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HUNGARY Magyarország H.E. JÓZSEF MAGYAR Ambassador of Hungary to Serbia
LIVING SIDE BY SIDE
RÓBERT KASZAB Collegium Hungaricum Director
CREATING BRIDGES BETWEEN NATIONS WITH CULTURE
IVAN LJUBINKOVIĆ The Hungarian Tourism Agency
© Shutterstock
A LARGE EXCHANGE OF TOURISTS
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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW
by Dragan Nikolić
Living
Side by Side
H.E. JÓZSEF MAGYAR Ambassador of Hungary to Serbia
O
ur two countries are connected not only by geographical proximity but also by a much greater connection between our peoples throughout history and now. How do you see our mutual relations today? They are excellent today. We live in a period of Hungarian-Serbian relations when we use them to give meaning to the present and our future. The Hungarian and Serbian people have been living side by side for thousands of years, and the different aims of the great powers have mixed us up quite a bit between the two current capitals. Many Serbs escaped from the Turks and settled along the Danube in Hungary, and many Hungarians have lived for centuries in Vojvodina. All of this was covered by the ideological atrocities of the 20th century with a dark veil, which, ten years ago, the political leadership of the two countries, the Hungarians in Vojvodina and the Serbs in Hungary, pulled from our past. In 2013, we let the light into our
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For Hungary, the key country in the Balkans is Serbia, which maintains good relations relationships again. Since then, we have become the closest neighbours in the region. As a result of the government meetings and the objectives of several joint committees, this June, we established the Strategic Council. The relationship between state leaders is exceptional. We think very closely about many issues affecting our future, whether it is about demography, sovereignty, a Europe based on strong nations, energy security, elimination of obstacles at the border crossing, or even the recognition of national minorities as our values. In short, it is about maintaining prosperous conditions for a better life in our homeland and strengthening our friendship. The existence of a significant Hungarian national minority in Serbia proved to be a strong bond between our countries. How do you assess the position of Hungarians in Serbia?
One of the best examples of the enforcement of minority rights in Europe today is in Serbia, similar to Hungary. While today, in Europe, the goal is to blur the interpretation between indigenous minorities and other minorities, the Hungarians living in Serbia mustn’t feel like second-class citizens. It existed until 2013 when the Serbian parliament condemned the 1945 declaration of collective guilt pronounced on 3 Hungarian villages in Šajkaška. Through the electoral system, Hungarians play an important role in the parliament of the republic and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, as well as in the Serbian government. István Pásztor, the president of the Association of Hungarians in Vojvodina, played a huge role in the historic reconciliation 10 years ago and personally became the strongest link in the friendship between the two countries. With his recent death, Serbia’s political life and one of Hungary’s
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STATE LEADERS IS EXCEPTIONAL
most important Hungarian leaders living abroad suffered a great loss. The farewell words of the Serbian President, who initiated the statue’s installation as his tribute, are the best for evaluating his work. The National Council of the Hungarian Community works well, and the situation of Hungarian-language education meets the needs. Hungarian media are both satisfactory and versatile, which is a special value. The practice of religious life is also a good example; we can report on the inauguration of the Hungarian bishop of the Serbian Reformed Christian Church in October and the new Hungarian bishop in Subotica in November. However, expanding religious education in schools or renovating churches remains a task that is constantly with us. The Hungarian state invests a lot in Vojvodina, where most Hungarians live in Serbia. How would you describe that support, and who can count on it? In the last ten years, Hungary has mobilized substantial efforts in strengthening the Hungarian communities across the border in www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs
economic and business development and, ultimately, existential terms. Seven years ago, the Economic Development Program for Vojvodina was launched; since then, 526 million euros of development have taken place thanks to the fact that the Hungarian government approved a non-refundable subsidy of 248 million euros. We are talking about approximately 14,000 successful applications, of which impact is estimated to have affected the lives of 50,000 people. In the framework of the program, Hungarians, mixed family members, SMEs, Hungarian-Serbian Joint Ventures, and farmers in Vojvodina, through this investment and financial support, received a new economic perspective, which significantly contributed to their prosperity in their homeland, strengthened local businesses, maintained jobs and ensured a decent living. The common benefits of these investments are visible now. On the one hand, their necessary supplement can come from additional borrowing from Serbian banks; the other hand, the purchase of machinery and equipment available in the Serbian market; and finally, tax on generated profits also benefits the Serbian state budget. According to our calculations, this business produces from 1 dinar to at least 3 dinars, and the economic power of Vojvodina increases as a result in parallel. The first phase of this program was closed this spring, and we can prepare the same new ideas jointly for the future.
EU will be the loser of the inclusivity and cohesion it promotes and the benefits provided by the single market. The later the external border of the EU and the Schengen area between Hungary and Serbia, or between Serbia, Bulgaria, and around Greece, is abolished, the longer the problem will remain for us to fight against illegal migration on the Balkan route. For Hungary, the key country in the Balkans is Serbia, which maintains good relations. If some spectacular progress were not achieved in the accession negotiations with Serbia, which began in 2013, it would not be good for anyone. The ongoing war on Europe’s eastern and Mediterranean borders incites further uncertainty and hurts the EU economy, especially in the area of energy security. Hungary, therefore, calls for the speeding up of negotiations, which it wants to make
effective during the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second semester of 2024 so that Serbia’s planned accession to the EU by the end of this decade becomes an optimistic goal. The traffic connection between the two countries is getting better. The construction of a highspeed railway between Belgrade and Budapest is underway, but it seems it has reached a standstill. Is there a continuation of construction on the Hungarian side? Infrastructural developments are paramount in our bilateral relations, and the modernization of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line is an absolute priority. This railway line has been part of a historic trade route in Europe for hundreds of years, stretching from southern Germany to Istan-
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE PARAMOUNT IN OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS
bul. Once completed, this railway line will offer the fastest transport route between Greek ports and Central Europe. It will give an impetus to the competitiveness of Serbia and Hungary, as transit countries, and will benefit significantly from the freight traffic. It will also greatly impact passenger traffic, creating the opportunity for a “high-speed railway” link between Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna. In addition to reducing travel time, it could also help reduce waiting times at borders, as more people are expected to choose the train. If the full connection is established, we hope the number of tourists visiting the two capitals will also increase, as Budapest and Belgrade can get significantly closer. Considering the importance of the project and the magnitude of the investment, the Hungarian and Serbian governments put great efforts into making this railway line operational as soon as possible. The construction works on the Soroksár-Kelebia section of the Budapest-Belgrade railway development project are being carried out
Hungary strongly supports Serbia’s path to the EU. Why is it important for your country, and how do you see this accession process? Can we be optimistic? In the EU, it is indisputable that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the Union. Everyone also recognizes that the best engine for the development of the EU is enlargement and a good neighbourhood policy. We still understand that everyone turned a little inward during the COVID period. Still, after the financial and business shock caused by the pandemic has healed, we Hungarians find it difficult to understand why the EU institutions do not follow the maintained dynamics of the enlargement policy. We believe that the longer the Balkan peninsula remains a white hole on the European continent, the more the
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on a scheduled and continuous basis; therefore, I don’t see any reason to doubt that the Budapest-Belgrade railway line will be completed soon. The number of tourists from Serbia in Hungary has always been significant, and your tourist offer is not losing its appeal. How to encourage tourism in the opposite direction - from Hungary to Serbia? Why are Hungarians not interested in visiting Serbia? Over the past 10 years, numerous tourist investments, wellness centers, museums, theatres and, sports halls, and stadiums have been built and renovated in Hungary. We have hosted several world competitions, races, and sports tournaments, and by 2023, we hope to have more tourist visits than the last „good year” of 2019. We are also proud of our good cuisine and wines and are happy if Serbian travellers discover this. Interest in the entry of Hungarians to Serbia is also growing. Serbia’s highways were built and are being built at a rapid pace; you can get anywhere quickly, and starting this spring, Air Serbia operates several daily flights between the two capitals. When Hungarians come to Vojvodina, they will go to a restaurant where they can choose from Balkan cuisine. In Hungary, holidays are combined into a long weekend if they fall close to the weekend. At such times, I often experience Hungarians dropping by in Belgrade and Novi Sad for a few days in Serbia. According to the data of the Belgrade tourist organization, the arrival of Hungarians has also increased. We Hungarians love historical monuments, buildings, or battle sites, and I have met Hungarians from Hungary many times on Kalemegdán or Zemun. Yet, we should do more to make them aware of a targeted rest or recreation program south of Belgrade, as we could offer good hiking and skiing opportunities through the winter months. All this would require a stronger media campaign from the Serbian side, which the Hungarian tourism partners are ready for. What are the dimensions of economic cooperation between the
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two countries? How compatible and attractive are our markets to each other? Forging a strong partnership between our governments paved the way for strong business relations. Economic relations between Hungary and Serbia have developed on a historical scale over
the past years. Back in 2013, the value of bilateral trade turnover was less than 1.7 billion euros; in 2022, this figure approached 6 billion euros, increasing more than three times. Last year, Hungary’s 3 main export products were electricity, natural and artificial gas, news broadcasting, audio recording, and playback equipment. In comparison, the 3 main imported products were electricity, electrical machines, devices and instruments, and iron and steel. Based on the account balance, the Hungarian surplus is still prominent; the share of the Hungarian exports from the total trade is 58%. However, the Serbian contribution is gradually increasing, meaning we are on a trajectory leading to an even more balanced bilateral foreign trade. Several factors
make Serbia an ideal export destination for Hungarian companies: the proximity, its central location in the Balkan Peninsula, and the growing stability and competitiveness of the economy create an excellent business climate where Hungarian companies can thrive. The increasing Hungarian investment in Serbia also reaffirms this
the Serbian-Croatian language to some extent. On the other hand, I saw an additional purpose in learning your language. If I learned the meaning of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic in the Serbian language reform, in literature Branko Radicevic, Danilo Kis or the epic of the Death of the mother of the Jugovic’s brothers,
statement. The economic stability and a talented and hard-working labor force make Serbia an extremely attractive investment destination. Big investors, such as the internationally renowned petrochemical company MOL and the Hungarian OTP Bank Group, have a long-standing presence in the country. Still, new Hungarian investments are constantly arriving in Serbia.
or to dance kolo to Miroslav Ilic songs, or to feel the Serbian royal dynasties and Tito’s meaning for your nation, and the influence of them on the Hungarian and Serbian current relations, then I can say that I am lucky to be able to represent my country here as the ambassador of Hungary. I also feel lucky in that I can talk to Serbian people, politicians, public figures, policemen, or waiters immediately, without language or intellectual barriers, concentrating on the essence of our mindsets. Today’s Serbian society consists of very accepting people who understand Hungarians well. I like that they are both open and extremely proud of their traditions. They will not give up their principles and goals anytime soon. We Hungarians are like that, too. We have a saying that even though the Hungarian and Serbian languages are very different, we understand each other well, or even from half of the words.
You have recently held the position of ambassador in Serbia. How well do you know our country, and have you had the opportunity to get to know it before? What do you like most about it? I grew up in the border region with the former Yugoslavia, where everyone understood
ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HUNGARY AND SERBIA HAVE DEVELOPED ON A HISTORICAL SCALE OVER THE PAST YEARS
HUNGARY
EVENTS
B
eli Dvor, Belgrade’s historic king’s palace, was buzzing with celebration on 23 October evening as the Embassy of Hungary hosted a special reception to mark Hungarian National Day. Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Mr. József Magyar, and Mrs. Laura Magyar welcomed a diverse crowd of dignitaries, local officials, and cultural representatives to celebrate not only Hungary’s past but also its present-day connections with Serbia. “I would like to thank all our guests today for celebrating the Hungarian National Day with us here in Belgrade. I am particularly pleased that, as the ambassador of Hungary in Belgrade, I can meet you for the first time at our reception on the occasion of the national holiday. During my half-year service in Serbia,
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We Must
Never Forget National Day of Hungary is celebrated on October 23 in memory of the Hungarian Revolution from 1956 I managed to acquire many partners. But one of my main goals is to further strengthen the excellent Hungarian-Serbian relations with you and our future friends”, said Ambassador Magyar at the event’s opening. The event kicked off at 6 PM against a backdrop of traditional music and culinary delights that showcased Hungary’s vibrant culture. Ambassador Magyar’s speech
sis proved more important”, said Mr. Magyar. He noted that Budapest lay in ruins again in 1956, after the Nazi occupation and apparent Soviet liberation. “We must never forget that,” His Excellency said, and added: “Today, we must do even more to remember the struggle for our independence and to create the foundations of our sovereignty and democracy on which
highlighted the enduring friendship between Hungary and Serbia, emphasizing shared goals and mutual respect. Ambassador Magyar said that October 23rd is the national holiday of Hungary and Hungarians living in the free world. “It is the most significant day of remembrance for the Hungarians who died in 1956. fought for a free, independent, and democratic homeland. A celebration of the revolution and the fight for freedom. It is the strongest expression of opposition to the oppression of European power systems and the communist ideology that followed the Second World War. Although the West, representing the free world, sympathized with the struggle, it did not help against the Red Army. The resolution of the Suez cri-
our Europeanness, our democratic values, our Judeo-Christian civilizational heritage, and our peace are based today.” The reception, while brief, was a meaningful tribute to the ties between the two nations, underscoring a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future. The night concluded with a reinforced sense of community, reminding attendees of the values and heritage that unite both countries.
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A Large Exchange
VISIT HUNGARY
of Tourists
Tourism is one of the key factors in the economic development of Hungary
IVAN LJUBINKOVIĆ
H
ungary has always been attractive for Serbian travellers. Let’s see what Ivan Ljubinković, representative of the Hungarian National Tourism Board (Visit Hungary), says about the latest tourist developments and see some interesting tips to visit less-known Hungarian destination which is still very attractive to tourists. Serbia and Hungary have good diplomatic and economic relations and strong cultural and historical ties. What is the relationship between Serbia and Hungary in the field of tourism? As neighboring countries, Serbia and Hungary have a large exchange of tourists. Still, as friendly countries, we have joint projects related to the region and distant markets. The tourism organizations of Serbia and Hungary have signed an agreement on cooperation in developing tourist products and their promotion, especially in distant markets. The plan includes joint appearances at tourism fairs and promotion of our joint tourism programs through organizing joint study trips of journalists and tour operators from third markets, media appe-
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arances and articles, and online campaigns. Since the Covid epidemic, we are pleased to see the gradual recovery of this important market. To give you some concrete figures on inbound tourism, in 2022, the number of visitors from Serbia increased by almost two and a half times compared to the previous year. Last year, nearly 130,000 Serbian guests spent nearly 293,000 nights in Hungary. By the end of October this year, we had already welcomed 228 thousand guests from your country. So we are very much looking forward to the upcoming festive period, which is traditionally very popular with visitors from Serbia How important is tourism as an economic branch of Hungary, and what are the investments in this sector? Tourism is one of the key factors in the economic development of Hungary. The Kisflaudy tourism development program was launched in 2017 as one of the key pillars of Hungary’s tourism development strategy, and according to its plan, Hungarian tourism will receive the support of over EUR 700 million by 2030. Investment in the infrastructural development of tourism did not stop even during the pandemic;
so much has been renovated or built. For example, in Budapest, the squares were reconstructed, the Opera House was restored, the shalt on the banks of the Danube, and new facilities were built in the Palace complex. Particularly interesting is the Liget project, within which the House of Hungarian Music was built in Budapest, which won the title of the leading new tourist attraction in Europe for 2022 at the World Travel Awards. How important is the new Belgrade-Budapest airline for Hungarian tourism? Hungary is located in the heart of Europe and is well connected to the rest of Europe. It has an extensive intercontinental flight network. Improving air availability is necessary for realizing greater tourist traffic between our two countries and beyond. Name-
ly, promoting regional tourism products aims to increase tourist demand for both Serbia and Hungary, so a direct airline between Belgrade and Budapest is also important for tourists from distant countries. In fact, because of the borders, it is much faster and can be a particularly good option for business travel groups. Which destinations in Hungary are visited by Serbs the most, and what would you recommend? Budapest is the most popular city among Serbian guests, followed by Szeged, and then spa towns such as Mórahalom, Makó, Gyula, and Pécs, which have an extremely rich cultural heritage. Serbs are slowly discovering the beauty of Győr and Kecskemét. I would single out some new tourist attractions and undiscovered treasures of Hungary. HUNGARY
All photos: © Visit Hungary
Regional Head of Business Development The Hungarian Tourism Agency
Hévíz and Lake Balaton region
eral festivals and other events, but there’s also a thermal bath, a zoo, an amusement park, and a lovely botanical garden to explore.
Hévíz
I highly recommend Hévíz, the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake. Thanks to the constant movement, the temperature of the water is pleasant throughout the year, allowing you to bathe and enjoy the healing power of the natural water in any season. And only 6 kilometers from this wonder is Lake Balaton, which also offers wonderful year-round activities for those looking for sporting recreation or relaxation. Only 6 kilometers from this wonder is Lake Balaton, which also offers wonderful year-round activities for those
The Tokaj Wine Region The Tokaj region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is located in northeastern Hungary and is known for producing some of the best sweet wines in the world, including the famous Tokaj Aszú. Moreover, just a few weeks ago, Tokaj won the Best Tourism Villages of 2023 award by the UN World Tourism Organization.
Eger
Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár
looking for sporting recreation, relaxation, or gastronomy, as the region has recently made it onto the Michelin Guide map, with numerous local restaurants and bistros earning recommendations. The Balaton Highlands wine region also offers unforgettable experiences.
Debrecen
Székesfehérvár, or as the Serbians call it Stoni Beograd, is located not far from Lake Balaton and maintains a strong connection with Serbia. It is a royal city where as many as 43 Hungarian kings were crowned, and the word „stoni” in its name means „throne”. Serbs still live in Stoni Beograd. There is an active Serbian
Tokaj
Eger People say Eger is „a small jewelry box.” The castle of Eger is a national memorial site and a half-day program itself, but other museums, churches, and Turkish memorial constructions are waiting for you. One of the best red wines in the country is produced here. The city has its thermal bath with a 5-hectare area. Still, only 5 kilometers from Eger, the world-famous Thermal Valley of
Egerszalók awaits visitors with its unique salt hills and bubbling medical water.
Debrecen Debrecen offers many great events and attractions – you can taste these even if you can only
“pop in” for a very short city break to spend here. But it’s worth spending a few days here and discovering the region’s diverse attractions. Debrecen’s Nagyerdő (Big Forest) offers a wealth of experiences: it hosts sev-
quarter, St. John’s Church, and the Serbian cemetery. Here lived, worked, and died the famous Serbian painter Katarina Ivanović, the first honorary member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
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Creating Bridges
CULTURAL INTERVIEW
by Mijat Kontić
Between Nations with Culture There’s more that we share than things that divide us RÓBERT KASZAB
Collegium Hungaricum Director
H
ungary has 26 cultural institutes around the world, and amongst them is the Collegium Hungaricum in Serbia. Since it opened on the 1st of July in 2014, there has been a positive and successful partnership between Serbia and Hungary, especially in culture. Not too long ago, the Collegium Hungaricum established a new team with a new Director, Róbert Kaszab. In this interview, Róbert Kaszab talked about his experience of coming to Belgrade, his plans for the future, and the international cultural collaboration between Serbia and Hungary. The Collegium Hungaricum has recently been appointed with a new team, including yourself as the new director. What was the experience for you and your team after undertaking this position? It is a great pleasure to work in Collegium Hungaricum, and I feel honored that I can fulfill this role. Hungary and Serbia are now enjoying an amazing era in their relations, and I think culture should play a vital role here. As you mentioned, having a good team is the first thing. I am happy to work with my colleagues, and we started this autumn season with a lot of excitement. Our first impressions were that Hungarian acts are more than welcome in Belgrade and that there is much to
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show and learn here. Most nations have their cultural representation here, and we see an interesting atmosphere where different influences meet. We are happy to join the choir! The Serbian artistic scene is dynamic and ever-changing, so we must be fresh and keep up with the cultural life here. Many interesting experiments are happening in culture, and we are eager to know more and connect to these ideas! Recently, the Collegium Hungaricum held a concert of the popular
Hungarian group “Szilárd Piano Projekt.” Are you satisfied with how the event turned out? Can the public expect more similar events in the future? We were very happy with the event and got a lot of positive feedback. It was a nice evening with Szilárd at the piano and Flóra Kiss and Dorina Galambos as vocals. His music is really for everyone, and filling the halls of Collegium Hungaricum with their songs was remarkable. Such concerts have a nice and cozy atmosphere, and
WE WILL BRING THE EXHIBITION “GLASSIFICATION” TO THE MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS OF BELGRADE FROM 15 DECEMBER 2023 TO 10TH JANUARY 2024
our main hall was full of visitors! Most songs were in Hungarian, but English language pieces were also played so more people could connect with the lyrics. We plan to have more acts that focus on pop music or modern styles, so in this regard, we do plan to continue on this track! Previously, you mentioned that you would like Hungarians and Serbs to get to know each other better. Has this been a challenge? Would you say that the Collegium Hungaricum was successful in doing so? I think this is an area that is very hard to measure precisely. Of course, the language barrier hinders this process, but cultural simHUNGARY
ilarities can give us the support we all need. Hungarians and Serbs are not distant or far from each other. We just need the right moment and atmosphere. I sincerely believe that culture can create a bridge between the two nations! To achieve this, we can first rely on visual arts and sculptures since they are universal. For example, we will bring the exhibition “Glassification” to the Museum of Applied Arts of Belgrade from the 15th of December, 2023, to the 10th of January, 2024. These works are
the masterpieces of Hungarian contemporary glass art and convey universal artistic value. We hope to present what’s new and interesting in Hungarian culture and to impress the local audience. Furthermore, our community-building programs have been successful because we introduced our customs and everyday life to Serbian people, and I think we managed to connect from person to person. I believe that Collegium Hungaricum has succeeded during its first decade, and I hope to continue on this path. In one of your recent interviews, you mentioned that you have a lot planned for next year, including a “special program package that shows how much we have achieved in the field of cultural relations in recent years.” Could you maybe share some details about this idea?
rary dance performances next fall coming from Budapest. The Collegium Hungaricum was officially opened on July 1st, 2014. It has been 9 years since then. What would you consider the Collegium Hungaricum’s biggest achievement in this period?
Well, I don’t want to spill too many secrets at this point, but next year will be interesting for us. First, Collegium Hungaricum will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, and we want to bring the best we offer. At the same time, Hungary will be the rotating president of the European Council in the second semester. We want to give this period a fortified cultural presence in Serbia. To give you a hint, we will present Hungarian gastronomy and showcase Hungarian poetry in the spring to the people of Belgrade, and a 3-day-long film festi-
If you ask me, as the latest successor to the rich heritage of the institution, I would say the best achievement is not a project or an event, but rather that Collegium Hungaricum has managed to become a center of Hungarian culture in Belgrade and became
THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT IS NOT A PROJECT OR AN EVENT, BUT RATHER THAT COLLEGIUM HUNGARICUM HAS MANAGED TO BECOME A CENTER OF HUNGARIAN CULTURE IN BELGRADE val is also in the making. Add to this list pop and classic concerts, and we plan to have contempo-
a center of activity. You might as well say that it has completed its original mission. I could say that the institute has become a valued member of an international network of Liszt Institutes in the world. As for now, Hungary has 26 cultural institutes around the world, and Collegium Hungaricum is one of them. This also shows that Serbia is an important partner for us, and we dedicate special attention to our southern neighbor. The more we share our culture, the better our relations get! What would you consider to be the meeting points between Hungarian and Serbian cultures? Well, I think our shared history has more in common than against each other. We laugh at the same jokes, understand hints and references, and our stories have similar characters. If you think about it, there’s more that we share
than things that divide us! Hungarians and Serbians have lived next to each other for quite some time, and during these hundreds of years, we learned a lot. For example, despite major differences, our languages share dozens of words. Our gastronomy has the same and very similar recipes; in a way, we have variations on the same theme. We had events that connected us, like the siege of Belgrade in 1456, when Hungarians and Serbs fought against the Ottoman army. Both of us love history and have many stories to share. At the same
time, I think we do like to read our novels and authors because there are a lot of instances when we talk about each other. Not to mention the countless films that reference each other and show honest and interesting aspects of how we see each other. I believe these cultural gems exist; we care about each other, and we just need to shed some light on it! How would you describe the partnership between Hungary and Serbia in recent years? The past few years have been dynamic and provided an opportunity to build things together. In the field of culture, the concerts and the exhibits displayed here proved a growing interest from both sides to learn more. Most artists who come and partake in an event here leave with very good impressions and enjoy Belgrade a lot. These personal impressions are probably the strongest messages that can be sent as they convey that there is much to see and learn here! We are also very happy when we have people from Serbia coming to our events and showing interest in Hungary and what we do. We see openness and genuine interest from their side and only hope to show them that Hungarian culture is exciting and has much more to tell!
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Saved Energy CORPORATE
is the Best and Cheapest Source of Energy Our projects are based on energy saving because we believe that it is better and more responsible to reduce energy consumption than to produce new energy
T
hrough public lighting reconstruction projects based on the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the company Smart Energy Investment achieves savings in electricity consumption by about 80%, contributes to environmental protection and gains financial savings in local self-government budgets through 25 projects in Serbia.
what to expect and there are no new adjustments to the projects. One of the main advantages of our projects is the transition to LED technology, which not only provides efficient lighting, but also reduces electricity consumption by more than 80%, compared to traditional bulbs. The implemented LED lamps also have a longer lifespan than ordinary bulbs, and the achieved brightness meets the international standard EN13201.
The Municipality can invest part of the saved financial resources in other projects of public interest, primarily in other energy efficiency projects.
The use of LED technology creates a modern system of public lighting that improves the safety of pedestrians and other traffic participants.
The PPP model has proven to be one of the most adequate ways to improve public lighting in local self-government. Through this model, the states, municipalities and public enterprises don’t need to take loans, and all installed equipment and applied energy saving measures are handed over to the Municipality free of charge immediately after installation. Serbia has a good legal framework regarding PPP, investment and payment by the public sector, primarily the Law on PPP and Concessions, the Law on Communal Services, the Law on Payment Deadlines in Commercial Transactions and the Law on Investments. This legal framework provides security for investments in communal infrastructure, both for ourselves and for our many partners within our country and largely from abroad, which speaks in favour of a positive environment for investments. Our projects are based on energy saving because we believe that it is better and more responsible to reduce energy consumption than to produce new energy. Also, investing in energy efficiency requires smaller investments and results in faster implementation. Saved energy is the best and cheapest source of energy. This year we also received a special commendation from UNECE, as a con-
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Apart from the reduction of electricity costs and direct economic savings, #letsSEIvtogether projects contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions by around 44,000 tons per year. These projects lead to the reduction of light pollution and they are actually „Dark Sky” projects, thanks to targeted LED technology that provides light only where it is necessary, while its dissipation is brought to a negligible level. This technology preserves not only the nightscape but also biodiversity. firmation of the quality of the implemented projects. Our public lighting reconstruction project in Zaječar was selected by an international jury as one of the 10 best PPP projects in the world. That project also received special commendation for compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the circular economy. In addition, this project is replicable and similar to our other projects.
REPLICABILITY is one of the significant outcomes defined in the document „PPP and Infrastructure Evaluation and Rating System (PIERS)” prepared by UNECE. This is an element that makes Serbia stand out from the countries in our region because it has created a replicable model for investments in PPP. On replicable projects, all investors know
THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC LIGHTING IN ZAJEČAR WAS SELECTED BY AN INTERNATIONAL JURY AS ONE OF THE 10 BEST PPP PROJECTS IN THE WORLD
All our projects use light from the most adequate spectrum of around 3000K, meaning that the light produced is less attractive to insects, which reduces the risk of their appearance in urban areas. Our public lighting reconstruction projects are not only an investment in infrastructure modernisation, but also a decisive step towards preserving the environment for future generations. The compliance of our projects with the Sustainable Development Goals makes us a reliable partner in achieving a high-quality and modern system of public lighting in Serbia and beyond. HUNGARY
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by Dragan Nikolić
HISTORY
Szab á c s Viadala The oldest Hungarian narrative poem tells a story about the famous Siege of Šabac
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ued for weeks, and it seemed that King Mathias was trying to delay a strike, although he had a superior army to the Ottomans. It was a part of Mathias’s brilliant tactics. He ordered a false retreat to deceive the enemy, but soon, his troops stormed the walls when the Ottomans took a break.
he unknown Hungarian medieval poet told a story about the heroic battle of the army of Matthias Corvinus, known as King Mátyás. Today, it is the only poem in Hungarian that survived from the medieval era and still can be heard at the many traditional performances.
The Siege of Šabac in 1476 was a battle against Ottomans, who had built the strong fortification just a few years before to secure its borders against the Kingdom of Hungary. Many noble Serbs were posted in Corvinus’s army, including Sibinjanin Janko (hun. Hunyadi János) and Vuk Grgurević Branković, known as Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk. Famous Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula) was there with them. The siege was a try by King Mathias I Hunyadi to convince the Europeans to take more action against the Ottoman threat. Still, despite his victory and Šabac conquest, he later failed in his attempt. The only way to attack Šabac was from the river Sava. King Mathias brought an army of ten thousand cavalry and six thousand mercenaries. King was based in Belgrade for a while (Nándorfehérvár in those days), and he was waiting for the fleet
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coming up the Danube to assemble, then sent it upstream by the river Sava to Šabac. From galleys, Mathias bombarded the fortress in early January of 1476 to secure troops landing at the positions beneath the outer city walls. Bombardments from ground and river contin-
But this is only one of many legends of the siege. The poem Szabács Viadala tells a different story. The commander of the Ottoman army, Ali Bey, took 15 thousand horsemen to defend Šabac. Still, according to the poem, he was so intimidated by the power of King Mathias’s army that he decided to retire. The fortress remained poorly
THE POEM PRAISES THE SIEGE, TALKING ABOUT THE GREAT VICTORY OF KING MATHIAS, WHO CAME BACK HOME TO BUDA CASTLE WITH GREAT BOOTY
defended, but the key moment for Mathias’s victory was treason by one man who escaped from the fortress and betrayed the Ottomans, showing the opponent weak portions of the city walls that should be bombarded. After easily breaching the outer walls, the commander of the fortification surrendered, saving the lives of his soldiers. Hungarians lost two hundred soldiers, while Ottomans suffered twice more. Anyway, the poem praises the siege, talking about the great victory of King Mathias, who came back home to Buda castle with great booty. The song lyrics are incomplete, but we still can get a picture of the battle. The commander of the Ottoman army, Ali Bey, took 15 thousand horsemen to defend Šabac. Still, according to the poem, he was so intimidated by the power of King Mathias’s army that he decided to retire. The poem itself is important not only as a historical source but also as a piece of art of that time. Although it was found heavily damaged four centuries later, it is a rare example of an important historical event. The poem Szabács Viadala took a very important place in Hungarian national literature and history. HUNGARY
OBITUARY
„With Friendship...”
István Pásztor (1956-2023)
The leader of the Union of Vojvodina Hungarians was a visionary and a champion of his Hungarian community, but also of the entire Vojvodina and the relations between Serbia and Hungary
„W
ith friendship...”, is how István Pásztor ended every SMS message. We collaborated on many projects, he was a very wise and intelligent man. Dedicated to the Hungarian community, but also to the entire Vojvodina as well as to the relations between Hungary and Serbia. There are few politicians in Serbia who understood social processes so well and cared about the cultural heritage of not only their own people, like István Pásztor. „Robert, you must go and see how we fixed up the Synagogue in Subotica!”, Ištvan told me a few years ago. I went there and realised that it was probably the most beautiful interior in Serbia at the moment. The synagogue in Subotica was renovated thanks to 2 million euros donated by the Government of Hungary. It is especially impor-
tant that the Hungarians also supervised the works, so everything was done with such high quality that one can’t tell the difference between the original parts of the mosaic from 1902 and those that were done during the restoration in 2018. István Pásztor then complained to me about the works on Aqua Park at Palić Lake which were carried out by the „Serbian side” and where millions of euros were spent but the result was tragically bad. In May of this year, István Pásztor’s party „took control” of that site, and I believe that regardless of the fact that he is no longer with us, everything will be done properly. „Robert, go and see how we fixed up the Synagogue in Senta,” he told me a couple of years later. I went there and realised that the former sports hall, which until 1941 was the only Sephardic synagogue in Vojvodina, shines again with its old glory – it has
been transformed into a multifunctional cultural centre. I could list dozens of such examples. I believe that, if István Pásztor had lived, the „Castles of Serbia” project with the help of the Hungarian state and Hungarian businessmen would have „gilded” the neglected castles in Vojvodina too. Evidence of the kind of visionary he was is also in this anecdote he told me: „In 2011, while Boris Tadić was still the president of Serbia, I met Aleksandar (Vučić) and Tomislav (Nikolić) at a petrol station near the Hungarian border. I took them to Budapest to meet Viktor (Orbán). The agreement on the normalization of relations between Serbs and Hungarians that Aleksandar and Viktor reached then is still being implemented today!” Since 2007 he led the Union of Vojvodina Hungarians (SVM), whose
member he had been since the nineties, and he was elected as the head of the party for the fifth time in May 2023. The Union of Vojvodina Hungarians is a party that represents the interests of Hungarians in Vojvodina, whose population is the highest in Vojvodina, in the north of the country, where they make up 13 percent of the population. It is part of the ruling coalition with the Serbian Progressive Party. The SVM maintains close relations with Fidesz, the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He led the Assembly of Vojvodina since 2012, and before that he was the head of the Provincial Secretariat for the Economy. István Pásztor was born in 1956 and completed elementary school and high school in Subotica, while he obtained his university degree in 1980 at the Faculty of Law of the University of Novi Sad.
Robert Čoban
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Experience and Innovation
- the Business Card of Richter Gedeon Company Richter Gedeon is a leading Hungarian pharmaceutical company with a strong global presence
E
stablished in 1901, the company has a rich history of innovation and commitment to healthcare. Richter is renowned for its diverse portfolio of high-quality pharmaceuticals, including women’s health, central nervous system, and biosimilar products. With a focus on research and development, Richter continues to contribute to advancements in healthcare, significantly impacting the well-being of individuals worldwide. In this regard, we spoke with Dr. Jelena Ristić, Director of the Representative Office in Serbia. You recently marked the 120th anniversary of the company and over 15 years of successful operation in Seria. What is the key characteristic of your business that contributes to such longevity? There are always many factors that influence success. The capacity to adapt to new situations, technologies, and environments is vital in a constantly evolving world. Thanks to the foundations laid by the founder, pharmacist Richter Gedeon, the business upgrade is built on high-quality products, clear goals, continuous learning, resilience, and high ethical standards. So, the standard has been set and followed through decades. Keeping pace with, and sometimes
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leading, the times, our company brings constant innovations to the pharmaceutical business. We are very pleased to bring this spirit to our local market. How challenging is it to lead a branch of a multinational company like Richter Gedeon? Managing a successful organization requires constant communication and the ability to adapt to constant changes in the market. Our flexibility in adapting to various situations is deeply linked to our core beliefs. The first years were a time of intensive learning, adaptation, and laying the groundwork for what we wanted to achieve as an organization. It was crucial to direct energy toward developing a vision that would serve as a compass for our steps in the future. Every business move from a leadership position implies significant responsibility. In challenging times, it is important to demonstrate that you are a community member upon whom people can always rely. If you do so, the reputation and trust bestowed upon you serve as excellent moti-
JELENA RISTIĆ
Director of the Representative Office in Serbia of Richter Gedeon
vation and an indicator that you are on the right path. Challenges are always present in business, but the key lies in adaptation and innovation. It’s important to have an agile approach, a willingness to learn from every situation, and a fantastic team. Richter Gedeon has had a presence in Serbia since 2007. What sets you apart in this market? Richter Gedeon aims to offer highly value-added products with a strategy firmly grounded in original research, women’s healthcare, and biosimilars. The areas of expertise that I mention represent significant advancements in business. Innovations in the field of pharmacy are advancing day by day. How accessible are they to the citizens of Serbia? Our company strongly focuses on R&D, contributing to developing
OUR FLEXIBILITY IN ADAPTING TO VARIOUS SITUATIONS IS DEEPLY LINKED TO OUR CORE BELIEFS
innovative pharmaceutical products and therapies. The strategic objective for Richter is to provide a continuously expanding product line in the Central Nervous System segment. Still, we are also recognized for our commitment to women’s health, with a diverse portfolio of products addressing unmet healthcare needs for women. A wide range of these products are also available in the Serbian market. The latest addition to the portfolio in Serbia is the proprietary antipsychotic, containing the active ingredient cariprazine, a molecule discovered by Richter researchers in the early 2000s, becoming a blockbuster in the US. What are the plans for Serbia in the upcoming years? Richter Gedeon’s business strategy for 2018-2028 is to become a prominent player in the league of European-based mid-pharma. We will contribute to this goal locally, and I look at it optimistically. Seeing how our work directly impacts improving people’s lives is a precious aspect that underscores our commitment. HUNGARY
Space-Time
Exciting symbiosis of contemporary electronic music and spectacular generative visuals
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rganized by the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, Collegium Hungaricum and the Dom Omladine in Belgrade, on November 16, a spectacular audio-visual event was held.
Hungarian artists Zságer Balázs and Kati Katona, in collaboration with the Serbian artist Kӣra, brought the magic of light and sound with enticing visual effects to the Belgrade scene.
Zságer Balázsje keyboardist and producer of the leading Hungarian electronic project Žagar. His debut album „Local Broadcast” was included in the 50 most important Hungarian albums of all time, as chosen by Wan2Magazine. He is the co-author of the cult album „Shallow and Profound” by the popular Hungarian musician Laslo Foragaši, better known as Yonderboi. He composed music for many films and popular TV shows (CSI), and Zságer compositions were also broadcasted on the BBC radio. His songs were remixed by many music producers, he works as a label manager for two publishing houses, while In his creative work, he is fascinated by the exciting new directions of contemporary art. Zságer Balázs and Kati Katona have performed at many events and festivals of audio-visual arts so far, and their artistic performance is based on constant interaction of moving images and sounds that are shaped in the moment. The artist himself says that his per-
formance is an exciting symbiosis of contemporary electronic music and spectacular generative visuals. The Belgrade performance was called Disordered Space-Time. „Our performance is usually influenced by a specific physical space. This means that the acoustics of the hall, its size or architectural elements play a role in shaping our performance. Visual and musical elements are not pre-planned or static, we create them in real time. These elements serve as reference points or cues to help the audience interpret and experience the flow of time and physical space and can direct the audience’s perception and its own understanding of our artistic act”, said Zságer in an interview he gave for the Dom Omladine website, explaining why he decided on this name of the performance. Although Hungary and Serbia are close, neighboring countries, we don’t really know enough about each other’s modern music scenes, Zságer says. „It would be great if Eastern European artists cooperated more, I think they have a very similar approach”, this Hungarian artist believes.
HIS DEBUT ALBUM „LOCAL BROADCAST” WAS INCLUDED IN THE 50 MOST IMPORTANT HUNGARIAN ALBUMS OF ALL TIME, AS CHOSEN BY WAN2MAGAZINE
Photo: © Collegium Hungaricum Belgrade
Disordered
VISIT CULTURE HUNGARY
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