Diplomacy & Commerce Magazine #86 July

NIKOLA ALTIPARMAKOV SERBIA FACES GREAT ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

EVENTS

HONORING LEGENDS –THE PAOLO/ SINIŠA EXHIBITION

JOURNALISM IS ALL ABOUT PASSION AND DEDICATION

PROMOTION OF INCLUSION AND FIGHT AGAINST HATE

Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue

CANADA IS BLESSED BY GEOGRAPHY

H.E. GILES NORMAN

TRAVELOGUE

THE SPLENDOUR OF MONASTERIES, THE MISERY OF VILLAGES

by ROBERT ČOBAN

THE LIST / VOL. 5

PEOPLE WHO CHANGE BELGRADE

by DUŠKA JOVANIĆ

MAT BRIEF

by ECONOMICS INSTITUTE

VIVE L’AMITIÉ FRANCO-SERBE!

STANISLAS PIERRET

THE SERIAL / VOL. 3

DIPLOMACY AT THE TABLE by HIDAJET BIŠČEVIĆ

Ambassador of Canada to Serbia Institut Français

ANSA, Italian News Agency

TOMISLAV ŽIGMANOV

FRANCESCO QUINTANO

FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED

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FEATURED INTERVIEW

PROMOTION OF INCLUSION AND FIGHT AGAINST HATE

TOMISLAV ŽIGMANOV

Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue

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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW CANADA IS BLESSED BY GEOGRAPHY

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

SERBIA FACES

GREAT ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

NIKOLA ALTIPARMAKOV

Member of the Fiscal Council of Serbia

30 MAT BRIEF

ROBERT ČOBAN Director robert.coban@color.rs

DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ Editor in Chief dragan.nikolic@color.rs

NIKOLA GUDELJ Journalist nikola.gudelj@color.rs

ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ Journalist zikica.milosevic@color.rs

Advertising DRAGAN VUČEVIĆ dragan.vucevic@color.rs

JELENA JAHURA jelena.jahura@color.rs

Photos GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ

NEBOJŠA BABIĆ SHUTTERSTOCK

Translation SNEŽANA BJELOTOMIĆ TEODORA TOROMAN

Prepress

Studio Lončar

Contributors:

Dragan Nikolić, Robert Čoban, Duška Jovanić, Nikola Gudelj, Žikica Milošević, Ivan Nikolić, Hidajet Biščević

Print

BIROGRAF COMP D.O.O.

Zemun, Atanasija Pulje 22

H.E. DEMETRIOS THEOPHYLACTOU Ambassador of Canada to Serbia

WESTERN BALKANS HAS A GREAT NEED FOR INVESTMENTS by Ivan Nikolić Economics Institute

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CULTURAL INTERVIEW

VIVE L’AMITIÉ FRANCO-SERBE!

STANISLAS PIERRET

Counselor For Cooperation And Culture

At The Embassy Of France, Director Of The Institut Français In Serbia

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THE LIST / VOL. 5

PEOPLE WHO CHANGE BELGRADE by Duška Jovanić

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THE SERIAL: DIPLOMACY AT THE TABLE / VOL.3 RELATIONSHIPS ARE SOLID AND STABLE...

by Hidajet Biščević

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MEDIA INTERVIEW

JOURNALISM IS ALL ABOUT PASSION AND DEDICATION

FRANCESCO QUINTANO

Regional Chief Correspondent for Balkans ANSA, Italian News Agency

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TRAVELOGUE THE SPLENDOUR OF MONASTERIES, THE MISERY OF VILLAGES by Robert

Čoban

July and August

There are months when “something always happens”. In Serbia, wbelieved for a long time that the month of March and the “Ides of March” brought us great misfortunes and riots – the protests against the signing of the Triple Pact on March 27, 1941, were a prelude to the coup d’état. the bombing of Belgrade and the beginning of WWII; under the slogan “Kosovo is a Republic” in March 1981, Albanians started mass protests in Kosovo and Metohija; protests led by the opposition parties on March 9, 1991, claimed two lives; the beginning of the bombing of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was on March 24, 1999; the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjić happened on March 12, 2003; violence against Serbs in Kosovo on March 17, 2004...

Unexpected things always somehow happen to us in March and this year May took over the “sinister role” from March, when a series of tragic events and political unrest befell our country.

We have also been dreading July and August for decades. Although these two are summer months which in other countries, most people associate with summer holidays, in our region, July and August are responsible for heating national tensions. Due to the anniversary of the massacre in Srebrenica (the mass killing of Bosniaks lasted from July 11 to 19, 1995), July was “reserved” for the on-duty deterioration of relations between Serbs and Bosniaks. This year, after the commemoration held on July 11, on the same evening in Srebrenica, the local Serbs celebrated St. Peter’s Day with the song “Veseli se srpski rode” (“Be joyful, Serbs!). Just as the passions surrounding the anniversary of the crime in Srebrenica calmed down, on August 4 and 5 Croats celebrated their special military operation called “Storm” during which they liberated a part of their territory in 1995, while the Serbs mourn their victims and point out that the expulsion of 200,000 people from their homes in Croatia is “the biggest ethnic cleansing in Europe after the Second World War”. The former usually forget to mention or only mention in passing the numerous civilian victims, mostly old people who remained in their homes, while the latter never mention that the same ethnic cleansing was carried out in 1991 against the Croats who were expelled from those territories.

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the massacre in Srebrenica and the operation “Storm” and it seems that passions are just as heated, some claim even more, than on the 5th, 10th or 15th anniversary of these events. In 1973, that is 28 years after the end of the Second World War, in which, among others, millions of French and Germans perished, France and Germany had formed a common alliance decades earlier, which was then called the European Economic Community (EEC) and today is called the European Union. In 1973, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland joined the EEC.

On the other hand, it seems that hatred in our region only comes out of the mouths of politicians and from TV screens or the pages of daily newspapers. Ordinary people seem to live parallel lives - Serbs holiday en masse in Dalmatia and Istria; young Croats also en masse frequent the Exit Festival in Novi Sad or go partying in Belgrade. Likewise, I skied on the Jahorina Mountain near Sarajevo together with Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats, Slovenes and numerous foreigners from all over Europe. Zdravko Marić from Split gathers thousands of children from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia at the Youth Sports Games every year and not a single incident has ever occurred so far. This year, right at the end of August, the Youth Sports Games will celebrate its 27th anniversary.

We can only hope that, in the years to come, there will be fewer politicians and journalists who will pick on old wounds and more people like Zdravko who will celebrate sportsmanship and cooperation between nations.

Srebrenica archive / author unknown

Oluja archive / author © Srdjan Ilic

Robert Čoban

KATSUMATA Takahiko (TAKA) former Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Serbia

I Miss Rakija, Wine, and a Variety of Meat

Cuisine Served in Beautiful Serbian Nature

What have you been doing since you left Belgrade?

Two months have passed since I left Belgrade at the beginning of May this year. Because of my love for Serbia, it was not easy for me to move to another diplomatic destination, although I knew it was a ”destiny“ for diplomats.

I am now in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, where I spent almost ten years in my previous assignments. Fortunately, like the relationship between Japan and Serbia, we have been enjoying a long-standing friendship with Türkiye. My urgent mission is to facilitate continuous support to the southeast region seriously damaged by the devastating earthquake in February. I have visited the suffering region to encourage the local people and elaborate on Japan’s support program. As Japan and Serbia did, we have been strengthening our ties with Türkiye, especially in such difficult times.

In my personal time, I am enjoying running around my residence in Ankara. In Belgrade,

Former Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, H.E. Katsumata Takahiko, now serves as the ambassador to Türkiye. He remembers days when he was a citizen of Belgrade and sent us a warm postcard from Ankara to revoke these days in our capital.

seems

What and who do you miss the most from Serbia?

Yes, I am already starting to feel a loss of Serbia. What I am missing the most is my friends and the people of Serbia. My first impression of the Serbs was a physical gap between us. I had to keep my head upward to greet you, even though my height was more than the average of Japanese men. However, more importantly, I was so impressed with the very friendly statements and attitude of the Serbian people toward Japan. They never forget Japan’s support when Serbia faced many difficulties after the late 1990s, which was symbolically mentioned by the donation of “Yellow Buses” to Belgrade.

Another love for Serbia is going to its wonderful nature and culture. Wherever I visited, locals welcomed me with much hospitality and were attracted by the historical town architecture with the Serbian Orthodox churches. Rakija, wine, and a variety of meat cuisine served in beautiful nature were one of my highlights in Serbia.

Upon this opportunity, let me thank all embassy staff who warmly supported me in Belgrade. Also, I wish all the best for Serbia and its people! Hvala Serbiji!

my weekend routine was jogging in Hyde Park or Ada to shape up my body which was well-nourished with rich Serbian foods. It

that I need to continue this practice in Ankara due to the attractive and high-calorie foods in Türkiye (“Kebap,” “Baklava,” etc.).

All photos: Ambassador’s private archive

A park next to my residence in Ankara

Broken city of Hatay Province –earthquake

Jogging course in Ankara with Serbian Tokyo Olympic Uniform

Promotion of Inclusion and Fight Against Hate

THE PROCESS OF CREATING AND IMPLEMENTING A WHOLE SET OF ACTIVITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HATE SPEECH REQUIRES CONTINUOUS WORK

In a time of growing recognition and struggle against social injustice, addressing the issues of marginalized groups is becoming a key topic in public discourse. In order to better shed light on this topic, we spoke with Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue. The Minister highlights the most important projects of the Ministry in the fight for the rights and inclusion of marginalized groups, as well as the challenges they face. It reveals how the Ministry cooperates with other state bodies and international organizations to improve the position of vulnerable groups in Serbia, and how they fight against the ubiquitous problem of hate speech.

Which projects would you single out as the most significant for improving the lives of marginalized groups that the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue is currently working on?

There are several types of action, with different program content, for the inclusion and integration of vulnerable social groups on the margins of our society. The most comprehensive and developed programs are those related to the Implementation Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Serbian Gypsy Men and Women in the Republic of Serbia from 2022 to 2030. The Strategy includes numerous activities, which are elaborated in the accompanying Action Plan for last year and this year, and include affirmative measures related to the support in education, through those relating to the availability of health care, social services, and the labour market, to the improvement of

housing conditions. Of course, the implementation of most of the mentioned activities is not within the immediate competence of our Ministry, but in general, the Ministry of which I am the head is in charge of monitoring the implementation of the Strategy and reporting. On the other hand, there are parallel activities that improve the social position of other marginalized groups, which are often “invisible” to the institutions, and their problems go beyond the focus of the public. It is up to us, most often through the institute of social dialogue, to point out their specific problems and try to solve them, in a positive and institutionally appropriate way, through the measures of “binding actions.” In this regard, I would like to highlight the Ministry’s activities in solving the issue of persons in a situation of homelessness, then children in a street situation, persons with the challenge of post-penal resocialization, integration of young people who are no longer addicted, as well as persons with certain handicaps.

How does your Ministry cooperate with other ministries to jointly improve the position of vulnerable groups in Serbia?

if those directly affected are not involved, and the activities of civil society organizations are just as valuable. Only an approach that cohesively considers quality and timely action of each individual sector or institution can have positive outcomes. If such awareness guides us both in communication with other actors and in the planning and implementation of joint activities, our successes, that is, the success of the policies of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, is more certain and abundant.

To what extent do the funds and support of the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations help to improve the position and active inclusion of marginalized groups and raise awareness about the language of hate in everyday speech?

They are more than helpful on several levels. Firstly, through cooperation with numerous international organizations and the EU institutions by exchanging experience and mutual learning, we can more easily define the best solutions for the challenges we in Serbia face in specific situations. Other benefits concern more impactful

FREEDOM OF SPEECH – COMPLETE AND UNQUESTIONABLE YES, BUT WE MUST NEVER EVER TOLERATE HATE SPEECH

The Ministry is more than aware that the issue of the inclusion of socially vulnerable groups or the integration of people with specific needs is always cross-sectoral. That is, its positive solution must be realized with the joint and synergistic action of a number of ministries, including local self-government bodies and competent institutions. Of course, nothing can be achieved

effects and better results that we achieve in joint action - for example, the messages we send and the activities we undertake in the fight against hate speech have much stronger resonance. Last but not least, the benefits we have through their financial support, and primarily I mean the funds of the European Union and some of its members, as well as the United States of America, are often of crucial

importance for the realization of our projects that achieve active social inclusion of socially marginalized groups, since it also requires more generous resources in the financial sense.

The International Day Against Hate Speech is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this problem. How does the ministry you lead plan to intensify its efforts to counter the spread of hate speech, especially in the context of modern communication technologies?

First of all, by constantly pointing out the presence, danger, and harmfulness of this social anomaly, which is becoming more widespread with the development of technologies and the pluralization of communication platforms on social networks, and thus harder to spot - it no longer resides only in “classic” spaces such as the media, at sports events or graffiti in public places. Today, it is most widespread on social networks, a space particularly difficult to control. At the same time, the process of creating and implementing a whole set of activities in the fight against hate speech requires continuous work, and representatives of civil society and professional organizations, primarily the media, must be included. And when it comes to target groups, the focus must be on young people and socially vulnerable groups because they are usually either targeted in hate speech or involved in its practices. Likewise, we must not forget that the previously mentioned existence and plural dynamics of hate speech should be accompanied by adequate normative “taming” in the form of constant adaptation of the legislative framework and the creation of assumptions for consistent application thereof.

The laws of the Republic of Serbia recognize and sanction hate speech, but the concept of hate speech remains a subject of de-

Strategies, cooperation and the fight for equal rights for all: towards concrete solutions for social inclusion and respect for human rights

TOMISLAV ŽIGMANOV Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue

bate, especially in the context of freedom of speech. How do you see this balance between the fight against hate speech and freedom of speech preservation?

Hate speech often subsumes under freedom of thought and expression, which is inaccurate because hate speech, unlike freedom of expression, has no limit in responsibility towards the dignity of another person’s personality and the responsibility towards society as a whole. The United Nations defines hate speech as any form of communication in speech, writing, or behaviour that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language against a person or group based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, origin, gender, or other personal property. Therefore, freedom of speech – complete and unquestionable yes, but we must never ever tolerate hate speech! Since hate speech always results in a social environment of intolerance towards minorities and sensitive social groups, it is a small step from spilling speech and attitudes into actions, such as hate crimes, discriminatory behaviour, and the like, especially. We should not lose sight of the fact that the presence of hate speech content in public also leads to the creation of a negative value system and the adoption of prejudices and stereotypes among young people from the youngest age, that is, the availability of the Internet to children and young people and the lack of effective mechanisms for eradicating hate speech on the Internet affects that children and young people adopt wrong attitudes more easily.

The Prevention and Protection Against Discrimination Strategy adopted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia covers the period of 2022 to 2030. Can you tell us more about the key measures envisaged in the Strategy to combat hate speech?

Hate speech is recognized and sanctioned by the legislation of the Republic of Serbia! Article 11 of the Law on Prohi-

bition of Discrimination prohibits the expression of ideas, information, and opinions that incite discrimination, hatred, or violence against a person or group of persons due to their personal characteristics, in public newspapers and other publications, at gatherings and places accessible to the public, by writing or displaying messages or symbols, and in other ways. Other laws in the field of human rights also contain provisions that relate negatively to hate speech. That is a consequence of the starting value principle that states the diversity of identity is a measure of the personal and collective wealth of the Republic of Ser-

or negative, especially if it is widespread. Second, if it is negative in its consequences, and hate speech certainly is, then the campaign highlights destructive actions and other harms to the good of society, presenting it in a negative manner, of course. Naturally, the most important messages in the campaign are the opposite of hate speech, which emphasise positive attitudes towards somebody and something different, and tolerance. It seems that the Ministry led a more than successful campaign this year with the UNDP Office in Serbia - the renowned “Color Media Communication” from Novi Sad carried out the production and overall imple-

also implies the improvement of policies and the legislative media framework. On the other hand, since new technologies allow users to more easily transmit messages, exchange and publish audio and video materials, it also enables faster distribution of messages containing hate speech compared to traditional media. Prevention and suppression of hate speech on the Internet, according to the letter of the Strategy, should be the responsibility of the Internet access provider, ISP (Internet Service Provider), then the content provider, telecommunication network provider, and broadcaster.

What are the key challenges in the fight against hate speech in Serbia, and how does the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue plan to overcome them in the coming period?

bia and should not be a reason for animosity and conflicts! The Prevention and Protection Against Discrimination Strategy, it is clear, wants to fight hate speech as a socially unacceptable phenomenon to make it disappear from the social scene. That implies, on the one hand, to work to reduce stereotypes and prejudices towards groups that are at risk of discrimination through the affirmation and promotion of positive images in the public so as to change social understandings and values, as stated in the Strategy, and on the other hand, a whole series of different activities aimed at suppressing hate speech, primarily in the media, social networks and sports events, and initiating procedures for protection against hate speech.

The Ministry organizes meetings and campaigns directed against hate speech, with a targeted focus on groups that are particularly sensitive to discrimination. How do these campaigns contribute to spreading awareness about hate speech, and can you share some of the successes of these initiatives so far?

Each campaign will first point out the importance of a social phenomenon, be it positive

mentation on the occasion of the International Day of Combating Hate Speech, which raised awareness among young people to condemn and suppress hate speech, and simultaneously strongly affirm positive social values. The highlight of those activities was a three-day conference of young people from all national communities in Serbia, who eventually adopted a joint Proclamation calling on everyone in society to be constantly engaged and actively fight against hate speech.

How does the ministry plan to fight against hate speech on social networks and in the media, given their increasing role in spreading this problem?

At the Ministry, we are conscious of that when it comes to effective prevention and suppression of hate speech in modern society, we must pay special attention to social networks and the media since they are the most widespread. At the same time, we start from the fact that it is not at all a harmless phenomenon for society as a whole because there are small steps from hate speech to other, more severe forms of discrimination. The improvement of mechanisms against hate speech

The challenges are not few, nor are they minor regarding the permanent elimination of this social scourge! But not only here, I am free to present some of the proposals that are also on the agenda of the Ministry. Namely, it would be necessary to work on the protocol adoption by public authorities for a unison and timely response to such cases, naturally with the urgent and appropriate action of the relevant institutions in the procedural sense: MUP, prosecutor’s office, judiciary. It would be good to establish and designate places for reporting cases of hate speech and support programs for victims of hate speech. In parallel, continuous campaigns should be conducted against hate speech and the promotion of zero tolerance for hate speech, with the diversity affirmation as the highest value of a society and its wealth. We should strengthen educative programs in formal and informal education about the absolute inadmissibility of hate speech. We should do this by creating coalitions/platforms with all social subjects in the fight against hate speech: joint activities, joint actions in the area of condemnation, reactions in cases of hate speech, joint activities in the area of promoting tolerance.

THE DIVERSITY OF IDENTITY IS A MEASURE OF THE PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE WEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Canada is Blessed by Geography

Thriving over the past century and a half of extraordinary global change and challenge

On the occasion of Canada Day, a national holiday celebrating peaceful Canadian history and traditional and modern values, we spoke with H.E. Giles Norman, Canadian ambassador to Serbia.

Canada Day is a day of national pride and patriotism. As a Canadian, how do you feel on that day, and what are the main Canadian values you’re proud of?

I’m always conscious of how lucky I am, frankly. Canada is blessed by geography, and it is blessed by its nature and resources: yes, we turn those to our advantage, but at the base, those are Canadians’ great, good luck.

I’m proud and grateful too to our political organization that, from its earliest days, drew from the best of the British and continental European traditions and tailored them to our particular circumstances. It has been able

to adapt and keep our country on course -- indeed, thriving -over the past century and a half of extraordinary global change and challenge.

Our political tradition is based on the dignity of the individual.

individual is at the center. It’s a strategy in that we think diversity of views and of peoples is a source of strength, even a comparative advantage. It refreshes and invigorates us. It makes us cosmopolitan, and dynamic, and it makes us a magnet for

which I emphasized our many, and proliferating, bilateral relationships. These connections are getting stronger on the sports field. They are strengthening in the fields of literature, culture and the performing arts. I spoke of the contributions that over 100,000 Serbians in Canada make to our country’s cosmopolitanism and dynamism.

And it’s also based on the observation that, to thrive, individuals need peace, order, and good government. I’m proud of this “founding wisdom” that these two elements are, and should be, dynamic, positive, creative, and tension, rather than one privileged over the other. It serves us well.

If I have to choose one value to emphasize, it might be diversity. In truth, this is both a value and a strategy. It’s a value in that the

spirited, ambitious people. I’m proud of Canada’s affirmation of the individual, and our celebration of diversity.

How would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Canada and Serbia, and what are the key areas of cooperation between the two countries?

I just had an opportunity to reflect on this upon our celebration of our National Day, at

I emphasized too that Canada and Serbia are deepening our connections every day through our joint work in vital economic fields such as women and STEM, energy and extractives, in information and communication technology, and AI.

Another stand-out connection – and one of the most rewarding – is with Serbia’s civil society. These are people and groups who forfeit the easy way, and choose to engage in making their communities more vibrant, to help their society’s most vulnerable, and to honour

OVER 100,000 SERBIANS IN CANADA MAKE TO OUR COUNTRY’S COSMOPOLITANISM AND DYNAMISM

H.E. GILES NORMAN Ambassador of Canada to Serbia

and defend their fellow citizens’ dignity and rights. These connections and relationships, across these and many other aspects, are making our bilateral relations stronger every day.

Diplomatic relations are stateto-state relations, and are governed by centuries-old protocol and codes of conduct and well-established principles. The key areas of cooperation are spelled out in briefing notes, and web-pages and spreadsheets. I’m deliberately focusing on Canada and Serbia’s bilateral relationships. These constitute the flesh and blood of our bilateral relations, and they are vigorous, expanding, inspiring.

Canada has actively supported Serbia’s EU accession process. What role does Canada play in assisting Serbia’s path toward European integration, and what are the main challenges and opportunities in this regard.

To be clear, Canada does not play a direct part in Serbia’s EU accession process. And it is not for Canada to tell Serbia, or the EU, what either of you should do. We know how complex such negotiations can be, having negotiated comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with both our North American and European partners.

That said, we do know that it is in Canada’s interest – broadly understood -- that Serbia finds its place in the EU. And many of the things that bring that prospect closer are also good for Canada, and for Canada and Serbia bilaterally, and, we believe, good on their own terms for Serbia and Serbs. We try to focus our efforts on where those circles intersect.

ative. We also work together with Serbia to enhance economic prosperity, including through the sharing of good practices. Canadian firms in Serbia –- in Information and Communication Technology, Energy and Extractives, Artificial Intelligence, the automotive sector or what-have-you -- adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance, environmental safeguards and community engagement; indeed, Canada is recognized as a world leader in Responsible Business Conduct (RBC). We also collaborate with Serbia to encourage more women to contribute in STEM fields, where Serbia is already in the vanguard. The Embassy also engages directly and indirectly

further economic collaboration?

The moment you land in Serbia, waving a Canadian passport, people relate you to mining and start talking about critical minerals, environment protection and electric vehicles. And rightfully so, as Canada holds global leadership in the mining industry and Serbia may have an integral role in development of European industries such as critical minerals extraction and batteries and e-vehicles production.

Canada’s vast territory is rich in natural wealth, including critical minerals such as; nickel and cobalt. Our government, busi-

ly becoming a new ICT hub in South Eastern Europe. The evidence of that is the increased interest that Canadian companies show in establishing their business presence here. They recognize Serbia’s rich ICT talent pool, “let’s do it” attitude and compliance with Western business culture. I’ve welcomed several of them to Belgrade in 2023 only and our trade department receives almost weekly interest from our companies in opportunities in this market. From IT engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning to cyber security, biotech and gaming, there are expanding opportunities for close cooperation between Canada and Serbia in coming years.

We also see significant opportunities in the aerospace, agriculture and the energy sector. In short, these are exciting times for us.

to support Serbian democracy and good governance, gender equality and environmental improvement, including through our modest but well-regarded Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. These are areas that are good for Serbia, and Canada, and impel Serbia along the EU accession path.

Canada and Serbia share a strong trade relationship. Could you highlight some of the key sectors where Canadian companies have invested or are interested in investing in Serbia and what potential exists for

nesses and people understand that mining industry is not an isolated island, but an integral factor -- essential if you may -- in building sustainable economies and a sustainable future. Naturally, we want to support Serbia in developing its mining and energy ecosystem on the principles of environmental, social and governance responsibility and transfer our expertise and experience to local government and people.

But we see rising opportunities in other segments of economy. For example, Serbia is rapid-

Canada has been known for its commitment to human rights and multiculturalism. How does the Canadian Embassy in Serbia promote these values and work towards strengthening democratic institutions, civil society, and the rule of law in the country?

We try to share our experiences and values, respecting of course that – engaged as we are in this country and its future -- we are visitors here. The Embassy builds and sustains partnerships with both the government and civil society organizations, directly and in partnership with others, and bilaterally as well as at the regional and global levels.

Broadly speaking, that means working with Serbia and our other partners in the area of peace and security, because we believe regional security is a pressing imper-

Perhaps most concretely, the Embassy supports small local projects in Serbia (and in Montenegro and North Macedonia), through our “Canada Fund for Local Initiatives”. Through this program, we work with civil society partners on projects related to inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, and the environment. Our connection with Serbia’s civil society on this range of issues is one of the most rewarding connections we are forging. We get to work

THE EMBASSY SUPPORTS SMALL LOCAL PROJECTS IN SERBIA THROUGH OUR “CANADA FUND FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES”

with engaged citizens who know they have a stake in their communities and country, and dedicate themselves to making them better.

Climate change is a pressing global issue. How is the Embassy of Canada collaborating with Serbia to address climate change challenges, promote sustainable development, and encourage the transition to clean energy sources?

Canada is custodian of the world’s largest intact boreal forest, and of a mind-staggeringly large Arctic expanse, each home to delicate ecosystems and communities, and each of global environmental significance. As I write, the forests are burning and the ice cap is melting. That tends to focus the mind.

Canada, as a signatory of the Paris Agreement wants to lead the global efforts in addressing climate change and empower the transition to clean energy including hydro, wind, solar, green hydrogen and nuclear energy. In 2022 our Government adopted “The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan” to achieve its target of reducing emissions to 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030. This Plan includes CAD9.1 billion in new investments and measures to help Canadian citizens and industry transit towards truly sustainable economy. The final, ambitious goal of Prime Minister Trudeau’s government is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. A number of provinces and cities have already made net-zero-by-2050 commitments, including Guelph, Vancouver, Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax, Newfoundland and Labrador, and most recently Quebec. Most of provinces in Canada, including Quebec and Ontario, have managed do decarbonize their electricity production by completely abandoning coal and switching to hydro energy, renewables and nuclear energy.

Globally, Canada and UK lead the “Powering Past Coal Alliance”, which empowers coal-dependant countries to smoothly transition towards sustainable energy production by increasing the share of green energy sources. Canada has invited Serbia to consider joining this initiative, which would allow Serbia to benefit from the

expertise and experience of other countries struggling with similar challenges.

People-to-people connections are vital in fostering understanding and cooperation between nations. What cultural and educational initiatives does the Canadian Embassy undertake to enhance cultural exchange, promote Canadian values, and strengthen ties between the people of Canada and Serbia?

Cultural cooperation between Canada and Serbian continues to be important to our bilateral relations.

We are proud that over 350 Canadian titles have been translated into Serbian, a tribute to Ser-

Embassy’s links to the vibrant Serbian arts scene here has enabled command performances by the celebrated Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, concerts featuring Serbian-Canadian clarinettist Milan Milošević, the a capella opera “Svadba-Wedding” by famous Serbian-Canadian Ana Sokolović, literary evenings with Canadian writers Margaret Atwood, Nita Prose and many others.

And the flow is absolutely in both directions. Canadians benefit from the outsize cultural contributions of Serbian-Canadians such as the writer David Albahari, the illustrator Dušan Petričić and the multimedia artist Vessna Perunovich, many of whom maintain a foothold in both our countries. Canada is

graduate Serbian students who can choose from among 10,000+ programs at Canadian universities and colleges all over Canada.

A few years ago, the two countries signed the Agreement on Air Travel, but still, there are no direct routes. What’s the obstacle if we know that both Air Serbia and Air Canada are interested in direct flights between Belgrade and Toronto?

Serbia continues developing its reputation as the regional aviation center in Southeast Europe. The development of the Nikola Tesla Airport‘s capacities and the increase of Air Serbia‘s fleet are unmatched in the region.

As you said, in 2018 Canada and Serbia signed an Air Transporta-

bian publishers’ vivid interest in books by Canadian authors and their multicultural influences. Canadian publishers not only promote literature here, but also participate in workshops on

made stronger by our ability to attract such exceptional people from Serbia.

In the academic realm, the Serbian Association for Canadian

AIR SERBIA‘S EXPANSION PLANS FOR NORTH AMERICA

GIVE US HOPE THAT ONE DAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO FLY DIRECTLY FROM TORONTO TO BELGRADE

how to resolve copyright issues, new trends for electronic and audio books, and many others.

Canadian playwrights feature in the repertoire of Serbian theatres; Canadian films and documentaries grace this country’s film festivals; and so on. The

Studies (SACS) has been active for over twenty years in promoting Canadian values through academic activities such as round tables and international conferences. Four Serbian universities include Canadian studies in their curricula. And for our part, Canada offers scholarships for post-

tion Agreement, a prerequisite for the introduction of direct flights between our countries. Air Serbia‘s expansion plans for North America give us hope that one day we will be able to fly directly from Toronto to Belgrade. I would leave it to Air Serbia experts to determine if and how the introduction of the direct flight would support the company’s business plans in the mid- and long-term. From our perspective, there is a strong interest in the introduction of this flight from our Serbian diaspora and from those who recognize Serbia as a principal business and tourism hub at the heart of Southeast Europe. For my part, I would love it if our work to make this happen bears fruit –maybe even during my time here as Ambassador!

The Most Carnivorous Countries in the World

Every year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), whose mission is to “promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world,” releases of data on more than 200 member countries, including the amount of meat consumed by each. On the other hand, vegans and vegetarians try to promote non-meat diets, and environmentalists say that cows damage the climate the most! Forbes and Statis-

ta built a handy chart to track which countries consume the most beef, poultry, pork, veal, and sheep. Here are some data: the veal-producing countries like Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina are at the top, with 72kg, 78kg (the Brazilians invented churrascarias gauchas, right?), 83kg, and 85kg (both Uruguay and Argentina are known as “Gauchos,” meaning “cowboys”). Residents of New Zealand, a country renowned for its lamb, eat about 73kg of meat per year, whereas Aus-

tralians, for the same reason, eat 93kg. Interestingly enough, Americans eat some 91kg per year, which is not the top spot. It belongs to the Spaniards with a stunning 101kg per year! The other Europeans eat quite a lot of meat too: the Lithuanians 91kg, Belarusians, Icelanders, Portuguese, and Poles some 90kg per year. In our region, the Hungarians and Croatians lead with 83 and 80kg. The Serbians are not near the top, meaning the love for meat is not transposed into purchase power.

JULY 2023

COLOMBIA

20

Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1810

21

BELGIUM

Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld takes the oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831

EGYPT

Revolution Day, the revolution of 1952

LIBERIA Proclamation of the Republic, independence from the United States in 1847

23

26

PERU Declaration of independence from Spain in 1821

28

MOROCCO Independence Day 30

AUGUST 2023

SWITZERLAND

01

National Day, alliance between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden against the Holy Roman Empire in 1291

NORTHERN MACEDONIA Republic Day

06

02 BOLIVIA Proclamation of Republic (independent from Spain) in 1825

JAMAICA Independence Day 06

INDIA

Independence Day

Traditional Brazilian steakhouse churrascaria style Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © Shutterstock / Alexandre Rotenberg, 2017

H.E. ANDREAS PHOTIOU New ambassador of Cyprus to Serbia

Andreas Photiou, born in Nicosia, has been appointed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Serbia as of July 2023. Photiou has a rich diplomatic career, starting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). His roles included serving in Vienna, leading the EU Department of the MFA, coordinating the Foreign Affairs Council, and heading the EU - Turkey Department. He was also the Director of the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the MFA before his new role. Photiou, a graduate of the University of Cardiff and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, is fluent in Greek, English, and French. His extensive diplomatic experience and deep understanding of EU affairs are expected to strengthen Cyprus-Serbia relations.

H.E. JØRN EUGEN ERLING GJELSTAD Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Serbia

Ivica Dačić, the First Vice-President of the Serbian Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a farewell meeting today with the departing ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Jørn Eugen Gjelstad. During the interaction, Dačić expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Gjelstad’s significant role in augmenting political dialogue and fostering cooperation between Serbia and Norway. The discussion underscored the excellent bilateral relationship the two nations currently share and affirmed their mutual commitment to deepen their ties further. An agreement was reached to reinforce the collaborative dialogues, extend the frequency of official visits across all ranks, and foster interconnectivity between the two nations in a variety of sectors, with a particular emphasis on the energy sector. On his part, Ambassador Gjelstad expressed gratitude towards Minister Dačić for the exceptional working relationship. Reflecting on his tenure, he shared that he would carry forward many cherished memories of Serbia and its people.

H.E. EDWARD FERGUSON New British Ambassador to Serbia

Renowned diplomat Edward Ferguson is set to assume his new role as the British Ambassador to Serbia, bringing with him a wealth of experience. His most recent tenure was as Minister Counsellor Defence at the British Embassy in Washington DC, where he led the British Defence Staff across 28 states and served as the UK’s senior policy adviser on defence relations with the US. Prior to this, Ferguson was the British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, crafting an international strategy that invigorated Euro-Atlantic integration and economic growth. An alumnus of Trinity College, Oxford, and the LSE, Ferguson’s career highlights include managing a programme consolidating the MOD estate in Greater London and serving as Private Secretary to three Defence Secretaries. Known for his ability to navigate complex defence relations and policies, Ferguson’s appointment is a promising development for UK-Serbia ties.

H.E. ALCINO DOS PRAZERES IZATA FRANCISCO DA CONCEIÇÃO Outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Serbia

Ivica Dačić, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received H.E. Alcino dos Prazeres Izata Francisco da Conceição, the outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola in Belgrade, in a final meeting ahead of his departure at the end of June 2023. The conversation underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, indicating a desire to fortify these ties through high-level meetings and engagement. Dačić and Francisco da Conceição affirmed the significance of maintaining strong diplomatic rapport between Serbia and Angola. Expressing his gratitude for the support and warm welcome he received throughout his tenure in Serbia, the departing Angolan diplomat pledged his continued commitment to enhancing the bilateral relationship even after his formal mission concludes. The ambassador extended his congratulations to Serbia on its recent appointment as the host for EXPO 2027, remarking that Angola is delighted to see a friendly nation like Serbia given the prestigious opportunity to stage such a globally significant event.

ABOUT THE SERIAL

This serial is based on the intriguing book “Diplomacy at the Table,” written by the Croatian diplomat Hidajet Biščević, who reviewed and edited the original manuscript and selected the most interesting records, especially for our magazine. His Excellency, Mr. Biščević, is the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Serbia. He lives with his family in Belgrade.

THIRD CHAPTER

Relationships are Solid and Stable...

Well, that was a real competition. We were sitting in one of Belgrade’s small smoky restaurants, it was late afternoon, hours after the official meeting.

But let’s start from the beginning.

Firstly, midday meeting with the Serbian Minister… topics of mutual interest and troubles. The issues at the table, tough as they could be after the war… return of the refugees, missing persons, return of documents, cultural property… Sitting in Minister’s cabinet, two of his young lady assistants will take notes, both sides of the table tense and aware of the sensitivity of the issues… In short, the array of agenda is important, unavoidable, and at the same time sensitive. The good thing was, for a start, that I knew the Minister from before, there was some good personal chemistry between us which is, in such tense situations, more than helpful. Communication becomes easier, doors are opened to solutions instead of some personal “suspicion” closing the windows. Going through the points, in the end, we both

emphasized the most important thing, which hardly needs to be mentioned – our relations are crucially important for our people, our countries, and this part of Europe. Minister agrees, repeating that all these remaining issues should be resolved pragmatically. Without political drumbeats and noises, we went through a past that was both difficult and terrible, the mutual agreement on the objective truth about that past may be decades away from us - but we need to work patiently and gradually so that people understand the purpose, we need to work so that the past should not be forgotten, but we must not remain its prisoners, gradually and hopefully only the real truth will liberate. We listed down the “desirable principles” that should guide both sides in the future concrete negotiations about each of the issues from the list. Two girls wrote them down in the official note. God knows whoever read it!

Later in the day, summing up the details of that meeting in one of Belgrade’s smoky small restaurants, we agreed that one of the roots of our problem is mistrust and competition. We

distrust each other, we have different political perceptions about our positions and role in the history of our relations. In many cases, it was evident that we wanted to prove to each other which one was better off, be it social development, kilometers of railroads, or basketball. The waiter, with mustaches resembling ancient Serbian kings or Vuk Karadžić, brought the cold appetizer.  Hladetina, pihtija, aspic, jelly,  žulica, pače, pitije, drče, mrzletina… endless names for that simple, ordinary, and yet, if prepared with some “artistic gift,” the dish that could turn into an imaginative piece of a cube on the plate, with all these colorful ingredients inside, yellow carrots hugging the green peas, grayish pork pieces side by side to brownish slices of boiled pork skin… And, as the old waiter put the wooden plate with that aspic in the middle of the table, adding some onion slices, salt, red pepper, and vinegar, I thought… oh, my God, it may not be accidentally, they somehow heard about the competitive relations between the two nations, now they…whoever that may be, some Force Majeure…wants us to engage in the competition over the aspic…

who makes the better one!! It cannot be true! Let’s skip it, let’s avoid the trap! We would start with aspic, God knows where it might lead us to! Where is the end of that political athletics? But there was a chattering lady in their delegation. Instantly, she took the scene: reciting the recipe, vividly describing how you prepare a pot of hot boiling water, put the veal legs and veal tongue inside, add a lot of salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, vegetables, and…well, after an hour and a half, you know, you take out the legs, you don’t need them anymore, they were there to strengthen the jelly, then you cut the tongue into thin slices, and when the rest of the liquid boils once more and when it starts to thicken, you arrange the tongue slices, garlic, pieces of vegetable and peppercorns in the mold, and pour over that stiffing liquid, three rows over each other - the Aspic Lady was already in the highest mode: bro, when it cools off, when you cut it in cubes, put on the plate, add some horseradish - surely, there is nothing better, nobody in the world prepares is better than us, the Serbs! Full stop in the air! Again, my God, Serbs are the best! But, as if to prove the

... although they sometimes tremble, especially between the East and the West

long legacy of competitions in all fields, there were two guys from Slavonia on our side of the table. Yes, everything you said was nice, and the recipe is interesting - but sulc, that’s what we call aspic in our Slavonia, that’s something really out of this world. How can I tell you, it’s a tradition, an art, a divine thing! And in an instant, also, here’s the recipe. Only, you know, it’s nothing like the way you do it, in a hurry, not in an hour or so, this aspic of ours is prepared for at least a week, this is a serious and thorough matter... Dear God, if he continues characterizing the differences between our two peoples, who are hasty and flammable and who is calm and steady, that may not end too well, I thought. Luckily, the recipe was faster than politics. The proud Slavonian was already on his mission: you see, when you clean the pig’s feet, giblets, ears, tongue, and skin of everything, then when you brine it for two weeks, then when you wash everything well, then put it in cold water… yes, it must be cold so that sulc remains clear at the end… then you add carrots, parsley, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt and when you cook it on a low heat for at least four hours… you see, it’s a matter of thoroughness, there’s nothing to be quick about, and finally you separate the meat from all the bones, arrange it nicely in the mold with those colorful carrots and celery and parsley and peas, and add sliced boiled eggs… hey, my friend, when it cools down and hardens, then when you slice it, then spice it up with our hot pepper, let me tell you, it’s a divine thing, there’s nothing better! This is how sulc has been prepared in our country for two hundred years, he said triumphantly at the end. Now, my God, Croats are the best!

Luckily, it turned out not to become a bilateral competition. The mood around the table improved with each new recipe exchanged. Perch in aspic, gazpacho aspic, onions in as-

pic, cold sturgeon aspic well, with stories about  schvarglas, oppresenka, satrica, and similar dishes, the mood goes up, and potential competitive nervousness was avoided. And, thinking about the meeting with Rasim, thinking about the state of our relations, probably inevitably, a metaphor came up - yes, our relations, despite everything, are rather solid and stable, only occasionally they tremble like that aspic thing! Later, on the way back home, in the car, I was thinking about that meeting with Rasim and, somehow, started to put all our differences, open issues, all our mutual ups and downs throughout history, including the latest period of war, starting to correlate it with that aspic metaphor. Relations are solid, but still, they occasionally tremble. Relations are dependent on stability, but they still occasionally shake in stagnation. Again, that

with the words: cold is hladno, aspic is hladetina. Suddenly, I realize that the commotion and shouting that I hear is coming from the police car in front of us, which is clearing our way, which is breaking through the column of tired and angry drivers. The police driver turned on all the speakers in the world and roared at the top of his voice: “Hey you, in front, hey, can you hear me, come on, move to the right, move to the right when I tell you!’” I raised my head to observe better the policeman roaring from the bottom of his lungs: “Move to the right, move to the right!” And the drivers looked in fear how to sneak into the right lane, full of equally angry drivers who do not allow others to step in. But the policeman wouldn’t give in. He knows his duty; he has the power. He looks at the license plates in front of him, then screams: “Jagodina, Jagodina

right, looking for a spot to hide because Filip was on edge, who knows what he could do. “Move to the right,” she roared once more. But there was a truck on the old man’s right side, no way to turn right, but, at that second, he saw a small service dent on the left side, made a sharp turn, and sneaked in. End of story, I thought. But the story is not over for Filip, the policeman. He stops the car, jumps out, approaches the old man, reaches for the gun, orders him to open the right window, and roars: “Is that your right turn? I ordered you to turn right, you turned left. What do you think who you are, who’s the boss here?”

aspic metaphor. Who should do what? I knew we were ready to move forward, not forgetting the past but not boiling that past for years and decades. And for the other side…what time may it take to step out of the narratives that were boiling for centuries?

Our car was trying to get out of the city, it was Friday, the road was crowded, and queues on the bridge to the west were an unintentional metaphor again. There was this police escort in front of our car, whilst sitting in the back of our car, I was still thinking about the coldness in our relations, playing

move to the right, move, I am ordering you. Hey, old guy, hey yes, yes, you with the hat, what are you doing, you stupid, move to the right, move to the right when I tell you!”, he roars and almost touches the bumpers of that helpless, poor grandpa. I wanted to help the old man in front somehow, I opened the window and shouted to the policeman, Filip, just leave it, we are in no hurry”. But Filip didn’t give in, he had the power, powerful ones never give in. “Move to the right, move to the right, can you hear me, you old man!!” Finally, the old man realized what was happening, he started to look to the left and

Later on, already across the border, rushing the highway through the plains of Slavonia, we laughed to tears over that episode until it came to our minds that the episode is, metaphorically, pointing to the most important question in our relations, the one that was somehow floating in the air during that meeting with the Minister, the one that would resolve the duality between firmness, stability and trembling, in the aspic metaphor yes, question of change of direction, the question of choosing side. I remembered that funny episode years later subconsciously. Who would have ever thought that years and years after that policemen’s show of force “to the right” and the old man with a hat turning “to the left” would become a larger political metaphor of the state of play of the entire country, at the time when the war jam in Ukraine and the violent clash between the East and the West prompted country by country to choose a side on the highway of the European future!

Who would have ever thought that Filip’s eagerness to force drivers to turn to one side and threatening them if they would turn to the other would turn into a metaphor for the country that continues to fight over the Left or Right turn, East or West, standing still, trembling like that aspic.

© Shutterstock

07 JUNE 2023

Sweden’s National Day: Cooperation for Sustainability

On Tuesday, June 6, the first day of celebrations of Sweden’s National Day, the end of the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), and the celebration of 500 years of its independence were held in Silos Belgrade. The celebration was opened by H.E. Annika Ben David, Ambassador of Sweden

03 JUNE 2023

Celebration of the Day of Italy in Belgrade – A Symbol of Cultural Unity and Mutual Friendship

On Friday, June 2nd, the Day of the Italian Republic, a significant date celebrating the formation of the Italian Republic, was marked in Belgrade. A notable reception was organized by the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, offering an exquisite blend of Italian culture, heritage, and unity. The Italian Ambassador to Serbia, H. E. Mr. Luca Gori hosted the event that demonstrated the profound relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthen the ties of friendship. The occasion drew a distinguished gathering of attendees. Among them was Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who joined in the celebration of Italy’s national day, underlining the deep-rooted alliance between Serbia and Italy. The event was marked by a vibrant display of Italian culture, with music, art, and gastronomy, presenting attendees with a rich and authentic Italian experience.

in Belgrade, with the participation of Plamena Holcheva, deputy head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Serbia. “Now it’s more important than ever to nurture what unites us. During our EU presidency, Sweden worked hard to promote EU values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability,” said the Swedish ambassador added: “We are Serbia’s largest bilateral partner in the field of environmental reform. As part of the jubilee celebration, Miroslav Gačević, Acting Assistant

Minister for European Integration in the Republic of Serbia, opened the photo exhibition “Applied Nostalgia” organized by the Ministry of European Integration. The first of the three days of celebrating the jubilee ended with the “Abba Tribute” band concert. On the second day, June 7, on the plateau in front of the Silos in Belgrade, several projects will be presented that were financed by Sweden and the Ministry of the Republic of Serbia in previous years, together with the EU in Serbia. On the third day, June 8, the troupe of

the world-famous circus from Sweden, “Cirkus Cirkör,” will be an exclusive guest who will perform the performance “Knitting for Peace.” This program was supported by 28 Swedish companies in Serbia, the EU Delegation in Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and the Swedish Institute with the participation of the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia.

Another Successful Benelux Networking Cocktail

On June 5th, another successful Benelux Networking Cocktail was jointly organized by the Belgian-Serbian Business Association and Dutch-Serbian Business Association, spiced up with the best Belgian chocolate provided by the company Puratos. H.E. Cathy Buggenhout, ambassador of Belgium to Serbia and Montenegro, and H.E. Joost Reintjes, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Serbia and Montenegro, welcomed the guests – around 60 representatives of member companies, emphasizing the importance of promoting, encouraging, and expanding business relations between Benelux countries and Serbia. The event, which has become a tradition and is always warmly received by the members, demonstrated once again that a bigger impact can be achieved through collaborative efforts, particularly when it comes to enhancing the business environment in Serbia and expanding economic links and opportunities between Serbia and the Benelux countries.

08 JUNE 2023

Portugal’s National Day Celebrated in Belgrade

Dignitaries and Diplomats Celebrate the Legacy of Luís Vaz de Camões and the Unity of the Portuguese People. The Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities was marked last night with a formal reception at the Belgrade Hilton Hotel. The reception was attended by a large number of dignitaries from the public and cultural life of Serbia, as well as numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps. Ambassador of Portugal in Serbia, H.E. Maria Virgínia Mendes da Silva Pina, addressed the present guests and talked about the importance of this day for the Portuguese people. Portugal’s national

08 JUNE 2023

Novi Sad Joins Bordeaux and Geneva in Embracing Georgia’s Qvevri Wine Culture

The city of Novi Sad of the Republic of Serbia has become the third city after Bordeaux, France, and Geneva, Switzerland, where Georgian qvevris are located. On June 7, in the courtyard of the historical building of the Archive of the Autonomous Region of Vojvodina, a ceremony was held to install the Georgian Qvevri – a clay vessel used for fermentation, storage, and aging of traditional Georgian wine. The ceremony was opened by the Charge d’Affairs of Georgia to the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Ilia Koberidze, and Assistant Provincial Secretary for Culture of the Autonomous Region of Vojvodina, Miroslav Ilić. Qvevri has been transferred to the au-

day is celebrated on June 10th every year. It is the most important public holiday in Portugal and the date with which the entire nation identifies. On that day in 1580, the greatest Portuguese poet of all time, Luís Vaz de Camões, died. That date was chosen because the exact date of birth of the famous poet is not known.

tonomous region of Vojvodina on behalf of the Georgian Embassy in the Republic of Serbia. Visitors can learn about the 8,000-year-old tradition of Georgian wine-making in the public space located in the city center at any time of the day. Qvevri’s wine-making method has been included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO in 2013. The Georgian wine tasting was held as part of the event. Also, the exhibition “Living Culture of three writing systems of the Georgian Alphabet” was opened, which will last until June 23.

12 JUNE 2023

Korean Embassy’s Annual Reception for Economic Partners

This year’s Korean Embassy’s Annual Reception for Economic Partners, held on Thursday, 1 June, brought together over 100 guests to the Residence of the Ambassador, where they enjoyed refreshments and traditional Korean food and drinks. In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Ambassador Jaewoong Lee thanked everyone for their support and contribution to strengthening economic cooperation between Korea and Serbia. Much has been done in this field lately, including a tentative deal to sign a bilateral investment treaty aimed at the promotion of mutual investments, visits of high-level Korean delegations and business people, a business roundtable prepared by KOTRA, while working-level discussions on free trade agreement are underway. Ambassador Lee expressed hope that both Korea and Serbia will win their bids to host two world’s biggest trade shows

14 June 2023

The Sovereign Order of Malta Honors National Day with Notable Initiatives in Serbia

The National Day of the Sovereign Order of Malta was celebrated in the Republic of Serbia on Thursday, June 8th, within the picturesque garden of the Archbishop’s Palace, positioned next to the Embassy.

in the coming years, Belgrade, Serbia, to host World Expo 2027, and Busan, Korea, to host World Expo 2030. H.E. took the opportunity to say goodbye to Director General of KOTRA M. Kisang Hwang, whose term in Serbia ends this summer.

The day was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Order’s humanitarian endeavors in Serbia and unveil the most recent wish to be granted. The event also marked the announcement of a new project under the “Make a WISH to the Order of Malta” campaign. Spearheaded by Mino Raiola, the late manager of esteemed football champions, a multisport field is set to open in Bač on Friday, June 9th. The sports field, a donation to the local church, underscores the Order’s enduring commitment to humanitarian aid and the enhancement of local communities. During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Alberto di Luca highlighted the strong ties between the Serbian government and the Order of Malta, expressing his gratitude to Minister Tomislav Žigmanov and State Secretary Ranđelović for their attendance. The Ambassador extended his appreciation to Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Santo Gangemi and the Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade, Mons. Ladislav Nemet, who also attended the event.

15 JUNE 2023

National Day of Slovenia Celebrated in Belgrade with a Special Reception Hosted by Ambassador Bergant

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, was among the honored guests in attendance. A grand reception was held in Belgrade yesterday to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Slovenia, an event that annually commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The reception was hosted by H. E. Damjan Bergant, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Belgrade. The celebration was attended by a distinguished gathering comprising diplomats, government officials, business people, media representatives, as well as well-known figures from Serbia’s cultural and public life. The National Day reception served as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Slovenia and Serbia, demonstrating the shared values and common goals that bind these two nations together.

There is Hope Away From Home –A Celebration of World Refugee Day in Serbia

In an act of unity and recognition of resilience, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Serbia and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia hosted an inspiring event in observance of World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20th. The venue was the esteemed Yugoslav Film Archive in Uzun Mirkova 1, a place ripe with history. Under the theme of “Hope Away from Home” for World Refugee Day 2023, the organizations unveiled an exhibition displaying the talent, creativity, and resilience of refugee students from the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade. The show, made possible by the hard work and dedication of both students and professors, highlighted the artistry of refugees, incorporating a range of mediums, from applied painting to costume design. Two promising young men from the refugee community were among the featured artists. Their unique stories, perspectives, and creative visions were beautifully encapsulated in their works, standing as powerful testaments to their journey and hope for a brighter future. The exhibition also showcased stunning photographs of refugees from the former Yugoslavia and Cuba, courtesy of the talented Karim, himself a refugee from Burundi. Karim, who is now attempting to rebuild his life in Serbia as a photographer, used his camera as a tool to capture the strength, resilience,

and hope of refugees, giving a face to an often misunderstood and marginalized group. The event was more than a showcase of talent. It served as a platform to send a strong message of inclusion and to highlight the untapped potential refugees bring with them to their host countries. The refugees’ courage, resilience, and creativity presented a potent argument against the often-negative narratives surrounding displaced populations. World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20th, is a day dedicated to recognizing the strength and courage of individuals who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This year’s theme, “Hope Away from Home,” reflects the optimism, bravery, and potential that reside within each individual seeking refuge. In Serbia, the UNHCR and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration amplified this theme and underlined that hope isn’t defined by geographical boundaries or political systems. Rather, it is a testament to human resilience and an inherent part of our collective strive for a better future. While the journey of a refugee can be fraught with challenges, the event made it clear that their hope and determination remain unbroken. Indeed, there is hope away from home, and it is personified in individuals like the young artists and Karim, who continue to contribute to society and enrich the cultural fabric of their new homes.

Canada Day Celebrated in Serbia –A Testament to Strengthening Bilateral Relations

In anticipation of Canada Day, the Embassy of Canada in Serbia marked the occasion with an early celebration this year. The well-established tradition of hosting a reception to commemorate Canada Day continued at the Canadian Residence. The event, held on June 27th, was presided over by H. E. Giles Norman, the Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. It brought together numerous guests from various sectors, an assemblage of diplomats, dignitaries, and partners dedicated to fostering stronger ties between the two nations. In his address, Ambassador Norman expressed heartfelt gratitude to the good many local partners in attendance. These individuals, he remarked, come from a diverse array of sectors – public, political, and civil. They have played a crucial role in fortifying the relationship between Serbia and Canada, contributing to an enriching, cooperative, and produc-

tive dialogue. Canada Day celebrated annually on July 1, is a significant occasion in the North American country’s calendar. Originally known as Dominion Day, this federal statutory holiday marks the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, which took place on July 1, 1867. The event, which turns 156 this year, is a symbol of national unity and reflects the nation’s journey of progress and development over the years. The early celebration in Serbia stands as a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

30 JUNE 2023

U.S. Embassy in Belgrade Celebrates Independence Day with Distinguished Guests

In an early commemoration of the Fourth of July Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade held a festive reception on June 29th, bringing American traditions to Serbia. U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, hosted the event at the embassy residence in Dedinje, a prestigious Belgrade neighborhood. The residence’s yard was transformed into a vibrant celebration of American culture, adorned with the traditional colors of the American flag and symbolic motifs reflective of American heritage. In honor of the U.S. national holiday, notable Serbian leaders attended the occasion, including President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. Their presence underscored the strengthening diplomatic relations and deepening ties between the two nations. The event also attracted a broad spectrum of Serbian society, including numerous representatives from the diplomatic corps, as well as prominent figures from the public, cultural, and political scenes of Serbia. While Independence Day is typically observed on the Fourth of July in the United States, the early celebration in Belgrade signified the enduring alliance and mutual respect between the two countries.

Special Performance of Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra at Korea Week

Korean Embassy in Serbia hosted a unique cultural event at Madlenianum, a special performance of the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra. This concert followed a number of other Korea Week events this year, including Korean food tasting and presentation of the Korean traditional costume Hanbok, aiming at the promotion of Korean culture in Serbia. In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Jaewoong Lee, noted that having recognized the growing interest of the people in Serbia in the Embassy’s various cultural events, the world-renowned Korean traditional music orchestra, Gyeonggi Sinawi, was invited to give a special

performance within the Korea Week. The concert was attended by 400 esteemed guests, including government representatives, diplomatic corps, and other public figures. The viewers said they felt inspired by the variety and dynamics of Korean traditional music in which traditional Korean instruments and electronic sounds are perfectly harmonized. They expressed their gratitude to the embassy and the orchestra for giving them the opportunity to experience new aspects of Korean culture, adding that they hoped that through various events in the future, they would be able to learn more about Korean culture. Ambassador Lee announced that starting with the performance of the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, various cultural events will be held throughout the year, such as a K-pop competition, a Korean film festival, and a promotion of Korean food. He also expressed hope that the people in Serbia would show interest and that they would respond in large numbers.

07 JULY 2023

Honoring Legends –The Paolo/Siniša Exhibition

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Maja Gojković emphasized the importance of commemorating football greats Siniša Mihajlović and Paolo Rossi at the opening of the exhibition “In memory of: Paolo/Siniša,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture. Gojković emphasized Mihajlović’s indelible contribution to world football, his uniqueness, combativeness, and the emotions he brought to the game. She recalled his key role in the success of the Crvena Zvezda football club and the popularity and respect that he enjoys in Serbia, Yugoslavia, and Italy. Gojković expressed her pride that Mihajlović became an honorary citizen of Novi Sad during her mandate as mayor and emphasized his love for the country, humanity, and selflessness. She concluded that

Mihajlovic deserves great respect for his contribution to sport and society. She added that Mihajlovic and Rossi were exceptional ambassadors of their countries, idols for young people and people with strong personalities. The exhibition, organized by WORD CAMP INTERNATIONAL and the Paolo Rossi Foundation, includes segments dedicated to Mihajlovic, Rossi, international sports, and everyday life. It deals with their personal characteristics in the public culture of Serbia and Italy.

Regional Chief Correspondent for Balkan from the ANSA, Italian News Agency, Mr. Francesco Quintano, spoke for our magazine about the freedom of the press in Serbia, Europe and other countries.

You are a representative of an Italian news agency in Belgrade. How would you rate the state of media in our country?

The state of media and the freedom of the press are among the key indicators of a country’s extent of openness and democratic maturity. Serbia emerged in Europe as a young democracy following the fall of the Iron Curtain and the subsequent tragedy of the armed conflicts in former Yugoslavia. However,

Journalism is all About Passion and Dedication

FRANCESCO QUINTANO Regional Chief Correspondent for Balkans ANSA, Italian News Agency

often therefore forced to resort to government support on the one hand, or to individuals with vested interests on the other, to the detriment of the press independence and freedom.

What are the conditions journalists have in Italy and the EU?

collective agreement with the counterparty represented by the Italian Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FIEG). Journalists in Italy also have their own health insurance fund, which guarantees medical assistance and covers the costs of any surgical interventions.

it is not easy for an authentic democratic system to develop short-term, and it should not be a lip-service democracy. Maturation and genuine awareness raising of the entire society is an imperative over time. However, in my opinion, the situation of the media in Serbia is characterized by light and shade. The positive aspect is that the wide range of available publications (newspapers, weekly, monthly, specialized magazines, etc.), including radio and television stations and websites, is plentiful and diverse, in theory, capable of conveying a broad range of positions and views. However, this is not always the case, mainly due to the limited financial independence of numerous newspapers and editorial initiatives that are

Journalism is all about passion and dedication. The life of a journalist is frenetic and all-encompassing, requiring discipline and sacrifice. At the same time, it is incredibly vibrant, stimulating, diverse and surprising, as few other careers can be. As a journalist working in various countries for 37 years, I share passion and enthusiasm with many colleagues I have recently collaborated with here in Belgrade. I believe that the difference between Italy and the rest of the European Union lies primarily in working conditions, insurance and pension guarantees, and the level of wages. In Italy, in particular, in order to become a professional journalist, one must pass a rather selective exam, enrol in a professional register, and become a member of the regionally organized Order of Journalists. There is also the Italian National Press Federation (FNSI), the trade union of journalists, protecting their interest and signing the

Unfortunately, we have many examples of attacks on journalists, intimidation in the EU, and even murders (Malta, Slovakia). How do you comment on that?

Unfortunately, intimidation, threats and violent attacks against journalists are a regrettable phenomenon not limited to a few countries but widespread in Europe and the rest of the world. Unquestionably, journalists face difficulties, kept in shackles by a power that hardly permits any criticism or disagreement in countries with highly centralized political systems and limited democracy. Yet, the relationship between the society and the press and journalists cannot be determined by the level of democracy or the type of political system only. In many cases, pressure, threats, and intimidation come from criminal organizations, local leaders or influential individuals who do not tolerate the dissem-

The state of media and the freedom of the press are among the key indicators of a country’s extent of openness and democratic maturation

ination of information perceived as harmful to their more or less lawful activities. Criminal organizations and centers of power are more or less present in all the countries, even the democratic ones, including the European Union. That does not refer only to Malta and Slovakia but also to Italy and other states. In many cases these are transnational phenomena of which journalists from various countries are victims in multiple ways. Therefore, it is essential to defend - unquestionably and with conviction - the freedom of the press and information, which constitutes one of the cornerstones of civil and democratic coexistence.

How independent is journalism, viewed globally, when we have clear polarization at all levels and a pronounced influence of politics and corporations on shaping public opinion?

It is an imperative to pursue independent journalism, albeit not easy to implement, even in countries with recognized freedom of the press. In fact, beyond the declarations of intent and good intentions, the positions presented in newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasters mainly mirror those of their respective managements

The truth should be the basis of news and the general behaviour of every individual in society. However, we know this is not always the case. And it happens for various reasons - misinformation, poor verification of sources, failure to check the text before transmission. But it is serious when untrue news results from a calculated decision by the writer. Such illicit behaviours must be denounced and sanctioned. I believe that truth is possible today if everyone is committed to defending and promoting it.

During the wars of the 1990s, Serbia was a victim of Western media. And yet, it seems that the Italian media had the most balanced approach. Why do you think this is so?

Among the Western countries, Italy has constantly had a more balanced and moderate position, which manifested itself as a rule during the ‘Cold War’ and impactful international crises, such as the still ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One should not forget that the Italian Communist Party (PCI) has long been the second political force in the country and one of the pillars of the so-called ‘Eurocommunism’ together with the communist parties of France and Spain.

or owners. This is more evident in commercial newspapers and televisions than in state-owned televisions that provide a public service, partly financed by a fee imposed on the viewers. It is well known that the same news can spread with different interpretations and nuances depending on the newspaper that publishes it. I believe that the journalism that comes closest to the concept of independence is that of press agencies, but also of radios, which are both primary sources of information. And it was precisely the predilection for the news itself and the speed of its publication that kept me tied to ANSA as the largest Italian news agency all these years, since 1986.

Is it possible to get to the truth today? Are we running away from it as a society, or whether it remains beyond our reach?

While fully respecting solidarity within the European Union and with NATO allies, Italy has always been at the forefront of the attempts to foster dialogue between the parties involved. The national media regularly reflected this position, even during the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. At that time, when NATO had not yet expanded to the East, Italy was the Alliance country closest to the Balkans, understanding the specifics of the situations better than the others. Italy did not have a ‘with me or against me’ point of view, but a more balanced and less extreme position. The media, in my opinion, have been the reflection of this Italian policy.

Should we feel threatened by AI in journalism, and where is the red line in using this tool? Is there great benefit or potential harm from AI?

The relationship between journalism and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial. Many people wonder if the machines driven by high technology are really bound to replace journalists in their work. Some scholars and specialists argue that AI could help solve some practical problems, such as information overload, helping journalists to identify the top news in an ever-growing flow of information that is no longer manageable by the human mind. Various US and Europe’s press organizations have already adopted a system for automatically gathering, processing and publishing news - the system that filters large volumes of information more effectively. And yet, I believe that AI cannot ultimately replace the journalist

in all respects. It is possible for AI to assist journalists in tasks such as gathering and organizing information, but journalism often involves ethical considerations that exceeds the limits of AI. In addition, there is a form of journalism that is not based on writing, as is the case with broadcast journalists or those engaged in interviews, book presentations, opening events. AI has limited use as it does not have a body, an appearance, or a presence. The main difference between an article written by a journalist and an article generated by an AI system lies in the level of human judgment and critical thinking. Thus, I think, in essence, that AI cannot completely replace the skills and experience of flesh-and-blood journalists.

THE TRUTH SHOULD BE THE BASIS OF NEWS AND THE GENERAL BEHAVIOUR OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN SOCIETY

Talking About AI in Human Terms is Natural - but Wrong

When it comes to artificial intelligence, metaphors are often misleading

MY LOVE’S LIKE a red, red rose. It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long. Metaphor is a powerful and wonderful tool. Explaining one thing in terms of another can be both illuminating and pleasurable, if the metaphor is apt.

But that “if” is important. Metaphors can be particularly helpful in explaining unfamiliar concepts: imagining the Einsteinian model of gravity (heavy objects distort spacetime) as something like a bowling ball on a trampoline, for ex-

ample. But metaphors can also be misleading: picturing the atom as a solar system helps young students of chemistry, but the more advanced learn that electrons move in clouds of probability, not in neat orbits as planets do.

What may be an even more misleading metaphor—for artificial intelligence (AI)—seems

HUMANS’

to be taking hold. AI systems can now perform staggeringly impressive tasks, and their ability to reproduce what seems like the most human function of all, namely language, has ever more observers writing about them. When they do, they are tempted by an obvious (but obviously wrong) metaphor, which portrays ai programmes as conscious and even inten-

tional agents. After all, the only other creatures which can use language are other conscious agents—that is, humans.

Take the well-known problem of factual mistakes in potted biographies, the likes of which ChatGPT and other large language models (llms) churn out in seconds. Incorrect birthplaces, non-existent career moves, books never written: one journalist at The Economist was alarmed to learn that he had recently died. In the jargon of AI engineers, these are “hallucinations”. In the parlance of critics, they are “lies”.

TENDENCY TO ANTHROPOMORPHISE THINGS THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND IS ANCIENT, AND MAY CONFER AN EVOLUTIONARY ADVANTAGE

“Hallucinations” might be thought of as a forgiving euphemism. Your friendly local AI is just having a bit of a bad trip; leave him to sleep it off and he’ll be back to himself in no time. For the “lies” crowd, though, the humanising metaphor is even more profound: the AI is not only thinking, but has desires and intentions. A lie, remember, is not any old false statement. It is one made with the goal of deceiving others. ChatGPT has no such goals at all.

Humans’ tendency to anthropomorphise things they don’t understand is ancient, and may confer an evolutionary advan-

tage. If, on spying a rustling in the bushes, you infer an agent (whether predator or spirit), no harm is done if you are wrong. If you assume there is nothing in the undergrowth and a leopard jumps out, you are in trouble. The all-too-human desire to smack or yell at a malfunctioning device comes from this ingrained instinct to see intentionality everywhere.

It is an instinct, however, that should be overridden when writing about AI. These systems, including those that seem to converse, merely take input and produce output. At their most basic level, they do nothing more than turn strings like 0010010101001010 into 1011100100100001 based on a set of instructions. Other parts of the software turn those 0s and 1s into words, giving a frightening—but false—sense that there is a ghost in the machine.

Whether they can be said to “think” is a matter of philosophy and cognitive science, since plenty of serious people see the brain as a kind of computer. But it is safer to call what LLMs do “pseudo-cognition”. Even if it is hard on the face of it to distin-

guish the output from human activity, they are fundamentally different under the surface. Most importantly, cognition is not intention. Computers do not have desires.

It can be tough to write about machines without metaphors.

its vast training data,” or some such explanation, will help readers take any later imagery with due scepticism. Humans have evolved to spot ghosts in machines. Writers should avoid ushering them into that trap. Better to lead them out of it.

IT CAN BE TOUGH TO WRITE ABOUT MACHINES WITHOUT METAPHORS. PEOPLE SAY A WATCH “TELLS” THE TIME, OR THAT A CREDIT-CARD READER WHICH IS WORKING SLOWLY IS “THINKING” WHILE THEY WAIT AWKWARDLY AT THE CHECKOUT

People say a watch “tells” the time, or that a credit-card reader which is working slowly is “thinking” while they wait awkwardly at the checkout.

“WRITING WITH STYLE”, a new version of The Economist‘s style guide by Lane Greene, our Johnson columnist, is out now.

Even when machines are said to “generate” output, that cold-seeming word comes from an ancient root meaning to give birth.

But AI is too important for loose language. If entirely avoiding human-like metaphors is all but impossible, writers should offset them, early, with some suitably bloodless phrasing. “An llm is designed to produce text that reflects patterns found in

From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

Photo: © Shutterstock; © Pixabay - Alexandra Koch

Serbia Faces Great Economic Challenges

Serbia must adapt its policies, primarily fiscal policy, to the new circumstances

In very turbulent economic times, with global conflict emerging on our doorstep, nothing is the same. “What is this crisis that we are in, what caused it, and is there a remedy for getting out of it,” we asked Nikola Altiparmakov, a member of the Fiscal Council of Serbia and one of the most famous domestic financial experts specializing in fiscal policy, pension reforms, and profit distribution.

The inevitable first question is related to the economic crisis we are facing, if we consider the situation in the world and Serbia. Although the crisis has not been officially announced, it seems to be very impactful. How would you characterize what is happening here and in Europe, primarily?

During the previous decade, the most developed countries of the world, in a short-sighted and, I would say, irresponsible way, experimented with zero interest rates, which led to large imbalances that began to manifest, primarily in the form of accelerated inflation. It will take a long time to correct the financial and economic imbalances created during the multi-year period of zero interest rates. So, as you noted, America has not yet technically slipped into recession, but many indicators suggest that it will in the next year or so. Specifically, the yield curve on US bonds is inverted, and every time this has happened in the past 100 years – a recession has followed. On the other hand, the Eurozone has formally entered a minimal recession, but the real challenges for Europe are yet to come. Namely, the fight against inflation will require the European Central Bank to reduce money printing, which will make it difficult to finance

NIKOLA ALTIPARMAKOV Member of the Fiscal Council of Serbia

the most indebted countries, especially Italy. When you add to that the misfortunes caused by the war in Ukraine, especially

for the European economy, you can conclude that the coming years in Europe will be marked by great uncertainty, including

THE EUROZONE HAS FORMALLY ENTERED A MINIMAL RECESSION, BUT THE REAL CHALLENGES FOR EUROPE ARE YET TO COME

modest prospects for economic growth and an increase in living standards. Serbia must adapt its policies, primarily fiscal policy, to these new circumstances.

Prices are skyrocketing, and inflation is registered across the continent. One gets the im-

pression that it is much higher in Serbia than the statistics show. How do you comment?

During the previous year, citizens from America, Europe and Serbia usually have an impression that inflation was higher than official statistics show. This perception, I would say, is the result of two factors. First, the fact that the biggest price increase was recorded in the area of food and energy products, which most directly affects the majority of the population. Second, the fact is that international statistical standards for monitoring inflation, which have not changed substantially for decades, could potentially be improved in certain segments in order to provide a more comprehensive representation of the difficulties that citizens face. Thus, as one American commentator noted, “the fact that the price of a piano did not increase in the inflation index does not affect the lives of citizens that much, but that is why high increases in the price of food and housing really affect the quality of life.”

There are numerous interpretations and different “readings” of economic indicators. While the government mitigates the consequences of the crisis, unofficial sources and citizens sense a different math. What is the problem? Why is two and two not always four?

In this case as well, we can note factors of both economic and political nature. From a political point of view, ruling parties always tend to look at things optimistically, from a “glass half-full instead of half-empty” perspective. Furthermore, from an economic point of view, leading international authorities, such as the World Bank, the IMF or the European Union, are also biased towards optimism in their announcements due to the well-known economic phenomenon of the “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Even if the situation in the economy is satisfactory, the negative projections of respectable institutions could collapse the confidence and expectations of investors and businessmen, which, by itself, could be enough to cause a recession. Thus, these two sources of “bias towards optimism” are unavoidably present in the modern world.

Social peace is bought by increasing pensions and salaries in the public sector. Is it justified, and where is such a policy leading us?

Additional wage increases in the education and health sectors are not disputed, neither from a budgetary nor a social point of view, since these two sectors have been neglected for many years. However, the problem is that one gets the impression that we continue to treat health care and primarily education - which has always been the pillar of every nation, especially in the modern times of the 21st century - in the limited and unsystematic manner. And the problems in the education system in Serbia are visible at every level, and they go far beyond a mere salary issue.

As for additional increases in pensions, they are unjustified and against fiscal rules. What’s more, in this way, the intergenerational agreement is being changed to the detriment of

and counterproductively, Serbia spent two billion euros more than other comparable countries in Europe and the region, as these irrational spending actually did not accelerate economic growth, but accelerated inflation in our country.

Another negative consequence of the zero interest rates of the last decade is that the capital markets did not properly perform their controlling role and did not limit many countries, such as Italy and Greece, from irresponsibly and unsustainably borrowing beyond their means. Unfortunately, the capital markets still do not function adequately in this segment, so the responsibility now lies with the countries themselves, such as Serbia, to put their public finances in order before the problems get out of control, as was the case during the global financial crisis in 2008.

Recently, the USA was on the verge of bankruptcy due to the extremely high public debt. Isn’t

a greater extent, the unsustainable fiscal policy is a source of problems for both America and the rest of the world.

Relations in the world in the economic sense are changing dramatically. How does it affect Serbia, and how dependent is the Serbian economy on various global factors?

young workers who will have to repay the debts in the future that Serbia will take on this year to pay an additional, extraordinary increase in pensions. Instead of this measure, the available budget funds should have been used to increase the scope and amount of social protection programs, which are particularly important in the years of high inflation and high price increases of basic groceries and energy.

What is happening with the public debt in Serbia. There are many different interpretations and assessments here as well. How can citizens know what the truth is?

After the successful fiscal consolidation between 2015 and 2019, we can conditionally say that the problem of public debt in Serbia has been brought under control. But in order to remain in calm and safe waters, as far as the public debt is concerned, we must no longer allow ourselves irrational spending from the budget, like the “helicopter money” from the past few years, when unnecessarily

that standard American domestic economic policy, and why has it become a problem now?

The recent episode in America was primarily of a formal nature, that is, as you stated, the internal specificity of the American political system. But there is also a much more serious, deeper economic and social problem in America, which is a large budget deficit that has not reduced for years, nor does it have the prospect of being significantly reduced in the coming years, even though the public debt has already increased to 100% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The problem of public debt in America and in the most indebted European countries like Italy is closely related to the problem of inflation - as precisely because of the lack of fiscal consolidation, these countries resorted to printing money to cover their deficits, which accelerated inflation and will make it even more difficult to reduce it in the coming years. Unlike Europe, although America does not feel the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine to

Naturally, when you see the gloomy prospects for growth in the most developed countries, above all in Europe, which is our main trade and economic partner on which we are very dependent - it is clear that Serbia will also face vast economic challenges. In particular, a recession in the Eurozone, primarily in Germany, will reduce the demand for our export products and thus negatively affect our gross domestic product. In these new conditions, Serbia will have to maintain stable public finances and a low budget deficit, bearing in mind the high cost of borrowing in international markets and the fact that we pay interest rates of close to 7% per year whenever we need to borrow. Also, it will be an imperative to pay attention to social aspects because the crisis especially affects vulnerable sections of the population. In addition to the previously mentioned improvements to the social protection program, in the segment of social cohesion it is fundamental to enable more progressive taxation that will be able to protect the most vulnerable workers with the lowest incomes and dependent family members.

When I say more progressive taxation, I do not mean a high tax increase for the most productive categories of workers primarily responsible for economic growth and development prospects but, above all, a tax relief for vulnerable workers. In particular, the current tax-free allowance of only 20 thousand dinars per month is unreasonably low and should double to 40,000 dinars per month. Furthermore, following established European practice, it is necessary to introduce similar taxfree allowances for children and other dependent members of the household since statistics show that families with low incomes and a large number of children are among the most vulnerable in Serbia, and it is they who need protection in these turbulent times.

WE

CAN CONDITIONALLY SAY THAT THE PROBLEM OF PUBLIC DEBT IN SERBIA HAS BEEN BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL

MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND TRENDS

Western Balkans Has a Great Need for Investments

If the current trends are monitored through deseasonalized indices and trend-cycle values, the impression is that production has been growing since the beginning of the year, as opposed to the original index values that highlight the slowdown. The production trend is on a slightly increasing trajectory, mostly thanks to the production of electricity. Growth in the mining sector, which was the fastest last year, has stopped. External trade data show reduced dynamics, whereby, unlike exports, which are still growing, imports are dropping dramatically, which has a favourable effect on reducing the deficit. Both in March and April, the export-to-import ratio was almost 80%. Inflation was re-

duced in April 2023 both on a monthly and year-on-year basis and the expectations are that it would fall even more drastically in the coming months.

In the previous month, we recorded several events that may have consequences for the economic policy and development perspectives of Serbia and the region.

(1)    Firstly, the sentiment on global markets improved after the Fiscal Responsibility

Act was passed in the US Congress. A political deal between Democrats and Republicans to raise the debt ceiling averted a potential economic disaster. The agreement approved the lifting of the debt limit to $31.4 trillion (thousand billion), just days before the world›s largest economy will fall into default. Thus, the negative sentiment and cautious trading on the global financial markets subsided. At the same time, the risk related to the problematic servicing of the national debt

and American bankruptcy, as many times before, has proven to be irrational, although the last time when the USA was this close to crossing the debt threshold (in 2011), Standard&Poor’s lowered the country’s rating.

Fiscal adjustment in the US is hereby postponed, while the reached agreement does not raise the debt limit to a certain level, but rather the borrowing limit is completely suspended until 2025. A policy that is inadmissible and unfeasible in the rest of the world is normal for the US. It is universally accepted and repeated again and again - as the old Latin saying goes: “Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi” („Gods may do what cattle

In the previous month, we recorded several events that may have consequences for the economic policy and development perspectives of Serbia and the region

THE SENTIMENT ON GLOBAL MARKETS IMPROVED AFTER THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT WAS PASSED IN THE US CONGRESS

In cooperation with the Economics Institute and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Diplomacy&Commerce magazine publishes MAT Brief, an excerpt from the Macroeconomic Analysis and Trends newsletter. In addition to articles from The Economist magazine, the new MAT Brief will round off our offer of top-quality economy-related articles and analyses essential for the operations of every large company, which will assist top managers with making the right decisions for their company and employees.

may not“). This is a policy that is at odds with restrictive Fed measures, higher interest rates and tighter global financial conditions. The policy, which postpones the possibility of a faster reduction of global inflation, is declared an exceptional political success, and for investors a symbol of relief.

(2) In her speech at the GLOBSEC 2023 Forum in late May in Bratislava, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, surprised the audience and presented a new EU initiative for the Western Balkans. The plan, which aims to bring the Union even closer to the Western Balkans, promotes: (a) bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU single market; (b) deepening regional economic integration; (c) expediting basic reforms; and (d) increasing pre-accession funds. The single market is a key driver of economic growth. There are great untapped potentials, starting from shortening import-export procedures to e-commerce and cyber security. The benefits of the single market in this sense should be felt not only by countries that are already EU members but also by all those that are on the way to becoming one. The concept of

expanding the single European market would go hand in hand with an equal effort to deepen and reduce regional economic cooperation. In this way, the region would become an even more attractive place for European investors. Especially, if this integration is based on EU rules and standards. In this sense, the Union’s proclaimed readiness to offer the region in advance some of the membership advantages does not exclude the need to achieve an independent and efficient judiciary, an even stronger fight against corruption and compliance with the rules of public procurement procedures

Whether and how this principled political initiative will be implemented in practice remains to be seen. There is no doubt that there is a great need for investments in the Western Balkans, but also there are numerous limitations regarding their absorption. The countries of the region often fail in reaching their full capacity to use even these existing, limited and modest financial means from pre-accession funds. There is a lack of quality projects and institutions in charge of effective project implementation and supervision.

(3)    Serbia has changed the criteria for awarding incentives to attract direct investments1. It is important to note that the criteria no longer take into account the degree of development of the local self-government unit (cities and municipalities) in which the investment project is implemented, nor the threeyear duration of the single investment project. In order

to receive the incentive, the minimum investment value is increased from 150,000 euros and the employment of 15 new workers for an indefinite period, to 300,000 euros and 30 new workers.

The amount of funds is now already defined at the level of the regions in which a production investment will be made. For example, investors who invested in the most developed areas, such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Niš, Subotica, Užice or Čačak, received 3,000 euros per workplace. The requirement was to invest 500,000 euros in production and employ 50 people. On the other hand, cities and municipalities that are

investment in tangible and intangible assets amount to at least 500,000 euros and employ at least 50 new workers. For the region of Vojvodina, the minimum investment is 400,000 euros and 40 new employees, and for the regions of Šumadija and Western Serbia, that is, the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia and the Region of Kosovo and Metohija, 300,000 euros and 40 new employees, respectively. Investment projects in the service sector which minimum value is 150,000 euros and which will create at least 15 new jobs for an indefinite period are also eligible for incentives.

The new deadline for the implementation of an investment

SERBIA HAS CHANGED THE CRITERIA FOR AWARDING INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT MORE DIRECT INVESTMENTS

classified in the fourth development group (i.e. the least developed), which include Aleksinac, Brus, Blace, Vlasotince, Dimitrovgrad, Ljig or Nova Varoš, could offer investors 6,000 euros per new job. The requirement was to invest at least 200,000 euros and create 20 new jobs. Investors in devastated areas such as Babušnica, Bela Palanka, Bujanovac, Vladičin Han, Lebane, Trgovište and Tutin received the most (7,000 euros per new job). The minimum investment here had to be 100,000 euros and employ 10 people.

Thanks to the new regulation, it is possible to apply for investment pro-jects in the production sector located in the Belgrade region if the justified costs of

project worth more than 5 million euros can be extended up to ten years from the date of submission of the application for the allocation of funds.

Abandoning the idea of classifying local territorial units per their development level as the key criterion for incentives could facilitate and expedite the very procedure of being granted an incentive. On the other hand, the increase in the minimum amount of qualified investment partly represents a correction for inflation from the previous three years (i.e. devaluation of the value of money), as well as the state’s desire to additionally attract more valuable investments and more technologically advanced investment projects in the production sector.

1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/ presscorner/detail/en/speech_23_2993

2 Decree on determining the criteria for awarding incentives to attract direct investments (“Official Gazette of RS”, no. 1/2019, 39/2023 and 43/2023). In Serbia, initial incentives for creating new jobs were introduced back in 2007, and for the first time the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Investments (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 95/2018) equalized the position of domestic and foreign investors.

Sustainable Business is a Pledge for a More Prosperous Future

The environment became the number one topic, and everyone is now talking about the importance of environmental protection

Environmental protection has always been the focus of socially responsible individuals and companies. However, with the rapid development of technology and greater availability of information, we have become more aware of the consequences that inappropriate behaviour can have on our planet. Thus, the environment became the number one topic, and everyone is now talking about the importance of environmental protection. However,

there are companies for whom these priorities are not new and which, for a long period, have been carrying out their activi-

the planet as our only place to live for future generations. One such company is NIS, which has incorporated sus-

ties in accordance with the rational use of natural resources and are engaged in preserving

tainable development goals into all of its business processes and for whom investing in en-

vironmental protection is the basis of numerous activities that the company continuously implements. NIS’s commitment to sustainable business is evidenced by the fact that the company is a pioneer in Serbia when it comes to having verified reports on sustainable development. This year, NIS has published the 13th consecutive verified report under the slogan “Our Sustainable Community.” In the Report, this oil company comprehensively and trans-

NIS HAS INCORPORATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INTO ALL OF ITS BUSINESS PROCESSES

parently presents all of its key activities in 2022 to the wider public, and it also lists how NIS contributes to the accomplishment of 12 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals with its operations.

Environmental protection and contributing to preventing climate change are of particular importance to NIS, bearing in mind that the energy industry is very intensive and that it is expected to make a full contribution to decarbonization. The NIS Report states, among other things, that environmental protection is assigned great importance, and that since 2009, the company has invested over 900 million euros in environmental and business projects that indirectly contribute to environmental protection.

Large investments also produced significant results. First and foremost, in the last 10 years, NIS has reduced emissions of pollutants into the

air by as much as 90 percent. Projects covering this area have been implemented in all business segments and mostly in the Pančevo Oil Refinery which became the first energy facility in Serbia to receive an integrated IPPC permit, which confirms that all production processes in the refinery comply with the highest domestic and European environmental standards. Furthermore, NIS has built mini power plants on its oil and gas fields in Serbia, where the associated gas that was previously burned on the flare, is now used for the production of electricity and thermal energy. Additionally, this leading oil company in Serbia implements projects related to the injection of separated

electricity and thermal energy based on natural gas as a more environmentally friendly fuel, became operational. The electricity generated here is completely transferred to Serbia’s national power grid, by which NIS contributes to the energy stability of our country.

Implementing its green agenda and following the determination to increase the share of renewable energy sources, NIS has started installing solar panels at gas stations in our country. So far, this project has been implemented at 15 petrol stations, which has had positive business and environmental effects. Namely, with the use of solar panels, the total savings in the procurement of

of monitoring and reporting on GHG emissions every quarter was introduced in the NIS Company last year, all with the aim of their more precise quantification and monitoring of trends. The company monitors and reports on Scope 1 (direct greenhouse gas emissions), Scope 2 (indirect greenhouse gas emissions) and for the first time, made a complex calculation for Scope 3 (other indirect greenhouse gas emissions). In order to be as precise as possible in this segment, that is, to more accurately define the impact of the company’s operations on climate change, NIS held training sessions for employees covering the topic of calculation of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, NIS pays great attention to energy efficiency, so from 2012 to 2022, the company increased its energy efficiency by 33 percent, which also contributes to a more rational use of resources and environmental protection.

carbon dioxide into deposits, which has generated positive business effects and also reduced gas emissions. Plus, last year, to further diversify its business and expedite the energy transition, the NIS Company formed the Energetika Block. Also, in 2022, TE-TO Pančevo, the first gas-steam power plant in Serbia that is engaged in the combined production of

electricity will amount to about 600MWh on an annual level, while the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is estimated at more than 600 tonnes per year. NIS will continue to install photovoltaic power plants in its retail network and other facilities in the future.

Following the legislation of the Republic of Serbia, the practice

NIS states that it will continue to invest in the preservation and protection of the environment, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as that it will continue to transparently inform the public about all of the company’s significant activities in its annual sustainable development reports.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONTRIBUTING TO PREVENTING CLIMATE CHANGE ARE OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO NIS

Čadež: The Western Balkans is the Region of Potential and Not Problems

Europe should accept, as soon as possible, the fact that the Western Balkans (WB) is not a region of problems and trouble but of potential that no other region in Europe has, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Marko Čadež while speaking at the final conference of the Western Balkan 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) in Pristina. He said that Europe should take advantage of this fact, especially considering that the Eu-

ropean economy imports more than 90% of the raw materials it needs from China. This region does not only have raw materials and reserves but also has mines that are operating, and there are processors who can do it,” said Čadež. He emphasized that the countries of the Western Balkans must join the European market as soon as possible and announced that the cooperation between the chambers of the region will continue in the coming period.

15 JUNE 2023

Sustainability as a Driver of Positive Changes in the Community

The companies Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Bambi presented the 2022 Sustainable Business Report entitled ”Sustainability – a force that drives joint changes.”

This is the 10th jubilee Report generated by Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and the third that also includes data from Bambi

In a world facing increasing environmental and social challenges, companies Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Bambi continue to nourish employees and partners, protecting the environment along with the impact that

19 JUNE 2023

they leave on communities and transparently communicating the achieved results. Thanks to the implementation of innovative measures and technologies, the companies have achieved progress in key indicators. Both of them have significantly reduced water consumption: Coca-Cola HBC Serbia by an extraordinary 54% per liter of produced beverage in the last 15 years, while Bambi managed to reduce it by 48% per ton of product in ten years. The companies utilize electricity obtained from renewable sources, and energy consumption per liter of beverage produced has been reduced by 59% over 15 years in Coca-Cola HBC Serbia. A significant achievement of Bambi is that 98% of the waste generated at the factory location is treated through various forms of treatment, while Coca-Cola HBC Serbia recycles or otherwise reuses 99% of the waste generated in its factories

Heineken Serbia and AMSS Extend Successful Partnership

The messages of the campaign “KAD IDE TURA, NE IDE GAS” contributed to the spread of awareness about the responsible consumption of alcohol among more than a million drivers

After last year’s successful results, the HEINEKEN Serbia company and the Serbian Automobile Association (AMSS) agreed to continue the partnership. And this year, the goal of the joint campaign “KAD IDE TURA, NE IDE GAS” is to continue raising awareness among drivers throughout our country about conscientious behavior and responsible alcohol consumption. The well-known Serbian motorist and the youngest champion of Europe on mountain trails, Nikola Miljković, who supported this year’s campaign, will also be its face, the partners announced.

Signing the agreement, Neda Đokić, general manager of HEINEKEN Serbia, stated that the campaign “KAD IDE TURA, NE IDE GAS” is the first and unique partnership between the leaders of the beer industry and the national drivers association.

26 JUNE 2023

Delta Holding’s 2022 Green Revolution –Unveiling Sustainable Business Report

By installing solar power plants, the members of Delta Holding produced 470-megawatt hours of electricity in 2022. Thus, they contributed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 690 tons, which is the equivalent of planting more than 31 thousand trees. Thanks to the use of biomass, in the same period, CO2 emissions were reduced by more than 25 thousand tons, which is the amount absorbed annually by 1.2 million trees.

The above data are part of the annual report on sustainable business in 2022, which Delta Holding published for the fourteenth year in a row. The report was presented to the media, representatives of the professional public, and partners of Delta Holding in the Delta House building, the company’s headquarters. The entire report is available at this address.

The Hansgrohe Group Opens a New Plant in Valjevo

The Hansgrohe Group has opened a new production site to manufacture bathroom and kitchen fittings in Valjevo that will employ up to 1 000 people. The grand opening was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO Hansgrohe SE, Anke Konrad, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia, and Serbian Government Ministers Sinisa Mali, Goran Vesić and Tomislav Momirović. The Hansgrohe Group continues to focus on growth and opened its new production site in the Serbian city of Valjevo. A plant for the production of bathroom and kitchen fittings has been built here over the past year and a half at a cost of around 85 million euros. “With this investment, we are strengthening our manufacturing network in Europe,” said Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hansgrohe SE, during the opening ceremony.

30 JUNE 2023

Alina Yachts Announces Exclusive Sunreef Yachts Brokerage in Serbia

Alina Yachts, a dynamic company founded by seasoned entrepreneurs Alex Alpert and Nina Pelicic, is thrilled to announce its appointment as the exclusive dealer for Sunreef Yachts in Serbia. With their extensive expertise and strong ties to the region, Alina Yachts aims to revolutionize the yachting industry and fulfill the dreams of those seeking luxurious living on the water.

Alex Alpert and Nina Pelicic, the founders of Alina Yachts, have a remarkable background in building successful technology companies. Drawing from their entrepreneurial spirit, they are now poised to make a lasting impact in the yachting market. By joining forces with Sunreef Yachts, renowned pioneers in luxury catamaran manufacturing, Alina Yachts is set to introduce Serbia to an unrivaled level of customized luxury experiences.

03 JULY 2023

The unique tourist complex in Croatia – Petram Resort & Residences opened in Savudrija

Petram Resort & Residences, a unique hotel-residence complex with integrated premium facilities and services that guarantee a five-star vacation experience, was officially opened in Savudrija with many dignitaries from social and public life. Petram Resort & Residences represents MK Group’s investment in Croatian tourism, the value of which is more than 100 million euros, which was realized in partnership with Aleksandar Group.

The complex covers almost 85,000 m2 and contains 55 villas and 197 apartments of modern design, built according to the highest standards of green construction. In addition to accommodation facilities available for rent or purchase, within the resort, guests have access to three restaurants, two swimming pools, a beach, wellness, and sports facilities, as well as property management with 24-hour support. Petram’s trademark is the longest infinity rooftop pool in Europe, 105 meters long. On behalf of investors MK Group and Aleksandar Group, Mihailo Janković, general director of MK Group, addressed the gathered guests. “This project is a synergy of the rich experience that Aleksandar Group has in construction with over 2 million built square meters, and the expertise of MK Group, which has been operating in the luxury hotel industry for 15 years. We entered this project believing in the potential of Savudrija, and Petram has become a symbol of the new, cosmopolitan Istria for us. The development of this destination while preserving its values is one of the promises that MK Group makes in the year of the great jubilee when we celebrate 40 years of creation,” said Janković.

“Such investments in Croatian tourism contribute to the quality and diversification of the destination, and I believe that they will further enrich the tourist offer of Istria.” I am glad that this premium tourism project respects all the principles of sustainability because it is the main strategic direction of the development of Croatian tourism. The Government of the Republic of Croatia will continue to create an encouraging and safe investment environment in tourism,” said Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia.

The National Airline is of Invaluable Importance for Montenegro

Air Montenegro, CEO

and maximum effort invested by our employees, with the support of the Government of Montenegro. Also, during that period, there were numerous restrictions on travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which made business even more difficult, so we are one of the few airlines that were founded in Europe and the world in the year of the global crisis.

Numerous controversies followed the formation of the new Montenegrin national airline Air Montenegro. But putting it back on its feet, practically from scratch, also meant a break from the period of bad management and losses that the national flag carrier amassed. We spoke with Air Montenegro’s CEO, Mark Anžur, about what the new airline means to Montenegro and in which way it fights global challenges and deals with stiff competition.

Could you evaluate the airline’s operations two years after its establishment? Have the set goals been met?

Based on the previous analysis of the situation, and since I have been the head of the TO Montenegro Company, the company, and the national airliner Air Montenegro have had stable operations based on periodic financial

reports and monitoring of cash flows, the technical condition of

passenger cabin occupancy of 65% in regular traffic. The compa-

During our first year of business, we had only one plane in the fleet, the E95, with 116 seats, and about 110,000 passengers were transported to 5 destinations during regular flights, i.e., to Belgrade from Podgorica and Tivat, Banja Luka, Ljubljana, Frankfurt, and Istanbul. A series of charter flights to Yerevan and numerous ad hoc charter flights have been carried out too.

the aircraft, satisfactory current liquidity, booking status and capacity occupancy.

The company is financially viable, the capitalization is satisfactory, and the current operational and financial indicators for the period from January 1 to the end of June this year are better than the previous year.

Since its establishment, i.e., since the first commercial flight on the Podgorica-Belgrade route on June 10, 2021, until late June this year, Air Montenegro has had almost 8,100 flights, transporting over 660,000 passengers with average

ny also generated 57 million euros in total revenue.

What challenges does a young airline face, and how do you respond to the post-pandemic problems?

After a six-month-long break and suspension of flights of the previous national airline at the end of 2020, Air Montenegro launched regular traffic on June 10, 2021.

In the previous period, establishing trust among passengers and partners was rather challenging and demanding but still possible thanks to the professionalism

The following year (2022), we had two E95 airplanes for the whole year, with an additional lease of an A320 aircraft with 180 seats for 6 months during the summer season when around 360,000 passengers in total were transported. We regularly flew to 11 destinations. In addition to the flights to the destinations from 2021, we introduced six new flights - Zurich, Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Copenhagen, and Prague, and a series of charter flights.

This year, i.e., two years after the airliner was launched, we are flying to 14 destinations plus all destinations from the previous year and have charter flights to eight destinations.

Namely, this year, the national air carrier Air Montenegro regularly flies to Belgrade, Ljubljana,

Developing tourism as a strategic economic branch is impossible without relying on a strong and stable national airliner

MARK ANŽUR

AIR MONTENEGRO LAUNCHED REGULAR FLIGHTS ON JUNE 10, 2021.

Banja Luka, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Copenhagen, Prague, and Istanbul, just like previous year, and for the first time, we are also flying to Bratislava, Brno, and Sarajevo.

In addition to new charter flights to the Baltic countries (Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn), which operate from Tivat Airport, we have new charter flights from Podgorica to Rzeszów in Poland. Just like in previous years, we also have charter flights to Yerevan, Cairo, and Katowice from June to September, while charter flights from Tel Aviv were launched in March, and we will fly to this destination until October of the current year.

Dynamic growth and development are characteristics of the previous and certainly future periods of the company’s operations.

How important is it for Montenegro to have its own national airline?

In short, it is of invaluable importance, and let me explain why.

Our country’s size, a geographical position as a distinct aviation destination of dominant seasonality, and the influx of capital are only some of the reasons why Montenegro must have a national airline.

The existing infrastructure and rail and road traffic in Montenegro require that the state should, first and foremost, rely on the market/ commercial business policy of domestic airlines instead of foreign ones, which cannot provide stable support for the country’s economy, especially in the off-season.

TO Montenegro’s Board of Directors will propose a development strategy in accordance with the supervision of the company’s operations and its duties and responsibilities. An adequate investment plan will define the marketing and commercial strategy following market requirements.

Also, the state tourism policy is such that it focuses on making Montenegro a year-round, rather than a seasonal, tourist destination which, in turn, supports the strategy that my team and I will, after it has been given the green light, apply to Air Montenegro’s operations.

Bearing in mind that tourism’s share in Montenegro’s GDP is about 25%, we are confident that the action plan, which will be an

integral part of the Strategy, and its implementation will bring multiple economic benefits to the state, economy, and citizens alike.

I am also sure that developing tourism as a strategic economic branch is impossible without relying on a strong and stable national airliner.

How important are flights to Serbia, and how do you view the

an average load factor of 66.5% last year, while Air Serbia’s was 76%. From Montenegro, Air Serbia flies almost exclusively the very popular and sought-after route to Belgrade. In addition to the route to Belgrade, Air Montenegro also regularly flew to Western Europe last year and developed the now-established and successful route Tivat-Istanbul, which inevitably had to be reflected in a

Company, has two aircraft, Embraer 195 (registrations AOA and AOB) and leased Embraer 190 (registration UR–EMA) from Windrose, as well as Airbus 320 (registration LYFJI) rented from Heston Airlines.

The strategy, which I previously discussed with the Board of Directors, will include, among other things, so-called “self-standing” operations to occupy a significant

duopoly? Is Air Serbia a competitor or a partner? Is there room for a third carrier there?

Since the suspension of Montenegro Airlines’ flights in late 2020, Air Serbia has become the most dominant airline at Montenegrin airports, with the largest share in

somewhat lower average load factor compared to Air Serbia.

Air Serbia is our partner, especially considering that a larger number of flights, especially to Tivat airport, are operated by their connected flights from other European destinations via Belgrade,

AIR MONTENEGRO IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW AIRLINES THAT WERE FOUNDED IN EUROPE AND THE WORLD IN THE YEAR OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS INDUCED BY COVID-19.

the number of aircraft rotations and the number of passengers transported in 2021 and 2022.

During that period, Air Serbia transported a total of 388,329 passengers via Montenegrin airports, which is almost 45.5 percent more than in record-breaking 2019. In 2022, the national air carrier Air Montenegro came much closer to achieving the same results as Air Serbia. Namely, in 2022, at Podgorica and Tivat airports, we transported almost 360,000 passengers, which is an almost 19% share of the total passenger traffic at these two airports. To compare, Air Montenegro, operating from Montenegrin airports, had

which tourists use to come to Montenegro.

What vision do you have for developing flights and the fleet? Which markets will Air Montenegro expand to and why? What can we expect in the coming period in terms of fleet and new flights?

During the current high season, we fulfilled the current market demand by renting 2 aircraft, thus overcoming the challenges and meeting the expectations of the Montenegrin government, our partners, tourism, complementary economy, and passengers. Currently, Air Montenegro, which is owned by the TO Montenegro

market position, achieving good financial and operational indicators, financial profitability, and commercial viability in the aviation business.

TO Montenegro’s strategic development and commercial policy implies dynamic development in the future, which, among other things, includes the acquisition of new aircraft and the expansion of both the flight network and the base of stable clients/passengers.

Air Montenegro must have a fleet that must and can service the Montenegrin market and should be a priority for any government.

We also need to have well-trained, experienced staff and educate and invest in new staff who can lead a commercially stable and operational company based on optimal principles.

However, as I said earlier, while appreciating the Government’s strategic determination to make Montenegro a year-round tourist destination based on economic profitability, we will also work on expanding the flight network and increasing the traveller base, i.e., the users of our services and Montenegro’s integral tourism product.

Vive L’amitié Franco-Serbe!

The French Institute in Serbia

cultural institutions woven into the Serbian cultural fabric

At a time when Serbia is on the verge of full membership in Francophonie and when cultural and scientific cooperation with France is flourishing, we are talking to the director of the French Institute in Serbia, Mr. Stanislas Pierret.

The two nations have very strong historical and friendly ties. In your opinion, have these connections been preserved until modern times?

Throughout history, France and Serbia have maintained very strong and friendly ties. Today, they still exist in many social, political, and economic spheres, and we can see this in our everyday life. Referring to the cultural and academic fields, and creative and scientific industries cooperation, the ties between France and Serbia are increasingly dynamic and intense. Numerous bilateral projects influence the further rapprochement and exchange within the framework of interstate agreements achieved in film co-productions, education, and comics. The fact that the Republic of Serbia is well on its way to gaining full membership in the International Organization of La Francophonie reflects that we share the same values.

Confirmation of positive bilateral dynamics in the field of culture and science has been

reflected in the recent visit to France of Mrs. Jelena Begović, Serbian Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation. During the stay, a meeting was held with Mrs. Silvi Retajo, Minister of Higher Education and Research, and Mrs. Maja Gojković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, whose upcoming visit to France will result in the renewed agreement on film co-productions with the French National Centre for Cinematography.

The French Institute has been present in Belgrade for over 70 years. How close is French culture to us in Serbia?

I have the honour of managing the French Institute in Serbia, one of the cultural institutions woven into the Serbian cultural fabric, and the programs and manifestations we realize are very well received by the

which, through the screening of three film cycles, visits over thirty cities and municipalities in Serbia per year and whose viewership estimates at over fifteen thousand viewers, as well as the Climate Caravan, which, according to the same principle, promotes ideas of sustainable development and innovative ecological solutions cities and municipalities in Serbia.

By the above, we note that Serbian fondness of French culture has

merous activities of the French Institute. How did this event go?

Serbian audience. We are proud of that and the fact we are the only foreign cultural centre that, apart from Belgrade, also has branches in Niš and Novi Sad - thus actively participating in the decentralization of culture in Serbia. We implement projects such as the French Film Caravan,

lasted for generations, reflected in the number of audiences and the willingness of partners in all areas to cooperate with France and accept the programs it offers.

The recently held French Film Festival is just one of the nu-

The French Film Festival is a product of French-Serbian cooperation that includes numerous partners, and we are very proud that it advances year after year. Despite the weather, this year’s fifth edition was a great success. We had the honour of hosting the directors Stefan Kastan, author of the film “Vincent Must Die” which had its world premiere in Belgrade after the Cannes Festival, as well as Olivier Babine, already known to the Serbian audience, who gave this edition a special note. The festival was organized not long after the prestigious Cannes Festival, and in addition to the latest French cinematographic achievements, its program also includes films that come directly from Cannes. We were also honoured by the famous Serbian director Srdan Golubović, whose coproduction with France created numerous films, agreeing to be

is one of the

STANISLAS PIERRET

Counselor For Cooperation And Culture At The Embassy Of France, Director Of The Institut Français In Serbia

SERBIAN FONDNESS OF FRENCH CULTURE HAS LASTED FOR GENERATIONS

the godfather of the festival’s fifth edition. Most of the film screenings were in demand on higher levels. Including MTS Hall and MegaCom Film, and the French Institute as the founders of the French Film Festival, we owe a great deal of gratitude for the support to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the Belgrade municipality Stari Grad, Silos Belgrade, as well as the Mlekoprodukt companies with their Ile-de-France product line, MPC Properties, and numerous media sponsors. Owing to those partnerships, we were able to hold the festival at as many as three prestigious outdoor locations in Belgrade, such as Kosančićev venac, the plateau between Ušće business centres and Silosi in Belgrade, but also in Niš and Novi Sad.

How well do Serbs know French culture and language? What is it that attracts them the most?

The number of people who speak French in Serbia stays at the same level despite the numerous challenges that modern times and political and economic circumstances bring. In recent years, the activities of the French Institute in this regard have focused on promoting France as a European centre for innovation in the fields of new technologies, education, and science in general, but also as a country open to talents from numerous other areas. The scholarships that the government of the Republic of France grants to young Serbian talents in various fields serve to strengthen the ties between our elites and represent a pledge for the future that will ensure the continuity and tradition of cooperation. Apart from French culture, art, and cultural heritage, which are traditionally popular in Serbia, we notice that the interest among young people is also growing in creative industries and innovative technologies. The French Institute also has a language school under its auspices, which offers participants, in addition to classical, accelerated, and thematic language courses, such as business French, conversation classes, and creative workshops

for children. The popularity of the French language reflects in the number of participants at events organized as part of the Month of Francophonie, such as the Francophone Dictation and the Francophone Song Contest. Besides cultural and language projects, the Institute also deals a lot with promoting science. What projects are you currently working on, and why are they significant?

Our department for university and scientific cooperation is extremely active on numerous projects. The best example is the Competition «Eko-opstina» in which numerous Serbian cities and municipalities participate and compete in the fields of

Forum and scholarships for young scientists represent an excellent platform for strengthening ties and competences in both directions.

Although the French Institute primarily aims to spread French culture in Serbia, are there any activities that bring Serbian culture closer to France?

One of the missions of the French Institute in Serbia is to promote Serbian culture and creativity in France, as this significantly contributes to strengthening ties. I believe that the most successful cooperation is the one that works in both directions. Over time, we established ourselves as the first address of French cultural operators for

lot to the visibility of the Serbian scene in France, especially regarding contemporary circus and contemporary dance.

What interesting content are you preparing for the next period?

sustainable development, ecology, energy efficiency, and water management. From year to year, their number grows, and this year there were sixty of them. Three hundred and sixty representatives of Serbian cities and municipalities participated in thematic workshops organized within the project, including thirty-five schools through the “Green School” program. France has much to offer in this area, and I conclude that the interest of the Serbian local authorities in this type of program and cooperation is growing. In addition, concerning new technologies and scientific achievements, programs like the Serbian-French Innovation

recommending artists and cultural content from Serbia to France. I can proudly say that owing to our activities, Serbian film, comics, but also street art, and the gaming industry are much more visible in France through projects that we realized with local partners, such as the Playing Narratives program, Coproduction workshops in Paris realized in cooperation with the Film Centre of Serbia, crossover artistic residencies in the field of comics, French-Serbian film meetings, and so on. I would also like to highlight the regional program Teatroskop, which aims to bring regional and French actors closer together in the field of performing arts, contributing a

In the fall, France will be the guest of honour at the prestigious Belgrade Book Fair. Our presence at this very important event, which attracts up to one hundred and eighty thousand visitors, is one of this year’s priorities for the French Institute in Serbia. In addition to the rich program at the French stand itself, with high-ranking French officials visiting Serbia on that occasion, as well as famous guests such as writers Mathias Enard, EricEmmanuel Schmitt, Catherine Cusset, economist Thomas Piketty, technological magician Luc Julia, comic artist Tony Valente and Magali Le Huche, we will organize a series of activities for the citizens of Belgrade during the entire autumn under the name “Ušća/Confluences” in cooperation with the National Museum in Belgrade, the National Library of Serbia, the National Theatre in Belgrade, the Belgrade Jazz Festival, and others. Each of the mentioned actors, in cooperation with the French Institute, will focus on French content during the upcoming season and thus create real French autumn. The citizens of Belgrade can expect exhibitions, French performances, concerts, and film screenings in the colours of France.

Our stand at the Book Fair will offer its visitors not only a large number of books in French, guest writers and a debate program but also other contents, such as expert panels in the field of publishing, a day dedicated to information about studies in France, and promoting books and meetings in comics, sports, and fashion. I believe this very important moment will serve as a wind in the sails of bilateral cooperation in culture and art between France and Serbia.

Long live French-Serbian friendship!

OWING TO OUR ACTIVITIES, SERBIAN FILM, COMICS, BUT ALSO STREET ART, AND THE GAMING INDUSTRY ARE MUCH MORE VISIBLE IN FRANCE

The Main Challenge Facing Tourism is Seasonality

JASON GOH

Maestral Hotels and Casinos CEO

bers supporting the ideals of the company, which is to provide an amazing guest experience to whoever walks through Maestral’s doors. We have employees who have worked for many years with Maestral, and I believe this also speaks to the fairness with which we have treated our staff. I believe that if you treat your staff well, they will in turn, repay this by treating our guests the same way. Our guests love coming back for this authentic Montenegrin hospitality, and everybody is happy!

Mr. Jason Goh, a Singaporean, came to Montenegro in front of this summer season to head Meastral Hotels and Casinos. We spoke with him about his first impressions of Montenegrin tourism and its challenges.

What do you think are the biggest advantages of this market, and where do you see the most serious challenges?

Tourism in Montenegro offers several significant advantages, which contribute to its appeal among travelers. Montenegro is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes that attract visitors from around the world. Despite its small size, Montenegro offers a variety of attractions within close proximity, making it easy for travelers to explore different regions and experiences, providing opportunities for tourists to engage with local culture and traditions fostering an immersive and authentic travel experience.

I believe the main challenge facing tourism is seasonality. Montenegro experiences a significant seasonality factor in its tourism industry. This can result in overcrowding

during peak periods while leaving the tourism sector with reduced business and employment opportunities during the off-season. Although Montenegro has made significant efforts to develop its tourism infrastructure, there are still challenges in terms of transportation. Improvement of road networks and airports is necessary to enhance accessibility and visitor experiences. Montenegro heavily relies on a limited number of source markets, primarily from neighboring countries. Diversifying the source markets and attracting visitors from new regions can help reduce dependency and increase resilience in the tourism industry. Raising awareness, targeting specific segments, and showcas-

ing the country’s unique offerings are important to attract a wider range of tourists and increase competitiveness.

It’s important to note that the tourism industry is dynamic and subject to changes influenced by various factors, such as global events, economic conditions, and policy decisions

Hotels in the vicinity of “Maestral” have been opened and closed for the past 30 years, but “Maestral” has always somehow kept its standards and many guests who have been coming for generations. In your opinion, what is the “secret” of this hotel?

It definitely helps to have a consistent, strong core of team mem-

It was recently announced that some airlines, such as WizzAir and Ryan Air, will suspend flights to Tivat due to the increase in taxi fares at Montenegrin airports. Do you see that as a potential challenge?

Yes, of course. Montenegro will have to depend very heavily on inbound flights in order to expand the Tourism market – relying solely on regional tourism accessible by land or sea alone is very dangerous. Thus, any reduction in air connections is a potential challenge not only to us but all Montenegrin businesses. Now that the world has emerged from the global pandemic crisis, we hope there will be more flights for people to discover the wild beauty of Montenegro.

You belong to the new generation of Casino business, which in your opinion, attracts a large clientele.

I believe that people nowadays travel for a new adventure, to escape from their everyday lives. Be it a sight they have not seen, cuisine they have not tasted, or even service they have not experienced – there is a bigger allure if a destination can provide a multitude of these. If a given clientele acknowledges that a modern casino and resort can provide this, on top of a foundation of a fair and safe gaming environment, they will definitely visit.

Montenegro is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes that attract visitors from around the world

The List: People who change Belgrade

Belgrade a city with a soul, where every street and every person tells their own story. Throughout this city’s history, people have left their mark and influenced its appearance, architecture, gastronomic offer, and the habits of the people of Belgrade. But here’s the thing about being influential: it’s not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person to stand out in a crowd and be heard. Let’s take a look at some of the men and women who have made their mark on Belgrade in a feature column by Duška Jovanić, which is out each month.

NOTE: The list is made in alphabetical order

Legions of young Belgraders have crowned her as empress. She reciprocates with her unique displays of modesty, in which only those who do not really know her don’t believe. She is, first of all, an unworn repertoire of talents, style, knowledge and wisdom on many topics, which, at first glance, makes her a person who behaves and speaks as if she has no secrets. Especially when she so cutely bursts with laughter, which is not easy and not everyone can do it. With Ida Prester, we all feel somehow important, envy her chic-shock clothing colours and hold on tight as we try to follow this beauty of a woman. She was born in 1979 in Zagreb, then in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. She is officially known as a Croatian TV host and singer in bands such as Lollobrigida, Frau Casio and MAiKA. She is married to a very interesting Serbian man called Ivan Peševski, with whom she has sons Rok and Rij. She is one of those persons who live with a strict romantic justification of a

2

Maybe this is not grammatically correct, but it’s true - ThisguycakesBelgrade. This is a guy who made his sweet dream come true. He opened a pastry shop, which is no mean feat, so the famous “Mandarina” in Belgrade doesn’t even resemble a sweets laboratory at first glance. Fluorescent (natural!) colours are delicacies for pampered palates, almost pinching the eyes, while the pastry chef really looks like a respectable cake doctor. “My god of sweets is Pierre Hermé, a culinary emperor, the king of macarons, the Dior of desserts and officially the most famous confectioner in the world”, admits Krsto, rejoicing like a child. He met him in London while working at the Claridges Hotel. He hoped that he would immediately make something for Madonna or JLo, but first, he chopped fruit all day for a year. That’s how he learned that the most important thing in his job is to be calm, focused and relaxed. Stars, like sugar, come at the end. In the meantime, he also became the

fateful moment, no matter how tireless she is in breaking all the world’s taboos. For her, Belgrade is a drama, an action film, one of those crazy and photogenic cities. She immediately fell in love with its soul, despite a certain number of revolutions. She has no qualms about admitting that in Belgrade she realized that she is still a small-town girl, coded by her childhood in a more peaceful environment. It’s hard to believe it though. Where did this fragile blonde learn to think and speak so boldly about parenting, the terror of youth, the rights of the LGBT population and not to believe in idols? She even dares to thank the universe that in her time there were no dangerous social media or developed technologies. It sounds paradoxical, considering her activism, but she is already planning to welcome her seventies with a lot of joy, as a lady unburdened by years and unhealthy paranoia of old age, because even then she will love her life as she directed it herself. You are welcome, baby!

creator of the heretical idea that cake is not be all, end all, as it is the easiest to make. He broke another of the ancient misconceptions that the cake must be (too) sweet. In his world, the most important thing is that the delicacy shouts from the shop shelves - Buy me, eat me! Despite the sweet art concept, he too has a stained recipe notebook that he carries around with him. When he chooses a cake to make, he acts like an architect. First, he draws the structure, then he thinks of the texture and colour and starts “building”. Apart from being a reference in his CV, the title of Master of Arts in Pastry is also a result of his family tree. He was born into a family of bakers, so already, at seven years old, he was grating apples and stealing the secrets of the trade that would later make him famous. I guess that’s why even today he likes to knead croissants al night, which engulfs the whole into a sweet aroma. Keep baking for Belgrade, dear Krsto!

© Goran Popovski

IDA PRESTER

Musical artist

KRSTO RADOVIĆ

Pastry chef

©

Zvonimir Ferina © Ksenija Turnić

MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ

An icon of conceptual art

This woman changed the world, not just Belgrade, but she had to start somewhere. She has been Marina Abramović ever since she was very young. Queen of performance. Professor of body art. The high priestess of pain and body exhaustion. An artist of unpredictable psychophysical states. Goddess of movement, mimicry and gesture. Although she had been recognized in Europe for decades, it was the three-month marathon at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2010 that brought her worldwide fame and success. As part of the ‘The Artist is Present’ project, she sat motionless for over seven hundred hours, staring at complete strangers. Without a single word said! And with a few tears shed! I was there, among the thousands of people who participated in that memorable experience. Her whole life is a concept. Just as her first and last name became her occupation a long time ago. Running away from her past

in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and her strict partisan mother, she lived on love and art for years with Ulay, the man of her life. They decided to settle down and get married on the Great Wall of China. They walked towards each other for three whole months, they travelled two thousand kilometres on foot to meet at one point. Then they just passed each other and parted forever. It took her almost seven years to come back. She first entered Dior and fell in love with fashion. As the greatest artist not only of life but also of death, Marina has long directed her departure, with a little help from her friend, the magical Bob Wilson. And while others only cross borders, she, with all her strength of soul and body, in her memoirs, passes through walls. A few years ago, at the Museum of Modern Art, Belgrade tried to give back to her everything it had taken from her. And she still has the best time telling jokes with her friends.

He recently got Belgrade on its feet with a spectacular concert at Tašmajdan. After that, he “ran over” half of Serbia next. But, in his case, this is nothing new. This guy has been a violinist on the roof of the world for a long time. Even when he plays folk songs in a badass way. He arrived in our lives in the style of a charming, dishevelled, crazy hair tightrope walker who resembles a cross between an Andersen hero and a rock star. Not at all ostentatious and not implacable in a world that regards self-centeredness as its main virtue. He almost always looks like he’s about to take off in Disney’s Peter Pan leather leggings. He is always smiling, as if life is a continuous celebration. I knew how he ruled the music like the emperor of the violin and the stage, but I was hungry to know what this magical being was made of inside. Again and again, he knows how to use his moment of eternity in such a way that he didn’t

even need advertising masterminds. He was born in 1985 in Niš. His perfect pitch was discovered very early on by his mother. She left her job as a radiologist, persuaded her husband to sell the apartment, and the family of five moved to Belgrade. Nemanja had his first public performance at the age of eight, by standing on an improvised stage. At the age of fourteen, he was admitted to the Music Academy. A few years later, the Radulović family arrived in Paris, where they experienced the most beautiful and saddest events. So far, he has taken us for a wild ride with his violin a thousand times. On average, he has a hundred concerts a year and phenomenal contracts. When it comes to instruments, it looks like he’s in love. “You need to find the violin that suits you best. To me, the violin is both joy and comfort”, he says, while wishing for everyone to be just happy. Thank you, precious Nemanja!

His name predestined him to fame, but he did not reach it with his incredible football talent, which he still loves to play to this day. It wasn’t even the comedic yet spectacular dance moves he learned as a kid while breakdancing that mesmerized his peers and catapulted him to stardom. His third childhood passion proved crucialhe constantly drew everything he saw or imagined. He perfected the design in Gothenburg. The dominant brutal visual simplicity there collided with the complicated Balkan urges to create what later became known as the lifestyle brand  Futro.He learned from the local biggest idea genius, Dragan Sakan, in order to continue working in the most powerful marketing agencies as a designer and art director. Later, he opened his own studio. He still does what he did as a child - he literally aesthetically repairs the sloppy reality that surrounds

us. His recognizable “Slavimir” signature can be found on most things around uson logos, billboards, posters, t-shirts, bags and books. His passion for visual expression has kept him at the top of the graphic arts for years and he was even included in Taschen’s book of the most influential designers in the world. His graphic solutions always hide a puzzle that makes people think and this is what can be considered his biggest influence on Belgrade Nothing about Slavimir is ready-made - he received the Lifetime Achievement Award before graduating from the Academy of 0Applied Arts after thirty years of studying. He did it for his father and somewhat to beat himself. He not only draws the best but also writes excellently - “Devet” is his bestseller novel written in illustrated stories. And yes, he was the first person in Belgrade to have a square wedding cake.

© Marko Krunić

© Nebojsa Babić

NEMANJA RADULOVIĆ A violinist

SLAVIMIR STOJANOVIĆ Graphic Designer

© Nebojsa Babić

The Splendour of Monasteries, the Misery of Villages

How did it happen that Fruška Gora’s monasteries shine covered in gilded panels and freshly painted facades, while the villages in their shadow are decaying?

Fruška Gora’s monasteries, all restored and beautifully maintained, stand next to eponymous nearby villages, where every second house is abandoned and every third one is demolished or on the verge of being demolished. The culture halls there are empty and dilapidated, just like the buildings of the former social agricultural estates. It seems that the gap between the wealth of the Church and the townspeople who live in the shadow of its bell towers has not been greater since the Middle Ages.

Dusk had already settled when I entered the village of Bešenovo. According to the 2011 cen-

sus, this village at the foot of Fruška Gora had a population of 841. Waiting for the final data of the new census, the locals say that today there are no more than 600 of them. The Church of St. Archangel Gabriel from 1814 is perked up in the centre of the village, whose front part with the tower has been freshly painted in yellow and white.

“A thousand people used to sit here and listen to the singing competition called ‘Glas Srema,” a man in front of the shop across the street from the church tells me and points to the former Culture Hall and Cooperative House, which have

been abandoned since 2007 and today look like a set for a horror movie. Land lease contracts are scattered across the offices, walls are ‘adorned’ by graffiti accusing (Boris) Tadić of “betraying Kosovo”, the performance stage is now covered in rubble and garbage, the roof is cracked and you can clearly see the Moon through it.

In front of the dilapidated and abandoned building, there is a sign with the names of the locals who died fighting in the Second World War and as victims of fascist terror – 187 inhabitants of Bešenovo, which is a huge number for such a small village. It is especially sad to see that this memorial is completely neglected and

GRGETEK VILLAGE IS KNOWN FOR A RATHER INFAMOUS RECORD - IT HAS FEWER INHABITANTS TODAY THAN THERE ARE NAMES ON THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE ERECTED IN HONOUR OF THE WWII VICTIMS FROM THE VILLAGE

Abandoned farm Bešenovo

Bešenovo Monastery

covered in weed, while some of the plaques are broken as the names of the freedom fighters etched on the plaques were not the fathers and grandfathers of the very people who live in this village.

The following weekend we returned to Bešenovo and continued on our journey. After visiting the Bešenovo Lake, which is located in the abandoned pit of the Beočin cement factory, we climb through the forest and reach the Bešenovo settlement that, like all the other settlements here, was erected right next to the monastery.

The windows of the abandoned cultural hall in the settlement are plastered with obituaries. In front is the bust of Sima Relić, the first commander of the Fruška Gora Partisan Unit. According to the 2011 census, the village had a population of 83. Today, there are many cottages here which are occasionally occupied, but truth be told, no more than 20 people are living here. Above the village is the Fruška Gora Art Camp whose gates are guarded by two wooden sculptures. Painter Branka Kolundžić and sculptor Miroslav Kovačević Koča, from Ruma, came to the Bešenovo settlement 15 years ago. Here,

end of the war. Brother Dragan from the brotherhood of this male monastery kindly welcomes us and tells the details of the dramatic history of Bešenovo: “The Germans took off in a bomber that was stationed near Grgurevci and bombed the monastery from the air. Everything was destroyed!” Only parts of the iconostasis have been preserved. Since Bešenovo suffered to such an extent in WWII, it was not rebuilt in the decades after. Until 2013, this was more of a locality than an indication of any monastery. A wooden bell tower was erected and the start of the restoration of this most severely damaged monastery on Fruška Gora was announced. Laying the foundation for the new monastery

church and the monastery’s renovation began in September 2013. Thanks to contributions from benefactors, the church’s foundation was laid and a bell tower was built next to it with the original monastery bells. The cross was mounted on July 10, 2015.

We leave the wealthy monastery estate and return to the harsh “worldly” reality. Between the Bešenovo settlement and the village of Šuljam, there are a dozen buildings on the former state cattle farm. After the privatization, the property was abandoned and completely devastated. It resembles the abandoned city of Pripyat near Chernobyl. What remains are the empty cow feeders, an in-

on a glade, at an altitude of 300 metres, they decided to build a family nest and form the Fruška Gora Art Camp. However, Koča died in the summer of 2020, so the estate seems quite deserted today.

After encountering such misery in Bešenovo and Bešenovo settlement, we arrive in front of the mighty gates of the Bešenovo Monastery, which according to legend was founded by the Serbian king Dragutin in the late 13th century. The first official information about the monastery dates back to the Ottoman times, from 1545, to be precise. According to 18th-century records, bricks were used to build the monastery church a long time ago. In 1783, the bell tower with the chapel, dedicated to Saints Kiriko and Julita, is mentioned for the first time. In the following decades, residences were built here, so that in the final phase, they had two floors looking at three different sides. In 1909, the iconostasis was painted by Stevan Aleksić. The tomb of Colonel Aleksandar Rašković from 1773 is located in the monastery too.

During the Second World War, the monastery was destroyed by the Ustasha (Nazi collaborators, translator’s note) and then bombed in 1944, near the

I ATTENDED REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES IN SEVERAL MONASTERIES, WHERE, LIKE IN THE RAKOVAC MONASTERY A FEW WEEKS AGO, THERE WERE NO BELIEVERS IN ATTENDANCE, EXCEPT FOR PRIESTS AND NUNS

Bešenovo Cultural Hall

Grgeteg Monastery

scription “Privati posed” with a typo (an “n” is missing) and a more recent graffiti that reads “Comrade Tito”. “There used to be 300 cows there and half of the village population was employed on the farm. Following the privatization, everything was destroyed!” a resident of the village of Šuljam told us.

The story of Bešenovo - the village, the settlement, the monastery, the culture halls and the state farm is seen almost through the entire Srem District. Last autumn I visited the villages of Grgeteg and Krušedol. At the entrance to Grgeteg, right next to the creek, there is a memorial plaque dedicated to WWII fighters and victims of fascist terror who died between 1941 and 1945. This village is known for a rather infamous record - it has fewer inhabitants today than there are names on the memorial plaque.

According to the locals, 28 people live in Grgeteg today, and half of them left the village with the first signs of winter to spend the winter in Novi Sad or in one of the larger towns. So, there are 14 of them left in Grgetek throughout winter. While we are waiting for the official results of this year’s Population Census, we can only say that according to the 2011 Census, Grgeteg officially had a population of 76. The last child born in the village was in 1988. If nothing changes, there will be no residents here by the time the 2031 census comes.

Even though nature and history were very kind and generous to Grgetek, there is no store, school, doctor’s office or post office here. There are five guys

in the village who are bachelors and there are no girls to get married to. They all have left the village for work and a better life. Grgeteg doesn’t even have a water supply system. Al-

IT SEEMS THAT, ON THE ONE HAND, FRUŠKA GORA’S MONASTERIES AND THE VILLAGES NEXT TO THEM, ON THE OTHER, LIVE IN TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, PARALLEL UNIVERSES AND THAT THE CLASS GAP BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE BELIEVERS WHO LIVE IN THE SHADOW OF ITS BELL TOWERS IS TODAY THE BIGGEST SINCE THE MIDDLE AGES

though a water grid was built a few years ago, water has trouble reaching the taps. Despite the promises made by the local government that they would resolve the problem, the locals are still struggling with drinking and technical water.

The Grgeteg Monastery lies at the very end of the village, which today has as many as 37 nuns, almost twice as many as the village’s population. I pass through the magnificent monastery gate and in the yard, I notice about twenty beehives. The hardworking nuns here

make their own honey. The evening service is in progress. A nun kills the bugs that swarm around the floor at the front door. In the church, about twenty believers listened to the service in almost complete darkness, illuminated only by the light of candles.

A narrow paved road leads to the Krušedol settlement. The former Culture Hall is in the centre of the village. The small stage, where people used to perform back in the day, is covered in rubbish and there is graffiti all over the walls. One of them says: “I drink, therefore I exist!”. This is a sad situation that many villages in Vojvodina have found themselves in, where young people, mostly bachelors, are daily frequenting

only three things – their home, a bar (if there is any) and a betting shop. In front of the former Culture Hall, there is again a monument erected in honour of WWII victims and next to it, between two linden trees, stretches a long bench, usually seating six or seven village seniors. On that day, on a sunny autumn Sunday afternoon, it was empty.

Below the Krušedol settlement, lies Krušedol Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries on Fruška Gora. In the monastery church, in the vestibule, rest the remains of many important Serbs, including Patriarch Arsenije III Čarnojević (1706), Metropolitan Isaija Djaković (1708), Patriarch Arsenije IV Jovanović Šakabenta (1748), Metropolitan Vikentije Popović (1725), Count Djordje Branković (here since 1744), colonel Atanasije Rašković (died in 1753), Duke Stevan Šupljikac (1848), Princess Ljubica Obrenović and King Milan Obrenović.

The same story goes for the Jazak Monastery, the surrounding hill and the village right next to it. The Jazak Monastery, built in 1736, suffered great damage during the Second World War. The then director of the Zagreb Museum of Arts and Crafts, Vladimir Tkalčić, took away with him 79 artefacts from the monastery. The partisans set it on fire in the summer of 1942 when part of the building burned down, the Germans took the wood from the remains, and an NDH (The Independent State of Croatia, translator’s note) official Anton Bauer took the rest of the valuable items from the monastery. Today, the monastery has been

Krušedol Monastery Krušedol Prnjavor

The Graveyard of King Milan Krušedol

completely renovated - both the church itself and the lodgings. The Jazak settlement and the village of Jazak, which are next to the monastery, suffered the same destiny as Bešenovo, Grgeteg, Krušedol and many other villages in the Srem District. Every second house seems to be uninhabited, every third has either collapsed or is about to collapse.

How did it happen that Fruška Gora’s monasteries shine covered in gilded panels and freshly painted facades, while the villages in their shadow are decaying? In the past three decades, we have witnessed several processes that have led to this. The good condition of the Fruška Gora monasteries is thanks to the state authorities who started their restoration in the early 1990s when the controversial but agile Milan Paroški was at the head of the Provincial Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments. His mission was continued by Zoran Vapa, until recently the director of the same Institute, who is said to be the only official who came from the time of Slobodan Milošević and continued working in this position until the early 2020s, more precisely until 2021, when he retired. He was criticized by those members of the public who believed that the Fruška Gora monasteries were favoured over other cultural heritage in Vojvodina (castles, churches, fortresses, birthplaces of famous people...) which, if not restored with EU funds (such as the Fortress and the Franciscan Monastery in Bač) or the Government of Hungary (synagogues in Subotica and Senta and numerous Roman Catholic and Protestant churches as well as historical buildings), is in a rather unenviable condition or has been demolished.

In the meantime, the Serbian Orthodox Church was given back a huge amount of property in restitution - from tens of thousands of square metres of apartments and houses in the centre of Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci and other towns in Vojvodina to 4,479 hectares of forest in Srem, which is almost a fifth of the total area of the Fruška Gora National Park. Millions of euros are being poured into the coffers of the Srem Eparchy annually from rent-

ing and exploitation of forests, which has helped the Church to easily restore and maintain its monasteries and temples. If we add to that the generous donations of individual residents from these regions who live and work abroad, we get a picture of a very rich and privileged community. In addition, the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and other religious communities were given huge tax reliefs, but also considerable autonomy in carrying out the

preservation of cultural heritage in church property, which I wrote about in the article titled “War against Baroque” for Vreme weekly in 2020.

On the other hand, during the last three decades of transition, especially in the last 20 years, almost all culture halls in the villages of Srem were destroyed, as were many former agricultural cooperatives, local economies and agricultural combines. All those build-

ings are eerily empty today, graffiti-strewn, covered with rubble and trash on the floors, with severely cracked ceilings. The Secretariat for Culture of the Provincial Government of Vojvodina launched a special competition two years ago aimed at the renovation of cultural halls, however, it seems that this money was re-directed to bigger towns, leaving these villages, “which are empty anyway”, completely devoid of cultural content.

The villagers were further impoverished by the devastation of agricultural production, so most of the young people left, leaving only their elderly parents behind. In Pavlovci, a village in the Srem District, on the shores of its eponymous lake, many wealthy Belgrade residents built their mansions - from Andrija Drašković to Srdjan Djoković. The locals tell me that of the 120 cows that grazed the pastures here only ten years ago, today less than 20 remain. Private initiative in tourism exists with several wineries, craft breweries, guesthouses and restaurants operating in the vicinity, but this is still not enough to stop young people from leaving for cities.

The question here is if most of the locals have left and those who remain are mostly old and poor, who do so many churches serve? I attended regular Sunday services in several monasteries, where, like in the Rakovac Monastery a few weeks ago, there were no believers in attendance, except for priests and nuns.

However, the Fruška Gora monasteries have become a very fashionable and sought-after place for weddings and baptisms of members of the newly minted elite from Belgrade, Novi Sad and other larger cities. Of course, they are also visited by pilgrims and tourists coming to the area on river cruisers. In any case, it seems that, on the one hand, Fruška Gora’s monasteries and the villages next to them, on the other, live in two completely different, parallel universes and that the class gap between the Church and the believers who live in the shadow of its bell towers is today the biggest since the Middle Ages.

Popinci Cultural Hall

Jazak Monastery

Jazak

Diplomatic Tour Merges Art and Music at Exit Festival

Traditionally, Color Media Communication took a diplomatic group from Belgrade on tour to Novi Sad on the occasion of the EXIT Festival

Color Media Communications and the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection, in cooperation with the Exit Festival, organized a tour for diplomats entitled

“Opening of the Exit Festival and guided tour and cocktail at the Pavle Beljanski Memorial” Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and

representatives of cultural institutions first visited the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection, where they were introduced to the museum institution that owns, studies, publishes, and exhibits artworks collected by Pavle Beljanski, a Yugoslav diplo-

mat and collector. Milana Kvas, manager of the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection, welcomed the guests with a drink, and Jasmina Jakšić Subić, senior curator of the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection, presented the current exhibition through a guided tour. After the tour, the guests went to the Exit festival, where they had the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony and enjoy the rich program of the first festival evenings.

LOVEFEST

3-5 AUGUST 2023

VRNJAČKA BANJA, SERBIA

The sixteenth edition of Lovefest will be held this year from August 3rd to 5th in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. Numerous biggest names of the world music scene are waiting for us on five music stages, and the festival is ready to welcome thousands of visitors from all over the world.

THE INTERNATIONAL NIŠVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

10-13 AUGUST 2023

NIŠ, SERBIA

The most visited jazz festival in Southeast Europe since its founding in 1995 has consistently defended the European values of multiculturalism and patiently nurtured the refined musical taste of individuals. Confirmation of this is, among other things, the text about the festival “Nishville – European Face Of Serbia” (“Nishville – European Face Of Serbia”) published in the European Union, the magazine “New Europe” published in Brussels, as well as the text in the prestigious British Guardian from 2016, where Nishville was included in the 10 best jazz festivals in Europe!

THE GUČA TRUMPET FESTIVAL

11-13 AUGUST 2023

GUČA, SERBIA

The Guča Trumpet Festival, also known as the Dragačevski Sabor, is an annual Balkan brass band festival held in the town of Guča, near the city of Čačak in the Dragačevo region of western Serbia. This year, the festival will be held from 11 to 13 August.

© Shutterstock

Over There Far Away

Djordje Mihailović (1928-2023)

For Easter in 2018, we were in Thessaloniki, visited the Serbian military cemetery Zejtinlik, and met Uncle Djordje, who, for more than half a century, guarded the graves of warriors from glorious times. They died for their homeland during the breakthrough of the Thessaloniki front, a decisive battle in the First World War. The bones of 21,000 soldiers rest on Zejtinlik, of which 8,000 are from Serbia. Uncle Djordje told us about the famous Serbian history and recited the verses of Vojislav Ilić Jr. On July 2 this year, we were all shaken by the news that Uncle Djordje passed away at 96.

The first guardian of the cemetery was Djordje’s grandfather, the Thessaloniki volunteer Savo Mihailović, a Serb from Grblje near Boka Kotorska. Savo collected his dead brother-in-arms and comrades and then guarded them until he died in 1928. After his passing, he joined his comrades and was buried at Zejtinlik. He was succeeded by Djordje’s father, Djuro Mihai-

lović, who saved the cemetery and its relics from Nazi looting during the Second World War. When Djuro died in 1961, he was buried next to his father in Zejtinlik, and the duty of cemetery keeper fell to Djordje, the last male descendant of the Mihailović family. Mihailović was the cemetery caretaker until May 2022 after he resided due to poor health. In July 2014, he was awarded the Order of the Serbian Flag, second degree, and on November 11, 2021, he was awarded the “Mother Serbia” award on behalf of the state by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković.”

First, there was my father, and before my father, there was my grandfather. I am the third generation, the third patrilineage. I come here every day, I live here, I sleep here in the cemetery,” said Djordje Mihailović to the RTS correspondent after receiving the “Mother Serbia” award. Last year, a group of Serbs visiting Thessaloniki decided to surprise Uncle Djordje in front of his apartment. Namely, they sang the song “Far Away” while Djordje stood on the terrace with the Serbian flag and could not hide his emotions. He waved and applauded them.

With Djordje, a famous generation of Serbs will go down in history, and it is a great question whether today’s generations will be worthy of their heritage when you consider that the government and the opposition in the Serbian Parliament could not even agree on a minute of silence for the deceased guardian of Zejtinlik.