France 2024

Celebrating Unity

Dragan Stokić

Sanja Ivanić Director General of the FrenchSerbian Chamber of Commerce, Secretary General of the Council of

Stanislas Pierret

Dejan Majić

Miloš Vuksanović Schneider

Mirjana Živković Director, Vossloh MIN Switches

By Marko Čadež

FRANCE 2024

40 Science in the Service of Justice & Freedom

Aleksandra Kolaković Ph.D., Senior Research Associate of the Institute for Political Studies

40

The Road to an Enduring Friendship

Dr Jasmina Grbović Novaković Full Research Professor, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade

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Significant Experience & Promising Results

Marija Vidović Associate Research Professor. Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE). University of Belgrade

Organising the Olympics is Truly a Team Sport

Paris 2024 aims to make the Games accessible and sustainable, and to reduce the carbon footprint of previous Olympics by half. The legacy project focuses on developing Seine-Saint-Denis and enhancing sport’s role in addressing societal challenges across France

Etienne Thobois

Paris 2024 CEO

Much has already been written about the Paris Olympics. As we count down to the 2024 Summer Games, branded as ‘Paris 2024’ and set to take place from 26th July to 11th August, we’ve decided to focus on the Olympics’ impact on the social fabric of society. Paris will be the main host city, with events also taking place in 16 other cities across Metropolitan France and one subsite in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Our interview with Paris 2024 CEO Etienne Thobois focuses primarily on the potential impact of the Olympics on Seine-Saint-Denis, one of Paris’s departments. Seine-Saint-Denis is the youngest, fastest-growing and poorest department in France, and its inhabitants are set to benefit from the economic opportunities likely to be brought by the Games.

While each event is unique, the philosophy behind the Paris Olympics—focused on supporting equality, sustainability, and efficiency—can serve as a model of modern thinking for Serbia’s organisers of Expo 2027.

The French government was determined to ensure this year’s Summer Olympics would be green, inclusive and socially beneficial. Could you please introduce us to this aspect of Paris 2024, before we immerse ourselves in the sports, winners and medals?

— From the bid phase, we had a clear objective – shared by all Paris 2024 stakeholders – to organise Games of a new era, which would be both spectacular and useful, responding to the challenges of our changing world.

The starting point is our plan for the Games to use 95% existing and temporary infrastructure. Those temporary venues, set among some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, are central to our Paris 2024 concept. When we talk about ’Games Wide Open’, it’s this idea of taking sport out of its traditional spaces and bringing it to the heart of the city and our communities, notably with the first-ever Opening Ceremonies to be held outside of a stadium, where more than

220,000 people will have the opportunity to attend for free, and with the first-ever mass participation events in the context of an Olympic and Paralympic Games.

So, it’s about bringing the Games closer to the people, for everyone to be able to share in the experience, but it’s also about aligning them more with the needs and expectations of modern society. Our low-build venue plan supports our commitment to cut the carbon footprint of the Games in half compared to the average of London 2012 and Rio 2016. It also means that our Olympic Legacy project differs from what we’ve seen elsewhere, with a very targeted physical legacy, focused on the host department of SeineSaint-Denis, which is the youngest, fastest-growing and poorest in France. Our only two major construction projects both respond to very specific needs of the local area, and will contribute powerfully to its ongoing social and economic development.

Alongside this, we have a wider project to drive positive impacts through-

SAFETY

We want these Games to be open to as many people as possible on a scale we’ve never seen before. But we are very clear: these ambitions can only be delivered if the security conditions are met

out France by strengthening the place of sport in our society and as a tool to address today’s biggest societal challenges. One good example is our ’30 Minutes’ initiative, which has been adopted by 91% of French primary schools and sees children now doing 30 minutes of sport or physical activity every day, in addition to their PE lessons. This is a type of legacy that did not need to wait for the Games, and we’ve benefitted from close and early collaboration with government and social institutions to amplify our impact.

With 800 sporting events, 15,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers and 13 million meals, maintaining sustainability throughout the Olympic Games is undeniably challenging. What innovations are you most proud of?  — Our actions in this area are all geared towards doing better with less. As we have said, it starts with using 95% temporary or existing infrastructure, but there are many examples of innovation across all aspects of our operations.

When it comes to venue development, for example, we are renting materials instead of buying them new – and we are guaranteeing a second life for every piece of equipment used, whether it’s a mattress in the Athletes’ Village or a seat in a temporary stand.

Very significantly, we are connecting every venue, including temporary venues, to the electricity grid in order to reduce our reliance on carbon-intensive diesel generators, both during the Games and for events in the future. Every Olympic venue is also guaranteed to be powered 100% by renewable energy thanks to a unique (in the context of the Games) power purchase agreement.

We could also include the example of catering, where we are doubling the amount of plant-based food on offer to athletes and spectators across our ven-

BENEFITS

The residents and businesses of SeineSaint-Denis, which is the youngest, fastest-growing and poorest department in France, are on the frontline to benefit from the economic opportunities of the Games

ues compared to previous Games, with 80% of all produce used coming from French sources. This will equate to 50% carbon reduction per meal.

And something that definitely makes us proud is the way we have engaged our whole ecosystem in this effort to make the Games an accelerator of bold sustainability objectives. One example is the work of the City of Paris and State authorities to clean up the River Seine and make it swimmable for the first time in 100 years. We could also talk about Coca-Cola, which is investing significantly in the accelerated roll-out of drinks

Our ’30 Minutes’ initiative has been adopted by 91% of French primary schools and now sees children doing 30 minutes of sport or physical activity every day

fountains – representing a big factor in our effort to halve the amount of single-use plastic used in food and beverage service.

Olympic Games are often seen as having been a great hit or a miss, mostly in economic terms. What are your recipes for converting green investments, i.e., costs, into profit generating machines?  — As an Organising Committee, we are not aiming to turn a profit. We’ve been clear from the start regarding our objective to maintain a balanced budget, and we are on track to achieve that.

It’s a matter of some pride, because the global macroeconomic conditions

INNOVATION

The starting point is our Games plan to use 95% existing and temporary infrastructure. Those temporary venues, set among some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, are central to our Paris 2024 concept

of the past seven years have not made things easy. We’ve maintained a rigorous focus on cost optimisation throughout, which has helped us keep budget increases below the overall rate of inflation across the lifetime of the project. Today, the Organising Committee budget stands at 4.4 billion euros and is 96% privately financed.

The SOLIDEO budget for Games-related, long-term investment is also 4.4 billion euros, 1.7 billion of which is publicly funded, with the remaining 60% coming from private developers. The strategy from the outset was to invest only in new infrastructure where there was a clear and proven long-term need, with 80% of all the public money spent on the Games focused on the fast-growing Seine-Saint-Denis department.

Specifically, as the site of the Athletes’ Village and Media Village Cluster, this department will benefit in legacy from 4,000 much-needed new homes, built to the highest standards of accessibility and eco-design, 25 per cent of which will be dedicated social housing. A further third will be rented as affordable housing for students and key workers.

Alongside this, the new Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis is the centrepiece of a major legacy project targeting an unacceptable reality whereby 60% of children across the Seine-SaintDenis department currently leave primary school (at age 11) unable to swim.

Overall, the Games project will leave a legacy of 20 new community swimming pools across the department. In addition to the four pools of the Olympic Aquatics Centre, these include 12 new pools spread across three training venues for the Games, and four temporary pools used for the swimming competitions at Paris La Défense Arena, which will be permanently relocated to locations in Seine-Saint-Denis after the Games.

The residents and businesses of these

areas are also on the frontline to benefit from the economic opportunities of the Games, which are estimated at up to 11.1 billion euros across the Paris region, according to a recently updated forecast by France’s CDES, using new methodology developed with the OECD.

What strategies are being implemented by organisers of the Games and their strategic partners in order to utilise Paris 2024 as a catalyst to develop the economy, reduce inequality and promote employment?

— Many actions have been undertaken by Paris 2024 and SOLIDEO, our delivery partner, to guarantee that the five billion euros of Games-related contracts awarded benefit the entire economic fabric, placing a special emphasis on the small and social business sector.

On the Paris 2024 side alone, 2.7 billion euros of contracts have been awarded, with 79% of contractors and suppliers being small or medium-sized businesses. They include 304 social enterprises. Likewise, we have placed a major focus on ensuring the jobs boost of the Games benefits those furthest away from employment, and does so in a sustainable way, working with government and social institutions to deploy innovative solutions such as the very popular programme of sports-based job dating sessions.

In total, 181,000 people will work directly on the Games – and in sectors offering long-term employment opportunities such as construction and tourism. On Games infrastructure projects, 2,935,357 hours of work have been completed in the context of social (re)integration schemes – 120% of the target set for SOLIDEO.

In today’s polarised world, when a larger number of participants are anticipated than was the case a century ago, when Paris last hosted the Summer Olympics, how complicated is it to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators?   — From the very beginning, security has been the condition on which our whole plan is based. We want these Games to be open to as many people as possible; we want them to be open to the city on a scale we’ve never seen before. But we are very clear: these ambitions can only

be delivered if the security conditions are met.

That’s something we knew from the start. Before confirming the plans for the Opening Ceremony, for example, we carried out extensive feasibility studies with our partners in the State security services, considering every type of threat. We continue to work daily in coordination with the highest levels of the French State security and intelligence services.

Our confidence is based on this work, and based on France’s expertise in delivering festive major events, even in challenging security contexts. We could give the example of Euro 2016, held just a few months after the Paris attacks, which saw thousands of people celebrating together in city-centre fan zones. Indeed, since

lic enthusiasm to join the celebration this summer.

We are introducing a number of innovations, each designed to bring the Games and the public closer together.

So, we have this unique Opening Ceremony down the River Seine, with more than 220,000 people enjoying free access on the upper banks.

We have sporting competitions staged among iconic landmarks, in the very heart of the city, on a scale never before seen.

We have the first-ever Games mass participation event, the Marathon Pour Tous, which will see 40,000 members of the public run the same route, on the same day, as Olympic competitors.

And we also have the first-ever Champions Park, a free-access celebration venue at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, with

We want to bring the Games and the public closer together. At the Opening Ceremony down the River Seine, more than 220,000 people will enjoy free access on the upper banks

2015, risks of a terrorist nature have been systematically built into the design of all security measures in France. This has been the case for Paris 2024.

The Games will see the biggest ever security operation for an event in France. An unprecedented 35,000 state security personnel will be mobilised every day of the Games and the Opening Ceremony will see more than 45,000 State security personnel deployed across central Paris, including specialist air and river forces – in addition to the Games private security force.

Everything is in place for visitors to enjoy a wonderful, safe and once-in-alifetime celebration.

How will Paris celebrate sport and innovate the Olympic Games as a sporting arena?

— The experience of the Games for spectators will be like no other. Paris itself will transform into an Olympic Park as the epicentre of an incredible party, extending nationwide throughout France. The Olympic Torch Relay is already giving a taste of the spectacle and the pub-

120,000 people gathering daily to honour and party with Games medallists.

We are hoping that each of these concepts will leave its mark on the history of the Games.

Finally, what can Belgrade, which is investing a lot in the upcoming Expo 2027 event, learn from your model?  — It is early for us to be giving advice. For now, we are staying humble and focused on delivering our Games.

One key lesson learned on our side is the importance of setting a clear vision for your project – and with a high enough level of ambition to galvanise and bring together behind it all the key public and private stakeholders, as well the public. That’s because organising a major event is truly a team sport.

We certainly believe that our low-build model, with its very targeted legacy investments and rigorous focus on cutting carbon emissions, can serve as a blueprint for the future. But every Games, every event and every host city offers something different and you need to know how to play to your own strengths.

Fraternity Through Sport

As part of the Olympic tradition, France, as the host country of this year’s Summer Games, presented a resolution on the observation of the Olympic truce to the UN General Assembly. And it was largely adopted, with the noticeable abstentions of Russia and Syria. It is in this spirit that President Macron called for an Olympic truce on all theatres of war and stated his willingness to take “diplomatic initiatives” in favour of peace during the Games ~ Pierre Cochard

H.E. Pierre Cochard

French Ambassador to Serbia

By Ljubica Gojgić

Despite disagreement on some issues, such as Kosovo’s request to join the Council of Europe or support for the Resolution on genocide in Srebrenica, France and Serbia remain close, while France also wants to deepen economic ties with Serbia, says Ambassador Cochard. Speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine, he confirms that discussions of new forms of cooperation could resume in Belgrade during the next visit of the French president, which is planned.

Your Excellency, under what slogan and with what message will France celebrate its National Day this year?

— Fostering fraternity through sport will definitely be this year’s message for our national day. France will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and at various venues across the country and beyond: Marseille, Bordeaux, Tahiti… I am convinced that these Games will provide an occasion for people all around the world to experience French hospitality and witness our knowhow in organising such events. We are very much looking forward to the Olympic Games and our annual celebration will be organised in the spirit of the respect, friendship and excellence that were promoted by Pierre de Coubertin. Most Serbian participants in the Olympics will al-

ready be in France by then, but we will hopefully greet many of them, with their medals, on their way back!

The following months will be marked under the sign of excellence in sports, but not only that, as the December 2024 reopening of Notre Dame will demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together and with the support of so many individuals and countries around the world. When it comes to respect and friendship, France does everything that’s possible to promote these principles – by promoting multilateralism and cooperation – both at an international and national level. In Serbia, friendship and respect are at the core of our bilateral relations.

On the eve of this year’s holiday, both in France and across Europe, President Emmanuel Macron’s announcements that France might send its military instructors to support the Ukrainian army are being closely followed. What is the sentiment among the French people regarding this initiative?

— The French people are very conscious of what is at stake in Ukraine. This war has an existential character for all of us. The war of aggression that Russia wages against a sovereign country, constantly denying its very existence, the existence of the Ukrainian nation and the free will of the Ukrainian people, is jeopardising the stability of the European continent as a whole. The French position has always been very clear: we are not at war with Russia, but we will do all we can to support Ukraine’s resistance and to help the Ukrainian people protect their freedom and sovereignty. France has done everything possible to engage in dialogue with Russia. Vladimir Putin rejected this and decided to lead his country into a disastrous war.

When it comes to military instructors, many fake news stories have been circu-

conflicts, and especially the ones you mention, through the Olympic and Paralympic Games. France is doing everything it can to promote peace. As part of the Olympic tradition, France – as host country of the Games – presented to the UN General Assembly a resolution on the observation of the Olympic truce. And it was largely adopted, with the noticeable abstentions of Russia and Syria. It is in this spirit that President Macron called for an Olympic

Artificial intelligence, environmental and energetic transition - are essential for the development of Serbia and its alignment with the European Union

lated. The possibility of training in Ukraine has been discussed with our partners since the Ukraine Support Conference that was held in Paris on 26th February, and taking into account the official request submitted to the EU by the Ukrainian authorities. No decision has so far been taken. Our aim has always been the same: to give Ukraine and the Ukrainian people the means to defend themselves against brutal and illegal aggression.

Paris is preparing to once again host the Olympic Games. Can the Olympics, like in ancient times, serve not only as a venue for sporting competition, but also as a platform for peace talks to bring an end to conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza?

— We have the ambition to offer a moment of hope to people suffering from

truce in all theatres of war and stated his willingness to take “diplomatic initiatives” in favour of peace during the Games.

I hope that world leaders will seize this opportunity to move forward collectively on such a crucial issue. But the responsibility to silence the guns belongs first and foremost to the aggressors that are acting in violation of international law and the UN Charter.

During the most recent meeting between the presidents of Serbia and France, it was announced that a contract for the purchase of French “Rafale” fighter jets is expected to be signed soon, with the French President personally attending the event. Has this event already been planned? — President Macron intends to visit Serbia very soon, as he values our close re-

lations with Serbia. His first visit, in 2019, was an important milestone in the renewal of our longstanding friendship that led to the signing of an inter-governmental agreement in 2020, covering important projects like the Belgrade metro. Since that time, our two countries have had numerous high-level contacts. As you stated, President Vučić was in Paris last April, while President Macron has reiterated his willingness to come to Serbia and discuss ways to reinforce our bilateral relations in many fields, in view of our future increased cooperation as fellow EU member states. And, indeed, this includes the reinforcement of our already strong and solid cooperation in the defence sector, in order to be able to protect our common defence and security interests.

It emerged at the same meeting that interest exists in strengthening economic cooperation through the involvement of French companies in the fields of energy, environmental protection and artificial intelligence in Serbia. Can we expect something concrete soon? — Indeed, France is striving to deepen its economic ties with Serbia. The sectors you mentioned - artificial intelligence, environmental and energetic transition - are essential for the development of Serbia and its alignment with the European Union. French companies are increasingly present in Serbia. Trade between our two countries has tripled since 2010! The recent visit of a delegation of French firms was a concrete indicator of the deepening of our economic relations. The dele-

PARIS 2024

We will hopefully greet many Serbian participants with their medals, on their way back!

gation met with President Vučić and several ministers. This visit led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Serbian government, Vinci and Suez concerning the Veliko Selo water treatment plant, the first such facility in Belgrade. An agreement regarding the financing of a Smart Grid project has also been signed.

To what extent have bilateral relations between France and Serbia been impacted by your country’s co-sponsorship of the Resolution on Srebrenica, which was proposed to the UN General Assembly by Germany and has been perceived in Serbia as an act against the country and a destabilising factor for the region?

— Our bilateral relations, as well as the relationship between our two presidents, are based on trust and sincerity. We may disagree on some issues, but we have no hidden agenda. Our only agenda is to remain faithful to our longstanding friendship and to help Serbia become a full member of the EU as soon as possible.

The resolution establishes an International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of what happened in Srebrenica in July 1995, the massacre of 8,000 adults and children, which was unequivocally qualified as genocide by the International Court of Justice. We believe there is a collective duty of memory, a “devoir de mémoire”, as we say in French, when it comes to such terrible events and France did its part concerning the tragic events of our own past. That’s why France supported the adoption of this resolution. It is not a negation of the other crimes that were committed during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. And the text does not contain any idea of collective responsibility for the Srebrenica genocide.

Whatever judgement we may have on the impact of this resolution, what really matters now is to work together to prevent the hatred, glorification of war criminals and ethnonationalism that are, unfortu-

ENLARGEMENT

Enlargement is, and will remain, the key to our common security and prosperity despite the multiple threats we face

nately, still present around us. That’s the only way to help peace prevail in the region.

France initially supported Kosovo’s Council of Europe membership application, , but then withdrew its support. How firm is Paris’s stance that there can be no progress for Kosovo until the Community of Serb Municipalities has been established?

— Our position is not only firm, but also very clear and has been stated many times. We support Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe as a way to protect the rights of citizens and minorities in this country, but this membership requires that Pristina take concrete steps to set up the long-overdue Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is essential for the stability of the region, and both parties must respect their commitments. There is no alternative to normalisation and France, together with its partners, will continue to insist on the creation of

VISIT

President Macron intends to visit Serbia very soon, as he values our close relations with Serbia

the Association of Serb Municipalities, as a priority and necessary step on this road.

How would you evaluate this June’s local elections in Serbia?

— If I am to quote the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR, they were wellrun and freedom of expression and assembly were respected. But the ODIHR mission also raises some concerns that are more or less identical as those raised in the report of the ODIHR regarding the 17th December elections. These shortcomings need to be addressed and the ODIHR has formulated recommendations that are very relevant.

We welcome the commitment made by Serbian authorities to implement them all, through an inclusive and transparent dialogue. I hope that this dialogue will lead to tangible progress in the coming months. This would bring the country closer to European standards, and improve Serbian citizens’ trust in their institutions and democratic processes.

Could the results of the elections for European institutions influence the EU’s course when it comes to events in the region and EU enlargement?

— We will have to wait and see for the new EU institutions to be formed in the coming months, but I believe that the major political equilibriums will remain the same.

Since the Zagreb and Thessaloniki summits of 2000 and 2003, the European Union and its member states have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkan countries. The European Council called for the accelerating of their accession process in December 2023. Enlargement is, and will remain, the key to our common security and prosperity despite the multiple threats we are facing. Ever more Europeans are aware of that, and I am confident that our priority will remain the same and I hope that Serbia will decisively take this opportunity: as its place is in Europe and nowhere else.

A Chance that Should be Taken

The CCIFS’s main objective is to promote the Serbian market’s potential among French companies. This is essential if the current very good cooperation is to deepen and include more companies

Numerous opportunities are in front of us that should be utilised – to summarise the key message of CCIFS President Dragan Stokić in this interview. And by opportunities he is referring to both the possibilities offered by the initiating of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between France and Serbia. It is in this domain that the Chamber sees its key role, says Stokić. The appointing of the new government of the Republic of Serbia, which is expected to have a full mandate to devote to the further encouraging of economic growth, foreign investments and European integration, undoubtedly represents an opportunity to establish strong foundations for further progress. And Serbia’s commitment to digital transformation and developing new technologies also undoubtedly represents a particularly important aspect of this development.

We are witnesses to the fact that the arrival of major French companies has contributed significantly to progress in Serbia in the fields of renewables and smart infrastructure and transport networks, in areas of agriculture, the food industry and information technology, which are recognised as the backbone of future economic growth.

A new Serbian government was recently appointed and is expected, according to all forecasts, to have a full mandate. What do you think should be the government’s key moves if it wants to economic and FDI growth to continue?

— As president of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, I consider it essential for the new Serbian government to work continuously on a few key issues in order to support the growth of foreign direct investments and the county’s economic development. Firstly, the continuation of reforms is crucial. This includes the further improvement of the business environment through the reducing of bureaucracy, the advancement of legal certainty and transparency, as well as support for the development of the private sector. These reforms would serve to further improve the investment and business environment, which is crucial to attracting FDI. Secondly, accelerating the European integration process is essential to creating a stable regulatory framework harmonised with European standards. This would not only ease business operations, but also further boost investor confidence in the Serbian market. Thirdly, the existence of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is an

opportunity that should be utilised to the max, as it includes our country in the European single market even before we gain EU membership. This plan provides financial support and technology transfers that can contribute significantly to the development of infrastructure, energy, education and other key sectors. The government should cooperate actively with international partners in order to ensure the optimal use of these resources for the purposes of economic growth.

GROWTH

The existence of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is an opportunity that should be utilised to the max, as it includes our country in the European single market even before we gain EU membership

EURO INTEGRATION

Accelerating the European integration process would ease business operations and further boost investor confidence in the Serbian market

SUPPORT

As the FrenchSerbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, we are prepared to support all initiatives that will advance Serbia’s business climate and economic development

As the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, we are prepared to support all initiatives that will advance Serbia’s business climate and economic development. Our focus remains on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and attracting new investments that will contribute to both countries’ long-term prosperity.

The period of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić was marked by serious breakthroughs in digitalisation and the strengthening of the IT sector. How important is this area today as the foundation for building a knowledge-based society in Serbia?

— The digitalisation process isn’t just a priority for the Serbian economy’s development, but

French companies contribute significantly to Serbia’s technological advancement and the strengthening of economic ties between France and Serbia

also represents a great challenge. The Serbian economy is nonetheless successfully taking advantage of the positive aspects of this process, having launched many projects, with a special emphasis on artificial intelligence, and in the next three years, for example, Serbia will have the opportunity to chair the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. The applying of digital technologies is now an imperative for the sustainable and successful operations of all businesses, both today and in the future. Together with the initiatives that are supported by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, we will continue strengthening the activities of the CCIFS and its member companies in this direction, thus further advancing the digital econ -

It is great news that Serbia will chair the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence in the next three years

omy and the building of a society that relies on knowledge and innovation.

French companies are today increasingly present in Serbia and represent champions of the transfer of technological knowledge. In which sectors in Serbia is their influence most evident?

— The influence of French companies is most clearly seen in the energy and sustainable energy sectors (Schneider Electric, Veolia), where French companies are contributing to the development of renewables and smart grids; infrastructure and transport (Alstom, Vinci airports, RATP Dev), where our member compa-

15 Years of Friendship in Action

nies once again excel in improving transport infrastructure. Likewise in the fields of agriculture and the food industry (Lactalis, Savencia), and information technology (Eviden, Axians, Exclusive networks). Through these sectors, French companies contribute significantly to Serbia’s technological advancement and the strengthening of economic ties between France and Serbia.

In the period since our last interview, the world seems to have become even more complex in both economic and political terms. How does this influence the will of French companies when it comes to investing beyond the borders of France and how do they position this part of the world on their risk map?

— I would evaluate the current climate of economic relations between France and Serbia as being good. However, when it comes to improving these relations, an unavoidable segment is the promoting of the potential of the Serbian market among French companies, which is the CCIFS’s main objective. French companies are now more cautious in making such decisions, considering all possible scenarios and not taking the decision to enter any market lightly, precisely due to the global situation being more complex. On the other hand, it should be noted that the companies that already operate in Serbia are continuing to carry out their activities unhindered and haven’t been greatly impacted by changes on the world stage and geopolitical challenges, which is a convincing indicator of a positive business environment.

We are proud of all we have achieved over the past 15 years, strengthening the ties between the French and Serbian business communities, fostering economic cooperation, and supporting French companies in Serbia. However, our mission is not only about bolstering economic relations between France and Serbia, but also about creating long-term friendships and partnerships. With optimism and determination, we look to the future, ready to continue contributing to the community and achieving new successes.

ADMS Software Reduces Energy Losses

Schneider Electric’s cutting-edge energy-efficient solutions can slash energy consumption in commercial buildings by up to 30%, delivering a return on investment within approximately five years, as demonstrated in both Serbia and Montenegro

lients frequently seek our expertise in navigating the crucial energy transition, given that 80% of emissions originate from the energy sector. Schneider Electric provides advanced software solutions that facilitate network digitalisation and enhance operational efficiency, thus reducing losses significantly, explains Schneider Electric General Manager for Serbia and Montenegro, Miloš Vuksanović.

CAre Schneider Electric’s innovative products and solutions driving the development of the global market and industry?

— Digitalisation, electrification and decarbonisation are our main guiding principles for innovation. Buildings and industries, as the largest energy consumers, can save significantly by applying digital systems for monitoring and optimising energy use. Installing energy-efficient solutions in commercial and residential buildings is essential. The technologies are already available and can be implemented quickly. Developing renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power and hydro potentials, enables permanent decarbonisation that’s aligned with carbon reduction goals. The world will become more electric and decarbonised, and we expect even more investments in renewable energy sources in Serbia. The strong team at our Belgrade office quickly adapts innovations to the local market. It implements them through a wide network of

to highlight the fact that we aren’t only exporting software, we should mention our partnership with Elektrodistribucija Srbije, and our goal to digitize the network, thanks to our ADMS software, and thus reduce network losses and increase operational efficiency.

Is your new business facility in Novi Sad an example of a building that’s been constructed according to the highest ecological and energy standards?

— The Schneider Electric business facility in Novi Sad, known as InGrid, is an example of energy efficiency and ecological responsibility. By applying innovative technologies, the InGrid building achieves almost 50% energy savings compared to

Digitalisation, electrification and decarbonisation are our main guiding principles for innovation

partners, because we want these technologies to benefit as many clients as possible.

You are creating solutions in Novi Sad that are applied worldwide. What solutions are responsible for the new energy transition?

— EcoStruxure™ ADMS has become the standard in the field of power distribution and is used by over 110 companies, serving 200 million end-users worldwide. Beside ADMS and AGMS software that we developed in Serbia, new opportunities are also opening up for us. Schneider Electric, as a system with a wide range of products and solutions for different types of users, is globally interested in developing many solutions in Novi Sad. In order

standard buildings, using renewable energy sources. The reconstruction and revitalisation of the building, instead of new construction, further contributed to sustainability. We are proud of the Platinum LEED certification, which is the highest level of green building certification program. This facility is fully equipped with our solutions and is a true example of what we can achieve when it comes to efficiency and savings. Commercial building market trends now include user satisfaction and comfort. Buildings must be attractive to tenants even in 20 years. A greater investment in the latest solutions will pay off multiple times for investors. Our Novi Sad building demonstrates the possibilities, and we want to share this user experience with the market.

President Somborska – Pleasure is important

President, as the most significant brand of French company Lactalis, continues to strengthen its position on the Serbian market year on year. There has been no shortage of excellent results on the local market, thanks to the combined efforts of colleagues from France, Serbia and other countries where Lactalis operates.

President Somborska, a product that’s deeply embedded in the Serbian market portfolio of the President brand, is preparing to mark the 40th year of its own tradition next year. This milestone is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. In celebrating

this heritage, we unveil a refreshed design and a new campaign, all in honour of the rich history of President Somborska

President Somborska is a full-fat white cheese that’s a product of uncompromising quality. It has been crafted for nearly four decades following the original recipe of the Sombor dairy, ensuring a rich taste and creamy texture. Our commitment to quality extends to sourcing our ingredients — top-quality cow’s milk from the pastures of Vojvodina. We package it in 250-, 500- and 900gram containers in order to preserve its freshness. With President Somborska, you can be confident that you’re getting the best.

President Somborska is an ideal addition for preparing various types of salads. When combined with tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuce, rucola, herbs and olive oil, it allows for the easy preparation of a delicious meal. It also pairs excellently with deli meat products and serves as a perfect complement to quick snacks. It can also be served as a refreshing side dish to grilled specialities. It can be used to prepare sandwiches, canapés and bruschetta, as well as being a crucial ingredient in making pies and gibanica, giving them a distinctive taste. Regardless of how you choose to use President Somborska , one thing is certain – you will enjoy it. Pleasure is important.

TTrustworthy Partner

More than 200 French companies from the most diverse sectors have placed their trust in us when it comes to assessing the launching of business operations in Serbia

he Council of European Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce (CEBAC) was recently established in Serbia. Bringing together 13 organisations and over 2,000 companies with European capital, its establishment also coincided with the start of the implementation of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

Our interviewee for this special edition, CCIFS Director General Sanja Ivanić, was recently appointed Secretary General of the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers in Serbia. We began by asking her how CEBAC should function in practical terms and what its main areas of activity will be in the period ahead.

“I am greatly honoured to have been selected to become secretary general of the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce in Serbia. This election represents a great responsibility that I accept with pride, in order to effectively represent our members’ interests and promote their common goals.

“As secretary general, it will be my responsibility to coordinate the activities of the Council, promote our stances and interests among relevant institutions, and support the implementation of measures that will advance both the business environment and trade relations. I believe that, together, we can contribute significantly to strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and other European countries, resulting in lasting benefits for all market participants. We will also pursue the goal of improving the business environment in Serbia in such a way that favourable conditions are created for all companies, regardless of their capital status.”

Which topics will the CCIFS be addressing within the scope of that joint work?

— The main focus of our work in the coming period will be on the establishment of three key committees: ESG, Transport and HR, which will enable members to actively discuss relevant topics and form common stances.

Our priorities include the integrating of sustainable practices through ESG (Environment,

The Business Forum brought together over

150 companies from France and the Western Balkans

Social, and Governance) initiatives and the improving of infrastructure and logistics through transport projects, but also support in the development of human resources through exchanges of best practice in the management of HR processes. Our goal is to use these activities to create a supportive environment that will enable our members to operate successfully in Serbia, contributing to their long-term growth and development.

The France-Western Balkans Business Forum, held on 13th and 14th June, proved extremely important because it focused not only on Expo 2027, but also the question of how to turn the Western Balkans into a production and logis-

tics base for Europe. What kinds of expectations and recommendations did attending French companies have prior to this gathering? — This was the first edition of the France-Western Balkans Forum, and it was organised in Belgrade with the aim of facilitating a dialogue between French and Western Balkan companies, as well as strengthening regional cooperation.

The forum was held in Belgrade on 13th and 14th June and six panel discussions were held over the course of the event, each with over 20 panellists, from both prominent French companies and Western Balkan institutions and companies, while more than 100 B2B meetings were also realised. The forum brought together over 150 companies from France and the countries of the Western Balkans. Considering the success of this year’s forum and the strong interest among the attending companies, it demonstrated the existence of a great desire to further strengthen economic cooperation between France and the countries of the Western

CCIFS priorities include the integrating of sustainable practices through ESG initiatives and the improving of infrastructure and logistics through transport projects, but also support in the development of human resources

Balkans. We expect this to result in concrete projects and initiatives that will contribute to advancing regional economic integration and long-term development. We are announcing the new edition of the France-Western Balkans Forum to be held as early as next year, which we are certain will attract even more participants and deepen the dialogue between French companies and local businesses when it comes to considerations of joint initiatives. French companies want to utilise the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the regulatory environment and business opportunities in the region, especially in the context of ESG practices.

Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of including sustainability

COOPERATION

I believe that, together, we can contribute significantly to strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and other European countries, resulting in lasting benefits for all market participants

CONTRIBUTION

French companies don’t only integrate sustainability into their operations, but also contribute actively to the development of local communities and environmental awareness across Serbia

INTEREST

The first FranceWestern Balkans Business Forum clearly demonstrated the existence of a great desire to further strengthen economic cooperation between France and the Western Balkans

factors in their business strategies. Which of your members would you cite as role models in respecting these principles?

— French companies that operate in Serbia increasingly recognise the importance of including sustainability factors in their business strategies, and a number of them stand out as role models in respecting these principles. For example, Schneider Electric is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability through its products and services, implementing advanced technologies for reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Veolia distinguishes itself for its approach to managing water resources and waste, promoting a circular economy and reducing its environmental footprint. L’Oréal is also an example of good practice, with a focus on sustainably sourcing raw materials, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency in its production processes. Their commitment to ESG principles is also reflected through various corporate social responsibility initiatives and projects in the local community. These and other French companies don’t only integrate sustainability into their operations, but also contribute actively to the development of local communities and environmental awareness across Serbia.

The recent visit of the President of Serbia to France iincluded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding enabling long-term dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere. How is the Chamber included in the operationalisation of this MoU? — The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry has, for more than 10 years already, been an operational partner of Business France, the French state agency for the promotion of exports, and a member of Team France Export. And it has been working continuously to provide support to French companies wanting to develop their business activities in Serbia. We help companies from France in testing the potential of the market, identifying clients and partners, opening branches and in their general operations on the Serbian market. More than 200 French companies from the most diverse sectors (from industrial to service) have placed their trust in us when it comes to assessing the launching of business operations in Serbia. We likewise provide support to companies operating in the countries of the region, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Mama is a Home Away from Home

Mama Shelter Belgrade charms guests with its vibrant atmosphere, modern design, and top-notch service, making them feel at home in the heart of Knez Mihailova Street

As the number of hotels in Belgrade continues to rise each year, one place at the end of Knez Mihailova Street attracts tourists from all over the world due to its unique offerings and atmosphere. Mama Shelter Belgrade’s general manager, Dejan Majić, explains what makes this hotel so appealing and also introduces us to some exciting new features. Mama Shelter is a vibrant melting pot, welcoming guests from around the globe, making this hotel a truly international community.

As the number of foreign tourists in Serbia continues to rise, could you share where your guests predominantly come from and what draws them to Mama Shelter?

— Our most numerous guests come from almost all of Europe, especially Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, and Scandinavia. We also have guests from the region – Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary – and a significant number from the USA and Asia. They choose Mama Shelter Belgrade for our unique blend of modern design, warm atmosphere, and top-notch service. This

combination, set in the heart of Belgrade on Knez Mihailova Street, offers a truly unique experience that marries the local charm of Belgrade with global hospitality standards, perfect for guests looking to explore the city from the comfort of our hotel.

In recent years, the tourism industry has been driven by digitalisation, sustainability, and the quest for authentic experiences. How well does Serbia align with these global trends?

— At Mama Shelter Belgrade, we are not just a place to stay but a reflection of the

evolving hospitality industry. We actively embrace the key digitalisation trends, sustainability, and the quest for authentic experiences. Our digital platform simplifies reservations and communication for guests, while our hotel is deeply committed to sustainability through initiatives like recycling and using local products. By the end of this year, Mama Shelter Belgrade will be Green, meeting all the norms within the ESG campaign, a testament to our dedication to modern standards and our guests’ environmental consciousness. This commitment to sustainability will align with their values.

An emerging trend in hospitality is the “vibe check-in,” where guests expect a great atmosphere, ambience, interior design, hospitality, lighting, and music. Are these your hotel’s strengths?

— Yes, these are definitely our strengths. I can confidently say that Mama Shelter, as a brand, especially Mama Shelter Belgrade, has always focused on creating guest-centric interiors that make guests feel at home. Mama Shelter Belgrade is

known for its vibrant atmosphere and carefully designed interiors. Every corner of our hotel exudes good vibes and is very Instagrammable. This is accompanied by a special music program, unique staff interactions with guests, and our Mama

Guests choose Mama Shelter Belgrade for our unique blend of modern design, warm atmosphere, and top-notch service

Shop, which stands out from what you would expect in a hotel.

Belgrade and the rest of Serbia are preparing for EXPO 27, a pivotal tourism event. Will Serbia be ready to host guests from around the globe?

— I am absolutely confident that we will be ready to welcome guests from around the world for EXPO 27. Belgrade is a dy-

namic city that is constantly developing and improving. Let’s not forget that we have successfully hosted major events in the past where Belgrade has proven to be an excellent host. At Mama Shelter, we will certainly be up to the task and strive to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience and, most importantly, the desire to return to our city.

Mama Shelter has joined the Dis-loyalty, a new travel and restaurant membership-type program. Can you tell us more about it?

— Of course. The Dis-loyalty program is an innovative approach that rewards travellers for exploring different hotels and restaurants worldwide. The goal is to encourage guests to discover new places and experience different cultures. This program allows our guests to enjoy a variety of experiences while travelling, and we are proud to be part of this global initiative. The most interesting benefit of the Dis-loyalty program is 365 free coffees a year and a 50% discount on newly opened hotels in the Ennismore group.

s the Vossloh Group’s Niš company enters its third decade, its director, Mirjana Živković, announces that she and her team will continue to grow and enhance the company’s competitiveness by delivering reliable, safe and cost-effective solutions for the railway industry.

AWhat is it like to operate within the scope of a leading global railway technology company that has 30 production sites in approximately 20 countries?

— Since 2003, Vossloh MIN Switches Niš has been part of the Vossloh Group, which employs about 4,000 people and generates hundreds of millions of euros in revenue.

The privatisation that was completed 21 years ago marked a new phase in the operations of our factory, which dates back to the 19th century. Vossloh operates as an integrated group, with departments closely cooperating on the market, under the operational management of Vossloh AG, thus guaranteeing customers suitable products, systems and services from a single source.

Thanks to our parent company, we have access to the most modern equipment, tools and materials, as well as the latest technology. As a consequence, we invest continuously in the modernising of production and employee training. We increase our investments in modern equip-

Decades of Experience Guarantee Quality

Renowned German technology company Vossloh, which is focused primarily on railway infrastructure, took over the enterprise MIN Skretnice many years ago. And it today delivers its products not only to Serbia, but also to other railways in the region and around Europe

ment and technologies each year. We are proud to have an exceptionally skilled team that has longstanding experience in the company and is capable of creating products that satisfy all expectations of customers.

Your company designs, manufactures and supplies high-quality railway switches for domestic and international markets. Where do your products that represent the future of smart railways end up?

— As the general director of Vossloh MIN Switches, I proudly lead a fantastic team that designs, manufactures and supplies high-quality railway switches to Serbian Railways and other railways in the re-

We are proud to have an exceptionally skilled team that has longstanding experience in the company and is capable of creating products that satisfy all expectations of customers

gion and across Europe. Our end-users are mostly public railway companies, network operators and regional and municipal transport enterprises. They expect safe, economical, environmentally-friendly and proven products and services from a single source.

You last year celebrated 20 years of successful operations within the Vossloh Group. What plans and ambitions do you have for this new decade?

— Of the 20 years that the company has been operating under this name, I have spent 15 here. During this time, I have led – initially as the head of the design department and later as the operations manager – the successful implementation of several projects, from developing new products to optimising processes, resulting in improved efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. None of this would have been possible without the excellent engineers, designers and technicians at Vossloh MIN Switches Niš, who believe that top results require a team spirit and a stimulating working environment. My mission is to provide all of this, to drive growth and competitiveness, to deliver reliable, safe and cost-effective solutions for the railway industry, and to work on the conquering of new markets with the group’s support.

Vigilant Guardians

Eviden: Official Cybersecurity Services and Operations supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

At the heart of the Paris 2024 Games, as athletes face sporting challenges, our cybersecurity experts serve as vigilant guardians, providing invisible yet crucial protection.

As Europe’s cybersecurity leader, with a team of 6,500 experts and a global network of Security Operation Centres (SOC), Eviden combines real-time prevention, protection and monitoring services to counter cyberthreats that could impact the competitions, and Eviden fully supports Paris 2024 in hosting safe and secure Games.

We would like to thank the Paris 2024 Organising Committee for their trust and are proud to be appointed as the Official Cybersecurity Services and Operations Supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

In order to digitally secure both the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Eviden will provide cybersecurity products and solutions, as well as managing cybersecurity planning and preparation, and cybersecurity operations.

We offer robust protection systems against attacks leading to information leaks, data breaches, sabotage, reputational damage and fraud.

Our approach includes vulnerability management, real-time automated threat detection and response for 360° protection, in particular with advanced services based on artificial intelligence with AIsaac, our next generation cybersecurity detection and response platform.

Our cybersecurity approach is based on optimal preparation and planning. Beyond developing secure platforms, we focus on cybersecurity awareness and training. Our programmes include comprehensive audits, Cyber War Games, regular penetration testing, and Bug Bounty programs to ensure complete defence and adequate preparation against digital threats.

Our expertise in cybersecurity operations is demonstrated through the Security Operation Centre for Paris 2024. This starts with proactive cybersecurity incident management and the establishment of emergency response teams to handle cybersecurity incidents.

We also ensure the optimal management and operation of cybersecurity products and solutions, ensuring the rapid detection of, and response to, threats, as well as dynamic and rigorous risk assessment.

Our accomplishments rely on our rich history. Atos has been the technology integrator for the Olympic Games since 1992 and for the Paralympic Games since 2001. In this role, the Atos Tech Foundation’s business teams integrate the work of all technology partners of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A Celebration of Sport and Unity

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will bring together thousands of athletes from around the world for a spectacular event celebrating athletic prowess and global unity. With new disciplines, a host of attractions, and a commitment to inclusivity, the Games promise to be a memorable and impactful occasion

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are set to be an extraordinary celebration of sport, featuring over 10,500 athletes from more than 200 nations. The iconic Olympic flame will arrive in Paris, marking the start of the Games on 26th July, with events running until 11th August. This historic occasion will see the city of Paris, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landmarks, transform into the epicentre of global sporting excellence.

Organisers anticipate an impressive turnout, with over 10 million spectators expected to witness the event in person. The influx of visitors will not only fill the stadiums but will also contribute to a vibrant and bustling atmosphere throughout the city. Paris is ready to welcome the world with open arms, showcasing its readiness through meticulous preparations that have been years in the making.

PARALYMPIC GAMES AND INCLUSIVITY

The Paralympic Games, set to follow from 28th August to 8th September, will showcase the incredible talents of athletes with disabilities, further emphasising the inclusive spirit of the Olympic movement. Special initiatives have been put in place to support vulnerable groups, ensuring that everyone can partake in the excitement and inspiration of the Games. The Paralympic Games will highlight the resilience and determination of these athletes, promoting a message of equality and empowerment.

NEW DISCIPLINES AND ICONIC VENUES

Among the exciting new disciplines added to the roster are breaking, skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing,

which reflect the evolving nature of global sports interests and the aim to engage younger audiences. These additions are set to captivate spectators with their dynamic and contemporary appeal. The Games will utilise iconic venues across Paris, including the newly constructed Aquatics Centre and the historic Stade de France. The stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Seine will provide unforgettable settings for the various events.

ECONOMIC IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The economic impact of the Games is significant, with an estimated boost of €10 billion to the French economy. This includes investments in infrastructure, tourism, and various sectors benefiting from the global attention. Paris has been meticulously preparing for

Olympic Torch Lighting in Olympia

this grand occasion, with infrastructural developments that include the construction of new sports facilities and enhancements to public transport systems. The upgrades are designed to ensure a seamless experience for both athletes and spectators, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

One of the standout features of Paris 2024 is its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, aligning with the core Olympic principles of excellence, friendship, and respect. The Games will employ around 45,000 volunteers, whose dedication will be crucial to the smooth operation of events and the overall experience of athletes and visitors. These volunteers, drawn from diverse backgrounds, will embody the spirit of the Games, offering support and hospitality to all participants.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Paris itself will be a major attraction, with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral offering a rich cultural experience for visitors. The city’s vibrant arts scene, culinary delights, and historic sites will provide a plethora of activities for tourists to enjoy alongside the Olympic events. Parisian cafes, boutiques, and open-air markets will add to the charm and allure, making the visit a holistic experience of sports, culture, and leisure.

LEGACY AND SUSTAINABILITY

The legacy of Paris 2024 extends beyond the immediate economic benefits. The Games aim to leave a lasting impact on the city and its residents through sustainable practices and community engagement. Initiatives such as the construction of eco-friendly ven -

ues, promotion of public transportation, and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint are integral to the planning of the event. These measures are designed to ensure that the positive effects of the Games are felt long after the closing ceremony.

ANTICIPATED REVENUE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

The economic benefits of hosting the Olympics are immense. France expects to generate significant revenue from tourism, broadcasting rights, sponsorships,

and merchandise sales. The estimated economic boost of €10 billion will support local businesses, create jobs, and stimulate growth in various sectors. Additionally, the international exposure will enhance France’s reputation as a premier destination for future events and tourism.

CORE OLYMPIC PRINCIPLES

The Paris 2024 Olympics will uphold the core principles of the Olympic movement: excellence, friendship, and respect. These values will be evident in the organ-

Official Poster of the Paris 2024 Games

isation, conduct, and spirit of the Games. The emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability reflects the broader goals of the Olympics to foster global unity and promote a better future through sport.

Overall, Paris 2024 promises to be a landmark event, not just for its sporting excellence but for its celebration of diversity, unity, and the shared human spirit. The preparations and the anticipated impact

highlight the significance of the Games in bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the pinnacle of human athletic achievement and the enduring power of sports to unite the world.

The Podiums of the Paris 2024 Games

The Olympic and Paralympic Village

New Chapter in Economic Cooperation

Nothing will redefine French-Serbian economic relations like high technologies, which will give them a completely new dimension. It is now already certain that links between the two economies are expanding from traditional sectors of cooperation – like the automotive sector, food industry, construction and infrastructure – to encompass the fields of ICT, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, but also green and energy transitions, including nuclear energy

Just a few facts need be cited to explain the importance of strengthening Serbia’s strategic partnership with France in the field of high technologies when it comes to the further development of the Serbian economy on the basis of knowledge and innovation. France is among the drivers of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, which Serbia will chair in the next three years. It is also a world leader in the applying of artificial intelligence (in various segments of business and life – from industry, via telecommunications and transport, to healthcare), in the digital transformation of traditional industries, IT solutions for smart roads, railways and cities, and in the development of the start-up community... Around 3,000 new high-tech companies were established in France last year, which is more than in any other European country, while the recent business summit in Versailles saw France manage to attract a record €15 billion in foreign investment from global tech giants, six billion euros of which will be invested in the development of artificial intelligence, with almost five billion to be dedicated to decarbonisation projects. In the process of transitioning to sustainable operations and renewable energy sources, France’s experiences, knowledge transfer and investments – as a country that produces 70 per cent of its electricity at nuclear power plants – are more than invaluable for Serbia.

A new chapter in economic cooperation between France and Serbia officially opened in April 2024, with the Paris agreements between presidents Aleksandar Vučić and Emmanuel Macron,

the documents then signed and discussions with French companies that already do business in Serbia, but also those interested in Serbia as their next investment destination. Analysts have confirmed the evaluations of state officials regarding the huge space to advance trade and investment cooperation in traditional sectors, as well as opportunities for new partnerships in the area of high technologies. The joint activities of the two countries’ largest business associations have intensified in recent months. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia and France’s Medef network have made great progress on preparations for a major business forum that will be held at the Serbian House in Paris on 31st July, during the Olympic Games in France, and which will focus – apart from on the food industry and construction – on cooperation in the area of new technologies, with special emphasis on connecting IT companies.

Serbian-French economic cooperation has to date been marked by growing trade in goods,

Around

3,000 new high-tech companies were established in France last year, which is more than in any other European country

A whopping 80 per cent of total French investment in the Western Balkans has been invested in Serbia. According to NBS records, French net direct investments between 2010 and year’s end 2023 totalled 1.3 billion euros

which has tripled since 2012 and exceeded a billion euros for the first time in 2018, while it has since increased to a value of 1.8 billion euros. Together with exchanged services worth 500 million euros, last year’s total trade exchange between the two countries reached 2.3 billion euros. With a population of 68 million, the French market –on which Serbian exporters last year sold goods worth a mere 770 million euros – is among the European markets where Serbia is expected to improve its export performance significantly in the coming period. Viewed on the basis of individual products, frozen raspberries – despite a decline in the previous year – have been and remain Ser-

bia’s top product in exports to France, with Serbian raspberry growers selling a fifth of their total world exports of this “red gold” on the French market. That which the raspberry represents in goods is represented by software in the exchange of services. The value of exports of computer services exceeded that of raspberries exported to the French market for the first time last year.

Cooperation between the two economies is nevertheless most strongly marked by the investments of French companies. A whopping 80 per cent of total French investment in the Western Balkans has been invested in Serbia. According to the records of the NBS, Serbia’s central bank, French net direct investments between 2010 and year’s end 2023 totalled 1.3 billion euros. And according to some estimates, when both initial and operational investments are taken into account, French companies have invested in excess of 2.5 billion euros in the Serbian economy.

Around 300 companies under majority French ownership operate in Serbia today. They are present in almost all production and service sectors – from the automotive and food industries, via the machinery, wood, textiles, rubber and plastics industries, to the retail, construction, transport, tourism and ICT sectors. The experiences and business results of French companies in Serbia – such as Michelin, Lafarge, Tarkett, Schneider Electric, Mecafor, Novares, Hutchinson, Lohr, Streit Groupe, Le Belier, Lactalis, Savencia, Soufflet, Sicoberry, Accor, Atos etc. – represent the best recommendations to future French investors.

The trend of French companies investing in large infrastructure projects in Serbia, on the basis of the public-private partnership model, has marked the last decade. The concession-based investment in Nikola Tesla Airport elevated Vinci Airports to the top of the list of French investors in Serbia. Company Suez (now Veolia), in a consortium with Japanese company Itochu, is part of the concession for constructing and managing the Vinča facility for communal waste treatment and heat and electricity production, which was completed this year. Four French companies are already engaged in the design and construction of the Belgrade Metro. Local infrastructure development projects implemented together with the French Development Agency, which has its regional hub in Belgrade, are also underway.

New opportunities for French-Serbian partnerships have been created with Belgrade’s preparations to host Expo 2027, the launch of implementation of Serbia’s “Leap into the Future” national investment programme, which is worth 18 billion euros, and the construction of the Bio4campus as Southeast Europe’s future biotech hub.

Synergies of Science and Culture

The French Embassy and the French Institute are dedicated to fostering scientific collaboration between Serbian and French researchers in forward-looking fields like renewable energy, environmental protection and artificial intelligence

This interview with Stanislas Pierret, counsellor for Cooperation and Culture at the Embassy of France and director of the Institut français de Serbie, delves into fields that are less often promoted in the press: scientific collaboration and synergies in cultural production.

The Cooperation department of the French Embassy is this year focused mainly on promoting the priority axes set up by the Plan France 2030, namely to “support start-ups, SMEs, large industrial groups, higher education establishments, research organisations, laboratories or schools that would like to help “give France a head start” through innovation”, explains Stanislas Pierret. “That’s why we or-

ganised the third edition of the Serbian-French Innovation Forum in April 2024, with the aim of promoting partnerships between different French and Serbian actors in this field (research promotion centres, clusters, start-ups and colleges). The 2024 edition of the Forum, held at Palata Srbije and attended by Serbian Science and Innovation Minister Jelena Begović, brought together more than 300 entrepreneurs, researchers, students and directors of key organisations in Serbia (https://sfif. rs/events/#speakers-event ). The forum was dedicated to biotech and renewables.”

In addition, and in an effort to strengthen cooperation on innovation, the French Embassy has launched two additional programmes. The first is

the “Energy 2030” hackathon, which brings together students from the best engineering faculties and is aimed at encouraging the development of their entrepreneurial spirit. The other programme is called “Mission France” and it allows the best Serbian start-ups to discover the French market during Viva tech, Europe’s main tech event.

“Through this “innovation” component, the Embassy wishes to reach new audiences and foster the visibility of “France Excellence” scholarships that are reserved for Master 2 students and the “IT makes S(ci) ENSE” programme,” says Pierret.

The “IT makes S(ci) ENSE” programme allows Serbian researchers to travel to France for 15-day residences at research laboratories in order to identify common areas of research. “It aims to develop Franco-Serbian scientific research programmes on priority themes such as energy, AI, biotechnologies and therapies,” explains our interlocutor.

Furthermore, through the sponsoring of scientific exchange programmes that has lasted for decades, France has enabled longer residence trips for many Serbian researchers or practitioners in other fields of scientific research, which has contributed to increasing scientific knowledge and collaborative research in both countries.

“It is well known that dozens of famous oncologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, historians or nuclear scientists from Serbia have spent some time at the most reputable research centres in France and that many French specialists subsequently came to Serbia, further strengthening the ties between our countries,” emphasises Pierret.

The Embassy also organises conferences and exhibitions for the general public that address various subjects related to the world of science. “We this year concentrated on the themes of generative AI or the role of science in sporting performance, as the whole year celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in Paris and across France.”

The French cultural institute additionally organises frequent events related to the fields of the humanities and social sciences, often helping in the translating and printing of books in Serbian and bringing their authors to the country. Last year saw the IFS and the Belgrade Book Fair invite Thomas Piketty, one of the most famous researchers in the field of economic sciences, but also the organising of discussions and roundtables on psychology, history or French-Serbian cooperation in the field of archaeology.

Furthermore, Luc Julia, a French artificial intelligence expert, co-creator of the SIRI application and former technical director of Samsung, held recent a lecture at the Faculty of Organisational Sciences in Belgrade on the future of our society after the unfolding AI revolution.

Many of your events are regional and focus on the development of cultural actors from France and Southeast Europe. How does this approach foster the revitalisation of cultural production in the region?

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through the “innovation” component of our programme, the Embassy wishes to reach new audiences and foster the visibility of its scholarships

COLLABORATION

Renowned Serbian specialists in oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, history and nuclear science have collaborated with leading research centres in France

SUCCESS

The third edition of the SerbianFrench Innovation Forum brought together more than 300 entrepreneurs, researchers, students and directors of key organisations in Serbia

— The Teatroskop programme, which was created in 2011 at the initiative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and French Ministry of Culture, aims to foster and support collaborations between France and the region of Southeast Europe in the field of contemporary performing arts. In this very vast area, extending from Slovenia to Turkey, and very diverse region, which includes both the countries of the former Yugoslavia and EU member states, several cultural organisations collaborate mutually from one country to another. Through European programmes (such as the new Moving Balkans project: a platform dedicated to contemporary dance that brings together organisations from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Greece, Croatia and Albania) or historical relationships (Cirkusfera in Belgrade and Cirkorama in Zagreb have thus created a common network: Cirkobalkana, which notably pools a circus big top and the organisation of festivals). Teatroskop, promoting the circulation of French artists and professionals in the region, often helps to create additional links. We also have the long-term objective of creating direct collaborations between French and regional organisations, so that the projects envisaged between them can be displayed even further, in the medium to long term.

Could you tell us more about one such project, CIRCUS = ART. How did you come up with the idea to support the regional contemporary circus scene?

— Through the Teatroskop programme, the French Institute in Serbia has been supporting the contemporary circus scene for over 10 years – not only in Serbia, but across Southeast Europe. The Circus=Art project is special this year, as it has received dedicated funding that was requested by Teatroskop directly from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The idea and main goal are to support three Serbian circus associations: Cirkusfera, Ludifiko and Kreativni Pogon, for all the activities they’ve been implementing for many years: performances shown during festivals in May and September; circus practice and discovery workshops for children and adults; creation laboratories for regional circus artists; circus pedagogy workshops; advocacy for contemporary circuses among public institutions. These associations are linked with organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, thus ensuring that this project also has a regional dimension.

Serbian House for New Business Partnerships

We will present the new face of the modern Serbia to the world. We will show Serbia as a new European technological and bio-economic hub; as a new investment, business, tourist-wine and gastronomic destination and as an increasingly attractive place for global high-tech companies, but also for world film and TV productions and digital nomads...

By Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, CCIS

When the Olympic torch arrives in the French capital on 26th June, ships carrying more than ten thousand athletes will sail down the Seine and the 33rd Summer Olympic Games will officially begin on the magnificent Trocadero. And the doors of Paris’s Serbian House will open to welcome participants and attendees of this biggest sporting event on the planet.

In one of Europe’s most famous and unusual parks, in the famous edifice of Le Théâtre Paris-Villette, opposite the site of the host’s own French House and for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, Serbia will present the best of what it has to offer, apart from on the sporting front, through its national house project. This is a project that has engaged, in dedicated and joint work, the Serbian Government, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, the Olym-

pic Committee of Serbia and the Tourist Organisation of Serbia, but also museums, the national Archives and the Kolo national ensemble... Through a multifunctional and original art exhibition entitled “Roots”, which has been conceived by the Artbeat creative team led by Dušan Jovović, and with the help of modern technological solutions, we will present not only Serbia’s sporting history and the results and medals of our Olympians, but also our tradition and historical legacy, cultural heritage and scientific achievements. We will present the new face of the modern Serbia to the world. We will show Serbia as a new European technological and bio-economic hub; as a new investment, business, tourist-wine and gastronomic destination and as an increasingly attractive place for global high-tech companies, but also for world film and TV productions and digital nomads...

We will present an economy that has software as its top export product, a country of reliable companies that are trusted partners of European and global corporations, a country of creative, innovative and talented people... The host country of Expo 2027, which is making its own great investment “Leap into the future” in its preparations for this world exhibition.

Sport has long been much more than merely sporting competitions, and the Olympic Games have – by bringing together companies from all over the world and all industries – become a platform for previously unimagined opportunities to connect and establish contacts and new business. That’s also precisely why, at the initiative of the CCIS, the Serbian House in Paris will also serve as the venue for a series of business events and contents. One of the central events is the Serbian-French Business Forum, which we will host on 31st July, with the support of MEDEF International and Business France, and which will focus on business meetings among companies from the IT sector and the start-up community, but also from the fields of agribusiness and construction. Confirming the great interest in the forum and meetings with Serbian business leaders among French businesspeople is confirmed by the intensive communication that we’re conducting with our partner organisations, but also with representatives of the institutions and businesses of Nice, Lyon and Lille, the BPI investment fund, Serbia’s business diaspora in France etc.

On behalf of the Serbian business community, I hereby invite representatives of French and global companies that will be in Paris during the Olympic Games to visit the Serbian House. They will thus better acquaint themselves with Serbia and enjoy the music, colours, aromas and flavours of the Balkans, but also discover new opportunities for business cooperation with our economy. And this summer in Paris we will build new partnerships together and establish a bridge of time until 2027 and the World Expo in Belgrade, Serbia.

Years of the Scientific Partnership

Celebrating the strong and enduring scientific partnership between France and Serbia, here we highlight the thriving bilateral collaboration in innovation and research

France and Serbia have long maintained strong and enduring cooperation in the sciences. In April 2024, the third edition of the Serbian-French Innovation Forum was held to promote partnerships between various French and Serbian entities, including research promotion centres, clusters, start-ups and colleges. This year’s forum, hosted at Belgrade’s Palata Srbije and attended by Serbian Science and Innovation Minister Jelena Begović, attracted over 300 entrepreneurs, researchers, students and directors of key organisations in Serbia. The forum focused on biotechnologies and renewable energies.

In an effort to further enhance collaboration on innovation, the French Embassy has launched two additional programmes. The first, “Energy

French Ambassador Pierre Cochard and Minister Jelena Begović emphasised that the Pavle Savić Programme is an excellent way to develop researcher mobility and a stepping stone for participating in larger projects

2030” hackathon, brings together students from top engineering faculties to foster their entrepreneurial spirit. The second programme, “Mission France”, allows the best Serbian start-ups to explore the French market during VivaTech, Europe’s leading tech event.

Through these initiatives, the Embassy aims to engage new audiences and promote the “France Excellence” scholarships for Master 2 students, alongside the “IT makes S(ci)ENCE” programme. This programme facilitates 15-day research visits to French laboratories for Serbian researchers, aiming to identify common research areas and develop Franco-Serbian scientific projects in priority fields like energy, AI, biotechnologies and therapies. France has also long supported scientific exchange programmes, allowing many Serbian researchers and practitioners to spend extended periods in French research centres, thus enhancing scientific knowledge and collabora -

tive efforts in both countries. Notably, numerous Serbian oncologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, historians and nuclear scientists have benefited from these exchanges, further strengthening bilateral ties.

On 31st January 2024, the French Embassy and the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation commemorated the 20th anniversary of the “Pavle Savić” scientific bilateral cooperation programme at the French Ambassadorial Residence. This programme, named after eminent Serbian physicist Pavle Savić, has become a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, co-funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation. During the most recent call, 20 projects were selected, with the next call for new scientific projects scheduled for this spring.

The Pavle Savić Programme fosters scientific exchanges between research laboratories and scientific communities in both countries, enhancing their participation in European programmes and networks. Since its inception, 173 projects have been funded, with approximately 40 mobilities annually. This programme has created robust partnerships that often continue beyond a project’s conclusion.

French Ambassador Pierre Cochard and Minister Jelena Begović emphasised that the Pavle Savić Programme is an excellent way to develop researcher mobility and a stepping stone for participating in larger projects. Ambassador Cochard also noted the annual scholarships awarded by the French Government for Master 2 and doctoral studies under dual mentorship, as well as shortterm visits through the “IT MAKES S(ci)ENSE” programme. Around 20 Serbian researchers will visit scientific institutes in France during this year.

Following addresses by Ambassador Cochard and Minister Begović, four scientists that lead projects under the scope of this cooperation shared their experiences with the forum audience. Aleksandra Kolaković from the Institute for Political Studies, Marija Vidović from the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Jasmina Grbović Novaković from the Institute of Nuclear Research, and Tijana Milićević from the Institute of Physics spoke about their work and the benefits of this collaboration.

ALEKSANDRA KOLAKOVIĆ PH.D., SENIOR RESEARCH

ASSOCIATE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL STUDIES

Science in the Service of Justice & Freedom

Together with Sorbonne IV professors Philippe Gelez and Sacha Markovic, in the 2018 to 2022 period, I led two projects that unfolded within the framework of the “Hubert Curien – Pavle Savić” programme. The first project, entitled ‘French-Serbian relations in the field of diplomacy and media representation: Historical experience and contemporary challenges’, paid homage to the 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia, while the second project, ‘France and the Western Balkans: the legacy of the past and European integration’, served to expand the field of research. The results of these projects included an international scientific conference, a collection of papers entitled France and Serbia: Challenges of Eternal Friendship and two special French-language editions of the magazine Serbian Political Thought, four roundtable events in Paris, held at the Sorbonne and the Cultural Centre of Ser-

bia, as well as two in Belgrade. The most important factors for our work are mobility, access to archives and libraries. I am proud that we jointly mapped the fields of unexplored topics in French-Serbian relations and held guest lectures at the Sorbonne. The Pavle Savić Programme enabled us to engage in European scientific streams and to link up with 50 scientists in the field of social sciences and humanities, 25 of whom are young scientists. We applied jointly for new scientific collaboration on two occasions and received support. First from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and then from Francophonie for the current project ‘Strengthening and Perspectives of Scientific Cooperation in the Western Balkans’, which is being jointly implemented by L’INALCO, the Institute for Political Studies, the Faculty of Law in Bitola, the Faculty of Philology in Nikšić, the EuropaNova Academia and Cercle. The idea is to create a regional graduate school in the Balkans. We will soon see the publishing of my book ‘Nation of Heroes: French Scientists, Diplomats, Publicists and Artists on Serbia and the Serbs’, which was partly created as a result of these projects.

Our projects testify to the importance of the Pavle Savić Programme as a platform for developing scientific cooperation, which, alongside innovation, isn’t only crucial in the context of scientific results and scientific diplomacy, but is also an important component in the development of every country in this world of rivalries. I believe that the words of Ivan Đaja, an early 20th century scientist who was born to a French mother and a Serbian father, will also be important in the future: “Science is a great thing in and of itself. But it is even greater if directed towards great general goals of humanity as a whole... Science mustn’t be separated from the great ideals of humanity, justice and freedom”.

DR JASMINA GRBOVIĆ NOVAKOVIĆ FULL RESEARCH PROFESSOR, HEAD OF THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR HYDROGEN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, VINČA INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR SCIENCES, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

The Road to an Enduring Friendship

Serbia and France have fostered a productive 20-year partnership in science and education that stands as testament to the esteemed Pavle Savić Scientific Bilateral Cooperation. However, Vinča Institute researchers have enjoyed this kind of connection with French scientific centres for much longer. We were recently reminded of

this connection by the film Guardians of the Formula.

The story of the collaboration between the Vinča Institute’s Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy (CONVINCE) and the Neel Institute in Grenoble began back in 2011, at the meeting of the COST Action “Nanostructured materials for solid-state hydrogen storage”. At that meeting, Dr Daniel Fruchart, director emeritus of CNRS, said that his work on materials for hydrogen storage was inspired by the work of the Group from Vinča Institute. Of course, I was proud of my group and our accomplishments, so from that moment on we launched long-running cooperation that became a long-lasting friendship. We established our first bilateral project in 2016, with the main goal of producing solid-state storage material. After that, through the High-Level Scientific Stays programme, our young colleague obtained the scholarship in 2019 and had the opportunity to visit CNRS Institute Néel in Grenoble and receive training in state-of-the-art technologies for solid-state hydrogen storage. Over the course of the last 10 years, we have organised several conferences and workshops that have included the participation of the Neel Institute, Centrale Supélec, University Paris-Saclay, CNRS. Finally, last year, researchers from CONVINCE established cooperation with French company Jomi Leman, which deals with hydrogen storage. We have come a long way since 2011; from science to innovation for scientific collaboration, to cooperation with a company. And our cooperation has developed into a great friendship. We expect this cooperation in the field of innovative technologies for hydrogen storage to pave the way for new HORIZON Europe projects, in addition to increasing the visibility of both institutions.

MARIJA VIDOVIĆ ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR. INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENETIC ENGINEERING (IMGGE). UNIVERSITY

OF BELGRADE

Significant Experience & Promising Results

Soon after defending my doctorate at the Faculty of Chemistry in Belgrade, in the field of plant biochemistry, I took on my first project manager position, and it came within the framework of the Pavle Savić Programme of French-Serbian scientific bilateral cooperation. This project, “Regulation of fluxes of carbon and nitrogen compounds from primary to secondary metabolic pathways during stress responses in hybridised species”, enabled me to collaborate with Professor Anis Limami and Dr Françoise Montrichard of the University of Angers and the INRAE Institute. During the course of the project (2018-2019), me and our doctoral student visited the Angers University team three times, where we carried out modern analyses of isotopically labelled amino acids and acquainted ourselves with the organisation of the research work of our French colleagues, Professor Limami, Dr Montrichard and their doctoral student visited our laboratories twice, in order to learn about EPR spectroscopy. With exceptional results published in two highly esteemed international journals, collaboration with the team from Angers is continuing.

I am currently managing a new project within the framework of the Pavle Savić Programme: “VARIEGOMICS”, which is being implemented in cooperation with the team of Dr Mélisande Blein-Nicolas from Paris-Saclay University and the PAPPSO Centre of the INRAE Institute. During my visit to the French team last year, I had – apart from access to advanced equipment – the opportunity to

exchange knowledge with experts who have amassed many years of experience in plant proteomics. The preliminary results obtained are promising and I will be staying at the PAPPSO Centre again this October, in order to conduct additional analyses. In order for us to extend our cooperation, we applied this March for a joint national project of the French Government and for a European project.

The significant experience I have received through the Pavle Savić Programme, coupled with the support of the administrative team and accompanying events, has enabled me to develop as a scientist, but also as a project leader, and to establish my own research group with which I’ve applied successfully to several international and national projects of the Science Fund.