September 2023, Issue No. 227

Long Wait Leads to Falling Support

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs

DESIGN: Slađan Radosavljević Zoran Perović design@aim.rs

COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen

TRANSLATION & EDITING: PULLEN EDITORIAL HALIFAX

18 UNPROTECTED ON A BAKING ROOF ARE WE PREPARED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE? FOCUS

52 CAPTIVATING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART: 10

CONTRIBUTORS: Ljubica Gojgić, Zoran Panović, Radmila Stanković, Maja Vukadinović, Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić, Rob Dugdale, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić, Miloš Belčević

PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

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“CorD does not criticise or critique. We are a place where people can inspire and be inspired by others”

From Thessaloniki to Athens

By Zoran Panović

A flatbread may well have cost a dinar in Thessaloniki, but – when it comes to EU membership

Thessaloniki is a hundred flatbreads away (as the old Serbian proverb goes)

gion’s countries were also promised a European accession perspective.

The Summit in Thessaloniki only proved to be an encouraging gathering for Croatia – the only country from the Western Balkan “package” to have since joined the EU. In Athens this time around, Croatian PM Plenković was certainly there more as a leader from the EU than as a leader from our region.

In the absence of a better alternative, Vučić remains a credible EU partner, as demonstrated at the August meeting in Athens between EU representatives and those of Western Balkan countries, Ukraine and Moldova. Vučić signed a declaration supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and thus distanced himself from Russia in a sufficiently euphemistic way (by condemning crimes without imposing sanctions) and indirectly through his meeting with Zelensky.

Compensating for his pro-Western stance in Athens is the propaganda rife in Serbia, which fills a pro-Russian public opinion stance with appearances by Milošević-era cadre.

Support for Western Balkan efforts to join the EU is emphasised in the Athens Declaration, but that doesn’t provide reason for optimism, given that Ukraine and Moldova are supported for the same efforts, which suggests some kind of disheartening “package”.

Everything is made even more depressing by the fact that the Athens Declaration comes two decades after the famous EU-Western Balkans Summit of Thessaloniki, when the re-

A flatbread may well have cost a dinar in Thessaloniki, but – when it comes to EU membership – Thessaloniki is a hundred flatbreads away (as the old Serbian proverb goes). Another popular phrase at the time spoke of the regional “regatta” that Croatia would lead towards the EU, only for Croatian

in a second term!? Back then, Živković had showed great enthusiasm as a representative of the “level 2007” stance (on Serbia’s EU membership). Hey, membership in 2007!!! Can we today even imagine that level of naivety? Živković was introduced in Thessaloniki as a fighter against Milošević and against crime – representing an advertisement that Serbia doesn’t have today in terms of personnel. The country was in a tough situation following the assassination of Đinđić, whose political capital Živković utilised. We also mustn’t forget that Milo Đukanović spoke in Thessaloniki about the European consensus of Serbia and Montenegro, as had also been done by Slovenia and Estonia.

officials to expressly distance themselves from such metaphors (rightly so, as it would turn out) by stressing that each country should advance according to its own merits.

What seems more surreal: from the current perspective, the fact that the Serbian Prime Minister in 2003 was Zoran Živković; or, from the perspective of the Thessaloniki summit, the possibility that Aleksandar Vučić will be Serbian president for 20 years, and

It was an atmosphere of European idealism, and perhaps also a time of European innocence. Brexit, the migrant crisis and the war in Ukraine were still far away. The Constitution for Europe, as it was dubbed by its creator, former French President Giscard d’Estaing (a champion of Greece’s EU accession), which was adopted in Thessaloniki was supposed to create the framework for a functional community. The then 77-year-old European constitutionalist had hoped that the EU would be at full capacity and fully operational in another 20 years – so by today, when Macron is absurdly seeking EU reform. The essence of the relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans since Thessaloniki in 2003 was perhaps best described by Swedish diplomat and regional expert Carl Bildt, when he said: “That promise would be as hard to keep as it was important to make”.

The essence of the relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans since Thessaloniki in 2003 was perhaps best described by Carl Bildt, when he said: “That promise would be as hard to keep as it was important to make”

Long Wait Leads to Falling Support

It goes without saying that EU membership candidate states have to show visible results in the reform processes by meeting the membership criteria, but the European Union should also provide a clear perspective regarding the integration of the region ~ Stevo Pendarovski

Stevo Pendarovski President of North Macedonia

By Ljubica Gojgić

Speaking in this exclusive interview for CorD Magazine, North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski emphasises that the pace of integration of the countries of the Western Balkans is very modest. And without an accession process, there is more room for malign influences. The emigration of young people is among the biggest challenges we face.

Mr President, how would you evaluate your recent visit to Serbia?

Our two countries have traditionally nurtured good neighbourly relations and friendship, based on trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. We have established links in trade, cultural exchanges, institutions and citizens’ cooperation over the decades.

My last meeting with President Vučić was on 2 August, when I visited the Monastery of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinja to commemorate 2 August – the Day of the Republic and an important date in Macedonian history. We discussed the deepening of our cooperation, the possibilities

to further increase trade exchanges and other topics that are of interest to both our peoples.

North Macedonia and Serbia have not had unresolved issues for a long time. The Serbian Orthodox Church last year recognised the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid, and that move contributed significantly to improving mutual trust.

In my view, the Serbian president made a strong statement to the media at the Monastery of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinja when he said that they are recognising the Macedonian people and Macedonian language.

You were in Serbia on the eve of Ilinden, which marks your coun-

try’s Republic Day celebrations and which was this year, for the second year, commemorated at the Monastery of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinja in Serbia, in the presence of a delegation from North Macedonia. How important is this fact to you?

For us, from a historical perspective, Ilinden has a great, distinct meaning. It was on 2 August 1903 that the first Krushevo Republic was established. On this same date in 1944, with the first session of ASNOM [the Anti-Fascist Assembly of the People’s Liberation of Macedonia], a free Macedonian state was created. Delegates of the state-constituting session of ASNOM met at the Monastery of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinja. That’s why the visit to the monastery on Ilinden was remarkable for my country. I had the opportunity to lay flowers in front of the memorial plaque that marks the first session of ASNOM.

I believe we will continue this tradition next year, in order to pay tribute to our great national heroes and to visit the monastery without that being interrupted for political, religious or any other reasons, as it was in the past.

How would you assess the treatment of the Macedonian community in Serbia and the Serb community in North Macedonia; is there room for improvement?

There is always room to improve the situation for minority communities in a certain country, regardless of whether and how much they enjoy the same rights as the majority of citizens.

According to the latest census, 1.3% of the total population of North Macedonia, or almost 24,000 citizens, declared themselves Serbs. Through their political representatives in the Parliament, they are an important political factor in the political life of the country. I should also mention that Serbs in Macedonia celebrate 27 January, the holiday of St. Sava, and it is list -

Through numerous regional initiatives, we aim to further facilitate business conditions, ease the flow of goods and services, and increase direct investments

1.3% of the total resident population of North Macedonia, or almost 24,000 citizens, have declared themselves Serbs

ed among the national holidays of our country.

I think the number of Macedonians living in Serbia is smaller, nearly 15,000. Macedonians in Serbia enjoy full rights, can freely declare their nationality, and have achieved visible results in education, culture and information, while the Macedonian language and script are in official use in some local communities that they inhabit.

During your meeting with the president of Serbia, you were in agreement that bilateral relations are at the highest possible level. In which areas of the economy do you see room to advance cooperation further?

Persistent political dialogue enables the constant development of bilateral relations, which is an excellent prerequisite for trade exchange. In addition, we have a broad legal framework that offers numerous opportunities to develop economic and cultural cooperation.

Serbia has ranked continuously at the top of the countries with which North Macedonia has the largest trade exchange. As two neighbouring countries, we are committed to further improving that cooperation. Through numerous regional initiatives, we aim to further facilitate business conditions, ease the flow of goods and services, and increase direct investments. I believe that contacts already established at the political and business level will contribute to the further intensification of cooperation among companies.

I also believe that economic cooperation between our countries is of particular importance in the context of our aspirations for membership in the European Union.

Will North Macedonia and Serbia work together to revitalise the railway tracks connecting the two countries and, if so, how long could that process last?

I believe it is important for both countries to work towards the modernisation of railway infrastructure, as in the countries of the European Union. The modernisation of our rail links is an important prerequisite for the promotion of the exchange of goods and services and will provide added value to Corridor 10. I believe that,

with joint efforts, North Macedonia and Serbia will succeed in providing the financial structure for the realisation of the project, which should mainly be financed by the European Union.

As president of a country that has accepted major concessions in an effort to accelerate the European integration process, are you now satisfied with the current pace of that process?

It is undeniable that the pace of integration of the countries of the Western Balkans is very modest. Serbia has been negotiating with the European Union since 2014. Macedonia has been a membership candidate since 2005 and, due to a series of circumstances, it was only last

We have been in the EU waiting room for so long and if that period is extended again, due to bilateral disputes, there could be serious negative consequences, both for my country and the wider region, but also for the attractiveness of the EU integration process

SECURITY

I do not expect a spillover of the conflict, mainly due to the presence on the ground of several thousand NATO troops, including our own small military unit

year, after 17 years of waiting, that it held the first intergovernmental conference and opened EU accession negotiations.

Waiting for too long leads to a sharp decline in support for EU membership, and without an accession process there is more room for malign influences. The emigration of young people is among the biggest challenges we face. It goes without saying that candidate states have to show visible results in the reform processes by meeting the membership criteria, but the European Union should also provide a clear perspective regarding the integration of the region.

My impression is that the EU enhanced its focus on the region following the launch of Russian aggression against Ukraine. I hope that this war will end as soon as possible, while at the same time I hope that it will not again shift the focus of the Union’s interest away from the integration of our region.

Albanian authorities recently suggested that the Open Balkan initiative has fulfilled its purpose and should be completed. Given that your country is also an active participant in that initiative, how do you see the future of the Open Balkan initiative?

I have never been and will never be against strengthened economic processes, cutting red tape on the movement of goods, people and capital across the borders of the Western Balkans. However, I have stated publicly several times that, with the inclusion of only three countries from the region, the Open Balkan initiative has structural shortcomings and limited potential.

EU EXPANSION

To be clear, Moldova and Ukraine should join the EU, but that cannot happen overnight

TRADE EXCHANGE

Serbia has ranked continuously at the top of the countries with which North Macedonia has the largest trade exchange

It is nevertheless a well-intentioned initiative and should be placed under the umbrella of the Berlin Process, which has established structures, achieved good results so far and brings together all six Western Balkan states.

Do you expect, in your opinion, the EU to first expand to include the Balkans or Ukraine and Moldova?

I would not expect that outcome, because the Western Balkan candidates have been in the pipeline of EU integration for decades, have vastly experienced people and institutions and accumulated knowledge of the process. To be clear, Moldova and Ukraine should join the EU, however that cannot happen overnight. From our standpoint, we have been in the EU waiting room for so long and if that period is extended again, due to bilateral disputes, there could be serious negative consequences, both for my country and the wider region, but also for the attractiveness of the EU integration process.

You stated recently that there is no fear of the conflicts in northern Kosovo spilling over onto North Macedonia. Where do you place the responsibility for the situation in northern Kosovo and where could a solution be found?

Regarding the security situation, I do not expect a spillover, mainly due to the presence on the ground of several thousand NATO troops, a part of which is represented by our own small military unit.

In terms of a possible solution: we are strong supporters of dialogue and negotiations and that was the main reason we recently hosted the talks between Kosovo and Serbia and offered our good services to our neighbours to help them achieve an agreement.

Macedonia has significant experience in reaching compromises, both with our neighbours and within the country, and knows the benefits of diplomacy quite well.

The Open Balkan is a well-intentioned initiative that should be placed under the umbrella of the Berlin Process, which has established structures, achieved good results so far, and brings together all WB6 states

Serbia’s Place Is in the EU

By Ljubica Gojgić

I personally believe that there’s never been a more urgent need to have a strong, meaningful and result-oriented dialogue between the EU Member States and our closest neighbours, such as Serbia, on the issues of European stability, security, energy security and economic resilience

~ Cathy Buggenhout

H.E. Cathy Buggenhout

Belgian Ambassador to Serbia

Belgian Ambassador Cathy Buggenhout is no stranger to Serbia, having actually worked in Belgrade back in 1996, when she was responsible for bilateral economic relations. She recalls the post-Dayton atmosphere of the time and the start of the lifting of sanctions against Serbia. “Time flies,” she admits in this interview for CorD Magazine, adding that the country has changed a lot since 1996. Noting that Belgium welcomes Serbia’s ongoing EU accession negotiations, she insists that the country’s rightful place is in the Union. “just take a look at the map of Europe and you can’t but conclude that Serbia’s place is in the EU”.

Your Excellency, with your appointment as Belgian ambassador to Serbia last year, you returned to Belgrade after a 26-year break. Could you compare and contrast the two periods of your work in Serbia?

Time flies. I have just finished the first year of my tenure in Serbia and it went by in a flash. Just like during my six-month stay in 1996, the experience of living here is very positive, both at the professional and the private level. Of course, there are changes compared to 1996. Back then, with the Dayton Peace Accords having just been concluded and international sanctions just lifted, the atmosphere in Belgrade was obviously less buoyant than it is today. But the kindness of the people was the same. I remember organising a ministerial visit and a trade mission to Belgrade in 1996. Now that I come to think about that trade mission, I remember that the head of the Belgian delegation was not very “equal rights for women”-minded. Such an attitude would not be permitted these days. In January this year, I was a proud participant in an event organised by the Association of Business Women in Serbia, held at the Palace of Serbia. Equal rights are close to our Belgian hearts. but a lot of work still remains to be done on equal rights, and not only on women’s equal rights.

Obviously, another difference between 1996 and now is the European Union accession process of Serbia, which my country fully supports. Just take a look at the map of Europe and one cannot help but conclude that Serbia’s place is in the EU.

How would you rate current bilateral relations between Belgium and Serbia; where do you see the biggest challenges?

Challenges are there to be overcome. There is one challenge that comes to my mind: how to cope as a very small Embassy team with the wide range of activities that contribute to our excellent bilateral relations. For instance, in the cultural sector alone, a Belgian dance company opened BITEF last Autumn, we had a ton of events

all over Serbia in the Month of the French Language (Francophonie). During the coming Autumn, there will be Belgian participants in the Belgrade Saxperience Festival and the 60 Belgrade International Meeting of Writers. Then there is our excellent joint judicial cooperation following Belgium’s lead role in cracking the SKY ECC network. And I rejoice in the fact that Belgian investments in Serbia are increasing, albeit slightly. Both our countries also have fruitful cooperation in the field of renewable energies, with Belgian company Elicio being a founding member of the Renewable Energy Association of Serbia. The list of my Embassy’s activities is long, and sometimes it seems like a race, as there are so many things to do, but it is and will always be an

One challenge that we face is finding ways of coping, as a very small Embassy team, with the wide range of activities that contribute to our excellent bilateral relations

Belgium applauds the deeper regional economic integration that will already use the rules of the EU, as this will facilitate integration into the EU single market

honour to contribute to our Serbian-Belgian relations.

Belgium will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union at the start of next year. How is the notion of EU enlargement viewed in your country and will Belgium place this topic on the agenda of its presidency?

Maybe this is not the most original reply to your question, but our point of view is how it was stated at the European Council in June: a full and unequivocal commitment to the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and our support for the merit-based accession process and related reforms. Rule of law is a cornerstone of the EU, and we look forward to reforms by Serbia in this area. Furthermore, we wish to see Serbia take a step further by aligning with EU foreign policy. As for the Belgian Presidency in the first half of 2024, we

are part of the Trio with the current Presidency of Spain and with Hungary, which will take over the Presidency after Belgium. The Trio Programme was launched in June. Our three countries reiterated their commitment to move the enlargement process forward in accordance with the new methodology. We, all EU27, agreed on this methodology. Belgium applauds the deeper regional economic integration that would already use EU rules, as this will facilitate integration into the EU single market. Moreover, I personally believe that there has never been a more urgent need to have a strong, meaningful and result-oriented dialogue between the EU Member States and our closest neighbours, such as Serbia, on the issues of European stability, security, energy security and economic resilience. I was therefore very pleased when European Integration Minister Tanja Miščević announced that Ser-

bia is ready to start finalising its EU accession, with an absolute focus on the results of the reforms that represent the essence of that process. I fully agree with Minister Miščević’s statement that we have been witnessing just how important it is to have a strong and united Europe.

The attention of the Serbian public has in recent weeks been drawn to the news of the suspension of the military equipment export license of a Belgian company from Liège for allegedly violating sanctions against Russia by exporting goods via Serbia. Could you tell us whether the details of those alleged transactions have been established, as has been announced?

There were allegations of some foreign media about the alleged export of weapons and military equipment from the Republic of Serbia to the Russian Federation. Therefore, in mid-July, a delegation of the Walloon Region visited Serbia to verify the exports of military equipment for which Walloon export licences were issued to the company New Lachaussée. This visit was graciously hosted by Yugoimport, which received the delegation in Belgrade. During this visit, the Walloon Region delegation received full and transparent information from the Serbian authorities. The export licences were reinstated a couple of days after the conclusion of the verification visit.

Your diplomatic career has often seen you focused on international trade. How do you see the current level of economic cooperation between Belgium and Serbia, and which areas do you consider

Personally, it always amazes me that there is so much talk here in Serbia about the “nationality” of a company. For me, in a globalised economy, our companies are global too

There will be Belgian participants in this coming autumn’s Belgrade Saxperience Festival and the 60 Belgrade International Meeting of Writers

COOPERATION

Our excellent joint judicial cooperation is following Belgium’s lead role in cracking the SKY ECC network

as being favourable for advancing bilateral economic relations? This question makes me smile, as I count the World Trade Organisation and EU Trade Policy among my favourite fields of work during my diplomatic career. Both are fundamental in our international rules-based order. Bilateral economic relations between Belgium and Serbia are healthy, and growing. Over the past twelve months, I discovered a formidable and efficient Belgian-Serbian Business Association. One of our own Belgian-invested companies here in Belgrade has just made a new flashy logo for the BSBA, on which we already published a sneak preview, but which will only be revealed to a wide audience on 11 September. Belgium does well on the Serbian market. Remember Maxi-Delhaize, a large Belgian investment in 2011. And when one drives to Nikola Tesla Airport, the motorway – just like the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park – is illuminated by Belgian company Schréder – which is the oldest Belgian investor in Serbia, by the way, having been here since 1969!

Businesses in my country are traditionally SMEs. These companies are always slightly more hesitant when it comes to venturing out into the “unknown” – meaning a country that’s not yet a member of the WTO or the EU – because these smaller and medium-sized companies are less resilient when their foreign operations don’t work out or aren’t conducted transparently. Personally, it always amazes me that there is so much talk here in Serbia about the “nationality” of a company. For me, in a globalised economy, our companies are global too. Let me explain by giving an example. In Novi Sad, there is a stateof-the art chocolate company called Barry Callebaut. It is classed as Swiss, because the capital is Swiss. But to

REFORMS

Rule of law is a cornerstone of the EU, and we look forward to reforms by Serbia in this area

INVESTMENTS

Healthy investments and healthy trade contribute to the wellbeing of all our citizens

my Belgian heart, this company is also “one of ours” because, before several take-overs, Callebaut was Belgian. I was born five kilometres from the (still current) production site of Callebaut. So, in my eyes, regardless of who owns it, one should rejoice in the economic success of a multinational company, regardless of its size, on the Serbian market. That’s because healthy investments and healthy trade contribute to the wellbeing of all our citizens.

The arrival of Belgian company JAGA in Kragujevac was announced recently. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia stated the ambition for Serbia to become a “hub for Belgian high-tech companies”. Is there interest among other companies in following JAGA’s path?

I know JAGA from my time in China, and I bought their heating system

for my house when returning from China to Brussels. JAGA has a showroom in Shanghai, where heating/ cooling elements in the shape of the Rolling Stones Hot Lips logo are on display. JAGA is not only a top technology company, but its products can also be a form of art. So, yes, both my trade representative Marijana Milošević-Tufegdžić and I are delighted to welcome JAGA here. We plan a visit to Kragujevac, and we will make it a day trip because there is another major Belgian investor in the food business there.

As for Belgian-invested high-tech companies in Serbia, several are already here, such as UnifiedPost and Eyesee Research, and Serbian engineers are excellent. And, as you probably know, nothing beats word of mouth advertising! So, the Embassy’s doors are wide open to welcome more Belgian high-tech firms to Serbia.

Global Diary

BRICS Considers Membership Expansion at Summit

Amidst the dynamic proceedings of the annual summit for the economic consortium encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), the specter of expanding the coalition’s membership has taken center stage.

The conference, held in Johannesburg from August 22-24, has witnessed a fervent discourse surrounding the inclusion of new nations, with heavyweight contenders such as Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Argentina vying for a coveted spot.

The deliberations underscore a shared aspiration to fashion a more equitable global order through a diverse assembly of nations.

Elon Musk to Revise Interaction Features on X Social Platform

Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin

Tragically Perishes in Plane Crash

In a somber turn of events, a private aircraft belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic figure at the helm of Wagner Group, met a fatal fate in Russia’s Tver region. Reports indicate that the crash claimed 10 lives, including Prigozhin himself. Speculation regarding the incident has proliferated, with certain sources alluding to the possibility of an air defense system downing the jet, while others suggest a sinister act of terrorism. Notably, among the passengers was Dmitry Utkin, colloquially known as the “right hand” of Prigozhin, lending the Wagner Group its melodic moniker. This lamentable incident follows closely on the heels of the removal of Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed “General Armageddon,” from his leadership role in Russia’s aerospace forces.

In a momentous shift, Elon Musk, the visionary mind behind the X social platform (formerly known as Twitter), has unveiled plans to eliminate the option of blocking accounts from unwanted interactions. As the platform’s proprietor, Musk declared that users shall no longer retain the capacity to impede comments from uninvited followers. This strategic recalibration entails a modification wherein individual accounts cannot be restricted from engaging, following, or viewing posts. It’s noteworthy that direct messaging will remain impervious to this alteration. Musk’s rationale for this transition, articulated on a recent Friday, dismisses the logic behind enabling the blocking of others’ comments as incongruous. This modification aligns with a series of transformative changes, including rebranding efforts and organizational restructuring.

“I will prevent World War III...Without me, it will happen… This will be a nuclear war...perhaps obliteration of the entire world”

Donald Trump former US president

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Balkan Leaders in Athens Back Ukraine

In an extraordinary gathering hosted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the eminent leaders from 11 Balkan nations assembled in Athens and unequivocally voiced their steadfast backing for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The meeting transpired on Monday evening, against the backdrop of escalating Russian aggression. The momentous occasion saw the issuance of the Athens Declaration, a powerful proclamation that underscored the commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law. Moreover, the leaders were resolute in their assertion that war crimes and other atrocities must not go unpunished.

France Grapples with Acute Healthcare Crisis

Ivana Vuleta Clinches World Gold

A resplendent triumph unfolded on the global athletic stage as Ivana Vuleta, the illustrious long jumper, seized the coveted title of world outdoor champion. The poignant moment when the realization of a long-elusive gold medal dawned upon her was one of raw emotion, culminating in her falling to her knees. This remarkable feat marks the culmination of her relentless pursuit, having secured an Olympic bronze in Rio, along with a cache of accolades including World Championships bronze medals, world indoor titles, and an impressive array of Diamond League honors. With a personal best of 7.24 meters, Vuleta’s prowess was unparalleled among the contenders at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

France, akin to its European counterparts, confronts a precarious healthcare conundrum, underscored by critical shortages in medical personnel, burgeoning burnout amongst healthcare workers, and mounting challenges in medicine distribution. Recent weeks have borne witness to impassioned strikes and protests by the medical community. Alarming data from the Official Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics Department (DREES) reveals that as of January 1, 2022, France harbored a total of 228,858 medical practitioners, including 99,941 general practitioners, alongside 637,644 nurses below the age of 62. Furthermore, the French social security institution has reported a density of 339 doctors per 100,000 inhabitants as of January 1, 2021. The resultant dearth of personnel and escalating patient numbers has regrettably translated to protracted wait times in emergency departments.

“We must fear that Russia, with or without Wagner, will continue with its cynical game not only in Ukraine but above all in Africa”

Annalena Baerbock German foreign minister

Unprotected on a Baking Roof

Serbia needs to urgently devote itself to the systematic planning of a response and devising measures to adapt to changing climatic conditions. No segment of society will be spared. We all have to prepare for a future in which higher average temperatures and extreme weather conditions will be our everyday reality

We will remember this year for the hottest June on record and a series of extreme weather events, including heatwaves in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as forest fires in Canada and Greece. In Serbia, this July was the fifth warmest July since records began, since 1951 to be precise. The temperature rise during this month was up to +2.8°C. In short, the territory of Serbia is warming faster than the global and European average, which compels us to conclude that, on average, our country is more exposed to climate change than the rest of the world.

Extreme changes to the weather are leading to ever-greater losses in countries worldwide, but just how much damage is sustained will depend not only on climate change itself, but also on our willingness to adapt to that change. For example, the ratio between losses and damage caused by extreme weather events in Serbia and the EU provides an indirect indication of the lack of adaptation capacity in Serbia compared to the EU and its member states. In our Focus feature for this month, experts present their views on what awaits us and why it is important to make timely invest in adaptation capacities.

Why We’re Vulnerable

According to the 2023 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, average global temperatures in the 2011-2020 period were up 1.1°C compared to the period from 1850 to 1900. This rise corresponds to an average temperature increase of 0.90°C in Europe compared to the levels from 1961 to 1990.

Meteorological measurements for Serbia show that, compared to the 1961-1990 period, this temperature increased by more than 1.4°C in the 2001-2020 period (1.8°C from 2011 to 2020). In other words, the territory of Serbia is warming faster than the global and European average, which can lead us to conclude that the country is more exposed to climate change.

govina and Albania when taking into account systemic readiness, or the economic, social and political readiness to adapt in a timely manner.

Serbia, thus, is not in an enviable position in both cases. More specifically, it is among the worst hit countries with the least systematic readiness to adapt in Europe. Setting aside assessments of capacity and political readiness – though I believe they are interdependent and also determine the level of investment and financing – the fact is that Serbia does not have the required funds designated for adaptation. It isn’t even known that detailed sector-specific assessments of the needs exist, despite it having been shown that every dollar invested in adapting to altered climatic conditions brings a total economic benefit of between two and 10 dollars.

Alongside exposure, vulnerability also depends on sensitivity (the level of losses and damage) and the capacity to transform to handle altered climatic conditions (adaptation). Extreme weather events caused by climate change during the 1980-2021 period led to losses of 560 billion euros in EU member states. Minimal damage and losses sustained in Serbia in the period from 2000 to 2020 totalled a value of approximately seven billion euros. A simple calculation leads to the conclusion that losses and damage in Serbia are much greater than those sustained in the EU and that they are growing over time.

Such a ratio between losses and damage in Serbia and the EU provides an indirect indication of Serbia’s lack of capacity for adaptation. This is also confirmed by some global analyses and indices that position Serbia as the hardest hit country in Europe, ahead of Bosnia-Herze-

An effective and systematic approach to adaptation could be ensured by the adopting and implementing of the National Adaptation Plan of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the determining of specific measures and actions at the level of subnational regions and local governments. It is essential to integrate expected future changes to the climate into sectoral and local policies and measures, which currently isn’t the case. Securing the full implementation of the Law on Climate Change, in the section related to monitoring and reporting on adaptation, would also ensure the strengthening of capacities and the raising of public awareness. It is essential to work systemically with the population on improving their understanding – both of the need to respond to changes that we are all aware of, and of the multiple benefits brought by those responses.

Early announcements and advanced warnings represent a significant “measure” when it comes to reducing the risks caused by extreme weather events. Viewed globally, there are various methods of providing early announcements and advanced warnings that are based on detailed analyses that’s distinctive to specific countries.

Danijela Božanić climatologist/climate change expert

Serbia is more exposed to climate change than other countries and lacks sufficient capacity to adapt to altered climatic conditions, which is why it sustains damage and losses that are much worse than those experienced by countries that carefully approach this problem

Every dollar invested in adapting to altered climatic conditions brings a total economic benefit of between two and 10 dollars

Vladimir Djurdjevic

Lesson Not Learned

According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN’s Country index), Serbia currently ranks as the third worst country in Europe. The countries that have a lower rating are Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. This is a complex index with a value that depends on two key dimensions. The first dimension is the vulnerability of individual sectors to climate change, which considers six sectors: public health, food production, water resources, infrastructure, human habitat and ecosystem. The second dimension of this index is readiness to adapt to altered climatic conditions, considering the components of economic, social and governance readiness. If we observe only the part of the values of the index that relate to the vulnerability of individual sectors to climate change, Serbia is in the worst position among countries in Europe. In global frameworks, Serbia is in the middle of this list when it comes to both the aggregate index and when it comes to vulnerability. One of the reasons for this high vulnerability is the fact that, in the case of Serbia, climate change brings a significant increase in the number and intensity of extreme weather events and climate extremes, and that first and foremost means heatwaves and high temperatures, droughts, extreme precipitation and accompanying storms, which can have negative consequences on public health, agricultural production, water supply etc., but also increase the risk of floods, forest fires and habitat loss for certain plant and animal species etc.

Adaptation to climate change represents a way to improve this currently unfavourable situation.

Unfortunately, Serbia has yet to adopt an umbrella document that would represent a solid basis to conduct this complex process, and the first such document is only expected to be adopted in the months ahead, or with the adoption of the Programme for Climate Change Adaptation.

Serbia’s lack of preparedness to handle climate change, and the absence of adequate plans and programmes, is also reflected in the consequences of events that we’ve witnessed over the last few months. Such a situation is more than clear if we observe the consequences of the floods that

took place in late May and early June and impacted more than 80 municipalities in Serbia, as well as the consequences of July’s stormy weather. We also had devastating floods less than ten years ago, in 2014, which made it abundantly clear to us that climate change is no longer a risk of the future, but rather that it already has a direct and measurable negative impact on our lives. That plainly didn’t happen.

It would be good if recent experiences caused by major storms don’t remain yet another missed opportunity, but rather a clear call that we must make adaptation to climate change one of the priorities

Full professor at the Institute of Meteorology, Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade

The 2014 floods should have represented a clear call that it is necessary to adequately improve the flood defence system. Given that this obviously didn’t happen, the fact that there is still a high risk of possible damage and losses comes as no surprise

Zdravko Maksimović

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) expert, specialist in post-disaster and climate change damage and needs assessment; teaching assistant/Ph.D. student at the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences

Citizens Represent Our Weakest Link

Serbia has been hit by various storms in different seasons this year. Since the beginning of the year, Serbia has been hit by floods caused by watercourses, primarily first order watercourses, bursting their banks. These floods were expected in most locations, so there were also fewer consequences.

Serbia was hit by major floods, primarily of a torrential nature, in May and June. In most areas, these floods hit suddenly. In the month of July, particularly the second half of the month, a large number of local government units in Serbia were hit by storms that included hail. A systemic response to floods – especially when it comes to larger rivers bursting their banks – has been in place since 2014 and have an upward trajectory. However, the storms and hail of July 2023 represent “something new”, i.e., they happened for the first time in recent history, so the existing systemic response is perhaps inadequate.

Alongside funds and communication channels, the notification system implies constructed institutions, established procedures, adequate material resources for recording and notification. Moreover, informing on and responding to various dangers and signalling implies a system of training and exercises, which was unfortunately systematically abolished in Serbia in previous decades.

In accordance with the Law, the early warning system in the Republic of Serbia implies the establishment of a 112 (emergency telephone number) system. When it comes to targeted notifications, it is also essential to introduce special systems and commu-

nication channels and links (like the ALERT system in the U.S. or some European countries). I expect the early warning system in Serbia to develop alongside the development of the disaster risk reduction and emergency management system.

Citizens, as the first and last link in the chain, depending on their point of view, or rather their position and role, represent the weakest link in the system for multiple reasons. The most important reason is their insufficient knowledge and awareness of the importance and implementing of preventative measures aimed at reducing the risk of disasters. The lack of a special educational programme/subject, such as civil protection and first aid, over many decades, has

also led to an insufficient level of training among citizens and their readiness to react in the case of an emergency. As a good example, I would mention the City of Kraljevo and the establishment of simultaneous civil protection exercises in all primary schools every 13 October (International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction). On that day, teaching staff, working independently with school pupils, conduct earthquake and evacuation exercises.

It isn’t possible to mitigate the consequences of disasters without the participation of citizens, but also the business world, particularly private businesses, as well as local communities

The capacities of a system are not measured on the basis of whether a disaster will occur, but rather on the basis of the consequences of such disasters. The speed at which a community is able to return to its pre-disaster state is perhaps even more important

Žarko Petrović

Team Leader on Resilient Development at UNDP Serbia

Flood Prevention Investments Yield Results

Instead of the existing frequency of every four to five years, we can now expect Serbia to be hit by drought every year. These changes can be mitigated, and their consequences reduced, if we apply the emergency measures that have already been defined in national strategic documents as soon as possible

Our country is the most vulnerable in Europe when it comes to climate change. Testifying to this claim is the fact that the average temperature in Serbia has already increased by 1.8°C as of this year, while the global average is 1.1°C, and this summer is the hottest on record. This year’s floods and winds testify to the dangers of climate change. Moreover, Instead of the existing frequency of every four to five years, we can now expect to be hit by drought every year, and we can expect severe droughts as much as four-five times every 10 years. These changes can be mitigated, and their consequences reduced, if we apply the emergency measures that have already been defined in national strategic documents as soon as possible. UNDP assists the Government in this area. It is particularly important to work on the construction of an irrigation system and advanced announcements of droughts in the region of Central Serbia.

Some advances are already evident. It rained almost as much as in 2014 this year, although incomparably less damage and fewer losses were sustained. And the Interior Ministry’s Emergency Situations Sector and the civil protection units of local governments responded successfully. The Government of Serbia, through the Ministry for Public Investment, adopted national programmes for family housing, as well as bespoke public facilities, in order to ensure schools are ready for September. It is particularly important that the investments in prevention following the 2014 floods yielded results. The least damage was sustained in areas where investments were made in training employees and improving procedures. That is a great lesson for the Government, local governments and other countries that are considering public investment priorities.

Numerous municipalities and cities in Serbia today regularly inform citizens electronically about weather problems and their possible consequences, as well as

providing advice on how to protect themselves and their property. It is important not to limit oneself to a single way of providing notifications. People with visual and hearing impairments, the elderly, and those who do not have mobile phones also need to receive timely information.

Thanks to financial support from the EU, the Geoportal of the Republic Geodetic Authority has a Risk Register, where it is possible to check the extent to which a certain building or location is threatened by landslides, floods, forest fires and other hazards by searching the cadastral parcel, address or name of the object.

The EU has also – in cooperation with UNDP, the Interior Ministry and the Ministry for Public Investment –allocated over 16 million euros that has helped to train over 1,000 local stakeholders throughout Serbia to respond to emergencies, as well as rescuers of the Mountain Rescue Service of Serbia. Preparations are also

underway for a new national strategy for emergency situations. Moreover, vehicles for forest fires, ambulances and decontamination vehicles have also been procured. Special attention has been paid to strengthening the local civil protection system: municipalities and cities in the Western Morava basin have received equipment and mobile anti-flood systems, which they use in emergency situations, and the construction of the first training centre for municipal civil protection units should soon begin in Kraljevo.

This year’s heavy rains caused the least damage in areas where employees were trained and procedures improved. That’s a great lesson for the national and local governments, but also a roadmap for public investment

Striding Towards a M ultipolar O rder

It was back in 2001 that Jim O’Neill, a renowned economist of investment bank Goldman Sachs, coined the acronym “BRIC”, for Brazil, Russia, India and China. These four are all large, middle-income countries that are also characterised by their fast-growing economies. He predicted that they would become the world’s leading economies by 2050. It was five years later, in 2006, that these four

countries decided to join forces to form the BRICS group. They were joined by South Africa in 2010, and BRICS was thus born.

The BRICS countries have a combined population of 3.24 billion, or 40 per cent of the world’s total population, and collective GDP of $26 trillion, which is almost a third of the world economy. In terms of purchasing power parity, the five BRICS member countries’

contribution to the global GDP has already surpassed that of the G7 – the group of the seven most advanced and wealthiest countries. However, BRICS countries control only around 15 per cent of the voting rights at the IMF, the world’s chief financial institution. BRICS emerged as part of efforts to identify new ways of reforming international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, to create a “stronger voice and better representation” of developing economies. The BRICS countries established the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014, with funds of 100 billion dollars, in order for developing countries to be able to borrow money for progress and development without conditions.

It should be noted that BRICS is a conglomerate of diverse countries in both the political and economic sense, which will require lots of time and compromises in order to form stronger links.

The first expansion of the membership of BRICS, which occurred at this summit, could pave the way for dozens of interested countries to join, as well as contributing to BRICS becoming a viable counterbalance to the West. However, many members don’t want it to become an anti-Western pact, but rather primarily a force that will contribute to the creation of a fairer world order and the reform of global institutions

Greatly hampering institutional links between these countries are the major disparities in the extent and level of their development and stability. Each of the BRICS countries is a major nation in its own region, and China has become a “big player”. The BRICS countries are also divided when it comes to their relations with Western countries. Russia perceives BRICS as forming part of its own fight against the West, as an aid in circumventing the sanctions imposed on it following the invasion of Ukraine. After Western countries im-

been adopted that set guidelines, principles and processes for the consideration of countries wishing to become BRICS members.

Members welcomed the idea of expanding BRICS, with at least 23 countries having already submitted membership applications and another 40-plus being told that they are also welcome to join, in an effort to advance their joint development.

The last day of the summit saw the adopting of the Johannesburg Declaration, which summarises the conclusions of the 15 BRICS summit. The new declaration is entitled “Johannesburg II”. Existing BRICS members agreed on the expansion of the bloc to include Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Ethiopia, all of which will be admitted as members as of 1st January, 2024.

tries, in favour of local currencies. The dominance of the U.S. currency is one of many problems in the developing world, where many don’t believe that their interests are being served by international institutions like the UN, IMF and World Bank. BRICS countries have repeatedly called for the creation of a fairer world order and for the reform of global institutions. It should also be stated that the expressed intention of the BRICS group regarding the dollar will not cause this currency to collapse overnight.

posed sanctions that banned imports of Russian oil, India and China became its biggest consumers. However, other BRICS countries don’t want it to become an explicitly anti-Western pact. South Africa, Brazil and India don’t want a divided world, as confronting the West would have a negative impact on their security and progress.

This year’s 15 BRICS summit took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 22 to 24 August. Leaders of more than 60 countries were invited to attend the Summit, while 23 countries submitted applications to join. The main discussions revolved around expansion of the bloc’s membership and further de-dollarisation, i.e., the gradual abandoning of the U.S. dollar in international trade and increasing trade in local currencies. As stated previously, BRICS doesn’t want to compete with the West, but rather is striving to find its own place on the global market.

The five existing members were first tasked with determining the criteria to be met by candidate countries in order to join the economic bloc, and BRICS is based on a consensus model (with decisions brought only provided all five countries agree). Documents have also

This enlargement, which aims to boost the bloc’s influence, could also pave the way for dozens of other interested countries seeking to join BRICS, which would bolster efforts to develop BRICS into a viable counterbalance to the West. The admission of new members is the first phase of expansion from the original five countries.

The Johannesburg summit included the establishing of a broad plan to move away from use of the U.S. dollar as the world’s main reserve currency for trade among BRICS coun-

According to the calculations of the U.S. Federal Reserve, 96 per cent of trade conducted in America from 1999 to 2019 was invoiced in dollars, while in Asian trade that total was 74 per cent. Beyond Europe, 79 per cent of all trade was conducted in dollars, all of which serves to highlight the U.S. currency’s status as the de facto world currency.

Participants in the summit emphasised the need to use national currencies in invoicing. It was estimated that we have entered a global juncture that favours the use of local currencies, alternative financial procedures and alternative payment systems. It was with this in mind that BRICS leaders tasked the finance ministers of their countries with working on these issues. They will establish a group by the next summit, which is to be held in Kazan (Russia) and will consider “the issue of form-

The idea of leading Russian and Brazilian politicians to create a common currency for the BRICS bloc, which was proposed last year, was not discussed at the Johannesburg summit

ing an alternative payment system”. BRICS is prepared to seek opportunities to improve stability and reliability, as well as fair and equitable relations, in the global financial architecture.

Leading Russian and Brazilian politicians last year proposed the creation of a common currency for the BRICS bloc, as a way of countering the U.S. dollar’s dominance in international trade and finance. However, the possibility of creating a BRICS single currency was not discussed at the Johannesburg summit. All attention of members is currently being directed towards finding ways to secure mutual trade, joint economic projects and investments in a way that does not depend on the system controlled by the U.S. and its Western allies.

It is believed that the U.S. dollar, despite having already weakened, will remain important to global payments. The dollar’s role as the world reserve currency will decrease gradually, but it is expected to remain the currency of the collective West in the process of moving from a unipolar to a multipolar order and reducing the role of West-

Main points of the BRICS Johannesburg II Declaration

- BRICS will strengthen cooperation on food security between member countries and beyond;

ern currencies. Across the rest of the world and the “Global South”, the diversification of regional currencies will strengthen, with increased use of national currencies as a means of payment and settlement between individual countries.

Dr Dejan Jovović is a scientific advisor, international finance expert and full member of the Scientific Society of Economists in Serbia (NDES)

- BRICS leaders expressed concern over the use of unilateral sanctions and their negative consequences for developing countries;

- BRICS member countries consider the UN as the cornerstone of the international system;

- BRICS emphasises the African initiative to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine;

- BRICS member countries are committed to strengthening their macroeconomic coordination and deepening their economic cooperation;

- BRICS member countries call for UN reform and increasing the representation of developing countries in the UN Security Council;

- BRICS is committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Niger, Libya and Sudan, on the basis of the UN and the African Union;

- BRICS member countries support the desire of Brazil, India and South Africa to play a greater role in the work of the UNSC;

- BRICS member countries express their concern over conflicts around the world and insist on peaceful resolution through dialogue;

- BRICS member countries oppose trade barriers imposed by developed countries under the pretext of combating climate change;

- BRICS leaders advocate the use of national currencies in trade and financial transactions between the countries of the association;

- BRICS member countries favour the strengthening of mechanisms aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction;

- BRICS member countries welcome mediation proposals aimed at peacefully resolving the conflict in Ukraine;

- BRICS member countries are committed to resolving the conflict over the Iranian nuclear programme through diplomatic channels;

- BRICS member countries support the development of an international convention against the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in criminal activities;

- BRICS member countries call for the expansion of the representation of developing countries in international organisations and multilateral forums;

- BRICS leaders stress the importance of the G20 as a leading multilateral forum;

- BRICS member countries agree to work on increasing their mutual tourist flows;

- BRICS member countries consider that the unbalanced economic recovery after the pandemic is only increasing global inequality;

- BRICS supports the African Union Agenda 2063, including the introduction of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Members are focused on the creation of a model to secure mutual trade, joint economic projects and investments beyond the confines of the system controlled by the U.S. and its Western allies

Business Dialogue

LEADERS’ MEETING POINT

DR JOVAN NIKČEVIĆ Managing partner, lawyer, Nikčević Kapor Law Office

PATRICK GEERAERT Director, Kenzai Group

VLADIMIR MITIĆ CEO, Visa-Prom Ltd.

Stepping Stone to Future Success

International School

Chartwell International School prides itself on being one of the longest-standing private schools in Serbia, continuously striving towards distinction and excellence for more than two decades

Situated at the heart of Belgrade, Chartwell comprises six separate campuses divided according to student age and level, each surrounded by the greenery and tranquillity of one of the most attractive uptown areas. Tailored to suit the needs and demands of a particular age group, each of its premises boasts vast indoor and outdoor spaces, with carefully furnished, equipped and decorated classrooms, accompanied by spacious playgrounds and sports fields. Our main goal is to provide our students with a safe and uplifting learning environment, paving the way for their further growth and success.

Being like a second home to over 1,100 children of more than 40 nationalities, Chartwell is a truly unique community. All-encompassing, diverse, and multicultural, on the one hand, this is simultaneously a school that nurtures equality and tolerance, as well as promoting mutual support and respect.

We inspire students to become their best, both academically and socially, while our mission is to make every effort to maintain the highest level of teaching and service provision, worthy of the accreditation awarded to us by the University of Cambridge, the Serbian Ministry of Education, as well as COBIS, of which we are a proud member.

The curriculum that lies at the core of Chartwell is based on the British National curriculum, adapted to the global context and taught through an international perspective. It is founded on a cross-curricular approach that enables students to take an active role in their own learning, doing research and exploring their interests and talents. Year after year, we observe

way by the school’s most dedicated and experienced teachers. Their goal is never only to teach a lesson or pass on the knowledge, but to show empathy, the ability to adapt their methods and incorporate the most innovative, hands-on strategies that truly make a difference in the classroom. Having small-sized classes further adds to an almost individual approach to teaching, discovering students’ aptitudes and developing their potential.

them flourishing, becoming more independent and devoted to their studies, slowly preparing themselves for their first great milestones – taking IGCSE and AS/A level exams. Chartwell offers exam preparation for a full range of subjects, thus enabling our students to successfully complete their secondary education, opening the door to enrolment in the most renowned universities worldwide.

As much as they are the pillars of their own academic achievements, our students are supported and their learning scaffolded each step of the

With an awareness that teaching extends far beyond the classroom and academic programme, Chartwell never shies away from organising extracurricular activities for its students and teachers, from daily outings, theatre or museum visits, to celebrating World Book or UN Day, all with the aim of fortifying the school spirit, friendship and great family-like atmosphere. The Chartwell Poetry Night, Year’s End Performance or Charity Bazaar are always eagerly anticipated annual events that bring joy to the whole community.

Therefore, whether through the demonstrating of their wits or talents, working hard or having fun, Chartwell International School is a place where students thrive; a place where they establish life-long friendships and a stepping stone to their future success in career and life.

Chartwell

The curriculum that lies at the core of Chartwell is based on the British National curriculum, adapted to the global context and taught through an international perspective

Business Dialogue

Fitch Ratings Affirms Serbia’s Credit Rating at BB+

In a pivotal move, the esteemed Fitch agency has upheld Serbia’s credit rating at a resilient BB+, which brings the nation tantalizingly close to an investment-grade rating. As eloquently elucidated on the official portal of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS), the decisive factors behind this endorsement by Fitch revolve around Serbia’s commendably credible economic policy framework. Noteworthy are elevated levels of economic activity, exemplified by a per capita Gross Domestic Product that outpaces expectations, coupled with improved governance practices and a higher echelon of human development in contrast to peers bearing similar credit standings. A salient point of distinction also includes well-managed public finances.

Serbia to Debut at the World’s Top Gaming Event in Cologne

For the first time, Serbia’s setting up its National Stand at the mega Gamescom gaming fair in Cologne from 23rd to 27th August, announced the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (CCS).

Showcasing at this global gaming business summit, in collaboration with the Serbian Video Game Industry Association (SGA) and backed by the CCS and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), are nine stellar companies: Two Desperados, Art Bully, Gamebizz Consulting, Spring Onion Studio, and more. But it’s not just games. These firms delve into e-sports, craft trailers, animations, design characters and graphics, and also advise on marketing, monetisation, and business strategy within the gaming realm.

Zepterme – Your New Address of Luxury in the Jewel of Spa Tourism

Escape the city hustle, daily worries, and the stresses of life, and immerse yourself in a hidden oasis of tranquillity and luxury in the heart of Vrnjačka Banja. Just a twohour drive from Belgrade, the Zepterme complex stands as the perfect sanctuary for those desiring comfort, elegant surroundings, and lush landscapes. Can you envision waking up in such a place? With you in mind, the developer, “Zepter Real Estate,” offers a 5% discount for “Zepter BizzClub” members purchasing two or three-bedroom apartments ranging from 53 to 139 m².

“We want to create a hub for local designers and the fashion industry and provide support”

Marko Čadež President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce

British Companies Interested in Developing Projects in Serbia

During a conversation with Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović, the British Ambassador in Belgrade, H.E. Edward Ferguson, stated that British companies are keen to participate in ongoing projects within Serbia. Ambassador Ferguson emphasized that his nation holds a particular interest in collaborating within the fields of energy, mining, energy transition, and infrastructure. He underscored their international expertise and the potential for project financing through the UK Export Finance’s credit mechanism. According to him, the United Kingdom is well-acquainted with reform processes within Serbia’s energy sector and believes that their proven experience and efficiency could be applied to the realm of energy, especially within the context of the energy transition process.

Serbian Company BC Group Acquired by Slovenia’s Big Bang

Big Bang, Slovenia’s leading entertainment and consumer electronics retailer, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Serbian online retailer BC Group. The company announced the deal awaits approval from the relevant market competition authorities. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by year-end. Last year, BC Group achieved a revenue of 35 million EUR. Over the next five years, they aim to increase this to over 90 million EUR. A suitable business partner was essential to achieve this growth, explained Oleg Kulidžan, the Director and current majority owner of BC Group. Kulidžan now anticipates that the acquisition will expand the product range, enhance logistics, and improve the customer experience. Big Bang Group aspires to become the region’s leading online consumer electronics marketplace.

Boosting of Local Textile Industry Through International Collaborations

“In our textile industry, we have solid companies capable of producing for the domestic market as well as for international firms. Thus, it’s essential to attract globally recognised brands keen on collaborating with our manufacturers,” said Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. He emphasised that the hub’s objective is to connect local fashion designers with producers who can assist in sourcing materials, creating collections, and managing export procedures.”Additionally, we will focus on the robust promotion and internationalisation of local brands, aiming to position them on the global market,” Čadež added. He mentioned that in the upcoming period, PKS will concentrate on supporting companies like Luss Textile to establish collaborations with global fashion houses such as Prada, D&G, and LVMH brands.

“Japan is interested in partnering on planned infrastructure projects within Serbia, where Japanese companies already employ 3,000 individuals”

H.E. Akira Imamura Ambassador of Japan

Legal Services Have Evolved

Dr Jovan Nikčević

Managing partner, lawyer, Nikčević Kapor Law Office

Our interlocutor and his firm place a great emphasis on arbitration as a way of resolving disputes. They are proud of their vast experience of working with large construction projects from more than 20 countries, and particularly proud of the trust and solid reputation that they enjoy among clients.

How specific is the construction sector from a lawyer’s perspective and does our market differ from others in the region?

The construction sector has always been among the biggest challenges for companies – and not just foreign

companies, but rather also domestic ones. That is also the case now, because projects are increasingly diverse and specific, especially in the infrastructure and energy fields. Foreign companies have taught us that legal and administrative risks are just as important as technical, financial and all other risks. That’s why law offices are today increasingly engaged as early as the planning stage, even on smaller projects. On the other hand, legal services have evolved, such that specific advice is increasingly being sought on projects, particularly more complex ones, and that relates not only to knowledge of regulations, but also

of international standards like FIDIC contracts, with the daily management and administration of projects, and the resolving of disputes in a faster and more efficient way. The situation is the same or similar around the region, at least from a legal standpoint.

To what extent are FIDIC contracts applied in our country and is our market keeping pace with the world on this issue?

FIDIC contracts are no longer an unknown tool and are applied in almost every project that’s more demanding. This implies the daily administration of copious correspondence regarding

The Nikčević & Kapor Law Office was founded in 2019 and is today focused on the sectors of construction, energy and real estate, while it also specialises in the use of FIDIC contracts and resolving international disputes

various events unfolding both on and off construction sites. Disputes are recognised even in the earliest stages. A legal advisor is expected to react quickly and recognise the risk of a specific situation, which in practice demands an understanding of the construction cycle, commercial and technical aspects, but also the logic of project management. What’s most important is that you are expected to be understand by other members of the team. That’s because a live project ordinarily doesn’t

which also most commonly occurs in practice, first and foremost because they are organised with the much greater participation of the parties involved than is the case with court processes. The opposing parties can choose their own arbitrators, with whom they are familiar or who they presume are experts in the specific area of dispute.

field when it comes to the local judiciary, which is compelled to apply foreign arbitration decisions under certain conditions.

allow a lot of time for considerations, but rather calls for the swift resolving of problems. A decision must be made and responsibility taken.

It is interesting that lawyers are in the minority during project implementation, as they are surrounded by engineers. However, the situation reverses and engineers are in minority at large arbitration hearings, surrounded by lawyers. And it isn’t easy for anyone when witnesses testify and every word of project correspondence is considered.

How common is it for disputes to arise on major construction projects and, in this sense, is Serbia a favourable market for foreign companies?

Disputes arise often, but are resolved in an ad hoc manner, and – at least when it comes to FIDIC projects – there are specific contractual mechanisms that aim to resolve disputes in an efficient way, in parallel with the implementation of the project. The most complicated situations can certainly develop into complex international disputes. Arbitration is recommended for resolving such disputes,

There are numerous other advantages, the most important of which are perhaps efficacy and the speed at which solutions are reached. It is, however, important where arbitration takes place, because the effectiveness of arbitration also depends on the national market. Our market boasts top arbitration experts who enjoy an excellent international reputation. Also supporting this claim is the fact that students of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law have been at the top of international arbitration competitions for years, and perhaps even decades, precisely because they are led by top experts. This is a source of pride for all of us. Practice certainly shows that there is room to improve in this

You have personally, along with some of your colleagues, amassed a wealth of experience as in-house lawyers on projects from different countries. Is legal advocacy an even greater challenge?

Some domestic construction companies have participated in major projects abroad, and the knowledge and experience of our companies have proved competitive when it comes to global construction brands. You need to see that in practice in order to become aware of it and you need to be comfortable –when confronting strong opponents –with your own stance that you consider correct. Our partner Vlado Kapor, a majority of my colleagues and I have had the good luck of long being part of a team working on projects implemented in a large number of countries, on four different continents. From this point of view, the most useful experience is dealing on a daily basis with “live” problems in real time, as and when the problem arises.

That will prove very useful, because in legal advocacy you often encounter shaped problems. On the other hand, advocacy carries its own multiplicity and diversity of problems, but also different perspectives. You are no longer always on one side.

What types of investment are the most challenging on the domestic market for you and your colleagues from similar offices?

Energy – alongside infrastructure projects and mining – is the sector in which the greatest potential is expected to be realised, not only in terms of construction, but also when it comes to specific knowhow, the harmonising of regulations and the need to monitor and keep pace with international trends. This is also linked closely to environmental concerns. There are challenges in those fields that still lie ahead for us.

Students of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law have been at the top of international arbitration competitions for decades, precisely because they are led by top experts

Business Dialogue

Serbian Government and UNDP Assisting Countries in the Region

The Serbian government has announced its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has issued a public call for participation in the Challenge aimed at private and public enterprises, universities, and research institutions. The projects aim to provide assistance to countries in the region, and the call will remain open until 10 October of this year. In a statement by the Serbian government, it was highlighted that they are endorsing this public call as part of official development aid to bolster economic potential in North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The public call aims to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the implementation of innovative solutions that can be utilised in response to various developmental challenges and crisis situations in these countries, as reported by Beta.

North Macedonia Ranks 13th Globally in Wine Export Revenue

According to “World Top Export”, North Macedonia ranks 13th in the world in terms of revenue from wine exports. The nation’s Agriculture Minister, Ljupčo Nikolovski, emphasised the significance of this achievement for a small country competing against much larger players. In 2022, North Macedonia amassed nearly €60 million from wine exports. Notably, while the volume of exported wine remained relatively consistent between 2021 and 2022, there was an increase of €10 million in revenue in 2022. This boost can be attributed to the enhanced quality of wine, increased exports of bottled wine, and the rise of new brands gaining traction in international markets. Over the past seven years, from 2016 to 2022, North Macedonia’s Ministry of Agriculture has disbursed approximately €90 million to vineyards and wineries, with two-thirds of that amount being recouped in just one year.

Croatia Flooded with Counterfeit Banknotes

In the initial days of this year and the adoption of the euro as the official currency, Croatia experienced a significant surge in counterfeit banknotes. Despite eight months passing, media reports indicate that the situation has not improved. Up until July, a million counterfeits were discovered, exceeding 150,000 euros in value. “When accepting banknotes, examining both sides, even briefly, is crucial to determine whether it’s genuine or a replica. Banknotes of fifty euros should be particularly scrutinised, as they are most commonly counterfeited. Moreover, there are numerous counterfeit banknotes of twenty euros, followed by a total of 347 counterfeit banknotes of one hundred euros registered so far this year,” state the Croatian National Bank. Conversely, in Serbia, according to data from the National Bank of Serbia (NBS), a total of 1,417 counterfeit banknotes have been discovered in the first half of 2023.

In N.Macedonia we launched EU for Clean Air while remediating one of the most contaminated hot spots, the OHIS landfill

Michela Telatin Multi-Country Office Director, UNOPS Serbia

Freight and Passenger Transport Between N. Macedonia and Serbia Liberated

All permits, previously exchanged on an annual reciprocal basis for transporting goods to and from third countries between North Macedonia and Serbia, were rendered void on 1st August. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of North Macedonia. The Minister for Transport, Blagoj Bočvarski, hailed this development as a significant accomplishment for carriers in both nations. This accord encompasses the comprehensive liberalisation of goods transportation and applies to all environmentally-friendly vehicles conforming to EURO 1, EURO 2, EURO 3, EURO 4, EURO 5, and EURO 6 standards. The agreement was reached as part of the North Macedonian-Serbian Joint Commission for International Road Transport of Passengers and Goods, which recently convened in North Macedonia.

Montenegro’s Main Exports to Serbia Include Wine and Prosciutto

Montenegro’s Exports to Serbia Primarily Comprise Fresh Grape Wines, Fortified Wines, and Grape Must, Ham, Pork, Newspapers, and Magazines According to data from the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, Montenegro predominantly exports fresh grape wines, fortified wines, and grape must, along with ham, shoulders, pork, newspapers, and magazines to the Serbian market. The information illustrates that Montenegro’s exports of cosmetic products to Serbia encompass perfumes and toilet waters, as stated in the desk analysis regarding Montenegrin product exports to regional markets. Among the most prevalent and sought-after Montenegrin food products in the Serbian market are prosciutto, Nikšićko beer, Plantaže wine, and frozen fish from the producer “Zeta fiš.”

B&H’s Central Bank Holds Forex Reserves Over 15 Billion BAM

As of the end of June, the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign exchange reserves stand at 15.32 billion BAM, marking a decrease of 210.1 million BAM or 1.4 per cent compared to the previous month. On an annual basis, the foreign exchange reserves have declined by 579.6 million BAM or 3.6 per cent, as reported by data from the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Compared to the previous month, this change entails an increase in investments in securities by 118.9 million BAM or 1.8 per cent, along with a decrease in deposits held with non-resident banks, dropping by 323.2 million BAM or 4.0 per cent. Total loans extended to domestic sectors amounted to 22.73 billion BAM at the conclusion of the sixth month, marking an increase of 303.9 million BAM or 1.4 per cent compared to May.

“Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector will enable the diversification of energy sources in Serbia and around the Western Balkan region”

Tanja Miščević European Integration Minister of Serbia

Successful Shift From Retail to B2B

Since its early beginnings in 2005, Kenzai Group has been known for continuously bringing the latest product innovations to this market, thanks to its extensive network and longstanding partnerships in this area of business

Patrick Geeraert Director, Kenzai Group

The group has fortified its presence with high-quality products and competitive pricing, while its business is expanding thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from customers who are satisfied with the overall service.

Your company specialises in the supply and installation of flooring and wall covering solutions produced by renowned Eu-

ropean manufacturers. What does your rich portfolio encompass?

What makes our company truly unique on this market is definitely the depth of our portfolio. Besides textile flooring, vinyl flooring and parquet, our offer also encompasses wallcoverings and raised floors. For each of these product groups – as an independent distributor – we have access to multiple options, giving us the flexibility to provide tailormade solutions depending on the requirements of each individual project.

It could be said that you succeeded in satisfying even the most demanding clients...

Our initial business model was based on a combination of retail business – known under the Carpetland brand – and B2B project business. In 2017, we decided to focus entirely on the segment of commercial flooring and wallcovering solutions for the following two reasons: accelerated growth rates were expected for this market; and it represented a much better fit to the DNA of our company. Looking back at the multitude of challenging projects we’ve supplied since then, we definitely made the right decision and managed to put Kenzai Group on the map as a reliable partner to architects/designers and investors. This is now entirely reflected in our new logo and baseline ’At the service of space creators’. The project business is definitely more demanding than the retail business at all levels, but we also see it as being more rewarding.

You’ve outfitted numerous embassies, hotels, retail spaces, award-winning corporate interiors and residential areas in Serbia. Could you highlight some of the company’s most notable projects as a reference?

As we have now been operating for over 20 years in both Serbia and Montenegro, the list of references is becoming very extensive. We are already fitting out several objects with flooring for a second time. Singling out individual references would only undermine all the other ones, which we value tremendously. However, It is worth mentioning our unique capacity to successfully handle large projects. Over recent years, we’ve won several +10,000m2 projects requiring particular financial and logistics engineering. Evenso we take pride in doing smaller size projects or high-end residential installations.

Comtrade HQ, New Belgrade

Respecting Nature, Nurturing Quality

Vladimir Mitić CEO,

Serbia’s largest processor of primary wood sources its raw materials exclusively from forests that are managed sustainably, thereby providing its own contribution to ensuring an ecologically sustainable future. Here we speak with Visa-Prom CEO Vladimir Mitić about the company’s relationship towards the environment, production processes, investments and plans.

Your company is among the largest primary wood processors operating in the Republic of Serbia. How much does your annual turnover total?

Our company has existed for 30 years already, but it is only since 2011 that our composition has included a factory for primary wood processing, which was opened with the desire to renew the production of packaging and create new jobs for the citizens of Kanjiža. This factory is divided into four production units: production of pallets, production of veneers, production of plywood and production of composite pallet blocks.

Our company is among the largest primary wood processors operating in the Republic of Serbia, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 50,000m3. We are simultaneously also one of the country’s largest producers of pallets, with annual production exceeding 600,000 units, which are sold on the domestic market, as well as over 12,000m3 of poplar veneers and plywood that are sold exclusively on the EU market.

We are the only company on the Serbian market that manufacturespressed cubes. As one

of the largest producers of EPAL pallets in Serbia, we have licensed our pressed cube according to the EPAL standard, which enables us to use this cube in the production of EPAL pallets.

Your company is constantly working to advance some element of operations and investing in the modernisation of equipment and plants. Is there no end to investments?

We like to say that there is no waste in the wood industry, only leftover wood, and we use it as an energy source for our furnace plants, in which we will invest significant resources

in order for us to reduce emissions of harmful gases, and thus also environmental pollution. In order for us to complement the production process and maximise our use of raw materials, we have invested 1.5 million euros in a new plant and equipment for processing leftover wood, or more specifically for producing compressed blocks. We’ve also planned to install solar panels in the factory complex. The first phase encompasses the installing of solar panels for the production of 140 kWp of electricity, while the second phase is to install additional panels with a capacity to generate 80 kWp. In order for us to cater fully to the factory’s electricity needs, while simultaneously generating a surplus that we will sell on the market, we plan to build a large solar power plant of up to 10MWp.

You note with pride that your wood reaches the final customer via a chain that’s strictly monitored. That serves as the best confirmation that you care about both the local community and the planet?

Our wood is sourced from sustainable forestry, because establishing profitable transport and continuous supplies of raw materials is an important link in the chain of our production cycle. We know where and from whom we source our high-quality poplar wood, which we transport by barge along the river Tisa to the factory, as well as by road. We have an FSC [Forest Stewardship Council] certificate, which represents a guarantee that the wood we use reaches the end user via a strictly monitored chain: from certified forests, via processing to final production. The FSC certificate represents a reliable link from the product in the hands of the end user that can be traced back through responsible production and the rational use of wood, to the felling of forests that are under the strict supervision of experts.

Visa-Prom Ltd.

Our company is among the largest primary wood processors operating in the Republic of Serbia, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 50,000m3

Visa-Prom Ltd. is an enterprise that has spent more than 30 years operating successfully on the local and international markets. Thanks to its expert personnel, state-of-the-art equipment, high quality raw materials, perseverance and constant innovation, it has amassed a large number of regular customers

US and China Agree to Double Weekly Flights Between Nations

The Biden administration announced that the United States and China would grant air carriers permission to double the number of passenger flights between the two countries. This uncommon instance of collaboration between the world’s two largest economies indicates a positive development. The US Transportation Department (USDOT) revealed plans to raise the quota of Chinese passenger flights permitted to travel to the US to 18 weekly roundtrip flights by 1 September and further increase it to 24 per week starting from 29 October. This marks a significant rise from the current allowance of 12 flights. Likewise, the Chinese government will reciprocate by granting American carriers the same increment.

IMF Raises Global Growth Forecast

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its growth projection for the global economy, adopting a slightly more optimistic outlook despite China’s decelerating momentum. In its most recent update of the World Economic Outlook, the IMF elevated its 2023 global growth estimate by 0.2 percentage points to 3%, up from the 2.8% assessment made in April. The IMF maintained its 2024 growth projection at 3%. Regarding inflation, the fund anticipates an improvement compared to the previous year. Headline inflation is forecasted to reach 6.8% this year, a decline from 8.7% in 2022. However, core inflation, which excludes volatile components, is predicted to recede more gradually to 6% this year, compared to 6.5% last year.

Africa’s Gaming Market Expected to Exceed £1 Billion by 2024

Africa’s video game sector is experiencing a noteworthy surge. Sub-Saharan Africa’s gaming industry is projected to surpass £1 billion for the first time in 2024. The data, compiled by Dutch research firm Newzoo for African gaming startup Carry1st, indicates a robust gaming market in Africa. This comes amid sluggish economic growth in the region, marked by persistent inflation, challenging financial conditions, and substantial net debt. The African video game market has been thriving. In 2022, games sold within the region generated £862.8 million in revenue, exhibiting a year-on-year growth of 8.7%, as per Newzoo’s findings.

“Cultivating a culture of constant iteration and learning is the new gold standard that will set your business apart”

Ryan Roslansky CEO of LinkedIn

Norway Imposes Fines on Facebook Owner Meta for Privacy Breaches

Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, faces daily fines of £1 million from 14 August due to privacy breaches, Norway’s data protection authority stated. This decision could potentially have broader implications across Europe. The regulator, known as Datatilsynet, had previously stated that Meta Platforms would incur fines unless it rectified the privacy breaches flagged by the regulator. Meta Platforms has yet to respond to a request for comment. Datatilsynet had clarified that Meta is prohibited from collecting user data in Norway, such as users’ physical locations, for the purpose of targeting behavioural advertising, a prevalent business model in the realm of Big Tech. The company was given until 4 August to demonstrate to the regulator that the issue had been addressed.

EBRD Loan Supports Women-Led Businesses in Turkey

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €50 million loan to Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş. (TEB) to enhance financial prospects for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women in Turkey. This loan falls under the EBRD’s €600 million Turkey Women in Business II (TurWiB II) initiative, an extension of the original TurWiB project that has proven successful. Beyond elevating and fortifying the role of women-led SMEs, the funds from the loan will assist TEB in refining its business strategy and operational methods to ensure greater inclusivity and better alignment with the requirements of women-led SMEs. TEB will also broaden its Women in Business portfolio and target clients in regions outside major urban centres.

Cost of Riots Exceeds £1 Billion for Businesses in France

Shortly after the conclusion of highly disruptive protests and strikes related to pension reforms in France, the aftermath of a week of rioting now poses challenges for businesses within the country. The riots, ignited by the fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer, have resulted in damages worth over €1 billion (£850 million), as reported by the French business association MEDEF. Protesters targeted nearly 400 bank branches and 500 convenience stores, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire revealed in an interview. Le Maire indicated that approximately 1,000 stores had been looted and reassured that the government supported affected businesses. He played down the potential broader impact on the French economy despite this. Le Maire stated that the riots would not significantly affect French growth.

“I was joining the company to partner with Elon to transform Twitter into X, the everything app”

Linda Yaccarino CEO of X

From Dropout to Tech Titan: The Remarkable Journey of Sam Altman

Meet Sam Altman, a visionary tech entrepreneur and investor who has left an indelible mark on the tech industry

He is a former president of Y Combinator and co-founder of Loopt, Hydrazine Capital, and OpenAI. He has also worked briefly as the CEO of Reddit and invested in several high-profile tech companies, including Asana, Airbnb, Pinterest, and many more.

We will delve into the life and accomplishments of Sam Altman, exploring his journey from a childhood in Missouri and university at Stanford to becoming a prominent figure in the tech world.

Get ready to uncover the story behind this trailblazing innovator and learn how his unwavering dedication and foresight continue to shape the future of technology.

Sam Altman was born in 1985 in Chicago. His journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent his formative years cultivating a curiosity for technology. Fun fact, he got his first personal computer at the age of 8. In retrospect, Sam Altman’s early life and education may have been instrumental in shaping his path towards becoming a tech industry titan. Altman attended John Burroughs School, a prestigious private

prep school in the St. Louis Metro area, UK. Upon graduation, Altman enrolled at Stanford University, pursuing a major in computer science.

However, he didn’t complete his Stanford education; instead, he dropped out in 2005 to found Loopt, a location-based social networking company, with the seed funding he got from being a part of the initial batch of Y Combinator.

Altman served as the CEO of Loopt until Green Dot Corporation acquired the company for £43.4 million in 2012. Co-founding Loopt while still at Stanford was just the beginning of a remarkable journey leading him to prominence in technology and entrepreneurship. After Loopt’s acqui-

Bold ventures and an unwavering commitment to innovation marked Sam Altman’s early career in the tech industry

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi

sition by Green Dot Corporation, Altman continued to immerse himself in the startup ecosystem.

In 2012, Sam Altman partnered with his brother, Jack Altman, to establish Hydrazine Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. This firm focused on investing in various sectors, including life sciences, education, speciality foods, marketplaces, big data, healthcare, consumer networks, enterprise software, and internet-connected hardware.

Altman joined the renowned startup accelerator Y Combinator in 2011 as a part-time partner. Later, in 2014, Altman was appointed president of Y Combinator, succeeding the co-founder, Paul Graham. Under Altman’s leadership, the accelerator continued to thrive, fostering the growth of numerous startups and solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the tech industry.

By 2016, Altman had become the president of the newly expanded YC Group, encompassing YC and its subsidiaries, including growth-stage equity fund YC Continuity and YC Research, a non-profit research lab partially funded by a £10 million donation from Altman, and the accelerator’s new online class. He stepped down as President of YC Group in 2019. Sam Altman relinquished his position as YC Group President in 2019 and was announced by YC as a chairman at YC. By early 2020, Altman was no longer associated with YC.

After transitioning from his role at Y Combinator, Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with a group of renowned tech entrepreneurs and researchers, including Elon Musk, Greg Brockman, Pamela Vagata, Ilya Sutskever, Trevor Blackwell, Vicki Cheung, Andrej Karpathy, Durk Kingma, John Schulman, and Wojciech Zaremba.

OpenAI is a prominent research and deployment organisation in artificial intelligence (AI). Its core mission revolves around ensuring that the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of hu-

manity. OpenAI’s mission statement highlights its commitment to creating highly autonomous systems “to ensure that artificial general intelligence - highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work - benefits all of humanity.”

Altman held board positions at energy firms Helion, UPower, and Oklo.

WorldCoin is a project co-founded by Sam Altman in 2020 to create a global cryptocurrency that can be fairly distributed to everyone. The company’s mission is to create a global ID, a global currency, and an app that enables payment, purchases, and transfers using its own token.

Beyond his work with Y Combinator, Altman has also been an active angel investor, backing a variety of successful startups such as Instacart, Reddit, Pinterest, Clever, Asana, Optimizely, Airbnb, Stripe, Teespring, Zenefits, FarmLogs, TrueNorth, Rescale, Alt, Helion Energy, BRINC, TrialSpark, Roboflow, Wave Mobile Money, Humane, Coco, Kami, LeadGenius, Soylent, and Wevorce.

In 2014, Altman became the CEO of Reddit for eight days after the previous CEO resigned. Altman has also invested as a partner in companies such as Beacon AI, Apollo Projects, Cadoo, Boom Supersonic, Titan, Rescale, Reddit, Lob, Change.org, Fibo, and Quora. Some of his prominent exits include Virool, URX, Swiftype, Quill, PlanGrid, Oyster, Optimizely, Nervana, Kimono Labs, and Exec. His keen eye for promising ventures and unwavering support for innovative ideas have contributed to the growth and success of countless companies.

In 2008, Businessweek magazine recognised Altman as one of the “Top Young Tech Entrepreneurs.” Forbes magazine also named him a leading investor under 30 in 2015. Paul Graham, Y Combinator co-founder, ranked him among the five most captivating startup founders between 1979 and 2009. Altman also received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in 2017 in recognition of his work supporting companies in its Velocity entrepreneurship programme. As the former president of Y Combinator and the founder of the YC Group, Altman has been a strong advocate for nurturing and supporting startups. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks, learn from failures, and persist in pursuing success. Altman envisions technology as a powerful tool to transform society for the better. He believes that advancements in AI and other emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionise industries, improve quality of life, and drive economic growth.

Altman believes entrepreneurship and innovation are critical economic growth and societal progress drivers

WINE HORIZONS

photo freepick

EMBRACING TRANQUILITY, WINE TOURISM, AND AUTUMNAL CHARMS

Late summer, often overlooked in favour of the peak holiday months, presents an ideal chance for travellers to embrace a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere

As the sun gradually dips below below the horizon and the summer heat mellows to a gentle warmth, a hidden gem of travel opportunities emerges in Serbia and its neighbouring countries. Late summer, transitioning into early autumn, offers an enticing escape for those seeking a unique holiday experience. This season holds a dis-

tinct charm, with its advantages ranging from a tranquil environment to nurturing the soul through relaxation and an enticing array of autumnal tourist attractions, including the captivating world of wine tourism. The tourist hotspots that might have been bustling during the peak summer season now offer a sense of tranquillity, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of

their surroundings. The gentle rustle of leaves and the subtle shift in colours create a picturesque backdrop that is both serene and captivating. For the modern professional, the significance of taking a break cannot be overstated. The late summer period provides a perfect opportunity for respite from the demands of work. The quiet charm of the season invites individuals to disconnect from

their routines and reconnect with themselves. Escaping the fast pace of daily life and indulging in some well-deserved relaxation can significantly improve mental and physical well-being. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Late summer offers a chance to rejuvenate, fostering a better worklife balance and ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and creativity.

The tapestry of autumnal tourist attractions in Serbia and its neighbouring countries is nothing short of mesmerising. Mountains adorned with the rich hues of autumn foliage entice nature enthusiasts with invigorating hikes and captivating vistas. Ancient vineyards, now bathed in the warm autumn light, beckon wine enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Among the various attractions, wine

tourism stands out as an increasingly popular pursuit. This is a season when vineyards come alive, offering guided tours that reveal the intricate process of wine production. The chance to witness and participate in the grape harvest creates an immersive experience that speaks to the heart of the region’s cultural heritage.

Wine tourism, in particular, has become a defining feature of the late summer and early autumn experience. The vineyards that stretch across the landscape offer not only the opportunity to savour exquisite wines, but also to understand the connection between the land, the grape, and the bottle. Tasting events, guided tours and workshops provide travellers with insights into the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The warm colours of the vineyards in autumn, coupled with the

rich aromas of ripening grapes, create an ambience that is nothing short of enchanting.

In conclusion, the late summer period in Serbia and neighbouring countries is a treasure trove of unique experiences. It’s a time when the pace slows down, the colours deepen, and the soul finds solace. For professionals seeking a meaningful break, it’s an opportunity to recharge and rekindle their creativity. The autumnal tourist attractions, with a special focus on wine tourism, weave a story of beauty, cultural heritage, and sensory indulgence. Late summer, with its gentle allure, invites travellers to embark on a journey of relaxation, exploration and connection with the heart of the region.

THE AUTUMNAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON WINE TOURISM, WEAVE A STORY OF BEAUTY, CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND SENSORY INDULGENCE

Over the last ten or so years, Serbia – as a wine and viticulture destination – has represented something new on the wine scenes of Europe and the world

FROM YELLOWING RECIPES TO TOP RESTAURANTS

Having launched operations with just two hectares of vineyards and a cellar covering 60m2, Vinarija Aleksandrović today has approximately 85 hectares of vineyards and has produced around 300,000 bottles of wine, exclusively using grapes from its own production

but we believe that you also look far into the future. Are we mistaken?

B

ožidar Aleksandrović, as a representative of his family’s fourth generation of grape growers and winemakers, proudly shares his wine story and the secret recipe of Triumf wine, revealing why all the work in his vineyards is done by hand and why wine tourism repre-

sents a development opportunity for Serbia.

The Aleksandrovićs have spent almost 120 years engaged in viticulture and winemaking. You are surely very proud of the tradition that serves as the foundation for everything you do,

I am the fourth generation of grape and wine producers in my family and my entire wine story is based on the foundations of family winemaking. At the very beginning, I had two hectares of vineyards and a 60m2 cellar under the house, where we produced wine for our own needs, only later adding our own labels and appearing on the market. The emergence of a private winery in the ‘90s resounded around the region, with everyone wanting to try the top-quality wine from the cellar of the Aleksandrović family. We then produced five to six thousand bottles of wine annually and sold them at a few of the best restaurants in Belgrade and the surrounding area, while our new stage and the creation of a new vision began in the year 2000, and as you see continues to this day.

During that initial period, I first planted three hectares, then another five, then seven, and so on over subsequent years, while I also start-

BOŽIDAR ALEKSANDROVIĆ, OWNER, VINARIJA ALEKSANDROVIĆ WINERY

ed construction of the winery, which now – after several construction stages – covers about 3,000m2. From the outset, we had the vision that we would produce high-quality wines; that everything should be in the service of quality. It was in that way that we designed the vineyard, and that’s also how we approach the production of grapes and wine.

A significant moment occurred in 1992, when famous palace cellarman Živadin Tadić, who had emigrated to Canada after World War II, discovered that the Aleksandrović family was restoring the winemaking tradition of the Oplenac region and sent the original recipe – for the Triumf varietal composition. That had been the best wine of the royal cellars, which was consumed at almost all European courts prior to World War II. And so it was that in our cellar, on the basis of a yellowing manuscript, we began inscribing new pages in the family’s long history of viticulture and winemaking, relying on the experiences of our ancestors, new scientific findings and modern technology. Today, after three decades, our wines can be found in La Cité du Vin – the World Wine Museum in Bordeaux, as well as on the wine lists of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world – from Japan, China and Russia, via Western Europe, all the way to the U.S.

You keep pace with world trends and styles, while you also possess knowhow, stateof-the-art equipment, technology, expert people... And yet, despite all this, you still pick your grapes by hand?

The quality of wine arises in the vineyard. Each hectare of vineyard requires almost 400 hours of manual labour, from pruning to the harvest itself, in order to produce high-quality grapes that will later produce top-quality wine. As such, wine production at Vinarija Aleksandrović is a manual process, the wine emerges in the vineyard, with the great use of

the human labour that is essential to produce wine of a superior quality.

Wine critics and wine lovers around the world are increasingly praising Serbian wines, and yours are among the most popular and awarded. How would you explain this?

Over the last ten or so years, Serbia – as a wine and viticulture destination – has represented something new on the wine scenes of Europe and the world. Due to the wines of this area being seen as exotic, wine journalists, critics and wine lovers are increasingly paying attention to us. Interestingly, Aleksandrović wines have been on the wine lists of restaurants and hotels almost worldwide for many years, including at least 30-40 Michelin-starred restaurants. We were carried to the most prestigious places by the high-quality, continuity of quality and exotic nature of our wines.

Aleksandrović wines very quickly began occupying a significant spot and winning medals at the most prestigious world competitions, with one of the most beloved being Sequra in Tokyo, where our Rodoslov wine won a major gold medal. In London, our Triumf sparkling wine was declared the best non-Champagne wine produced using the Chateaux method, while Triumf is also a multiple winner of many fairs. It was declared the best Balkan wine at the 2019 BIWC competition in Bulgaria, while there are also a large number of gold medals from competitions like Decanter (England), Mundus Vini (Germany), AWC Vienna (Austria) etc.

Will wine tourism achieve parity with mountain, spa and rural tourism? Can this help revive our villages?

Wine tourism worldwide represents, in and of itself, great potential for the development of a region or country. Why shouldn’t that be the same in our country? We are essentially witnessing the fact that an ever-increasing number of wine tour-

ists are visiting Serbia and that wine tourism is the future of our country’s development.

Vinarija Aleksandrović has been engaged in wine tourism for 10 years already, and we are visited by between 12,000 and 15,000 people annually. We recognised the importance of wine tourism to our further development and began investing in that sector. We built two houses with swimming pools, which are surrounded by vineyards and provide wonderful views of Oplenac, and we’ve also started constructing a hotel, Wine Resort, which will ena-

Aleksandrović wines have been on the wine lists of restaurants and hotels almost worldwide for many years, including at least 30-40 Michelin-starred restaurants

ble wine lovers to have a comfortable stay and an enjoyable time overall.

What can Serbian wine tourism offer guests?

Wine tourism is much more than simply touring wineries. Tourists can acquaint themselves with the culture and tradition of the areas they’re visiting, with the production process itself, and they can consume wines alongside various gastronomic specialities. Our doors are open to wine lovers from all over the world, and in addition to tours of the winery and cellar, we offer them curator consultations, tastings, food and wine pairings, the organisation of seminars and expert lectures. Our guests can stay overnight and enjoy breakfast in the winery itself, or in one of our houses with a swimming pool, which are located in the vineyards.

Vinarija

Aleksandrović has been engaged in wine tourism for 10 years already, and we are visited by between 12,000 and 15,000 people annually

FINDING THE RIGHT WINE FOR EVERYONE

Wine Cellar Panajotović produces wines from superior grape varieties sourced from Serbia’s most renowned vineyards – from Smederevo, Erdevik and Velika Drenova, to Banoštor on Fruška Gora – and produces them according to a traditional ancestral recipe that’s perfected with modern technologies and scientific discoveries

as one of the smaller producers in Kruševac, only for his operation to subsequently grow into serious production of approximately 200,000 litres of wine and 50,000 litres of rakija. His cellar was taken from him after World War II, and that cellar operated as the Trstenica Cooperative until 1985. My grandfather continued producing small quantities of wine, around 2,000-3,000 litres purely for personal consumption, only for my father to relaunch wine production here in Belgrade back in 1994, with the first wine bottled as early as 1995. It was quite logical for me to continue pursuing my grandfather’s vision and my family tradition.

A

Wine tourism is on the rise and almost all wineries across the country organise wine tours, but our interlocutor, Mr Vladimir Panajotović, is the only winemaker who receives visitors in ancient cavern chambers located 10 metres underground, organises tastings of top wines and food at a constant temperature of 12°C.

Over the course of almost an entire century, four genera-

tions of the Panajotović family have sought to provide their wine with enough love and expertise to make it the best it could possibly be. What represented the starting point? Was it Grandfather Toma’s vision that you are still pursuing? That somehow came naturally, because our family’s winemaking tradition dates back to 1927, when my great-grandfather, Toma, produced the first quantities of wine,

What is the secret to your success? Which wine is the most precious to you?

The secret is in persistence and in effort. Even when it seems as though we’ve hit a wall that has nothing beyond it, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Over the past few years, the wine hasn’t been served by the best weather, but we somehow always manage to overcome the problems and turn out the best wines. My favourite wine is Victor Barrique.

VLADIMIR PANAJOTOVIĆ, WINE CELLAR PANAJOTOVIĆ

What’s included in everything you offer the visitors who leave your winery feeling enchanted and delighted?

We leased our chamber, where we store our wines and hold tasting sessions, from Public Enterprise Skloništa Srbije [Serbian Shelters] more than 18 years ago, because it maintains a constant temperature of 12 degrees, which is excellent for storing wine. We’ve actually always been fascinated by the entire history of Belgrade’s subterranean world, especially the symbolism, because the caverns were created by the Romans in the 1st century AD, when they first started settling this region. It was also then that they brought vines, because wine was very important, in various aspects, for all civilisations of the ancient world. The caverns that we use were also used by the Nazis in World War II, because the station of the secret police was in the same street.

Our range of wines is designed to cater to all tastes, or rather we ensure that everyone can find something that suits their taste perfectly. At our tastings, the wines are tried in a specific order, and that’s done for two reasons. Firstly, each subsequent wine is stronger than the previous one, and the tasting can also represent lunch, so we have an appetiser, a main course and a dessert. We do tastings in Serbian and English, with professional guides in a cavern that’s 10 metres underground. Local guests are extremely interested in the winemaking process, have plenty of questions about it and seek advice, while foreign tourists like to hear about the history and culture of the wine, about myths and legends. I like to think that we’ve covered all aspects.

Apart from winemaking and wine tourism, one branch of your company also handles consulting services. Which as-

pects of your operations does this segment encompass?

Alongside wine production and wine tourism, a branch of our company also deals with the providing of consulting services in the field of wine and rakija production, conducting complete laboratory analyses of wine, as well as designing and equipping wineries. There are multiple different aspects of providing consulting services in the field of wine production. We have consultations in managing wine production from the initial stages –determining the right moment to harvest grapes, consultations during the grape harvest itself, during

processing, fermentation, finalisation and, ultimately, clarification and bottling of the wine. We also provide standalone consultations at any stage during the wine production process, consultations on midcourse corrections aimed at improving a wine’s organoleptic properties, consultations on the production of fruit distillates in accordance with the fruit-to-bottle system. And in addition to all of this, we can also provide a wine production service – clients send us grapes, and we send them top-quality wine in the bottle. This service implies the complete production of wine from the grapes that are submitted to us, and it has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for all vineyard owners who don’t have their own cellars, but want to try their hand at winemaking, as well as for great wine lovers who procure grapes from verified vineyards because they want to make top quality wines but lack the required material conditions.

Why do you insist on limited small batches?

To us, it is much more important that we produce high-quality wines than that we respect the year and capacity. If a year happens to be very bad for grape cultivation, and thus for wine production, we have to choose what we will produce in such a way that our quality doesn’t fall. As a wine lover, my collection includes wines aged over 10 years.

The best promoters of your wines are tourists who’ve had an opportunity to enter the chambers on Senjak?

That’s right! Alongside our own inhouse marketing team, the best marketing is always word of mouth. That is literally true in our case, because the wines are recommended precisely by those who’ve tried them. Thanks to the Wine Lovers Club of Panajotović Cellar and our online shop, our wines reach all parts of the world.

OUR RANGE OF WINES IS DESIGNED TO CATER TO ALL TASTES, OR RATHER WE ENSURE THAT EVERYONE CAN FIND SOMETHING THAT SUITS THEIR TASTE PERFECTLY

“Wine is passport to the World”

Thom Elkjer

The Changing World and Vocabulary

On my way to work, I observe the billboards showing the faces and messages that represent today’s Serbian political scene and society. It strikes me that the messages haven’t changed significantly over my 35 years at the Swedish Embassy in Belgrade, with each message heralding a better world and future

bassy in Southeast Europe, in a country that would soon disintegrate into a new war in the middle of Europe.

Slobodan Milošević had just come to power. My summaries of the local media scene suddenly became crucial to the Embassy’s analysis and reporting on the country. As events unfolded, so did the political realities and language. Designations such as “brotherhood and unity” and “executive board of the Yugoslav Communist Central Committee” began to be replaced by political pluralism, freedom of expression and the suspension of verbal delicts.

That development was unfortunately interrupted dramatically, with words like extremism, separatism and nationalism dominating daily life. As the ‘90s entered their third and fourth years, we all began to

In the late ‘90s, when the NATO bombing became a reality and Milošević lost power, our vocabulary shifted again, this time to include concepts such as projectiles, cluster munitions, downed bridges, depleted uranium, tomahawks, bomb shelters, bombs and collateral damage.

When the Milošević era finally came to an end, it was a delight to witness ordinary people’s hopes for the future. We all started using new EU expressions, such as visa liberalisation, stabilisation and association process, anti-corruption, reforms etc.

Just when daily life was on the verge of achieving normality, something terrible happened again. It was spring 2003, during the visit to Serbia of then Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, that we heard the news of Prime Minister Đinđić’s assassination

My thoughts take me back to August 1988, when I first began working at the Embassy; back to that somewhat frightened 23-year-old who had no idea what was implied in the professional life of a local employee at a Swedish em-

speak a different language shaped by words like battle, war and suffering, and later shootings, mass graves, snipers, military movements here and there, sieges, paramilitary units and tanks etc.

There were situations in which a poor, young, local employee’s attempts to interpret military concepts correctly provoked great amusement, such as when I translated ‘tampon zona’ to ‘tampon zone’ instead of ‘buffer zone’. It became very clear that something was wrong when the ambassador almost choked on his coffee.

When the wars ended, attention again shifted to the struggle to strengthen democracy. Our daily vocabulary again changed, this time to include words like demonstrations, counter-demonstrations, electoral fraud, regime, tyranny, secret police, student resistance, riot police, blockades of the capital, information blockade, murdered journalists etc.

at the hands of a sniper. Lindh was herself also murdered just six months later, prompting questions about the ever-present violence in society.

However, despite all the events of subsequent years, the language has remained the same: the EU acquis, the opening and closing of 35 accession chapters, the struggle against corruption, promotion of the rule of law, freedom of expression, democracy, gender equality and free media have remained part of the Embassy’s everyday vocabulary for many years. Let’s hope that the language and vocabulary will expand further when Serbia joins the Union.

How do I detail all this when I have to introduce myself to a newly arrived Swedish diplomat, who asks us all how long we’ve been working at the embassy? I know that my answer will prompt raised eyebrows and unspoken questions. All I can do is smile and welcome them most warmly to Belgrade.

Slavica Marković-Sandić

Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade

Being in a position to learn all these new words, concepts and their meanings has given me a richness that transcends the boundaries of semantics

THE SEATED SCRIBE

Dated to the Old Kingdom (c. 2500 BC), the Seated Scribe is a renowned work. This 53.7 cm high statue depicts an unknown scribe with a semi-rolled papyrus scroll. Meticulous detail, especially in the eyes, highlights its realism. Displayed in the Louvre, Paris, it was discovered in Saqqara in the mid-19th century.

Captivating Egyptian Art: Ancient 10

Spectacular Works

Unveil the allure of ancient Egyptian art through 10 remarkable masterpieces spanning millennia along the Nile River. This collection showcases enduring beauty that remained largely unchanged for centuries

Ancient Egyptian art encompassed painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, and more. Created along the Nile River from c. 3100 BC to 30 AD, it retained formal stylisation for over three millennia. Many examples originated in tombs intended for the afterlife.

MASK OF TUTANKHAMUN

The Mask of Tutankhamun, a death mask for Pharaoh Tutankhamun (reigned 1332-1323 BC), is iconic. Crafted from 10kg gold with lapis lazuli, turquoise, and more, it’s a masterpiece. Discovered in 1925, it’s now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

NARMER PALETTE

This 64 x 42 cm siltstone tablet, found by British archaeologists, depicts King Narmer’s unification of Egypt. Dated to the 31st century BC, it’s a vital artefact now in the Egyptian Museum.

NEFERTARI PLAYING SENET

From Nefertari’s tomb (QV66), a wall painting depicts Pharaoh Ramesses II’s wife playing Senet. Shading techniques emphasise her beauty. Discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1904, the tomb’s closed for preservation.

ANI’S JUDGEMENT, BOOK OF THE DEAD

A scene from the Papyrus of Ani (c. 1250 BC) portrays the heart-weighing ceremony. Anubis weighs against Maat’s feather. The scene symbolises the virtuous life’s pursuit.

RELIEF OF AKHENATEN AND NEFERTITI

This home altar from c. 1350 BC depicts Pharaoh Akhenaten, his wife Nefertiti, and their daughters beneath a sun disc. It captures the Amarna period’s unique art style.

STATUE OF DJOSER

Representing Pharaoh Djoser (reigned c. 26302611 BC), this statue is tied to Egypt’s first pyramid. Discovered in Saqqara in the mid-1920s, the original resides in the Egyptian Museum.

STATUE OF MENKAURE AND QUEEN

Depicting Pharaoh Menkaure and Queen Khamerernebty II, this statue embodies ancient Egyptian ideals of rulership and gender. It resides in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

STATUETTE OF ARSINOE II

A fusion of Egyptian and Greek art styles, this limestone statuette reflects cultural interchange during Egypt’s Ptolemaic Dynasty (150-100 BC).

Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. These masterpieces reveal the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian art.

NEFERTITI BUST

Crafted around 1350, the Nefertiti Bust is a fine example of Amarna art. Admired for its elegance, it’s now in the Neues Museum, Berlin.

Photos: Jelena Ivanović

Special Aroma The Stage Has a

Nikita Milivojević Film & theatre director, Bitef Theatre artistic director

By Radmila Stanković

He became the artistic director of Bitef as of this year, while he has previously directed plays in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, but also in Vienna, Athens, London, Delphi, Epidaurus and elsewhere. He is the recipient of several Sterija Awards, while in Athens he was recognised as the best director of that year for his staging of Chekhov’s Three Sisters. He has staged the play Henry VI at London’s Globe Theatre, which was even performed in Serbian! He has long been a professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, while in 2014 he also founded the Shakespeare Festival in the village of Čortanovci near Inđija, which attracts large audiences in early summer

ikita Milivojević (62) was born in Vojvodina, in Inđija, which he describes as his own Ithaca, his personal Yasnaya Polyana, or Bergman’s Island of Fårö. His ancestors hailed originally from Montenegro, which they departed bound for Dalmatia. Nikita believes that he has forever imprinted within him, like two strongly contrasting elements, the wintry scenes of the Srem plain and the baking stone of Dalmatia. As Andrić stated: ‘every man is indebted to his homeland’.

“In my case, ‘homeland’ refers to two locations: Inđija, where I was born; and Dalmatia, or more precisely the village of Polača near Knin, form where my parents hailed and where I spent most of my summer and winter school holidays. When I recently found myself back in those parts of Dalmatia after many years, I was surprised by how many of the different sights, smells and sounds have lived on in my memory. To me, my parents’ village was something like Macondo for Márquez: a place filled with mythical, unbelievable stories, events, characters... The story of my roots has always been important to me. The first documentary film that I made was inspired by an event linked to life in those lands.”

A happy childhood in a small town implies, first and foremost, unbridled freedom. As a child, Nikita would spend all day on the street, playing, only heading home when he felt hungry.

“Spreading in front of my house, like some sort of huge carpet, were gardens (they are still there today) that were always full of people, who were planting something, digging, watering plants etc. Through the middle of those gardens ran a stream, and everything was somewhat reminiscent of an idyllic landscape created by a painter. As I’m a ‘winter child’, winter and snow hold a special place in my memory. That’s probably why snow often falls in my plays.”

Fleeing from the Turks who’d invaded Montenegro, Nikita’s ances-

tors settled in Dalmatia, in the lea of Dinara mountain.

“That’s why my mother’s maiden name was Crnogorac [Montenegrin]. When listening to countless stories about life in those lands, I always wondered how people could live in that rocky, harsh environment. Due to their life being a struggle in the true sense of the word, many of them naturally departed in search

When the son of a friend of mine, who was then 12 years old, told me that he’d never been to a cinema, I decided to reopen the cinema in Inđija... I consider that one of the best things I’ve done in my life

Scene from the Shakespeare Festival

of better living conditions, and that’s how my father ended up in Vojvodina. The Dalmatian folk were known as good builders, who were particularly renowned for their ability to work with stone. And with lots of construction going on in Belgrade and the surrounding area at the time, they very quickly managed to cope. My mother went to Pula to attend school very early on, with her oldest brother having lived there, and to this day she still remembers how to speak a little Italian. It was from her that I inherited my kind of ‘artistic streak’, curiosity, energy, tenacity... and particularly the passion for reading. I find it amazing that she’s still constantly reading something, has an interest in various things, is constantly planning something...”

His father was often away from home due to his work. Nikita was 11 when his brother was born, and he spent most of his time with his mother. As a very hardworking and curious woman, she determined some of the most important life principles that formed his character. He summarises the essence of his upbringing with the phrase ‘less is more’. Cinema left an indelible mark on Nikita’s childhood.

“My friend received a small children’s film projector as a New Year’s present, and that’s how, at his place, I first discovered film. That’s among the strongest and most important experiences of my childhood. A white sheet was spread out in a darkened room and, when the projector was turned on, a magical line of light appeared, which turned into moving images projected on the whiteness of the canvas... Miraculous! Returning from a trip later, my uncle brought me as a gift a small ‘optical box’ [slide viewer light box], in which I could place photo slides, which enlarged in the box thanks to the ‘lens’, which was actually a magnifying glass, creating a kind of ‘magic lantern’ illusion for me. That was one of those experiences that remains imprinted in the deepest part of our unconscious.

Bergman devoted an autobiographical book to that and even made a film. I belong to the generation for which cinema represented one of the most important institutions in life. Later on, during the time of my studies, my ‘best man’ Živko Popović and I literally went to the cinema every night, which was a special experience for

sider that one of the best things I’ve done in my life.”

He’d wanted to study literature, but it was more for the sake of socialising that he sat the entrance exam for directing, which he completed at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad. Although he’d spent that summer preparing well, he thought it unlikely that he’d pass, and that he’d subsequently enrol in what he’d planned: literature.

me. And then, in the 1990s, the cinema in Inđija closed down, like so many others across the country. During one of my ever-rarer visits home, the son of a friend of mine, who was then 12 years old, told me that he’d never been to a cinema!? That was totally unbelievable to me. That’s why I decided to reopen the cinema of my childhood in Inđija. I named it Stalker, after the film by Tarkovsky. I con-

“What I remember in particular about that entrance exam was the smell of the stage. I could say that I actually fell in love with the theatre because of that smell! The stage has a special aroma: the curtains, costumes, lights... For someone who was feeling all that for the first time, it was something incredibly exciting. The only other things that had smelt like that to me were new books for obligatory reading when I received them at the start of the school year.”

A story exists about how Nikita prepared for his first directing exam at an army barracks with soldiers, and how his professor, Boro Drašković, had come to the barracks in Niš for that exam.

“It just so happened that I had to do my military service after the en-

What I remember in particular about that entrance exam was the smell of the stage. I could say that I actually fell in love with the theatre because of that smell!

The stage has a special aroma: the curtains, costumes, lights... incredibly exciting

The Last Dream of William ShakespeareÖrebro Teater, Sweden

trance exam at the Academy, and then a law was introduced that meant 18-year-olds had to go to the army immediately after finishing high school. In my case, this meant that, by the time I returned from the army, my peers with whom I’d been admitted to study directing would already be in the second year of their studies, while I would have to start with the first-year students and the professor who was taking the class that year. In order for me to remain in his class, Boro Drašković set an almost impossible precedent. He suggested that I take my first-year exam from the army. And so it was that I didn’t attend the first year of directing studies, but rather I ‘served’ it and entered the second year of directing studies directly. I carried out a dramatic adaptation of Chekhov’s short story The Chameleon, dividing the roles among my fellow soldiers. We snatched time for rehearsals during various breaks and somehow succeeded in creating a play that we performed in the empty auditorium of the military club in Niš, exclusively for professor Boro Drašković. That’s how I passed, and the stage of the Niš barracks’ military club was my first theatre.”

Nikita’s first direction job was on Eugène Ionesco’s play ‘Jack, or The Submission’, in the Salon of the Yugoslav Drama Theatre, and it became famous for the beans that were served to the audience. The audience had actually been invited to a wedding, which is how they were seated, at wedding tables that had been placed along the walls of the Salon. And then, at one point in the proceedings, real homemade beans were served, which arrived for each performance from a tavern located across the street from the theatre, together with live music. It appeared as though reality was entering the play, directly from the street. “What I will certainly remember forever is the first criticism that I then received, in NIN. Vlada Stamenković praised the play exceptionally, under the headline ‘Victorious Imagination’.

During the 1990s, Nikita’s plays –In the Hold, Banović Strahinja, A Midsummer Night’s Dream etc. – found themselves at the centre of the attention of the domestic theatre scene. At that juncture, Yannis Houvardas, director and owner of Amore, the most prestigious off-Athens theatre, was on the hunt for a young director from Serbia and got in touch with Nikita. When he staged his first play, Chekhov’s Ivanov, which proved to be a huge success, Nikita was invited to direct the

every sense. There were more than 100 theatres in Athens at that time, while today there are nearly 200! One of the first big surprises for me was the very well-developed and interesting alternative scene. The Amore Theatre, for example, was a famous summer cinema, with a wonderful open rooftop terrace. At that time for me, Greece meant, among other things, a new maturing. My horizons broadened, I discovered many new things, met numerous interesting people. Unfortunately, in our country so much has been changing for the worse for many years, and so it was that the theatre hasn’t been spared either. Time and concentration are required for serious work...

following season at Yannis’s theatre. That had been the play Crime and Punishment, and - together with an exhibition of Goya’s paintings - it was declared the cultural event of the year in Athens! From that moment, the doors of many theatres were opened to him.

“I’d arrived in an environment that was much richer than ours in

It is impossible to create a serious play without discipline, dedication, research, normal time for rehearsals. Whenever I talk about this, I know that I prompt indignation among many of my colleagues, while I simultaneously know that many of them share my opinion. The essential problem is our theatre system. One director recently told me that he didn’t have all the actors together for a single rehearsal, not even for the pre-premiere rehearsal!?”

Since 2014, when he established the Shakespeare Festival in Čortano-

There were more than 100 theatres in Athens when I arrived, while today there are nearly 200! At that time, for me, Greece meant, among other things, a new maturing. My horizons broadened and I discovered many new things

The Persians, Aeschylus Festival in Elefsina, Greece, European Capital of Culture

Foto Aris Kamarotos

vci, this summer theatre event has become an inextricable part of this director’s life.

“The notion that a Shakespeare festival would be born in Čortanovci, and that it would even be opened by Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre from London (with nothing less than Hamlet itself!?) - I don’t believe anyone could have imagined that even in their wildest dreams. Over the course of ten years, Villa Stanković has become an incredibly positive and exciting place, a genuine world stage. Our guests have included theatres from Iran, the U.S., Finland, Georgia, the UK, Belarus, Turkey, Germany, Armenia, India, China, Greece, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Croatia... Approximately 25,000 people have attended the Shakespeare Festival throughout all these years. and have to date watched more than 60 plays.”

At this year’s edition of the festival, we watched the great play Twelfth Night, directed by Nikita’s student Ivan Vanja Alač. We asked Professor Milivojević if he finds it easy to recognise the talent of a future artist during their studies.

“There is that saying in Bosnia that coughing and poverty can’t be hidden. I also believe that talent can’t be hidden. Of course, talent is something that must be developed; if it doesn’t progress – it regresses. Vanja Alač is precisely one

of those talented people whose talent is developing continuously. When I see that they are talented and diligent, I feel an obligation to support them. As a rule, my students always perform in my plays, and the directors are regularly my assistants on plays. If you are teaching them something, you should somehow also show that you believe in them, in what we’ve gone through together during the studies.”

Nikita was this year appointed artistic director of the Bitef festival. When

– between 2005 and 2009 – that I spent at Bitef as being a very important and creative period of my theatre life, so I now view my arrival in the position of artistic director of Bitef as a kind of return home. I once spoke about the fact that one of the most beautiful things that’s ever happened to me in all the years that I’ve been in the theatre is connected to that time specifically, or more precisely to the moment when I was leaving Bitef, in 2009, and the entire collective signed a petition for me to stay for another four years. Of course, that shouldn’t have any special meaning to anyone but me, but it’s still worth mentioning because it isn’t commonplace in our country. This invitation to return to Bitef, given that it came from Bitef itself, could represent a kind of continuation of that story. Regardless, it’s always nice to go where you know you’re welcome.”

asked how much that is a source of joy for him, but also a source of fear, he responses by noting that Bitef is one of our country’s most important cultural institutions, firmly entrenched in the identity of Belgrade and Serbia.

“That is, of course, a source of serious motivation for any person of the theatre; to be part of such a great story. However, considering that this is a kind of ‘return’ to Bitef for me, a very special, personal reason also exists. Specifically, I consider the four years

When it comes to the history of Bitef, Nikita recalls in particular – apart from numerous plays – his meeting with Otomar Krejča (1921-2009) following the premiere performance of his play In The Hold. Krejča was a big name of European theatre and many still fondly remember his adaptation of the play Three Sisters, for which he also won the main prize at Bitef.

“That meeting and conversation with Otomar Krejča was something important for me. Then there was everything that he said the next day at the Roundtable; the way he spoke. That all left a powerful impression on me at the time. In his assessment of the Festival following the culmination of that edition of Bitef, the critic from Politika [newspaper] wrote that the greatest event for him was ‘what Krejča said about the play In The Holdʻ. Apart from commending the play, that was also an interesting consideration of the great director regarding contemporary theatre and how he saw it.”

In his capacity as artistic director, Nikita believes that this year’s Bitef will, first and foremost, be extremely diverse, with an abundance of varying forms.

The essential problem is our theatre system. One director recently told me that he didn’t have all the actors together for a single rehearsal, not even for the pre-premiere rehearsal!?

Filming Jelena, Katarina, Marija (New York) - 5 Star Productions

Chill Out

Plastic Waste Can Now Be Transformed Into Soap

Polyethene, a commonly used plastic, shares a remarkably similar chemical structure to soap’s primary fatty acid. A researcher at Virginia Tech has successfully discovered a long-sought method to convert polyethene into soap. This compound, known as a surfactant, has proven effective in upcycling polyethene plastics into soap, detergents, and other valuable products. Guoliang Liu, a scientist at VA Tech, pondered the challenge of breaking down extended polyethene chains into moderately shorter fatty acid chains suitable for soap production. After contemplating this for a while, Liu found his inspiration during a wintry evening by a fireplace. Watching the smoke rise from the fire, he thought about the tiny particles produced during wood combustion.

Utrecht’s Wonderwoods Vertical Forest: A Towering Oasis of Greenery

Standing at 110 meters, it falls just a little over five meters shy of the tallest tree globally. Nevertheless, the verdant-clad walls of the Wonderwoods Vertical Forest, a novel office and residential skyscraper situated in Utrecht, Netherlands, will encompass a remarkable expanse equivalent to one hectare (2.5 acres) of woodland. Conceived by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, renowned for enveloping his architectural marvels in vegetation, the building (depicted in the main image) is a testament to his vision. Besides accommodating 200 apartments, a fitness centre, and workspaces, Wonderwoods will display nearly 10,000 shrubs and 360 trees across its facades. These plants will not only mitigate urban noise, offer respite from the summer sun, and absorb five tonnes of CO2 annually but are also anticipated to attract around 30 animal species to the city, including blackbirds, robins, and swallows. Ongoing work is anticipated to conclude by mid-2024.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Advances with Reconstructed Spire

In the tranquil Briey countryside of France, substantial oak planks are meticulously assembled for a profoundly significant purpose. They are shaping the fresh spire for the revival of Notre Dame, and through the synergy of adept carpenters and advanced computing, every element of the spire’s central and principal segment—the shaft—melds seamlessly. The spire, which crumbled into the cathedral’s lead roof during the blaze, was initially crafted in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, and the original blueprints were preserved. Employing these, the team has faithfully reconstructed the entire 60-foot structure precisely as it stood before.

Endangered Western Quolls Return to Western Australia After 100 Years

Western Australia is witnessing the homecoming of western quolls to their natural habitat following their disappearance from the region over a century ago. These elongated-snout furry creatures are a part of Australia’s diverse range of predatory marsupials, nurturing their offspring in pouches, inhabiting burrows and dens, and engaging in nocturnal hunting. Within the extensive expanse of Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 1,305 km² in Western Australia, a group of 30 western quolls was reintroduced earlier this year. Conservationists are already witnessing their expansion across vast territories, settlements, and reproduction. The Mount Gibson reserve hosted the most significant single reintroduction endeavour in Australian history, involving the reintroduction of 10 different species to the area.

Zimbabwe’s ‘Friendship Benches’ Making Their Way to Urban Areas

“Would you care to share your story with me?” The elderly lady in the flowing yellow gown gently invites her companion, a slender man whose head is lowered towards his lap. Referred to as ‘gogos’ (elderly women) or ‘ambuya utano’ (community grannies), these Zimbabwean community health workers (CHWs) boast a track record in addressing mild to moderate anxiety and depression that surpasses many conventional talk therapies and pharmaceutical interventions. Established in 2007, the Friendship Bench initiative has assisted 280,000 individuals over its 16year span, operating across 70 communities in Zimbabwe and extending to related projects in Malawi, Kenya, as well as the more recent endeavours in Zanzibar and Vietnam. By 2024, this initiative is set to extend its reach to London, as a series of Friendship Benches are slated for installation within the city’s most marginalised communities.

Spacecraft Returns Home After 17 Years, Making History

A spacecraft that granted us our initial multi-perspective glimpse of the Sun is poised to conduct its inaugural flyby of Earth 17 years following its launch. NASA’s STEREO-A spacecraft is scheduled to pass betwixt the Sun and Earth on Saturday, 12th August, with the agency jubilantly proclaiming, “our adolescent spacecraft is revisiting its place of origin.” The paired STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) spacecraft were dispatched on 25th October 2006 from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. In the initial years post-launch, the twin-spacecraft mission achieved its pivotal objective: delivering our nearest star’s foremost stereoscopic, or multi-perspective, vantage point.

THE FINEST MOBILE PHONES OF 2023

We all desire those petite rectangles nestled in our pockets. Smartphones have become an immense component of our daily existence, yet procuring a flawless smartphone can be challenging. Rest assured – we’re here to offer suggestions for selecting the optimal smartphone that suits you best.

Google Pixel 7: Flawlessly Pixelated Experience perfection through every pixel

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Nokia C21 Plus: Unmatched Smartphone under €100

Breaking barriers of affordability without compromise

OnePlus 11: Unmatched Flagship Value

Elevating flagship standards without the high price

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The Ultimate Choice for Smartphone Excellence

Unveiling the pinnacle of mobile technology

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Unbeatable Budget Option

Exceptional performance without breaking the bank

OnePlus Nord 2T 5G: Remarkable Value at its Best

Continuing the legacy of remarkable value and quality

OPERA ON THE WATER

8-9 September - Belgrade Waterfront

Opera on the Water and Belgrade Waterfront have joined forces to organise this year’s fifth-anniversary edition of the “Opera on the Water” event. In celebration of the fifth performance of “Opera on the Water,” the highly acclaimed prima donna, Aida Garifulina, will deliver an exclusive performance. The inaugural day will showcase the works of Giacomo Puccini, renowned as one of the greatest composers in the realm of Italian opera. The event will present an authentic bohemian cinematic narrative centred around passion, love, and avarice themes. All of this will unfold within the captivating backdrop of an outdoor opera setting. A series of open-air concerts will take place to mark this fifth-year milestone, setting an unprecedented standard in the world’s leading capitals. Breaking new ground this year, a specially crafted amphitheatre will grace the Plateau of Geozavod. This innovative addition will ingeniously transform the plateau into an authentic opera stage.

BELGRADE WINE WEEK

26-31 September

This year’s Belgrade Wine Week festival once again infuses the vibrant festival atmosphere with a wine-inspired essence into Belgrade. Taking place during the final week of September, the general public will be presented with the opportunity to relish in a multitude of wine-centric events in various formats, including wine soirées, tastings, workshops, as well as discounts for wine purchases at city-based wine shops, bars, and restaurants. According to statements provided by the organisers of the Vinokultura association, this year’s festival edition will be characterised by an abundance of thematic wine soirées alongside exclusive wine and dining occasions. The primary focus of Belgrade Wine Week will remain the endorsement of local wines and wineries. A pivotal component of this year’s Belgrade Wine Week festival is the traditional celebration of Spanish wines. This event is curated to intimately acquaint wine professionals and the broader wine audience with the opulence and diversity of Spanish wines.

MAGIC VARIETY

29 September – mts Hall

The globally acclaimed production “MAGIC VARIETY” is set for an encore on 29th September at the same venue, the mts Dvorana. This unique form of a magic show, which premiered in Belgrade, and debuted on the mts Dvorana stage in March, will showcase acrobats, illusionists, jugglers, and magicians hailing from all corners of the world. This promises the people of Belgrade a genuine magical delight and an unprecedented spectacle that they have yet to experience. Among the September performers will be Maxim Goldstein, a magician from Russia, will dazzle the audience; Tamia, a gymnast and accomplished acrobat, will showcase her talents; Vladimir Mikek - MAGIC - the most revered and renowned magician from Slovenia, will leave his mark; Marco Zoppi and Rolanda, experts in crafting remarkably large soap bubbles, will astonish; and Igor Trifunov, a highly esteemed Serbian magician, will contribute his captivating skills.

UNBOUND: A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO POWER

Kasia Urbaniak

Why do so many women feel they’re too much yet not enough? How can you feel ‘good and mad’ yet reluctant to speak up in a meeting or difficult conversation? What causes women to freeze at critical moments? Kasia Urbaniak spent 17 years studying to become a Taoist nun. She worked as a high-paid (and extremely successful) dominatrix in dungeons around New York City to foot the bill for her studies. What she learned in these two wildly different settings has turned into her life’s work.

1.839 rsd

HOW TO MAKE MONEY

Nafisa Bakkar

With no network, capital, or previous experience, Nafisa built her business from scratch and has helped hundreds of founders do the same. Now, she wants to share her honest, game-changing advice. From how to nail sales and branding to understanding how to build a network, Nafisa lifts the lid on business culture – and questions everything you think you know about the business world.

2.039 RSD

ARCHITECTURE: A VISUAL HISTORY

Jonathan Glancey

See over 350 of the world’s greatest buildings come to life most spectacularly! A world of beauty and genius is unveiled in this comprehensive architecture book. Discover the world’s most incredible buildings, from the ancient world to the present day. From the Louvre and the Colosseum to the Sydney Opera House and the Gherkin, this book offers a truly visual worldwide survey of global architecture. Bursting with breathtaking photography and informative entries on over 350 of the world’s most famous buildings, Architecture: A Visual History gives you an unspoilt view of their fascinating features.

3.685 RSD

THE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

Jack Canfield, Janet Switzer

Jack Canfield reveals the simple rules for success that led him to become the multimillion copy bestselling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and shows how anyone can follow these principles to achieve their dreams. Greater levels of performance and achievement are attainable by anyone. This book offers proven self-empowerment tools and time-tested performance strategies that are the basis for personal and professional success.

1.879 RSD

ART: A VISUAL HISTORY

Robert Cumming

Discover the history of Western art - from prehistory to the 21st century - through profiles of over 650 artists and their key works. This comprehensive, illustrated guide covers every era and over 650 artists and offers an accessible yet expansive view of art history, featuring everything from iconic works and lesser-known gems to techniques and themes. With detailed referencing, crisp reproductions and a fresh design, Art: A Visual History is a must-have for anyone interested in art history - from first-time gallery goers to knowledgeable art enthusiasts.

2.639 RSD

THE LIVES OF ARTISTS: COLLECTED PROFILES

David Remnick, Calvin Tomkins

The definitive collection of artist profiles by legendary journalist and New Yorker writer Calvin Tomkins, from the 1960s to today When Calvin Tomkins joined The New Yorker as a staff writer in 1960, he did not plan to make art and living artists his main subjects. And yet, auspiciously for the magazine and its readers, Tomkins did just that. For the last six decades, his profiles of contemporary artists, from Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg to Cindy Sherman and Mark Bradford, have become the liveliest and most authoritative guide to the art of our time.

12.759 RSD

Faces & Places

Serbia & USA Celebrate Bond With Tesla & Pupin Commemorative Stamps

28/7/2023

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic highlighted Nikola Tesla and Mihajlo Pupin as enduring symbols of Serbia-USA collaboration at a presentation in the PTT Museum. The commemorative stamps, released by “Posta Srbije” and the US Embassy in Belgrade, mark the 100th anniversary of Pupin’s “From Pasture to a Scientist” publication and 125 years since Tesla’s pioneering radio wave demonstration. Dacic noted the timing’s significance, coinciding with the day the Serbian flag was hoisted on the White House in 1918, celebrated by then-US President Woodrow Wilson. Emphasising 142 years of shared history, Dacic called for strengthening bilateral ties rooted in mutual respect.

Farewell Meeting Between Outgoing Chinese Ambassador and PM Brnabic

31/7/2023

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic held a meeting with the departing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Serbia, Chen Bo. Expressing her gratitude, Brnabic recognised China’s unwavering support to Serbia during testing times, highlighting the Ambassador’s commitment to bolstering economic and trade ties. She specifically noted China’s aid during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Reiterating the importance of upholding international law principles, the Prime Minister emphasised that the challenges they navigated together further solidified the bond between their nations. Chen Bo reflected on her tenure in Belgrade, observing that she witnessed some of Serbia’s most prosperous years in recent decades. She remains optimistic about the forthcoming era, foreseeing a pivotal role for innovations and new technologies in advancing Serbia-China relations.

Moroccan Embassy Celebrates 24th Anniversary Of King Mohammed VI’s Coronation

31/7/2023

“In the relations between Serbia and Morocco, there is an exceptional dynamic based on friendship, mutual respect and approximation of positions on issues of common interest,” said Moroccan Ambassador H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, the host of the reception on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the coronation of King Muhammad VI. The ceremony began with the singing of the two countries’ national anthems and was attended by representatives of the Government of Serbia, public life and ambassadors from numerous countries.

Faces & Places

Swiss National Day Marked

1/8/2023

In the resplendent setting befitting the occasion, Ambassador H.E. Urs Schmid of Switzerland hosted an opulent celebration in honour of the Swiss National Day. The gathering was illuminated not just by the evening’s grandeur, but by the presence of an illustrious assembly of guests. Among those in attendance were distinguished members of the Serbian Government, a constellation of the diplomatic corps, and other eminent personages from various spheres. Amidst the glittering array of attendees, Ambassador Schmid took a moment to reflect upon the exemplary bilateral relations that Switzerland and Serbia have nurtured over the years. He underscored the significant growth in the presence of Swiss enterprises on Serbian soil, heralding a prosperous era of burgeoning bilateral trade. Ambassador highlighted the realm of service exchange, where Switzerland has ascended to become Serbia’s fourth most crucial global partner. Such milestones, he intimated, only exemplify the strength and depth of their rapport. Amplifying the evening’s allure, a special edition of CorD Magazine made its illustrious debut, captivating the discerning attendees.

Celebration of India’s Independence Day

6/8/2023

The Embassy of India in Belgrade marked the 77th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2023, within the premises of the Chancery. Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Sandeep Kumar raised the national flag and delivered the address to the Nation as conveyed by the Honourable President. Over the past two years, the Embassy has orchestrated a series of events to spotlight India’s rich cultural heritage and illustrious history as part of the celebrations under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav stands as a nationwide and community-driven endeavour to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence and the remarkable history of its people, culture, and accomplishments.

Faces & Places

Ukraine Independence Day Marked

24/8/2023

In a poignant display of solidarity, the streets of Belgrade bore witness to the commemoration of Ukraine’s Independence Day. With the unfurling of the Ukrainian flag in Republic Square and a Solidarity March, the occasion resonated deeply with the hundreds in attendance, including diplomatic dignitaries and members of the Ukrainian community. Wending their way from Pionirski Park to Republic Square, the assembly paid tribute to the fallen with a minute of silence, accompanied by the resonant strains of both the Serbian and Ukrainian anthems. Ambassador H.E. Volodymyr Tolkač of Ukraine addressed the gathering, acknowledging the constraints of the times: “Ukraine today celebrates its paramount national holiday, Independence Day. Given the circumstances, we are once again unable to extend our invitation for your presence and the savouring of Ukrainian delicacies. This day, yet again, dawns amidst the backdrop of conflict.”