Partners ITALY & SERBIA: Always Together, After 140 Years, Let's Go Forward! by CorD Magazine

Partner March 2019

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ISSUE No.# 13

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ISSN broj 2560-4465

ITALY & SERBIA

ALWAYS TOGETHER

AFTER 140 YEARS, LET’S GO FORWARD! H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio, Italian Ambassador to Serbia ● Davide Scalmani, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade ● Marina Scognamiglio, Director of the Italian Trade Agency – Ita ● Giorgio Marchegiani, President of the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce ● Erich Cossutta, President of Confindustria Serbia ● Romano Rossi, Director of Progetti ● Paolo Di Bella, Director of Engineering Software Lab d.o.o. (Ltd.) ● Ivan Stojanović, Director of Modital doo ● Vlatko Sekulović, Lawyer and Owner of the Sekulović Law Office ● Dubravka Kosić, Lawyer at Law Office Kosić

ITALY & SERBIA

LET’S GO FORWARD!

H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO, ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

32 PARTNERSHIP FOR GROWTH

MARINA SCOGNAMIGLIO, DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY – ITA

ITALIAN SMES HELP BOOST PRODUCTION IN SERBIA

ERICH COSSUTTA, PRESIDENT OF CONFINDUSTRIA SERBIA

STRONG SUPPORT FOR SERBIAN RESEARCHERS

THE RIGHT PATH OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

ITALIAN DAY OF RESEARCH IN THE WORLD

ITALY AS A FAVOURITE DESTINATION

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ITALIAN VISUAL ARTS IN 2019

ITALIAN CULTURAL SEASON WORTH REMEMBERING

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“GIRO D’ITALIA”

TOURISM

RESOURCES

2019: SHINING YEAR FOR ITALIAN CULTURE IN SERBIA

DAVIDE SCALMANI, DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN BELGRADE

ITALIAN INVESTMENT FLOWS CONTINUING

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW: ITALY AND SERBIA IN FIGURES

ROMANO ROSSI, DIRECTOR, PROGETTI

CELEBRATIONS MARKING 140 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS & 10 YEARS OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ITALY AND SERBIA

SUCCESS MUSTN’T LULL US TO SLEEP

QUARTER OF A CENTURY SERVING THE YOUNGEST

PROMOTING SERBIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

GIORGIO MARCHEGIANI, PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMPANY KEPROM

COMPANY THAT KEEPS YOUNGSTERS IN SERBIA

PAOLO DI BELLA, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SOFTWARE LAB D.O.O. (LTD.)

A BRAND THAT NEEDS NO SPECIAL ADVERTISING

LOCAL OFFICE – GLOBALLY NETWORKED

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LAWYERS WITHOUT BORDERS LAW OFFICE KOSIĆ

DOOR TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE

ART

THE ART OF MAKING ITALIAN MOVIES CINEMA

IVAN STOJANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF MODITAL DOO

VLATKO SEKULOVIĆ, LAWYER AND OWNER OF THE SEKULOVIC LAW OFFICE

THE PRODUCTION OF BEAUTY!

ITALIAN DESIGN DAY IN THE WORLD

CONFERENCE: EXCHANGES & COMMON HISTORY

140 YEARS OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY & INNOVATION

MATERA, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

ITALIAN CUISINE

TOURISM - WHERE TO GO?

PERFORMING ARTS COLLABORATION

GIRO D’ITALIA: 11 MAY - 2 JUNE 2019

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ITALIAN STREET ARTISTS ITALIAN CONTEMPORARY STREET ART

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Miroslava Nešić-Bikić m.bikic@aim.rs DESIGNER: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs EDITORIAL MANAGER: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen TRANSLATION & EDITING MRP EDITORIAL Halifax Translation Services SPECIAL THANKS TO THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY IN BELGRADE SALES MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović,

n.trifunovic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs

PUBLISHER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

OFFICE MANAGER: Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

DIRECTOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com

FINANCE: Milena Vuković Buha finance@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs

BUSINESS PARTNER ITALY Published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17,

PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile:+(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs; office@cordmagazine.com www.aim.rs; www.cordmagazine.com No 13; ISSN: 2560-4465 All rights reserved alliance international media 2019 THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE

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

ITALY & SERBIA

“We are now called upon to make a joint effort that must be nourished by a great sense of responsibility: the task of relaunching the European project to make it regain credibility and cohesion, and to increase its sustainability, effectiveness, and plausibility”. Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, “Debate on the future of Europe”, European Parliament, 13/02/2019

ITALY & SERBIA

INTERVIEWS

H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO, ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

During a period when Italy and Serbia are celebrating 140 years of bilateral relations and 10 years since the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the two countries have many reasons to be proud of their friendship and to be both enthusiastic and ambitious in setting goals for the years ahead. One of them is the much-awaited completion of Serbia's EU integration, which Italy supports wholeheartedly

Let’s Go Forward! T

his year will be remembered as a time for celebrating the excellent bilateral relations between Italy and Serbia, a record in economic exchange and a magnificent selection of Italian cultural events that Serbian citizens will enjoy in 2019. However, it will first and foremost be remembered as a year in which both countries discuss how to make cooperation between them even better. Your Excellency, Serbia and Italy have celebrated 140 years of bilateral relations and you’ve said that the two countries are connected by strong links and a historical friendship. Could you elaborate? - The occasion is indeed a very special one, because this year we are celebrating not only 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, but also 10 years since

the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which officially marked our commitment to intensify a renewed cooperation under the basis of the common intention to see Serbia moving faster towards the European integration. We are pleased with the “special relationship” between Rome and Belgrade with which we have promoted the relaunching of existing connections in all fields. What do you see as priorities for the years ahead? - Italy and Serbia enjoy an excellent level of bilateral relations and we are here to continue strengthening this cooperation. We hope that Serbia will continue to progress rapidly on the reform path as it relates to the economy, but also the rule of law and public administration, primarily in the interests of its citizens, but also in the purpose of further accelerating the pace of EU

ITALY & SERBIA

COOPERATION

REFORMS

UNDERSTANDING

Italy and Serbia enjoy an excellent level of bilateral relations and we are here to continue to strengthen this cooperation

We hope that Serbia will continue rapidly on the path of reforms, in the economy, but also in the rule of law and public administration, because that is the primary interest of its citizens

Italy and Serbia, together in culture, innovation and progress, and along the European path - this is the meaning of the special anniversaries that Italy and Serbia are celebrating in 2019

accession negotiations. I see the focus on scientific and technological research, as a very promising sector that is proving to be an innovative field with great potential.

a “unique” list of choices, given the potential vastness of the Italian cultural offer to the Serbian public! For this reason Italy is a “cultural superpower”!

You recently presented the start of a cultural and economic year of Italy in Serbia. What is the selection criteria for the various events? - There are so many initiatives! Just scroll through the list of events to get an idea of the incredible work done by Italy in promoting cultural exchanges. “Vivere all’Italiana” - “Living the Italian Way” is the concept behind our programme of initiatives. This refers to the whole cultural heritage that Italy can proudly offer – including concerts, film festivals, art and design exhibitions and culinary events. There is a great variety within our cultural offer. You have correctly mentioned a “selection”: I would say,

What is the common ground tying the different events together? - It is all held together by the common denominator of the way in which Italians “live life”, which here in Serbia finds a particularly corresponding answer: passion, love for beauty and taste are transmitted not only through art, music and performances, but also through historical, scientific and literary events. We have been working in all of this with many Serbian partners and are pleased with their very good cooperation. For this reason, one can find in our programme the March exhibition of the “Bernini and the Roman Baroque School”, in cooperation with the National 9

ITALY & SERBIA

Museum, or the October exhibition “Inspired by Italy”, in collaboration with Matica Srpska Gallery or the Cinema Film Festival, organised in cooperation with the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque. But we also shouldn’t forget the arrival in Serbia of great Italian artists like Eros Ramazzotti or Isabella Rossellini.

as a means of bringing different people together, and such an approach is particularly successful here in Serbia. Reflecting on the programme, specific for this year of special celebrations, we have given particular consideration to our Serbian friends, a public always attentive to the quality of the Italian cultural and artistic offer. The message is certainly the following: Italy and Serbia, together in culture, innovation and progress, and along the European path. This is the meaning of these special anniversaries.

Italy is one of Serbia’s top foreign trade partners. Do you see space for the further development of this cooperation and, if so, in which areas? - The economic partnership is a fundamental pillar our bilateral relations with Serbia. In this regard, I would like to stress that last year, according to data of the Serbian Statistical Office, trade between Italy and Serbia exceeded a value of four billion euros. I am very proud to say that this is a record total for our two markets and a very significant result that was achieved for the first time. This shows that our economic partnership is not only mature, but also ready for further development, thanks also to It’s not only about culture. What I cannot predict what could the growing exchange that Serbia is building with the European single else? happen to the EU in 2019, but market. I believe that the future of - There is much more: the programme also consists of meetings, seminars Serbia will continue to count our bilateral cooperation lies in the of our value chains – a and events in which we talk about on Italy’s encouragement and integration very important step that is already innovation and research. I am very support until the completion becoming a reality through the work proud of this point, because “Living the Italian Way” is also creativity. of this EU integration process of many Italian and Serbian SMEs. As for specific economic sectors, I think This means that Italy and Serbia go that energy, new technologies, and, more generally, scientogether in the same direction, not only in appreciating tific and technological cooperation, are very promising. We art but also in scientific progress. Some of our economic have to continue to partner up and invest in innovation to or commercial events are traditionally held on an annual stimulate shared growth. The companies interested in this basis, such as the Week of Italian Cuisine around the market can count on the full support of the Embassy and World. There are also some peculiarities connected the entire “Italian System”, which also includes the Italian with the “double anniversary”, which certainly go along Trade Agency, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce with the rest: to better explain this point, this year Italy and Confindustria Serbia. is the “Partner Country” of the Novi Sad Agriculture Fair in May, and this event will, significantly, be accompanied Are there further instruments of cooperation in the by a concert directed by Maestro Marcianò. economic or administrative fields? - Italy has traditionally granted administrative support to What is the link between this programme and the speSerbian Authorities, especially through “twinning projects”, cial anniversaries of 2019? an EU-financed instrument intended to assist candidate - In this calendar of events, everything underlies culture 10

ITALY & SERBIA

- Not only is a comprehensive, legally-binding agreement countries, like Serbia, in their reform path towards EU between Belgrade and Pristina on the normalisation accession. We recently concluded a twinning project on of relations a prerequisite for the ultimate goal of EU anti-corruption, and another important initiative for the accession; it would also represent a “game changer” for “further development of the protection of competition in the stability and development of the Serbia” has now been launched thanks entire region. Certainly, the imposition to the collaboration between the Italian Trade between Italy and of excise duties on the Pristina side Competition Authority (AGCM) and its Serbia last year exceeded does not help at all efforts in this Serbian counterpart, with the aim of increasing the level of competitiveness four billion euros, which is direction. We have consistently urged Pristina to revoke such measures, on the Serbian market and strengthena record figure for our two allowing the EU-facilitated dialogue ing the impact of the private sector on to be resumed. the national economy. Italian experts markets, and a very also work closely with the Serbian Minsignificant result that was Do you believe in the continuation of istry of Agriculture, which has, over the years, developed a solid relationship achieved for the first time the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue under the mediation of the EU? with its counterparts in Italy, and we - The EU-facilitated Dialogue has been conceived to are now promoting a forward-looking cooperation with the promote cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina, to recently established Serbian Ministry of the Environment. help them achieve progress on their paths to the EU and to improve people’s lives. So, it can be effective if both You recently stated that Pristina should abolish exparties involved are seriously committed to achieving cise duties on goods from Serbia. How would you asa viable, sustainable and lasting solution. We are aware sess that move?

ITALY & SERBIA

policies and facilitate economic cooperation between Italian and Serbian companies. The bilateral exchange between our two countries grew constantly over the last three years and I’m sure that it will also continue to grow next year. Italy has a solid background in terms European and world economists warn of the possibility of economic and financial stability, while Serbia grew of a new economic crisis emerging. Many analyses menby more than four per cent in 2018. tion the problems of the Italian economy as a new and major risk for the We are aware that Serbia’s I’m therefore cautiously optimistic about the future. eurozone. Do you share that concern? leadership does not see - During my first year as Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, I met – I believe – any alternative to the EU- What awaits the EU after the May more than a hundred Italian compafacilitated dialogue between elections? - I see a global trend, and certainly nies, many of which have been working Belgrade and Pristina, and also a European one, which sees in this country for years, while many asking for more attention others are still interested in coming. we value its engagement, as electorates in politics to be channelled towards Entrepreneurs are very often less concerned about growth prospects proof of Belgrade’s readiness the people and “real life”. I recognise that as a legitimate aspiration for than economists. It is their job to to take further steps every citizen to ask for a less “distant” create profit, and they don’t just stop system, more tangible answers to needs, and the most doing that because of some negative forecast in the effective solutions to problems. I cannot predict what newspapers. Of course, global recovery has been quite the results of the next EU elections will be, but I assume unstable since the last financial crisis. Unfortunately, many we should all be ready to consider the growing dimension factors, like aggregated demand from major economies of this request of responsibility and responsiveness in or the cost of energy, are beyond the reach of single the next EU context. governments. That is why we have to retain proactive that Serbia’s leadership does not see any alternative to this process and we value its engagement, as a proof of Belgrade’s readiness to take further steps.

FOCUS:

10 Years Of Strategic Partnership: Achievements And Next Steps This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Italy and Serbia. How would you evaluate the effects of this agreement and what do you see as priorities in the perspective to continue along this path? Our strategic partnership is aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations between Rome and Belgrade, towards Serbia’s EU accession. Within last decade, a lot of goals have been accomplished. As for recent improvements, let me mention some agreements that were concluded in order to establish and deepen exchanges in many sectors: from the fight against corruption and organised crime, to cooperation in science and technology, to mention just a couple of examples. With respect to the economic sector, this strengthening of relations has been achieved in Serbia primarily through the greater integration of the economies of our two countries. An historical record of four billion euros worth of commercial exchanges between Italy and Serbia was achieved in 2018. Furthermore, one of the most modern main tools, through which our country assists Serbia in the process of reforms aimed at easing EU accession, is that of administrative twinning projects, funded by the EU itself. On the occasion of the signing ceremony for the Strategic Partnership Agreement ten years ago, then Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said that Serbia should enter the EU by 2012 or 2014 at the latest. What is the fate of Serbia’s EU integration in 2019? Will internal happenings within the EU lead to a further slowing of this process? The pace of Serbia’s EU accession path depends on many factors. The negotiation process probably represents the most compelling commitment, but here it is once again important to highlight that, from our perspective, Serbia already took some important steps. The number of chapters opened is not the only evaluation criteria to look at. Some further developments are needed, like reforms in the area of the rule of law, the agreement with Pristina, and consolidation of positive changes in the economic sector. I cannot predict what could happen to the EU in 2019, but Serbia will continue to count on Italy’s encouragement and support in the concluding of this process. 12

ITALY & SERBIA

DAVIDE SCALMANI, DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN BELGRADE

INTERVIEWS

At the National Museum in Belgrade, the Serbian public will have an extraordinary opportunity to see more than 50 masterpieces that define Baroque as the first truly European modern art movement

2019: Shining Year For Italian Culture In Serbia

he aim is to bring to Serbia a unique selection of Italian art and culture, a wide representation of that which characterises the Italian scene and embodies our cultural heritage. It represents an artistic revolution that was born out of the appreciation of the blooming of the Italian Renaissance, but which had to come to terms with a new image of the universe and the place of human beings within it.

How will Italy, as a country with one of the greatest culture and arts scenes in the world, present itself to the Serbian public in 2019? - When we designed the 2019 cultural programme, we constantly kept in mind the fact that the Serbian public is very knowledgeable and has high expectations when it comes to the cultural domain. Serbs love Italian art and the Italian way of life, which is why we wanted to provide the audience with the quality they deserve. We endeavoured to be part of the enduring relationships that have contributed to creating a solid background of friendship and mutual understanding. 14

The 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Serbia gives the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade the opportunity to build on this affinity. Is there any cultural event focusing on bilateral relations? - Yes. Together with the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Art, we’ve planned a conference to which we’re inviting historians from Italy and Serbia to discuss diplomatic relations and social/cultural exchanges between our two countries. Actually, the whole programme has been devised in collaboration with Serbian institutions. Are there any specific areas that the 2019 programme will focus on? - We aim to bring to Serbia a unique selection of our art and culture, a wide representation of that which characterises the Italian scene and embodies our cultural heritage. An example of the spirit of the programme is the exhibition “Bernini’s School and the Roman Baroque” at the National Museum in Belgrade.

ITALY & SERBIA

INFLUENCE

INNOVATION

IDENTITY

There is a mass of Italian protagonists renowned worldwide for their talent in such diverse field as fashion, architecture, design and culinary art

Art and cultural heritage are at the centre of creative innovation, representing a growth engine that is badly needed in our economy of knowledge

Italian artists have never ceased to work and create, representing part of the major currents that form our collective cultural landscape

The Serbian public will have an extraordinary opportunity to see more than 50 masterpieces that define Baroque as the first truly European modern art movement. It represents an artistic revolution that was born out of the appreciation of the blooming of the Italian Renaissance, but which had to come to terms with a new image of the universe and the place of the human being within it. Italy has a fascinating cultural heritage, but excessive funds are required to preserve and maintain everything. How much does Italy, as a state, receive assistance in maintaining its cultural heritage, which belongs to human civilisation in its entirety? - It is often mentioned in the public discourse that Italy is a sort of cultural superpower, owning a large portion of universal artistic heritage. Some data could help: 54 cultural and natural treasures inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List (more than any other country), over 3,400 museums, 2,100 archaeological sites, 24 national parks and 23 marine protected areas.

and historically relevant properties are in private hands and their condition is monitored by a network of public entities. However, let me say that it would be wrong to consider this only as a cost. The truth is that cultural heritage has huge

Italy has 54 cultural and natural treasures inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List (more than any other country), over 3,400 museums, 2,100 archaeological sites, 24 national parks and 23 Marine protected areas

Does it cost a lot to maintain all those treasures? - Yes, definitely. Italy has financial responsibility for more World Heritage sites than any other country in the world. A large share of the budget of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities is dedicated to the task of preservation: some 200 million euros just for regular maintenance over the next three years. The Ministry of Education is also investing in research and training in the field of heritage preservation, as well as local authorities all over the peninsula. EU support has also been crucial in some of the most relevant projects, like the recent Grande Progetto Pompei. The investment for the restoration of Pompei amounted to 105 million euros, 78 million of which came from EU funds. Private companies and individuals are also part of our system, given that some art

strategic value, not only in terms of soft-power, but also when one considers our social and economic well-being.

Is this a commonly held view? - The contribution of cultural industries and creative enterprises to the national product has been acknowledged only recently. The evidence is that culture creates many good jobs, adds value and can have a strong and positive impact, although not an easily visible one, on the development of any country. I would rather reframe the question of the costs in this way: art and cultural heritage are at the centre of creative innovation, representing a growth engine that is badly needed in our economy of knowledge. What are all the modern artistic expressions that make Italy part of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world culture scene? - Culture is a word that is often used to describe the past that 15

ITALY & SERBIA

marks national identity. Italian culture is mostly associated with the Roman civilisation, the emergence of urban life during the Middle Ages in Florence or Venice, or the great artistic achievements of the masters of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raffaello. However, Italian artists have never ceased working and creating, representing part of the major currents that form our collective cultural landscape. Italy was the cradle of 20th century avant-garde, with the likes of Marinetti’s Futurismo and then Spazialismo, Arte povera and Transavanguardia emerging in Italy. After the celebrated Neorealismo film movement, Italian directors contributed to a plethora of genres: commedia all’italiana, Spaghetti Westerns, socially engaged films, and mostly to the cinematic language describing emotions. It is no wonder that Italy is, after America, the country that has won the most Academy awards. In any number of cultural and art scenes, an educated eye can find the distinctive contribution of Italy’s cultural influence, not to mention the crowd of Italian protagonists who are renowned worldwide for their talent in such diverse fields as fashion, architecture, design and culinary art. What would you define as the most important areas in the

21st century in which Italy and its artists present themselves to the European and world cultural scenes? - We find ourselves at the end of the second decade of this century with very few commonly accepted criteria, in Italy or anywhere else. However, after the deconstruction of the artistic and cultural values operating at the waning of the last century, some insights point to a renewed need for authenticity. Some artists tend to perceive the necessity of a new definition of reality as the sphere in which we are immersed. In literature, for example, “autofiction” seems to define the current situation – think of Elena Ferrante or Roberto Saviano, for example. What is real, or appears reliable, is felt as being desired by both the audience and artists. However, it looks more like a goal that we need to point to than a primary foundation of aesthetic research. After the detection of the primary importance of narratives and the emphasis on the semiotic dimension of our lives -- the late Umberto Eco comes to mind – artists are pointing to something that goes beyond that. In that direction, the work of Alfredo Pirri – whose “Passi” installation will be exhibited in Serbia in 2019 – can be mentioned as an example of that struggle towards what is called performativity, which is the extra-symbolic effect of a well-crafted artwork.

FOCUS:

“Bernini’s School And The Roman Baroque” The exhibition “Bernini’s School and the Roman Baroque”, which will open at the National Museum in Belgrade on 7th March, is the result of fruitful collaboration between the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, the National Museum in Belgrade, Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia and organiser Glocal Project Consulting. Bernini (born Naples, 7th December 1598, died Rome, 28th November 1680), was an Italian sculptor, architect, painter, city planner and man of the theatre, both as a set designer and playwright. A multifaceted artist, he is considered the greatest protagonist of Baroque. His work dominated the European scene for more than a century after his death, and his influence on contemporaries and posterity was of enormous importance. The exhibition presents the lesser-known Bernini, focusing on his figure as a painter and designer, and gathering the works of artists who converged in Rome following the creative drive of this eclectic and polyhedral artist. Many genres are presented, from portraits and self-portraits to landscape painting, allegories of classicist flavour, preparatory sketches for large decorative frescoes, as well as the “the triumphant Baroque”, with its religious representations. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire 58 artworks related to prominent figures of the Roman Baroque and the School of Bernini, including Baciccio, Borgognone, Pietro da Cortona, Cavalier d’Arpino and Mattia Preti, to name just a few. The exhibition itinerary guides the visitor on a journey through the figurative imagery of 17th century Italy, to discover its intense and overwhelming language through the masterpieces of great artists, an extraordinary gallery of artworks, objects and inventions that comprise this unique collection. The exhibited works include creations from artists with various Italian origins (including Mantuan Domenico Fetti, Francesco Trevisani or Carlo Maratti from Marche) and also those from other European countries (Frenchman Guillaume Courtois, called “Il Borgognone”, Flemish artists Jan Miel, Ferdinand Voet and Jos de Momper, and Dutchman Poelenburgh), fully reflecting the cultural and urban renewal that transformed Rome during the 17th century into a modern cosmopolitan capital, a privileged destination for artists, pilgrims and travellers. The exhibition, which runs until 28th April, is sponsored by Banca Intesa. 16

ITALY & SERBIA

CELEBRATIONS MARKING 140 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS &

10 Years of Strategic Partnership Between Italy And Serbia MAIN EVENTS • Dario Fo at the National Theatre, exhibition and play (13th February) • Concert of pianist Alessandra Celletti at Kolarac Endowment Hall (25th February) • Inauguration of the exhibition La Scuola del Bernini e il Barocco Romano, National Museum in Belgrade (7th March – 26th May) • Guitar Art Festival: Concert of Giampaolo Bandini and Cesare Chiacchiaretta (13th March), as well as the participation of Michele Libraro and Giovanni Seneca in the event finale (17th March) • Symposium Club of Rome, history and perspectives, with the Club of Rome –Serbia and the University of Belgrade (18th March) • Italian Design Day (20th March at the Museum of Science and Technology, Belgrade) • Belgrade Dance Festival (organiser: Aja Jung), dance performance of Italian company Spellbound (25th – 28th March) • Italian Research Day in the World (April) • 140 Springs, films, exhibition and lecture in Niš (April) • Artistic encounters, exhibition of Anita Cerpelloni and Gordana Kaljalović at the Italian Cultural Institute (10th April – 3rd May) • Dance performance directed by Sabrina Bosco (organiser: Aja Jung) La vie Parisienne (27th – 29th April) • Celebrations of 40 years of the lectorate of the Italian language, University of Novi Sad (May) • Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad (Italy is the 2019 “Partner Country”, 11th – 17th May), in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) • Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad: concert directed by Maestro Gianluca Marciano (May) • Fare Cinema, exhibition of artist Alfredo Pirri at the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque (14th May) • Fare Cinema, Italian Film Festival, in collaboration with the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque (21st – 26th May) • Fare Cinema, Concert of Mauro Maur and Francoise de Clossey at the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque (26th May) • Piazza Italia-Subotica. Concert in collaboration with the mandolin orchestra from Busto Arsizio at the Franciscan Church of Subotica 18

(26th May), and at St. Stephan’s Church in Sombor (Carmelite Convent) (27th May) • Round-table event on the history of international relations between Italy and Serbia, with the Institut des Etudes Balcaniques and SANU (31st May – 1st June) • Italians in Serbia, Italian films screened at the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque (July/August) • Eros Ramazzotti in concert at Štark Arena (24th September) • International Day of Italian Contemporary Art (October) • Exhibition of historical documents related to Serbian-Italian relations, curated by the National Archive of Serbia, Belgrade (October) • Conference related to collaboration between Matica Srpska and Italian restorers from Opificio delle Pietre Dure of Florence (October) • “L’italiano sul palcoscenico”, 19th Week of the Italian Language in the World (21st – 27th October) • Inspired by Italy, exhibition with Matica Srpska, exhibition of paintings of Serbian artists from 19th and 20th centuries who were inspired by Italy (Italian Cultural Institute, 30th October – 29th November) • 4th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World (November) • 25th anniversary of the Rome-Belgrade flight (November) • Symposium “Italy and Serbia - literary, linguistic and cultural paths”, with the University of Belgrade (November) • Isabella Rossellini in Belgrade with the show “Link Link Circus” (November) • Manon Lescaut, in collaboration with the Livorno Theatre, at the Serbian National Theatre in Belgrade (December) • Events in collaboration with the Archives of Vojvodina: presentation of books on relations between Italy and Serbia auhored by Milovan Pisarri and Jovana Ivetić • Collaboration with the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad (Artists in residence, Opera festival in June, and Chamber music festival from 9th to 15th September)

ITALY & SERBIA

COMPANY KEPROM

BUSINESS

Quarter Of A Century SERVING THE YOUNGEST

eprom is among the leading distribution companies in Serbia and represents part of the Keprom Group, which includes the Aksa Kids Mega Store – a retail chain offering equipment for babies and todlers – and K-Pharma, in which eight “Velika apoteka” operate. Among the brands imported and distributed on the Serbian market by Keprom are renowned Italian brands like Chicco, Inglesina, PiC solution, Lycia, Bellelli, Plebani and Primi Sogni. Keprom’s anniversary of 25 years of successful operations coincides with celebrations commemorating the 60th birthday of the Chicco brand. Chicco is specific in that it is the world’s only brand with a production portfolio that includes all categories of products intended for the youngest, from birth up to the age of three. Chicco’s international story began in 1967, when its first shop beyond the territory of Italy was opened. This marked the first

step in a great journey that has led, 60 years later, to Chicco being present in 120 countries worldwide. And Keprom is precisely the company that is credited with the fact that this renowned Italian brand’s products are also available to parents in Serbia. Keprom is a participant in, and the driving force behind, numerous social responsibility activities. One of the best known is the campaign “Safety is never on vacation ”, which aims to educate parents about the necessity of using children’s car seats to protect the youngest vehicle passengers. The Chicco brand provided a great contribution to this campaign by investing part of the proceeds generated from the sale of Chicco car seats in the purchase of special brackets for the safe transportation of children in emergency vehicles. Keprom has to date purchased and donated a total of 19 such Fixo Kid, pediatric restraint system for ambulance car to ambulance services throughout Serbia.

ITALY & SERBIA

INTERVIEWS

MARINA SCOGNAMIGLIO, DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY – ITA

The food industry, with a strong emphasis on organic products, digital technology and digital innovation, renewable energy and the energy efficiency industry are sectors in which we have optimal preconditions to do an excellent job together, to the mutual benefit of our two economies

PARTNERSHIP

For Growth

he strong strategic partnership between Italy and Serbia stimulates economic cooperation and an Italian presence in the Serbian economy. The Italian Trade Agency – ITA contributes strongly to that cause itself, says ITA Director Marina Scognamiglio. What do the figures for 2018 say about economic cooperation between our two countries? - For decades, Italy and Serbia have been the most important economic partners. Not surprisingly, Italy, along with Germany, has been a pillar of Serbia’s foreign trade exchange, given the intrinsic predisposition towards cooperation between the two countries, such as the proximity of their territories, the compatibility of their economies, their long-term historical and cultural relations, as well as the similarity in the mentalities of their peoples. Going back to figures, bilateral trade between Italy and Serbia in 2018 exceeded the level of four billion euros (4.03 billion euros) for the first time. Italian exports to Serbia in 2018 increased by 4.7%, reaching 2.05 billion euros, while Serbian exports to Italy remained mostly unchanged compared to the previous year, at 1.98 billion euros. Italian exports to Serbia mostly represent vehicles, textiles,

general purpose machinery, leather and specialised manufacturing machinery, whereas on the Serbian side the first item on the list of exports to Italy to also vehicles, followed by clothing, steel and ferrous metals, footwear and non-ferrous metals. In line with the growth prospects of our countries, especially Serbia’s, which saw GDP growth rates reaching a level of 4.4% in 2018, this trend of increasing foreign trade volumes between our countries is expected to continue its growth trajectory in 2019. How many Italian companies operate in Serbia today and what trends are you observing in the numbers of new companies and new sectors represented? - According to official data, there are around 600 Italian companies operating in Serbia, employing more than 25,000 workers. Italian companies have so far invested mostly in the financial sector and the textiles, automotive, furniture and wood processing industries. However, as the Italian economy transforms in Italy, its investments abroad follow this trend. For example, Italian investors have expanded their focus on sectors that show the greatest potential in the medium term. Here I’m primarily referring to the food industry, with a strong emphasis on organic products,

ITALY & SERBIA

RECORD

SUPPORT

STRATEGY

Bilateral trade between Italy and Serbia exceeded the level of four billion euros for the first time in 2018

The Italian Trade Agency is instrumental in providing information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian and foreign SMEs operating in Serbia

An investment in Serbia, as the leader in the Western Balkans, is an investment in Europe, and our strategic partnership relies on that premise

digital technology and digital innovation, renewable energy and the energy efficiency industry. These are also sectors that the current Serbian government is paying particular attention to, so I believe that we have optimal preconditions to do an excellent job together, to the mutual benefit of our two economies. How important is the strategic partnership between the two countries as an accelerator of economic links? - A strategic partnership usually refers to the building of a longterm relationship by deepening ties and promoting congruence on issues of mutual interest to two countries. Considering that our historical, cultural, political and trade relations are already deeply rooted, we need only proceed in the same direction. Apart from being the top foreign investor in Serbia, the number two commercial partner and the first country of import for Serbian products, Italy has never failed to give its full support to the European integration of Serbia. We are well aware of the fact that Serbia is a reference country for the entire Balkans, and our strategic platform towards Eastern Europe and Russia. We are convinced that the prosperity of the Serbian economy contributes to the prosperity of the Italian economy. How is the Italian Trade Agency in Belgrade contributing to this cooperation? - The Italian Trade Agency is a governmental agency that supports the development of Italian companies abroad. With a widespread network of about 80 overseas offices, the ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian and foreign SMEs. When it comes to our office in Belgrade, a large part of the economic cooperation begins during our tailored meetings between businesspeople from Italy and Serbia. These meetings are sometimes organised at trade

NICMA Balkan d.o.o. Ulica Miloja Pavlovića 9/1/3 34000 Kragujevac (SRB) Tel. +381 (0) 60 40 40 163 info@nicmaepartners.com

Industrial technical and civil cleaning

fairs, in both Italy and Serbia, but also on the occasion of specific sector-based workshops, product and territorial presentations and, most importantly, business matchmaking. Over the last ten years, the number of these cooperation initiatives has increased significantly, and there is no major Italian fair of importance to the development of economic cooperation between Italian and Serbian companies that hasn’tbeen attended by delegations of Serbian businesspeople, thanks to the combined efforts of our office in Belgrade and our headquarters in Rome. This is one of the ways in which the “Made in Italy” quality is promoted, and certainly one of the most effective ways of increasing trade links between our two countries.

ABACAAR DOO

Product & Process Engineering Miloja Pavlovića 9, Kragujevac Maurizio.panizzo@abacaar.rs

ITALY & SERBIA

How do reforms in Serbia, as well as the EU accession process, impact on interest among Italian companies and their presence in Serbia? - An investment in Serbia, as the leader in the Western Balkans, is an investment in Europe. Investments will increase further if economic governance is strengthened and structural reforms pursued to increase competitiveness. The Italian Trade Agency, together with other Italian institutions and organisations in Serbia, gathered under the common name “Sistema Italia”, are strongly committed to supporting this goal and enhancing growth and job creation, particularly for the youth. We are together striving to bring to the attention of decision makers the fact that, in order to be more efficient on the gradual integration of our economies within the framework of the European Single Market, we need to rely on increased funding in the fields of transport and energy, the social sector, the environment and private sector development, including the digital economy.

What is the current level of Italian FDI and which sectors are covered? - Since the opening of the Serbian market in the early 2000s, Italy was among the first and largest investors in the country. According to the official statistics of the National Bank of Serbia, Italy invested 144.1 million euros in Serbia during the first nine months of last year, and we were the fourth largest investor country in 2018, after the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. Italy has always believed strongly in the potential of this country, even when companies were unable to operate profitably. This has allowed Italian companies to expand their presence in many areas, including major investment sectors like the automotive industry and financial and insurance companies, which have attracted and supported further investments. The arrival of numerous SMEs, which have always been the real driving force behind the Italian production system, has consolidated the position of Italians as leaders among foreign investors. Italy is proud to have excellence in Serbia’s textiles, footwear, metalworking, agribusiness and construction sectors.

FOCUS:

Italian Food Industry Expertise In Novi Sad The food sector is among Italy’s most important industrial branches. How much do Italian Companies export to Serbia and how many of them attend the Novi Sad Agriculture Fair? Italy occupies the number one spot as country of origin when it comes to imports of olive oil and pasta, and is the first among EU countries for wine imported to Serbia. In the milk and dairy products sector, Italy is the second largest supplier in Serbia, after the Netherlands. Among the Italian food products consumed in Serbia we should also mention the meat processing industry’s products, as well as the bakery and confectionery industry. Italy’s excellence in the agricultural and food sector brings together more than 6,000 active companies, with a total annual income of 180 billion euros, and they are always interested in sharing their experience in Serbia, which has significant potential in the agribusiness sector. Here we need to mention one of our most successful business matchmaking events – the Italian collective exhibition at the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad. Specifically, as has been the case over the last seven years, the Italian Trade Agency – Office in Belgrade will organise and provide institutional support to the collective participation of Italian companies dealing in the agribusiness and agricultural machinery sectors at the 86th edition of the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, to be held from 11th to 17th May 2019. Our collective stand will this year gather together 30 Italian exhibitors who will provide a review of the market of agricultural machinery, equipment and breakthrough food technology solutions. As in previous editions of this fair, our stand will also be a place for business meetings between Italian manufacturers from the agri-food industry and local and international partners. This idea is facilitated by B2B sessions with more than 50 sector-based professionals, importers and distributors from neighbouring countries, selected by our offices in the region. Particular interesting is the specific seminar on innovation in agriculture, which will be organised in cooperation between Serbian government institutions and their Italian counterparts. Italian expertise is based on a wide range of certified products and high quality, as well as direct links to production territories and cultural heritage, high food safety standards, and the ability to combine tradition with process and product innovations. This is very important for Serbian businesses, which could take advantage of Italian experience NOVI SAD AGRICULTURE FAIR, 2018 in order to gain the knowhow necessary for growth. 22

ITALY & SERBIA

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW: ITALY AND SERBIA IN FIGURES

ITALIAN INVESTMENT

Flows Continuing Italian business in Serbia is today represented by more than 600 companies operating in the country, employing over 25,000 workers

Italy’s position as a leader among foreign investors. taly has always been among Serbia’s top economic partThe most significant sectors with a strong Italian presners. This is also reflected in the activity of a number of ence include automotive, textiles, footwear, metalworking, Italian economic institutions and associations present agri-food, energy and construction. The automotive sector has in the Country. The Italian business community can count traditionally been very important to Italian-Serbian economic on the support of the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE), the relations, as evidenced by the investment made by FCA in Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Confindustria Kragujevac. FCA remains one of the main foreign investors in Serbia. All three entities are based in Belgrade and actively the country today (1.2 billion euros invested). Following FCA, promote bilateral economic relations and the interests of many companies from Italy’s automotive sector came to SerItalian and Serbian companies operating in Serbia. bia to establish production operations. In the banking sector, When it comes to bilateral trade, in 2018 Italy was Serbia’s the top crediting institution in Serbia is Italy’s Banca Intesa number two trade partner. Overall bilateral exchange amounted (Intesa SanPaolo Group), while UniCredit is ranked second. to 4.03 billions euros, 2.05 billion of which represented Italian Together, they hold 27.7% of the Serbian market, with shares export (an increase of +4.7% compared to 2017) and 1.98 billion of 15.8% and 11.9% respectively. In the of Italian import (basically the same as in 2017). Italy is still the number one desThe arrival of numerous SMEs, insurance sector, Generali holds 26.1% of the market and DDOR (Unipol-SAI tination country for Serbian goods and which have always been Goup) 8.0%, representing a combined the second exporter country to Serbia. According to the Development Agency of the real driving force behind the 34.1% of the Serbian insurance market. Serbia, Italy was the top investor country Italian production system, has In the textiles and footwear industry, the Group, Calzedonia, Pompea, in Serbia between 2007 and 2018, both consolidated Italy’s position Benetton Golden Lady and Geox have been present in terms of the number of investments as a leader among foreign in Serbia for many years. Italy is now and their total value. expanding its traditional presence in Two characteristics of Italian investinvestors many other sectors, such as agriculture ments in Serbia are that they were among (Ferrero), energy (Fintel) and ICT (Engineering). The flow of the very first foreign investments in the country, immediately Italian investment continues, as demonstrated by the decisions after the opening of the market in the 2000s, and that they are of several Italian companies to expand their business in Serbia, diversified into several sectors. It can be stated unequivocally like Thermowatt (Ariston Group) in electrical appliances, La that economic links between Italy and Serbia have historical Linea Verde in the agri-food sector and the GLM Group in the significance. This is due to strong institutional support, but automotive sector. also the far-sightedness of Italian entrepreneurs. At a time As mentioned, the agriculture sector is also gaining growwhen other partners were showing a certain reluctance to ing importance for Italian companies; for this reason, Italy has invest, Italy believed strongly in the potential of this country, been selected to be the 2019 “Partner Country” of the Novi launching major operations. In more recent years, the arrival Sad Agricultural Fair, which is attended each year by around of numerous SMEs, which have always been the real driving 30 Italian companies. force behind the Italian production system, has consolidated

ITALY & SERBIA

BUSINESS

ROMANO ROSSI, DIRECTOR, PROGETTI

Success Mustn't LULL US TO SLEEP With two million pairs of footwear manufactured annually, and that work carried out – directly or indirectly – by almost 2,000 employees, Progetti is currently Serbia's largest exporter of uppers and ready-made footwear in Serbia

ROMANO ROSSI AND ENRICO ROSSI

rogetti d.o.o. (Ltd.) is perhaps better known on the Champs-Élysées than in Serbia, despite these most exclusive and beautiful shoes on the planet arriving in Paris and Rome straight from Vladimirci, Vršac or Sombor. This company established operations in Serbia in 2001 and one of the key questions posed by journalists over the last two decades is how that happened; how Serbia was selected for production operations, and how that production not only survived, but has also expanded and improved. Another new plant was recently established in Knjaževac, with an additional 120 employees. In this interview for CorD,

Director and Founder of the company (together with his brother Enrico), Romano Rossi, says that it is a little known fact that Progetti has been present in this area since 1990, i.e. since the time of the former Yugoslavia. “A long tradition of shoe production, highly skilled workers and geographical proximity to Italy were the basic elements for making this strategic choice. Another important element was the competitive level of labour costs and the extreme (and surprising) open-mindedness of workers to learn new manufacturing processes,” explains Rossi.

We are proud of the achievements of the entire organisation, where everybody – from top management to the cleaning staff – develop such an impressive synergy that has enabled unimaginable results

Shoes from your production facilities in Serbia can be found on the shelves of the most exclusive retail outlets in Paris or Rome. Are you satisfied with the level of quality of Serbian workers who must adhere to stringent production criteria? - We are not only satisfied, but proud of the achievements of the entire organisation, where everybody – from top management to the cleaning staff

ITALY & SERBIA

– develop such an impressive synergy that has enabled unimaginable results. We invest heavily in people and apply an internal salary system based on individual and line performance. We award the best performer, maintaining a highly motivational climate. People can also count on extra annual benefits, as long as balance sheet results allow them. You have production facilities in Vladimirci, Sombor, and Vršac. Which criteria form the basis of your decision about where something is to be produced? - We recently also opened a facility in Knjaževac (employing an additional 120 people). At one point we divided production in accordance with territory: Vojvodina was better for making elegant shoes, South Serbia for sports shoes and so on… Through consistent investment in education and “on field” formation, our factories can perform all kinds of production processes equally, regardless of their location. This is another important achievement that ensures the necessary production elasticity and the achievement of seasonal targets.

ing plants, you also collaborate closely with 22 independent companies, is the disbursed nature of your production process an advantage or an aggravating circumstance? - Outsourcing some of the production when you have to manage large quantities means being able to count on additional capacities and make your customers happy. To be able to count on reliable production partners, who accept your business philosophy completely and with whom you can make strong agreements, is a huge plus. We’re also investing financially in these independent structures, making them grow together with us and become part of our big family. That can be easily considered a win-win situation.

We’re also investing financially in these independent structures, making them grow together with us and become part of our big family. That can be easily considered a win-win situation

Where do you procure the materials required for the production of your footwear? Do you provide workers with education and training? - So far about 90% of materials have been coming from Italy: we have now launched cooperation with domestic suppliers and our hope is that we can increase our purchases of raw materials domestically in the near future. Concerning education and training, they are considered a fix asset of our balance sheet: I purposely said ‘asset’ and not ‘cost’, as we treat them as a basic investment in the regular activities of the company. During 2019 we have budgeted for the opening of an internal school in Sombor, to give an opportunity to whoever might be interested in working with us to become part of the team. Considering that, in addition to your three manufactur-

Your goal seven years ago was to produce 1.5 million pairs of shoes. What goals do you now set for yourself and your workers? - Goals are important in business, but if business is reduced to raw goals then you miss out on other things, because goals are set by people and achieved by employees. Perhaps that’s why we are so successful, because – alongside ambitious tasks – we also take care of their sustainability. I will mention two basic principles of business: the first is that - if there is no growth, there is death! And I have to underline that under ‘growth’ we actually mean sustainable development. And the second is that a man who is building something can never be satisfied. Our two principles are followed by our goal: we wish to continue to grow to try to be satisfied, which will never happen! 27

ITALY & SERBIA

GIORGIO MARCHEGIANI, PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

INTERVIEWS

PROMOTING SERBIA'S Economic Growth Our expectation for 2019 is for Italy and Serbia to exceed four billion euros in commercial exchange. I am very positive that this goal can be reached thanks to the promising GDP growth and the pace of trade that Serbia has with all countries of the European Union

talian companies support the Serbian economic sector and Italian-Serbian relations, says Giorgio Marchegiani, President of the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

How much do Italian companies contribute to the growth of Serbia’s GDP and export levels? - The number of foreign investments in Serbia increases each year, and Italy is one of the country’s most important economic partners. Italy is one of the most important investors in Serbia, with Italian companies having invested about three billion euros since the year 2000. According to the level of investments in Serbia, Italian companies have invested mostly in the financial and insurance sectors, as well as the textiles, automotive, furniture and wood processing industries. There are currently around 600 companies with Italian majority ownership in Serbia, and around 1,300 with some Italian capital. They have collectively created more than 25,000 jobs. Italy has confirmed its position as Serbia’s most important commercial partner. Official statistics show that in 2018, trade between the two countries exceeded 4.0 billion euros.The trend is very positive, with continuous growth in both imports and exports. During the same period, exports to Italy represented 12.1% of

the total trade volume, while imports of goods to Serbia from Italy amounted 9.5%. Furthermore, all of the most important products in foreign trade between Italy and Serbia are the same for both countries, due to significant Italian investments in Serbia. The most important goods in the foreign trade exchange between Serbia and Italy are vehicles and spare parts, machinery, food products and textiles products. Fiat is still the biggest exporter from Serbia, with the value of its exports in the first ten months of 2018 totalling 699.7 million euros. Apart from FIAT (FCA Serbia d.o.o), there are Valy d.o.o (Golden Lady), Technic Development d.o.o (Geox), Fiorano d.o.o (Calzedonia) and Olimpias SRB d.o.o (Benetton) that are also on the list of the biggest exporters from Serbia, according to the Customs office report. Our expectation for 2019 is to continue improving current pace above 4 billion euros in commercial exchange. Which Italian-supported industries are among the leaders in that respect? - It is reasonable to consider that trade in vehicles, fashion goods, footwear and machinery will continue to grow. However, I think it is more interesting to focus on the sectors that show the most potential in the medium

ITALY & SERBIA

DIGITALISATION

TREND

SYNERGY

Italy and its companies will support Serbia in introducing digitalisation and new technologies, and will work jointly to accomplish this effort

I expect major developments in agri-food, technological innovations and materials and services connected with renewable energy and the energy efficiency industry

All parts of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sistema Italiaâ&#x20AC;? are working to improve the economic exchange between Serbia and Italy

Among its members are numerous Italian and Serbian term. I expect major developments in agri-food and its companies, as well as companies with mixed capital. subcategory of organic products, in technological innoOver the last 16 years, through vation and in materials and services connected with renewable energy Our Chamber has contributed numerous projects, services offered, cooperation implemented with and the energy efficiency industry. to the creation of a favourable and local and national institutions, the business climate for Italian Chamber has contributed to the The Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce is the biggest and the investors in Serbia, and to local creation of a favourable business climate for Italian investors in Serbia most influential association of Italian businesspeople in Serbia. What companies finding appropriate and local companies finding appropriate business partners in Italy. The trends are you observing among the business partners in Italy Chamber has nearly 200 members membership? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; companies, professionals and individuals operating in - The Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which is different areas, from the automotive industry, via the recognised by the Italian Government, is part of a network banking and insurance sectors, the wood and textiles of 79 Italian Chambers of Commerce around the world.

ITALY & SERBIA

industries, the ICT sector, prestigious law and consulting offices, hotels and restaurants, transport and logistics, travel and other different services. Our member base is very diverse, covering from the “cornerstone” of Fiat, to small restaurants: this reflects the wide spectrum of excellence among Italian companies around the world.

overall Italian-Serbian relations? - Clearly, economic cooperation stimulates mutual understanding and reinforces all other elements of bilateral cooperation: agreements supporting the mobility of labour and capital in the perspective of EU accession, cultural and language-based relations, support in reinforcing the institutional system – e.g. in combatting organised crime and encouraging the development of tourism. All parts of “Sistema Italia” – the Embassy of Italy, the Italian–Serbian Chamber of commerce, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Cultural Institute – are working to improve economic exchanges between Serbia and Italy. Even better results are expected during this year.

To what extent do Italian companies support the digital transformation of Serbian society and in the country’s business sector? - As the Italian economy transforms in Italy, following the “Industry 4.0 model” and going digital, its investments abroad also follow this trend. This can be observed in different industries: in manufacturing the first wave of investment was often based on low labour costs, but As the Italian economy role do Italian companies and expert investors know that, as the transforms in Italy, following What institutions play in contributing to country grows, more automation and digitalisation of processes is intro- the “Industry 4.0 model” and art and culture in Serbia? duced. This is a “digitalisation path” going digital, its investments - Italy is one of Serbia’s priority partners when it comes to cooperathat will continue for a long time. An abroad also follow this trend tion in the field of culture and arts. example is the case of textiles comCulture and art are among the hubs panies. Another example is financial of excellent relations between our two countries, and services: banks and insurance companies, being part of activities in this area has been very intense in recent larger groups that are undertaking a transformational years. A good example of institution-building and the effort and are also gradually going digital in Serbia. In exchange of good practises is the cooperation between certain areas, like mobile payments, digitalisation is Matica Srpska Gallery and the Institute for Conservasupported by the regulation – and Serbia here is very tion and Restoration from Florence. Over recent years, well developed, while in other areas, like insurance disinsurance company DDOR – part of the Unipol Group tribution, it is more limited. Moreover, among traditional – along with the Embassy of Italy and other sponsors, industries, there is a solid presence of Italian capital in has supported the Belgrade Dance Festival, which is ICT companies in Serbia. These companies are not only one of the most renowned modern dance initiatives looking for the skilled labour for which Serbia is famous, in Europe. Last but not least, the Italian “Slow Food” but are also developing locally innovative technologies. association is also present in Serbia, representing an attempt to develop the heritage of local Serbian food To what extent can links forged between the two counas has been done successfully in Italy. ties via commercial relations contribute to improving 30

ITALY & SERBIA

INTERVIEWS

ERICH COSSUTTA, PRESIDENT OF CONFINDUSTRIA SERBIA

As Confindustria Serbia, we are proud to recognise that Italian companies are bringing technological renewal to Serbia. The plants of our member companies implement the latest technological applications, which are also the most efficient way to keep them in global production chains

Italian SMEs HELP BOOST PRODUCTION IN SERBIA

“I

taly could easily be dubbed a contributor to Serbia’s industrialisation, not only its re-industrialisation,” says Erich Cossutta, President of Confindustria Serbia. Indeed, Italy has always been a friend and particularly enduring trade and economic partner for Serbia, as demonstrated by the historical collaboration FIAT established with Zastava in the 1960s. Moving to more recent years, Italy was among the first countries to open up to Serbia, its politics and economy after the tragic ‘90s. As a matter of fact, Italy has been sharing first place with Germany when it comes to FDI volumes, and to some extent it’s statistically impossible to say that Italy, with its 600 companies present in Serbia, hasn’t contributed to the re-industrialisation of the country. What kind of experience can Serbia acquire in this way, 32

particularly when it comes to the process of transitioning to a knowledge-based economy? - What I consider as being most important here is that a knowledge-based economy offers an opportunity to Serbia’s youngest generation. The most challenging aspect that both economic and social actors will have to face in the future is the brain drain that Serbia has been experiencing over the last few years. The transfer of technology and knowhow is one way to keep young, educated people close to home. They represent the added value that permits growth from an economic, social and political point of view. Confindustria has the mission to establish strong bonds between entrepreneurs and educational institutions. Through different projects, we are striving to foster the idea that production in 2019 is something attractive, a process that sees responsibility at every step and is globally interconnected.

ITALY & SERBIA

PROGRESS

CHALLENGE

BONDS

Conditions for the arrival of Italian and other foreign companies are improving annually

The most challenging aspect that both economic and social actors will have to face in the future is the brain drain that Serbia has been experiencing over the last few years

The fact that the Italian language is taught in three universities in Serbia and that Italian culture is well known among the local population makes it easier for Italian entrepreneurs to create bonds with local communities

customs and the one-stop business register, have helped How would you rate conditions today for the arrival of the daily work of our companies. A higher predictability Italian companies, primarily the smaller ones that form of juridical processes and the incenthe backbone of Italian industry? tives that the Serbian state has been - From our point of view, the conditions As Confindustria Serbia, for SMEs have also helped in for the arrival of Italian and other we are proud to recognise that providing keeping even the smallest companies foreign companies are improving annually. There are several reasons Italian companies are bringing here. However, more informal aspects to explain this: on the one side, the technological renewal to this have also helped in improving the social environment: the Italian language work carried out by local institutions country, primarily for the is taught in three universities in Serbia, and, on the other, the improvement of whereas Italian culture is valued and the overall social environment. As far benefit of its workers well-known among the local populaas the political aspect is concerned, tion, making it much easier for Italian entrepreneurs to reforms have eased business operations in Serbia and create bonds with local communities, which is a guarantee made them more predictable. We think that the digitisation of their future in Serbia. of procedures, such as those involving the tax authority,

VOJVODINA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Why do Italian companies love Vojvodina? Italian companies are achieving enviable results in Vojvodina. In terms of numbers of companies (70) they are ranked first, while they are second in terms of employment (13,343) and in third place when it comes to investments (878 million euros). They arrive in this northern Serbian province from Italy and Romania, and in both cases, location is among the main reasons: proximity to parent plants, a single border crossing, and cost-effective transport to the EU. Investors also agree that Vojvodina has a good workforce, that Serbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax regime favours business, as do production costs. Furthermore, thanks to frequent meetings organised in cooperation with the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (ISCC), the Association of Italian Industrialists in Serbia (Confindustria Serbia) and the Italian Trade Promotion Agency (ICE), Italian businesspeople are already well aware that the Vojvodina Development Agency (RAV) is a reliable partner of all companies seeking to invest or already operating in Vojvodina.

ITALY & SERBIA

Around 80% of Italian companies are family businesses. What would you recommend to young, emerging Serbian companies as a recipe for success? - Family business is a trademark of the Italian economy, and is something of which Serbian institutions and authorities are aware: Confindustriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s origins also rely on that, and supporting this economic model is part of our mission. Learning on the basis of the experiences of others and exchanges of knowhow are of great importance, but I also think that more training programmes should be planned.

you assess the opportunities for Italian investments available in this sector? - The Italy-Serbia Forum devoted to the circular economy was a pioneering event on this topic in Serbia. I think that the support we received from the Serbian ministries of agriculture and the environment is of utmost importance: Italian companies interested in investing in this sector should interpret this as a strong positive sign from the Serbian state. The expertise and technological solutions developed by Italian companies in this sector have been recognised, and we feel that it is a Confindustria Serbia goal to keep the issue high on the political agenda of the government and to defend the excellence of Italian companies in this field. Environmental awareness only recently reached the top position in both social and political dialogue in Serbia, whereas the situation on the ground has more than a couple of critical situations: from water protection to soil quality. This leaves plenty of space for Italian companies and entrepreneurs interested in identifying business opportunities, not only in Serbia but also in the wider region.

Confindustria member companies invest heavily in education. From Which technologies do Italian comEnvironmental awareness that perspective, what would you panies bring and in which industries is that particularly evident? only recently reached the top recommend to Serbia when it comes adapting education to meet the - Technological advancements are position in both social and to needs of the economy? more visible in the textile industry political dialogue in Serbia... - Confindustria Serbia has developed and its applications. This economic branch has always been mostly seen This leaves plenty of room close collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Serbia, especially in as a highly work-intensive area, in for Italian companies and introducing ad hoc programmes to order to maintain high quality. But secondary schools in three different what most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actually see entrepreneurs interested cities aimed at meeting the needs is how local companies are connected in finding business of our member companies. Given to global supply and value chains: to acquire technological improvements, opportunities in these sectors the success we had, the Ministry asked our association to contribute globalisation imposes standards to the creation of a school curriculum aimed at serving and quality control from companies that exert unprecthe needs of the automotive sector. I believe that the edented pressure on them to be flexible and able to Serbian Government and institutions will continue in this follow the latest trends. For this reason, it is inevitable direction: to include economic actors in dialogue about that companies must invest in new machines and skills formal education, in order to provide children, on the for their workers. one side, with the latest educational programmes, and, on the other, representing a potential opportunity for The Association of Italian Industrialists - Confindustria them to remain in Serbia and contribute to the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - recently organised the first Italian-Serbian forum for further growth. a sustainable, green and circular economy. How would 34

ITALY & SERBIA

PAOLO DI BELLA, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SOFTWARE LAB D.O.O. (LTD.)

BUSINESS

Company That Keeps

YOUNGSTERS IN SERBIA

“Our company contributes to efforts aimed at keeping young people in their own country, while at the same time giving them an opportunity to develop and work with colleagues from around the world”

ngineering Group is among the world’s leaders in digital transformation processes. However, when we posed this question to its director, Paolo Di Bella, he responded in a modest way, explaining that his company is “a global player in the digital transformation sector’. Engineering Group (EG) was established by parent company Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A, which was itself founded in the Italian city of Padua in 1980. According to Director Di Bella, “Today, after almost 40 years of IT evolution, the Group is present in 50 cities and eight world countries, while around 10,500 software engineers work every day on the design, development and implementation of software systems for the needs of our clients.” “Engineering Software Lab d.o.o. (Ltd.), one of the EG companies, currently employs 200 software engineers in Serbia. Since its establishment in 2012, this company has maintained a planned growth trend that is actively continuing today. The launch of our operations on the Serbian market was driven by the idea of establishing close cooperation with universities in the country, due to an awareness that there was then a lack of IT developers in specific technologies on the labour market. This shortage was a result of the absence of large companies on the domestic market prior to 2012.”

undergoing two months of training with external professors from Belgrade universities, after which they continue to grow professionally with help of a bespoke mentoring programme. During this six-year period, we’ve had an opportunity to see the enthusiasm of young Serbian people and their great desire to keep pace with world trends. They are extremely energetic and creative, eager for knowledge and have great ambitions for professional growth. Of course, good knowledge of foreign languages represents a great advantage for them on the global market. What are your company’s specific plans for the Serbian market, which is relatively small compared to the Italian market or some other European market? - Our main markets are Italy, the rest of Europe and other continents, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t pay much attention to the Serbian market. Serbia is interesting given the Serbian Government’s policy in the digitisation process and modernisation in the sectors of administration, industry, public enterprises etc. In the end, I would like to express my great satisfaction for the fact that our company contributes – albeit to a small extent – to efforts aimed at keeping young people in their own country, while at the same time giving them an opportunity to develop and work with colleagues from around the world. This reality and such working conditions serve to change their attitude towards their country and local environment, as well as improving the possibilities for them to create a family and increase their future living standards. At our company they can gain solid foundations for the future of their professional careers. I have to add that I came to Belgrade for the first time a year and a half ago and have since fallen in love with this city and the people who live here, but that’s another story.

We are in the phase of strengthening our Development Centre, and our aim is to increase the number of our employees over the next two years from the current 200 to 500, through both traditional methods and acquisitions

What is your company’s employment policy and how do young Serbian people keep pace with modern trends in the IT industry globally? - In accordance with Engineering Group’s business values, and the planned objective of establishing a development centre on the territory of Serbia, Engineering Software Lab d.o.o. Has worked systematically to identify talented youngsters and support their continuous professional development (both in the country and abroad). After more than six years of operations, we have retained the same employment policies, with all of our new employees

ITALY & SERBIA

BUSINESS

IVAN STOJANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF MODITAL DOO

A Brand That Needs

NO SPECIAL ADVERTISING "Italian investors have greatly contributed to the progress of the textile industry, but we should not forget the domestic manufacturers with a long tradition that have survived on the market and improved their operations."

n Zrenjanin, the largest city of the Banat, there is not a single woman whose wardrobe does not contain at least one product of the brand manufactured at Modital Pompea. That is not surprising: as part of the Italian Pompea Group, Modital has been operating in Serbia for more than 15 years, with production in Zrenjanin and Brus. This famous Italian brand of socks, underwear and textile knitwear has been continuously expanding and improving its production for a decade and a half. Without hiding his pride, Ivan Stojanovic, director of Modital doo, points out that Serbia is the thirdlargest exporter of socks in the world, and that his company has become one of the leaders. “As the backbone of the Pompea group’s production, Modital monitors the development of the group and seeks to add a competitive value to it by constant optimization. Work on adopting new technical knowledge and improving production never ceases. These improvements enable us to increase production capacity and respond to customer demands in existing markets and the demands of an increasing number of new clients. The Group’s investment strategy is aimed at consolidating its current market position while conquering new markets by placing new products. With this strategy we are not planning to build new production facilities in another town in Serbia in the near future. Besides, in these two factories we have enough space to build new production capacity. As expansion plans at existing plants go, we are constantly doing this by purchasing new machines or replacing existing ones with newer models.”

Thanks to Modital, Serbia is the third largest exporter of socks in the world. What is needed to take first place? - “We can say that the main exporters of socks are exactly these Italian brands. There are already some conditions in place like improvement of the business climate, but at the moment it is important to approach new markets. One example of approaching new markets is an agreement with the Russian Federation on duty-free trade. This agreement has greatly contributed to the development of the textile industry in Serbia. Since the USA tops the list of pantyhose importers, any new agreement between our country and the US would significantly improve exports and surely in the future our country would find itself in global first or second place as socks exporter.”

Modital, or Pompea S.p.a, is among the first well known Italian brands that have recognized the potential of operating in Serbia, and who have shifted a large part of their production here

Your ambition is to become regional leader in the textile industry. Do you think that this industry in Serbia, thanks both to investors from Italy and domestic experience, has regained its “old glory”? - “In parallel with improving the production of pantyhose, we are working developing intimate and sports programmes. Our ideology is that with new, unique products, we can become a regional leader. I think that at the moment there are a number of conditions for the Serbian textile industry to regain its “old glory”. We have foreign and domestic knowhow, but the state needs to link this into a whole and define the strategy. Because to fully reach the “old glory”, it has to appear on a global market where competition comes from China, Bangladesh, and fighting in such a market is a huge challenge. Only related manufacturers with serious state help and accompaniment can win in the world’s market battles.”

ITALY & SERBIA

VLATKO SEKULOVIĆ, LAWYER AND OWNER OF THE SEKULOVIĆ LAW OFFICE

BUSINESS

Local Office –

GLOBALLY NETWORKED

The globalisation process has also encompassed the legal industry, but it will never be able to completely replace the local approach, familiarity with specific laws, the presence of legal practitioners on the ground and integral inclusion in the legal life of the state

he Sekulović Law Office has earned the trust of the Italian Embassy in Belgrade and the Italian Chamber of Commerce. Its owner, renowned lawyer Vlatko Sekulovć, stresses at the very beginning of this interview that the legal profession is “a profession that has its status guaranteed by the highest legal act, the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and Article 67, which regulates legal aid, guaranteeing one of the basic human rights, that to defence, and advocacy, in the broader sense, is defined as an instrument to protect that right.” “Legal services, however, are not limited only to providing services related to personal rights, i.e. the rights of private individuals, but rather are related in great measure to legal services provided to legal entities. In relations between the lawyer and the client, it must be considered that it is subsequently regulated by special laws, the most important of which is the Law on Advocacy. This relationship is considered confidential and sui generis, and enjoys special legal protection with a rationale derived from the basic right to defence in criminal matters, but then also relates to other issues that may arise in practise. In addition to the law, there is also the Code of Professional Ethics for Lawyers in Serbia, which is fully harmonised with the Code of Conduct for Lawyers in the European Union. It can thus be said that the Serbian legal sector, according to its standards and rules, is part of the European legal space. Of course, these acts represent the framework within which each lawyer must move, but the quality of relations between attorneys and clients depends on the extent to which the individual attorney adheres to these rules.”

around the world for decades, and has also emerged in our country in recent years. The causes are numerous, but we can conclude that the development of economics and technological solutions – if we’re referring to “economic law” in the broadest possible sense – has led to an increase in the number of codified rules. Thus, for example, areas that didn’t exist just a few decades ago, such as so-called “rights in electronic commerce”, have developed due to the development of the internet, and that has happened in many other areas that didn’t previously need regulating. The proliferation of norms leads to the impossibility of a lawyer being sufficiently familiar with all areas of law, such that, besides the classical division between civil and criminal law, in terms of professionalisation, specialisation has also emerged for certain branches of civil law, including economic law. Thus, it’s not so much about specific problems faced by individual investors, rather the complexity of contemporary law, which requires a lawyer’s specialisation, knowledge and experience.

Foreign investors in Serbia require a complex approach to contemporary law, which simultaneously also requires narrow specialisation, knowledge and experience

Which specific problems requiring specialised legal teams do Italian investors in Serbia face? - The trend of specialisation in legal practise has been present

What is your view on the linking of local law offices with those from other countries? - There are law offices in Serbia today that are linked with partners abroad in various ways, from full integration into their system to business cooperation in terms of client referrals. And in this case it’s about a general consolidation trend on the domestic market, but also globally. The process of globalisation has somehow also encompassed the legal industry, but it will never be able to completely replace the local approach, familiarity with specific laws, the presence of legal practitioners on the ground and integral inclusion in the legal life of individual countries. So, according to my understanding, the future of the legal profession is in networking, but also in integration, though this profession – due to its specificity, especially in criminal law – will have its autochthonousness at the national level. 37

ITALY & SERBIA

ITALIAN DESIGN DAY IN THE WORLD

INNOVATION

The Production OF BEAUTY!

Italian Design Day in the World is one of the most popular initiatives that enables professionals, scholars and enthusiasts of Italian design to examine a unique aspect of Italian genius: the production of beauty!

to its ability to absorb new technologies, new materials his year will see the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade and new concepts – is recognised worldwide as a leader and the Italian Cultural Institute organise the 3rd in fashion, architecture, urban planning, interiors, graphics Italian Design Day in the World. One of Italy’s most and all other forms of design. popular initiatives, it enables Industrial development during professionals, scholars and enthuWhile furniture design is by far the period of World War I made it siasts of Italian design to examine a unique aspect of Italian genius: the the major sector in which Italian possible the rise of the principle production of beauty! The unspoindustrial design is recognised of industrial design: design could become serial! While furniture deken ability to espouse functionality as a leader worldwide, Italy sign is by far the major sector in and beauty, which today characteris certainly also a major player which Italian industrial design is ises Italian designers, has its roots back in the Renaissance “botteghe”, in lighting design, automotive recognised as a leader worldwide, Italy is certainly also a major player where craftsmanship and art were design, and graphic in lighting design, automotive design, inseparable ingredients of the creaand graphic and web design. tive process. Italian design – thanks and web design

ITALY & SERBIA

ITALIAN DAY OF RESEARCH IN THE WORLD

Strong Support For SERBIAN RESEARCHERS

INNOVATION

2018 ITALIAN RESEARCH DAY IN THE WORLD EVENT IN BELGRADE

An important element in the promotion of Italian research is represented by the “Italian Research Day in the World”, which will this year see the CNR illustrate its activities in the field of information and communications technologies

publications) become a point of reference for the two ilateral scientific and technological cooperation countries’ research communities. Last December saw has experienced steady and significant expanthe signing of the III Executive Programme for Sciension in recent years. A total of 96 inter-university tific and Technological Cooperation, cooperation agreements have which provides funding for 12 projects been signed to date between the To date a total of 96 aimed at promoting the mobility of two countries, to which are added inter-university cooperation researchers and seven projects of the important agreements that the University of Belgrade has in place agreements have been signed to “Grande Rilevanza”, to be carried out with the CNR and the INFN. date between the two countries in the three years from 2019 to 2021. An important element in the proIt was in 2012 that the Embassy motion of Italian research is represented by the “Italian of Italy in Belgrade and the University of Belgrade Research Day in the World”, which will this year see the established the Association of Italian and Serbian SciCNR illustrate its activities in the field of information and entists and Scholars - AIS3, which has over recent years communications technologies. (through the organisation of numerous events and book 39

ITALY & SERBIA

RESOURCES

INNOVATION

Italy is among the EU's most successful countries in terms of energy efficiency and is also a pioneer in new forms of renewable energy sources, such as the nextgeneration of cellulosic biofuels

The Right Path Of RENEWABLE ENERGY

he use of renewable energy sources, RES (mainly photovoltaic, wind and biomass and hydroelectric sources are considered historically consolidated), has been increasingly important in Italy over the last ten years, and its further development is on the right path. Overall, installed renewable power in Italy has a total capacity of almost 53 GW, i.e. more than 40% of the total Italian power generation mix (equal to about 117 GW). In 2017, RES contributed to 36.2% of total energy production in Italy, equating to 32.4% coverage of national demand for electricity. According to the “Renewables 2018 Global Status Report” of REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century), Enel – Italian main provider of electricity – advanced from 25% renewable energy capacity in 2010 to 43% at the end of 2016, and reached agreement – along with 25 of the EU’s 28 electricity utility enterprises – not to build any more coal-fired power plants from 2020 onwards, and to decarbonise Europe’s electricity supply by 2050. According to the International Energy Efficiency Scoreboard 2018, Italy is ranked first, together with Germany, in terms of overall energy efficiency, while it is among the top 25 energy consumer countries worldwide. In 2017, seven European states (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden and Serbia) were ranked among the world’s top 10 countries for additions to solar water heating capacities. Italy is ranked fifth worldwide for installed solar power, behind China, the United States, Japan and Germany. Rated in terms of capacity per

capita, Italy occupies 4th place in the world ranking. At the national level, 2017 saw Italian photo-voltaic produce 8.7% of the national electricity. When it comes to the use of next-generation cellulosic biofuels, Italy is among the few Countries to have already adopted the EU “Renewable Energy Directive for 2030”, which was proposed by the European Commission in 2017 and includes a target of 3% for advanced biofuels and a cap of 7% on first-generation biofuels. Italy is among the pioneering countries at the forefront of the use of bio-heat in buildings. Most of the heating pellets consumed in 2017 (14 million tonnes) were utilised in Europe (11.1 million tonnes) – with the leading markets represented by Italy, Germany and France – followed by North America (2.9 million tonnes). Our country is also ranked 7th among producers of geothermal power (after the U.S., the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, New Zealand and Mexico). A success story in Serbia is represented by Italian company Fintel (Fintel Energija a.d.), which has already invested over 150 million euros in wind farms. In a joint venture with a Serbian company, Fintel is also working to increase the total energy generation capacity in Serbia. At the end of 2015, Fintel opened a 9.9 MW wind farm in Kula – the first in Serbia – and in October 2016 another one, the 6.6 MW “La Piccolina” wind park, was opened in Zagajica, near Vršac. This Italian-Serbian joint venture is now working on new projects. Fintel Energija was also the first company in Serbia to conduct an initial public offer (IPO) on the Belgrade Stock Exchange.

Italian company Fintel Energija a.d. has already invested over 150 million euros in wind farms in Serbia and is now working with its Serbian partner to increase Serbia’s total energy generation capacity

ITALY & SERBIA

BUSINESS

Lawyers WITHOUT BORDERS

Photo: Milica Rašković

LAW OFFICE KOSIĆ

“After over 25 years of cooperation, working with Italian companies has become a daily practice of Law Office Kosić”

good service to their clients and not just enable realisation aw Office Kosić is an amalgam of the traditional and contracting but also prevent any negative effects that values of the legal profession and the requirements might arise from acquired rights and obligations. Bearing of modern business. The proof of the expertise and this in mind, our scope of work is not necessarily broad professionalism of this law firm lies in its lasting but specialised, and this is essential in the normal work cooperation with domestic and many foreign companies. of corporate lawyers. What makes it stand out is its large team of experienced experts who adapt to their clients’ requirements and work In what fields do you usually work with your partners and as a team whenever necessary. Dubravka Kosić, a lawyer associates from abroad? Does this cooperation also mean at Law Office Kosić, explains: “Italian companies are indirepresenting Serbian clients abroad? vidually the greatest investors in Serbia. Our law office - Our law office cooperates with a represents many of them, including of law firms abroad, especially the biggest ones, mostly in the area Law Office Kosić has teams number in Italy. We participate with them in of project development”. of lawyers and interns that seminars, training and development - I would particularly like to mention the Fiat Group, Calzeodnia, Dan- specialise in a number of fields in the legal fields of importance to our clients. Our cooperation is particularly ieli, Ferrero, and many medium-sized but join forces and work important when it comes to advisenterprises. After over 25 years of cooperation with Italian companies, ing on other national laws, especially together to help realise the internationalisation of Italian Italian law, or referring clients to the projects, contracts and companies is a daily practice of Law law firms abroad with which we have other legal tasks Office Kosić. We also cooperate with established good cooperation. Our the Italian and Serbian institutions that office represents clients in Serbia take part in the realisation of these projects. exclusively, but it provides support and prepares documents for our colleagues abroad when they are involved in cases in their territorial jurisdiction. We also regularly take part in The range of fields you deal with is incredibly broad: from conferences organised by the Italian Foreign Trade Agency, corporate and labour laws, energy, media and communiConfindustria Serbia and the Italian-Serbian Chamber of cations, all the way to arbitration. Is such a broad legal Commerce. Law Office Kosić was the only Serbian law firm scope an advantage or a disadvantage? that took part in the first ever CONNEXT this year, where it - Companies seek assistance in all aspects of corporate presented the legal framework, investment opportunities law and in any other business domain where they may and business incentives and benefits in Serbia and in the encounter problems. Law firms specialising in commercial countries with which Serbia has bilateral relations. law should cover all these areas if they want to provide a 41

ITALY & SERBIA

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE

CULTURE & SOCIETY

Door To Better UNDERSTANDING

This year’s edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World focuses on the theme “Italian language on stage”, with the aim of introducing the Serbian public to language's link with music and theatre

institute offers Italian language courses and the possibility of talian is a language of culture, work and study. Speaking acquiring official certificates of linguistic competence that Italian means having access to an extremely valuable arare useful for the continuation of studies in Italy. tistic and literary heritage that’s essential to the history of Since 2001, the third week of October has been dediEurope, and it can turn a visit to Italy into an even greater cated to the Week of the Italian Language in the World, pleasure. It is the key to developing a better understanding of, an event that’s promoted by Italy’s and appreciation for, the Italian lifestyle. diplomatic network with numerous Italian is among the main foreign The Italian Cultural Institute activities organised worldwide with languages studied in Serbia, with more in Belgrade offers Italian the aim of promoting the Italian lanthan 35,000 students studying it as guage. This year’s 19th edition of the a second foreign language in primary language courses and the of the Italian Language in the and secondary schools, and more than possibility of acquiring official Week World focuses on the theme “Italian 2,000 young people studying it at unicertificates of linguistic language on stage”, which will provide versity level. the leitmotif of the vast programme inOne of the main objectives of the competence that are useful tended to be presented to the Serbian Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade is to for the continuation of public and to highlight the language’s promote and diffuse the Italian language link to music and theatre. in Serbia. It is with this in mind that this studies in Italy

ITALY & SERBIA

140 YEARS OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

Conference: EXCHANGES & COMMON HISTORY An international conference organised by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Institute of Balkan Studies aims to shed light on the two countries' cultural relations and social development

CULTURE & SOCIETY

YOUNG STUDENTS AT ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE

focus on the conditions and events that shaped our actual n the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the bilateral relations, as territories that have been in contact establishing of bilateral relations between Belsince ancient times, due to geographic proximity and grade and Rome, historians from Italy, Serbia, common roots, and which have developed a rich network and other countries will meet in Belgrade this of exchanges. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, May to discuss their most recent research on the subject individual and family ties, social and of bilateral relations. economic developments, ideological A long time has passed since Historians from Italy, Serbia struggles and cultural exchanges the first appointment of an Italian and other countries will meet have contributed to creating a strong representative to Belgrade in 1879, following the geopolitical results in Belgrade this May to discuss and rich fabric of deeply intertwined Tracing that evolution of 1878 Berlin Congress. With that their most recent research on the developments. and explaining its importance as part diplomatic history as the starting subject of bilateral relations of the common history of Europe point, the International Conference is an academic undertaking which jointly organised by the Italian Culyields results intended to benefit common projects tural Institute and the Institute of Balkan Studies aims and provide a solid basis for the further strengthening to shed light on the two countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultural relations and of our cultural relations. social development. It will provide the right setting to 43

ITALY & SERBIA

CULTURE & SOCIETY

ITALIAN CUISINE

OPENING EVENT OF THE III WEEK OF THE ITALIAN CUISINE IN THE WORLD IN SERBIA, 2018

Excellence In QUALITY & INNOVATION

The 4th edition of the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World will be held in November 2019, and Serbia has been a special place for this event since its inception

The Italian agri-food sector represents excellence he event “The Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World” that distinguishes itself in terms of quality, food safety, will take place for the 4th time in November 2019. cutting-edge technological innovation, sustainability and Last year’s Week saw more than a thousand events biodiversity. Italy is indeed a country characterised by organised in more than a hundred cities worldwide major territorial and climatic differences that are reflected by the network of Italian diplomatic and consular missions, in exceptionally varied and unique cultures, histories and with the aim of presenting Italy’s culinary tradition and the traditions. These characteristics have led to the formation Mediterranean diet that make Italy one of the world’s healthiest of a large number of very specialised countries. Serbia has been a special place SMEs, often family-owned, which have for this happening since the first edition. The Italian agri-food sector found their place on the international In the cities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, represents excellence that market thanks to their products’ quality Niš and Subotica, presentations of Italian distinguishes itself in terms of and uniqueness. food and wine, workshops for students Among the winning factors of and meetings with famous Italian Chefs quality, food safety, cutting-edge the Italian agri-food industry are a have been organised by the Italian Emtechnological innovation, wide range of high quality products, bassy, in cooperation with the Italiansustainability and biodiversity certified products at the top of inSerbian Chamber of Commerce, the ternational markets, close links with Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE), the the territory and with Italian cultural heritage, high safety Association of Italian Industrialists in Serbia, “Confindustria standards, an ability to combine tradition and constant Serbia”, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Honorary Consulate progress and product innovation. The Italian agri-food of Italy in Subotica and Subotica’s Piazza Italia Culture Centre, sector was valued at 61 billion euros in 2017, with exports and with the support of Serbian and Italian companies. totalling 41 billion euros. The sector’s share of total ItalThe fair “Made in Italy in Serbia” has presented Italian ian GDP stood at 13.5%, while it is important to note that food and beverage manufacturers who are not yet present Italy is the number one country in terms of the number on the Serbian market, while lectures on food in the Italian of PDO/PGI/TSG agri-food products recognised by the literature and seminars on healthy and properly grown food European Union, with 295 of them recognised as of 31st have been presented by Italian experts, who shared their December 2017. knowledge and experience.

ITALY & SERBIA

TOURISM - WHERE TO GO?

Matera, European CAPITAL OF CULTURE For those wanting to discover something new this year, we suggest a visit to Matera, which – together with the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv – shares the title of 2019 European Capital of Culture, which Novi Sad will hold in 2021

CULTURE & SOCIETY

cultural citizenship as catalysts of a new model for Europe, s a tourist destination, Italy offers an endless abunconnecting it to a very long human past. Matera’s two cave dance of possible places, activities and experiences. districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, have been More than 60 million foreign tourists visit the country used as human dwellings for thousands of years. Carved in annually, with projected numbers growing. Florence, the fossil-rich stone layers and built one on top of another, Venice, Rome and Milan are the top destinations. However, those prehistoric apartments are the first attraction to the country has so much to offer away from the beaten track. shock visitors. Now that the former cavemen’s cells have Southern Italy in particular is home to some rare jewels, making been elegantly transformed into hotels and restaurants, it an ideal destination for an enriching experience and relaxing they resemble a marvellous stone beehive. Past the Sassi, journeys. For those wanting to discover something new this walking through the labyrinthine pathways of the town, year, we suggest a visit to Matera, Basilicata’s ancient town, Matera reveals itself as a cultural journey through history which – together with the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv – shares and art. A baroque Palazzo here, Roman ruins there, seven the title of 2019 European Capital of Culture, which Novi Sad centuries old frescos in front of a medieval monastery will hold in 2021. in the back: a playground for culture Recognised by UNESCO as a World Matera as a cultural capital embedded in calcareous walls. Heritage Site, Matera is famous for its Tired of walking and exploring the pale gold limestone and has been inoffers a profusion of events, cultural scene? Have a rest and try habited since the Neolithic period. The touching on nature and the freshly baked focaccia and local cheeses programme conceived for Matera as landscape, history and utopia, made with the Cardoncello mushroom, the capital of culture is simply brilliant. or try the classic orecchiette with fennel It offers a profusion of events over six art, science, and cultural sausage, served with local Aglianico wine. different themes, touching relationcitizenship as catalysts of a For more information visit: https:// ships with nature and the landscape, www.matera-basilicata2019.it/en/ history and utopia, art, science, and new model for Europe

ITALY & SERBIA

TOURISM

CULTURE & SOCIETY

Italy As A Favourite DESTINATION

According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, 36,977 Serbian tourists visited Italy in 2017. Serbs' favourite destinations are Florence, Venice, Rome and Milan

archives and libraries, 20,000 historical cities and towns, taly is one of the most popular holiday destinations for and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Serbian tourists. According to the Statistical Office of SEA: with its 7,500 km of coastline, Italy is the ideal place the Republic of Serbia, 36,977 Serbian tourists visited for sea lovers. A wide variety of beaches makes it perfect Italy in 2017. Italy offers an endless abundance of posfor every type of tourist in search of nature and fun. sible places, activities and experiences. Indeed, the main INLAND ITALY: in all its territorial diversity, Italy boasts a attractions are mountains, sea and art heritage cities. The large number of beautiful and evocative mountain areas that richest artistic heritage in the world, the warmth of the can be visited at any time of the year. From north to south, Mediterranean, breathtaking landscapes, an extraordinary the Italian mountains offer tourists magnificent landscapes: variety of flavours and great events: this is Italy, a land of art high altitude lakes, incredible forests, enchanting villages and history. Italy has been a centre of history, culture and art rich in history, traditions and, of course, since antiquity. Numerous museums, collections and archaeological sites Alitalia and Air Serbia offer direct gastronomic pleasures. FOOD: Italy has always been synreveal countless tokens of the past flights from Belgrade to Rome, onymous with “good food”, offering an and the many civilisations that have prospered in this country, evidence of Milan and Venice, but the relative unmistakable explosion of flavours, which is still inextricably woven into proximity prompts many tourists textures and aromas. Aside from having one of the world’s most famous cuisines, the present day landscape. CULTURE: Italy has more cultural to chose other ways to reach their it also offers an immense variety of difUNESCO World Heritage Sites than favourite Italian destinations! ferent regional dishes and recipes, and great wines that ensure Italy is among any other country. The Italian art cities the world’s main wine exporters. are some of the most visited destinations in international The most common destinations for visitors from Sercultural tourism. Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa bia are Florence, Venice, Rome and Milan. Alitalia and Air and Naples are its most renowned cities of art, but the whole Serbia connect our two countries with direct flights from country can boast towns of breathtaking beauty. Italy has Belgrade to Rome, Milan and Venice, but it is so close that 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles, you can also take a drive! 30,000 historical residences with 4,000 gardens, 36,000

ITALY & SERBIA

ART

Apart from the exhibition 'The School of Bernini and the Roman Baroque', which will be presented at the National Museum in Belgrade on 7th March, the Italian Cultural Institute will offer other exhibitions of diversified genres throughout the year ALFREDO PIRRI - PASSI

which will be presented at the National Museum in Belgrade t is well known that the Italian Peninsula is home to much on 7th March, the Institute will offer other exhibitions of of the world’s great historic art and architecture, and that diversified genres throughout the year. In April, the Institute Italy was at the forefront of artistic development during the will host Artistic encounters-dialogic in visual, where Italy’s Renaissance and the flourishing of the Baroque style, but Anita Cerpelloni and Serbia’s Gordana Kaljalović will present also that modern art thrived in the country. At the beginning their interpretation of the book. In May, to celebrate the of the 20th century, Italian artistic movements flourished Italian Film Festival, Alfredo Pirri will inaugurate his Serbian amid the European artistic scene, like Futurism, led by the version of the surprising installation Passi at the Yugoslav poet Filippo Marinetti and painters Umberto Boccioni and Film Archives Cinematheque, after having presented it at Giacomo Balla, followed by the metaphysical paintings many major venues throughout Italy, a of Giorgio de Chirico and then many other movements that characterised “Inspired by Italy”, an exhibition work consisting of large pieces of mirrored flooring meant to be broken by the the artistic life of the last century, like presenting artworks from the walking visitors, to represent ‘steps’ in Novecento Italiano, surrealism, classical modernism of the 20th century, collection of the Gallery of Matica constant dialogue with the surrounding Arte Povera, Transavantgarde, to name Srpska in Novi Sad, will feature architecture. In October the Institute will host a tribute to Luigi Di Sarro, an artist just a few. The country’s contemporary art scene is also vibrant and features works of 18th- and 19th-century who was active in Italy in the 1960s and exhibitions and permanent collections artists who were inspired by Italy ‘70s, known for his strong experimental vocation in a period that is recognised housed in architecturally avant garde today as fundamental to the innovative challenges brought spaces. Venice led the way by hosting one of the most importo contemporary art. Finally, in November, the Institute will tant contemporary art events in the world every other year, host Inspired by Italy, an exhibition presenting artworks from the Art Biennale, and other cities have developed their own the collection of the Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad, contemporary art scenes, like Rome for example, with its two featuring works of 18th- and 19th-century artists who were dedicated museums, MAXXI and MACRO. inspired by Italy in various ways. Apart from The School of Bernini and the Roman Baroque,

EVENTS

Italian VISUAL ARTS IN 2019

ITALY & SERBIA

CINEMA

EVENTS

The huge and fascinating heritage of Italian filmmaking is to be promoted in Serbia through the Italian Film Festival, to be held in May 2019, in cooperation with the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque

The Art Of Making ITALIAN MOVIES

Rosi, Petri and Pontecorvo, while popular comedy and genre talian cinematography relates to history and society in so films flourished in many directions. Artists like Tornatore, many ways that it has become part of the country’s modern Salvatores and Moretti came later to bring stories to the cultural heritage. Cinema has helped shape the country’s screen that questioned the consensual way of narrating modern image abroad in a very rich and diverse way. The emotions and defining identities. blossoming of Italian cinema after World War II captivated Nowadays it is Sorrentino, Garrone, audiences worldwide. Dissolving the Guadagnino and Virzi who are leadboundaries between documentary and A selection of new films will be ing the recent wave of Italian cinema fiction, films created by Rossellini, De presented, while contemporary towards new shores. Sica, Germi and De Santis aimed to Italian filmmakers will come This is the huge and fascinating present the essential humanity of the heritage that will be promoted in Serbia Italian people. to Serbia to help us better through May 2019’s Italian Film Festival, Following Neorealism, the likes of Visconti, Fellini, Antonioni, Bertolucci understand the magic of making organised in cooperation with the Yuand many others developed a new lanmovies with the Italian touch goslav Film Archives Cinematheque. A selection of new films will be presented, guage through which artistic awareness while contemporary Italian filmmakers will come to Serbia could speak to an increasingly affluent and existentially to help us better understand the magic of making movies distressed modern audience. with the Italian touch. Socio-political themes were the focus of the films of

ITALY & SERBIA

PERFORMING ARTS COLLABORATION

Italian Cultural Season WORTH REMEMBERING

EVENTS

MAURO MAUR, TRUMPET AND FRAN+ŽOISE DE CLOSSEY, PIANO

Excellent Italian musicians and artists will bring the magic of chamber music, opera, jazz, pop and contemporary dance to Serbia

year to perform several shows. Musician exchanges and opera usic will provide a special contribution to this co-productions that are in the making are aimed at fostering year’s celebrations of the double bilateral annithe development of new audiences. To this end, the Italian versary in many forms. Music is an integral part Cultural Institute supports the presence of Italian artists in of national life and identity, and there’s no need the staging of operas at the national theatres in both Belgrade for us to refer to musical history and the influence of Italian and Novi Sad. musicians on its development. Such a rich Italian jazz musicians will also form heritage encourages shared projects and The Italian Cultural Institute part of the Serbian Jazz Festival circuit. bilateral cooperation, which represent the very basis of our 2019 programme, supports the presence of Italian Pop star Eros Ramazzotti will come along with promotions of the diversity artists in the staging of operas to Belgrade in September to perform the joy of his fans, while dance and of Italy’s musical civilisation. at the national theatres in both for theatre shows will complete the season There will be concerts dedicated Belgrade and Novi Sad of Italian culture. The Italian contempoto 20th century avant-garde music, like rary dance scene will be represented in those of Alessandra Celletti or trumpet the splendid Belgrade Dance Festival, masterfully directed virtuoso Mauro Maur, a dedicated interpreter of Morricone’s by Aja Jung, by Rome-based dance company “Spellbound”, music. A number of interesting projects related to opera will with a show dedicated to the life of 19th century composer also be brought to a greater degree of development. Maestro Gioachino Rossini. Other surprises related to performing Veronesi, the conductor and main driver of the present revival arts from Italy will be revealed in the second half of the year. of Puccini’s art around the world, is coming to Belgrade this 49

ITALY & SERBIA

GIRO D’ITALIA: 11TH MAY - 2ND JUNE 2019

“Giro D’ITALIA” Milan, 1908. Sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport is in dire financial straits. The boss is looking for ideas, and quick. Enter one Armando Cougnet, who, in 1898, aged 18, had cycled from Reggio Emilia to Milan to take up a position with the pink-papered publication

rmando had twice followed the Tour de France in his role and witnessed how effective a marketing tool it had proved to be for the Parisian newspaper L’Auto. La Gazzetta’s competition, Il Corriere della Sera, had, along with Bianchi bicycles and the Italian Touring Club, already been mooting a similar venture to L’Auto. With Milano-San Remo and the Giro di Lombardia already furnishing its bike race patronage stable, la Gazzetta made sure it struck first and announced the inaugural Giro d’Italia would be held in May – to avoid a clash with the French race - of 1909. It would be another 22 years, however, until the race leader’s iconic ‘Maglia Rosa’ [Pink Jersey] would make an appearance, coloured to match the newspaper’s printed sheets, just as the Tour de France’s ‘Maillot Jaune’ had taken its hue from the yellow pages of L’Auto.

ITALY & SERBIA

And so it was that 127 adventurers, labourers, racers and chancers took to the start-line in Milan for the 8-stage, 2448km race on 13th May 1909; the first stage alone covered nigh on 400km – but was followed by two rest days. 18 days later, with the usual de rigueur cycle-race shenanigans and chaos of the time (not least surreptitious train journeys for the tired-limbed yet creative-minded, an in-race chicken leg snack putting paid to one poor chap’s chances), 49 exhausted souls, only five of whom were non-Italians, returned to Milan in the wake of Luigi Ganna, the Giro d’Italia’s first winner. Ganna’s victory was sealed by the then-used points system, rather than by time, a system which, if it had been used, would have seen him finish third. A bricklayer by trade, Ganna was asked by Cougnet how he felt in his great moment of triumph: “My arse is killing me!” exclaimed the brutish, newly-crowned Campione. Italy had fallen hopelessly in love with both the bicycle and the race that drew the fledgling nation together - at least in a sporting and geographic manner, while socially and politically there was still much work to be done The 2019 Giro d’Italia route has been unveiled in Milan, with the 102nd edition of the Corsa Rosa offering a finely balanced but testing route that includes three individual time trials and five mountain finishes. The winner of the maglia rosa will be crowned in the Verona amphitheatre after a decisive 15.6km time trial.

After the Israel Grand Partenza of 2018, the 2019 Giro d’Italia will stay in Italy, apart from a brief visit to the enclave republic of San Marino for the uphill finish of the stage 9 time trial. The 21 stages cover a total distance of 3,518km, with the start in Bologna, on Saturday 11th May, and the finish in Verona, on Sunday 2nd June. The route includes legendary climbs such as the Passo Gavia, the Passo del Mortirolo and the Passo Manghen, and other lesser-known climbs that are equally as tough. Stage 13 ends with the stunning Colle del Nivolet up to Lake Serru’, while stage 14 is short, at just 131km, with four steep climbs, including the Colle San Carlo – a twisting 10.5km climb at 9.8 per cent. Stage 15 to Como is a replica of the Il Lombardia finale with the Ghisallo Colma di Sormano and Civiglio. The final week offers just one chance for the few sprinters that are expected to be left in the race, with the final mountain stages to Ponte di Legno – which includes the Passo del Mortirolo just 27km from the finish – Anterselva, San Martino di Castrozza in the shadow of the Dolomites and then the Croce d’Aune, the day before the conclusive Verona time trial. Defending champion Chris Froome (Team Sky) was at the presentation in Milan, where the audience watched a video highlighting his incredible attack over the dirt road Colle delle Finestre and 80km solo ride to Jafferau above Bardonecchia. Froome was diplomatically coy about returning to defend the Maglia Rosa in 2019, as he eyes a fifth Tour de France victory. Team Sky is expected to send Egan Bernal and Gianni Moscon to the Giro d’Italia, with Geraint Thomas reportedly contemplating a possible Giro-Tour double. This year could see Vincenzo Nibali as the biggest name on the final start list, along with Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates), Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) and Bernal, as Nibali’s expected rivals. The route arguably suits former winner Tom Dumoulin, but he and Team Sunweb seem focused on the Tour de France after his second place finish last year. 2019 GIRO D’ITALIA OFFICIAL ROUTE MAP Race organisers, RCS Sport, have already announced the Grande Partenza in Bologna, the Stage 9 time trial to San Marino and a sprint stage to Modena, as part of an agreement with the central Emilia Romagna region. Vegni filled in the dots on the map of Italy, confirming the trip into Tuscany and then south via Lazio with Stage 6 to San Giovanni Rotondo, the southernmost point on the calf of the Italian peninsula. Bologna has been the site of the Grande Partenza on one previous occasion, in 1994, when Endrio Leoni won the morning road stage, before the late Armand De Las Cuevas took possession of the Maglia Rosa in the afternoon time trial. Next year’s opening 8.2-km time trial will immediately test the overall contenders with the climb up to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca ending with 2km at a 9.7% gradient. 51

ITALY & SERBIA

THE ROUTE OF GIRO D'ITALIA 2019

CHRIS FROOME BECAME THE FIRST BRIT TO WIN THE GIRO D'ITALIA

THE PELOTON ROLLS OUT FOR THE 21ST STAGE OF THE GIRO IN ROME

to Piemonte in Novi Ligure – the birthplace of Italian cycling Stage 2 hops over the Apennines to Fucecchio, with legends Costante Girardengo and Fausto Coppi. stage 3 starting in Vinci, to celebrate the 500th anniversary The real mountains begin in Stage 13, with the 2,247-metreof the death of Leonardo da Vinci. The sprinters get their high finish on the testing roads of the Colle del Nivolet to Lake chances in Orbitello, Frascati and Terracina, on the way Serrù, close to the spectacular Gran south, with three subsequent stages Paradiso. The Colle del Nivolet has rarely to San Giovanni Rotondo, L’Aquila - 10 years after a terrible earthquake hit Italy had fallen hopelessly in love been used in races, but is famous for the the Abruzzo city, and Pesaro on the with both the bicycle and the race final scenes of the movie The Italian Job. Stage 13, from Saint Vincent to Adriatico coast, which is more suited that drew the fledgling nation Courmayeur, is short, at 131km, but is to late attacks and the likes of Peter together - in a sporting and intense, with four steep climbs and Sagan, due to a hilly finale. a final kick to the foot of the Monte The 34.7-km time trial to San Marino geographic manner at least; Skyway. It could be the toughest starts on the coast in Riccione and is socially and politically there was Bianco stage of the 2019 Giro d’Italia, with early the ‘wine stage’ of the 2019 Giro d’Italia, still much work to be done gradients in the double digits on the celebrating the area’s red Sangiovese Colle San Carlo likely to inspire attacks. wines. The road is flat and fast for the Nibali will be happy to see stage 15 cover the same climbs first 22km to Faetano, but then climbs up to San Marino. It will as Il Lombardia, with the descent of the Civiglio likely to be be interesting to see if riders opt to change bikes mid-stage. as important as the climb. The riders will enjoy the first rest day between San MaThe riders will enjoy the second rest day near Bergamo, rino, with two pan-flat stages, and Modena, and then across 52

ITALY & SERBIA

CYCLING IN ITALY IS NOT JUST A SEPARATE SPORT, BUT PART OF ITS CULTURE

to the Passo Croce d’Aune - covering 193km in a long loop. before climbing high into the Eastern Alps via the legendary It starts with the little-known Cima Campo, which leads to Passo di Gavia, where Andy Hampsten gained time on his rivals the 18.9km Passo Manghen. The Fiemme Valley leads to the in the snow to win the 1988 Giro d’Italia, and the Mortirolo, Passo Rolle and a long descent takes riders to the foot of the where Marco Pantani often showed his style of attacking 13.5km climb up to above Croce d’Aune. out of the saddle to conquer the 12 per cent middle section. Whoever wears the Maglia Rosa there will then have to At 226km, the stage has rightly been given five stars by RCS defend on the final stage’s 15.6km time Sport, with the Passo Gavia, at 2,618m/ trial around Verona. The stage is far from asl, awarding the Cima Coppi prize for The winner of the 2019 Giro flat, with the Toricelle climb limiting the the highest climb of the race. The final stages stay in the moun- d’Italia will be crowned inside the time gains of the better time triallists. The winner of the 2019 Giro d’Italia tains of northern Italy, with Stage 17 Roman amphitheatre, just as in will be crowned inside the Roman amphicrossing the Val di Sole apple orchards 1981, when Giovanni Battaglin theatre, just as in 1981, when Giovanni to Anterselva. Only Stage 18, to Santa defended the maglia rosa Battaglin defended the Maglia Rosa, in Maria di Sala near Venice, suits the 1986, when Francesco Moser used disc sprinters and breakaway attempts, with wheels and his Hour Record preparation to snatch victory Stage 19 heading back into the mountains for a fast climb to from Laurent Fignon, and in 2010, when Ivan Basso won his San Martina di Castrozza, south of the spectacular Dolomites. second Giro d’Italia. Source: Cycling Stage 20 brings the final mountain stage - from Feltre

ITALY & SERBIA

ITALIAN CONTEMPORARY STREET ART

MARCO BURRESI, ZED1

Internationally Renowned ITALIAN STREET ARTISTS From Roman times to the present day, Italy has played a large role in the international art market. The Biennale dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arte di Venezia, or the Venice Biennale, was the first international art exhibition to promote Contemporary Art. Founded in 1895, the fair takes place every two years

ITALY & SERBIA

LORIS CECCHINI, INEFFABLE GARDENER

ROBERTO CUOGHI, IMITATION OF CHRIST

generations of artists since ancient times. Famous Italian artists working today retain this iconic skill and innate artistic passion, while utilizing their medium in innovative and unique ways. Additionally, the country has become the home of a thriving group of street artists who have managed to bring their country’s street art scene up to the level of those found in America, Great Britain, and France. Today they are internationally renowned for their work and are painting and exhibiting it all around the world.

VESOD,THREE-DIMESIONAL MURAL

ZED1 - SURREAL AND DETAILED Marco Burresi Zed1 has been active on the Urban Art scene for more than two decades. Widely recognized for his surreal murals of awkwardly looking plump-face figures and mesmerizing bizarre imagery, Zed1 creates artwork which very often conveys humorous and dark messages of social and political commentary. Apart from being strong evidence of his wondrous drawing skills, Buressi’s captivating art, found on walls and canvases all around the world, show artist’s masterful choice of colors.

n addition to the Biennale, various other institutions and foundations focused on Contemporary Art have emerged in Italy over the past few years. From national or regional museums to private collections of famous and well–known personalities, Italy is renewing its image, and focusing more on Contemporary Art. A country with such incredibly rich art history, Italy has boasted prominent names that have influenced

LORIS CECCHINI - A POETIC ARTIST Combining photography, drawing, sculpture, and installation, Loris Cecchini forms a unified poetics, the cardinal element of which is transfiguration. All these different elements in his work interrelate in a constant process of deconstruction and reconstruction. Having a curious nature and intrigued by the correlation between art and life, he explores the results of many different styles and sciences.

ITALY & SERBIA

TEO PIRISI, ALSO KNOWN AS MONEYLESS- FOUNDATION OF NATURE

Dovilio Brero. Born in Turin in 1981, he started developing his interest in the graffiti since the early 1990’s. Over the years, while pursuing academic education, he developed a personal visual language which drew inspiration from both Renaissance and Futurism. Using nothing more than cans of spray-paint, Vesod produces intense and masterful images of high contrast and staggered motion, which blur the borders between fine and street art.

GIANLUCA TRAINA, PORTRAIT 360

ROBERTO CUOGHI - EXPLORING THE MATAMORPHOSIS Working with video, sculpture, installation, painting and drawing, Roberto Cuoghi explores the diversity of form and appearance. His practice constantly engages the concept of metamorphosis and change of identities. One of his early works involved his body going through a metamorphic process to become his own father, pushing the physical capacities to the maximum. VESOD - GEOMETRIC FIGURATIVE WORK The artistic attitude of Vesod has been greatly influenced by his father, the Italian surrealist painter 56

MONEYLESS - GEOMETRY AS THE FOUNDATION OF NATURE Teo Pirisi, also known as Moneyless, got involved in the street art movement during the 1990s as a member of the Tuscany graffiti scene. During his studies at the “Accademia delle Belle Arti” of Carrara he developed his unique signature geometric style which seems to quote a Platonic vision of geometry as the foundation of all nature. Coming from the graffiti background, Moneyless experimented with the letter forms, gradually simplifying them to basic lines and geometrical patterns. FILIPPO MINELLI - EXPLORING THE AESTHETICS OF PROTEST Filippo Minelli was initially engaged in street art, developing his own unique style based on the aesthetics of protest. He brought politics to a new level bay decontextualizing the use of tear gas, reversing the

ITALY & SERBIA

FILIPPO MINELLI, NOTHING TO SAY

BLU, MURAL ON FASADE OD LISBON

AGOSTINO LACURCI, MURAL IN ATLANTA, US

function of flags, and borrowing from the aesthetics of protest slogans. In 2007, Minelli started his ongoing project entitled Contradictions, a land art project where he wrote the names of social networks and corporations on the walls of slums in developing countries pointing out the gap between the reality we live in and the ephemeral world of technologies. Beginning in 2009, his ongoing photographic series Silence/Shapes portrays smoke bombs in romantic landscapes, juxtaposing the beauty of nature with the violence and chaos in political demonstrations.

hovering sculptures of vertiginous and shiny shapes that seem to twist and wind in front of the wall.

PEETA - SPECTACULAR THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAFFITI Manuel Di Rita (Peeta) is an Italian graffiti artist, painter and sculptor who is internationally famed for his mind-boggling three-dimensional graffiti which appear to be flowing above the painted surface. Member of several renowned international graffiti crews (FX, RWK and EAD), a true master of shading techniques through the use of gentle gradients of color, Peeta creates spectacular artworks which give the illusion that light is hitting them from different sides at the same time. Using careful perspective, his perfectly shaped, spraypainted graffiti of formidable visual depth appear as sensational

GIANLUCA TRAINA - FUSING ART, FASHION AND DESIGN An Italian contemporary artist and designer, Gianluca Traina is best known for his projects PORTRAIT 360. Mostly concentrated on sculpture and painting, he employs different media and materials such as paper and PVC. Fusing art, fashion and design, his works strives towards the connection between the artistic object and the viewer. His famous project PORTRAIT 360 is a series of portraits where he incorporated two-dimensional images with three-dimensional elements. STEN AND LEX - PIONEERS OF URBAN STENCIL ART Sten & Lex is an Italian street art duo, internationally acclaimed for their stencils they have been doing together since 2000. Sten (Rome, 1982) and Lex (Taranto, 1982) are considered to be pioneers of urban stencils in their country, who utilize unique halftone stencil technique combining collage, stencil and optical illusion, style they have developed to perfection. Today they produce gigantic portraits of mainly anonymous people, made from their own photographs and consisting of thousands upon thousands paper strips. 57

ITALY & SERBIA

MANUEL DI RITA, THREE DEMENTIONAL GRAFFITI

STEN&LEX, MURAL

BLU - ANONYMOUS GENIUS Blu is an extraordinary muralist from Bologna who has been involved in the Italian street art scene since the late 1990s. All this time he has been very successful in concealing his true identity, which is pretty fascinating given the sheer size of his easily recognizable public artworks. His most famous artwork is a seven-minute silent animated mural called Muto which is composed of hundreds of wall paintings. AGOSTINO IACURCI - BOLDLY COLORED MURALS Agostino Iacurci is remarkably prolific Italian street artist, recognized for his monumental, multi-layered and brightly colored murals of synthetic forms and flat shapes. Always considering the architecture and context of the environment he works in, Iacurci creates seemingly simple and very accessible artworks. His signature narrative-like style paintings can be found on walls both 58

PIXEL PANCHO

small and large all around the world, including some of the more exotic locations such as the skyscraper in Taiwan, school in Western Sahara and inside the maximum security prison near Rome. PIXEL PANCHO - LARGE-SCALE FANTASY WORLD Pixel Pancho is a highly talented street artist from Turin and one of the most outstanding protagonists of the Italian urban art scene, who specializes in large-scale murals. He is considered to be one of the most prominent creatives in his field. This graduate of fine art studies has been creating original street art work, reminiscent of Michelangeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic compositions, since 2001, steadily gaining a large following. Pixel Pancho uses a wide variety of mediums to create mesmerizing paintings of a 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s futuristic fantasy world. Source: Widewals