Nordic Countries 2022

Learning From Champions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in the fight against climate change.

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

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

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

Greening The World Together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BALANCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARTNERSHIPS

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

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

IMPACT

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

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

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

it

Danish

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

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

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

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

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

Common Challenges Related To Greening Economies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMONALITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPPORTUNITY

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

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

LEADERSHIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental And Strategic Imperative

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPPORTUNITY

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

PROGRESS

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

CONTRIBUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Now Need To Involve Citizens

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

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

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

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

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

FORESIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUPPORT

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

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

ACHIEVEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Developing Deposit-Return Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deposit-return system defined

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key elements of high-performing DRS

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

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

Benefits of a deposit-return system

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

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

Financing a deposit-return system

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

About Tomra:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AstraZeneca And Urban Beekeeping

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

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

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

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

been

and

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

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

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

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

cleared

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

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

Respecting Nature, Nurturing Quality

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

bution to Serbia’s eco-friendly future?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Visa-Prom is the only company on the Serbian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Buy When You Can Rent?

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

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

GETTING IT RIGHT WITH WORKWEAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAT RENTAL SERVICES

MATTER MORE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

+381 63 333 165

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

NEDA LAZENDIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER, WV-INTERNATIONAL SERBIA

We Need New Power Plants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nordic Business Alliance mean to you in realising your goals?

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

MILAN JEVREMOVIĆ, LOCAL BUSINESS AREA MANAGER, ABB MOTION

Savings Represent The Most Efficient Energy Resource

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PETAR BELOKAPIĆ, DIRECTOR, MEDICON BUSINESS

Safe Support To Patients

The

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

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

Reduce Waste Wherever Possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s next for waste management in Serbia?

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

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

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

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

How will Serbia’s waste management system improve?

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

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

NORWEGIAN ENERGY REVOLUTION

Global Pillar Of Energy Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was additionally concluded that faster transition and development require closer

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS FROM FINLAND

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

Better Preparation For Future Challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which Finnish solutions could benefit companies in Serbia?

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

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

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

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

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

data sources to calculate environmental impact on a daily basis.

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

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

Leading The Way To The Farms Of Tomorrow

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

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

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

embrace digital solutions, automation and advanced predictive maintenance tools.

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

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN DENMARK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERVIEW

IVA PETROVIĆ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NORDIC BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Focus On Sustainable & Inclusive Growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGIONALISATION

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

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

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

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

PARTNERSHIPS

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

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

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

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

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

However, aside from the connectivity and access that

COLLABORTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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