ended flat, at 3,460 kuna, when they were last traded.

“The money intended for the Western Balkans through the European Economic and Investment Plan will have to be justified through projects, and spending would be strictly controlled” ~ ŽELJANA ZOVKO, CHIEF NEGOTIATOR OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FOR IPA FUNDS

Quality Is An Issue Of Setting High Standards

Schlarafia is the region’s leading brand for premium sleeping equipment and is unique thanks to its specific fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies, the result of which is pioneering innovative solutions and partnerships with eminent innovators from the EU and the U.S.

Although we are satisfied with our stable annual growth of around 15%, expanding beyond the confines of the region is a logical continuation of the story that started in a backyard in Čubura way back in 1934 ~ announces a proud Sonja Kapetanović.

Given that the average person spends a third of their life sleep ing, or approximately 25 years, the importance of a good mattress is clear. What represents a good mattress? It would seem that you, at Schlarafia, discovered that formula almost 90 years ago...

We have spent almost a cen tury dealing with the making and improving of our mattresses. We have spent the past decade dedicated to innovation and ac quiring knowledge from a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines that encompass relevant evi dence from the fields of medicine, neuroscience, immunology and biochemistry, hygienic sustain ability, the technology of materi als and their sleep applications – which represent a phenomenon that’s still intriguing. Given all the known aspects of a high-quality bed, the recipe to make a good mattress seems simple: it is a combination of selected, highquality materials produced with special craftsmanship according to a recipe based on knowledge

acquired over decades. It should be noted that quality is an issue of setting high standards, but comfort is an individual element, which is why our offer is person alised to cater to the needs of each customer.

Your customers were initially mostly professional upholster ers and furniture manufacturers, while today your network of retail outlets covers all major cities in Serbia, while you also furnish

high-class hotels... Who actu ally buys Schlarafia mattresses?

It was a long time ago that we positioned ourselves among our clients and took over a narrow and very specific segment. Our users have two striking characteristics: a pronounced appreciation for the culture of living and a high level of awareness that ensures they’re informed. There is practically no difference between the profiles of our B2B and B2C customers: those who demand high standards

in their personal bedding transfer this to their tourist facilities.

Your growth is stable, and even large for our conditions, totalling around 15% annually, while you are planning to increase that percentage by 2025. Are you count on conquering additional foreign markets?

Although we are satisfied with our growth to date, we consider that there are many factors that could further catalyse it, and many of those are a result of our many de cades of work and our consistency in not compromising on the quality of not only our products, but also our services. Schlarafia is the re gion’s leading premium segment sleeping equipment brand, which is unique due to its specific fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies, which has resulted not only in a patent issued by the Intellectual Property Office, but also in pioneering innovative solutions and partnerships with eminent innovators from the EU and the U.S. Taking into consid eration the trends of consumer habits on the domestic market and the insufficient offer of cre ative solutions on the markets of surrounding countries, expanding beyond the confines of the region is a logical continuation of the story that began in a backyard in Belgrade’s Čubura neighbourhood way back in 1934.

Quality is an issue of setting high standards, but comfort is an individual element, which is why our offer is personalised to cater to the needs of each customer

Monte Carlo In The Heart Of Serbia

The construction of the Moravian Corridor and the activation of the airport in Lađevci open up the possibility of improving tourism and increasing the number of foreign guests. We will be ready to welcome them because we have a lot to offer them - announces mayor Boban Đurović.

Is Vrnjačka Banja the Monte Carlo of the Western Balkans?

Like Monte Carlo, our Spa started its new chapter from the brink of bankruptcy. In 2012, with a clear vision and great ambition, and above all with courage and persistence, with the immeasurable help of the state and from businessmen, we began to fix our infrastructure and solve long-standing problems that had hindered development. Thanks to some large projects and ideas, the Spa became interesting to the media and large companies who saw an interest in investing in a place where progress has become more and more visible, and the number of guests is increasing year by year. Many of them do business and have their own properties in Monte Carlo, and now also in Vrnjačka Banja.

Year after year, new investment is made, new luxury hotels are built with a large number of additional innovative contents that are difficult to find even in many leading European tourist centres.

You have preserved health tourism as the backbone of development, but this Spa

An additional impetus will be given to the development of Goč by our best tennis player, Novak Đoković, who is to build a luxury hotel complex

is no longer just a place where elderly people are treated, right?

Some guests come here looking for a cure, but there are also those who want rest, fun, relaxation, education. In recent years, Vrnjačka Banja attracts more and more young people due to the variety of attractions and entertainment, festivals, concerts, theater performances, cultural and sports events. There is also the moun tain Goč, which offers an opportunity for an active vacation, but we also have the largest aqua park and ferris wheel in the Balkans.

The Spa is increasingly the choice of young family people because of the many facilities for children. A large landscaped park area without traffic, a 3.5 hectare zoo that is home to over 120 species of animals from almost all parts of the world, carefully designed indoor and outdoor playgrounds and amusement parks.

We often host top athletes and sports teams from Serbia and abroad. After fit ting the Kocka stadium for small sports, building four sports halls and opening a football field according to FIFA standards, we are planning investment in three more football fields, the construction of another sports hall has started...

Can you tell us at least part of the strategy for the coming years?

We are soon expecting to complete the Lerov tunnel, the ferris wheel, but also the most glamorous Zepterma facility with a helipad that introduces new facilities to Vrnjačka Banja and luxury that can only be found at the most exclusive tourist destinations. An additional impetus will be given to the development of Goč by our best tennis player, Novak Đoković, who is to build a luxury hotel complex and a gondola, on the principle of publicprivate partnership. New tourist attrac tions will be built on Goč: an adrenaline park, zip line, adventure park, new ski trails, fitness trails. The plan is also to build a mini zoo, and typical mountain tourist resorts with restaurants and wellness centres.

The construction of the Moravian Corridor will give a great impetus to the further development of the entire region. This makes Vrnjačka Banja more acces sible and closer to tens of millions of people traveling from Europe to Turkey, Greece, Macedonia...

Today, Vrnjačka Banja can boast a large number of high-class hotels that, with their rich content and top-quality service in line with European tourist destinations, allow guests to find luxury, comfort and maximum enjoyment

Investing In Science Means Investing In The Future

The Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia was established by the Government of Serbia in 2019, with an important mission: to support scientific excellence and secure the required conditions for the continuous development of science in Serbia. The Fund developed quickly and today has eight different programmes supporting projects in all fields of science

We will launch a new call for young researchers in 2023, and will very attentively wait to see what their future contributions to science will be like, as we know that, by investing in science, we support the social, technological, cultural and economic devel opment of Serbia ~ Dr Milica Đurić Jovičić.

In just the three years that it has existed, the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia has really achieved a lot.

Our team comprises only 40 people, but they are smart, hardworking and dedicated. They today provide support and management by monitoring the implementation of 282 projects and coordinating the evaluations of 800 projects together with 1,300 international experts from more than 60 countries. The entire system is constructed on the good practice of successful science foundations from the EU. Although the Science Fund is a young institution, we’ve earned respect and a good reputation with our hard work and high standards, but also with our openness to learning, listening and improving further.

Through our eight programmes, 74.5 mil lion euros is being invested in the develop ment of science. This includes investments in scientific research work, equipment and consumable supplies, international coopera tion, publications and scientific research organisations in the Republic of Serbia.

Are there enough projects, innovative ideas and potential among young researchers?

Our scientists’ research projects are based on brilliant ideas and scientific in novations. Our calls attract outstanding interest, while we ultimately support around 10-15% of the highest ranking projects. Project quality is evaluated by international reviewers from more than 60 countries.

Our programmes are devised carefully in order to support and empower researchers and areas of research with the greatest po tential and impact. We invest in all areas of research, but we similarly conceive special programmes that are aligned with identified national priorities, such as the develop

ment of artificial intelligence, research on COVID-19, cooperation with the scientific diaspora around the world. We launched a special thematic programme during 2022 for cooperation between science and industry, which targets the development of new solu tions to reduce air, water and soil pollution.

The success of our programmes is al ready evident through the PROMIS pro gramme for young researchers. We trained and enabled a new generation of project leaders and managers. They formed their own teams, worked on ideas and problems that motivate them, acquired new skills and achieved important scientific results.

PROMIS has supported 59 projects that have already resulted in the publishing of 416 international scientific publications, including 115 in top international journals. Moreover, several research teams have already received additional funding and prestigious international grants from the EU.

How important to our scientists is the Sci ence Fund’s membership in the association Science Europe?

Science Europe is an association that en ables connection with the most important institutions financing research in the EU. We exchange knowledge and experience through this organisation, and it opens Serbia up to the European research community even more. As we are the youngest institution, and one of the newest members, we have received huge support from our colleagues in the EU. During November 2022’s annual General Assembly of Science Europe, Sci ence Fund of the Republic of Serbia was also commended by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which hosted the event.

Our calls attract outstanding interest, while we ultimately support around 10-15% of the highest ranking projects

EU

TO LAUNCH SATELLITE INTERNET SYSTEM BY 2028

The European Union has agreed to establish its own satellite internet system worth six billion euros. This comes as a result of the EU’s determination to improve its own space and communications sector and ensure security by reducing reliance on foreign sources. In February 2022, the European Commission announced an initiative to build and operate a satellite Internet system. The need for it comes amid growing concerns about Russian and Chinese military advances in space and the rise in their satellite launches. Having its own satellite internet system could help the EU bloc speed up the rollout of broadband in Europe, which would also cover Africa, allowing the Union to offer an alternative to Chinese competitors.

CANADA INCREASING NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS TO COMPENSATE FOR SHORTAGE OF DOMESTIC LABOUR

Canada has increased the number of immigrants it intends to receive by 2025, amounting to about half a million per year. The government decided on the move to compensate for the significant shortage of domestic labour.”Canada needs more people,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said at a news confer ence. More than 900,000 jobs are vacant in many sectors, and unemploy ment has fallen to an all-time low in recent months, reaching 5.2 per cent in September. For this reason, the government intends to grant permanent residence to 465,000 people in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

APPLE AND TWITTER ON A COLLISION COURSE

Musk wants to vastly increase the revenue the company makes through subscriptions, while opening up the site to more “free speech,” which in some cases seems to mean restoring previously banned accounts like the one owned by former president Donald Trump. But Musk’s plans for Twitter could bring it into conflict with two of the biggest tech companies: Apple and Google. One of the biggest risks to Musk’s vision for “Twitter 2.0” is the possibility that his changes violate Ap ple or Google’s app rules in a way that slows down the company or even gets its software booted from app stores. Tensions are already mounting. Musk complained in a Tweet about app store fees that Google and Apple charge companies like Twitter.

“Willingness to learn as you go, making lots of mistakes, and always keeping your “why” at the centre is the key to success” ~ SARA BLAKELY, FOUNDER OF SPANX

Always Believe In Your Own Ideas

The origins of the La Linea Verde Group can be traced back to a family farm, where many years of effort, original ideas, hard work, innovation and investment in people and the land have brought almost two million consumers in many countries. The Group arrived on the Serbian market in 2015

Cooperation with Serbian farmers indicates that we have a good team and that there is unity on agricultural land. For next year, we plan to spice up the Serbian market with the flavours of the Greek air and the tastes of the sea - announces La Linea Verde Group President Andrea Battagliola, speaking in this CorD Magazine interview.

Apart from bringing capital, knowhow, experience, machinery and certificates, you also brought good agricultural prac tises to Dobrinci. Has your company’s 12-million-euro investment turned out to be a good business venture?

When we came to the Serbian market in 2015, we saw the potential. And with that potential, we had the desire to invest our experience in a range of salad salads. Every beginning can be thorny, but as we believed would be the case, we are satis fied with the results. We believe that, with our ideas, we can always bring something new to the market.

Despite the pandemic, which actually had a positive impact on your business, thanks to people starting to take more care of their health, the war in Ukraine and subsequent energy crisis have created many difficulties. How do you deal with this?

The situation with COVID raised con sumers’ awareness of the need to pay more attention to their health. Due to the fact that our products are tasty, fresh, practical and genuine, we have seen an increase in sales of our assortment of washed salads. The situation in Ukraine has had a negative impact on the costs of completing our products.

Due to the fact that our products are tasty, fresh, practical and genuine, we have seen an increase in sales of our assortment of washed salads

We are seeing year-on-year growth in the demand for ready to use products – and not in terms of fast food, but rather healthy food alternatives. Do you think this trend will

continue and allow you to become leaders in the world of gastronomy?

We absolutely always believe in our po tential. By presenting our range of salads on our La Linea Verde Serbia market, we conquered the entire Serbian market with our joint efforts, experience, and the sup port of the Group. With the same energy, we believe that all gastronomy will recognise our qualities.

Next year will see you commemorate your anniversary of five years of doing business in Serbia. Do you see room for the expansion of your production capacities, but also the network of traders with whom you cooperate?

We believe that cooperation with Serbian farmers indicates a good team and unity on agricultural land. For next year, we plan to spice up the Serbian market, but we will certainly share information about these new products on our website.

What are your predictions for 2023; where do you see the emphasis in the world of gastronomy?

In addition to our range of soups, our salads have also performed very well on the market. Next year, we would like to bring the flavours of the Greek air and the tastes of the sea closer to our consumers.

What gives you the greatest sense of pride in your work?

We are most proud of the fact that our entire group originates from one family farm, where years of effort, ideas, work and innovation, as well as investments in people and land, have brought sales of our products to a large number of countries and almost two million people who consume our products every day.

ANDREA BATTAGLIOLA, PRESIDENT OF THE LA LINEA VERDE GROUP

MANJU MALHOTRA

/ HARVEY NICHOLS CEO

From Audit Manager To CEO

Londoner Manju Malhotra has come a long way from her parents’ small fashion outlet in London’s East End to the marble floors of the flagship Harvey Nichols luxury department store in central London’s swanky Knightsbridge district

A50-year-old mother of two, Manju Malhotra graduated from the Univer sity of Warwick with an economics degree long before she became the first official chief executive of British luxury retailer Harvey Nichols in five years (since a 2017 leadership team reshuffle saw then-CEO Stacey Cartwright move into the role of deputy chairman) and has successfully guided this national treasure of UK retail through the pandemic that was declared just days after she took the helm.

Malhotra, a quietly confident and extremely competent lady, first joined Harvey Nichols back in 1998 as an internal audit officer, only to progress through the ranks of the company in positions including group head of finance and CFO. She effectively led the business from 2018, as co-COO alongside Daniela Rinaldi, only to be left to go it alone when Rinaldi resigned in December 2019 and Malhorta was formally appointed CEO in January 2020, just days before the pandemic hit and ultimately forced the department store to close its doors for months.

She officially reports to Dickson Poon, chair man and owner of Harvey Nichols, and works closely with Pearson Poon, Dickson’s son and the company’s executive director.

Speaking at the time of her appointment, Dickson Poon explained the choice: “over the past 22 years, Manju has repeatedly demonstrated her ability in finance, and through her time as chief operating officer, and in particular this year, she has demonstrated her leadership in developing strategies and optimising business performance during one of the most challenging business environments in recent history. With our continued investment, I look forward to building a new long-term success for Harvey Nichols as a global luxury omnichannel platform with Manju.”

Speaking herself on her new role, Malhotra said back in 2020: “I am delighted with my ap pointment to CEO. Whilst the short-term retail outlook is unpredictable, I am hugely excited about the future plans and opportunities for the fantastic Harvey Nichols brand.”

She couldn’t have imagined her rise to the top of Harvey Nichols the first time she visited the Knightsbridge department store to treat herself to a luxury sweater after completing her economics

degree. Indeed, she admits that back then she would never have dreamt of being among the rare women of colour that are running major UK retail brands.

The grounded economist’s first role at this famous temple of high fashion was back in 1998 as audit manager, while she now holds the reigns of a veritable empire that includes eight stores in the UK and Ireland, encompassing – alongside its original central London store – large outlets in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester, as well as a specialist ‘Beauty Bazaar’ at Harvey Nichols Liverpool and five overseas branches, including a store in Dublin’s largest shopping centre, Dundrum Town Centre.

Over the almost quarter of a century that she’s spent at the company, she says that she’s never felt marginalised as a woman of colour, while she’s fo cused on gaining experience by putting “both hands up” whenever a new project was being discussed.

It was way back in 1831 that Benjamin Harvey first opened a linen shop in a terraced house on the corner of London’s Knightsbridge and Sloane Street, only to expand his operations four years later by taking over the adjacent unit. The growing popularity of Harvey’s linen shop would result in it continuing to expand to encompass successive properties over the following years. Harvey hired one James Nichols a decade after first establishing his shop. Nichols was promoted to management in 1845 and married Harvey’s niece, Anne Beale, in 1848, only for Harvey to die two years later, leaving the business to his wife Anne. The widow opted to form a partnership with Nichols and thus Harvey Nichols & Co. was born.

The business continued to go from strength to strength and – following the 1975 opening of the Harvey’s restaurant on the store’s fifth floor – is today as well known for its dining as its fashion, with a suite of restaurants that includes the Oxo Tower beside the Thames.

Malhotra’s tale is one of rag trade to riches. Born into fashion retail, she grew up helping out at her parents’ own fashion shop in London’s East End. “It was the entry level of the market, before fast fashion,” she explains.

Her father took on the responsibility of procure ment manager, while her mother worked the shop floor. “I always remember the trends and how retail and fashion reflected popular culture,” Malhotra says. “When Frankie Goes to Hollywood were big, ‘Frankie Says Relax’ T-shirts were everywhere. You couldn’t keep them in stock.”

It was while studying at Warwick University that she first experienced consumer culture from the retail aspect, through summer jobs at Russell & Bromley and Marks & Spencer, and became fascinated by its “dynamic” nature.

And she’s seen that dynamism in a big way since taking on the top job, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that hit almost immediately and caused a seismic shift in shopping practises, with physical shops shutting their doors and customers turning to online shopping and home deliveries. However,

We are very in tune with the customers. We have to be obsessive about what customers are thinking, and so it is great to have that on the board

Entrepreneur

sales did indeed take off during the lockdowns, but Harvey Nichols still suffered. Sales fell by 45% to £121.3m in the year up to 27th March 2021, while the group cut its capital investments by 52% and focused spending on developing its website. Pre-tax losses nonetheless more than doubled – to £39.6m, up from £16.3m a year prior.

With restrictions now lifted, Malhotra says that shoppers have flocked back to stores and she is now focused on developing more dining and drinking options, as well as online services that include corporate gifting and entertainment.

“What has kept me here is that the business is always evolving, and there are always investment opportunities,” she says. “We have a curated offer. We do the legwork for our customers and people look to us for that authority.”

She is finding a way to make the company profitable again, and is doing so with the help of a board that’s dominated by women, which continues to be a rarity in UK retail, despite the vast majority of both shopworkers and shoppers being female.

“We are very in tune with the customers,” says Malhotra. “We have to be obsessive about what customers are thinking, and so it is great to have that on the board.”

she insists that her lack of experience wasn’t an is sue: “At the time, it didn’t actually matter: no one in a similar role – or any organisation – had been in that situation before. And I had knowledge of the business. Had I been CEO of a business I’d never worked at before, it might have been more challenging.”

She was also aided by the fact that Hong Kongbased luxury company Dickson Concepts, which owns Harvey Nichols, had previously dealt with pandemics, having operated through the Sars and Mers outbreaks.

“They were more realistic about the timeframe and how long this might last,” she explained. “People in the UK were talking about it lasting a few weeks or months, but they understood that it could be a couple of years.”

This helped the company plan for long-term change and come up with the idea of offering online experiences, from beauty masterclasses to

Friday night DJ sets. Taking the decision to close its stores before the government mandated it to do so, it consigned its stock to its warehouses in order to be able to fulfil online orders at the peak of the spring/summer shopping season. Online

According to this highly experienced senior executive, who has led her business to deliver growth and enhanced consumer experience across luxury Fashion, Beauty, Food/Drinks and Hospitality, the owners of Harvey Nichols have made it easy for such a diverse group to make it to the top. “We celebrate individuality. And always have done.”

As well as being responsible for Harvey Nichols entire business – encompassing Buying, Market ing, Finance, IT, E-Commerce, Retail stores, HR, Property & International franchises – Manju is also a Non-Executive Director of both Workspace Group plc and London & Partners.

Declared one of London’s most influential lead ers by the city’s Evening Standard newspaper, she has been included in the Drapers Fashion Retail 100 and on the Power List of Retail Week. An alumna of Asian Women of Achievement, since 2013 she’s also been an ambassador and mentor to the Camden Spear Trust, a charity that focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged youngsters. And as if all that wasn’t enough, this pioneering businesswoman is also an ambassador of Retail Week’s Be Inspired, which supports the next generation of business leaders.

What has kept me here is that the business is always evolving, and there are always investment opportunities. We have a curated offer. We do the legwork for our customers and people look to us for that authority

DIJANA MILOŠEVIĆ, THEATRE DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF DAH THEATRE AND PROFESSOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ARTISTIC DANCE IN BELGRADE

DAH Theatre, which I founded together with director Jadranka Anđelić back in 1991, emerged out of a great desire to deal with research work, to constantly advance and to create conditions that we would dictate ourselves. It was never my desire to be compliant to the dictates of the market, because I consider that art and the theatre have the right to exist beyond those frame works. That’s why it was essential for me to depart from institutions. The founding of DAH Theatre coincided with the outbreak of the horrific civil war in our country. Our first instinct was to pose essential questions, such as the question of the responsibility of individuals in dark times, particularly the responsibility of artists who have the power to speak publicly. There were also questions regarding the power of art and the theatre to confront destruction and violence, about whether we have the right to create art while we’re surrounded by immense suffering, about the relationship towards history. That shaped my path as a theatre director, and throughout all these 30 years we’ve been dealing with topics that

Hope Is A Revolutionary Act

At the essence of my work at the theatre has always been a great interest in working with people. Prior to enrolling in directing studies, as the youngest student of the University of Belgrade, I enrolled in special needs education, completed my studies and worked with special needs children, with autistic children. The experience I carry with me from that work is something that formed my worldview, taught me to respect otherness and diversity, and all of that is also really essential in working in the theatre

relate to our community, to our society at the contemporary juncture

DAH Theatre doesn’t rest on its laurels, but rather constantly changes and creates new pathways, and in that sense – at least I think - we’ve discovered something that we didn’t previously know with every new play. I’m not interested in proven recipes for success, on the contrary, I’m interested in the excitement of discovery, the uncertainty of searching, risk, and when things are designated in such a way, then we look to the times ahead with joyfulness.

Our common struggle to preserve European heritage and European values, despite all those working against them in our societies, is actually a struggle for hope

I have the great pleasure of lecturing at the Institute for Artistic Dance in Belgrade, which – considering it’s the first higher education institution in the domain of dance – has contributed to spreading ideas of con temporary dance in our country. I really love my students and teaching work, and I think that, in a way, I’m repaying a debt to some great artists who were my teachers long ago.

I’m ending this year with a fantastic ac colade that I received for my work, and it’s

an acknowledgement that belongs to all of us who comprise the team at DAH Theatre. This is the special recognition that the inter national jury of the Helena Vaz da Silva Award presents to artists and cultural figures who fight for European heritage and European values through their work. I think that, now more than ever, we need to remember what European values are, and among the first of them that I would single out is the right to freedom, to freedom of thought, to freedom of speech and the right to be different.

However, there is one right that isn’t discussed very often and that’s particularly important to me – the right to hope. We are living in difficult times, in the shadow of the bloody war that’s currently being waged in Europe. Where is hope when we are con fronted by tragic events that change the picture of the world as we know it?

I think that hope is present in particu lar in the spark of the human spirit that is evident through all the fantastic things that people have done and are doing through art and culture. Our common struggle to preserve European heritage and European values, despite all those working against them in our societies, is actually a struggle for hope. But I don’t think of hope as be ing something romantic. To have hope in dark times is subversive. In these times in which we live, hope has become something subversive that we have to preserve. Hope is a revolutionary act.

In 10 Buildings Tour The Volcanic Island

Iceland’s architectural icons might not be as abundant as in other European nations due to its small population and relatively belated modernisation, but there are some extraordinary landmarks to be found across the country. Its charming, diminutive capital, Reykjavík, has the lion’s share of impressive buildings, ranging from 19th-century townhouses clad in colourful corrugated iron to modernist museums and the almighty, rocket-shaped Hallgrímskirkja.

Head out of the city and you will find a fascinating crop of idiosyncratic Ice landic architecture – churches, pools, municipal buildings – dotted across the island’s jaw-dropping volcanic landscape. Here are 10 landmarks worthy of a pilgrimage, in the capital and beyond.

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík’s most famous religious landmark was de signed by renowned state architect Guðjón Samúelsson. Started in 1945 and consecrated in 1986, its distinctive form was inspired by local basalt cliff formations and its 73-metre height makes it the tallest such structure in the country.

NATIONAL THEATRE OF ICELAND, REYKJAVÍK

The austere National Theatre of Iceland was designed by Iceland’s first state architect Gudjón Samúelsson and has been a leading cultural institution since it opened in 1950. Inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns, it features three separate areas inside (Main Stage, Black Box, Workshop Stage) and premieres around 10-14 domestic and international plays each season.

NATIONAL THEATRE OF ICELAND, REYKJAVÍK

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, REYKJAVÍK

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, REYKJAVÍK

Architecture Icelandic architecture

SUPREME COURT OF ICELAND, REYKJAVÍK

Set on a hill facing the sea, the Supreme Court is a compelling and provocative example of Icelandic architecture. It was designed by Studio Granda and made predominantly from basalt stone, with upper sections clad in contrastive green copper. The interior – an attractive mix of oak, plaster, concrete and steel – plays with daylight via narrow windows while the external garden offers some disarming serenity.

BJARNANESKIRKJA, NEAR HÖFN

Situated near Höfn in east Iceland, this unusually geometric church – essentially a pyramid matched to a dome – was designed by architect Hannes Kr Davidsson to play with the surrounding light. It was consecrated in 1976, replacing a string of previous churches located in the same spot.

SUPREME COURT OF ICELAND, REYKJAVÍK

BJARNANESKIRKJA, NEAR HÖFN

BJARNANESKIRKJA, NEAR HÖFN

CONCERT HALL, REYKJAVÍK

Opened in May 2011 as Reykjavík’s premiere concert hall and conference centre, Harpa is the city’s most recent architectural and cultural showpiece. It’s home to the Icelandic sym phony orchestra and Icelandic Opera and was designed by Danish practice Henning Larsen Architects and Iceland’s Batteriid with an eyecatching façade created by Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Eliasson.

ÁSMUNDARSAFN MUSEUM, REYKJAVÍK

Part of the Reykjavík Art Museum, this unique space was once the home of pioneering sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson. Designed mostly by Svein sson himself during the 1940s-50s (with latter additions by architect Mannfreð Vilhjálmsson) it nods to Mediterranean and Arabic architec tural styles, and is surrounded by an elegant garden that hosts around 30 of Sveinsson’s sculptures.

HARPA

HARPA CONCERT HALL, REYKJAVÍK

HARPA CONCERT HALL, REYKJAVÍK

ÁSMUNDARSAFN MUSEUM, REYKJAVÍK

ÁSMUNDARSAFN MUSEUM, REYKJAVÍK

HOFSÓS SWIMMING POOL, HOFSÓS

Located in north Iceland, the Hofsós Swimming Pool is one of the country’s most aesthetically adventurous municipal pools, a cornerstone of Icelandic architecture. Designed by local practice Basalt Arkitektar – which is also responsible for popular tourist spa, The Blue Lagoon – and completed in 2010, its masterful integration into the rocky landscape means swimmers get direct views of the sea and Drangey island.

SAURBÆRKIRKJA, NEAR AKUREYRI

One of the earliest forms of Icelandic architecture were turf houses – the practical result of a complicated, often rough climate and limited natural resources. This church, located near Akureyri in north Iceland, was built in 1858 and remains one of the best-preserved of its kind.

HOFSÓS SWIMMING POOL, HOFSÓS

SAURBÆRKIRKJA, NEAR AKUREYRI

SAURBÆRKIRKJA, NEAR AKUREYRI

HOF RESIDENCE, MALMEYJARFJORDHUR

Another work from Studio Granda – this time deep in the wilderness, less than 100km from the Arctic Circle – Hof Residence is an example of Iceland’s sustainable contem porary domestic architecture. The 2007 dwelling puts a modern spin on the turf house. Many of the building materials were salvaged from the surroundings, including telegraph poles (used as sun screens on windows) and basalt pillars, which now pave exterior walls. Massive concrete walls and stone floors make it highly insulated and thermally stable. Hof Residence is a private home so pilgrimages to this one will have to be of the virtual kind.

THE NORDIC HOUSE, REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík’s handsome Nordic House – opened in 1968 and designed by feted Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – features an ultramarine blue ceramic rooftop that echoes the local mountains. A central well in the library funnels light into the interior of building. As well as hosting regular cultural events, exhibition and festivals it also has an acclaimed restaurant (Dill) serving New Nordic food.

HOF RESIDENCE, MALMEYJARFJORDHUR

HOF RESIDENCE, MALMEYJARFJORDHUR

THE NORDIC HOUSE, REYKJAVÍK

My life

COURAGE IS TO WORK, AND NOT TO WHINE

Impressive, spectacular, colossal, ingenious – these are the words most often used by critics and audiences alike to describe his contribution to the theatre plays and operas that he’s worked on over the last ten years in Europe, mostly in German-speaking areas. He is today undoubtedly Europe’s leading stage designer, with his successes marked by his collaborations with famous German theatre director Frank Castorf. The two of them marked this theatre season in Belgrade with the play The Divine Comedy, which they staged at the Belgrade Drama Theatre.

Aleksandar Denić, stage designer and film production designer

Photo by Nebojša Babić

The ancestors of Aleksandar Denić (59) were educated, dedicated to sport and the arts, mighty in their work and wealthy. The first mayor of Belgrade, Pavle Denić, was the uncle of Aleksandar’s grandfather and a civil engineer by profession. His granddad’s brother, Miomir Denić, was a set designer for theatre and film. His Granddad Jezdimir and father Miroslav were both architects. Together with famous Russian-Serbian architect Nikolay Petrovich Krasnov, Jezdimir did the work on a large part of the interior of the National Assembly, which served as the Federal Assembly for decades. Aleksandar’s mother, Mira, worked at the Faculty of Medicine, though she was extraordinarily gifted in drawing. CorD’s interlocutor describes them as a family of people who expressed themselves within the framework of ‘three-dimensional action’. And actually, his wife, Bojana, is also a great artist when it comes to translating from the German language to Serbian. She is editor of publishing company ‘Radni sto’ [work desk], which deals exclusively with the publishing of translations of literature from the former East Germany.

His upbringing in the home adhered to the standards of what represented the basis of a tradi tional civic upbringing.That “good upbringing in the home” implied freedom of choice, but also respect for norms that he never renounced. However, as he himself notes, “the older I get, the more often I conclude with my friends that today’s in-home upbringing is what makes us inferior compared to the ruling system of education. A good upbringing is today a handicap. I received an upbringing that was a mix of deeply rooted values from what used to be a civic stronghold, a street upbringing, a military upbringing...onto which self-governing socialism was grafted. In that socialism, decorations and adornments were removed from pre-war façades, in order to ensure they didn’t serve to remind of the past, just as they cancelled the excessive decorum that interfered with the new value system. Nonetheless, everything that then seemed to negate many of the virtues of civil society represented something of a swan song and honey and milk compared to what we’re seeing today.”

In the house of the Denić family (Aleksandar grew up with his brother Ivan), the basic principle of social life demanded that you show solidarity

with your friends, with other people. That wasn’t a socialist principle, which the then government promoted equally, but rather an obligatory part of domestic upbringing from the youngest days:

“I don’t know how to separate the rage of helplessness today when I see how people focus rapaciously on themselves, almost exclusively. These are people for whom the only important thing is to satisfy their own desires, which can be

ČEVENGUR

reduced down to designer clothing, luxury cars, houses etc. They don’t look to see what’s happen ing around them, they don’t look to see if some talented young man close to them needs help.”

Aleksandar started playing ice hockey at a very young age and that love has stayed with him to this day. The ice rink at Tašmajdan is only around 50 metres from his house and he still loves the sport. He has long been playing it as a veteran.

“Even today, I plan my obligations around the schedule for our matches. And the days we play are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays... at Belgrade’s Pionir Hall. I’m always here and always there, in Germany or wherever I’m doing a play. I spend half the week there and half the week here. In the neighbourhood where I grew up, ice hockey was more appreciated than any other sport. I also play football sometimes, but I find it kind of tedious. Hockey is closest to my being, to what I do for a living. Hockey taught me to take hits, but also to hit back. Frank once said when explaining why he works with me that I’m good because I’m a hockey player!”

Das Opernglas: if an Oscar existed for opera scenographers, it would undoubtedly have gone to Denić four times. It is also a powerful demonstration of the strength of the drive of Bayreuth Festival

My life

Aleksandar Denić, stage designer and film production designer

His collaboration with Frank Castorf (71), which has lasted for the past ten years or so, represents a special period and the most suc cessful chapter in Aleksandar’s artistic work. Running in Belgrade throughout this October and November was an exceptional exhibition called Dekada [Decade], held on several levels of the space of the former Balkan cinema, in which our famous set designer presented his wondrous solutions for the plays that he’s worked on with this director. Castorf, who has an old acquaintance with Belgrade thanks to BITEF - the Belgrade International Theatre Festival, is today undoubt edly one of Europe’s greatest theatre directors. He spent a quarter of a century heading Berlin’s Volksbühne Theatre, the People’s Theatre, and during those years he turned it into the world’s best theatre house. Thanks to Denić, his friend and closest collaborator, he accepted an invitation from Jug Radivojević, manager of the Belgrade Drama Theatre, and made his directorial debut in a theatre not located in Western Europe. At the end of October, Belgraders watched the premiere performance of Dante’s Divine Comedy, complete with additional touches from Goethe, Dostoevsky, Peter Handke et al.

Castorf was born and raised in the former East Germany, and when Denić talks about him, he finds numerous similarities between the two of them that are a result of the similar way of life in the former Yugoslavia and East Germany.

“The two of us recognised each other at first glance. We didn’t talk either about art or work, but rather were unified by us both having grown up in a socialist and post-socialist society. He was funny when he said while giving an interview at the beginning of the pandemic: “Well, Angela Merkel isn’t going to teach me to wash my hands. That insults my elementary upbringing”. That’s also how I would have reacted, because we gener ally react and comment in a similar way, because we had a similar upbringing in the homes and countries we hailed from. We once surprised and regaled the team working on the opera The Ring of the Nibelung. The main character was supposed to disassemble a Kalashnikov while singing. I took it upon myself to show him how to disassemble a Kaleshnikov, and did the work quickly and efficiently. The members of the team, all of them West Germans, were shocked when they saw how adeptly I disassembled the rifle and ask me where I learnt to do it and whether

There are thousands of sets produced every year in Germany that are in a similar key, technically perfect, but without enough spice. And I, as a cook from the Balkans, like hot and spicy. It seems they like my recipes

that was in the war? I explained to them that I’d practised it while in the Yugoslav army on the same kind of rifle that was made at Kragujevac’s Zastava factory. Frank laughed and added: “I can also do that with my eyes closed! I was in the same kind of army in East Germany”. The two of us listened to similar music, watched similar films, and lived in similar ways. Perhaps we were slightly more privileged in Yugoslavia, but that was essentially the same life.”

Given his mentioning of The Ring of the Nibelungen, it is worth recalling that Castorf and Denić marked the 200th anniversary of Richard Wagner’s birth at the Bayreuth Festival by creating a fantastic setting of the opus the four operas of the Ring of the Nibelungen cycle. In response to this work, German magazine Das Opernglas, which is considered the bible in the opera world, wrote:

“One massive wooden barn, with a churchlike tower and all the necessary checklist, is on a wisely utilised moving stage with another of the four different sets that set designer Aleksandar Denić created for this Ring and which, in its impressively monumental size, infatuation with details and functional beauty, probably represent the most magnificent thing that has been visible on any German stage in recent times, but without a shred of doubt represent the most sumptuous and appreciated thing in front of which the Bayreuth curtain has raised in the last 30 years. If an Oscar existed for opera scenographers, it would undoubtedly have gone to Denić four times. It is also a powerful demonstration of the strength of the drive of Bayreuth Festival.”

The last play in the Kastorf-Denić settings

ALEKSANDAR DENIĆ, FRANK CASTORF, ACTRESS MILENA VASIĆ AND BELGRADE DRAMA THEATRE DIRECTOR JUG RADIVOJEVIĆ

done prior to the Divine Comedy in Belgrade is Zdeněk Adamec and is being performed at the Burgtheater, while the play’s author is Peter Handke. The Burgtheater, the Austrian national theatre in Vienna, is the second oldest active theatre in Europe (after Paris’s Comédie-Française) and one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world. The story of the hero of this play, Zdeněk Adamec, is a tragic one. He set himself on fire in Prague in 2003, similar to the self-immolation of fellow Czech Jan Palach in 1969. The play premiered in September 2021. At the very start of the performance, the iconic music of Yugoslav new wave band Šarlo Akrobata’s song Niko kao ja [No One Like Me], resonates with full force for five minutes. And is followed by a tempestuous and very disturbing story that lasts for four hours.

“Jan Palach set himself on fire in protest against the entry of the armed forces of the Warsaw Pact into Czechoslovakia, and at the time he was celebrated by all the representatives of the free world. Adamec set himself ablaze because of capitalism, banks, Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, McDonalds... he set himself on fire because of all that shit. Adamec couldn’t handle this

system. He expected something better to come after Soviet domination, and instead came the domination of neoliberalism, which is unbear able for a democratically oriented man. Handke understood that tragic fate, just as Castorf and I understand each other when we consider today’s times. We are bound together by our shared post-socialist worldview.”

Castorf and Denić’s latest new production – as we discover from our interlocutor – is be ing prepared in Greece, where Heiner Müller’s MedeaMaterial will be performed next summer in Epidaurus, near Athens. And immediately afterwards they will travel to Hamburg, where they are working on the opera Boris Godunov. He is delighted that the conductor is Kent Nagano, music director of the Hamburg State Opera, who he refers to as a dear friend and one of his favourite conductors.

In his rich career, Aleksandar has been the set designer for 29 feature films by the most successful domestic and international directors and has prepared stages for more than 70 drama performances and operas, while he is also the author of numerous architectural and interior

design solutions for dozens of restaurants and cafes.

“Srđan Karanović hired me already during my studies as a set designer for the film A Film With No Name [Za sada bez dobrog naslova]... His choice was more than brave at that juncture, but it turned out that he was right. That was my first set, and thus also the most important.”

He is a recipient of numerous awards for scenography and his contribution to stage de sign: the Award of German monthly theatre magazine Theater heute for stage designer of the year in Germany, for the play Journey to the End of the Night (Munich’s Residence Theatre, 2014) and for the play Baal (Residence Theatre, 2015); German opera magazine Opernwelt’s award for scenography of the year 2014 for The Ring of the Nibelung (Bayreuth Festival); the Faust Award (Der Faust preis) for the best stage designer of 2014, for the sets of The Ring of the Nibelung (presented by the German Theatre Association (Deutsche Bühnenverein) and the Federal Office and Representation for Culture and Media, in cooperation with the German Academy of Performing Arts and the Cultural Foundation of the German Federal States); the annual award of theatre magazine Die Deutsche Bühne for the 2013/2014 season, in the category of outstanding contributions to the current development of scenography/ costumes/spatial theatrical situation, while he

Everything that once seemed to negate many of the virtues of civil society represented something of a swan song and honey and milk compared to what we’re seeing today

WITH SLAVA FETISOV

My

life Aleksandar Denić, stage designer and film production designer

has also been nominated for the International Opera Awards, 2014 and 2022, in the category of designer of the year, as well as for the 2022 Nestroy Theatre Prize. He is also a recipient of all the highest awards in Serbia for the category of the arts in which he works, including the Sterija Award for the stage design for the play Constantine, directed by Jug Radivojević. He served two terms as president of ULUPUDUS, the Applied Artists and Designers Association of Serbia, and is today a professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, while he already knows everything that he’ll be doing over the next two years. He also takes 150-200 flights a year.

“I have been doing scenography work for four decades. That is ample time for a man to learn what he can do and his limits. An artist knows best whether he has done something well or poorly. It’s nice when someone compli ments your work, but I try not to pay attention to critiques. I saw a critic writing in the title of her text after The Divine Comedy: ‘When will it end?’ Let me ask her such a question: do you

want us to reduce Guernica, why should it be such a big picture, it’s stupid? Or to reduce the size of the Diego Rivera painting at Rockefeller Center? Why should he paint in the lobby what he didn’t do in his notebook? That’s the logic of looking at a work of art that individuals consider legitimate and use as the basis to value that work. It mustn’t run for too long, or it mustn’t be large.

I always respond to that by saying: anyone who doesn’t like watching a play that lasts five hours shouldn’t come to the theatre or the opera.

“German theatre aesthetics has its own peculiarities, but I push my own story. I don’t compromise and that obviously has an effect. There are thousands of sets produced every year in Germany that are in a similar key, technically perfect, but without enough spice. And I, as a cook from the Balkans, like hot and spicy. It seems they like my recipes.

Elementary courage is to work and not whinge and thresh empty straw. It is easiest to justify a lack of ideas and quality by blaming a poor financial situation. I would claim that there is always money for a good idea. Every normal producer – whether they’re working on a state, a city or a private production – is benefitted by a good idea, which he will later exploit and pay really well for. Intellectual laziness, the enjoyment of failure, endemic pessimism and excuses like ‘the past hinders the present, and the future is impossible because there’s no money’, have be

The point isn’t where you come from, but rather what you are capable of and ready for. I’ve never been limited in anything by the fact that I’m from Serbia. I did my job, which would get me certain qualifications or accolades, and I would move on

THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG

come a formula for the behaviour of the cultural elite and should be called by their real names: cowardice and selfishness. The state of affairs is presented as being worse, there is a forcing of pessimism and apathy, with which new people are discouraged and endlessly certify their own status as undisputed queens and kings of dinosaurs. An important question imposes itself: where are the talented and how ready are they; and what kind of clashes should they throw themselves into or abandon?”

Aleksandar’s success in Germany serves to prove that an artist from Serbia who is great and serious in their work can also work on the biggest theatre productions, which have been produced in Germany over the last few decades. This Serb worked on the most German opera productions at the Bayreuth Festival. But did that bother anyone?

“The point isn’t where you come from, but rather what you are capable of and ready for. I’ve never been limited in anything by the fact that I’m from Serbia. I did my job, which would get me certain qualifications or accolades, and I would move on.

“I’m sorry that here we compare between ourselves without a desire and need to look at what’s happening around the world, what’s being done by some of those that are better, more developed. But this has been our problem throughout history. As a rule, in history, through wars, we have always been on the side of the vic tors, so we always equated ourselves with those great victors. And we never had time to leaf through the code of civilisation. It seems to me that sometimes, because of our poor behaviour in many situations, we are still in the age before we were conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Our behaviour often manifests as uncivilised.”

For Aleksandar, success is reflected in lon gevity. He says that the Rolling Stones aren’t the greatest because they play the best music, but because they endure. And that’s why he’s irritated by people who claim that the Rolling Stones always play the same:

“That’s not true! The Rolling Stones always play their own music. Just as I do my own work. Whoever doesn’t like that can listen to and watch something else. The artist has his own personal handwriting style and it is logical that this is recognised about him. I’m not a jukebox that someone can stick a coin in and tell to play

something. This doesn’t happen with those who stick to their own writing style. The greatest satisfaction of success that you can do what you love. All that’s needed is for you to also be brave.”

This artist feels sorry that the satisfaction of life has been lost among people; that inclusion has become more important than everything else in the world of the arts.

“You must no longer say that you don’t like women’s football, because you’ll be branded. I don’t like either women’s or men’s football, but I don’t see what the problem is in that.”

Those who loved his film sets, especially in

and often very humorous. He doesn’t regret turning down film jobs, including an offer to do the set design for one of the sequels to worldwide hit The Bourne Identity. He agreed a long time ago to work with Fatih Akin, one of Germany’s most interesting film directors of Turkish descent. Akin is a great admirer of his masterful work.

After having spent the last ten years on the German theatre and opera scene, or the European scene, Aleksandar wears the halo of a darling of the critics.

“Often in the beginning, depending on the editorial policy of the magazine in question, it would be written in one of them ‘Set designer Aleksandar Denić made a piece of crap, or made something ingenious’, while in another magazine or newspaper it would be written ‘Serb Aleksandar Denić has made a piece of crap or something excellent. That’s how I discovered the editorial policies of those newspapers towards Serbia. If I were to get annoyed by that, I would consider that I actually am a Serb and that fact doesn’t bother me. It just seemed to me that it sometimes bothered them a little. That got lost along the way after a certain amount of time, no one mentions that I’m a Serb anymore, so I end up feeling sorry that they don’t mention it at least sometimes!”

Srđan Dragojević’s We Are Not Angels and The Wounds, miss his big screen solutions that are original

I’m sorry that here we compare between ourselves without a desire and need to look at what’s happening around the world, what’s being done by some of those that are better, more developed. But this has been our problem throughout history

THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG - ZIGFRID

CHILL OUT

60

th Anniversary

Of James Bond

The stars stepped out in style as they celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first James Bond movie with a star-studded party in Wardens Grove, London. Leading the way was 007 himself Daniel Craig who has played the secret agent in five films. The event, hosted by watch brand Omega, marks 60 years since the release of the debut of James Bond film Dr No in 1962, with Sean Connery the first actor stepping into the role of the super-spy.

Big Ben’s Iconic Bongs Return After Restoration Work

The most famous clock tower in the world, London’s Big Ben, is returning to regular service after a 5-year restoration. The bells of the 163-year-old clock at the British Parliament will continue to chime every day after the $95 million restora tion. Since 2017, when one of the symbols of London and Great Britain stopped work ing, it has rung only a few times: for the new year, on the occasion of Brexit and on the occasion of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

NASA’s Amazing Moon Views From Artemis 1 Orion Spacecraft

NASA officials say Artemis 1 mission teams are “giddy” after witness ing how well their Orion spacecraft has been performing so far on its way towards lunar orbit. Artemis 1 launched on 16 November, blasting off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in a spectacular display of the sheer power of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. The Orion spacecraft reached Earth orbit shortly after, and then at 87 minutes after launch performed a so-called Trans Lunar Injection burn to send it hurtling towards the moon. On 21 November, Orion performed another burn to send the spacecraft close enough to the lunar surface to leverage the moon’s gravity to pull the spacecraft around the moon into a distant retrograde lunar orbit.

Fossil Preserved For 180M Years Tipped To Sell For Over 580,000 Euros

The complete fossil of a 180 million-year-old marine reptile is tipped to sell for over 580,000 Euros at auction. It is the skeleton of an ichthyosaur - a Jurassic predator approximately eight feet (2.4 m) long - and had been preserved in soft carbonate mud prior to its excavation. This specimen was discovered in a geological formation in Lorraine, France in the early 2000s, during the construction of the high-speed TGV rail line. As the majority of complete ichthyosaur fossils belong to museums, those that appear on the private market usually command high prices. This one is being sold at Bonhams in Paris on 13 December and is expected to go for hundreds of thousands.

Apple Interested In Buying Manchester United In

Six-Billion-Euro Deal

US tech giant Apple has joined the race to buy Manchester United, according to reports. United confirmed the sensational news that the world’s biggest football club is effectively for sale in a statement. With United now available, a report from the local media has claimed that the world’s largest tech company may be interested in acquir ing the club for £ 5.8 billion. The California-based tech firm has never previously owned a major sports team, but the commercial opportunities provided by United are said to be a primary factor in their interest.

Scientists Create Helmet That Converts Brain Waves Into Wheel Movements

A mind-controlled wheelchair that translates brain signals into wheel movements brings hope to more than 5.4 million Americans with motor disabilities. The technology, created by research ers at The University of Texas at Austin, includes a skullcap with 31 electrodes designed to detect signals in the brain region regulating movement and a laptop fixed on the wheelchair so the AI could translate the signals into wheel movements. The wheelchair was designed with sensors that scoured the surrounding environment and robotic intelligence software that helped the chair fill in blanks in the users’ commands to facilitate the accurate and safe movement of the wheelchair.

calendar Culture

Daniel Sloss: CAN’T 13 December – mts Hall

Avatar: The Way of Water 14 December, various locations

It’s been 13 years since James Cameron’s “Avatar” revolutionised the film landscape and topped the history-making box office charts. Now, the long-awaited sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” is finally about to flow into theatres on 14 December. The sequel tells the story of the Sully family — Jake, Neytiri, and their children — as

CAN’T is the all-new, 12th solo show by Scotland’s international comedy superstar. Daniel’s previous ground-breaking, global smash-hits include ‘HUBRiS’ (the world’s biggest solo comedy touring show for most of 2021 as reported in Pollstar) and ‘X’ (his acclaimed tour de force about sexual assault. It toured non-stop for 300 performances over 17 months around the globe, all throughout Europe, the UK, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan and even packing a Moscow arena (becom ing Russia’s biggest-ever English language comedy show and creating a sensa tion with a joke about the importance of sex educa tion – not a taboo subject in Putin’s Russia – an illegal one.). The film ‘X’ is on HBO in USA and Canada and is the first UK comedy special with a UK premiere in cinemas, with its nationwide release at Vue.

LAIBACH 20 December – mts Hall

One of the most provocative and popular groups from the area of the former Yugoslavia, well known to everyone, the cult Slovenian band Lisnnh will perform again in front of the Belgrade audience, after exactly three years at the same place in mts Hall. The band will hold a concert as part of the Love Is Still Alive tour, where it presents the project

their land becomes torn apart. Per an official synopsis, the Sully family endures danger, battles to death, and tragedy throughout the film. The couple is displaced from their homes and flees to Metkayina’s Waterworld, which disrupts tribal politics. Cameron directs the feature and produces alongside Jon Landau. Original stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana reprise their respective roles as Jake and Neytiri, with Sigourney Weaver also returning.

of the same name, which will be available soon on vinyl and CD. The group will present selected tracks from their recently released albums, including some older songs from their upcoming projects and a set of Laibach classics, spanning from the early 80s to the present day.

Corbusier Le Grand Midi

Cohen and Benton 5183 rsd

A spectacular visual biography of the life and work of Le Corbusier – one of the twentieth century’s most influential architects. Decade after its first publication, the bestselling monograph Le Corbusier Le Grand is finally available in a new paperback edition. Documenting the life and work of one of the giants of twentieth-century architecture and de sign, the book presents an array of sketches, photographs, and correspondences, charting the vast and varied output of Le Corbusier, an artist who continues to fascinate those inside and outside the architectural world.

Two Riders Were Approaching: The Life & Death of Jimi Hendrix

Mick Wall 1943 rsd

Famous for playing the guitar with his teeth and lighting his instrument on fire, Hendrix’s innovative and experimental sound won over UK rock royalty and legions of US fans. But there was a dark side to Hendrix, he would become angry and violent after days of mixing alcohol and illicit drugs. Tragically in 1970, he was found dead in a London flat. The real reason behind his death is still disputed. Hendrix managed to change music forever in just four years. With access to key members of Jimi’s circle, critically acclaimed writer Mick Wall will deliver an explosive and celebratory biography offering fans a chance to see the real Hendrix and learn the truth behind his untimely death.

The Nordic Cookbook

Magnus Nilsson 4535 rsd

Organized by food type, The Nordic Cookbook covers every type of Nordic dish including meat, fish, vegetables, bread, pastries and desserts. These recipes are achiev able for home cooks of all abilities and are accompanied by narrative texts on Nordic culinary history, ingredients and techniques including smoking and home preserving. Additional essays explore classic dishes made for special occasions and key seasonal events, such as the Midsum mer feast. The Nordic Cookbook joins Phaidon’s national cuisine series, which includes Mexico, India, Thailand, Peru and others, and is the most comprehensive source of home cooking from the Nordic countries.

Conversations With Friends

Sally Rooney 1336 rsd

Frances is twenty-one years old, cool-headed and obser vant. A student in Dublin and an aspiring writer, at night she performs spoken word with her best friend Bobbi, who used to be her girlfriend. When they are interviewed and then befriended by Melissa, a well-known journalist who is married to Nick, an actor, they enter a world of beautiful houses, raucous dinner parties and holidays in Provence, beginning a complex ménage-à-quatre. But when Frances and Nick get unexpectedly closer, the sharply witty and emotion-averse Frances is forced to honestly confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time.

Kissinger: 1923-1968 - The Idealist

Niall Ferguson 2470 rsd

In this remarkable new book, the first of two volumes, Niall Ferguson has created an extraordinary panorama of Kiss inger’s world and a paradigm-shifting reappraisal of the man. Only through knowledge of Kissinger’s early life (as a Jew in Hitler’s Germany, a poor immigrant in New York, a GI at the Battle of the Bulge, an interrogator of Nazis, and a student of history at Harvard) can we understand his debt to the philosophy of idealism.

Picasso And Paper

Ann Dumas, Emilia Philippot, William H. Robinson

5345 rsd

Pablo Picasso’s often experimental and at times revo lutionary use of paper is the subject of this major study, published to accompany an exhibition at the Royal Acad emy of Arts, London (25 January - 13 April 2020) and the Cleveland Museum of Art (24 May - 23 August 2020). With reproductions of more than 300 works of art and additional texts by Violette Andres, Stephen Coppel, Em manuelle Hincelin, Christopher Lloyd, Johan Popelard and Claustre Rafart Planas, this sumptuous study reveals the myriad ways in which Picasso’s genius seized the potential of paper at different stages throughout his career.

FACES PLACES&

Day Of The Dead At The Cervantes Institute

At the Cervantes Institute in Belgrade, the Day of the Dead was celebrated again this year and the Altar of the Dead was presented. On this occasion, for the first time, the Katrina walk and the presentation of prizes for the bestmasked ones took place. The event was organized by the Embassy of Mexico and Cervantes Institute. The Altar of the Dead in the gallery of the Cervantes Institute was available to visitors until 15 November. 4/11/2022

The Serbia-Spain Business Forum Held In Belgrade

The Serbia-Spain Business Forum attracted a lot of attention and gathered nearly 200 representatives of international financial institutions, Serbian and Spanish administrations and ministries and other public institutions, including representa tives of about twenty Spanish companies, as well as a large number of Serbian businessmen. This forum was organized by the Trade Department of the Embassy of Spain in Belgrade, the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, with the support of the Governments of Serbia and Spain and their relevant ministries. 4/11/2022

The program of the seventh consecutive week of Italian cuisine in the world was presented in Belgrade. The initiative is organized by the Embassy of Italy, in cooperation with the ac tors of the “Italy System” in Serbia (ICE Agency, Institute for Culture, Chamber of Italian-Serbian Businessmen and Confindustria Serbia). The program ranged from distribution in large retail chains to e-commerce, from meetings between producers and importers of Italian products to scientific seminars. The program also included professional wine, cheese and oil tastings organ ized in cooperation with Italian consortia, as well as tasting menus in certain Italian restaurants and pizzerias that have joined the initiative.

The Week Of Italian Cuisine In The World 2022 Presented At The Embassy

National Day Of Algeria Celebrated

The Embassy of Algeria hosted a reception marking the National Day of this country. Ambassador of Algeria H.E. Fatah Mahrez greeted the guests and welcomed the at tendees with a speech. The event held at the Hyatt Hotel was attended by high-ranking government officials, members of the dip lomatic community and representatives of science, art and religious figures. The event marks the date of the outbreak of the national liberation struggle.

7/11/2022

The Russian National Unity Day Marked

On the occasion of the Russian national day, the Day of National Unity, a Fes tive Academy was held at the Russian Center for Science and Culture “Rus sian House” in Belgrade. The official academy was opened by the ambas sador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, addressing the dignitaries. He pointed out that the Russian people find strength in true values, to which they have always been faithful. It is this unity, despite all the obstacles, that gives us the energy to move forward – said the ambassador.

Victory Day Of Azerbaijan Marked

The Embassy of Azerbaijan Held a reception at the Hyatt Hotel mark ing the Victory Day of this country. Ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E. Kamil Khasiyev noted that Novem ber 8 - Victory Day is one of the brightest and most unforgettable days in the history of our country.

He said that two years ago, on 8 No vember, under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, Army liberated the city of Shusha from the occupation. Minister of Economy of Serbia

Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal

ranking state and government

Rade Basta, officials of the Serbian Ministry of

Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, as well as other high-

representatives, science, art and religious figures, attended the event.

FACES PLACES&

11/11/2022

Armistice Day Marked In Serbia

The central state ceremony of laying wreaths on the memorial ossuary of the defenders of Belgrade in the First World War at the New Cemetery in Belgrade was led by Minister Nikola Selaković. The wreath-laying ceremony at the French cemetery in Belgrade honoured the fallen French soldiers. Wreaths were laid by the Ambassador of France Pierre Cochard, Ambassador of Germany Anke Konrad, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivica Dacic, the head of the EU Delega tion Emanuele Giaufret, as well as representatives of embassies, representatives of the City of Belgrade and veterans’ associations. Ambassador Cochard reminded that at the French cemetery in Belgrade, France remembers 50,000 Frenchmen who died alongside their Serbian brothers on the battlefields of the Thessaloniki front. 14/11/2022

Republic Day Of Kazakhstan Marked

The Embassy of Kazakhstan organized a celebration marking the Republic Day of this country. The event was held at Belgrade’s Hyatt Hotel. Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Madi Atamkulov delivered a welcom ing speech, addressing current Kazakstan’s political situation, and emphasizing the recent presidential elections. The event was attended by Serbian Govern ment officials, members of the diplomatic community as well as partners and friends of the Embassy. 17/11/2022

Nordic-Serbian Partnership for Renewable Energy

Led by Norwegian Embassy in Serbia, the second in a series of events “Nordic Green – Solutions for Serbia” was held at the Science Technology Park Belgrade. The title “Nordic-Serbian Partner ship for Renewable Energy” event focused on renewable energy, the application of the latest technologies in energy systems and storage solutions as well as other relevant topics such as balancing the power market, technology development and public-private partnership for innova tion. With all four Nordic Ambassadors in presence, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic addressed the audience highlighting the Government’s priorities in the Energy sector and the importance of Nordic support and close cooperation on ongoing projects and initiatives.

Donation To Institute Of Public Health “Batut”

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff of the Institute of Public Health “Batut” in Belgrade were particularly active in providing support and information on immunisation to the diplomatic community in Serbia. The diplomatic community was grateful for the support and showed gratitude by organising fundraising for “Batut” through the foundation “Catalyst”. On the initiative of Tobias Flessenekmper, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, funds were raised to provide equipment for work for the dedicated staff of “Batut”. He was accompanied by H.E. Virginia Pina, Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mohammed Belhaj, Ambassador of Morocco and Miloš Janković from the Catalyst Foundation during the symbolic hand-over of the donation.

17/11/2022

Norway-Western Balkans Business Conference

The regional conference “Investment opportunities in renewable energy sources in the Western Balkans”, organized by the Norwegian embassies in Belgrade and Sarajevo, was held in Belgrade. The event was attended by President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, the special envoy of the Prime Minister of Norway Andreas Eriksen, the Prime Ministers of Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro Edi Rama, Dimitar Kovačevski and Dritan Abazović, the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija, as well as members of the diplomatic and business community. “We can help each other a lot and jointly secure the future,” said Vučić, while Eriksen said that it is necessary to provide safer sources of energy in this time of uncertainty, and that action must be taken immediately.

18/11/2022

AHK Members Dinner With Ambassador Konrad

German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce-AHK Serbia hosted its traditional annual event Members Dinner. The event was attended by the German Ambassador H.E. Anke Konrad as a key speaker. AHK President Milan Grujić welcomed guests and said in his speech that economic relations between Serbia and Germany are at a high level followed by stable political relations between these two countries. This is empowered by frequent talks and meetings at the highest level. He said that the goal of German support from the very beginning was to bring Serbia closer to the European Union, to strengthen the efficiency of the economy, and thus to improve the living standard of citizens. 18/11/2022

CCIFS Hosts Annual Event French Week

The tenth anniversary “French Week” under the slogan “Lights of Paris in Belgrade streets” was opened at the Navigator Business Centre 2, with the aim to promote historical, cultural and business ties between France and Serbia. The manifestation organized by the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFS) is held from 17 to 23 November, while the dates of the event are associated with the French custom of awaiting the release of the young French wine, “Beaujolais nouveau”, which was tasted at the opening. The guests were welcomed by Dragan Stokić, President of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Fatih Akcal, First Counsellor of the Embassy of France to Serbia.

FACES PLACES&

22/11/2022

Foreign Investors Council Presented The White Book 2022

In the year when the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) marks the 20th anniversary of its establishment and operation, the “White Book 2022” was presented to the highest rep resentatives of the Government of the Republic of Serbia within the framework of the Working Group of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Foreign Investors council for implementation of the recommendations of the White Book, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabić. The White Book, written by FIC members, is the major product by which, for the last two decades, the FIC gives recommendations aimed at improving economic growth and better living standard of Serbian citizens.

20/11/2022

Reception On The Occasion Of The Belgian King’s Day

The Belgian Defence Attaché David Lambeens and his spouse Milica have organised in Hotel Amsterdam in Belgrade the yearly reception and the toast to His Majesty King Filip I. The event was held in the presence of her Excellency Ambassador Cathy Buggenhout, Representatives from the Serbian Armed Forces and the international Defence Attaché’s community in Serbia. Belgian King’s Day is being celebrated every year since the accession of Leopold I as the first Belgian King in 1831, a year after the independence of Belgium.

24/11/2022

Canadian Embassy Hosts Etno mreža Exhibition

Ambassador of Canada H.E. Giles Norman and his spouse Valerie Lane, diplomatic Patron of Etno mreža, hosted an event that took place at the Official Residence. The special Holiday Exhibition and Sale of the Etno mreža products offered vari ous articles, from wooden gloves to toys and Christmas tree decorations. The event was attended by NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanovic, as well as many members of the diplomatic community and friends of the Embassy.

Learning From Champions

As this special edition shows, Nordic countries have been exerting considerable efforts to assist Serbia in its green transition, by sharing Nordic experiences in this field, increasing awareness of local stakeholders with regard to the circular economy and providing proposals on ways to continue implementing these principles in Serbia

Norway is the most sustainable country in the world. Sweden, Finland and Denmark are hot on its heels - this is how one notable website explains the position of the Nordic countries when it comes to green transition. These countries have for years been leaders in many areas, including governance, innovation, human capital and environmental indicators, and it comes as no surprise that they took the lead on cooperating with Serbia in this highly neglected area.

Just to get an idea of how important climate change, environmental policies and sustainability are for the political agenda, consider that – just a few months ago – the Norwegian parliament approved a proposal to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, two decades earlier than planned. The European Union, for example, aims to be climate neutral by 2050.

On the other hand, Finland has become the world’s first country to establish a roadmap to the efficient and sustainable use of resources in close collaboration between representatives of the pub lic and private sectors and the general public. It features measures that impact on the state administration, towns and cities, businesses and the daily lives of the Finnish people.

Denmark is leading the way when it comes to green transition. It has suc cessfully cut its CO2 emissions by more than half since 1996. In 2019, 47% of all electricity generated in the country was sourced from wind power. The Danes are working to drive the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-ef ficient society. Their work encompasses

renewable energies, energy efficiency, water management, waste management, climate adaptation, the circular economy and integrated urban solutions.

Sweden, the world’s first country to pass an environmental protection act, way back in 1967, also hosted the first UN conference on the global environment in 1972. Over the course of the last decade and more, Sweden has ranked among the top ten on the globally respected Environ mental Performance Index and is a country that prides itself on its exceptionally clean air, clean water and low emissions.

Those are, in short, the profiles of the Nordic countries that stand at the fore front of sustainability rankings, and that have pledged to make their region the world’s most sustainable and integrated by 2030, and to demonstrate leadership

in the fight against climate change.

The Nordic countries are also best prac tice ambassadors. In an effort to support Serbia in 2021, the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, with the support of the Nordic Council of Minis ters, launched the project ‘Strengthening the Circular Economy in Serbia – Nordic Experiences’.

Throughout the implementation of this project, the Nordic countries have presented examples of good practice and highlighted the importance and benefits of the circular economy. They have also been involved in many parallel activities, including legislative changes, adminis trative infrastructure development and hands-on practical projects regarding waste management and similar areas across Serbia.

Nordic countries are at the forefront of green transition and are leading the way on the development of a more sustainable economy

Greening The World Together

our cycle lanes and wind turbines. We started erecting wind turbines already during the 1970s, and today Denmark is among the leading nations when it comes to the research, development, production and installation of wind turbines. The turnover of the Danish wind sector amounted to 17 billion euros in 2020. This development was a conscious choice on behalf of our gov ernment, which introduced subsidies for research and test facilities early on. Later on, price subsidies were also introduced to make it economically sustainable to sell electricity generated from wind turbines. When the technology improved and wind turbines became more profitable, we were able to phase out price subsidies. Vestas – our world-leading wind turbine manufacturer, with more than 160 GW of wind turbines installed in 88 countries – is present here in Serbia.

Denmark has worked hard since the 1970s to become one of the world’s greenest countries. As Danish Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Susanne Shine notes in this interview, sustainability is today a key element of Danish society.

Denmark’s green transition has proved hugely beneficial to the Danish economy. What steps or preconditions were the most important to securing a sustainable transition?

- The Danish energy sector has seen sev eral dramatic changes over the past 50 years. The green transition in Denmark originally began at the time of the oil cri sis of the 1970s. At that time, more than

90% of our energy needs were covered by oil imported from the Middle East. As a result of the crisis, the government introduced a range of measures to reduce our energy dependence, such as “car-free Sundays” and lowering of speed limits. The government also began to explore ways to meet growing energy demand in a more sustainable way, and accord ingly introduced centralised economic incentives for developing sustainable solutions. Over the years, this shift in mentality transformed Danish society fundamentally. Today, children are taught early on to save water and electricity, while we also insulate our houses and recycle our waste in a sustainable way. The most visible legacy of that mentality is probably

These deliberate policy choices have put us in a position where roughly 70% of our electricity is today sourced from renewables. When the wind blows hard across the North Sea (which it often does), wind energy produces more than 100% of Danish electricity demand, allowing us to export the surplus to our neighbours. Over the course of the past 15 years, we’ve also been able to reduce coal consumption by 80% and natural gas consumption by 45%.

In summary, it was crucial that Danish politicians, when confronted by immense geopolitical challenges, had the political will and courage to drastically change Danish policy. Danish governments have since continued on this path and today we have the ambition to become fossil-fuel free by 2050. In order to achieve this target, the Danish parliament adopted the 2019 ‘Climate Act’, which sets out the ambitious goal of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030.

H.E. SUSANNE SHINE, AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK TO SERBIA

Since the launch of the Nordic/Serbian green project, we have seen increased contacts and concrete collaboration between Nordic and Serbian businesses within the scope of green transition

BALANCE

Making agriculture more sustainable is not only an environmental question, but also a question of dollars and cents. This kind of thinking makes agriculture more sustainable

What has changed positively since the Nordic countries first shifted the focused of their cooperation in Serbia to the Green Agenda?

- Since the Nordic/Serbian green project began, we have seen increased contacts and concrete collaboration between Nordic and Serbian businesses within the scope of green transition. I also believe that the Nordic/ Serbian green project has placed an increased focus on the importance of green transition and the circular economy in Serbia.

Nordic companies are nowadays role models for all things sustainable. In that sense, I am very happy to see that several eminent Danish companies have chosen Serbia as a reliable partner in showcasing their sustainable achievements. Pump manufacturer Grundfos is one of the prime examples of this. It has just recently inau gurated a new state of the art production plant in Inđija that features solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, geothermal technology for cooling and heating and a distributed pumping solution using Grund fos’s own technology. It is a great pleasure for me to see that Serbia is hosting and embracing such successful examples and, hopefully, they can also serve as an example to others.

Denmark will take on special respon sibility for sustainable farming, which is a huge topic. How did you go about it?

- Denmark has agriculture in its DNA. The Danish economy was based on the agricul ture and fishery sectors for hundreds of years. The economy has today changed, but the agriculture sector still employs roughly 200,000 people and yields exports worth 21 billion euros annually. Since 1990, we have managed to triple production in our food sector while simultaneously reduc ing emissions related to the food sector by 16%. However, given that agriculture represents roughly 15 per cent of global emissions and that we have a population

PARTNERSHIPS

Nordic companies are nowadays role models for all things sustainable. In that sense, I am very happy to see that several eminent Danish companies have chosen Serbia as reliable partners

that’s growing globally, we have to realise that current production methods and emission levels are unsustainable.

IMPACT

I believe that the Nordic/Serbian green project has placed an increased focus on the importance of green transition and the circular economy in Serbia

not a task for one farmer to take on alone. Having this in mind, we decided to dedicate the Danish-led conference to this topic, and to give both Danish and Serbian experts and farmers an opportunity to present their findings and exchange their experiences.

What are the most significant outcomes of the “Nordic-Serbian Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture” Conference, which was held in Novi Sad on 18th October?

it

Danish

Connecting all these issues is no simple task. Increasing output and quality, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining top standards of animal welfare, is not a task for one country and it is definitely

- We are very satisfied that we managed to gather a significant number of both Danish and Serbian agriculture experts at Science and Technology Park Novi Sad, with whom we had great collaboration. From the Danish side, this included Ms Lise Walbom, CEO of Food Nation Denmark, Mr Tom Axelgaard, CEO of Goodvalley and president of Danish Farmers Abroad, Mr Torben Tornegaard Olesen, Chairman of the Danish Pig Academy, as well as representatives of industry leaders ACO FUNKI, DanVit, Breeders of Denmark, Skov, SundsAlfa and Fog Agroteknik. From the Serbian side, we heard from Professor Vit omir Vidović of the University of Novi Sad, Mr Marko Panić of the Biosense Institute and other eminent Serbian professionals. The event’s most significant outcome was the knowledge exchange between Danish and Serbian stakeholders. An important takeaway from the conference was also that making agriculture more sustainable is not only an environmental question, but also a question of dollars and cents. For example, when farmers take a scientific approach to choosing fodder for their pigs and invest in the right products, they can both lower their costs (because they won’t need to buy as much as before), increase their output (because the animal feed is more nutritious) and reduce their green house gas emissions (because the feed is more sustainable). This kind of thinking is what is needed to make agriculture more sustainable.

was crucial that Danish politicians, when confronted by immense geopolitical challenges, had the political will and courage to drastically change Danish policy.

governments have since continued on this path and today we have the ambition to become fossil-fuel free by 2050

H.E. KIMMO LÄHDEVIRTA, AMBASSADOR OF FINLAND TO SERBIA

Common Challenges Related To Greening Economies

to reconsider its longstanding security and defence policy and to apply – together with Sweden – for membership in NATO. A serious consequence of the attack is the worsening of the energy crisis, as you mentioned. The only solution is to cut our dependency on Russian hydrocarbons and boost the transition to greener technologies.

Nordic regional cooperation is recognised as both a highly ambitious approach and a relevant model of cooperation when it comes to green transition. What makes it useful for Serbia and the other countries of this region?

Although the previous years have been filled with events that dis tracted Nordic countries and Serbia from cooperating on green transi tion, current developments that point to the importance of sustainability are underpinning the formation of “green partnerships”.

Your term as ambassador to Serbia, which started in mid-2019, has been full of extraordinary events, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and extending to the current energy crisis. How have these events shaped your work in Serbia?

- It is true that the focus of my work has been

shifting quite a bit during these years. In au tumn 2019, Finland held the presidency of the EU Council and we focused on that agenda. Soon after that, the pandemic broke out and the embassy’s main task was to advise and help Finnish citizens in the region. I was lucky to be able to build networks before things were shut down by the pandemic. I really ap preciate the Nordic and EU cooperation that we have, but also our excellent cooperation with the Serbian authorities.

This year has unfortunately been marked by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions on international relations, and on this region. Russia’s attack also led Finland

- Formal Nordic cooperation dates back sev eral decades and extends across all areas of society, from politics and research to culture and art. The Nordic Council of Ministers has set an ambitious Nordic vision for 2030: The Nordic region will become the world’s most sustainable and integrated region. We acknowledge the fact that the Nordic region is seen as a role model when it comes to the environment and climate. We therefore also see that sharing our knowledge and ex periences can prove helpful to other regions. A copy-paste approach rarely works, but challenges related to greening the economies are common both here and in the north. We all want to develop clean, resource-efficient and sustainable solutions. Like the Nordic countries, the Balkan states are relatively small in terms of population. You could thus say that a common approach is not only desired, but also needed to be competitive on the global market.

Finland consistently ranks at or near the top of international rankings when it comes

There is rising interest among both local companies that want to cooperate with their Finnish counterparts and among Finnish companies that want to support potential partners in applying green industrial processes in Serbia and around the region

COMMONALITY

Like the Nordic countries, Balkan states are relatively small in terms of population. A common approach is thus not only desired, but also needed to be competitive on the global market

to innovation. To what extent could green transition solutions be upgraded with the help of ICT and other technological solutions?

- In addressing the challenges of sustainability, mitigating climate change and transforming the energy system, the role of innovation is today greater and more crucial than ever before. At the same time, green transition and cutting carbon emissions have become key ingredients of innovation that cannot be viewed separately.

Digital transformation and ICT are definitely enablers of green transition, and Finland is the most digitised country in Europe, according to the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index. Additionally, it is one of the global forerunners in 5G mobile communications technology. New technologies, including automation, robotics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, biotechnologies, and artificial intelligence, have immense potential to foster growth, prosperity and environmental sustainability. Given that Finland aims to become a leading country in combating climate change, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035, the aforementioned technologies are essential in achieving this target.

What major lessons could Finland share with us when it comes to greening business and creating green industrial processes?

- Finland has strong collaboration between its companies, industries, research institutes, universities, the government and other rele vant stakeholders. This is definitely one of the positive examples that we can share with Serbia. The authorities need to recognise that green transition is a great opportunity to attract new investments, create new jobs, achieve greater competitiveness of the economy and strengthen the local market and businesses around it. On the other hand, businesses are able to see numerous benefits, starting from reduced costs, achieving sus tainability and ultimately making an impact on public health and improved quality of life for citizens, as a common good.

OPPORTUNITY

Green transition is a great opportunity to attract new investments, create new jobs, achieve greater competitiveness of the economy and strengthen the local market and businesses around it

Finland and the other Nordic countries will continue to support Serbia in its move to wards a greener future. As part of the Nordic Green project, Finland will organise an event on greening businesses and green industrial processes at Science and Technology Park Niš on 2nd February 2023. The focus of the event

LEADERSHIP

Finland is recognised in Serbia as one of the leaders in the development of smart solutions related to the circular economy, clean energy, green industrial processes and other environmentally friendly solutions

- I think we have managed to raise public awareness of the urgent need for societies to be greener and more sustainable. Our message is that this does not need to be to the detriment of businesses and the econ omy. On the contrary, green transition is an opportunity. We have chosen to engage with businesses, government and City representa tives, civil society and the media. Everyone is needed, but it is the most influential actors in each society that need to show the way. The attention we have received shows that Ser bian actors also see the circular economy as an opportunity. I hope we have inspired some of them and created “green partnerships” that will stand the test of time.

will be on company cases and examples of how to advance production processes, improve and make greener business operations, increase efficiency, improve quality, include circular economy principles etc.

As of 2021, the Nordic embassies, together with local partners that include the Nordic Business Alliance, have organised a series of events related to the circular economy. What do you see as the major achievements of this initiative to date?

The Team Finland network has been active ly supporting Finnish companies in finding partners and opportunities in the Western Balkan region. In that respect, do Finnish companies recognise opportunities in the industrial and clean-tech sector in Serbia? - Finland is recognised in Serbia as one of the leaders in the development of smart solutions related to the circular economy, clean energy, green industrial processes, air quality and other environmentally friendly solutions. Looking at investments by Finnish companies, there has recently been more interest to wards renewable energy and environmentally friendly solutions. It is worth mentioning that Finnish company Taaleri Energia is one of the major investors in the largest wind farm in Serbia and the region, Čibuk 1. On the other hand, numerous Finnish companies, such as Valmet, are already involved in improving the industrial processes of some major local companies. There is rising interest among both local companies that want to cooperate with their Finnish counterparts and among Finnish companies that want to support potential partners in Serbia and around the region. We can therefore definitely see that the future focus of Finnish companies will be on sectors that are relevant to the green transition of Serbia’s economy.

Finland will organise an event at Science and Technology Park Niš on 2nd February 2023, which will focus on company cases and examples of how to advance production processes, improve and make greener business operations

Environmental And Strategic Imperative

Markets will push green transi tion and investments in green technologies, thus persuading Serbia to continue harmonising its environmental regulations with those of its European peers. This seems to be one of the most crucial lessons to be learned from the experience of the Nordic countries. This was the main topic of our interview with Norwegian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Jørn Eugen Gjelstad.

If we compare the conference you hosted in cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy in December last year and the new one scheduled to take place at Science and Technology Park Belgrade this month (November 2022), what do you see as the major changes that have happened in the meantime?

- The major change that has occurred is the energy crisis that has struck our continent. We have seen record-high electricity prices and an increased focus on energy and energy independence. It has become clear that shifting away from fossil fuels is not only an environ mental imperative, but a necessity of strategic autonomy. This has always been the case, but rarely to the extent that it is now. The current crisis has underscored the urgent need for a variegated supply chain and more renewables in countries’ energy mix. In this regard, I was glad to hear Prime Minister Brnabić declare, for similar reasons, energy the main priority of the new government, with renewables representing a significant part of that priority.

Energy is indeed a hot political topic. To what extent does this help or hinder the transition to greener solutions?

- Major industrial transitions are always difficult and costly, but it is important to be clear that green transition is both a must and an opportunity. Strategic invest ments made today will pay off later and should not be considered as burdensome costs. It is a must primarily because all evidence points towards the catastrophic environmental consequences of inaction. Moreover, in order to remain competitive in today’s global markets, both businesses and countries must invest in the future – and that future is undeniably green! We can already see this at the European level. The EU has clearly signalled its commitment to green transformation. And we know that the markets will follow suit. In the case of Serbia, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism stands out as a key challenge for everyone. With this new carbon tax, it will be increasingly difficult to sustain export access to European markets if products are not aligned with these new environmental criteria. As Serbia continues to harmonise its environmental policies with those of its European counterparts, markets will drive the green transition, and consequently investments in green technologies will be come more profitable than the alternatives. This transformative shift should not only be considered a necessary undertaking based on principles and standards, but should also be considered as being existential to the future of national economic interests and public health.

What further steps need to be taken in advancing the green agenda and improving resilience in the energy sector?

- Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that Serbia has achieved important progress in terms of renewable energy and energy

H.E. JØRN EUGEN GJELSTAD, AMBASSADOR OF NORWAY TO SERBIA

I have a strong belief in the prospects of green transition in Serbia. Now is the time to step up the momentum and accelerate the change

OPPORTUNITY

Major industrial transitions are always difficult and costly, but it is important to be clear that green transition is both a must and an opportunity

PROGRESS

Serbia has achieved important progress in terms of renewable energy and energy efficiency over the past few years, mainly in the realm of legislative efforts

CONTRIBUTION

Through the Nordic Green project, we hope to contribute to knowledge-sharing and constructive initiatives that can accelerate green transition in Serbia

efficiency over the past few years. Legis lative efforts have been made in the fields of energy and mining that are intended to improve conditions for energy independence and enable further harmonisation with EU legislation. Still, two-thirds of Serbia’s energy production continues to rely on low-quality coal. This is unsustainable over the long run and presents a major challenge that requires cross-sectoral efforts to solve.

The shift to renewable sources of energy is one of the most important steps any country can take to improve its energy resilience. However, time is needed to bring about transformative change in the way a country manages its resources, industries and value chains. The EU’s 2022 Enlarge ment Report on Serbia stated that Serbia has a lot of untapped potential regarding Chapter 15 on energy. Battery solutions, hy drogen storage and reversible hydropower are some of the energy carriers that have been identified as having major potential in Serbia’s upcoming shift away from coal. Developing these sources and carriers, in parallel with transmission and distribution networks, will be key.

What advances the green agenda more than anything else is a decisive commitment to change. Through the Nordic Green project, we hope to contribute to knowledge-sharing and constructive initiatives that can accel erate green transition in Serbia and realise the country’s great potential.

How might Norwegian expertise help in reducing the country’s dependency on both specific energy sources and individual suppliers?

- What Norwegian expertise can do is to share our experience of organising the energy sector in the most effective way, based on a diversified mix of sources and carriers. We can do this with a view to in creasing output and reducing greenhouse emissions. Secondly, and not to be forgotten, we also have certain competence in bringing state-owned companies in line with inter

nationally accepted corporate governance principles. By doing so, we are making the energy sector attractive to investors, which eases access to capital. In this way, we can significantly increase sector productivity

and private equity funds, has over time been a strong driver behind our high-level technological entrepreneurship and our culture of innovation.

Overall, what do you see as the major achievements of bilateral relations be tween our two countries and the Serbian EU integration process in the areas supported by Norway?

- Relations between our two countries remain strong. Norway continues to be a reliable partner to Serbia on important issues and is a consistent supporter of socioeconomic development across the region. I would highlight our long-term support to socioeconomic development in cooperation with local SMEs and munic ipalities. Additionally, we will now step up our efforts in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a particular view to make use of young and highly skilled professionals in this country. Serbia has a lot of talented young people, and they should be given the right opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to new growth impulses in the national economy. This is the future.

Serbia has a lot of talented young people, and they should be given the right opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to new growth impulses in the national economy. This is the future

and profitability, making the energy sector the cornerstone of the national economy. The success of today’s Norwegian energy sector is rooted in decades of targeted action, as well as the profile of our higher education system that can respond easily to the requirements of the energy economy. Additionally, I think it is relevant to mention that our cluster model, which connects research institutions, companies, univer sities/student programmes, government,

At the same time, we hope to continue our excellent cooperation on energy and on efforts to make the energy sector efficient, diversified and as green as possible. We believe energy should be considered the main driver of strengthened and deepened regional cooperation among the WB6. Common engagement across borders to meet the energy challenge will build trust and make the region much more resilient.

Norway, therefore, continues to work with financial partners like the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to support investments in clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and improving the competitiveness of business sectors within this region. Norway is consistently among the biggest bilateral donors to the WBIF, and we are happy to further our strong commitment in this regard.

H.E. ANNIKA BEN DAVID, AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN TO SERBIA

We Now Need To Involve Citizens

Sweden can share a lot of its expe riences and practises regarding the fight against climate change, says Swedish Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Annika Ben David, speaking in this CorD interview. “The most important experience is that all parts of Swedish society can and want to participate in fighting climate change – leading by exam ple,” explains our interlocutor. “There are impressive investments being implement ed by industry, for example in developing

carbon-free steel production, while at the same time people are re-thinking their lifestyles to see how they can contribute, for example by eating more vegetarian, re cycling household waste, using more public transportation or buying a bio-fuel car.”

From such an ecological perspective, what would be the most important lessons you would like to share with the Serbian public and Serbian policymakers? - There are two important lessons. The

first is that the investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy that we made in the ‘90s are now paying off. Our foresight then is helping us today, when we find ourselves in the midst of an energy crisis. The second lesson is that we need to involve citizens. As an explanation, it is important to lead the way, but also to listen – to people, civil society, industry and academia. By making them partners in green transition, policy and action become more sustainable.

The Swedish bioenergy success story could apply to Serbia in many ways. We hope that Swedish companies and experts will play a significant role in helping Serbia increase the use of bioenergy in an economically and environmentally optimal way ~ Annika Ben David

FORESIGHT

The investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy that we made in the ‘90s are now paying off, just when we find ourselves in the midst of an energy crisis

Waste separation and recycling is greatly lacking in our experience and our focus. How do you contribute to the sharing of knowledge and the implementation of sustainable solutions in this area?

- In Sweden, 98 per cent of all waste is re cycled and becomes new energy. Recycling is made easy and has become a reflex. Sweden has supported Serbia in devel oping strategies and plans to improve waste management standards nationwide. Serbia’s policy is now aligned with EU standards and supported by practical and affordable local experience.

The need for sustainability is as key for Serbia as it is for Sweden. There is no substitute for practical experience and persistence. Swedish cooperation with Serbia’s national and local authorities made possible pilot projects like the Arilje source separation station, the Čačak transfer station and waste planning in Čajetina. These projects serve to demonstrate how progress can be achieved.

Thanks to Swedish support, as part of the Team Europe effort, small-scale pilot projects have turned into large-scale investments in 17 municipalities. These are being rolled out as we speak. Tons of waste is now being recycled! In line with Serbia’s national plans, this approach will be expanded and applied across the country.

Swedish companies are said to be inter ested in investing in biomass and biogas in Serbia. How many opportunities for co operation do you see today and in future?

- The Green transition of our society is very important to us. There is simply no way around it.

Swedish companies are our partners. They are global leaders of innovation and sustainability. This includes the use of bio gas and biomass, something we refer to as bioenergy in Sweden. In fact, according to 2020 data, bioenergy is the leading source of energy in Sweden, with close to a 40% stake in the overall energy mix. When it

SUPPORT

Thanks to Swedish support to Serbia, as part of the Team Europe effort, small-scale pilot projects have turned into large-scale investments in 17 municipalities. These are being rolled out as we speak

comes to district heating, biomass has a dominant position of about 70% as the main source of fuel for producing heat. As Serbia embarks on the path of increased use of renewable energy sources, we know that bioenergy is one of those with the greatest potential to replace fossil fuels.

ACHIEVEMENT

In Sweden, 98 per cent of all waste is recycled and becomes new energy. Recycling is made easy and has become a reflex

helping Serbia increase the use of bioener gy in an economically and environmentally optimal way.

A bilateral agreement on cooperation in reducing industrial emissions was signed a year ago by Sweden and the Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection. What progress has been made so far?

- The first year of our project has been very successful: the process of preparing a new law with high environmental standards has now started. Together with several industries, our experts have worked on permit preparation for investments in green technologies. We have held several training sessions for inspectors, so they can do their job better. And, very importantly, we have engaged students in a Tech Case competition, showing that students in Serbia are a great resource when it comes to solving challenging problems. Together with the EU, Serbia and UNDP, we are active in the huge EU for Green Agenda project. It has made challenge calls engaging several more industries in green investments for the future. Industrial emissions should be in the focus in the years ahead.

EU Accession Negotiation Chapter 27 – Living Environment and Climate is one of the toughest for any country to fulfil. In which areas has Serbia, with your support, made the most visible change?

Fossil fuels are currently used in Serbian district heating plants, for example. In the north of Serbia, in Vojvodina, there is significant potential to produce biogas from manure, with additional quantities of energy crop substrates, such as maize silage, which is abundant there.

The bioenergy success story in Sweden could therefore apply to Serbia in many ways. We hope that Swedish companies and experts will play a significant role in

- Sweden’s support for waste manage ment and wastewater improvements are the most visible changes. For example, a major wastewater treatment plant in Niš is now under construction and will serve to reduce the levels of untreated wastewater entering the river Nišava. The plant was prepared by Sweden and is now being co-financed by Serbia and the EU. Through our recycling reform, regions that are home to up to 700,000 citizens are now engaged; citizens recycle their own household waste, separating metal, plastic, paper and glass. This is very hands-on and very visible!

Sweden has supported Serbia in developing strategies and plans to increase waste management standards nationwide. Serbia’s policy is now aligned with EU standards and supported by practical and affordable local experience

DOINITA MIHAI, VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, EASTERN EUROPE SOUTH, TOMRA

Developing Deposit-Return Systems

Topics like climate change, land and marine pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels amid increasing demand for resources from a growing population all represent complex challenges for every country. Current projections suggest that the world's population will hit 8.2 billion by 2030 and as much as 11 billion by the end of the 21st century. It is becoming increasingly clear that the process of moving from a linear economy, based on resource consumption and disposal, to a circular economy, based on resource saving and reuse, must be accelerated

Serbia is no exception, as it is also facing rising environmental emergencies and it seems as though the fight against landfilling is far from over. In the absence of some of the most important circular economy tools, such as “pay-as-you-throw”, a significant landfill tax and a deposit-return system, less than 10% of recyclable materials are diverted from landfills and recycled.

Beverage packaging, which is consid ered as being among the top three most polluting items found in the environment, becomes an important secondary raw material resource for various industries when collected and recycled, thus reducing demand for, and dependency on, virgin raw materials.

In the race against plastic pollution, ambitious targets are set for EU member states and a minimum of 77% of plastic beverage packaging must be collected for recycling by 2025, and 90% by 2029. Ad ditionally, in the production of new plastic beverage bottles, it is required that such packaging contains 25% recycled plastic by 2025, respectively 30% by 2030.

We are witnessing a seismic shift in people’s attitudes to wards the planet’s resources and elements that threaten human health and the environment, such as waste pollution.

Globally, an overwhelming percentage of over 90% of goods are sold in packag ing that will, sooner or later, enter waste streams, which is leading all countries to seek effective management solutions that limit environmental impact.

According to experts, achieving new col lection and recycling targets for beverage packaging waste under European direc tives is impossible without a deposit-return system (DRS). Such programes achieve an average beverage packaging collection rate of 92% across Europe, which is almost 40% higher than any traditional separate collection scheme. Lithuania advanced from a collection rate of 34% to 92%

within just two years of implementation, while Germany recovers 98% of beverage packaging under the scope of its DRS. The Nordic countries are pioneers in the launching of such programmes, operating them for decades and reaching some of the highest collection rates for beverage containers, such as Finland of 96%, Den mark of 93%, Norway of 92% , Iceland of 91% and Sweden of 88%.

Deposit-return system defined

A deposit-return system (DRS) is a mechanism that enables actors involved in the consumer-recycler chain to organise a system to return beverage containers to the point of sale with the help of a financial incentive, i.e., a deposit. The consumer pays a deposit when buying a drink, which is subsequently refunded in full when the post-consumer packaging is returned to a special return point, usually at the retailer point of sale. It is impor tant to note that the deposit is not a tax. This deposit accompanies the packaging on its journey from the producer to the point of return, where it is collected for recycling. The packaging thus gains value, is diverted from dumping at landfill sites and becomes a secondary raw material to be reintroduced to the economy.

Over 50 years of experience in the field, coupled with the analysing of DRS results in over 40 markets where it is present, TOMRA has found that the most effective schemes are built around four principles: Performance: a collection target for a broad scope of beverage packaging, as well as a meaningful deposit, delivers strong results.

Accessibility: the redemption system is easy, accessible and fair for everyone.

Producer responsibility: producers man age, finance and invest in the system with the use of unredeemed deposits and commodity revenues.

System integrity: trust is built into the system’s processes through transparent management, a data-driven clearinghouse and reliable redemption technology.

These principles are reflected in 12 key elements that are common to high-per forming deposit-return systems, address global waste challenges and advance a circular economy when applied together.

Key elements of high-performing DRS

All of the elements – when applied together – will address global waste challeng es and advance a circular economy.

In the race against plastic pollution, ambitious targets are set for EU member states and a minimum of 77% of plastic beverage packaging must be collected for recycling by 2025, respectively 90% by 2029. Additionally, in the production of new plastic beverage bottles, it is required that such packaging contains 25% recycled plastic by 2025, respectively 30% by 2030

Benefits of a deposit-return system

A DRS is primarily an effective environ mental tool, while it simultaneously also brings multiple benefits to population`s health, as well as to the economy. It pre vents land and sea from being polluted with packaging waste, contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and compels producers and citizens to act responsibly. The materials recovered have a superior quality that allows their reintroduction into the economy, thus helping to conserve valuable natural re sources. It generates significant cost savings for municipalities. More than 30 international studies show that the the

implementation of a deposit system has a positive impact on local budgets. The impact assessment performed by the Scottish Government on the prospects of introducing a DRS resulted in an overall net benefit to local authorities of £191.1 million. Also a 2016 study carried out by MRA Consulting Group for the DRS operator in Australia (CDSO) concluded that annual savings of $10.1 million can be made from reducing costs associated with landfilling and $59 million from reducing costs associated with litter collection – reference: (https://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1759-3441.12305)

Financing a deposit-return system

According to the ‘polluter pays’ prin ciple, beverage producers and importers

About Tomra:

that place beverage packaging on the market have the obligation to finance the system. The highest return rates can be seen in systems that take a return to retail (R2R) approach. According to such an approach, retailers that sell beverages have legal responsibility to take back the post-consumption packaging and refund the deposit to consumers.

The authorities ensure that the required legal framework is respected for the im plementation and optimal functioning of such a system, while an extremely impor tant role is also played by the consumer, who has the responsibility to return the packaging.

According to the Waste Management Action Plan for 2022-2031, Serbia has aligned its programme with the EU’s goals and vision. In section 6.4, a deposit return system is listed as a necessary economic instrument for waste management in reaching these targets. The local culture, socio-economic conditions, politics and existing waste management infrastructure will influence the design of such a pro gramme when it is considered for Serbia.

TOMRA relies on decades of practical experience to develop holistic collection and recycling processes that are custom ised to meet the demands of different markets. Through our daily activities, as well as through our research and develop ment work, we aim to determine changes in attitude and behaviour that motivate recycling and the transformation of waste into resources for the economy.

To find out more, please download Tomra’s white paper, Rewarding Recycling on deposit—return systems – reference: (https://circular-economy.tomra.com/ resources/drs-white-paper).

TOMRA was founded in 1972, based on the design, manufacturing, and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers. To day TOMRA provides technology-led solutions that enable the circular economy with advanced collection and sorting systems, and food processing by employing sensor based sorting and grading technology.

Altogether TOMRA has over 100,000 installations in over 80 markets worldwide. The TOMRA Group employs roughly 4600 people globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. https://www.tomra.com doinita.mihai@tomra.com

AstraZeneca And Urban Beekeeping

As a socially responsible company, AstraZeneca has joined the urban beekeeping project in Belgrade that is being implemented in cooperation with the Nordic Business Alliance and beekeeper associations, and which aims to help ensure the survival of bees in nature

Apart from honey, propolis and other important products that bees are directly responsible for producing with their work, these hardwork ing little creatures are also responsible for pollinating large numbers of fruits and vegetables, thus indirectly providing food for the whole of humankind. However, vari ous factors are causing their numbers to decrease, the most prominent of which is climate change, which threatens the amount and variety of food available to the whole world.

It is precisely for this rea son, and in order to provide its own contribution to maintain ing bees in nature, that Astra Zeneca launched its engage ment by adopting three hives with beekeeper associations in Belgrade, with the apiary located in the vicinity of the

The main motto of AstraZeneca Serbia is #BEEsustainable, which is presented and promoted with great effort, both within the company and externally, while constantly raising awareness of the importance of bees to sustainable development

been

and

tem ideal for bees. Alongside cooperation with beekeepers and expert support provided by them, AstraZeneca employees also received an opportunity to try their hand at beekeeping, resulting in honey collection beginning after less than six months. Around 150,000 bees produced 35kg of honey and pollinated almost half a million flowers in Belgrade city centre, with all these activities support ed by about 20 volunteering em ployees of AstraZeneca Serbia.

The main motto of Astra Zeneca Serbia is #BEEsustain able, which is presented and promoted with great effort, both within the company and externally, while constantly raising awareness of the im portance of bees to sustain able development.

The company plans to contin ue and additionally expand these activities in the coming years.

Port of Belgrade’s Passenger Terminal. The undeveloped area around the terminal has

cleared

planted with flowering nectar source plants, thus creating a mini-ecosys

VLADIMIR MITIĆ, CEO, VISA PROM D.O.O. (LTD.)

Respecting Nature, Nurturing Quality

Visa-Prom, one of the largest primary wood processors in the Republic of Serbia, which has been operating successfully since 1992, this year marks the 30th anniversary of its existence. The capital of this enterprise, which has more than 250 employees, is under complete domestic ownership

bution to Serbia’s eco-friendly future?

- We have the FSC [Forest Stewardship Council] certificate, which represents a guarantee that our wood reaches the end user via a chain that’s strictly monitored: from certified forests, through processing to final production. The FSC certificate represents a reliable link that can be traced back from the product in the hands of the end user through responsible production and the rational use of wood, to the felling of forests under strict expert supervision.

What do you mean precisely when you say that your factory is free of waste?

In every segment of its operations – from cutting and transporting wood, via pro cessing and production, but also to trade – this Kanjiža-based company consistently respects all environmental protection and circular economy principles, thus providing a huge contribution to ensuring an environmen tally friendly future.

You’ve been operating in Serbia for a full three decades, while since 2011 you’ve also been engaged in the production and processing of wood. How did you diversify your operations and what does your portfolio comprise?

- Apart from trade, since 2011 our composition has also included a primary wood processing

plant, which was opened with a desire to re new the production of packaging and create new jobs for residents of the municipality of Kanjiža. Our company is one of the largest primary wood processors operating in the Republic of Serbia, with annual processing that exceeds 50,000m3. We are simultaneously one of the largest producers of pallets, with annual production exceeding 600,000 units that are sold on the domestic market, as well as over 12,000m3 of poplar veneers and plywood that are sold exclusively on the markets of the EU.

Does the fact that you source raw wood material exclusively from forests that are managed sustainably represent your contri

- We like to say that there is no waste in the wood industry, only leftover wood. In the production process, during the processing and treatment of wood, a large amount of leftover wood remains, which accounts for approximately 40% of the total raw material processed. We use leftover wood as an energy source for our furnace plants. In order for us to round off the production process and maximise the use of raw materials, we invested in a new plant for the processing of leftover wood, with the aim of creating added value usage and a new product: compressed wood blocks, which serve as an integral element in the production of pallets. Creating the new plant and equipment to produce compressed blocks included an investment of considerable funds, exceeding 1.5 million euros.

Your operations consistently respect all environmental protection and circular econ omy principles. One could say that you place a great emphasis on this aspect in all stages of production, even more than you’re obliged to do so according to laws and regulations?

- Visa-Prom is the only company on the Serbian

market that produces compressed blocks. As one of Serbia’s largest producers of EPAL pal lets, we have licensed our compressed blocks according to the EPAL standard, with which the use of these blocks in the production of EPAL pallets is enabled. We also possess a thermal treatment certificate, while production is harmonised with the European standard ISPM 15 [International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures] and we have implemented ISO standard 9001 on management quality. As a responsible player in both the economic and social life of Serbia, we endeavour to organise our production process with respect for all legally stipulated environmental protection procedures and processes. We are planning to invest in a new furnace plant, with which we would reduce emissions of harmful gases and therefore also reduce environmental pollution. If we were to implement this investment with some form of subsidy and state assistance, we would create conditions for the creation of new jobs, in addition to improving energy efficiency.

For what do you use the green energy that you produce from excess materials in your own furnace? How far have you progressed with your ambitious plans to instal solar panels?

- As I mentioned, our furnace plants use left over wood from the production process as an energy source. The heating energy released is used to launch operations at the plant for drying veneers and pressing plywood and LVL [Laminated Veneer Lumber] boards, as well as to heat the plant and thaw logs during the winter months. We thus ensure the self-sus tainability of production.

Ash is left behind as the remains of the burning of leftover wood in furnaces, which unfortunately represents waste. When con sidering how we can turn this waste into a viable product, we discovered that there are furnace plants that produce bio-coal instead of ash. Bio-coal has broad applications in agriculture, due to the fact that adding it to farmland significantly increases the fertility of the soil and helps restore degraded land successfully.

Given that electricity is becoming a scarce product, with a serious price growth tendency, we decided to instal solar panels on the premis es of the factory. The first phase of the invest ment is already being implemented, with the installation of solar panels to produce 140kWp of electricity, and will be completed and made

operational before the end of November. The implementation of the second phase, which implies the installing of additional solar panels with a capacity to produce 80kWp, is planned for the first quarter of 2023.

We are also currently in the phase of con ducting a feasibility study for the implemen tation of an investment in a large solar power plant up to 10mWp. The realisation of this investment wouldn’t only cater fully to the factory’s electricity needs, but would also enable us to make the excess energy produced available to the Serbian power grid.

We shouldn’t overlook the fact that your company also engages in trade and that you take care to protect the environment and adhere to circular economy principles in

this segment of your operations. You also adhere, among other things, to very stringent regulations with regard to packaging…

- Our retail outlets sell dyes, varnishes, paints for interior and exterior walls, electrical mate rials, façades and thermal insulation materials. Our dyes, varnishes and paints are packaged in metal or plastic containers. We encourage customers to return the packaging to us after they’ve used the product, which we dispose of in an appropriate way and subsequently submit to recycling companies. Our desire is to collect as much of this type of waste as possible, in cooperation with companies that handle the recycling of this type of waste, and we are prepared to offer storage facilities to cater for its disposal, with the possibility of jointly investing in a major recycling centre.

There is no waste in the wood industry, only leftover wood… and it accounts for approximately 40% of the total raw material processed. We use leftover wood as an energy source for our furnace plants

Why Buy When You Can Rent?

Renting and maintaining workwear and uniforms, along with a wide range of products and a flexible, cost-effective service, enables staff to look good, feel comfortable and work more efficiently, but those aren’t the only benefits.

L indström is a Finnish company that has brought over 170 years of experience in working with textile products, tried and tested in 24 countries around the world, to the Serbian market. This company’s innova tions, technology, standards, knowledge of regulations and tailored services help clients find the best solutions, regardless of the size and activity of the company.

GETTING IT RIGHT WITH WORKWEAR

Running a business is today no easy task. Factory procurement managers, for example, have dozens of issues to consider, but there’s one that always seems to find its way to the top of any list: pricing pressure. Procurement has become an integral part of corporate per formance. Many organisations ask, plead, and even demand that their procurement managers purchase products that meet the same quality standards to which the company has become accustomed, but that they do so cheaper. And as we all know already, that’s no easy task.

Current global tendencies are inclined towards renting. Although a company’s biggest spend is on the procurement of staff clothing, it might come as a surprise that these costs don’t end there. Caring for workwear can also result in a surprising number of costs incurred by everything from washing and drying, to alterations, transportation, inventory management and, finally, disposal or recycling.

Finnish company Lindstrom has been present on the Serbian market for the last eight years and provides rental services for workwear and uniforms, as well as renting mats and rubber scrapers

In addition to clothing being taken care of for the entire lifecycle, renting also means that you don’t have to make unnecessary investments in properly storing workwear that isn’’t currently in use – you only pay for what you use. Moreover, damaged gar ments are repaired, replaced, or retired as required. With proper cleaning techniques handled for you, you can be sure that gar ments remain crisp and hygienically clean, without colour transfer or deterioration.

In addition to saving time and money, renting workwear and uniforms from a reliable partner allows employers to focus exclusively on their core business.

When you use Lindstrom’s service, the company not only acquires the necessary workwear, but also washes, maintains, repairs, renews, and even stores it on your behalf. Lindstrom delivers clean, well-kept clothing on a weekly basis, directly to every employee’s locker or another location specified by the cli ent. This enables you to stress less and focus more on your actual work. Everyone wins.

MAT RENTAL SERVICES

MATTER MORE!

There’s no way to avoid tracking dirt and dust in from outdoors. There is, however, a solution to keep it from spreading through out the building. With the Lindstrom Mat Service, the right mats in the right places keep dirt and dust at bay, while ensuring the client’s floors remain beautifully clean. What’s more, Lindstrom is happy to help you find the best possible mat solution and frequency of replacement. This means that your building, and its floors, stay cleaner for longer. Add reduced cleaning costs to that and you can see why mats matter.

When weighing up options for the cleaning of company premises, it is best to keep a few facts in mind. On average, 80% of the dirt found within premises is carried in through the front doors. Also, an average of 70% of the costs of cleaning premises is spent on floors. When installed correctly, Lindstrom Mat Services enable significant savings on cleaning costs and also increase the comfort and attractive ness of your premises in various ways.

The right mats have a major impact on an environment’s ambience. They can add just the right touch to interior design, guide employees and visitors in the right direction, and strengthen your brand’s image – all while providing comfort and better acoustics.

Mats stop the dirt and moisture that cause accidents, making your floors safer for the people who walk on them.

Plus, ergonomic mats are a must for in creasing comfort and well-being during standing work.

Lindstrom’s service for renting and maintaining mats and rubber scrapers is an efficient and cost-effective solution. The main features of the service are cleanliness, comfort, safety and interior design – from the front door to the work place. With a diverse service of renting and maintaining tracks and mats, service users leave a great impression on their customers at all times, thanks to the impeccable appearance and cleanliness of their premises. Our Mat Services work wonders with your workplace!

www.lindstromgroup.com/rs/ korisnickiservis@lindstromgroup.com

+381 63 333 165

The service of renting and maintaining workwear, uniforms, mats and rubber scrapers is an efficient and cost-effective solution

NEDA LAZENDIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER, WV-INTERNATIONAL SERBIA

We Need New Power Plants

In the last 50 years, there has not been enough investment in the energy sector, which definitely cannot and must not rely on thermal power plants. According to data from the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the goal is to provide 5 gigawatts of electricity from solar and wind energy by 2030

Serbia has great potential to gener ate electricity from the wind and the sun, so the construction of new power plants that use these renewable energy sources could improve the situation a lot ~ explains Mrs Lazendić , while revealing the dynamics of the construction and commissioning of new wind power plants.

Serbia today imports electricity. Did we get into this situation because we are not utilising our capacities?

- The thermal power plants that make up about 70% of the production capacity in the energy mix of the Republic of Serbia are more than 30 years old, and we can expect that their failures will become more frequent, and maintenance will become more difficult. So, it is clear that we cannot base the future development of the energy sector on these capacities, but rather we must turn to the construction of new installations for the production of electricity, energy efficiency and saving electricity in industry and in households. Investors have already recognised South Banat as a good location for the construction of wind power plants, while the south and southeast of the country are suitable for solar power.

Do you believe that green electricity from wind farms Alibunar 1 and 2 can be on the grid as early as 2024?

- The construction of wind farms Alibunar 1 and 2, with a planned total installed capacity of 168MW, is a priority both for the local team and for the entire team of the Emergy company that joined the development of these projects in 2021. I am proud that, with our joint efforts, we have managed to secure all the necessary permits, we are in the process of securing financing, the majority of contractors have been chosen through transparent procedures, as have suppliers

of wind turbines. Construction is planned for the beginning of the construction season in 2023, and the delivery of green energy to the grid is planned for the end of 2024.

At the same time, we will continue the development of the Banat 1-5 wind power complex located in South Banat, with a planned total installed capacity of 570MW. They are at various stages of development, and we plan to connect them to the grid successively between 2025 and 2027. The development project of our first solar power plant in Žablje, with a planned installed capac ity of 80MW, is in preparation of planning and technical documentation and is also one of the business priorities for the coming period.

How much does the support of an ex perienced investor such as Emergy, the Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade and the

- I am grateful for all the knowhow, expertise and experience I gain every day with my colleagues from Emergy.They are specialised in developing electricity markets and I am glad that they recognised Serbia as a reliable partner for the realisation of an impressive portfolio. Support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Belgrade, headed by H E Jørn Eugene Gjelstad and his team, has been present since the very beginning of this partnership, and the Nordic Business Alliance promotes the very values that are our trademark: sustainability, the Green Agenda, and environmental protection. I am especially looking forward to the Western Balkans Renewable Energy Conference, where the representative of Emergy from Norway will share his impressions of the implementation of Norwegian energy standards in Serbia.

Nordic Business Alliance mean to you in realising your goals?

Investors have recognised South Banat as a good location for the construction of wind power plants, while the south and southeast of the country are suitable for solar power

MILAN JEVREMOVIĆ, LOCAL BUSINESS AREA MANAGER, ABB MOTION

Savings Represent The Most Efficient Energy Resource

Even before outbreak of the current energy crisis, company ABB was already paying plenty of attention to new solutions that enable the intelligent use of energy resources that are currently available

It is not enough today to merely increase energy capacities; the world must turn towards improving energy efficiencystresses ABB Motion Local Business Area Manager Milan Jevremović, while revealing the ways in which Serbia and the world could ensure a stable supply of electricity.

How do you, at ABB, view the current energy crisis? Do you have any new, inno vative solutions that could help? - The biggest and cheapest energy resource that the world has is the potential to make savings, i.e., the ability to use existing re sources and capacities in an efficient manner. Research shows that improving energy efficiency could perhaps save more than 10 per cent of all electricity consumed.

The innovative solutions that ABB offers enable available resources to be used intel ligently while at the same time reducing the CO2 footprint. As an example, it is known that using coal of a consistent quality re sults in better combustion in furnaces, increased efficiency and reduced emissions of harmful gases. That’s why company EPS [Elektroprivreda Srbije], together with ABB’s engineering team, carried out the project “Monitoring and management of coal quality” for the needs of the Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plant. Testifying that it isn’t necessary to work to completely eradicate fossil fuels is the fact that some developed European countries are considering restarting coalbased electricity production. It wouldn’t be wise for Serbia to abandon this energy source, of which it has ample supplies, until it secures new resources or until we build some new hydropotentials.

ABB’s new and innovative solutions enable the reducing of the CO2 footprint and the intelligent use of available resources

While we’re on the subject of hydropo tentials, a question that imposes itself is whether we would be helped by another project like the Bajina Bašta Reversible Hydropower Plant.

- Investing in additional hydropotential is a good solution for our country, which is why EPS is already working on that in a big way. Plans are being developed for new reversible hydropower plants that are more useful than standard impoundment or run-of-river power plants, because they allow energy to be stored and used when required by the system. In this way, RHP Bajina Bašta is very

helpful to our energy system. The project to improve the work of this reversible power plant, which ABB participated in to a signif icant extent, contributed to the entire plant working even more efficiently, to it having increased operational readiness and to it being able to provide additional megawatts. ABB used new technologies to help more efficiently use the potential of RHP Bajina Bašta and extract additional energy from existing resources.

Almost all socially responsible companies are striving to make their operations more energy efficient, and ABB is here to help in this aspect. In which ways do you do so?

- We have been dealing with this issue for 15 / 20 years, and the idea of our “Energy Efficien cy Movement” campaign is to create among people an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. Our aim is for everyone –governments, state institutions, responsible companies, universities and individuals – to agree that our shared goal is to reduce neg ative environmental impacts through the use of modern technologies. Considering that around 45 per cent of the world’s total energy consumption comprises electric mo tors and that the number of electric motors is set to double by 2040, we identify great potential for savings in this area. The EU is introducing new standards to prevent the use of electric motors/drives and devices that are not energy efficient. No one will impose that regulation on Serbia, as it is not an EU member state, but – given current prices of electricity – a large number of companies that operate in Serbia recognise the potential to make savings and are deciding to invest in more energy efficient drives.

PETAR BELOKAPIĆ, DIRECTOR, MEDICON BUSINESS

Safe Support To Patients

The

The first man of Medi con speaks for CorD magazine about the decades-long coopera tion with the Swedish company Gambro, which is now part of the Baxter corporation, about respect for Swedish standards in business and life, work ethics, meeting deadlines, and the attitude to wards patients and doctors.

Did your company focus on hemodialysis and transfusion from the beginning?

- Medicon has been present on our market for exactly four decades. Already during the first years of operation, we fo cused exclusively on dialysis, representing a famous Swedish manufacturer in this field. The basic criterion for representa tion was the quality of products and services, with the aim of providing support to patients whose life depends on these procedures. We started dealing with transfusion when the same manufacturer began expanding their research and development into this area of medicine, espe cially in collecting and processing stem cells and other blood com ponents, as well as improving the quality, safety and efficiency of blood in transfusion. Even today, our work is focused exclusively on these two areas.

What did you take from the Swedes in business, besides their

work ethic, desire to improve, strict adherence to deadlines...?

- This company was and contin ues to be a pioneer in finding innovative solutions for chronic and acute renal insufficiency, including water quality, and it has always had patient safety as the first and basic criteri on. Product quality, constant quality control and reliability in providing support to patients and health workers in this area

to preserve the quality of life of patients, have always been imperative in our way of thinking and in the functioning of our business. Swedish standards in business and life in gener al, including work ethics and strict adherence to deadlines, are very close to the sensibility and principles we cherish within our company. The trust that our users have in us is the motive and acknowledgement that we

are still on the right track as a reliable partner in our market.

Medicon is part of a large family of Swedish companies operating in Serbia. Do you think that you can contribute to the development of Serbian society with your knowledge and expe rience, products, innovations, principles and values?

- I believe that it is very important that our community actively works on the development and sustainability of Serbian society. The community of Swedish and Nordic companies in Serbia can enrich our society with its specif icities by exchanging knowledge and networking. The synergy of our experiences in business in various fields, and the principles we bring from our business origin countries can significantly con tribute on that progress path.

We have been maintaining close relations with the commu nity of Swedish companies in this market for decades and we try to be active participants in various projects, not only in the areas that are directly related to our field of work, but also in others, such as culture. An example is a ten-year cooperation with a mentoring pro gramme that deals with personal and professional development of future leaders in culture, which is rooted in the Swedish tradition of mentoring. This is the right way to contribute to the development of Serbian society.

Medicon company has been taking care of numerous patients for 40 years, in cooperation with health centres in Serbia and the region. In the beginning, they were focused exclusively on the dialysis field, while the business expansion into the transfusion field came ten years later

The trust that our users have in us is the motive and acknowledgement that we are still on the right track as a reliable partner in our market

SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

JOHN GLAZEBROOK, PROGRAMME MANAGER, SWEDEN-FUNDED EISP2 PROGRAMME, BROOKS HANNAS & PARTNERS

Reduce Waste Wherever Possible

Thanks to joint Serbian, EU and Swedish efforts, Serbia’s national objectives and standards are being aligned with those expected across most of Europe. Sweden has played a key role in helping Serbia turn strategies and plans into practise

- We have come a long way… Serbia’s waste policy framework is nearing completion. The strategies, plans and programmes that define ‘WHAT’ needs to be done for Serbia to have a modern waste manage ment system have been developed over the last six years.

Thanks to joint Serbian, EU and Swedish efforts, Serbia’s national objectives and standards are being aligned with those expected across most of Europe. Serbia now has a national Waste Management Programme (2022-2031) and Action Plan, as well as formal plans to meet standards in areas like Industrial Emissions, Landfills and Biodegradable Waste.

There’s also been planning at the local level in Serbia, supported by Swedish ex pertise. The Municipality of Čajetina and public utility company ‘Zlatibor’ have been assisted by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities and the Swedish Association for Local Authorities and Re gions in planning improvements across the entire range of municipal waste services.

Could waste management in Serbia be at a historical turning point?

- Years of research, planning and develop ment have provided the basis for largescale investment in the Serbian waste management sector. Waste infrastructure projects have been financed and are start

ing to be implemented across the country. Sweden has been Serbia’s partner in many of these steps and remains here to support the work ahead.

What’s in place and what still needs to be done?

In order for these plans to become a reality, it’s necessary to be honest about the current situation. Almost half of Ser bia’s municipal waste continues to end up in unsanitary dump sites. Photos regularly appear on social media showing waste dumped in rivers, dumpsites on fire and overflowing waste bins. With this legacy, progress has to be tangibly demonstrated in order for it to be credible. This means recording improvements on Instagram, Facebook or other sites in order for them to become ‘real’.

SERBIA, SWEDEN AND EU COOPERATION FOR ODVAJAMO PROJECT. SREM-MAČVA REGIONAL WM CENTRE, MAY 2022. SOURCE_EISP2

- Massive investment in waste infrastruc ture, such as sanitary landfills, cleaner trucks, bins and treatment facilities, are a large part of the solution. It was the same for other EU Candidate Countries. How ever, infrastructure alone cannot deliver the required new standards. Legislation must make it clearer where responsibil ities to make the necessary changes lie, to invest, operate, inspect, enforce and communicate.

Three years ago, over 80% of Serbia’s municipal waste ended up being dumped in non-sanitary landfills, while that total is now just less than 50%. Serbia already has projects financed to reduce this unsanitary disposal to less than 20%, but we have to go further, for two reasons: 1. Many of these actions are not sufficiently visible by ordinary citizens; 2. Sanitary landfilling is no longer enough. In my experience, Serbs are aware of the global environmental crisis and are aware of better standards, like recycling, in EU countries.

Sweden has played a key role in helping Serbia turn the strategies and plans (on paper) into practise (in reality). For example, in 2015, in cooperation with the Serbian Min istry of Environmental Protection and the Čačak City Administration, Swedish funds were used to construct a waste transfer station in Čačak. This facility provided the ministry with a practical example of how 30,000 tons a year of both recyclable and residual waste could be transferred and transported separately. It also enabled Čačak to close its old city dumpsite.

Serbia’s waste management will devel op through the building of public services, layer upon layer. Investments and waste sector reform must keep advancing to the next level. At a minimum, all citizens should have access to full collection coverage and sanitary landfilling. Preparation for recycling, green waste and food waste treatment, special waste streams and hazardous waste collection, remediation of contaminated sites and more will follow. This is ‘HOW’ Serbia’s soil, water and air will become less polluted by waste.

Could you tell us more about the Odv ajamo recycling project?

- The ‘Odvajamo’ Project is the first largescale example of this progressive ap proach. Cooperation between the Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection, 17 local authorities across Serbia, the EU and Sweden is providing citizens with over 90,000 wastebins and containers, 26 refuse collection vehicles, a commu nication campaign and investments by national and local authorities.

The separation of waste at ‘source’, by those who generate the waste in house holds and small businesses, is an essential step for the recycling of paper, plastics, metal and glass. Achieving just 10% high quality separation out of the 215,000 tons of municipal waste collected a year

project in Arilje, implemented four years prior, built the experience of applying these standards under Serbian conditions. Research on European experience and consultation with local and national poli cymakers ensured the plans were realistic.

The quality of the initial collections has been as good as most EU countries would expect, with over 90% clean material. All participating municipalities are expected to have launched their new services by March 2023. Operating separated waste systems will not always be easy. Like many modern climate or waste actions, the new system requires people to change their behaviour, which can prove difficult. There must be trust and cooperation between citizens and local authorities. The cost of waste management will inevitably increase; sadly, nothing is as cheap in the short-term as throwing waste into a dumpsite or a river. The benefits will become apparent over time. I have not heard of anyone in another country, or in Arilje, who would go back to the old ways.

Every Serbian citizen should expect to be provided with separate collection services (which is stipulated under Serbian law) and each citizen should be ready to do their part by putting the correct materials into the correct bins. The experience of these 18 pioneering municipalities will form the basis of normal, modern waste management in the years to come.

What’s next for waste management in Serbia?

- Firstly, to reduce waste wherever possible. Then to build a waste management system that improves continuously. Every type of waste needs to find its proper place.

in these local authorities would add over 20,000 tons of secondary material to the economy. More recycling means less waste going to landfill, reduced green house gas emissions, more material for Serbia’s recycling industry and more job opportunities.

The Odvajamo [We Separate] project is not an isolated event. Sweden’s pilot

Major new investments in waste man agement have been announced by the Serbian Government and international partners, to be implemented over the next seven years in the regions of Novi Sad, Sombor, Nova Varoš, Užice, Valjevo/ Ub, Kraljevo, Niš, Pančevo and Kragujevac. With the cooperation of citizens and in ternational partners like Sweden, better waste management will soon be visible nationwide across Serbia. Being visible is not a sign that the plans are complete, but it does prove that they have started being implemented.

How will Serbia’s waste management system improve?

With the cooperation of citizens and international partners like Sweden, better waste management will soon be visible nationwide across Serbia

SWEDEN-FUNDED ARILJE SOURCE SEPARATION SCHEME. OPERATING SINCE 2016. SOURCE_EISP2

NORWEGIAN ENERGY REVOLUTION

Global Pillar Of Energy Security

One of the ways to achieve Vision 2030, the comprehensive programme that will make the Nordic region the world’s most sustainable and integrated by 2030, is via renewable energy, which is an area where Norway is a champion

Norway is the world’s seventh largest hydropower nation – and the largest in Europe. Some 98 per cent of electricity produced in Norway comes from renewable energy sources. However, even though hydropower is dominant, Norwegian companies are pioneering technologies in other areas, in cluding solar power, floating offshore wind and energy storage. Over the last decade, wind power has become an increasing part of Norwegian power production. For now, wind still represents only a small part of the total output, but the number of wind turbines is increasing year-on-year.

Norway’s hydropower resources have given it industrial development, wealth creation, light and heating for more than a hundred years. Norway is today a global pillar of energy security, with its ample reserves of oil and gas produced in an environmentally responsible manner. The country is a significant and reliable inter national supplier, exporting close to 90% of its energy production.

The country has updated its already am bitious climate targets with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90-95% of 1990 levels by 2050, excluding carbon sinks. The country’s robust carbon pricing system,

under which 85% of domestic emissions are either covered by the European Union Emissions Trading System or are subject to a carbon tax, provides a solid foundation for delivering on this target. And yet, the remaining reductions will be more complex, challenging and costly, notably in transport and industry.

Specifically, Norway is well placed to decarbonise a wide range of sectors through technologies like electric vehicles, hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Norway is already a leader in carbon capture, and its impressive Longship project, which encompasses two full-scale

capture facilities and one storage facility in the North Sea, will help to further advance this technology for the world.

Indeed, climate change entails a need to continuously adapt to climate change in order to prevent unwanted incidents that may endanger human life and negatively impact key infrastructure and societal functions. From an international perspec tive, Norway is well equipped to handle the direct effects of climate change. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has instruments that, separately or in combination, are suitable to reach the necessary climate adaptation within NVE’s areas of responsibility.

The knowledge base has been improved through updated hydrological projections and flood analyses, as well as through work related to the new version of Klima i Norge 2100 (Climate in Norway 2100) for the Norwegian Centre for Climate Services (NCCS).

Recently, the Government of Norway has launched the Green Industrial Initiative that aims to make the country a green industrial and energy giant based on its natural resources, knowledge environ ments,industrial expertise and historical advantages. The strategy is tasked with helping accelerate the transition, create jobs throughout the country, strengthen investment on the mainland, increase exports and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The Norwegian industrial sector is already based on clean and reasonably priced renewable energy, and industrial companies that manage to develop and utilise high-tech solutions in many areas. However, the government acknowledges that green industrial investments require access to suitable areas and infrastructure, raw materials and, not least, capital and labour. The right competences, as well as a well-functioning capital market and tax system, are thus also essential for growth and restructuring. That’s why the government made a commitment to pursue a comprehensive policy towards business, industry, energy, climate and the environ ment that is efficient, results-oriented and, in aggregate, contributes to NVE ambitions related to green transition.

The Government has identified seven areas that will be prioritised under the

scope of the Green Industrial Initiative. These are value chains for offshore wind, batteries, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, the processing industry, the mari time industry, and forestry and the timber industry, as well as other bioeconomy sectors. These areas are considered key to work on developing an emission-free energy system and society, which provides opportunities for sustainable production in the future, and with expected high future market demand.

It was additionally concluded that faster transition and development require closer

for Serbia 2022/2023, an interesting event will be organised on 15 th November at Science and Technology Park Belgrade. This event will see representatives of cutting-edge Norwegian companies and authorities discuss possibilities for coop eration with Serbian companies, start-ups and state institutions.

The event we will focus on renewable energy, the application of the latest tech nologies in energy systems and storage solutions, as well as other relevant topics, such as balancing the power market, im proving secondary legislation, technology

Faster transition and the development of the Green Industrial Initiative require closer interaction between business and the authorities, as well as strengthened industrial partnerships with other countries

interaction between business and the au thorities, as well as strengthened industrial partnerships with other countries.

Along these lines, and under the auspic es of the project Nordic Green - Solutions

development and public-private partner ship for innovation. The event will provide insight into best practices on accelerating the Green Agenda through renewable energy.

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS FROM FINLAND

TONI MATTILA, HEAD OF SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING AT BUSINESS FINLAND, THE FINNISH INNOVATION FUNDING AND TRADE PROMOTION AGENCY

Better Preparation For Future Challenges

extent to which the production of critical parts should be relocated closer in order to improve resilience, and redundancy sourcing developed for them. Globalisation has un doubtedly brought many benefits, but it has also rendered supply chains vulnerable. We need to be better prepared to face similar future challenges and shocks.

What can Serbia’s manufacturing sector learn from its Finnish counterpart?

Finland is among the world’s most digitally advanced countries, while connectivity and data utilisation are among the key value adding characteristics of Finnish solutions. Here

Toni Mattila, head of Sustainable Manufac turing at Business Finland, the country’s national innovation funding and trade pro motion agency, shares his views.

What are the current trends of the manu facturing sector, both in Europe and globally?

- Over recent years, many global challenges have confronted manufacturing industries. Included among them are the COVID-19

pandemic, the blocking of the Suez Canal, natural disasters like floods, wildfires and droughts caused by climate change, but also the war in Ukraine, all of which have shed light on the vulnerability of supply chains, while at the same time creating a need for greener and more energy efficient solutions. One of the key takeaways of these crises is that we need to develop more resilient supply systems, especially in Europe, and to make sure that all European countries participate in the re-rationalisation of supply chains. Although some parts are still manufactured more efficiently elsewhere, companies should critically evaluate the

- As is the case for Serbia, Finland’s manu facturing sector is also very important for its national economy. A third of Finland’s GDP and 50% of its exports currently come from manufacturing industries. Finnish manufac turing industries encompass products in a wide range of sizes and include everything from highly miniaturised wearable elec tronics all the way to large cruise ships. And between these extremes lies a very important sector of manufacturing for Finland, namely mobile work machines. Finland hosts a few dozen manufacturers of mobile work machines in farming, forestry, port logistics and mining, to name just a few examples. Due to their dependency on foreign markets, Finnish manufacturers have been tackling the challenge of international competitiveness for decades and have thus been pressured into finding ways to maintain their competitiveness. Particular challenges for Finland include the fact that it is a high labour-cost environment and a geographically isolated country.

Finland currently ranks as the European Union’s most digitally advanced country, according to the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index. Digitisation is therefore also

Finnish providers of sustainable manufacturing solutions can support Serbian manufacturers in increasing both their productivity and efficiency, while also accelerating the green transition

a distinct feature of Finnish manufacturing. Many Finnish smart manufacturing solutions have been founded on connectivity, meaning that manufacturing equipment and devices are connected and often remotely operable. Data from the manufacturing process is thereby constantly available to be utilised for the benefit of manufacturing and indus trial processes. The mobile work machines sector, for example, is characterised by medium volumes and high levels of customer specific tailoring. Challenges related to such manufacturing have led to the creation of a specific group of highly advanced solution providers that are capable of providing pro ductivity improvement solutions particularly to such ‘high mix, low volume’ manufacturing. The Serbian manufacturing industry might face similar challenges of international competitiveness and productivity in the future, and therefore closer collaboration with Finnish manufacturing industries could provide mutual opportunities.

Finnish manufacturers are today increas ingly developing a further competitive ad vantage from the green transition. Challeng es related to environmental sustainability and the green transition of manufacturing industries are shared by all industries glob ally and, thus, close collaboration on this front provides additional opportunities for collaboration between Serbian and Finnish manufacturing industries.

Alongside manufacturing, the food industry is also growing in Serbia. Could Serbia also take advantage of some lessons learnt from the Finnish food industry?

- Finland is known for its pure and high-quality food production. This is derived equally from pure nature and strict legislation of food sanitary and safety regulations in Finland. One outcome of this is highly developed solutions in cold chain assurance to make sure food products remain fresh throughout the logistics chain, all the way to the consumers. Representing part of this are technologies to monitor temperatures across the entire logistics chain. Another aspect is to scan and monitor food production processes to make sure that food does not include unwanted ingredients, substances or particles.

Which Finnish solutions could benefit companies in Serbia?

- As noted above, Finnish manufacturing industries have tackled productivity chal lenges in the environment that is specific to Finland and those same companies are today working actively to find ways to im prove their environmental friendliness and create business value from it. This ‘tackling of challenges’ has produced many solutions that are today available commercially.

Energy efficiency, which is a very topical and acute challenge for European industries in particular, is a concrete theme for collab oration. Finland’s cold climate, especially during the winters, has compelled Finnish companies to find innovative solutions around energy efficiency. For example,

in finding energy efficiencies and thereby also saving on the costs of their clients’ industrial operations. Another excellent opportunity is industrial digitisation. For example, industrial digital twins and busi ness value from data.

Some specific examples of Finnish solutions that could support the manufacturing sector in Serbia include: Granlund, which specialises in improving productivity to promote digiti sation and new energy solutions for various industries; Wapice, which digitises clients’ business processes from the beginning to the end of the production chain; KPA Unicon, which provides boiler and heat recovery solutions; and Verderon, which uses multiple

industrial processes that produce large amounts of waste heat (such as steel mills or data centres) have developed methods to recover that excess heat and sell it to heating companies, which in turn use it to heat homes and other facilities. Energy efficiency has developed into a business sector in its own right, where there are multiple companies with core expertise

data sources to calculate environmental impact on a daily basis.

By working closely with the Embassy of Finland in Belgrade, we, at Business Finland, are looking forward to discussing more with Serbian industry, and to supporting the joint European approach to creating more efficient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing value chains.

One of the key takeaways of these crises is that we need to develop more resilient supply systems, especially in Europe, and to make sure that all European countries participate in the re-rationalisation of supply chains

Leading The Way To The Farms Of Tomorrow

Denmark has been a forerunner in the development of new tools and techniques for boosting food and agricultural production in a sustainable way. This tradition of innova tion is closely intertwined with the Danish collaborative culture that dates back to the first dairy cooperatives of the mid19th century. The sector today serves as

a role model for technological innovation and resource efficiency, as well as high production yields. Consequently, Denmark is today a major exporter of technology that supports the green transition of the global food value chain.

Danish farmers employ precision agricul ture to minimise their environmental foot print, while food manufacturers increasingly

embrace digital solutions, automation and advanced predictive maintenance tools.

As large-scale consumers of water and energy, the food sector and agriculture in dustry are pushing for technological smart solutions in order to reduce consumption and recycle wastewater and heat. Livestock manure and food production side streams have consequently become feedstock for

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN DENMARK

Denmark serves as a testbed for exploring green farming solutions and generally improving agriculture and its impact on both nature and climate

Denmark’s growing production of biogas – an energy source that is gradually replac ing fossil fuels as part of the renewable energy mix. As such, Denmark’s experi ence is sought-after by many countries that are seeking to develop high-tech and climate-smart agriculture. The increasing demands on agricultural productivity – born of a combination of rising income, popula tion growth, objectives to meet nutritional requirements, biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation – are fuelling the need for the more efficient agricultural techniques deployed by Danish farmers.

A Long with other Nordic countries — Sweden, Finland and Norway — Denmark is seeking solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle the challenges of climate change.

Nonetheless, the country is managing to maintain its position as a leader in pork production, which soared to 13.2 million pigs in 2020, the highest figure in 10 years. This is, once again, a result of the cutting-edge technologies along the production line, which were recently presented in Belgrade. Approximately 90 per cent of pigs produced in Denmark are exported, rendering this sector essential to the Danish economy and the country’s balance of trade. Danish pigs are exported to more than 140 countries, with the largest markets by volume being Germany, the UK, Poland, China, Japan, Italy, Russia and Sweden. The Danish pig industry is among the world’s leaders in areas like breeding, quality, food safety, animal welfare and traceability. Indeed, Danish producers are committed to leading the way in finding sustainable solutions to produce meat in a more environmentally friendly way.

Along the same lines, in October 2021, the Danish government reached a broad agreement to push for the green trans formation of agriculture, with the aim of reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint and pesticide use, while focusing on biodiversity and new technologies.

Denmark’s proclaimed goal of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 55 to 65 per cent by 2030 would represent a reduction of 6.1 to 8 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents (a measurement used to compare the impact on global warming of other greenhouse gases, such as methane).

The climate agreement includes the largest investment in plant-based research and development by handing $90 million available, for five years, to farmers who produce plant-based foods.

Danish companies and start-ups are currently working to replace traditional meat products, such as bacon, hot-dogs, sausages and spreads, with plant-based alternatives. This effort is backed by Dan ish universities and research centres that are working on innovations related to the production of plant-based food products.

Indeed, the Danish government and society have taken on a huge task, given that emission reduction is mainly associated with large reductions in meat production. The main focus so far has been on targeted mitigation policies or the deployment of smart technology. This is in line with public opinion, which doesn’t support the placing of limitations on meat production.

While livestock farming and its con tributions to emissions are receiving in creased attention, Danish multinational dairy cooperatives are also taking major steps to develop advanced farming solu tions. Denmark thus serves as a testbed for exploring green farming solutions and improving agriculture and its impact on both nature and climate by exploring re generative dairy farming.

According to the Danish government, plant-based foods are set to become a “central element in the green transition”. The plan aims to establish clear targets for the production and sale of plant-based products, while this agreement makes Denmark the world’s first country to boost plant-based products.

The longstanding tradition of public-pri vate partnerships in Denmark is an impor tant driver of innovation and development in sustainable dairy farming.

Furthermore, organic farms are encour aged to measure their soil carbon content and register practises that promote biodiversity. The data garnered will play a key role in guiding the right future actions of dairy farmers.

The longstanding tradition of public-private partnerships in Denmark is an important driver of innovation and development in sustainable dairy farming

INTERVIEW

IVA PETROVIĆ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NORDIC BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Focus On Sustainable & Inclusive Growth

The pandemic certain ly made a significant impact on the work of the Nordic Business Alliance. However, at the same time, it amplified the importance of solidarity, insists Nordic Busi ness Alliance Executive Director Iva Petrović. “I am proud to say that Nordic embassies and busi nesses in Serbia were leading the charge. Significant donations and technical assistance were provided to Serbia during these turbulent times, which exemplify the strength of the ties between Serbia and Nordic countries.”

Today, when COVID-19 in be coming endemic around much of the world, all eyes are turned towards sustainable and inclusive growth. “This inclusive growth model reconciles dynamic growth with equality and social peace. It is designed to benefit all stakehold ers (and the environment) and, as a result, improve living standards, reduce inequality, and narrow social divides,” says Petrovic.

What are the most important tools at the disposal of the NBA for fostering this kind of cooperation?

- The Nordic Business Alliance works closely with the four Nor dic embassies in Serbia to build stronger business relations be tween the countries. We do this through joint projects, initiatives and a wide range of activities, in

cluding conferences, roundtables, networking events and public di plomacy. A horizontal and nimble organisational structure allows us to respond quickly to topical issues and keeps us relevant to our members and stakeholders. Our members are esteemed leaders in their respective industries and we aim, synergistically, thorough out network, to deliver best practices with the goal of improving the busi ness climate in Serbia. To this end, we also collaborate with interna tional development organisations to partner on projects in which Nordic experts and institutions can contribute with their valuable knowledge and experience.

We also see increased in terest in regional connectivity. Serbia is becoming a regional hub from which many companies manage their businesses in neigh bouring countries. New market entrants from Nordic countries often see the NBA as gateway to future regional growth. It is therefore no coincidence that, in March this year, we adopted a new Statutory act that now positions the Nordic Business Alliance as a regional association, opening doors to new members from Montenegro, Bosnia-Her zegovina and North Macedonia.

The circular economy, environ mental protection and innova tions are among the major parts

The period ahead represents an opportunity for Serbia and the Nordic countries to create new models of cooperation, upholding the principles of resilient and just economies and societies. The successful resumption of ties is full on, and we look forward to future possibilities

REGIONALISATION

New market entrants from Nordic countries often see the Nordic Business Alliance as a gateway to future regional growth

of your new strategy. How well does this strategy resonate with the government’s current focus on innovation, biotechnology and green transition?

- We work closely with govern ment stakeholders to further agendas for these important topics. Green transition is of paramount importance, and the government has shown great interest in partnering with Nordic countries in this process. One ex ample is the project Nordic Green – Solutions for Serbia, which is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and represents a continuation of the Circular Econ omy Project launched in 2021, with the intention of achieving greater business and government cooperation in areas such as sustainable agriculture, renew able energy, waste separation & recycling, and greener business and industrial processes.

When it comes to innovation, it is very exciting to witness the launch of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia (C4IR Serbia), which is a collaboration between the Gov ernment of Serbia and the World Economic Forum. The hallmark of the Nordic Business Alliance is that it is only with joint, focused efforts, built around public-pri vate partnership, that we can achieve a meaningful and sus tainable impact. C4IR Serbia is a great example of this – bringing together stakeholders from gov ernment, business and academia to accelerate the deployment of emerging technologies. And biotechnology and artificial intelligence for healthcare are two areas where Nordics can

PARTNERSHIPS

Green transition is of paramount importance, and the Serbian government has shown great interest in partnering with Nordic countries in this process

certainly help. We look forward to joint projects and initiatives in the coming years.

One of the areas in which Nordic companies have co operated the most with the Serbian government and business institutions is the area of e-government. However, the 5G network that enables digital transformation and full digital inclusion, creating conditions to increase productivity, is not yet a reality in Serbia. How does this influence the prospects of further cooperation between Serbia and the Nordic countries and businesses?

- The pandemic has been an inflec tion point in the digital maturity of governments. While initial efforts to accelerate digital transforma tion have yielded dividends, gov ernments will need to continue the momentum. This means that agencies should adopt a cohesive approach to modernising their dig ital capabilities, and connectivity is a prerequisite for that. Although significant progress has been made in Serbia, network challenges still exist, especially when it comes to rural areas, and particularly in southern parts of the country.

Whether you’re a country leader or a local official, your aim should be to bring increased satis faction to your constituents – both businesses and citizens. Can 5G enable that? Yes, absolutely, 5G is needed for full digital inclusion. It helps preserve the way of life away from urban cities, increases productivity and sustainability, and is key to Industry 4.0.

However, aside from the connectivity and access that

COLLABORTION

We look forward to continuing our active participation in the Serbian Government’s Coordination Body for Healthcare System Digitalisation, where great progress has already been made

come with 5G, there are other priorities for the optimisation and digitisation of e-services. A digital mindset – moving away from “doing digital” to “becom ing digital” – is among them. At the heart of this digital trans formation is moving away from ad hoc applications of digital to designing and implementing dig ital technologies that are deeply embedded in an organisation’s DNA. COVID-19 propelled many governments, including the Gov ernment of Serbia, into this next stage of digital transformation with e-health services related

services, including the unified electronic patient health card and telemedicine.

Apart from important business ties, the NBA places a focus on sharing specific values: social responsibility, solidarity, sustainability, transparency, inclusion, care for the environment and innovation. In the hectic world that we currently live in, is there enough space for these values to be nurtured?

- I think that, in the not-so-distant future, these values will be prereq uisites for any business strategy.

The hallmark of the Nordic Business Alliance is that it is only with joint, focused efforts, built around publicprivate partnerships, that we can achieve a meaningful and sustainable impact. The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia is a great example of this

to testing, vaccination and digital green certification, among others.

We look forward to contin uing our active participation in the Serbian Government’s Co ordination Body for Healthcare System Digitalisation. Great progress has been made, and we should build on this momentum to extend the scope of e-health

And, thankfully, businesses in creasingly understand that they are no longer “nice-to-have” periph eral activities, but rather integral parts of their business models. Many years ago, we referred to them as “Nordic values”, but today they are universally accepted glob al principles for sustainable eco nomic growth and just societies.

DIPLOMACY

NASSER BOURITA, MOROCCAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AFRICAN COOPERATION AND MOROCCAN EXPATRIATES

High Time For New Milestones

I consider the commemoration of this Jubilee as an invaluable opportunity to lay down bridges of dialogue, communication and exchange through numerous means that include business, art, history, cinema and music ~ H.E. Nasser Bourita

At a time when the world is going through unprecedented transfor mations, complex challenges and multidimensional risks, there are also unique opportunities ahead of us. As a committed global partner of Serbia, Moroc co wishes to move forward side by side to take advantage of this situation in order to embark on a much more promising path of mutual prosperity.

On 1st March, 2022, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Serbia celebrated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Rabat. To com memorate this special milestone, then Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković and myself agreed, during his visit last year, to designate the year 2022 as the “Year of Morocco in Serbia and the Year of Serbia in Morocco”.

Since our bilateral relations have always placed people at the centre of its agenda and at the heart of its achievements, I consider the commemoration of this jubilee as an in valuable opportunity to lay down bridges of dialogue, communication and exchange through numerous means that include business, art, history, cinema and music. I believe that human relations are the main link to connect our two geo-strategically important states, and thereby better linking Africa to the Western Balkans.

The two nations, equally strong in the face of adversity, which have gone through key mo ments hand-in-hand, such as the 1st Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade in 1961, and two peoples united in the defence of

Moroccan-Serbian cooperation has proven to be in line with the flow of history. It is high time to set new milestones and elevate our cooperation to an unprecedented level amid the unprecedented challenges of recent times

their respective national sovereignty and terri torial integrity. The solid bond that unites us is not only the expression of a deep relationship

rooted in history, but also the primary attribute of the credibility and reliability that both our states enjoy within the international society and within our bilateral relations. At the end of the day, Morocco and Serbia, despite being separated by geography, share a common core of values that aligns our visions and welds our external action.

On the principals of mutual respect, common interest, and a shared informed vision, we have come a long way in further deepening our relations in many respects, especially in the most heartfelt and structural aspects. The friendship that binds our two nations has not been overlooked. His Majesty King Mohammed VI has personally cited Serbia amongst the inner circle of the Kingdom’s friends. It is, for us, the most significant signal of the excellence of those relations.

Looking ahead, I am utterly convinced that we can achieve more. This jubilee shoulders the responsibility of our like-minded governments to provide the adequate content to meet the expectations of our two Heads of States and peoples. To this end, the time has come to jointly explore the opportunity for a fully vested strategic partnership. A partnership that can equip us with the necessary means to respond to the ongoing transformations and take advantage of the immense opportunities that lie ahead. A framework that structures the workflow that our two diplomatic bodies, our public institutions and our governments can use as a springboard to reach the political and economic goals we want for our relationship.

IVICA DAČIĆ, SERBIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Traditional Friends, Partners For The Future

The Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Morocco are bound by decades of sincere friendship. We are very proud of the unbreakable historical ties we have with the Kingdom of Morocco, a country with which we are commemorating 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. On the occasion of this important anniversary, a number of events have been organised throughout the year within the scope of the programme "Serbia in Morocco and Morocco in Serbia”

Our citizens had the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and artis tic programme prepared by our Moroccan friends, while Serbia successfully presented its history, culture and art in several Moroccan cities. I am convinced that this event, as well as other projects, will contribute to bringing our friendly peoples even closer together.

This anniversary year is an opportunity to affirm our shared commitment to developing cooperation in all fields, for which both Bel grade and Rabat have shown a high level of readiness. We have a rich history of togeth erness, dating back to the early days of the Non-Aligned Movement, and therefore it is incumbent upon us to deepen our political contacts and cultural cooperation in the period ahead, and especially the economic exchange for which there is huge untapped potential. In this regard, we will support in particular the work being done by the Serbia-Morocco Business Council, led by the chambers of commerce of our countries, and it is our de sire for it to become a bridge strengthening economic cooperation.

Serbia is strongly committed to continuing its successful harmonisation with Morocco in international organisations, in the spirit of friendship and mutual trust.

This is also a good opportunity to reaffirm my gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for

its continuous support to the preserving of the sovereignty and territorial integrity

of the Republic of Serbia, as well as for the principled position maintained by Morocco in international organisations.

It is with great pleasure that I recall the meetings I’ve had to date with high-level officials of Morocco, both in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs and as Speaker of the National Assembly, and I particularly look forward to continuing my cooperation with Minister Nasser Bourita, who I consider as both my own friend and a friend of our people.

Serbia is strongly committed to continuing its successful harmonisation with Morocco in international organisations, in the spirit of friendship and mutual trust

MOHAMED MEHDI BENSAID, MOROCCAN MINISTER OF YOUTH, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

Joint Moroccan-Serbian Youth Programmes Required

Cooperation between Morocco and Serbia flourishes more with every passing day. The two countries have understood the importance of building cultural bridges to bring people, and therefore countries, together

As of today, Morocco and Serbia have devel oped strong cooperation in different fields of culture: cultural heritage, archives, arts, music, choreography and visual arts.

Increasing the axis of this cooperation and partnership provides a strong basis to create synergy between the different stakeholders.

Morocco and Serbia enjoy strong bilateral relations; the assessment of the celebration commemorating the 65th anniversary of the es tablishment of diplomatic relations is more than positive. In the field of culture, Serbia has become an important partner, especially when it comes to exchanging expertise between institutions, but also through increasing participation in cultural events and happenings organised by both countries.

It is a known fact that cultural diplomacy is an important vector, as it provides an opportunity for countries to showcase the richness of their culture on the international stage, and allows peoples to be brought together. It conquers the heart of every country: its citizens.

Apart from cooperation in other important fields, Morocco and Serbia have placed cultural cooperation under the spotlight, which has played a major role in strengthening relations between the two countries and enhancing our longstanding friendship.

The organisation of Moroccan events in Ser bia, such as the Moroccan Film Festival at the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives and the Forum of Moroccan Artisans in Novi Sad, as well

The organisation of Moroccan events in Serbia, such as the Moroccan Film Festival at the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives and the Forum of Moroccan Artisans in Novi Sad, as well as participation in the Belgrade Book Fair, allows Morocco to share and make known its culture on a different horizon, providing a chance to share experiences and visions

as participation in the Belgrade Book Fair, allows Morocco to share and make known its culture on a different horizon, providing a chance to share experiences and visions. It also provides an opportunity for the people to discover what both countries have in common, be that through literature, film or even music, as art and culture are universal languages.

As Minister of Youth, Culture and Communi cation, it is my belief that it is very important to

offer different cultural and artistic programmes to the Moroccan youth, as an opportunity for them to showcase their own creativity and innovative minds. Whether at a national or international level, we have to continuously encourage them to participate in such programmes and events.

The Ministry has a large network of youth centres (Maisons de jeunes) nationwide across Morocco. This infrastructure has been made to hold different activities related to education, the arts or even sport. This entails many young Moroccans being part of this large network and having direct access to these activities. The role of these youth centres is to develop talents, offer fun experiences and shape these young people in becoming responsible and well-balanced adults. The ministry can take advantage of this landscape to promote the youth’s participation in local, na tional and international events, in order to offer different perspectives and horizons to boost their sense of creativity and innovation.

On the other hand, Morocco and Serbia have to jointly create youth exchange programmes, to help increase their openness to the world. Through these cultural programmes, targeting different artistic and cultural fields, both countries will offer diverse experiences open to the youth of both countries.

In this regard, I am looking forward to next year receiving my Serbian counterpart, Mrs Maja Gojković, in Rabat to discuss ways and means to reinforce our cooperation in cultural fields, such as the protection of cultural heritage and the cinematography industry. The Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Morocco share a longstanding friendship and I am sure that our relations will only grow closer in the future.

Morocco and Serbia have developed strong cooperation in different fields of culture: cultural heritage, archives, arts, music, choreography and visual arts

Jubilee Year Of Successful Cultural Cooperation

Iwould describe cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco in the field of culture as having been good in general from the outset, with a clear upward trend. This level of cooperation is primarily reflected in the bilateral documents signed between the two countries in the last decade covering the fields of culture, higher education, scientific research, education, professional training, communications, youth and sports.

The fact that the dialogue between Serbia and Morocco has particularly intensified this year, when we are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic ties, indicates the importance our two countries attach to strengthening our bilateral ties, nurturing friendly relations and promoting understanding between the two peoples. In this sense, we greatly appreciate the support and clear position of the Kingdom of Morocco in preserving Serbia’s cultural, historical and religious heritage in Kosovo, which is exceptionally important to Serbia.

It has been well recognised that cultural cooper ation is a pillar of international relations. Thanks to the very active embassies and ministries of culture on both sides, the “Year of Morocco in Serbia” and “Year of Serbia in Morocco” programmes were organised to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishing of diplomatic relations between our two countries. This significant anniversary provided additional impetus to the development of cultural cooperation and the exchange of experiences in the field of culture and art in both countries.

In addition to several events initiated by the Embassy of Morocco in Serbia, I would like to highlight two events at which Serbia presented itself in Morocco. The first is the exhibition Two faces of the Pirot Rug, organised by the Ethno

graphic Museum of Belgrade and presented at the Dar Si Said National Museum of Weaving and Carpets in Marrakech (169 rugs), which confirmed the similarity of elements of our cultures and in tangible cultural heritage. The Roads of the Roman Emperors, a joint exhibition of the Archaeological Institute of the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts and Viminacium Archaeological Park, is currently in Rabat and will soon move to Tangier. Both exhibitions were implemented in cooperation with the National Foundation of Museums of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Preparations are underway for an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco by a delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, which is planned for early 2023, when agreements are to be signed covering the field of cultural heritage protection and cooperation in the field of film and audio-visual activities.

The Republic of Serbia, as a country that is deeply invested in global trends and the agenda for international cultural cooperation, is also fully dedicated to developing cultural cooperation with

the Kingdom of Morocco on a multilateral plain. As an illustration, a very important event will be held in Rabat during the coming weeks that relates to intangible cultural heritage, which is a topic of growing interest worldwide.

I would also point out that the Serbian public most often receives opportunities to get acquainted with the culture of Morocco through the activi ties of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Serbia, such as translations of the works of Moroccan writers into the Serbian language. The Moroccan Film Days event, held at the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives, introduced the local public to Moroccan cinematography, as well as to Moroccan music and gastronomy and traditional Moroccan crafts.

Last, but certainly not least, the Embassy of Morocco regularly organises programmes within the framework of Francophonie Month in the Republic of Serbia, which has been part of the international organisation of La Francophonie since 2006 and has been an affiliated member since 2018. As the clear political will exists for Serbia to soon become a full member, we see an extended friendly hand in Morocco.

Given that we are approaching the end of 2022, we have a realistic basis to declare this year one of the most successful to date within the framework of cooperation in the field of culture.

Morocco is a country that captivates with colour and sound, with its rich history and long tradition of the written word that resonates far and wide. In the coming period, the Republic of Serbia will continue to be committed to enhancing cultural cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco in var ious fields, but also to strengthening our bilateral relations in general.

We greatly appreciate the support and clear position of the Kingdom of Morocco in preserving Serbia’s cultural, historical and religious heritage in Kosovo, which is exceptionally important to Serbia

H.E. MOHAMMED AMINE BELHAJ, AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Shared Principles And Values

The creation of a success story will inspire entrepreneurs from both countries to invest and create win-win partnerships ~ H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj.

It was in March this year that Rabat and Belgrade formally commemorated the 65 th anniversary of the establishing of their diplomatic relations. How did your embassy celebrate this jubilee?

Indeed, 2022 was a special year in the history of our bilateral relations, as we celebrated our long-lasting friendship, and the historical bonds uniting our peoples, in both Serbia and Morocco.

In this regard, the Embassy organised nu merous activities of an artistic, cultural and economic nature to celebrate this joyous episode in our history, with the aim of introducing to our Serbian friends the aforementioned aspects of the Moroccan identity.

The culmination of this commemoration will take place on 9th December, through a “TRIPLE CONCERTO” concert performed by talented Moroccan pianist Dina Bensaid, accompanied by two gifted young Musicians playing Violin and Cello, at Madlenianum Opera & Theatre.

I want to seize this opportunity to thank all our Moroccan and Serbian partners, for without their support and engagement we couldn’t have made this celebration the remarkable success that it has been.

At the political level, how would you evaluate relations between Morocco and Serbia? Relations between our countries are witnessing exceptional momentum at the political level, given that both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Serbia believe in a set of principles and values, in particular respect for the territo

rial integrity and national sovereignty of United Nations member states.

Based on this common understanding, our friendly nations mutually support each other on the international scene. The position of the Kingdom of Morocco towards the Kosovo issue is a principled stance. My country does not sup port separatism and stands against all attempts to threaten the national unity and integrity of states. Hence, Morocco considers Kosovo a part of Serbia. At the same time, Morocco supports and encourages the political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina led by Brussels, in order to find a permanent peaceful settlement to this issue.

On the other hand, the Republic of Serbia considers the Moroccan initiative of advanced autonomy for its southern provinces as a good solution to this artificial conflict, considering that it meets all the criteria set by the United Nations Security Council resolutions since 2007.

Thus, to summarise, I believe there is a clear will from our respective leaderships to further develop our bilateral relations and transform

them into a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and deep-rooted friendship.

You have been representing your country in Serbia for more than five years. In your opinion, what areas of cooperation still need to be developed?

Speaking frankly, I believe that we still have a long way to go when it comes to economic cooperation. I think that both our countries offer huge potential and benefits that are yet to be explored.

I always say that the Moroccan and Serbian economies are complementary rather than com petitive, and the commercial exchange between our countries should grow substantially if it is to truly reflect our excellent bilateral relations at the political level.

I was very happy to see that the commercial exchange between our countries quadrupled in 2020, reaching an all-time record of 743,31 Million Dirhams (approx. €70 million). Regardless of how much this number is below the aspirations of both our leaders, I believe that the dynamic is positive and that we must build on it by further encouraging initiatives and actions aimed at stimulating networking between our business communities and, more importantly, through the creation of a success story that will inspire entrepreneurs from both countries to invest and create win-win partnerships.

I am therefore looking forward to the holding of the 3rd session of the Joint Economic Com mission in Belgrade, and the 1st session of the Moroccan-Serbian Business Council, in order to start progressing on this matter, and to present a powerful indication of the strong will of our respective governments to boost economic cooperation between our countries.

The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Serbia believe in a set of principles and values, in particular respect for the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of United Nations member states

INTERVIEW

ADEL EL FAKIR, DIRECTOR OF THE MOROCCAN NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE

Focused On Establishing Direct Flights

The Moroccan National Tourism Office unveiled its new international brand “Morocco - Kingdom of Light", which represents the cornerstone of the promotional campaign that Morocco is targeting and which is dedicated to international tourism, both on traditional and emerging markets

We launched a new communication platform that reveals the wealth that the Kingdom of Morocco has to offer: Morocco is much more than a destination to visit: it is a country that lives through its arts and crafts, its living culture, its gastronomy, its creativity and its human valuessays Director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office Adel El Fakir, speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine.

In your opinion, how does the “Morocco - Kingdom of light” branding contribute to strengthening the trendy image of your country among Serbian tourists?

“Morocco – Kingdom of Light” is a powerful promise that positions Morocco among the world’s most coveted tourist destinations, which reinforces its repute and its attractiveness.

The campaign constitutes a turning point in the communication of the destination. It breathes new life into it and strengthens its reputation with the international public, particularly the new generations of travellers, young tourists, more dynamic, more connected, and in constant demand for the unexpected and new discoveries. We are convinced that this will also have a great impact on Serbian tourists.

How could the Moroccan National Tourism Office work to attract more Serbian tourists to Morocco?

The Serbian tourist market is an emerging market that represents a lot of potential for Morocco. Our country welcomed more than 5,000 visitors from Serbia in 2019. We aim to increase this figure by

The Serbian tourism market is an emerging market for Morocco that represents a lot of potential. Our country welcomed more than 5,000 visitors from Serbia in 2019. We aim to increase this number by undertaking a series of actions to establish the Morocco brand and highlight the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural assets in Serbia

undertaking a series of actions to establish the Morocco brand and highlighting the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural assets in Serbia. We have, for example, participated in the Moroccan culture and craft week organised in Serbia, and in the Belgrade Tourism Fair. We have also developed

synergies with the Moroccan Embassy in Serbia, through participation in cultural and promotional activities held in the Serbian city of Novi Sad.

At the same time, the Moroccan National Tourism Office is working with Serbian tourism operators to establish offers to increase sales of the Moroccan destination. We are also working to improve air connectivity between the two countries, as well as the scheduling of charter flights to Morocco.

Does the Moroccan National Tourism Office intend to organise tourism prospecting missions in the Balkan region, including Serbia in particular, in the near future? And when can we expect direct flights from Serbia to Morocco?

The Balkan region is a promising market for Moroccan tourism, and one that the Moroccan National Tourism Office will continue to explore in order to promote the Moroccan brand. We will launch many training and promotional actions with sales networks in 2023, in order to enhance the programming of the Moroccan destination by travel prescribers. We will also participate, over the next few months, in the main tourism fairs in the region, both in B2B and B2C segments.

In terms of communication, the Moroccan National Tourism Office will also target opinion leaders in an effort to generate content about Morocco and the various tourism potentials offered by our country.

In terms of air connectivity, we are focusing on the establishing of a direct air connection between Serbia and Morocco, in order to increase the number of tourists. I can already tell you that negotiations are underway with several companies.

ALI SEDDIKI, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE MOROCCAN AGENCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INVESTMENTS AND EXPORTS, AMDIE

Room To Create Further Opportunities

There is a good dynamic of the trade exchange between our two countries, which has tripled during the last few years, says General Director of the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Investments and Exports Ali Seddiki, speaking for CorD Magazine

However, he continues, “having said that, there is room for further opportunities, given the trade agreements Morocco has with more than 50 countries, in cluding West African countries and the U.S., and Serbia’s close relations with the countries of the Balkans and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

In your opinion as director general of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, what are the appropriate ways to further promote economic relations between Morocco and Serbia?

Defining a joint roadmap, creating networking opportunities between business communities and economic institutions, supporting better knowledge of each countries’ sectors, competitive assets and business environment are ways to push economic relations to an enhanced level. Trade fairs, virtual or physical B2B and B2G meetings, conferences, and jointly prepared visits are appro priate tools to create the necessary connections to foster the emergence of opportunities between our two countries.

Such initiatives already take place with the support of AMDIE whenever possible, like the conferences jointly organised by the chambers of commerce of the Casablanca Settat Region in Morocco and Vojvodina Province in Serbia, but we want to do more.

With a view to the concluding of an MoU between AMDIE and the Serbian Development Agency, what is the impact of this mechanism

on the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries?

Precisely to go a step further, AMDIE and the Serbian Development Agency have discussed an MoU establishing a formal framework for organising events that will improve business ties and mutual knowledge in the interests of increasing mutual trade and investment flows. The MoU aims to facilitate the participation of representatives of the two countries in confer ences, seminars, business forums, symposiums, as well as the organisation of any event or action of common interest; it promotes training sessions and exchanges of experience, as well as business meetings and business visits.

What are the means deployed by AMDIE to attract more Serbian investors? In this regard,

does AMDIE plan to organise a Roadshow in Serbia in the near future?

Over the past 22 years, under the visionary leader ship of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has massively invested to make the most of its assets and build a competitive low carbon produc tion platform relying on world class infrastructure and cost-competitive renewable energies, as well as on a qualified and committed talent pool.

Thanks to free trade agreements signed with more than 50 countries, Morocco has established a geostrategic platform that offers access to more than 1.5 billion consumers in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

As a result, exports have doubled within a decade, and Morocco is now considered to be a primary, geo-strategically placed location to invest in and export to the world.

From Serbian investors’ perspective, Moroc co is also a gateway to Africa, offering a busi ness-friendly environment. Serbian companies can count on AMDIE to explore new markets.

To further support investments, Morocco is in the process of adopting a new charter for invest ment. It aims to reinforce Morocco’s incentives for all types of investors and businesses – including small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger groups.

Furthermore, AMDIE’s team remains at the disposal of any investor seeking information, connection, support, and follow-up on their pro ject. We see great potential in working together with our Serbian counterpart and look forward to planning a dedicated tour to showcase investment and export opportunities.

EL MAHDI ARRIFI, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE MOROCCAN AGENCY FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, ADA

Highlighting Investment Opportunities

The Novi Sad International Agricultural Fair, the most important event for farmers at the level of Southeast Europe, was an opportunity to highlight the various investment opportunities that abound in Morocco

The new Green Generation Strategy 20202030 should enable Moroccan agriculture to become much more efficient and double the sector’s share in the Kingdom’s GDP, says ADA General Director El Mahdi Arrifi, speaking for CorD Magazine.

Under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has undertaken several initiatives to promote the agricultural sector, notably the Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030. In your opinion, will this strategy make it possible to direct agriculture towards export?

The Green Generation 2020-2030 Strategy, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI on 13th February 2020, aims to consolidate the achievements made under the Green Morocco Plan through the adoption of a new vision and the implementation of modern means in the service of the agricultural sector. This strategy has placed the human element at the centre of its priorities, with the aim of promoting the emergence of a new generation of the agricul tural middle class. The Green Morocco Plan has transformed agriculture into an engine of modern, competitive and inclusive economic and social development. This plan has led to remarkable growth in agricultural production and exports. Indeed, Moroccan agricultural exports reached a value of nearly four billion euros during 2019, i.e., 2.8 times the value recorded in 2009 (€1.4 billion). In terms of volume, agricultural exports reached around 2.3 million tons in 2019, an increase of 64% compared to 2009 (t1.4 million). Thanks to the Green Morocco Plan, Morocco has positioned

itself among the world’s leading exporters of various agricultural products. For instance, the country is now the world’s number one exporter of capers and argan oil, the world’s third biggest exporter of canned olives and small citrus fruits, and the fourth biggest exporter of tomatoes.

The new Green Generation 2020-2030 Strategy should enable Moroccan agriculture to become much more efficient. The main objective remains to double the sector’s share in the Kingdom’s GDP, which currently stands at 12.3%. There is also a question of alleviating the trade balance by ex porting more products with high added value: the value of agricultural exports must thus increase from 3.4 billion euros in 2018 to 6 billion in 2030.

The Year of Morocco in Serbia was marked by Morocco’s first ever participation in the Novi Sad International Agricultural Fair. How would

you rate this participation and was it useful in terms of networking?

Indeed, the Agency for Agricultural Development (ADA), with the support of the Moroccan Embassy in Belgrade, organised Moroccan participation in the 89th edition of the Novi Sad International Ag ricultural Fair, which was held from 21st to 27th May 2022, through the establishment of an institutional pavilion of 80m². We had the honour of receiving, during the inauguration of this important event, the visit of their excellencies Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The main objective of our participation was to promote investment and the business climate in the agricultural sector in Morocco, while high lighting required data that might be of interest to the Serbian audience and showcasing typical Moroccan products.

On the side-lines of this Fair, ADA hosted, in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Morocco in Belgrade, an economic conference on investment opportunities in the agricultural sector in Morocco as part of the Green Gener ation Strategy.

In terms of networking, ADA organised B2B meetings throughout the duration of the Fair with institutions, companies and Serbian investors operating in the agricultural sector and interested in investing in Morocco.

This most important agricultural event at the level of Southeast Europe was an opportunity to highlight the various investment opportunities that abound in Morocco and that can entice investors from Balkan countries.

TARIK SLAIKI, PRESIDENT OF THE MOROCCAN PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

Belgrade Book Fair As A Platform For Moroccan Writers

“When I read The Bridge on the Drina many years ago, before the idea of visiting Belgrade had even crossed my mind, I was already wandering – through this novel – the cities, worlds and cultures of Serbian society without having met or had a personal relationship with any of its people”

As a person with a literary and artistic background, and as a player in the field of the culture economy (publisher), I usually find myself unable to rid my mind of the “images” I formed through my readings of the literature, philosophies and arts of a specific country or region. When I read The Bridge on the Drina many years ago, before the idea of visiting Belgrade had even crossed my mind, I was already wandering - through this novel - the cities, worlds and cultures of Serbian society without having met or had a personal relationship with any of its people. This is what happens to me, in my visits to many world capitals, from the Far East to beyond the Atlantic Ocean. Even when I discover that the image I have formed in my thoughts, through literary worlds, doesn’t reflect the reality, life or geography of spaces in these locations, I can never rid myself of the initial impressions I’d previously built in my head.

Herein lies the power of text, when it migrates to culturally different societies, playing a deci sive role, negatively or positively, in “creating” a certain image of a cultural group. In fact, my meetings with quite a large number of Serbian writers, creators and even ordinary people have deepened my belief that the “cultural economy”, through its creativity, has made our communi cation smoother, warmer, more human and very fruitful. That’s because culture – especially in its scholarly and literary aspects – leads to human values dominating the communication process, and driving everyone - despite all differences and backgrounds - to search for points of agreement,

Based on my personal experience, and by attending two editions of the Belgrade International Book Fair, I can confirm that this Book Fair should be turned into a platform for Morocco to build a strong and effective link between the Moroccan creator and the Serbian reader

rather than disagreement, and pushes us to contribute to building bridges of communication.

All of these reflections lead me to discuss my recent participation in the Belgrade International Book Fair, during which I had the chance to address the Serbian public through a literary conference and convey mainly two points.

The first was to introduce to those in front me the fact that there is an authentic Moroccan “literature, philosophy, poetry and formation”, and that the Moroccan identity is characterised by openness to all global intellectual and artistic

stripes, though without losing its own privacy and uniqueness.

The second issue can be summed up in the words of one of the attendees, who literally said, “Your intervention made me interested in learning more about Morocco, so that I could visit it.” I think that “culture has its politics” and it has its technical mechanisms that can play a major role in forming an “image” or rebuilding a relationship.

I truly believe that we should be freed of the traditional concept of fairs, as well as cultural promotion, because in addition to promoting books, we should search for mechanisms for cultural cross-fertilisation and build bridges of dialogue with cultural actors, writers and artists. I think that this trend has become a necessity, especially for Morocco, which has a genuine cultural and artistic impetus that only needs a good promotion!

I am convinced that the exchange of visits, through artistic and literary courses, and lectures, as well as the translation of artistic and literary works, remains urgent, particularly in the absence of an important accumulation between our two countries at this level.

Based on my personal experience, and by at tending two editions of the Belgrade International Book Fair, I can confirm that this Book Fair should be turned into a platform for Morocco to build a strong and effective link between the Moroccan creator and the Serbian reader.

I would like to conclude by expressing my firm conviction that today’s wish will become a reality tomorrow, and I can even state with confidence that a bridge over the river of our two cultures has been built, and people will soon begin to cross it!

BOUSSAQ, BACHELOR STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE FACULTY OF ORGANIZATIONAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Wonderful Student Life in Serbia

“As a student from Morocco, I can state that Serbia is not a popular place to go abroad to study, but I have found that it can be the best option for a variety of reasons. I was one of four students from the Kingdom of Morocco chosen to receive this fully funded scholarship and I am so excited to pursue my bachelor's studies here” ~ Nouhaila Boussaq

The scholarship organisers first met us at Nikola Tesla Airport, assisted us with everything and took us to the Radojka Lakić Student Dor mitories on Avala. We were given free accommodation and three meals every day. Furthermore, we received four months of intensive Serbian language courses from very appreciated professors at the Literature Faculty of the Uni versity of Belgrade. After passing the language exam, we received free translation to Serbian and recognition for our documents from the Agency of Qualification. We momentarily moved to the Stu

dent Dormitories in the city centre, where we enjoyed comfortable and good-quality rooms, as well as free food and health insurance.

I am thankful for the support to my educational journey from this

generous scholarship. It helped provide the push and motivation I needed to move forward with a positive attitude.

Besides the high quality of educa tion and the recognition of Serbian degrees in many other countries, Serbia is an interesting and afforda ble country to pursue your studies in as an international student. I had the best student life experience in Serbia. I had access to a lot of social, extracurricular and fun activities in my university campus. Serbian cuisine is quite varied, since it’s a combination of the Greek and Turk ish ones, so it’s very delicious. Like every student, I place a lot of value

on having fun, and Serbians are well known for throwing great parties, especially in Belgrade. Another fact is that people are very friendly and welcoming, and I’ve met many people here who’ve had a positive influence on who I am today. Overall, I enjoyed every moment in Serbia through festivals, museums, galleries and parties, while admiring the architec ture and the beauty of this Eastern European country.

Thank you once again for such an amazing opportunity for me. This first step that I made towards my dreams would not have been possible without the generosity of the “World in Serbia” Scholarship.

ADNANE BOUHTOURI, SECOND-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE FACULTY OF MEDICINE

Discovering The World In Serbia

Iam Adnane Bouhtouri from the Kingdom of Morocco, a second-year medical student of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Belgrade, one of the biggest and oldest public uni versities in Serbia, ranked among the world’s 500 best universities. I am so proud and lucky to be among the students benefiting from the

opportunities provided by the World in Serbia programme. This Scholarship offers all the necessary educational needs for an interna tional student to finish Faculty with lots of professional skills, despite the difficulties of the sys tem and language barriers, since we study with the Serbian language. I’m also so fascinated by Serbia’s

Nature and especially Belgrade, which is known for its romantic atmosphere, its nightlife, and its inhabitants, who made me feel welcome despite coming from a different culture. It’s also easy to make friends in Belgrade, as the majority of youngsters are curious to discover new cultures, thoughts and foreign languages.

NOUHAILA

IMANE BELMKADDEM, FASHION DESIGNER

I Left Part Of My Heart In Serbia

journey and create these collections with the assistance of my mother, the painter Fatima el Hajjaji, who I thank warmly for this wonderful collaboration - says Imane Belmkadden, speaking for CorD Magazine.

How did the Serbian public interact with the different shows dedicated to the Moroccan Caftan and other designs that you organised during your participation in Ethno Fest Belgrade?

“The Serbian public, and especially the Ethnology festival’s audience, was just FANTASTIC. Very diverse, with exceptionally sophisticated taste. I was delighted to hear the compliments and

The Serbian public, and especially the Ethnology festival’s audience, was just FANTASTIC. Very diverse, with exceptionally sophisticated taste. I was delighted to hear the compliments and perceptions of the public after the show

I’ve been to Serbia for a second time, the first time I was in Novi Sad and then I visited Belgrade. I am still charmed, impressed and emotionally filled by the love and care I have received. It is at the same time a privilege and also a responsibility that I bear deeply and cautiously, to show what is best about my country and to represent my culture with dignity, highlighting its beauty, its strength, its riches, and its diversity. I was able to accomplish this

perceptions of the public after the show. I was particularly touched by the beautiful words of Madame Tamara Vučić, the first lady of Serbia, who expressed her fascination and esteem for our Moroccan fashion, culture and heritage. I was happy because the audience, which was inquisitive, informed and cultured, truly enjoyed and under stood every piece! That was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had, and I’m extremely pleased when the messages I want to convey through every collection, by combining art, fashion, culture and heritage, reach hearts and minds easily.

As a Moroccan fashion designer who participated in the celebration of the Year of Morocco in Serbia, Imane Belmkaddem had the opportunity to represent Morocco through different collections that each have a distinct history and significance

DINA BENSAID, PIANIST

Great Honour To Represent Morocco

trio, combining piano, violin and cello, providing the perfect balance between instrumental virtuosity and powerful sounds.

On each of my visits to Belgrade, I wanted to tell a story through my concerts, which will also be the case for the closing concert of the “Year of Morocco in Serbia”, scheduled for 9th December!

“It is my great honour to close this year’s celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Rabat, and to participate in this symbolic link bringing the two countries together. I am sincerely moved that I am trusted to represent Morocco again through, in my opinion, the universal art that is classical music, which begins where the power of words ceases.

“I wanted, for this occasion, to put together a grandiose musical programme, with a musical

“I am proud and happy to play in Belgrade alongside two artists with a particular history, in emblematic works of the chamber music repertoire: Abdessamad Alassali, cellist of the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra, who comes from the sociocultural programme Mazaya that I work on in Rabat. It’s a programme offering socio-professional integration to young people who have dropped out of school and come from underprivileged backgrounds. Abdessamad is currently a professor not only within this pro gramme, but also at the International Schools of Music and Dance of the cities of Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco. Music gave him a taste of victory and a second chance; Mohammed El Hachoumi, who will be playing the violin, is also one of the mainstays of the Mazaya Programme, having formed an entire promotion of violinists.

“To say a word about the chosen trio, we wanted to tell you an epic story through Dum ky by Dvořák, a very special work that relates the thoughts of a hero who looks back on his adventures, sometimes with great joy, some times with nostalgia. It is a work with a lot of character, almost exuberant at times, and of an extreme sensitivity that we wanted to share it with the public.

“I hope that many of you will come and share with us these exceptional musical moments, the culmination of a jubilee year that’s been rich in events celebrating the friendship between our two countries.”

“I cherish special memories of my last visits to Belgrade. Every time I’m there, I receive a warm welcome, experience a real connection with the audience and, most importantly, I enjoy playing in front of the Serbian public” ~ Dina Bensaid

1st

March 2022

Joint stamps issued by Morocco’s Barid Al Maghrib and Post of Serbia mark the occasion of the 65 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Serbia, illustrating the Mohammed VI Bridge in Rabat and Žeželj Bridge in Novi Sad.

15th-17th April 2022

Moroccan Film Festival featuring five films, organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Serbia in collaboration with the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre, the Serbian Ministry of Culture and the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives.

12th-13th May 2022

Institutional meeting held between operators working in the field of crafts from Morocco and the province of Vojvodina, as well as an exhibition of Moroccan handicrafts organised in Novi Sad by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Serbia, in collaboration with la Maison de l’Artisan, the Chamber of Crafts of Casablanca-Settat and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina.

9th March 2022

Concert of the Chalaban Band in Novi Sad during the period of Morocco’s participation in the events of the Novi Sad - European Capital of Culture programme .

TIMELINE OF THE YEAR OF MOROCCO IN SERBIA

20th-23rd May 2022

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visit the Moroccan Stand at the Novi Sad International Agricultural Fair. The Agricultural Development Agency of Morocco, which ensured the first ever participation of the Kingdom in this fair with a stand, held numerous meetings with Serbian and international partners with the aim of promoting Morocco as a prime investment destination in the field of agriculture.

7th-8th October 2022

Moroccan participation in the international folklore festival Ethno Fest Belgrade, as a guest country in focus, with the intention of showcasing its diversity and richness. Talented Moroccan designer Imane Belmkaddem unveiled her collection of Moroccan Caftans and other clothes designed exclusively for this occasion, which was highly appreciated by the Serbian public who attended the event in great numbers.

26th May 2022

Literary Conference of Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Moroccan writer and member of the Goncourt Academy, entitled “Let’s follow in the footsteps of Tahar BEN JELLOUN”, organised by the Embassy the Kingdom of Morocco in Belgrade and held at the Museum of African Art in Belgrade.

19th October 2022

An exhibition entitled “Belgrade – Rabat: 65 years of diplomatic relations, 1957-2022” was organised by the Yugoslav Archives in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Serbia and with the support of the Serbian ministries of foreign affairs and culture.

BY TANJA MIŠČEVIĆ, SERBIAN MINISTER OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

We’re Returning To The Essence OfThe“EuropeanPath”

Success in the European integration process cannot today be measured on the basis of major strides towards membership, or the opening of clusters that’s incomprehensible to citizens. The time has come for us to get back to the basics of European integration, and the most important reason we embarked on the “European path”. The reason are the benefits and improvements for our people according to the benchmarks of European regulations and standards

The circumstances, and therefore also the challenges in which the European integration process unfolds in Serbia and around our entire region, have never been more demanding and complex over the past few decades. The reason lies least of all in the change to the methodology of membership negotiations. There are few generations that have witnessed major and historic changes during their lifetime. Since the end of the Cold War, when we were silent observers, our generation is now on route to witnessing another change of epochal propor tions. This time around, we have an opportunity to contribute to navigating such changes as painlessly as possible. Changes to the economic, social and security map of Europe impact on

the goals that we set being more realistic, and even more existential. We find ourselves at the end of a year in which energy security will not be assessed purely on the basis of success in the costly diversification of sources of energy supplies, but rather by securing primary ener gy sources to enable the functioning of our economy and the satisfying of the basic needs of our citizens. And the European integration process is no exception either. Success in the European integration process cannot today be measured on the basis of major strides towards membership, or the opening of clusters that’s incomprehensible to citizens. The time has come for us to get back to the basics of European integration, and the most important reason we embarked on the “European path”. The reason are the benefits and improvements for our people according to the benchmarks of European regulations and standards.

What is most important to us?

First and foremost, advancing the rule of law. This is a priority of this government and it is our task to achieve all the benchmarks of the accession process as soon as possible, primarily in order for our citizens to see that implementing planned reforms secures a sig nificantly higher level of legal security for all of us, as well as greater trust in public institutions.

On the other hand, it is also important for our European partners to see the decisiveness

of all branches of government for Serbia to be more functional and stable.

In cooperation with the Venice Commission, work has continued on the drafting of judicial and prosecutorial laws that are expected to be adopted at the beginning of next year, in accordance with the deadlines stipulated by amendments to the Constitution. The autono my of the judiciary and the independence of the public prosecution will this be strengthened. These changes, according to which the selecting of judges and prosecutors will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly, but rather will be the responsibility of the High Council of the Judiciary and the High Council of the Prosecution, will further contribute to justice being more accessible to all citizens of Serbia, and thus also contribute to improving the standing of judicial professions in society.

These changes to the judicial system will impact on more effectively combatting cor ruption. The next important document that we are starting work on is the drafting of the new Strategy for the fight against corruption, which will be adopted during the first half of next year.

The most important factor for the third important issue in this area, freedom of the media, is certainly the continuation of work on amendments to the Law on Public Information and Media and the Law on Electronic Media. These regulations should secure a favourable

environment for freedom to access informa tion, the flow of ideas and opinions, and the realising of the public interest, which will lead to an orderly and rich media market. Likewise, it will also result in the implementation of more transparent and fairer co-financing of media content in the public interest, as well as increasing transparency in media owner ship and advertising, while strengthening the independence of the media regulator.

In terms of visa liberalisation, work will con tinue on further alignment with the EU’s lists of third countries that require a visa, particularly those deemed as posing a risk of irregular migration, for the sake of the security of the EU, but above all for the security of Serbia. In parallel with that, we will work on an important segment of strengthening regional cooperation in the struggle to combat migrant trafficking.

When it comes to financial support from the EU, we are especially grateful to the European Union that it managed to find a way – even under the conditions of a serious energy cri sis across Europe, and in addition to regular support for the implementation of reforms in the domain of energy – to also approve an additional urgent budget aid grant amounting to 165 million euros. We will use that money to mitigate the negative consequences of the crisis on citizens and the economy, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises.

We also had an opportunity to hear the willingness of the EU to designate addi tional funds of 500 million euros for the implementation of priority infrastructure projects in the region, and we expect with great optimism that decisions will be made as early as the Summit of Heads of State and Government in early December enabling us to start implementing projects that we’ve prepared to finance with EU grants.

For the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, a decision was made back in August to provide grants amounting to more than 220 million euros to ensure the implementation of projects in the areas of transport, energy and digital connectivity, as well to improve healthcare infrastructure. We expect new decisions to be brought by the end of this year that actually mean that we will further develop our roads, energy and environmental facilities, which are of huge importance to our sustainable development and connectivity with our neighbours.

This is also an opportunity for me to mention another important segment of the accession

We are especially grateful to the European Union that it managed to find a way – even under the conditions of a serious energy crisis across Europe, and in addition to regular support for the implementation of reforms in the domain of energy – to also approve an additional urgent budget aid grant amounting to 165 million euros. We will use that money to mitigate the negative consequences of the crisis on citizens and the economy, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises

process, and that is the segment represented by cross-border and transnational cooperation programmes, which Serbia also participates in under the multiannual financial framework 20212027. These ten cooperation programmes with neighbours Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia are supplemented by transnational cooperation programmes for the Adriatic-Ionian and Danube regions, as well as the interregional cooperation programme among cities (URBACT). Through all these programmes, over the course of the next seven years, users from Serbia and the other participating countries will have at their disposal almost 400 million euros – these funds will be used to connect people, work together on development and thus improve understanding and coexistence.

In order for us to observe the scope of the results of these programmes, I will remind you that 1,366 projects with a total value of over 400 million euros have been implemented to date, which included the participation of as many as 1,660 institutions and organisations from local communities in Serbia.That’s how, for example, we reached a total of 878 kilometres of constructed

or modernised roads, pedestrian walkways or cycle lanes, financed more than 180,000 units of various equipment that’s used, among others, in hospitals, schools, museums etc. More than 67,000 people have received training for various additional skills, while more than 220 facilities have been reconstructed or constructed in local communities on both sides of the border. What is important to us is that the European Commission has approved almost all programmes for the next stage, some of which have already started being implemented, and the first public calls to submit project proposals are currently underway for Ro mania-Serbia programmes and the transnational programme for the Danube region.

These actually represent just a selection of the elements confirming that European Union accession is a process that has many aspects that are important to the daily life of citizens, which is why it’s particularly important for us to improve communication on the significance and benefits of Serbia’s EU membership. Civil society, and all citizens of Serbia, have an open invitation to help us in this task, in order for everyone to better understand what the European integration process actually means.

WITH H.E. MR. EMANUELE GIAUFRET, HEAD OF EU DELEGATION TO SERBIA

Common Energy Future

At the recent summit of Western Balkan countries, held within the scope of the Berlin Process, the EU promised assistance to the region worth a billion euros, which represents a continuation of the process of shaping our common energy future. That’s why we first requested that Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović comment on the importance of this announcement for Serbia.

“The costs paid by the state to purchase electricity and energy products over recent months, under conditions of record prices on the stock exchanges, are extremely high, and any financial support that makes it easier for us to endure this winter is important for Serbia. We are grateful that the EU, even under the conditions of a worldwide energy crisis, recognised the importance of supporting the Western Balkan countries. That support is important not only when it comes to dealing with short-term rises in costs, but also when it comes to continuing to provide support to projects that will boost our energy security over the long term, as is the case with diversification of gas supplies,” says Minister Đedović.

EU support during this period is important because it shows solidarity with candidate countries that aren’t yet EU members, but that are on the road to European integration, adds the minister.

“With the signing of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, Serbia, together with the region’s other coun tries, has accepted to work together with the EU to achieve European targets in the domain of climate change, which is a serious challenge for us,” explains our interlocutor. “Countries enter the energy transition pro cess from different positions, in the sense of their energy mix, the potential economic and social costs associated with the transition process, as well as unequal opportunities to access European funds. Among other things, countries that aren’t EU member states are at a disadvantage compared to EU countries that have similar levels of coal in their energy mix when it comes to the kind of support they can receive through European funds. That’s why adequate support from the EU and financial institutions – for the implementation of targets in the areas of climate, energy and energy transition – is important not only for

Cooperation with the EU in the area of energy is important independently of the energy crisis. It was important prior to the crisis and will still be important when the crisis abates

Photo: Nebojša Babić

PARTNERSHIP

We are grateful that the EU, even under the conditions of a worldwide energy crisis, recognised the importance of supporting the Western Balkan countries

Serbia, but also for the other countries of our region, in order for this transition to be financially sustainable and socially equitable.

What are the implications of this process of building a common energy future when it comes to Serbia’s sources of energy supplies and the country’s energy independence?

- The energy crisis has caused problems that have extended beyond the scope of the energy sector and individual member states, which is why many of the measures implemented during the previous period were adopted at the EU level. Moreover, in crisis situations, energy security doesn’t depend only on what each country can do for itself, but rather also depends on cooperation with other countries to a large extent, and on the existence of infrastructure that enables the transport of energy and energy products. That’s why one of Serbia’s main responses to the energy crisis, apart from strengthening its own capacities and increasing its reserves of all energy sources, has been to connect with other countries and participate in initiatives that can ensure our increased energy security.

Hungary is supplied with Russian gas via Serbia, as a transit country, and part of our gas reserves have recently been held in stor age facilities in that country, which provides Serbia with additional security in more easily traversing the winter period. It is also planned to begin construction of an oil pipeline to Hungary, with which we will also ensure the greater security of crude oil supplies. Public company EPS, together with Elektroprivreda Republika Srpska [Bosnia-Herzegovina], is building the Buk Bijela hydroelectric power station, which will bring an additional capacity of 115 MW to our power system. With EU sup port, a gas interconnector is being built with Bulgaria, which will enable gas from Azerbaijan and the region of the Caspian Sea to reach Serbia, as well as gas from the LNG terminal in Greece, while we are also planning to build a gas interconnector with North Macedonia.

TRANSITION

The road to green transition is a long-term commitment of Serbia and the reality is that we will increase the share of renewables in the energy mix over the coming decades

These projects are all important to increasing Serbia’s energy security and strengthening its resilience against possible supply disruptions, but also to strengthening our country’s role in the broader context of ensuring energy security across the region.

COOPERATION

One of Serbia’s main responses to the energy crisis, apart from strengthening its own capacities and increasing its reserves of all energy sources, has been to connect with other countries

from thermal power plants, i.e., almost two-thirds of our energy is currently produced from coal. We unequivocally need to decarbonise our energy system, because that’s the only way it can be sustainable over the long term. The decarbonisation plan must be realistic and

When it comes to the implementation of targets in the areas of climate, energy and energy transition, adequate support from the EU and financial institutions is important not only for Serbia, but also for the other countries of our region, in order for this transition to be financially sustainable and socially equitable

Despite strong challenges, the EU is sticking to the stance that there is no alternative to Green Transition. How capable is Serbia, which in the sphere of energy is still dependent on coal to a large extent, of conducting this transition at such a sensitive economic juncture? - The road to green transition is a long-term commitment of Serbia and the reality is that we will increase the share of renewables in the energy mix over the coming decades. However, we must be aware that our basic energy comes

sustainable, in order for Serbia to preserve its energy stability at all times. Wind and solar energy are important from the perspective of environmental protection and potential capacities that can be built, but we must take into account that this production is variable, and that the needs of consumption are constant.

That’s why priority projects in the field of electricity generation include the construc tion of reversible hydroelectric power plants Bistrica and Đerdap 3, which also serve as

Photo: Nebojša Babić

energy storage facilities. The construction of new capacities should also be harmonised with the development of the power trans mission and distribution network, in order for the development of the energy sector to be sustainable, efficient and economical, and for this all to result in us having a higher degree of energy security and safety.

We currently have more than 500 MW of energy generated by renewable sources. The plan is to launch long-delayed auctions next year, which will secure a new 400 MW of electricity from Renewables in our system. We are simul taneously working to improve the regulatory framework, so that over the medium term the network will be able to receive eight times the current capacity. One important question is whether this RES-generated electricity will be exported, or whether the new capacities will contribute to electricity being beneficial to citizens and the economy. I believe we will find a model that’s in the best interest of citizens, but that is also sustainable for investors.

The process of improving energy efficiency is unfolding in parallel, through various projects that have received financial assistance from the state, including a programme of subsidies for households to replace windows and doors, improve insulation and install solar panels. Under the auspices of the National Programme for the Energy Rehabilitation of Residential Buildings, Family Houses and Apartments, subsidies were secured for approximately 25,000 households, with the Ministry of Mining and Energy, together with local self-govern ment units, allocating 2.66 billion dinars. In cooperation with the World Bank and the EBRD, conditions have been secured for the continuation of this project, with which more than 100,000 households will be covered.

You stated recently that, thanks to its mineral resources, Serbia will be an important country in the period ahead, on both the Eu ropean and world markets of rare minerals. What does that mean in practical terms?

- Serbia is a country that is extremely rich in mineral resources, in comparison to its size, including those mineral resources defined by the European Union as being critical. That list, which since 2020 has contained a total of 30 raw mate rials and minerals, includes mineral raw materials and materials that are able to meet the needs of new, environmentally friendly technologies

Nebojša Babić

I believe that the least we can do when it comes to the mineral wealth of our country, which also belongs to future generations, is to know precisely what we have available and what our potential is like when it comes to mining

aimed at developing renewable energy sources, storing electricity and new “smart” technologies that are important for economic development both today and in the future.

I believe it is a great advantage for Serbia that it has at its disposal some of those critical raw materials, which also includes lithium – a substance that’s unevenly distributed around the world and possessed by only a few coun tries. When you have potential, you also have possibilities to consider whether you will take advantage of that potential and in what way, while considering the opinions of everyone –from experts to ordinary citizens – and having all the relevant information, including studies, analyses and experiences from around the world. I believe that the least we can do when it comes to the mineral wealth of our country, which also belongs to future generations, is to know precisely what we have available and what our potential is like when it comes to mining. Our reserves of lithium, or lithium carbonate that can be obtained through the processing of ore, amount to 10% of the world’s needs or 60% of the needs of the EU. If we were to utilise the entire value chain in production, we

could produce around a million electric vehicles, which would mean more than 10 billion euros for our GDP. That’s the responsibility we’re talking about, but protecting biodiversity, the quality of human life and the environment are also our responsibilities.

In your opinion, what is essential for these kinds of major mining endeavours to be carried out with full adherence to high en vironmental standards?

- The state’s task is to work in cooperation with the mining profession to enable us to utilise the wealth that we have in a rational, responsible and efficient way, preserving nature and taking care of the community. A lot has changed in mining, in terms of the technologies that are used and enable much better control and the reducing of risks to the environment caused by mining. Mining plays an irreplaceable role, not only when it comes to its contribution to GDP and the huge number of people working in mining companies, but also in the broader context of energy independence and further economic and business development. In this sense, the key point containing the greatest possibility to influence the situation is for mining activities to be carried out in a sus tainable way. Our goal should not only be to preserve mining, but rather to enable further development and modernisation, in which one of the most important things is to constantly raise requirements and criteria when it comes to environmental impact. The lithium issue is politicised to the extent that we forget to dive down to the essence of the problem, and that is whether we can exploit it while adhering to all environmental standards. An environmental impact assessment study hasn’t even been done yet; we haven’t even started dealing with that, because the project has been halted. Geological research is important because it shows just what mineral raw materials we have and in what quantities, but that’s just the first in a series of steps and conditions that must be fulfilled in order to achieve the exploitation of a resource from confirmed reserves. It is precisely due to the fact that these are such sensitive decisions that we must be open to dialogue, at the very least, to hearing all the facts, checking out the studies and world experiences, and first and foremost to hearing the opinion of experts from the profession, which is the most authoritative in this case.

Photo:

EMIL SOVILJ, CEO,

D.O.O. (LTD.)

Growing With NIS And Learning From NIS

company has been developing in accordance with new requirements.

Working with and for NIS enabled you to gain valuable experience in the construction of industrial facilities. Does this mean that you are today able to completely design and build storage tanks for oil, petroleum derivatives and LPG, and does NIS remain an important investor for you?

We have signed a contract for the reconstruction of the com plete oil and gas terminal in the city of Niš, which is the largest reconstruction project of storage facilities owned by NIS - announces Energotehna’s Emil Sovilj proudly.

When you established Energotehna, your primary focus was on the construction of gas pipelines, with the work subsequently diversifying over time. How is the company organised today?

- The base of Energotehna has always been the construction of energy facilities. We are today much more recognised as a company that’s able to offer a complete solution to problems when it comes to the implementation of those kinds of projects. With the obtaining of a license for the construction in the oil and gas industry storage facilities, which is issued by the Ministry of Construction, we expanded our activities to include civil works. We are still active in the energy sector, but the projects are now much larger and more demanding. And the

- Gazprom, as the majority owner of NIS, is our biggest energy company and our biggest partner, alongside which we grow and learn. We were awarded in 2018 as the best works contractor at Gazprom in three out of four blocks within the NIS. We have just signed a contract for the reconstruction of the complete oil and gas terminal in the city of Niš, which is the largest reconstruction project of storage facilities owned by NIS and implies civil and mechanical works with the delivery of materials. This project was requested with a completion deadline of November 2023.

The new Government of Serbia recently announced the reform of the energy sector, which will include investments of 12 billion dinars. What should this reform bring us; will it reduce energy dependence?

- We are a market that will always be energy dependent, but we can use that dependence to our advantage, provided we are clever enough. The sooner we grasp the fact that all the surrounding economies are dependent on energy sources, and that they lack their own capacities to satisfy those needs, we

We should enable neighbouring countries to diversify their energy portfolio through Serbia. We will thereby also become more energy independent, as we will have the possibility of procuring energy products from several sources. If we produce energy ourselves, which is good, that will still be just one supplier (ourselves). But if we have many potential suppliers, we will increase the security of supply and reduce the purchasing price for energy, because we will be able to choose from whom we buy. In accordance with that, I believe that 12 billion should be partly spent on storage facilities, partly on transport and partly on production. We will consequently always have a choice of directions to procure energy

will realise that the winner isn’t the one who possesses the capacity to satisfy their own needs, but rather the one who is essential to others meeting their needs. By adopting the stance that we are a transit country – in terms of the transit of people, goods and energy – we will gain a good strategic position and become essential to both the East and the West. It is precisely in light of this fact that I believe an emphasis should be placed on the development of transport and storage capacities.

Energotehna is a domestic Serbian company that provides services and engineering solutions for the construction and mechanical industries. According to the company’s CEO, their success is due to flexibility, learning, professionalism, dedication, and relations towards employees, partners and clients

OnlyReforms Can Overcome Crisis

During this time when one global crisis is followed by the next, it is extremely important to select those reforms that will help pre serve economic growth, jobs and steps that move the society closer to European integration. We discussed this issue with NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanović.

What are, from your perspective, the most important topics that you’re dealing with today and to what extent has the current economic and political situation impacted on the order of priorities?

- Digitisation is one of the topics that inevitably weaves its way through different segments of our activities, and the pandemic has additionally

highlighted its importance and effectiveness, first and foremost in the providing of public services to citizens and the economy. In that sense, the development of digital infrastructure and the popularisation of electronic services, the modernisation of healthcare and municipal services – through the introduction of advanced digital solutions – are activities that have been in our focus for a number of years and which we are working on with dedication in order to cre ate opportunities for new economic activities, reductions in costs and improving the efficiency of the work of the public and the administration with the aim of accelerating development.

Rising inflation and reduced economic activity put pressure on legal business operations and prompt businesses to flee to the zone of the grey

economy, so we are continuing the systemic fight against the grey economy that began in 2014 by now providing support to the government in this undertaking through our work on the proposal of a new programme to combat the grey economy and an accompanying action plan. We expect the adoption of this programme to be one of the first activities of the new government, as that’s a key strategic document in securing fair and equal market conditions.

At this time when environmental topics are gaining ever more significance and attracting increasing public attention, environmental protection and sustainable development represent an unavoidable sphere of our in terest. Testimony to this is also provided by the fact that providing support for the implementation of the Green Agenda is one of the key reform priorities for the next three years. The collecting and recycling of various waste streams – such as batteries, light bulbs, glass and other packaging, food waste – and the implementation of smart deposit systems

projects with which we want to contribute

are

Major changes and turmoil at the planetary level, such as the COVID pandemic, war in Ukraine, ever-present inflation, but also global environmental problems, are challenges with effects that could be mitigated or overcome through priority reforms that NALED is actively working on implementing and will be engaged in during the following period

EURO INTEGRATION

The European Union represents an inexhaustible source of best practices in practically all areas that are of importance to the operations of NALED, which we also endeavour to apply in the domestic environment

to the establishing of sustainable systems for the collection and reuse of materials, as well as the establishment of a circular economy in our country.

In an ever-more competitive race to attract investment, it is necessary for us to think about our region in the way investors see it, and that is as one market. That’s also why it’s important for us to work as much as possible to create a level playing field for doing business and on the procedures encountered by investors. The network for a business friendly environment (BFC SEE), which brings together six economies of our region, deserves the credit for having harmonised and improved conditions for doing business in more than 100 local governments that have passed, or are going through, the process of securing business friendly certi fication for their towns and municipalities.

We are witnessing progress being slowly achieved, particularly within the framework of the Berlin Process, on the construction of a single regional market. In this context, what is the role of NALED’s platform for a favourable business environment (BFE)?

- The Platform for a Favourable Business Environment (BFE) relies primarily on the suc cessful results of the existing BFC SEE network, which has provided a significant contribution to improving the business environment in the municipalities of the countries participating in the network: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Apart from this, the network has encouraged the exchange of high-quality reform solutions, such as the issuance of electronic building permits and simplified registration procedures for seasonal workers, the improvement of inspection oversight and digital fiscalization. We intend to draw on these successful results through the future platform that we’re working on in cooperation with GIZ and partner institu tions from the region, thereby ensuring a quality dialogue and the exchange of knowhow on the

PROSUMERS

We want to improve the way independent energy producers, so-called prosumers, are taxed, in order to increase interest in turning to cleaner sources among citizens and businesses

COOPERATION

In an ever-more competitive race to attract investment, it is necessary for us to think about our region in the way investors see it, and that is as one market

By establishing a common regional standard for a business friendly environment, our desire is to secure improved living and work conditions for the 20 million citizens and 1,150,000 businesses in these lands

implementation of reform processes in the six economies of the Western Balkans, with the aim of encouraging economic development, the hiring of workers and faster integration into the European Union. This platform will be based on three pillars: encouraging local economic development; improving the business environment; and promoting partnerships and a public-private dialogue.

You are also focused on work in the domain of renewable energy sources and support for the development of innovation and the digital economy. To what extent can these sectors contribute today to the growth of the social product, which will be pretty modest this year?

- Innovations are undoubtedly a very important driver of the economy and society as a whole. The countries that allocate significant funds for the development of innovation, and where work is constantly being done to improve the innovation ecosystem, have the highest GDP growth. When it comes to Serbia, our innovation ecosystem is developing at a good speed, the state has recognised its importance, just like the ministries and funds that invest increasingly in innovative businesses, but also large companies like Philip Morris, which has recognised the potential and decided to sup port the start-up community and innovators, through the StarTech project, by providing more than three million dollars in grants and support to improve the regulatory framework

for innovation. We also call on other private companies to follow this example. The best indicator of the level of development we’ve reached when it comes to innovation is the Global Innovation Index, according to which Serbia is ranked in 55th place among 132 coun tries. There is room for improvement, primarily in the area of cooperation between science and business, private sector investments in research and development, access to alterna tive sources of funding, as well as in the area of the development of clusters. When we deal with it in an authentic way, we can expect the knowledge economy to come to represent one of our greatest development potentials. On the topic of renewable energy sources, important things have been launched. NALED contributed to the work of the Ministry of Mining and Energy on the adoption of the legal framework governing this area, as well as the important regulation on the balance of responsibility, on which active work was done during this year and which represents a prerequisite to be able to conclude the financial structure for numerous projects in the field of renewables.

As of 1 st January 2023, eAgrar will be launched, which you worked on developing together with the Ministry of Agriculture. What will this great stride forward in dig itisation mean for the agricultural sector?

- This is an electronic platform that will enable more than 400,000 farmsteads to register and submit applications for subsidies online. This kind of practise brings numerous benefits, both to farmers and the state authorities that are responsible for these issues. The registration method to date required farmers to set aside their own time and collect more than 90 pieces of data in 10 different documents, with 70% of that information being superfluous, such as proof of land ownership, as that information already exists in the databases of various state bodies. Moreover, they were also required to pay fees for various statements and certifi cates worth two million euros annually. With the help of eAgrar, the pre-existing procedure will be shortened as much as fourfold, while the costs of application will be reduced by 80%.

We have already noted that the global economic situation is increasingly difficult and that this will certainly also be reflected

in Serbia. Would the fiscal unburdening of earnings help the economy in the situation in which we currently find ourselves?

- Reducing taxes and contributions on salaries is one of the recommendations that has appeared in NALED’s Grey Book for the longest time. We believe that such a measure would contribute significantly to reducing the volume of the grey economy and stimulate employers to engage workers through legal channels. Judging by this year’s survey of the stances of businesses with regard to the grey economy, most businesspeo ple (49%) cited high taxes and contributions as the biggest problem they face and the key reason tax obligations are avoided. We have conducted analysis of the taxation system that we will soon present to the public, and we will propose possible directions of reform that would benefit both employees and employers. It

is primarily necessary to focus on tax reliefs for the lowest salaries and the minimum earnings, which is earned in Serbia by between 350,000 and 400,000 people and is highly taxed com pared to other countries – this expenditure last year amounted to 18,200 dinars on “minimum earnings” of 32,000 dinars, or around 57%. More significant changes to the taxation model are needed to further unburden taxpayers. One of the possible solutions is to increase the non-tax able part of the salary at the level of minimum earnings, reforming healthcare contributions, while there are other potential solutions on the table that should be considered.

When it comes to considering the reform of contributions, NALED also proposes the pos sibility of abolishing healthcare contributions and switching to the financing of healthcare from universal taxes.

You are among the pioneers of public-pri vate dialogue. Is there enough of that kind of dialogue today, when it is necessary to wisely choose the moves that will enable the preserving of economic activity?

- The fact that NALED internally brings together all three sectors of society – private, public and civil – that have been working together for years on the improving of the business environment and the implementing of reforms in various are as, indicates unequivocally that such a dialogue exists and has continuity. It is also certain that there should be more of it and that it should be of a higher quality. The conclusion is that it functions significantly more successfully when the institutions sit opposite an interlocutor that takes the form of an association that expertly represents the interested public, and not the interests of individuals.

Some forms of public-private dialogue have improved significantly compared to previous years, as is shown by the Regulatory Index of Serbia, which analyses comprehensively the manner and quality of adopting regulations. According to the latest data available for 2021/2022, public hearings were held for more than 90% of laws that are important to the functioning of the economy, there has been a reduction in the share of laws that are adopted under urgent procedures to only 6%, while three quarters of ministries satisfy criteria in terms of the informing of the public about their work. However, further room for improvement certainly exists.

We have conducted analysis of the taxation system that we will soon present to the public, and we will propose possible directions of reform that would benefit both employees and employers

IVAN BULAJIĆ, DIRECTOR, SRBIJA VOZ

Trains Are Once Again The Pride Of Serbia

At Srbija Voz, the vision and strategy of passenger relations is based on three pillars. The first is punctuality, the second is the attitude of train crews towards passengers, and the third is communication with passengers in real time. Srbija Voz is making the biggest changes in organizational and personnel strengthening, but also in changing the corporate culture

bia. However, perhaps the biggest changes we are making are in digital communication. We have set ourselves a high standard that every service information must be published on the site within 15 minutes on a 24/7 basis, and that we have no more than 10% of unanswered calls to our call centre.

More than half of our passengers already buy tickets using the Srbija Voz mobile appli cation. The application has almost 100,000 registered users and is just behind booking. com in popularity in the travel category. We are really proud of this success.

Our goal is to create a modern and efficient operator with transparent operations and high standards of passenger care - announces Director Ivan Bulajić and points out that this is the only way they can be ready for the entry of the private sector into the market, which will happen sooner or later.

Can we say that Serbia is one of the leaders today in terms of investment in railways?

- There are two criteria by which no country in the region can be compared to Serbia. The first is the total value of projects in the stage of preparing documentation and executing works in relation to GDP, which in our case is an incredible 8%, and the second criterion is the average age of passenger trains. Srbija Voz is particularly proud of the fact that 70% of trains in national traffic are under 10 years old, which is considered new in the railways. With the delivery of 18 new Swiss Stadler Flirt trains next year, that percentage will be even better. Both of these criteria put us at the very top in the region.

More than half of our passengers already buy tickets using the Srbija Voz mobile application. The application has almost 100,000 registered users

The strategic goal of Srbija Voz’s operations is the return of as many passengers as possible, with constant improvement of services. Is that how to change the image of the railways?

- Passenger expectations have changed in the last decade perhaps more than in the entire previous century. At Srbija Voz, we base our vision and strategy of relations with passengers on three pillars. The first is punctuality, the second is the attitude of train crews towards passengers, and the third is communication with passengers in real time.

In the past few months, we have done a lot of work on improving the user experience. We announced the public procurement of new uniforms for crews of top design and provided them with training in cooperation with Air Ser

The future arrived in Serbia with the first high-speed train. How does that future look to you today?

- The commissioning of the first high-speed line of 200 km/h Belgrade - Novi Sad was truly a huge technological leap for the railway and a completely new standard of service for our passengers. From March until today, almost two million passengers opted for this mode of transport between the two cities, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us. In the next two years, we shall get ready to open the remaining part of that line to Budapest, and through Hungary we will be able to connect with Austria and Germany.

On the other hand, the condition of lo comotives and carriages on the Bar line is completely unsatisfactory. The age of this part of the fleet is between 20 and 40 years. That is why we have included in the plan for 2023 the procurement of eight new locomotives and 20 sleeping cars for speeds of 200 km/h, which will drastically raise the standard of travel to Montenegro.

We are making our biggest changes in the organizational and personnel strengthening of Srbija Voz and in changing the corporate culture.

The New Shine Of Traditional Brand

Many years of experience and im peccable technical expertise in the production and overhaul of transformers have secured us a leading position among partners and customers around the world. We are proud that we managed to save that precious brand ~ says CEO Zoran Milutinović.

Comel doo Belgrade has decades of tradition in electrical equipment, but it has also continued the tradition of the internationally-known Minel Transformers brand. How did that happen?

- Comel was founded in 1990, and in the beginning it was only engaged in the sale of products and the provision of services in the power industry.

Through responsible behavior in the entire business and company values oriented to wards the fulfillment of sustainable devel opment goals, we have achieved successful cooperation with many global corporations over several decades. This tells of the wide selection of products that we were able to offer our clients at any time.

Our story with power transformers began in 2013 through cooperation with the local Minel Transformers factory, which has been known as one of the world leaders in its field since 1960. They managed to continue production and successfully deliver their products even during the conflict of the 90s, but in 2015, after a long and difficult period, Minel was forced into bankruptcy. The once busy production facilities fell silent after more than half a century of continuous work, the machines stopped, and the factory was about to close...

Nevertheless, efforts to maintain pro duction by our company and the factory managers paid off. Comel signed a contract on production cooperation, which made it possible to restart the plant in bankruptcy proceedings. That year, we took over the complete production programme, equip

ment, technology and expert staff of Minel transformers.

After that, our real struggle began to maintain the domestic brand and restore confidence in the continuation of the long-standing tradition.

The experience and impeccable technical expertise in the production and overhaul of power transformers has provided Minel with a leading position among partners and customers around the world, and we have managed to save that precious brand. In December 2020, with the end of bankruptcy and the final purchase, Minel continued life as Comel Transformers.

Was the return to the market difficult or easier than you expected?

- With a complete team of experts, workers and management, production continued

Comel was established in 1990, and since 2015 it has been continuing the long-standing tradition of manufacturing and overhauling power transformers under the Minel Transformers brand. For Comel, this acquisition marked the opening of new business horizons

where it left off. Comel Transformers is proud to continue delivering reliable products and creating engineering solutions that meet the challenges of current and future business. We are proud of the tradition of guaranteed quality, but our goal is to introduce innova tions in technological processes, compliance with EU directives and monitoring new trends in pollution reduction and environmental protection.

For Comel, this acquisition marked the opening of new business horizons, because the production of energy transformers opened a completely different dimension to our business. We worked intensively on relations with foreign customers and the return of the factory to the world market.

Why do you see December 2020 as a turning point?

- After a five-year period of business in difficult conditions due to bankruptcy proceedings, most of the production was stabilised and the Minel brand fully became the part of the pro duction of the company Comel Transformers. After the official purchase of the factory in December 2020, we started investing in infra structure, equipment and the development of modern production processes.

Our team was joined by new experts and managers who were brought in to restore the company’s status as a leader on the power transformer market. It was a sign to the entire region and former customers around the world that traditional quality has returned with a new shine. In less than two years, we completed a complete reconstruction of the production hall, replaced the most important machines and installed a selfconsumption solar power plant.

What are you producing today?

- Over the past sixty years, the factory has produced and delivered more than 2,000 new power transformers of various voltage levels. Minel’s transformers have reached the most remote parts of the world, countries of Asia, Africa and the American continent.

Today, our main production line con sists of oil transformers for distribution and transmission networks, with nominal voltages up to 220kV and nominal powers up to 250MVA. We design and manufacture all our transformers according to customer

We managed to save a precious Serbian brand that came out of a period of stagnation as Comel Transformers

requirements, international standards and EU directives. Besides the production of new transformers, overhauls are an important part of our programme. Also, assembling, testing and commissioning at the place of installation are an integral part of our offer and mean we must fulfil all of our customers’ requirements.

You also mentioned overhaul... Is it a par ticularly important part of your business?

- Transformers are a vital part of any energy system, so it is necessary to ensure relia bility and efficiency in their operation even in unforeseen situations. In this sense, we can perform regular maintenance as well as capital repairs of energy transformers of any global manufacturer. Our overhaul team is professionally trained and support ed by many years of experience and the necessary resources to service all types of breakdowns on transformers of voltage up to 410 kV and power up to 725 MVA. This part of the programme includes diagnostics and monitoring, preventive and regular maintenance, delivery of spare parts and professional support from our engineers. In our high-voltage laboratory, we can perform

all routine, type and special tests for all new transformers and for overhauled ones. In this way we provide our customers with security in terms of the reliability and energy efficiency of our transformers.

Although this year was marked by the economic crisis and the war in Ukraine, Comel managed to realise all its planned projects...

- The economic crisis certainly brought diffi culties that we all faced, especially with re gard to the procurement of raw materials and equipment. Nevertheless, we have aligned our long-term goals with these challenges and we will go on... Since the beginning of the crisis, apart from projects on the Serbian market, we have implemented solutions for several large projects important for energy networks in Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro, as well as three large projects in the EU, more precisely in Latvia and Romania. We think the coming period will be more demanding in terms of adapting to new business conditions, but we are determined in our efforts that fulfilling the sustainable development goals is our most important task.

Rubbish Is An Urban Mine

Based on his decades of experience, the owner of Jugo Impex thinks that 2023 will be a very difficult year, that as a society we should strive for energy independence and invest in systems that will be able to use all forms of energy - solar, wind energy, and energy from waste

You have been involved in recycling since 1994, and E-recycling began in 2010. How did that happen?

- Besides being a recycling industry, Jugo Impex is also a manufacturing industry. We have closed a part of the circle of the circular economy by making our own products from recycled materials that we sell on the mar

ket. Jugo Impex is a completely market-ori ented company that is influenced by the metal stock exchange and everything else that happens in our business of recycling.

E-recycling was created in such a way that the input is constantly known, but for its operation it needs a high education level in society, and for everyone who participates in it. It cannot work just with market forces, because its process is extremely expensive and the output cannot cover all the costs of operation and disposal of electrical and electronic waste. Like everywhere in the world, laws have been introduced in our country according to which consumers pay for the recycling of all electrical devices that become waste after use.

These are two different concepts of recycling and it is impossible to put both companies under the same roof, which is why it was best to separate them, which turned out to be correct.

How do you become a leader in the re cycling industry of Serbia? By constantly acquiring new knowledge, continuously investing in technology and introducing state-of-the-art equipment?

- Leader in the recycling industry is not a title you give yourself, but your work and environment put you there. Our goal was never to become leaders, but we do our work to the best and highest quality that we can. We felt that we had to work non-stop, to adopt new technologies, to produce machines ourselves, to find new markets... When you do that for ten or twenty years, you get into a position where others recognize you as a leader.

In our part of the world, not even a fraction of the potential of the recycling industry has been used. How many “green jobs”, those that protect the planet, can recy clers open in each of the countries of the Balkan region?

- In this part of the Balkans where we are, recycling is partly a consequence of the problem of environmental pollution, water, air and land. Awareness is slowly growing, but we are still far from realistically planning environmental protection as most of us would like. We need synergy of the entire society and the setting of the right values for goals. Realistically, we waste a lot of energy that we need, we do not collect waste or put it in the right place. After so many years

Former pioneers, and today's leaders in the field of recycling, they operate through two recycling companies - one for electrical and electronic waste and the other for industrial waste. These two differ widely in terms of the complete organization of work, output and input

of introducing recycling systems, special waste streams, we have reached the status where there are raw materials and the next step should be to use them to create new products. A major problem is the slow and long procedures in the administration for obtaining the necessary documentation for working with waste and raw materials, which is one of the problems that hinders development in the entire Balkans.

The economic environment is improving, investments are being made in infrastruc ture, factories and plants are opening, which brings improvement for your indus try. What do you expect from the state?

- As I said, the main problem for us is the speed of administration, adapting to stand ards and understanding the recycling indus try. Many regulations have been passed, but they are poorly implemented. It is good that many manufacturers have set up business, which has increased the capacity of the recycling industry. This has greatly increased the volume of raw materials on the market, and therefore accelerated the investment cycle in the recycling industry and increased gross income. I repeat, the administration must work faster and better at every level in our country. We have no right towards our country to inhibit any development in the industry. For everything bad we have sanctions, also where it is easy to close things, but it is difficult to create something new.

How can we help people understand that by recycling waste, the planet can be made a better place to live, that nature is restored to balance, that future generations learn to value the resources they have?

- As time goes on and as we increasingly use natural resources in terms of minerals and metals, we shall come to a situation where they no longer exist. The basic source of all these elements will be urban mines, i.e. waste. We have to take it seriously and not wait for it to happen without being ready to use our resources. For people to under stand where we are going and what we are doing, we must primarily regain confidence in ourselves as a society, and at the same

If

time create a synergy of everything we know, think and want.

If municipal waste was not collected for two months in a neighborhood of residential houses, many people would understand what waste is. Or if you gave benefits for finely recycled waste, on the price or somehow differently, and charged double or triple for badly recycled waste, we would learn the rules and come to the right values, which are necessary for us in every part of life.

How many employees do you have at Jugoimpex, and how many of them are in E-recycling? Are you planning to expand your capacity and hire new people?

- Jugo Impex has about 100 employees, and E reciklaža has 240. Employment plans are always present, we constantly invest in technological development and we try to make our outputs 100% pure raw materials, which is the goal of a real recycling industry. An increase in capacity and something new is possible in 2023 if the market for metals and recycled materials that we produce partially stabilizes.

How much do negative global developments affect recyclers and your company’s plans? What are your expectations for 2023? - Everything that is happening in the world, the crisis that occurred partly because of the war in Ukraine, and partly because of the increase in interest rates, affects all of us by losing value in every way. I don’t expect big changes in 2023, I think it will be diffi cult, more difficult than 2022. I’d be happy to be wrong, but with the current interest rates, you can’t get long-term loans easily, it’s hard to maintain a constant income to service everything.

I am of the opinion that 2023 will be a very difficult year where we will all have to change our habits and development strategy in the coming period. I would like us as a society to start striving for energy independence and to invest in systems that will be able to use all solar energy, all energy from wind and waste in one system. This is necessary for us, because if we don’t do it, we will face serious disruptions in the energy sector in the future, which will greatly affect liquidity and cause high prices of our products.

benefits were given for the removal of finely recycled waste, and double or triple the charge for poorly recycled waste, we would learn the rules