Diplomacy and Commerce 27

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May 2017 | ISSUE No. 27 | Price 350 RSD

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WE ARE UNPREPARED FOR GDPR

RODOLJUB ŠABIĆ

Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data

MEDIA'S FRIVOLOUSNESS IS A RESULT OF IRRESPONSIBILITY

09 EUROPE DAY AT THE MUSEUM MAY

OF CONTEMPORARY ART

THE REFORMS MUST GO ON Prof. DUŠAN VUJOVIĆ PhD Outgoing Minister of Finance

DRAGOLJUB ŽARKOVIĆ

Editor-in-Chief of Vreme weekly

21ST CENTURY ABOLISHES ELITISM

ALWAYS FRIENDS AND EVOLVING PARTNERS H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO

Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia and nonresident Ambassador to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia

Israel SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

TIJANA PALKOVLJEVIĆBUGARSKI Gallery of Matica Srpska and

SLOBODAN NAKARADA Museum of Modern Art

H.E. ALONA FISHER-KAMM

Israeli Ambassador to Serbia

2018

ZORAN DJORDJEVIĆ

Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

ED ITO RI AL

CO N T E N T S

The World of Social Networks Dear readers, In ancient times, before the invention of social networks, the people had to create a blog to talk about whetever they wanted. And you had to know that that blog or a website existed in order to read what's on it. Otherwise, bloggers or website owners would have to be interviewed, on the radio, or the TV, or by newspapers, which was later re-posted on the web. Back then, it was not that easy to voice your opinion about something. And then it all changed! Barack Obama was the first politicians to use Facebook and Twitter to gather support, while his opponent, the old McCain, failed.

Later, everything started moving even faster. Donald Trump was appointed president, while his Twitter-diplomacy as of late is becoming rather humorous, although, in reality, it is not funny at all. On several occasions, in his tweets, Trump first threatened Russia, then offered cooperation, then blasted the American factors for the conspiracy. The Brits first tweeted about how the Russians poisoned Skripal, then deleted the tweet. Then Maria Zakharova fired back with a Facebook status about the genocidal colonial British history. The virtual WW3!

Natalie Portman refused to appear in Israel to receive an award, and was immediately both defended and attacked, without anyone scratching the surface of the whole matter. She later explained that that she was advocating a better Israel and protesting against Netanyahu, but, alas, it was too late. The nuanced people are not suited for the World of Social Networks. Our world nowadays produces instant victims or instant firing squads. Everyone has a quick, extreme opinion. Slow down, people! Let's all become more nuanced, just like in the old days.

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THE REFORMS MUST GO ON Prof. DUŠAN VUJOVIĆ PhD Outgoing Minister of Finance

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ALWAYS FRIENDS AND EVOLVING PARTNERS H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia and non-resident Ambassador to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia

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OPENING NEW FRONTIERS JAVIER ÁLVAREZ

Head Counselor at the Economic and Commercial Office, Embassy of Spain in Serbia and Montenegro

ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

Editor-in-Chief

Editor in Chief

zikica.milosevic@color.rs

TANJA BANKOVIĆ

Editorial manager

tanja.bankovic@color.rs

VANJA KOVAČEV

PR&Event support Nord Communications vanja.communications @gmail.com

NATAŠA NEŠIĆ

ILIJA PETROVIĆ INDIGOCHILD

Advertising manager

indigochild.ilija@gmail.com

DRAGANA RADOVIĆ

Art director

JOVANA MARKOVIĆ Advertising manager

jovana.markovic@color.rs

natasa.nesic@color.rs

Advertising manager

dragana.radovic@color.rs

RUŽA RISTANOVIĆ Magazine director

ruza.ristanovic@color.rs

ROBERT ČOBAN Director

robert.coban@color.rs

NENAD JOVANOVIĆ

Executive Chef at Credo Restaurant

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THERE HASN’T BEEN A BORING MOMENT IN MY LIFE SHAUL LADANY Professor

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21st CENTURY ABOLISHES ELITISM

TIJANA PALKOVLJEVIĆBUGARSKI Gallery of Matica Srpska (GMS)

SLOBODAN NAKARADA

EUGENE CZOLIJ

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President of the Ukrainian World Congress

ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

SIMPLICITY AND NEW IDEAS

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PRESERVE AND PROSPER

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MEDIA'S FRIVOLOUSNESS IS A RESULT OF IRRESPONSIBILITY DRAGOLJUB ŽARKOVIĆ

Museum of Modern Art (MMA)

SERBIAN FOOD IS GOOD AND TASTY, BUT HEAVY EYCK ZIMMER

Culinary Director – Square Nine Hotel, Belgrade

Editor-in-Chief of Vreme weekly

Photos

GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ GETTY IMAGES Translation and lecturer

MRP EDITORIAL Translation

SNEŽANA BJELOTOMIĆ

”Color Media Communications” LTD, 21132 Petrovaradin, Štrosmajerova 3 TIN 107871532 • Matriculation number 20887303 · Phone: +381 21 4897 100 • Fax: +381 21 4897 126 Office: Vase Čarapića 3/IV/38, Belgrade • 011 4044 960

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S E E K IN G S O M E O N E WIT H A V IS IO N

Iraqi Voters are Fed up With the Old Guard But candidates in the coming election are offering few new ideas

HAIDER AL-ABADI, the prime minister of Iraq (pictured), has a strong case for re-election. He has overseen the defeat of Islamic State (IS), which once held vast portions of the country. He denied a Kurdish push for independence last year. Oil production is near record levels and rising. And he has learned to play foreign powers off against each other. No wonder he calls his inclusive electoral list of Shias, Sunnis and Kurds the “Victory Alliance”.

But as Iraqis go to the polls to elect a new parliament on May 12th, many will be thinking about the economy. Unemployment is up and salaries are down. GDP per person has fallen from almost $7,000 in 2013 to under $5,000 last year. Much of this is a result of the war with IS. Mr Abadi, though, has failed to tackle corruption, increase transparency or reform the system by which ministries are divvied up (and plundered) by sect and ethnicity. He shies away from a showdown with fellow Shia politicians who have ruled Iraq since America installed them 15 years ago.

Mr Abadi’s manifesto speaks of a Vision 2030, based on the economic reform plan of neighbouring Saudi Arabia, but it is bereft of detail.

He regurgitates old platitudes about addressing poor governance, removing corrupt politicians and depoliticising the civil service. Many Iraqis yearn for fresh thinking. “It’s like Britain after the second world war,” says Muhammad alMoumin, an Iraqi television presenter. “People appreciated what Churchill did, but they wanted a change of leader for the period of peace.”

Even among Mr Abadi’s base in the Shia south there is growing disenchantment with the government. In the previous three elections, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s top cleric, declared voting a sacred duty. But on May 4th his representative, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, suggested that this time it was acceptable to abstain. “Many of those who were elected or appointed to high positions in the government abused their power and took part in spreading corruption and squandering public money,” said Mr Karbalai. “Avoid falling into the trap of those who are corrupt and those who have failed.”

Voters credit Mr Abadi for dumping the Shia-chauvinist rhetoric once used by his Dawa party. His manifesto does not mention Islam. “Our project is to build a political bloc that transcends sect and ethnicity,” he said in

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IN ORDER TO MOLLIFY THE PUBLIC, IRAQ’S NEXT PRIME MINISTER MUST SHOW THAT HE IS SERVING THEM, NOT JUST THE OLD ELITE the Kurdish city of Erbil. Sunnis cheer when he criticises the leaders of Shia militias. Unusually, his list includes candidates from all of Iraq’s 18 provinces.

Other Shia parties have adopted his tactics, downplaying religion and putting Sunnis and Kurds on their lists. Iraqis question their sincerity. Many suspect Shia politicians will close ranks after the election, choose a prime minister and give their own people top jobs. Members of Dawa, who are competing on two rival lists— Mr Abadi’s and that of Nuri al-Maliki, a former

prime minister—might put aside their differences in order to hang on to the premiership, which the party has held since 2005. “At heart Abadi is a second-tier leader of a chauvinist party that has Shia Islamism as its raison d’être,” says Raad Alkadiri of Boston Consulting Group.

Reinstalling Mr Abadi is unlikely to satisfy voters and risks fomenting more unrest. After the past two elections there were mass demonstrations. The ayatollahs, who fostered and protected the country’s transition to democracy, increasingly sound like an opposition. An alarming number of Iraqis would prefer to have a strongman in charge. In order to mollify the public, Iraq’s next prime minister must show that he is serving them, not just the old elite.

From The Economist, published under licence.

The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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I NTERVIEW

The Reforms Must Go On

The sustainability of good economic results should not be taken for granted.

The utmost priority is continuing structural reforms to reach and consolidate investment grade level in international markets and attract large institutional investors. This is the only safe road to the EU, and a base for future prosperity and better living Prof. DUŠAN VUJOVIĆ PhD Outgoing Minister of Finance

reforms says a lot about the cost which might have to be paid again.

Does Serbia needs IMF “policing” or advice?

Serbia has never been closer to completing reforms and never had more at stake than today, says Dušan Vujović, the outgoing Serbian Minister of Finance, who believes that getting into clinch with unfinished structural reforms is a challenge that can be compared to the Odysseys. “We must resist the temptation of following the pressures of popular demands that may draw the reform ship to the Charybdis rocks and destroy it”, says Vujović. Our history of unsuccessful attempts to finish

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— After three years of exemplary macroeconomic results, Serbia has demonstrated that it does not need policing in the area of fiscal and

The likely themes of continued collaboration with the IMF include resolution of state owned banks, enterprises and public utility companies, continued tax administration reform, more efficient tax system, better assessment of fiscal risks, new public employment and wage laws, observance of rules

SERBIA SEES THE IMF AS A STRONG AND CREDIBLE EXTERNAL PARTNER IN SUSTAINING THE REFORM EFFORT BEYOND THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE FISCAL CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM monetary performance. But it still needs a strong and credible external partner to sustain the reform effort beyond the successful completion of the fiscal consolidation program.

against money laundering, reduction of informal economy, and further NPL resolution.

The preferred format of the program is the new Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) which allows

dialogue on the full reform agenda without access to financing which Serbia does not need due to strong external and fiscal balances.

Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund warned the Serbian delegation that nothing is more dangerous than success.

What the history of our own failures teaches us about the premature spending such as those for higher wages and pensions?

— Indeed, Ms. Lagard said that after two years of our good fiscal results. She would probably use even stronger words of caution today. History teaches us that the economic team and political leadership, just like Odysseus, must resist the temptation of following the songs of beautiful Sirens (i.e.

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popular demands) that may draw the reform ship to the Charybdis rocks and destroy it. This already happened four times since early 1980’s. We must learn from our mistakes.

Serbia has never been closer to completing reforms and never had more at stake than today. Giving in to populist pressures may reverse the positive reform trend and cast doubt on hard won international recognition of tangible successes since 2014.

However, the GDP growth was pretty modest. Would you agree that Serbia is facing middle-income growth trap as some economists are suggesting?

— Discussion of economic growth has been overly politicized in recent years and based on weak and biased analysis. Slower growth performance in early years of fiscal consolidation is consistent with economic theory and empirical evidence. And so is growth revival in later years. Low level of economic activity since 2009 and an additional shock caused by the floods in 2014, made the starting point of the program exceptionally difficult. Nevertheless, economic recovery in 2015-2016 turned out to be stronger than initially expected. With the exception of slower growth in 2017, caused entirely by supply side factors, the upward trend continues as confirmed by the 4.5 percent GDP growth recorded in the first quarter of 2018.

In short, despite a lot of public and professional debate, the fact is that we now have macroeconomic stability and accelerating economic growth which is expected to stabilize at around 4 percent annually in the medium run, based on the existing level of investment, innovation, and productivity dynamics.

economy. The three „C’s“ are at the heart of future manufacturing-led development as a recent World Bank study shows.

We have already secured significantly higher budget resources for public investment. Additional space can and will be provided in the coming years. The effective (binding) constraint has now moved from financing to quality preparation and implementation of public infrastructure and other development projects. Priorities must be carefully selected in line with strategic objectives, while project implementation must be accelerated to bring forward the results and, thus, crowd in private investment and increase the productive capacity of the economy.

Only then will the country be able to reach higher sustainable growth path and catch up with the EU in income and quality of life.

In addition to project preparation/planning capacity (which needs qualified engineers and economists), and strong implementation capacity (construction

sector and related machine building industries), the financial sector must be much stronger and profit driven. Financial deepening is needed both in the banking sector and in the capital market which must be revived and become the main source of investible resources for the private sector.

Will reform dynamics lose momentum if there is a gap between the previous and the new IMF arrangement?

— The IMF team is scheduled to complete their visit in mid-May. If the new program is concluded during the summer and its key parameters are reflected in the 2019 budget, which will be prepared in line with the schedule envisaged in the Budget System law (submission to Parliament by November 15), there will be no gap in the dynamics. Even if the program is approved few months later, the delay may not affect its effectiveness provided a true agreement on essential elements of the program are soon reached and adhered to.

THE “CRITICAL PATH” OF REFORMS HINGES ON REACHING POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CONSENSUS TO CONTINUE WITH LONG OVERDUE STRUCTURAL REFORMS

In addition to the main parameters of the next year budget, especially on the expenditure side, these elements include most of the often mentioned themes that are critically important for completing institutional and structural reforms.

And those are unfinished tasks such as the reform of the public administration, fiscal reform and the reform of the Tax Authority, reform of the public sector and the end of the process of privatization….

— These are precisely the main challenges. The “critical path” of reforms hinges on reaching political and social consensus to continue with these long overdue structural reforms. Technical side of these reforms is complicated and demanding, but can easily be done with the help of domestic and foreign experts once there is a resolve to go ahead with these essential economic, social, and political changes. Unfortunately, pressures to resist precisely these reforms and stop further institutional change are mounting every day now. The whole political discourse has returned to non-economic themes. The sustainability of good economic results achieved in the past 3-4 years has been taken for granted.

This may be a costly mistake.

In the presence of structural gaps, strong demands for permanent longer-term expenditure commitments may take us away from the top priority: reaching and consolidating investment grade level indispensable for attracting large institutional investors. This is the only safe road to EU, and a base of future prosperity and better living.

Yet, it isn’t enough, and the suboptimal level of public investments is obviously an obstacle to more robust growth. Wouldn’t you agree?

It is hard to deny that in order to achieve that prosperity we need better selection of the top management in public sector. It seems that the cure hasn’t been found yet despite better legislation and assistance of the international financial institutions.

— To elevate this growth to a higher path, avoid the looming middle income trap, which haunts many countries, and successfully converge to EU income levels, Serbia must increase the level and efficiency of both public and private investment. But it also must complete structural reforms as fast as possible and secure the basis for sustained productivity growth through improved Competitiveness, enhanced Capabilities, and better Connectedness in the global

— One of the most demanding challenges in the next round of reforms is a comprehensive reform of the governance systems. In government. In public sector. And in the private (corporate) sector as well. Examples of bad appointments in public sector companies, involving loyal but incompetent people confirm that. But the problem is wider and deeper. Aside from appointments, there are also examples of dysfunctional governance structures in public, private,

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as well as mixed ownership companies. There is also a dire need for well trained, competent public and private sector managers, as well as qualified members of supervisory boards who can properly and effectively discharge their functions.

This is particularly obvious and critical in public and mixed ownership companies where the residual risks fall on the state and all the citizens.

We have a long way to go in this area. Using TA to improve management capacity in critical places of the public enterprise sector is certainly one way of improving public sector governance situation.

Unfortunately, simple solutions are not possible in this area. Even the most developed countries cannot prevent political influence in filling attractive positions in the boards of public and private companies. To lower the risks,

good practice, in my view, would be to require prior screening of all potential candidates for their technical competence and impeccable past track record. Additionally,

dangerous to finance so many infrastructure projects from that source?

— Recent “One Belt – One Road” conference in Beijing organized

THERE IS A DIRE NEED FOR WELL TRAINED, COMPETENT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR MANAGERS, AS WELL AS QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF SUPERVISORY BOARDS WHO CAN PROPERLY AND EFFECTIVELY DISCHARGE THEIR FUNCTIONS WITH FULL ACCOUNTABILIT each appointment should be associated with clear performance criteria for individuals and boards as a part of the overall accountability framework.

Apart from the risks you mentioned there are other ones. One is the level of loans we may take from the Chinese sources? Is it

by the Chinese Central Bank and the IMF focused on the fiscal risks of ambitious national, regional and global infrastructure projects launched under this initiative.

Serbia has had privileged access to projects conceived under this initiative with combined commitment value of more than 20 percent of GDP. To manage those

risks, the implementation strategy should aim to yield economic and broader development results as soon as possible. This can be done by completing meaningful segments of large projects and/or across connected projects, while at the same time spreading out the use of resources by lower priority projects to ameliorate the impact on indebtedness and debt-service.

The same rule applies to other commitments of investment project financed from bilateral and multilateral sources.

It should be noted that, after four years of good fiscal performance, Serbia can now access long-term financing from international financial markets or top rated banks at AAA conditions with the help of MIGA guarantees. This broadens our financing options and makes some standard bilateral sources less attractive.

SWIFT REACTION It came as a shock that Serbia is at the FATF List of Countries that has been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies. What the government did to respond?

— Serbia has made tremendous progress in the past few months to remedy objections on most of the 40 technical areas and show tangible progress in achieving intermediate outcomes in all eleven areas. With high level political ownership, good coordination across ministries and NBS, and sufficient technical competence in all relevant institutions, I have reason to believe that the

February grey listing will soon be reconsidered and reversed in due course.

More importantly, we now have effective working mechanisms in place, from ministerial coordinating team to technical groups on all technical issues and result areas, to actively participate in the Moneyval activities and build capacity. Furthermore, an effort is underway to conduct a thorough screening of all the potential short-term and medium-term risks by conducting a National Risk Assessment with the professional help of the World Bank.

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NATIONAL DAYS

ARRI VALS & D E PA R T UR E S

in May & June

MAY

ALEKSANDAR JAKOVLJEVIĆ

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New CEO of Philip Morris SEE

The new CEO of Philip Morris for Southeast Europe is Aleksandar Jakovljević, who replaced Jelena Pavlović in that position. Jakovljević joined PM in 2015, where he has previously held the positions of financial director for the market of Southeast Europe, as well as the financial director for the markets of Ukraine, the Caucasus and Moldova. Before that, he was a financial and general director in international companies. Former general manager of Philip Morris for Southeastern Europe and current president

NORWAY

of the American Chamber of Commerce Jelena Pavlović, was elected President of the Board of Directors.

She has fifteen years of experience in various positions in the company, including the successful five-years' mandate of the CEO. During her mandate, the Niš factory has consistently upgraded production setting new export records, and Serbia became the PMI headquarters for six regional markets and one of the first markets to launch IQOS - the new, revolutionary product of this company.

Constitution Day

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MONTENEGRO Independence Day

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ARGENTINA

Primera Junta Day

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LEBANON

esistance and R Liberation Day

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ARMENIA Republic Day

VANDA KUČERA

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New Vice President of I&F McCann Grupa

AZERBAIJAN

Vanda Kučera, Head of Corporate Affairs, became Vice President of I&F McCann Grupa. Vanda Kučera has been in I&F McCann Grupa from the very beginning and the establishment of the first agency, McCann Beograd. As Vice President, Vanda will work on even more active engagement in business associations and in cooperation with various state and social institutions in the countries in which I&F McCann Grupa operate, in order to develop and enhance the entire profession.

Vanda's career in marketing has lasted for more than three decades and, in I&F McCann Grupa, she performed many responsible

tasks: she was the director of the department of research, strategic planning and development; she led McCann agency in Skopje in its most challenging moments from 1999 to 2001 and later participated in the establishment of the McCann agency in Podgorica; she was also the director of the MRM agency, the first digital agency within I&F McCann Grupa. Vanda is well aware of the structure and development possibilities of I&F McCann Grupa and of the entire creative industry. She manages projects in the field of corporate social responsibility, actively represents I&F McCann Grupa in business and professional associations where,

Republic Day

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ETHIOPIA

Downfall of the Derg Day

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NIGERIA

Democracy Day

JUNE

02

ITALY

among other things, she has participated in setting regulations related to media and creative industry, as well as drafting laws and codes in advertising areas.

Festa della Repubblica

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DENMARK

Constitution Day

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SWEDEN National Day

FEZA TAN

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Appointed as Chairwoman of UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC

Following the approval by National Bank of Serbia, Feza Tan was appointed as the Chairwoman of the Management Board of UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC. She took over this position from Csilla Ihasz who continued her career outside of UniCredit. She started her career in Turkish Yapi Kredi, member of UniCredit Group, in 1993 as Management Trainee in Corporate Credits where after two years she became Analyst in Corporate Credits. In 1997, Feza was appointed as Corporate and Project Finance Underwriting Manager where she established first project finance team in Turkey.

From 2001 she was Head of Corporate and Commercial Credit Under-

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writing, while in 2009 she took over the position of Head of Corporate and Commercial Credit which she was leading until 2013 when she was named Head of Corporate and Investment Banking. Moreover, Feza was also a Credit Commıttee and Board Member in leasıng and factorıng companies, as well as in 3 foreıgn subsidiaries of Yapı Kredi.

She is coming from the position of Head of Corporate and Investment Banking in Yapi Kredi Bank where she was also Executive Committee member. Ms. Tan holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from Boğaziçi University, İstanbul and Risk Management Program Diploma from Manchester Business School.

MALTA

ette Giugno, S bread riot of 1919

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UNITED KINGDOM

De facto British national day

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PORTUGAL Portugal Day

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PHILIPPINES raw ng Kalayaan, A declaration of independence

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PO LI TI C S

Text: ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

Suicide or the Death Drive The dark side of nationalist love and Yugoslav federal leaders and Slobodan Milošević were also quite suicidal, playing a very dangerous game with no allies. So, after 1999 and the Kumanovo Agreement, we thought it is all over, right? Wrong!

THE NOUGHTIES AND BEYOND

When Bosnian-Croat Army General Slobodan Praljak drank a small bottle of poison in the very centre of The Hague Court (justly compared to Shakespearean heroes or villains, depending on your position), it provided a kind of perfect ending for the ICTY. The general of a former civil war nationalist army committing suicide, with the wars and nationalism that triggered them having been equally suicidal. It seems that people and governments will never stop feeling the Freudian “death drive”.

THE NINETIES

It seems quite paradoxical that in America, and the West generally, people remember the 1990s as “the best decade ever”, while half of Europe remembers that decade as the worst since the 1940s. However, it all started with suicidal moves.

The most suicidal countries at the time were Serbia, Bosnia and Georgia. We paid the highest price for the nationalist drive, which led to … well, in Serbia at least, the revoking of the autonomies of provinces (the same in Georgia) and a desire to bring all Serbs into one state. Bosnia paid the price for Izetbegović’s totally irrational rejection of two plans that could have prevented war: the 1991 plan compiled by Muhamed Filipović et al., regarding the reforming of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to comprise three republics instead

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of two, and the later rejection of Cutilhero's plan in March 1992.

After the disastrous war in Croatia, leaving thousands killed and displaced, could anyone have believed that Bosnia would avoid that without a comprehensive agreement?

Azerbaijan revoked the autonomy of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting

A crisis broke out in Macedonia in 2001, and it was again an ethnic Albanian insurgence that ended up in a wise agreement being reached, the Ohrid Agreement.

Serbia was quite constructive at the time, peaceful Bosnia was slowly healing its wounds, Croatia was preparing for EU entry, while the rest remained in status quo, following Chechnya’s successful reintegration into Russia. Still, other suicidal moves came. Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence, supported by the West, and is now in limbo, with half-recognised passports and a state, provoking

SERBIA AND UKRAINE CANNOT PICK THEMSELVES UP AND RELOCATE TO SOMEWHERE BETWEEN NORWAY AND ICELAND. WE MUST DEAL WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS AND SHOULD ALL STOP BEING SO NATIONALIST... AND SUICIDAL Armenia to step in. Moldova flirted with unification with Romania, so Gagauzia and Transnistria stepped out (the former was later peacefully and wisely reintegrated, so Moldova proved to be a story that was at least 50% successful). Croatia kicked the Serbs out of the Constitution, triggering its own crisis,

constant tension. Mikheil Saakashvili, perhaps listening to some whispers from outside, launched a war adventure in Tskhinvali, which triggered Russian intervention in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and, even worse, in Poti and Gori. All intelligent things – like reforming the police, the economy and the rest –

were shattered by Misha, who was later ousted. Such a waste… And then, after the beautiful picture it represented, Ukraine made another self-destructive move in early 2014, after Maidan-2 or Euromaidan.

Yanukovych might be corrupt, but the agreement with him was not fulfilled, and the country – instead of striving to reach a comprehensive agreement between all regions, from Crimea to Lviv and from Donetsk to Odessa, turned to a one-sided solution, thus repeating all the mistakes made by Serbia, Bosnia and Georgia. Needless to say, it is hard for Kiev to communicate with Russia, which annexed Crimea, but it seems that Ukraine doesn’t stop raising tensions with many others: the Education Law is really bad, to put it lightly, creating problems with Poland, Hungary and Romania, while its latest approach to Belarus, Serbia (well, we are the only ones that could possibly be intermediate countries, since we are rather impartial here) and Israel don't help. And the trouble is that we will all have to live together once again, like in the Balkans.

Nobody can escape their geographical position and neighbours. No matter how tough it might be, we have to talk: Serbs with Albanians, Ukrainians with Russians, Georgians with Russians, Azerbaijanis with Armenians etc. Serbia and Ukraine cannot pick themselves up and relocate to somewhere between Norway and Iceland. We must deal with our neighbours and should all stop being so nationalist... and suicidal.

MORE SUICIDES More suicidal moves came from Catalonia and Kurdistan. Both provinces desired independence and organised referenda and, as a result, Catalonia temporarily lost its autonomy and had its leaders prosecuted, while Iraqi Kurdistan lost 30% of its territory, which it had acquired in the war against the co-called Islamic State. The Croatian Sabor, in an effort to prove that Croatia didn’t intervene in Bosnia, declared the members of Croatian Defence Council (HVO) members of the Croatian Army, granting them all the associated privileges! Montenegro almost obliterated the Cyrillic script, while Russia adopted a new language law, causing disappointment among the titular nations in autonomies – abolishing the teaching of titular languages if you are not a member of a titular nation... The list is growing longer by the day.

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I NTERVIEW

Always Friends and Evolving Partners Peace, work and progress are our aims

H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia and non-resident Ambassador to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia

Mexico is one of the greatest friends of Serbia. Also, the Mexicans are heading for presidential, local and congressional elections in July, which is a very important step for the country faced with the challenges of an emerging economy, Trump's threats to renegotiate the NAFTA and the repercussions of the global economic crisis which are still visible everywhere to a certain degree. We are

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talking to H. E. Mr. Marco Antonio García Blanco, Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia and non-resident Ambassador to Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia about the burning issues.

largest economy in the world, and the 10th most populated country with 130 million inhabitants. It is also the 6th most visited tourist destination in the world, with 39.3 million foreign visitors in 2017. In

I FEEL GRATEFUL AND HONOURED TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO REPRESENT MEXICO IN SERBIA Mexico has one of the biggest economies in the world and it also belongs to the G20. What are the country’s perspectives?

— Like any country, Mexico has been facing multiple challenges on development matters. Of course, we need to improve in various areas, but also we have strengths.

At the moment, Mexico is the 15th

the first 5 years of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration, Mexico has received 171 billion dollars of foreign direct investments, equivalent to 34.2 billion dollars per year, which proves the interest and the trust that investors have in my country.

Mexico is a friendly country, peaceful and without political or

territorial ambitions. Our political philosophy is based on the motto "respecting the rights of others means peace among nations and among individuals". For this reason, we recognize the importance of respectful coexistence that generates security, welfare and prosperity for all. Mexico also has deep and ancient cultural roots that unite us as a nation and the world sees us as a country with a unique identity. We also share democratic values and believe in the benefits of the rule of law, individual rights, due process and the primacy of the law. Likewise, we are convinced that no one should be above the law, as well as uphold the relevance of transparency and accountability.

We cultivate respect for cultural diversity and pluralism. We share the values of free enterprise that

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generates growth, welfare, employment and development, but we also believe in the importance of a State that regulates, promotes and ensures the rule of law.

On 1st July, 2018, the Mexicans will undergo the biggest electoral process in our history, during which we will elect our President for the next 6 years, new members of Congress and multiple representatives on the federal, state, and local levels. Whatever the outcome of the elections, Mexicans will continue to work democratically towards an inclusive and sustainable development.

responsibly, and with a common agenda of success.

What is the balance of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?

— The balance is overwhelmingly positive, since it allowed us to transform our production and export chains. Before NAFTA, 80% of Mexico´s exports were oil and today these only represent 13%, with the

erential access to more than 1.2 billion consumers.

Mexico firmly believes in the importance of free trade as a development tool. In this context, we actively participate in the Pacific Alliance and have recently concluded negotiations on a new global trade pact with the European Union which covers political, economic and cooperation aspects that will strengthen the political dialogue,

MY COUNTRY SEEKS LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO STABILITY, PREDICTABILITY AND MUTUAL BENEFITS. WE PREFER BRIDGES OVER WALLS

Donald Trump has not been treating Mexico and the Mexicans fairly, particularly during his presidential campaign. What is your comment regarding this?

— As neighbours, Mexico and the United States have constructed a wide bilateral agenda that includes multiple shared interests.

This agenda has been successful because it has allowed us to face together a variety of challenges, through dialogue and cooperation.

Of course, there are sensitive topics like migration and organized crime, on which we cooperate as well. As a matter of fact, we have several high-level institutional mechanisms supported through multiple meetings to help us face our mutual challenges.

President Trump introduced a new approach to the relationship between the US and not only with Mexico, but the whole world. My country seeks long-term relationships that lead to stability, predictability and mutual benefits. We prefer bridges over walls. We promote constructive and respectful relationships in good faith. We prefer bilateral schemes in which both parties win, rather than those that only look for winners or losers.

We trust that the deep interests that both countries share – democratic values and the fact that Mexico is the third biggest commercial partner to the US - will allow both parties to continue developing

remaining 87% being goods and services. NAFTA created one of the biggest and most important areas of free trade in the world, with 482 million inhabitants that generate 28% of the world´s GDP and make 16% of the global trade. This translated into more and better jobs.

Today, Mexico is one of the 15 economies with a GDP that surpasses a trillion dollars and is the major exporter in Latin America.

For instance, the country is also the 4th largest exporter of new vehicles. Each year 75,000 engineers graduate from Mexico’s universities. Mexico is an agro-exporting power and has a wide array of free trade agreements that give us pref-

increase economic and investment flows and bolster technical and scientific cooperation to mutual benefit. Likewise, some weeks ago, Mexico ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and is negotiating with Canada and the United States on the upgrade of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

What is the situation with the bilateral relations between Mexico and Serbia?

— Everything evolves and can be perfected. Mexico promotes the principle of shared responsibility in its bilateral relations,

which means that both parties are responsible for the progress of the relationship. We have an excellent political dialogue with Serbia, institutionalized through a Mechanism of Political Consultations for Topics of Mutual Interest with periodical meetings, as well as multiple high level meetings at forums and international events.

In accordance to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), Mexico respects the territorial integrity of Serbia and did not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. Mexico and Serbia share multiple positions in the multilateral scheme. We are renewing and broadening the legal framework that regulates and promotes the bilateral relations, which in 2016, celebrated their 70th anniversary.

Mexico has a constant cultural presence in Serbia. It is worth mentioning that, in the last year and a half, 8 books by renowned Mexican authors have been translated into Serbian and multiple exhibitions, concerts and cinema cycles have been staged not only in Belgrade, but elsewhere in the country too.

The educational, technical and scientific exchanges should be increased. The bilateral trade, even though incipient, grew 19% during 2017 relative to 2016 and 1,048.5% compared to 2010, but both parties still need to work more to reach levels of external trade and investments that would match our bilateral opportunities.

I would also like to mention that the Embassy of Mexico in Serbia is concurrent for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro. There is still a lot of work to do, but, regardless, in the last 18 months, Mexico has signed the first 10 bilateral instruments with these countries. Relative to 2016, the external trade between Mexico and Bosnia and Herzegovina increased 21.64% in 2017, 200% with Macedonia and 18.88% with Montenegro. The cooperation and education exchanges are also growing.

MUTUAL LIKE BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES How do you feel in Serbia? What are your impressions of the country from a position of an Ambassador?

— My impressions are excellent, and I feel grateful and honoured to have the privilege to represent Mexico in Serbia. In late June, it will have been two years since my arrival in Belgrade and this has been a wonderful stay for my wife and son,

as well as for myself. There is a mutual likeness between Mexico and Serbia; the likeness that makes my work as an ambassador easier. Plus, I have always encountered receptivity and a will to continue bolstering the links between our two countries. The country has a particular beauty, we enjoy its food and appreciate the hospitality of its people.

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C O RPO RATE

Legislative Drafting

The ability to impact society through well-written legislation is unparalleled Like many other countries in transition Serbia was eager to transform its legislation in line with the EU accession process, but the record pace was often traded for provisions which were either hard to be implemented or in collision with one another.

Two publications produced by the experts in drafting laws and supported by SDC and UNDP, are set to make a change.

The ability to impact society through well-written legislation is unparalleled. Thanks to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and UNDP support, the experts of the Faculty of Law in Belgrade produced a Monograph and Handbook on "Nomotechnics and legal reasoning", which should help lawmakers to draft laws and supporting legislation in a clear and well-reasoned manner thus strengthening the country’s ability to improve the rule of law. The publications are the first response to the well-recognised need for im-

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provement in legislative procedures and should help the members of the Parliament in performing their legislative and overseeing role.

Participatory development of programming can indeed offer results and sustainable solutions.

Such an example is investment into parliamentary development at national and local level that the SDC recognized and together with

mentioned publications are just one step into that direction.

What is it so important for an ordinary citizen to be protected by the legislative framework? How does that impact his or her right to be able to live and work? It seems that the “power of pen” may have been somewhat underestimated since neither the academia nor the professional public managed

THE FACULTY OF LAW HAD ALREADY ENTERED THE COURSE IN ITS CURRICULUM AS AN OBLIGATORY ONE, AND IT WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE STUDENTS’ GRADES UNDP embarked on by supporting the legislative branch through the “Strengthening the Oversight and Transparency of the Parliament” Project. As a result of this longterm engagement some major gaps in the system were identified and tackled though a process of extensive consultations, with strong national ownership. The above-

to cover the need for legislative drafting education. Hence, SDC and UNDP, in cooperation with Parliament and the Government of Serbia provided two grants to the Faculty of Law to spearhead the process in Serbia and establish the much needed curricula and practice. The Faculty gathered all dealing in any way with legislative

drafting, introduced the curricula as a mandatory topic and prepared a Monograph and a Handbook for civil servants filled with practical examples.

The lecturers of the Faculty of Law carried in 2016 a university Course in Legislative Drafting for national level institutions which attracted 135 participants, of whom 81 were civil servants from all the government ministries and institutions and 54 students from the Faculty of Law in Belgrade.

The course is today a part of the regular curricula at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade. The main objective of this course is for Faculty of Law students to gain legislative drafting skills and to upgrade the knowledge of civil servants on this topic at the national level.

On top of that a Legislative Drafting course was also organized for the representatives of local assemblies and self-government administrations in three regions (South Serbia, Central Serbia and

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Vojvodina) in 2017, featuring lecturers from the Faculty of Law and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

This course further improved the understand of participants on the transformative impact of the legislation drafting, and strengthened legislative drafting skills of local government officials.

Publishing the Monograph and Handbook on Legislative Drafting came as a demand expressed by the attendees of the 2016 Legislative Drafting Course and due to the fact that there is no such comprehensive publication on legislative drafting in Serbia.

The publications should help the officials in state institutions and bodies involved in the adoption of legal acts gain a systematized and analytical approach in drafting legislative acts and amend-

graph could help in giving insight into legislative drafting best practices and current theoretical knowledge of the legislative process in the transition countries and to provide a credible understanding of the content and importance of European standards, including the reasons for their adoption, in addition to a mere need to meet the EU membership criteria.

Interested practitioners as well as students may find additional resources at the website launched by the Faculty of Law and devoted to the Course at http://wp2008.ius.bg.ac.rs/nomotehnika/ and included the Course in the regular Faculty curriculum.

It is expected that the publications and the course will help raise the level of knowledge about all the phases of

THE MONOGRAPH IS A CREDIBLE TOOL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE CONTENT AND IMPORTANCE OF EUROPEAN STANDARDS, INCLUDING THE REASONS FOR THEIR ADOPTION, IN ADDITION TO A MERE NEED TO MEET THE EU MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

In addition, we asked Dr. Radmila Vasić, Professor at the Department of Theory, Sociology and Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade, to tell as about future plans of introducing Nomotechnis as a mandatory subject and about Manual on Nomotechnics

RADMILA VASIĆ: What was your personal contribution to introducing Nomotechnis as a mandatory subject at the Faculty Law pursuant to the obligations stemming from two grants that the Faculty got from the UNDP / SDC project?

— At first, the course about writing legal documents was experimental and non-obligatory for our students, and then made into an optional subject, but with the status of the subject taught at the basic studies. The subject Nomotechnics - Writing Legal Acts became mandatory for fourth year students, and one of the two such subjects that students can choose from.

In particular, I will propose that the monograph, as a whole or its selected parts, to become compulsory literature for students who choose Nomotechnics - Writing Legal Acts. This means that I will strive to include the book in the curriculum, which, just like the curriculum implementation plan, is devised this time of the year for the next school year. However, I should mention that, at state universities, not everything hinges on "personal" work and effort. The competent faculty bodies have to agree on the curriculum and the plan for its execution, and then the curriculum needs to be accredited by the National Accreditation Body, which evaluates the need for certain types of knowledge, the organization of teaching, the spatial capacities of the faculty, qualified teaching staff, etc.

How far along is the drafting of the Manual on Nomotechnics for education professionals (at the central and local level), and is the content going to be adapted to the needs of people who work with it on a daily basis?

ments. For law students, these publications will be useful as an additional reading for the Legislative Drafting and Writing Legalistic Documents subject, at the graduate level, as well as for other areas of legal education at faculties of law. The Monograph may have additional educational purpose in all spheres of practicing the legal profession, due to the parallels of theoretical insights (the rule of law, law, constitutional democracy, transition, EU and legal standards formed in the practice of its institutions, especially the European Court of Human Rights), and practical guidelines for designing regulations.

It is also expected that the Mono-

the process of adopting laws and other regulations, and improve practical skills of students as well as practitioners in shaping and amending a draft law.

The project also raised the awareness among the students and the public servants and other authorities on the importance of the knowledge acquired for the strengthening the rule of law in the process of so-called transition, which Serbia is undergoing now. Gaining a full insight into the importance of harmonization of the national law with the EU law and mastering the techniques of harmonizing newly adopted laws in line with the EU standards, is a prerequisite for the successful accession process.

— The manual is a shortened selection of the topics covered in the monograph, the purpose of which is to be accessible and easily usable in the daily work of relevant state bodies at all levels of government. I have never heard someone complaining that "everyone is objecting to too many quotes from legal philosophy". For the sake of the argument, let's just suppose that that is true. You see, the title alone - Nomotechnics and Legal Reasoning – tells the readers that nomotechnics is not just a set of technical instructions, which just like a cake recipe, you can hold in front of you and use. A modern-day lawyer cannot and should not be a robot. If he were, such a lawyer wouldn’t need to obtain his education from university. The main intention of the project’s author is to help acquire, supplement or enhance knowledge and skills in this area of legal reasoning and practical activities in formulating the highest normative acts, laws above all, which are crucial for establishing the rule of law in transitional Serbia. In terms of its content and formulated "recommendations", the manual falls between the monograph and the codified methodological rules which are useful, but, in my professional opinion, not sufficient.

If they were, we would not have even considered writing the Monograph and the Manual.

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I NTERVIEW

Opening New Frontiers Bilateral economic relations have ample chance for growth JAVIER ÁLVAREZ Head Counselor at the Economic and Commercial Office, Embassy of Spain in Serbia and Montenegro

The political relationship between Serbia and Spain is excellent.

Also, the two countries have a very good collaboration in various areas and there are no political disputes. This harmony is also felt among the people of both countries. According to Javier Álvarez, Head Counselor at the Economic and Commercial Office at the Embassy of Spain in Serbia and Montenegro, the time has come now to boost the economic side of the bilateral relations.

Politically speaking, Spain and Serbia have a very good cooperation and progressive relations, but economic cooperation is below the desired level. Spain has a lot of influence in Eastern Europe, however, following the crisis, the country’s not sufficiently present there like Germany or Italy. What can be done to improve this situation and fulfill the potential?

— True, the bilateral relationship is excellent. Since I arrived in Serbia last summer I have felt the affinity that Serbs have towards Spain, be it due to tourist interest, political reasons or the sport. However, in this context, the economic relationship does not correspond to the current situation. There are reasons to be optimistic - in recent years more Spanish companies have been established in Serbia and we know that Spanish investments will go up in the coming years. Our bilateral trade has also been growing steadily, reaching 410 million euro in 2017, which is a 7% hike relative to last year. Several Spanish companies are successful-

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ly developing infrastructure projects in Serbia. Spanish companies have not considered this market seriously until very recently, partly due to lack of knowledge and partly because of its traditional orientation towards other markets, such as Latin America or the European Union. Therefore, we are constantly disseminating general information on the economy and the Serbian market, and provide specific information on sectors of interest. We also provide tailored services, manage official funds for export and investments and develop institutional promotional activities. Our plan is to organize a business meeting in Belgrade at the end of October, with an emphasis on sectors such as transport infrastructure, energy, water and waste management, automotive industry, textiles and clothing, agro-food, etc.

Three years ago, when we decided to participate in the Agriculture Fair, we thought it would be interesting for the Serbian farmers to learn about the Spanish experiences. It seems that we had a good hunch, because there has a growing interest in Spanish products, both agricultural and agricultural technology. Also, last year, the cooperatives and the Spanish association of cooperatives, and

OUR OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE TO CONTINUE STRIVING TO INCREASE MUTUAL KNOWLEDGE OF SERBIA AND SPAIN IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY Spain is one of the most important exhibitors at the Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad this year. What does the Spanish delegation have in store for us?

— Spain is the greatest producer of olives in the world, leader in wine exports, second in pork production and it dominates ineco-agriculture in the EU, but we've noticed that people in Serbia do not have enough knowledge about that.

the association of wholesale markets generated a lot of interest in Serbia. This year we will continue with presenting innovations in the agricultural chemistry sector (Tradecorp), irrigation systems (CAUDAL and RKD), agricultural machinery (AGRATOR and JYMPA) and greenhouses (IMA) in the Spanish pavilion. Some companies will exhibit with their local distributors (RKD, TRADECORP and JYM-

PA) while others are there to find a distributor.

Innovations in agriculture are very important, and Spain is one of the leaders in this area.

Can you tell us what has been achieved so far in this segment?

— Spain had to overcome certain climatic and geographical deficiencies (drought, arid land, especially in the southern areas) and has managed to do so thanks to a good agricultural policy and water management. As a result, some of the poorest areas have been converted into economically and socially advanced areas. Spain has decreased the use of water for irrigation by 10% since 2000. Our Almería Region, also known as “The Sea of Plastic”, has the highest concentration of greenhouses in Spain and one of the largest in the world. But let’s not forget that there is also a Green Spain in the north with meat, milk, and vegetable productio. Our export of agricultural technology to Serbia shows a constant growth in the last four years (12% in 2017).

FROM FRANCO TO EU LEADERSHIP What can Serbia emulate from the Spanish experience in economy and economic transformation, considering that, after Franco, Spain underwent an incredibly transformational change??

— Spain has experienced an extraordinary change in the last four decades. The Pacts of La Moncloa of 1977 served to make all political forces agree on the need to liberalize and modernize the Spanish economy and to join the EU in 1986, then Single Market and Euro Zone, which played a decisive role in the continuation of that trend. Today, after having overcome a severe economic crisis, Spain has returned to economic growth, with three consecutive years showing GDP growth of over 3%, which places the country among the top in the euro zone. This will certainly boost the Spanish investments abroad, Serbia included.

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I NTERVIEW

Preserve and Prosper

Our common goal is an independent, prosperous, democratic European Ukraine strength and success as a global community. Our common goal keeps us focused, consolidated and united in purpose.

What do you do to promote Ukrainian language and culture among diaspora and the people in the world?

EUGENE CZOLIJ President of the Ukrainian World Congress

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is an umbrella organisation which, by its nature, unites the global Ukrainian community for the attainment of a common goal. Its president visited Serbia and gave the exclusive interview for our magazine.

Canada is known as a place with virtually biggest Ukrainian diaspora in the world. Were the organisations of Canadian Ukrainians a model for organising the other local organisations within UWC?

— Our common goal is an independent, prosperous, democratic European Ukraine. Each of the components of the community, including UWC member organisations, have their unique characteristics that are affected by the society in which they work and develop, and as such their structure and activities are unique. It is a fact that the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest and it is also one of the oldest diaspora communities, and due to its long history and many successes over the years, the Ukrainian community in Canada is definitely an excellent example of a successfully organised community - it enjoys

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a high level of support awareness and understanding among Canadians. However, it is not a model that can be simply replicated in other countries without factoring in the specific characteristics of each country, including governing laws and attitudes of the population.

Presumably the bigger number of Ukrainians in diaspora are from Western Ukraine, right? It would

— The UWC supports its member organisations throughout the world that actively promote the development and preservation of the Ukrainian language and cultural traditions in the countries in which they reside and work.

Ukrainian schools and language classes help to ensure the continuation and further development of the Ukrainian language and knowledge of Ukraine, past and present. Communities publish books, newspapers, periodicals and historical research on Ukraine and Ukrainians. UWC member organisations also promote Ukrain-

I WILL RAISE THE ISSUE UKRAINE-SERBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH UKRAINIAN GOVERNING AUTHORITIES DURING MY NEXT WORKING VISIT TO UKRAINE mean “Galician” state of mind and Greek Catholic faith. How do you make balance with the different, and divergent tendencies within the different branches of Ukrainians?

— The Ukrainian diaspora today is very diverse and representative of Ukraine as a whole. This factor, in particular, contributes to our

ian culture in their societies with music, dance and theatre ensembles, concerts, festivals, presentations and workshops.

Do you plan to enlarge the scope of your work with Ukrainian business to be more present in each country where diaspora lives? It is vital, if Ukraine itself is

not prosperous, like in Serbia, the people will unfortunately more become members of diaspora themselves. Ukraine-Serbia Free Trade agreement can help a lot.

— Ukraine’s economic development is critical to its success and we are working to promote Ukraine’s economic potential internationally. In recognition of the importance of economic issues, we struck the UWC Committee for the Economic Development of Ukraine, which has among its objectives the promotion of Ukrainian exports and the encouragement of foreign investment in Ukraine. The UWC also supports the efforts of the Government of Ukraine to implement reforms in the country and create a business-friendly environment. In that context, in 2017 we organized in Kyiv the Inaugural Economic Forum “Supporting the Economic Development of Ukraine: cooperation between Government and the diaspora”, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce. Also in 2017, we launched an initiative for the appointment of Honorary Trade Representatives of Ukraine in countries of the diaspora. Concerning a possible Ukraine-Serbia Free Trade agreement, I think it is a good opportunity to explore and will be one of the action items resulting from my visit to Serbia. I will raise this issue with Ukrainian governing authorities during my next working visit to Ukraine.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION In that aspect, how do we all battle against corruption to make better societies and can we exchange experiences?

— The most effective way to fight corruption is not only by putting corrupt people behind bars, but gradually reducing the space to engage in corrupt practices. The key to battling corruption in any society lies in the entrenchment of democratic principles, including the rule of law and the respect for fundamental freedoms. There will always be some corruption in any society.

But as long as civil society is empowered to monitor, praise best practices, expose bad practices, engage in open discussion on the development of the society in which they live and work toward its betterment without repercussions, corruption will not be the victor.

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GEO PO LI TI C S

Text: ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

Tables are Turning Money has returned home

In the very beginning of the mankind, China was the most advanced civilisation, credited with many inventions, from pottery to print. After the rather mindless decision, in the beginning of the 19th century, to close the country to the outside world „because it was so advanced and the interaction (with the rest of the world) could only deteriorate it“, China started declining. Now, tables are turned!

China has always been a benevolent power, and even when it could colonise the entire Asia, it only sent its ships to do trade and collect data, which cannot be said about the West. And now, China is ascending and soon to take over the world's economy. This was quite tricky to do, since Deng had to avoid the same problem that Mikhail Gorbachev faced. Gorbachev lived up to his utter failure, destroying in the process of reforms the whole country. China, on the other hand, decided to carry out „perestroika without glasnost“ and succeeded. If it didn't, there would have been millions and millions of dead people as a result. Now, China is here to change the world for better, quite opposite from what The Economist predicted.

NON-PREDATORY INVESTMENT + INFRASTRUCTURE

When there are no arguments left, some people use Chinese „predatory loans“. Hey, where are

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your loans, West? Bankers can answer that question, but basically, the Chinese, once again, have been investing where no-one else would, or rather, where the West intended to invest with political or economic reforms that undermine the autonomy of the local governments. The Chinese don't take sides! They build exactly the same things everywhere as they do

or Transsiberian Railways. Contrary to certain pessimistic projections, it is not the railways that „exhausted“ America, and they will certainly not exhaust China. Transport links, like railways, actually boosted the prosperity of the USSR, the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Japan etc. The countries relying on individual, and not collective ways of transport, are lagging behind,

CHINA DECIDED TO CARRY OUT „PERESTROIKA WITHOUT GLASNOST“ AND SUCCEEDED. IF IT DIDN'T, THERE WOULD HAVE in China. It was quite shocking for the black Africans to see apartment blocks in Africa mirroring those in China, and the railways of the same quality. With their colonial infrastructure collapsing, this was a breath of fresh air. As for the Belt – Road initiative, there has been no such achievement (apart from what the Brits did in East Africa and Australia) since the American Railroad projects involving construction of the trans-Pacific links,

while the official American liberal mantra still repeats that „collective transport leads to the failure, while individual mobility gives economic freedom“. Maybe in America, but even there it is becoming hard to notice it. Just look at Japan!

PETROYUAN

In order to end the dollar dominance in oil trade, China has decided to launch the so-called petroyuan, replacing petrodollar. As oil can

now be traded with yuan-denominated contracts, the petrodollar monopoly is about to be overshadowed, China hopes. Nowadays, the US dollar and the euro still dominate more than 85% of international payments, followed by the British pound, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Chinese yuan (1%). But is this all about to change? For the first time ever, in late March, trading in yuan-denominated oil contracts began at the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE). That will facilitate the rise of petroyuan, which could cause a dramatic shift in global asset allocations as institutional investors begin to diversify into China’s onshore bond markets.

We will see what the future holds for it, but since China is the single biggest oil consumer and wants to trade in its own currency, it is quite significant. Certain analysts have even predicted the collapse of dollar and American hegemony, while others predict that it would be exactly like in the late 1980s when everyone thought that Japan was conquering the West and that, in 20 years’ time, everything would be Japanese. Yet, Japan’s growth is slow and the country has been in secular stagnation for the better part of three decades. Yes, you got it – they think China will hit the same wall and experience stagnation. Those who are more objective argue that the truth is somewhere in the middle.

XI'S HERE TO STAY With the heavy investments in its own infrastructure and in the infrastructure of other countries, being open to tourism, registering its heritage as UNESCO World Heritage sites at an unprecedented rate, and firm, centre-heavy control, Xi’s China wants to get to the top and stay there.

There’s another problem. Are the others just going to sit down and simply observe what is going on? It seems that Trump is pretty furious about China and its economy, so, as a result, he started a small trade and tax war. Where there’s fear and rage, there must be a reason for it. Let’s wait and see the outcome of this!

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C O RPO RATE

JUBMES banka a.d. Beograd

Results Exceeded Our Expectations In 2017 Jubmes bank significantly exceeded its targets in terms of profitability, deposit potential and placements to clients’ growth. Substantial profitability growth is expected also for the year 2018

What is the opportunity of small banks in Serbian banking market to find their position and assure quality clients?

MILOŠ VUJNOVIĆ, PhD CEO at JUBMES banka a.d. Beograd

Miloš Vujnović, CEO at JUBMES banka a.d.

Beograd took up the leading position in the Executive Board at the time when JUBMES banka was operating in difficult conditions, but managed to reverse the trend.

Are you satisfied with the business results achieved in 2017 and what are the expected trends in 2018?

— I am very satisfied with the results achieved in 2017 and the continuity of the positive trend in operating business, established in the last two years. The results achieve indicate a significant improvement in Bank’s financial situation, which is reflected in high growth of balance sheet amount of 25,5%, further growth of placements to active clients exceeding 46%, interest income growth of 13.2%, as well as in further decrease of non-performing loans participation in Bank’s portfolio to the 5.1% level, which is significantly under the Serbian banking sector’s average.

I am especially proud of depositor’s increasing confidence in the

Bank, resulting in 92.5% savings deposits growth, bringing them to the historically highest level.

The focus of activity over the past two years has been to attract new clients and expand the loan portfolio. Total cumulative growth of placements to active clients realized in this period is approx.

250%, reaching also the historically highest level.

I would especially like to point out, that in 2017 the Bank significantly exceeded its targets in terms of profitability, deposit potential and placements to clients growth, maintaining also traditionally high liquidity as well as the stability of the capital adequacy ratio. With the level of 34,6% capital adequacy ratio remains within the top of the Serbian banking sector.

Substantial profitability growth is expected also for the year 2018, as indicated by the realized net interest income in the first quarter 2018, achieving a growth of 30.1%, as well as the fact that the active placements portfolio continued the upward trend. All the above mentioned results, together with other significant financial effects recorded by the Bank in the first quarter of 2018, generated the exceptional result, i.e. the profit before taxation of 298 million dinars. Owing to this, the return on equity ratio shall also significantly grow in 2018 and exceed the rate of 10%.

— Serbian banking market is characterized by high competition, significant segmentation, certain groups withdrawal and consolidation as well as the emergence of new market participants. Market trends, as decrease of interest rates on banks placements, and decrease of funding costs, are also unfavorable for banks having smaller market share, especially one that does not have support from a foreign parent behind.

Although a limitation factor, this is encouraging us to be better focused, believing that we will only with the exceptional quality of services provided satisfy the needs of our clients and establish

and services fully tailored to the exclusive needs of clients, and above all expertise and unique know how that the Bank has thanks to the long tradition of doing business.

How do you perceive Bank’s position in the next five years?

— We managed to completely overcome significant negative trends that have generated losses in the previous period. For this reason, in my opinion, this makes the Bank a stable, profitable and prospective bank for the coming period. With respect to the different approach to operations in the Bank during the past two years, it can be expected with high certainty that in the forthcoming period the Bank will continue with achieving its strategic goals, through further

I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD OF DEPOSITOR’S INCREASING CONFIDENCE IN THE BANK, RESULTING IN 92.5% SAVINGS DEPOSITS GROWTH, BRINGING THEM TO THE HISTORICALLY HIGHEST LEVEL long-term relationships with them.

Our clients are our ambassadors and their recommendation has for decades been our only marketing channel, giving the whole JUBMES bank’s business concept a noteworthy exclusivity.

Which products are the most attractive to Bank’s clients?

— The Bank's attractiveness is not just in its products, but in the realization manner, that is, in services provided. Although Bank’s products and services offered to both corporate and retail clients are very competitive in terms of conditions, additional value for customers is speed and efficiency, the ability to make products

growth of profitability, volume of business activities and increase of Bank’s market share. I would say there is significant capacity for that, having in mind the very high capital adequacy.

I am convinced that, as in the past, Bank’s experience in operations with corporate clients will have a special place in the future.

In the following period we are planning to develop alternative distribution channels, focusing on digital banking and improving existing online services. Potentially, a certain expansion of the branch network is possible in future, but I certainly expect the Bank to maintain its strategic orientation towards corporate clients.

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C O RPO RATE

The International School of Belgrade

Education that Makes a Difference Strong academics, experienced international faculty and commitment to service are some of the reasons parents and children have been choosing our school for seven decades. Our students report that they gain a better understanding of their place in the world and a feeling that they can make a difference

ROB RISCH Ed.D. Director, The International School of Belgrade

consistent over the years and continue to be in demand for our parent population.

What are the main reasons why parents and children choose your school?

The International School of Belgrade is an educational institution with remarkable history and achievements in our setting.

This year, your school is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

What is the secret of your longevity in this business?

— Belgrade is a leading European city and has been for many years.

At the conclusion of World War II there was a growing number of expatriate families locating to Belgrade as members of diplomatic missions and foreign businesses.

These families were only in Belgrade for a limited period of time, and therefore having their children go to local schools was a difficult option. There was a recognized need for a school to educate the children of these families, and due to the diversity of the families themselves, the school providing such an education needed to understand and cater to the transient nature of this population. Since the founding of ISB in 1948, the need for this type of high quality education has continued and grown.

Some of the principles that form the foundations of our school are using English as the language of instruction, following an internationally recognized and accredited curriculum, and highlighting and celebrating the diversity represented by the students from many nationalities attending our school.

These elements have all remained

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— One reason is the trust in our programs that comes with the successful 70-year history of our school. Another major factor is the diversity represented by our student and parent community. By celebrating this we help to foster an atmosphere that leads to an appreciation of diversity, open-mindedness, tolerance, and an international outlook where students truly view themselves as citizens of the world. Parents can also take confidence and assurance from our accreditation and authorization from multiple agencies: CIS – the Council of International Schools, NEASC – the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, IB – the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the Serbian Ministry of Education.

Program, and DP – the rigorous Diploma Program. Our parents and graduates also choose our school for our fully-developed university counselling program and successful history of graduates gaining acceptance to premium colleges and universities across the world.

Another main reason why I believe parents choose our school is because of our experienced, international faculty. Our teachers come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, with currently eleven different nationalities represented. The majority of our teachers are international educators with previous experience working in other international schools. In addition, our faculty is highly-educated with over 70% having obtained advanced degrees at the Masters or Doctoral levels.

Most importantly, they all subscribe to our Mission and Philosophy that we inspire, equip, and empower our students to be active and enthusiastic participants in their own learning.

CHILDREN AND PARENTS APPRECIATE OUR SCHOOL DUE TO DIVERSITY, OPEN-MINDEDNESS, TOLERANCE, AND AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK WHERE STUDENTS TRULY VIEW THEMSELVES AS CITIZENS OF THE WORLD Academics are of course of primary importance for parents, and ISB has always focused on strong academics. At the same time, we embrace teaching methodologies that enable students to gain the skills to be able to apply their knowledge, and to critically analyse issues from various perspectives. ISB offers IB programs at all levels: PYP – the Primary Years Program, MYP – the Middle Years

Something that sets ISB apart and is valued by parents and students is our commitment to service. The International School of Belgrade believes in making the world a better place through education. Our Mission Statement includes the premise that students will “…contribute positively to society.” ISB fully integrates this ethos into our teaching and learning. All students, regardless of

age, participate in our Community Service Program. In addition to high academic rigor, having our students experience volunteer service in Belgrade and Serbia is a cornerstone of our curriculum.

It is through service that students become more caring, open-minded and reflective, and develop more self-confidence and maturity.

Our students report that they gain a better understanding of their place in the world and a feeling that they can make a difference.

Parents and students also choose ISB because we are the only school in Belgrade that is a member of the Central Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA). As a member of CEESA our Upper School students have access to a variety of international events and competitions across the continent. Our students travel to many major European cities to participate in a variety of events that include Choir festivals, Math competitions, Model United Nations, Speech & Debate and Knowledge Bowl tournaments, in addition to athletic tournaments in football (soccer), basketball, and volleyball. Our students return with new friendships and lifelong memories from these trips.

How much has the educational process been changing along with the society and how do you adapt to this rapid development?

— The increase in the amount of information that is available in the world today, compared to 70 years ago, is staggering. Educational knowledge in the past could be passed along to students by well-informed teachers in a much simpler and compact delivery. This is no longer possible in today’s world. Instead, our focus has

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transformed from teaching content to teaching conceptually. We now teach students how to learn, rather than what to learn. The emphasis is on skills, rather than facts. Students learn to gather information from various sources, and also gain the skills to analyze the relevance and reliability of the sources themselves. The information gathered needs to be critically reviewed and discussed with adults and their peers, inferences drawn need to be further examined from various perspectives, and conclusions viewed as subject to interpretation. Our students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to see different viewpoints and accept multiple solutions and outcomes.

They also develop skills in working collaboratively, questioning each other and sources, as well as skills in presenting their learning in various multi-media formats.

Every year, you hold an Open Day for parents interested in enrolling their children in your school. What importance does this dialogue have in establishing a connection between the school and its students?

— On these occasions we prepare presentations by staff and students regarding our programs, and provide opportunities for prospective families to tour our facilities and visit classes. For parents and students who live locally but may not know much about our school, Open Day offers a chance to familiarize themselves with our programs at ISB. This year Open Day will take place on May 16, and this includes an invitation to also

attend our Spring Fair on May 19.

The Spring Fair presents a more informal opportunity for interested new families to truly gain a sense of our multi-cultural community

Now, this kind of schooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice among children from Serbia who want an internationally recognized education. How

THE INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE WORLD TODAY IS STAGGERING. THEREFORE WE NOW TEACH STUDENTS HOW TO LEARN, RATHER THAN WHAT TO LEARN with celebrations including a ‘Parade of Nations’, music, games, and food from all over the world.

Back in the day, children of foreigners who lived in Serbia usually attended schools like yours.

is this reflected in the way you present the school's capacity?

— We welcome students from all nationalities who have a desire to follow and contribute to our mission and core values. We currently have about 45 nationalities repre-

sented, and the Serbian community is among our largest. About 75% of our students represent countries other than Serbia, so our international composition is quite varied and we have maintained this ratio over the years. In any international school it is important to have a rich variety of nationalities, cultures, and languages, which ensures that no single way of thinking or acting dominates others. Many of our Serbian families join ISB for long-term commitments and help maintain an institutional memory that successfully blends elements from their culture with our international setting.

What are your key goals in terms of the further development of educational and non-educational content?

— In addition to our own internal ongoing review and revision of our programs and practices, we also engage in authorization reviews from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), and our accrediting agencies in Europe (CIS) and North America (NEASC). While the IB monitors curriculum and instruction, CIS and NEASC also examine our finances, facilities, governance and legal structures, and all other matters pertaining to high quality international education. By meeting or exceeding the standards and expectations that are explicitly listed and evaluated by visiting teams, and are part of the re-accreditation process, we provide assurance to all of our stakeholders that we continuously review, revise and improve our high standards.

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C O RPO RATE

Sberbank Srbija

Net Profit Almost Doubled Sberbank Srbija recorded an increase in profitability of 84% and achieved a profit after tax of 802.9 million dinars as of YE 2017. Growing customer base, new partnerships, asset quality improvement, significant increase of transaction business and fee income together with flat operating expenses were the main drivers of the result

"It is a great pleasure for me that we can report top business results for 2017 for all segments of our business. By developing new, innovative and creative solutions in the field of digitization, we have once again proved that we are following the needs of our clients and keeping up with the latest global trends in banking", said Marijana Vasilescu, Head of the Executive Board and CEO of Sberbank Srbija.

During 2016, the bank made significant progress in reducing the level of non-performing loans of as much as 40% compared to 2016.

This result was achieved thanks to strong improvement in collection, restructuring and write-off of uncollectible receivables.

The bank realized a net interest income in the amount of 4.3 billion dinars while the total net fee income amounts to slightly over 1.2 billion dinars, which represents a 41% increase in comparison to the previous year. The share of income from fees in total revenues is 19.7%.

Within retail business, the bank has fostered numerous initiatives in the field of partnerships, development of card business and its digital products and services. An extensive customer satisfaction survey conducted by Sberbank Srbija in 2017 underpinned a very high level of customer satisfaction. Six out of ten respondents are ready to recommend Sberbank's services, making Sberbank Srbija the best bank on the Serbian market.

"We are very proud to have managed to further strengthen the segment of retail business through

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the partnership with the largest loyalty program in the region "Super Card", as well as by setting up excellent bases for cooperation with NIS Gazprom Neft through the joint project "With Us on the Road"," added Mariana Vasilescu.

As for the number of users of

electronic banking, Sberbank Srbija recorded significant growth in relation to 2016. The biggest achievement was made in the field of mobile banking, where the number of registered users increased by 113%.

Competitive, transparent and customized loan offers have

SBERBANK SRBIJA IS RECOGNIZED ON THE LOCAL MARKET AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN SERBIAN AND RUSSIAN COMPANIES

boosted the bank’s total loan portfolio. New loans in all business segments of the bank grew by onethird (34%) compared to 2016 and amounted to 39.4 billion dinars as of December 31, 2017.

Continuous improvement of Sberbank's products and services resulted in an increase of the retail loan volume by 28% compared to the previous year.

In the sector of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the loan volume increased by 17%, while the recorded growth in the Large Corporate Clients sector grew by 56%.

Total amount of deposits in the Retail and Micro Enterprises segment as of December 31, 2017 amounted to 39.5 billion dinars, which represents an increase of 11%. The achieved growth is the best reflection of clients' trust.

Sberbank Srbija is recognized on the local market as a bridge between Serbian and Russian companies, which has contributed significantly to participation in foreign trade with Russia of as much as 20%.

Capital adequacy improves from year to year and stood at 30.14% at the end of 2017, comfortably meeting all regulatory requirements.

KEY RESULTS ACHIEVED DURING 2017* • NPL decreased significantly from 22.3% in 2016 to 12.7% in 2017 • The total amount of deposits from clients amounts to 70.4 billion dinars, which is an increase of 4.6 billion dinars • Customer’s loans amount to 73.9 billion dinars, with a significant improvement in the quality of the portfolio due to the reduction of non-performing loans (RSD 7.1 billion NPL decline in relation to 2016) • The share of the bank in total foreign trade with Russia reaches 20% • The realized increase in net fee income is 41% • The balance amount is 116 billion dinars with a growth of almost 12%.

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C O RPO RATE

YUTON d.o.o.

Products of Premium Quality

YUTON d.o.o. was established in Belgrade in the second half of 2015 and is the daughter company of the Gaston Group from the Czech Republic

YUTON d.o.o. in Serbia is servicing the Serbian, Montenegrin and Bosnian markets. Some of the prominent clients of Yuton Serbia include METRO, TEMPO, MAXI, MERCATOR, RODA, IDEA, GOMEX, DIS, VEROPOULOS, AROMA Marketi, as well as stores from the DTL group such as EUROPROM, MEDIUS, PODUNAVLJE, in addition to independent big regional food hypermarket chains such as SINAGOGA, VENERA, NS BOMI, AMIGO etc.

We would like to underline that our canned products and food products with a long shelf life, manufactured under the KAISER FRANZ JOSEF and GIANA brands, are of premium quality, produced under high standards and, as such, verified and audited on a yearly basis by major manufacturers around the world, including those from Morocco, Spain, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China or Ecuador.

In addition to dealing with canned food products, YUTON d.o.o. has been servicing successfully the HORECA market with frozen bakery products, mostly focusing on the greater region of Belgrade, and relying on its General Manager, Mr. Nouri Chahid’s extensive knowledge of the bakery business in Europe, while carefully selecting products that are best suited for the local market, be it bread, baguettes, pastry and

sweets & desserts and other.

SARDINES – LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE

Sardines contain a multitude of vital nutrients and are considered one of the top 5 foods to be eaten as much as possible if you suffer from diabetes. 100 grams of sardines a day contain recommended daily doses of vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamins B1 and B6, vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) can help prevent cataract and migraine, niacin reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis,

while sufficient amount of vitamin B12 can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Vitamin D helps prevent arthritis and cancer. Omega-3 is important for the cardiovascular system, and it protects the body from the damage caused by excessive sunbathing.

It is also very useful in prevention of asthma in children, it protects from some types of cancer, reduces the risk of leukemia, and acts as an antioxidant Conserved sardines do not contain carbohydrates, dietary fiber or sugar. However, they do contain a lot of protein - even a small amount can help fulfill the daily need for protein.

OUR CANNED PRODUCTS AND FOOD PRODUCTS WITH A LONG SHELF LIFEARE OF PREMIUM QUALITY ARE PRODUCED UNDER HIGH STANDARDS

TUNA – HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Tuna is one of the healthiest types of fish. It is a source of high-quality protein, has very little fat, contains minerals such as potassium, selenium and magnesium, and large amounts of vitamin B complex, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Vitamin E and selenium prevent some forms of cancer such as pancreatic cancer and cancer of digestive system, stomach, esophagus, larynx, and, as the recent findings show, colorectal cancer too.

Omega-3 fatty acids prevent breast cancer and also reduce the risk of leukemia.

They improve eyesight, help reduce blood clots, and prevent heart attack and stroke. Tuna also prevents inflammation and the formation of blood clots as a result of cholesterol.

It reduces bad cholesterol and boosts the good one, prevents inflammation and stimulates blood flow to the brain, as well as plays an important role in delaying memory loss, and reduces the likelihood of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Selenium found in tuna is an antioxidant that improves the health of the liver.

Tuna is an excellent choice and the main ingredient in any diet. It is beneficial for athletes or if you exercise because a small portion of tuna will cover fifty percent of your daily protein requirements.

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I NTERVIEW

Text: ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

Media's Frivolousness is a Result of Irresponsibility It's not that media freedom is jeopardized here, but freedom of speech is

DRAGOLJUB ŽARKOVIĆ Editor-in-Chief of Vreme weekly

At the time of the biggest media blackout, in the 1990s, magazine Vreme was the one that shone through because it was harbouring democratic or oppositionary ideas contrary to the government in power, even those ideas that, at the time, seemed eternal.

This was a very difficult road for the magazine to take, namely to „be on the line for other side to be heard“, but Vreme came out victorious. We are talking to one of the bards of the Serbian journalism and one of the calmest, yet sharpest journalists in this region – Dragoljub Žarković.

In his book „It's me, Eddie“, Eduard Limonov says that the main difference between socialism and liberal capitalism lies in the fact that there is open censorship in socialism, while in liberal capitalism there is "silent censorship" where the government declares non-commercial everything that it doesn't like which, as a result, "dies out in the market" on its own. This probably explains Limonov's later inclination towards the right. Are we today seeing critical and objective thinking being pushed out of focus precisely in the same way?

— While I was a faculty professor, the students used to call me „the teacher of skills“. This saved me from having to engage in theoretical discussions and learned considerations. Today, I am not even

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tempted to get into that. Limonov certainly had different experiences than someone like me. We did not have the same kind of socialism that Limonov and his ancestors suffered under. Here, in Serbia, liberal capitalism is not fully implemented or realized. Here, the boundaries of freedom have always been somewhat wider. Today, you can be free provided you choose poverty. Hence, it is not really required for something to „die out“ on its own. There will always be someone who will pay you a ticket to hell if he sees you as a political opponent. The problem runs much deeper. We have an attempt at liberal capitalism here. And when you attempt to have liberal capitalism, what happens is that there are no rules in place, not even the ones that apply to the media.

Aldous Huxley wrote about a much more realistic dystopia

than Orwell. Instead of secret police and Stalinism, there is this drowning in banal and hedonistic. Do you think that we are drowning in cheap content today, and that people are becoming disinterested in serious topics?

— For weeks, one of the most popular websites here has been running a story about our popular singer being beat up by her husband, and all the articles on this topic were published in the segment „Entertainment“.

I think that this would suffice as an answer to your question, if, to

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE WHO WILL PAY YOU A TICKET TO HELL IF HE SEES YOU AS A POLITICAL OPPONENT

top it all off, there wasn't a media coverage of the funeral of the father of one of a reality show participants.

My answer is still the same, albeit reinforced by the latter example.

The media have been reporting day and night about celebrities that were against vaccinations. First, they praised them, then shamed them. The frivolousness you are asking me about is due to irresponsibility and incompetence, or the absence of the intention on the state and the society's part to react.

Why is abstention seen as a higher good today? It seems that we cannot expect to see either a protest or a revolution, especially after every revolution has either resulted in failure (the Arab Spring), or rather questionable results (Serbia, Ukraine). Do you think that young people will rise?

— There were such periods throughout the history of mankind. Revolutions are like summer rain - irascible and sudden. And, as you say, they either end up in failure, or yield questionable results.

I also sleep in when I don't have anything to do in the morning.

Why would young people rise up?

Healthy sleep is the best medicine.

Could you give us a short overview of the situation in

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critically-inclined media, from Milošević's to Vučić's time, and those in between?

— Criticism is the basis of good media policy. But the game here is much more perfidious. Media freedom is not jeopardized, rather the freedom of expression is. The situation is similar, if not the same, today as it was back then. However, such situations do not last long. Young people will wake up, and maybe I will start getting up early too.

No government lasts forever, unless you are Milo Djukanović, as the joke goes. This also applies to those politicians who were elected to power like Lukashenko, Orban, Vučić, Putin, Erdogan and others. Beating them at democratic election is not even in near perspective. How should we handle the stabilocracies that we are living in now?

— Try to enjoy the security and certainty that it gives you. Or take advantage of such a state! After all, the whole world is gnashing its teeth over the situation you describe in certain parts of the world and in certain regimes, and everybody wants to get the most out of it for themselves. That's probably called real

politics. Satisfying one's interests has always been the driving force behind world politics. Once these interests are satisfied, changes ensue.

What is the future of the socalled serious press at the time when tabloids and the Internet dominate?

of the events that affect their lives.

Did you read the book "I, the Tycoon", wrriten by Miroslav Mišković, and if you did, what is your view of this testament of our time?

— Of course I read it. To quote the people who like bombastic head-

CRITICISM IS THE BASIS OF GOOD MEDIA POLICY. BUT THE GAME HERE IS MUCH MORE PERFIDIOUS

— Dare I say it, it's good. The most serious ones will survive. Although, the forms of expression will change, people will always feel the need to know the "third dimension"

lines, the book “I, the Tycoon” has caused “a storm in the region”.

Such people, and others like them, have focused more on the political sauciness of the book. However,

the important and valuable parts of the book in which Mišković describes a tycoon’s business and life philosophy, and the philosophy behind the man who is probably the most successful Serbian businessman of modern day and age were pushed into the background to make way for the stories about how he made his first million, his kidnapping, arrest, trial, relations with politicians, or rather a movie-like biography of Miroslav Mišković. There are segments of the book that contribute to the understanding of real business, and some of the principles described there can also help novices in business. Unfortunately, it's too late for me.

I DON'T LIKE THE PROTOCOL You are known for not attending diplomatic receptions, with the exception of the reception in celebration of the Queen's birthday at the UK Embassy because „the wife of your best man is peforming“.

Why? — A small correction – my best man is playing, and his wife is singing. To be honest, I am tired of these receptions because they are all the same. I find it difficult to distinguish between who is lying to whom anymore, and I am referring to the Serbian guests at these receptions. I have my ways of finding out what is important, if I really wanted to know. I am now at the age when I am aversed to protocol of any kind.

C O RPO RATE

Belmax Center

ZHEJIANG EXPORT FAIR (SERBIA) “The Chinese Product Fair” will take place at Belgrade’s Belmax Center from 24th to 26th May with over 60 leading companies / exhibitors from the Chinese province of Zhejiang showcasing their products from the segment of construction, interior and exterior decoration, electronics, electrical goods, lighting, machinery and other equipment.

This unique event, organized by one of the most developed Chinese provinces, takes place in 10 countries around the world, and for the first time ever, in 2017, it was held in the Balkan region, in Belgrade. The last year’s Fair was a success which prompted organizers to hold one this year too.

The Fair will be held at the Belmax Trade and Logistics Center

in Zemun, which will provide technical support, while the Ministry of Economy of the region of Zhejiang is the host.

Zhejiang, with the capital city of Hangzhou, has the population of over 60 million, while branch offices of over 500 of the world's most successful companies are located in the cities of this region.

Over the past year, Zhejiang's overseas investments amounted to over $14 billion, while the region received $17 billion of FDI, which reflects the enormous potential of this area.

Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Chinese Embassy in Belgrade have all given their support to the Fair, which just demonstrates the importance of this event for

the economies and cooperation between China and the Balkan countries.

In addition to Serbia, the Fair is held in Japan, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Vietnam, Iran and Malaysia.

The Fair will be opened to

visitors from 24th to 26th of May, from 10am to 5pm.

The Belmax Center is located at Autoput 20, in Zemun, at the intersection of the E70 and E75 motorways.

The entrance is free.

For more information, visit www.belmaxcenter.com.

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Life As It Should Be By the end of the year Luštica Bay will have completed the two most important anchors in phase one of the project – the marina and The Chedi hotel Luštica bay is so sensitively woven into the local landscape it’s hard to believe that in 2008, the only buildings in the area were some old military barracks and the ruins of a romantic Austro- Hungarian fort.

The peninsular was empty, virgin coastline and Luštica Bay itself a mere gleam in the eye of Orascom’s visionary chairman, Samih Sawiris.

Luštica Bay’s original planners were entrusted with the task of turning this spectacular site, a former military training ground of 6.9 million square metres, into a living, breathing Montenegrin town; a place where some residents would buy second homes and others live all year round.

The building project might take as long as 15 years, but even when the community’s infrastructure is completed, Orascom will continue

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to operate, manage, and run the town’s services in consultation with its residents, as it does in all of its other town developments.

Ultimately, Luštica Bay will include a richly diverse property portfolio, two world-class marinas, seven hotels and a Gary Player-designed signature 18-hole championship golf course, not to mention

struction and numbers of residents,’ says CEO Darren Gibson. ‘It has been extremely satisfying to reap the rewards of all that hard work and have the key elements in place.’

Back in 2008, it was important the team took time to plan, research and reflect. The master plan they devised covered the architectural standards they sought

EXCITINGLY, 2018 MARKS THE COMPLETION OF PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT beaches, shops, restaurants and cafes, sporting facilities, schools and medical centres to cater to the community it set out to develop.

Excitingly, 2018 marks the completion of phase one of the project.

‘We’re rapidly approaching a critical mass, both in terms of physical con-

to achieve and the aesthetic they envisaged, always focusing on the community they intended to welcome and the eco-sustainability of the entire infrastructure.

The team spent days travelling up and down the coast, taking photographs and making sketches,

particularly in Perast and Herceg Novi, studying the vernacular architecture and how people lived in it. They looked not only at the more obvious features, such as city squares, but also at the simpler details – perhaps a space housing no more than a bench, but a bench with a fantastic view. All of those typographies fed into the architectural palette and overall scheme developed for Luštica Bay. It wasn’t until 2013 that ground was broken for phase one of the development, and construction began on the first 10 apartment buildings. From the very start, certain key values informed Orascom’s vision and strategy, as Darren Gibson explains. ‘We have a genuine concern that our project integrates with the local community and we happily invest heavily in worthwhile projects. It’s very important

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to ensure that we enjoy a sound long-term relationship with the community because without their acceptance, we fail.’

Later in 2013, work began on the marina, a phase one ‘anchor’ which will keep residents, holiday-home owners and visitors coming to the resort year after year. This work is now coming to a triumphant conclusion, with two hotly anticipated openings this summer: The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel and the first state-of-the-art marina in the development.

A 176-slip main marina accommodates boats up to 35m in length, while a sizeable secondary mooring that will include 50 berths for vessels of varying sizes is also planned in the medium term. Yachting and marina services will include repairs and maintenance, fueling, electricity, security and access to professional maintenance staff – and if seafarers decide to drop anchor, the delights of Luštica’s Marina Village

await. Its elegant harbor seafront is home to bars, restaurants and a stylish collection of holiday shops (think fashion, beauty and beachwear), as well as marine services outlets including chandlery and charter operators.

Just as important to Luštica’s signature blend of luxury, wellbe-

outpost of a renowned international hotel brand on their doorstep – just the ticket for a little rest and relaxation after a hard day’s hiking or sailing. The Chedi and the marina are far from the only important milestones in the development’s history. In 2014, permission was granted for the development’s Gary

WE HAVE A GENUINE CONCERN THAT OUR PROJECT INTEGRATES WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ing, natural beauty and thoughtful architectural aesthetic is The Chedi Luštica Bay. ‘Alongside our focus on integration, the first years of the project have emphasized delivery – the physical construction of these key elements,’ says Darren Gibson.

This chic five-star hotel will be a serene oasis, with food as stellar as its interior design and spa. Residents will now have the glamorous

Player designed golf course (see our feature on page 76) and in 2015, a summer launch party celebrated Luštica’s first year of operation, with properties handed over to the first of our happy residents.

In 2016, Orascom took on a sister project, with plans to convert the dramatic fortress island of Mamula at the entrance to the Boka Kotorska bay into a hotel and spa.

The development of Centrale, a town centre which will be the heart of Luštica, continues apace. Phase two of the project will see the completion of the market, school, clinic, shops for all residents’ day-today needs, emergency services and a blend of studios and apartments.

Public space will be a vital component, with an esplanade, gallery, community space, piazza, park and streets, shaded by Montenegro’s native cypress, olive and pine trees.

‘2018 is a tipping point for us.’ - explains Darren Gibson. ‘By the end of the year we will have completed the two most important anchors in phase one of the project – the marina and The Chedi hotel – and we will be approaching a critical mass in terms of property, facilities and residents. More challenges lie ahead, but for now we take pride in what we’ve achieved and our buyers can see the vision become reality. These are exciting times for us.’

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C O RPO RATE

Novi Sad Fair

With Agriculture to Success The Novi Sad Fair fuses together the most valuable assets that Serbia has with the best in the world. We present the strategic point where businesses connect, and where successful companies and successful individuals meet

SLOBODAN CVETKOVIĆ Director General of Novi Sad Fair

The large number of exhibitors from abroad and the great interest of business people and visitors in the events at the Agricultural Fair are the best indicators that agribusiness is crucial for economic development and prosperity not only for our country but for the entire region - Slobodan Cvetković, Director General of the Novi Sad Fair, says in an interview for Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, dedicated to the 85th International Agricultural Fair.

Novi Sad will play host to agricultural superpowers from 15th to 21st May.

— The International Agricultural Fair is a kind of a cross-section of the most current topics, trends, products and services, which are important to the national market, as well as the wider region. This is the place where businesses from Serbia and the region connect with their counterparts from all over the world. The Fair is the place where East and West meet both economically- and diplomatically-wise.

The Fair showcases the developments in the know-how, production and science. It also promotes the importance of innovation and represents a synthesis of experience and achievements in the Serbian agriculture, while providing strong support to the Serbian economy. The May Fair in Novi Sad is the biggest of its kind, and because of everything that it represents and stands for, it is the most important

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agribusiness event in Central and South-Eastern Europe.

land and Turkey will also present themselves at the Fair.

Which countries are exhibitors coming from?

The Agricultural Fair attracts attention of both business people and state officials.

— Companies from 29 countries are coming directly to the Fair, while products and services from a total of 60 countries will be presented at the event. France is the official country-friend of this year's Fair. Compared to the previous year, there will be significantly more companies from Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania, while companies from Russia, Tunisia, Great Britain and Luxembourg, which were not present last year, will also be exhibiting. Furthermore, companies from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Croatia, India, Israel, China, Hungary, Macedonia, Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzer-

— The Fair’s role is to be the leader by bringing leaders together, while for exhibitors, their appearance at the Fair is also a measure of success. The Novi Sad Fair fuses together the most valuable assets that Serbia has with the best in the world. We present the strategic point where businesses connect, while also establishing links between successful companies and successful individuals.

High-ranking state representatives from around the world are also our visitors. We have been informed that 15 ministers of agriculture will come to the Fair, in addition to numerous ambassadors. We will have political, economic, and scientific delegations coming from

THE MAY FAIR IN NOVI SAD IS THE BIGGEST OF ITS KIND, AND BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING THAT IT REPRESENTS AND STANDS FOR, IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AGRIBUSINESS EVENT IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

China, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Romania, Montenegro, Slovakia, Albania, France, Russia, Holland, Tunisia, South Africa and even from Cuba.

What is there to see at the 85th Agricultural Fair?

— Livestock exhibition is one of the most important and most interesting segments. About 1,600 animals will be exhibited this year.

An outdoor exhibition of agricultural machinery, with more than 100 world-famous brands showcasing their machinery, has always been very popular. Twenty companies, which are all members of the Business Association of Importers and Exporters of Agricultural Machinery, will give a great contribution to this year’s Fair. Over 50 expert meetings, lectures and conferences will be held at the Fair’s Congress Centre.

International B2B meetings, exhibitions of organic and geographical indication products, Serbian craft breweries, cattle auction, and international equestrian competitions are only a part of the events that the largest agribusiness event in Central and Southeast Europe has prepared.

In 2018, the Novi Sad Fair celebrates several jubilees.

— The Novi Sad Fair is the oldest fairground in Serbia. It was founded 95 years ago, and, this year, the International Agricultural Fair will be held for the 85th time. However, quality assessment event, which was first organized in Novi Sad 130 years ago, is even older than both the Novi Sad and the Agricultural fairs. One of the trademarks of the International Agricultural Fair is a game that we prepare for visitors with purchased tickets every year. The Agropanonka Company is giving away a Belarus 622 tractor and a rotary mower, while the KITE DOO Company will give away the 5045d tractor, in celebration of 100 years of production of John Deere tractors.

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PEO PLE & EVENT S

Serbian PM Ana Brnabić

H.E. Axel Dittmann

12 EUROPEAN MOVEMENT APR

ABOUT EDUCATIONAL CHANGES

The European Movement in Serbia organized a corporate conference on current changes in the education sector in Aeroklub, with a special focus on harmonization of the secondary and higher education system

with the needs of the labor market and companies operating in the territory of Serbia. The opening speeches at the conference were held by the Serbian PM Ana Brnabić and the Ambassador of Germany to Serbia, H. E. Axel Dittmann.

18 GALA EVENING: APR

FRENCH GRAND PRIX FOR THE BEST

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce held its annual Gala evening last night, attended by over 150 members of diplomatic corps, distinguished businessmen and members of the Chamber. The Grand Prix awards of the Chamber for best projects and campaigns realised during the last year, we given to the companies Mlekoprodukt, Total and Adria Media Group.

H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni

Sanja Ivanić, director of FSCC, Bojana Momčilov, H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni, Communication Manager at Mlekoprodukt and French Ambassador to Serbia Dragoljub Damljanović, President of FSCC

H.E. Jean Claude Brunet, H.E. Axel Dittmann,H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni, Ivica Dačić and Nebojša Stefanović

18 MEETING OF THE LOCAL APR

COORDINATION GROUP ON ILLICIT FIREARMS TRAFFICKING IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Meeting of the local coordination group on illicit firearms trafficking in the Western Balkans was held jointly by German and French embassies. The guests receieved joint welcoming remarks by H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni, French Ambassador to Serbia and H.E. Axel Dittmann, German Ambassador to Serbia, and the opening address was made by Ivica Dačić, Serbian FM and Nebojša Stefanović, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia. The guests discussed the ways of stoping this dangerous activity.

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18 CROATIAN BUSINESSMEN OPENED A APR

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN BELGRADE

Five years after the closing, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce opened a representative office in Serbia, the eight most important trading partner of Croatia. The reason for this is the large number of Croatian companies operating in Serbia, as well as the desire to improve the business communication of the businessmen. By opening a ceremonial table in the building on Topličin Venac, the work of the HGK in Serbia officially began, after being closed since in 2013. The presidents of the two chambers of commerce, Marko Čadež and Luka Burilović, emphasized the importance of further developing the economic relations of the two countries

Svetlana Sabo, Director of TO Sremska Mitrovica, Žikica Milošević and Father Vladislav Varga

Marko Čadež

Luka Burilović

Igor Šćurk, Miljan Garčević, Svetlana Sabo, Žikica Milošević, Vladislav Varga and Robert Čoban, President of CPG

19 PROMOTION OF THE BOOK "LOST IN APR

THE PLAIN" IN SREMSKA MITROVICA

On Thursday, April 19, in the Reading Room of the Gligorije Vozarović Library in Sremska Mitrovica, another one in the series of promotion of the book "Lost in the Plain" by Žikica Milošević was held. The promotion was attended by: Robert Čoban, CPG President, as moderator, Žikica Milošević, author, Vladislav Varga - Greek Catholic priest from S. Mitrovica, Miljan Garčević - historian, Svetlana Sabo - director of TO SM as well as Igor Šćurk - Ukrainian from Mitrovica who appears in the book who stressed that his ancestors came from western Ukraine first to Prnjavor surroundings in Bosnia, and 60s and 70s to Srem.

H.E. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Serbia

19 SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF APR

THE SWISS STRATEGY AT DORĆOL PLATZ

The launching ceremony of the new Cooperation Strategy Serbia 2018-2021 was held in Belgrade. Numerous representatives from the public administration, donor community, diplomacy, civil society, business and media

were among guests in the crowded Dorćol Platz hall. The Strategy launch was created both as formal and informal event, accompanied by music programme and social gathering of the Swiss and Serbian cooperation partners.

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PEO PLE & EVENT S

H.E. Pertti Ikonen

19 FIFTH FINNISH APR

FILM WEEK

The fifth Finnish Film Week is organized by the Finnish Film Foundation, the Cultural Centre of Belgrade and the Embassy of Finland at the Cultural Centre of Belgrade Movie Theatre from 19 to 23 April.

Serbian film director Bojan Vuletic selected nine of the

latest Finnish feature and documentary films for the program. Ambassador Pertti Ikonen hosted a Cocktail for friends of Finnish cinema and officially opened the Finnish Film Week with “Little Wing”, directed by Selma Vilhunen, which won the 2017 Nordic Council Film Prize.

20 ALGERIAN CULTURAL APR

DAYS IN SERBIA

With the aim of strengthening friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Serbia, the Algerian cultural days in Serbia were opened in the National Library of Serbia by Asja Drača-Muntean, Assistant Minister of Culture and Media and H. E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, Ambassador of Algeria to Serbia, in the presence of Mr. Zoran Đorđević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy of Serbia, HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II Karađorđević as well as personalities from the world of culture and arts and a large audience

H.E. Hossein Molla Abdollahi and Zoran Đorđević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy of Serbia

Zoran Đorđević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy of Serbia and H. E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub

20 DAY OF THE ARMED APR

FORCES OF IRAN

In the hotel "Hyatt Regency" in Belgrade, a celebration was held on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ambassador of Iran to the Serbian capital, H.E. Hossein Molla Abdollahi ceremoniously welcomed the guests who then enjoyed the two-hour gathering and the programme organised in honour of this significant date.

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www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

26 KONINGSDAG CELEBRATED APR

IN BELGRADE

On the occasion of the Dutch National Day, King’s Day, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Henk van den Dool and Ms. Kasia Pawelska hosted a reception at Kalemgdanska terasa restaurant.

The reception in Belgrade was attended by the Dutch community in Serbia, Serbian Government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the civil society and businesses. The event was organized in partnership with Heineken, supported by main sponsors.

H.E. Alona Fisher-Kamm

H.E. Henk van den Dool and Nenad Petrović, minister without portfolio in charge of innovation and technological development

Robert Čoban, Color Press Group and H.E. Alona Fisher-Kamm

08 70 YEARS MAY

OF ISRAEL

The Embassy of Israel celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel by organizing a reception on Independence Day in the ceremonial hall of the Belgrade City Assembly. Respected guests were addressed during the reception by H. E. Alona Fisher-Kamm, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Serbia. The celebration was visited by many dignitaries and people from cultural and economic life of Serbia.

Vladimir Milovanović, Ivan Tasovac, Belgrade Philharmonic, and H.E. Dae Jong YOO

08 TASTE A NEW MAY

HARMONY OF KOREAN AND SERBIAN FOOD

On Tuesday, May 8th, Korean Embassy in Serbia and Iris restaurant hosted a special dinner, where guests had a chance to taste special 7 course menu developed by the chef from Korean Residence, Jina Kim and team of chefs from Iris restaurant. Distinguished guests from members of diplomatic corps in Serbia, from

the spheres of Serbian government, culture, media, business and gastronomy took part in the event. Throughout the course Korean-Serbian fusion dishes delicately made with the mix of Korean and Serbian ingredients were served and active questions and discussion on the new cuisines among guests were continued.

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PEO PLE & EVENT S

09 EUROPE DAY AT THE MAY

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

On the Occasion of Europe Day H. E. Ambassador Sem Fabrizi & Mrs Rebecca Fabrizi organised a reception at Museum of Contemporary Art celebrating the Europe Day, also known as Schuman Day, in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration. The Council of Europe was founded on 5 May 1949, and hence it chose that day for its celebrations when it established the holiday in 1964. The celebration was attended by numerous esteemed guests and dignitaries from the economic, political, diplomatic and cultural world of Serbia.

Aleksandar Vučić, president of Serbia,H. E. Sem Fabrizi & Mrs Rebecca Fabrizi and Ana Brnabić, Serbian PM

H.E. Axell Dittmann, German ambassador, H.E. Sem Fabrizi with his wife and Mrs Dittmann

H.E. Denis Keefe, British Ambassador, H.E. Sam Fabrizi with his wife and Mrs Keefe

09 VICTORY DAY AT MAY

H.E. Axell Dittmann and H.E.Nikolaus Lutterotti, Austrian Ambassador

Nenad Popović, Zoran Đorđević, Ana Brnabić and H.E. Alexander Chepurin

H.E. Mr. Syed Adil GILANI, ambassador of Pakistan,H.E. (U) Myo AYE and Mr. Nik Ady Arman Bin Nik Mohd Kamil

H.E. Alexander Chepurin and Dragan Marković Palma, Mayor of Jagodina

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THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY

The glorious Victory Day celebration in Moscow was adequately marked at the Russian Embassy with a celebration of the victory over the world's greatest evil, Nazism, with the presence of numerous esteemed guests and dignitaries from the economic, political, diplomatic and cultural world of Serbia, Russia and friendly countries, under the auspices of H. E. Alexander Chepurin. The memory of the Immortal Regiment was evoked.

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

C O RPO RATE

Simplicity and New Ideas As far as my approach and style are concerned, I would say that I prefer simple cooking techniques in combination with new ideas in preparing food that I try to make the most and the best out of NENAD JOVANOVIĆ Executive Chef at Credo Restaurant

The culinary world in Serbia is quite colourful.

It comprises of a vast number of restaurants and newly opened outlets which don’t have fresh ideas or the right purpose. I also see culinary world as being quite narrow-minded which, truth be told, does not look that good. I think that that is the main obstacle to getting Michelin Stars.

How important is the traditional way of preparing food in the context of contemporary culinary art?

— There have been plenty of discussions on this topic, also among my peers around the world. There are different attitudes and views of tradition, history and modern times.

I would say that this is only a modified traditional way, sometimes simplified and sometimes made more complicated than required.

What stands out in your culinary experience so far? What made the biggest impact on your career?

— I am pleased to have been given opportunities to generate experience and acquire knowledge from

the top culinary experts. I also had the opportunity to meet different people with whom I shared everything in that period.

And this is something that I am going to carry with me throughout my career and is something that has defined my further path. Nevertheless, I would have to mention the three years that I spent at the three-Michelin-star restaurant called Geranium.

What is the culinary world in Serbia like at the moment? What are the biggest obstacles that Serbian restaurants face in getting Michelin stars?

— The culinary world in Serbia is quite colourful. It comprises of a vast number of restaurants and newly opened outlets which don’t have fresh ideas or the right purpose. I also see culinary world as

the culinary experience is the same as in globally renowned restaurants.

What would like to single out in terms of your style and approach to cooking? What makes you different from other chefs and what do your guests see as your personal touch in food that you make?

THANKS TO NEW IDEAS, OUR GUESTS GET ONLY THE BEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS THAT WE PREPARE IN A WAY THAT THEY IS QUITE UNORTHODOX being quite narrow-minded which, truth be told, does not look that good. I think that that is the main obstacle to getting Michelin stars.

But, on the other hand, I have to admit that there are restaurants in Serbia where the quality of food and

— I would love to ask our guests this question as I believe that they would give the best answer.

As far as my approach and style are concerned, I would say that I prefer simple cooking techniques in combination with new ideas in

preparing food that I try to make the most and the best out of.

By doing so, our guests get only the best quality ingredients that we prepare in a way that they is quite unorthodox. For example, one of such dishes from our menu is pork ribs cooked in miso.

What was your reason for returning to Serbia and continuing your career in Belgrade?

— I missed my country, friends and family. That's what you're always returning to wherever you may be. In a way, that was a rather unique challenge for me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

— Well, what I can tell you for sure is that I am always going to be in the kitchen, doing what I like which is cooking. Where will I do that? I still do not know.

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B USINESS NEWS Generali Insurance Serbia

AmCham

RECIPIENTS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS CAPTAIN MIŠA ANASTASIJEVIĆ AWARD

NEW DOWNTOWN ADDRESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS Business Garden, a unique modern A-class office building in downtown Belgrade, was officially presented to the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia at a cocktail reception at the Metropol Hotel. During this informal gathering organized at the Twenty Two Restaurant, a newly opened, elegant establishment located on the 10th floor of this renowned Belgrade hotel, the guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with yet another successful development by Israeli companies AFI Europe and Shikun & Binui Group. Mr.

BIS

SEVENTIES DISCO – A TIME MACHINE PARTY!

Branislav Savić, AmCham First Vice President, and Mr. Gili Dekel, Managing Partner gave the welcome address, and the event’s host proudly presented all the advantages of Business Garden for potential tenants. After the official part of the evening, Vasil Hadžimanov Band was in charge of the musical entertainment for the guests.

We would like to invite you all to the British International School’s charity event called Seventies Disco. The Seventies Disco will take place on 1th May, 2018 at BIS Primary School Campus, Užička 7a, Belgrade, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. This year the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Hospital in Tiršova Street, Belgrade, Department of Hematology and Oncology.

For many years, a great number of embassies and companies have participated in our charity events, contributing to the causes and helping us in raising the awareness in our students about the importance of charity work. The admission is free. Raffle tickets will be sold on the day, and visitors could win valuable raffle prizes donated by several prestigious hotels, restaurants and companies. There will be an exciting entertainment programme, food stalls, activities and games for children and much more. For additional information contact us on info@bis.edu.rs , or give us a call on 011-3066-096.

The company is the recipient of the Captain Miša Anastasijević Award in the category "Leader in the global insurance industry", for its contribution to the improvement of the economic and social environment in Serbia. The award was presented to the Chairman of the Executive Board, Dragan Filipović on 28th March at the Rectorate of the Belgrade University. The Captain Miša Anastasijević Award is given to the most prominent institutions, individuals and companies for outstanding results in business, creativity and social responsibility. The award is the brainchild of the Novi Sad-based agency Media Invent, the University of Novi Sad, the Belgrade University and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

CONFERENCE "INSURANCE OF GOODS IN TRANSPORT"

NALED

SEE COUNTRIES NEED A PLATFORM TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION ABOUT MOST SUCCESSFUL REFORMS SEE countries can offer valuable system solutions for improving business conditions and need a common platform that will guide the process of exchanging information about successful economic reforms among members – this is a conclusion of the Together for a More Competitive Region conference organized

by NALED, supported by Germany development cooperation and the European Investment Bank, held at the XII annual NALED assembly session.

E-building permits transferred from Macedonia to Serbia and Albania are examples of successful "export" of good practices, and the same potential have solutions in regulating the status of seasonal workers. The exchange of

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knowledge was initiated by partner institutions from the region implementing the Business Friendly Certification in South East Europe (BFC SEE), in five countries - Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Serbian PM, Ana Brnabić expressed her support for the initiative to establish a Business Friendly Environment in SEE and urged regional peers, as well as international donor organizations, to help with the implementation.

In cooperation with its members DDOR osiguranje Gruppo UNIPOL, Generali Osiguranje, UniCredit Bank, 2Blogistics and Fercam, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce organized a conference on "Insurance of goods in transport". In addition to the representatives of the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, the event was attended by interested companies from the import and distribution, transport, logistics, and insurance sectors, as well as several law firms. Following the welcome address by Mirjana Kojić, Secretary General of KISP, the conference opened with a working session with the presentation by Dejan Petrović from the Directorate for Non-Life Insurance and the Director of the DDOR Osiguranje transport and credit sector, who with the help of case studies, talked about risks, insurance coverage, damages in practice, general accidents, as well as the differences between cargo insurance and vehicle liability insurance. Alessandro Bonesi, an insurance consultant, was the conference moderators, Diplomacy & Commerce and Pluton Logistics were media sponosrs, and Lavazza was the official coffee of the event.

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Confindustria Serbia

FIRST MEETING OF MEMBERS OF WITH ITALIAN AMBASSADOR LO CASCIO The spring meeting of the members of Confindustria Serbia, aptly titled "Art & Wine Night", was held in the Belgrade gallery Drina. The meeting was an opportunity to the members, friends and associates to assemble after a winter break in a pleasant atmosphere, and to be introduced to the new Italian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Carlo Lo Cascio. Mr. Eric Cossuta, President of Confindustria Serbia, took the opportunity to welcome Ambassador Lo Cascio to Serbia. The ambassador addressed the audience and expressed his satisfaction with the fact that he had returned to Belgrade after many years, but this time around, in a new role.

Sberbank

REALLY SUPER CASH LOAN

Sberbank Serbia has a prepared a new product for its clients called Really Super Cash Loan. The nominal interest rate of only 7.5% (effective interest rate of 8.6%), no processing costs, and a very fast approval process are the main benefits of this new Sberbank cash loan. Following the latest banking trends, Sberbank Serbia creates new products and campaigns every year, while striving to stand out in the banking market and meet the needs of a modern client.

"Aware of the fact that speed is one of the key factors for our clients when applying for credit approval speeds, we have tried to simplify all processes as much as possible and ensure that the desired cash

reaches our clients in a quick and easy way. Also, during the "Really Super Cash Loan" campaign, Sberbank will not charge the loan processing costs", said Mirjana Djordjević, Director of the Product Development Department at Sberbank.

The campaign "Real super cash loan" lasts until 30th June, 2018, and the maximum loan to be granted is 3 million dinars.

SPEED BUSINESS MEETING

Telekom Serbia

MTS BUSINESS CENTRE OPENED IN NOVI SAD Telekom Serbia has opened the mts Business Centre in Novi Sad, at Bulevar Oslobođenja 82. Apart from telecommunication and ICT services for business users, the newly opened centre offers small and medium companies a number of additional opportunities for business improvement. The mts Business Centre concept is inspired by the current world trends, so that, in addition to the services specifically designed to meet the needs of small and medium enterprises, users also have a modern space at their disposal for interacting, exchanging ideas and establishing new business contacts. The mts Business Centre will organize special workshops and presentations related to modern business, whereby business users will be able to get useful advice in order to further professional development. After Belgrade and Novi Sad, Telekom Serbia plans to open a new mts Business Centers in other major Serbian cities.

Four international business associations - the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Nordic Business Alliance, and for the first time, members of the Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia – at-

tended a speed business meeting in Belgrade. More than 40 companies took part and had the opportunity to meet other foreign and domestic companies and expand their business contacts network at quick eight-minute meetings.

VODAVODA

AGREEMENT ON EXPORT AND DISTRIBUTION OF WATER IN QATAR, BAHRAIN AND SAUDI ARABIA

During a three-day visit to Serbia, Caro General Trading from Kuwait and its partners from Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia visited the VODAVODA Company in Banja Vrujci and signed the agreement on export of water to the countries of the Persian Gulf with the creator of the brand VODAVODA, Vojin DjorDjević. “After our water got phenomenal reactions from the Kuwaiti consumers, it gives me a great pleasure to extend our cooperation to include other Gulf states”, says Djordjevic. The Belgrade City Manager, Goran Vesić said that the signed agreement was very important and added: “I am confident that the contract

will benefit the Municipality of Mionica, the Serbian capital and our country a lot.”

The Belgrade City Manager, Goran Vesić, the Mayor of the Municipality of Mionica, Boban Janković, the Ambassador of Kuwait in Belgrade, Mr. H.E. Youset Ahmad Adbulsammad, as well as numerous media representatives, attended the signing ceremony.

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B USINESS NEWS Eurobank

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME Eurobank participates in the Small Business Support Programme for equipment procurement in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and the Development Agency of Serbia. "Our focus in the coming period will be on micro and small enterprises and entrepreneurs in order to help them improve and develop their business. This is one of the reasons why we have joined the Small Business Support Programme for equipment procurement in 2018, which stipulates allocation of grants to be spent on purchasing of new production equipment and machines. In this way, we wish to contribute to boosting the competitiveness of the Serbian economy and creation new jobs”, said Dušan Mihailović, member of the Eurobank Executive Board.

The funds from this Programme can be used for the procurement of new production equipment and machines, transport and manipulative costs involved in the process of production and internal transport, new parts and specialized tools for machines or other capital goods.

Intesa Sanpaolo & Intrum

STRATEGIC AGREEMENT

Following Intesa Sanpaolo’s Board of Directors approving the offer that the Bank received from Intrum, Intesa Sanpaolo and Intrum concluded a binding agreement to form a strategic partnership in respect of non-performing loans (NPLs), involving the two transactions: the creation of a leading service provider in the Italian NPL market, through the integration of the Italian NPL platforms of Intesa Sanpaolo and Intrum, and disposal and securitisation of a sizeable bad-loan portfolio of the Intesa Sanpaolo

Group. This is a landmark transaction for the Italian market, which value amounts 10.8 billion euro (gross book value). In charge of around 40 billion euros of soured debt and with a 10-year exclusive servicing accord with Intesa, the new entity would become one of Italy’s biggest collection firm.

The deal, which is the subject of approval from the relevant authorities, values the unit at 0.5 billion euro and the bad loans at 3.1 billion euro, implying an overall net capital gain for the bank of 400 million euro.

AHK

BUSINESS COMMUNITY EVALUATE BUSINESS CONDITIONS IN SERBIA AGAIN

Addiko Bank

POSITIVE ANNUAL RESULTS In 2017, Addiko Bank a.d. Belgrade recorded positive business results, with the after-tax profit amounting to 1.2 billion RSD. The bank improved its financial indicators in all segments, had profitable operations and improved what was already a stable position in the Serbian financial and interbank market.

Retail credit products were the most popular products, as were SME loans. Also, a significant growth was recorded in the corporate sector. Last year, Addiko Group underwent a successful digital transformation, while Addiko Bank was recognized on the Serbian market as a leader in innovation in the field of digital banking thanks to its attractive portfolio of services and quality e-banking and m-banking products.

German and Serbian companies, as well as other members of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, have positively assessed the economic climate in Serbia, expressing positive expectations in their own business, and their satisfaction with the labour market. Also, 85% of them would invest in Serbia again.

This year, they also pointed to the need for a more serious fight against corruption, as well as improving legal certainty and transparency in public procurement

Henkel

SOMAT FACTORY OPENED IN KRUŠEVAC Henkel Serbia has opened a new Somat factory in Kruševac, a 20-milllion-euro-investment that will employ 50 workers. The new Somat factory has state-of-the-art technology and is poised to launch a brand new product on the market - Somat dish washer tablet with soluble foil.

The factory will supply 36 regional, European and global markets. The new Somat factory was officially opened by Ana Brnabić, Serbian Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Axel Dittmann, German Ambassador to Serbia, Dušan Antonijević, Director of Henkel Serbia in Kruševac, and representa-

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procedures. The results of a survey conducted by the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce in February in Serbia show that the evaluation of the economic situation in Serbia for the year 2018 has improved compared to the previous years – the Chamber said at a press conference. Half of the respondents considered the economic situation as satisfactory’, and 12% of respondents classified it as ‘good’. However, 38% of respondents saw no improvement and believe that the economic situation in Serbia in relation to 2017 could worsen. It is important to underline that companies have assessed their own businesses better than the general business climate.

tives of Henkel Group, Wolfgang Weber, Global Manager of Sustainable Development, Quality and Digital Transformation, and Michael Czech, Vice President of the Marketing Department for Central and Eastern Europe.

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

T H E V IRT U E O F A N Y WH E RE S

In Defence of the Hipster Aesthetic Our correspondent argues that they are places where both brick and worldviews are exposed

THE Starving Rooster is a trendy craft beer bar and restaurant in the middle of Minot, North Dakota, which is about as close as you can get to the middle of nowhere. Step inside though, and with its big wood tables, high ceilings, exposed masonry and industrial setting (it is housed in the former headquarters of a tractor company) it could be anywhere.

Indeed, it is the kind of place you can find everywhere.

From Beijing to Bristol and Mumbai to Minsk, bars and coffee shops have taken on a similar aesthetic: tungsten-lit, warehouse-y spaces with lots of wood and brick, serving avocado on toast and kale-and-quinoa salads.

Critics deride this sort of thing as a flattening of the world, a McDonaldisation of global culture. Kyle Chayka, a Brooklyn-based writer, dubs these venues “AirSpace”: “the realm of coffee shops, bars, start-up offices, and colive/work spaces that share the same hallmarks everywhere you go”. Mr Chayka argues that the relentless spread of this particular design “limits experiences of difference” and causes “depersonalisation, in the psychiatric sense”. He worries that “left unchecked, there is a kind of nightmare version of AirSpace that could spread room by room, cafe by cafe across the world.” The apocalypse is coming, and it’s bringing artisanal coffee and overly hopped IPAs. He may have a point when it comes to the tastes and priorities and worldview and worries of youngish people who live in Brooklyn and Hackney. Indeed, at a bar in Philadelphia’s Fish Town neighbourhood last month, your correspondent genuinely found himself wondering, for a fleeting moment, where he was. Yet to consider the spread of hip cafes and bars around the world from the point of view of highly educated and highly mobile Londoners and New Yorkers is to miss the point.

For the people who live in towns and cities far from the top-tier of globally-connected metropolises, these spaces signal membership of the world beyond the narrow boundaries of their homes. The Ukrainians who hang out at the Molodost Bar in Odessa don’t look around and complain that their neighbourhood looks like Brooklyn. The Bombayites drinking coffee at Colaba Social aren’t pining for the lost days of characterless sports bars. The Beijingers guzzling craft beer at Jing-A Brewery aren’t rushing off to kebab shops for watery 2% Nanjing lager.

On the contrary, the global aesthetic that these establishments bring to their towns contribute to a sense of connection with their peers in Co-

penhagen and San Francisco. (Nor are big cities immune: London has seen a rash of craft beer bars open in apparent imitation of the American style of modern brewing, despite a rich and thriving culture of local brews from England.)

Moreover, such places also serve an important economic function. Across the world, people in their 20s and 30s are moving to cities

THE APOCALYPSE IS COMING, AND IT’S BRINGING ARTISANAL COFFEE AND OVERLY HOPPED IPAS in search of fulfilling employment, but also in search of lifestyles and cultures to which they have been exposed on television and social media. Authorities in smaller towns watch helplessly as their young people grow up, move away to study, and never return. In towns across the West, the age distribution has a gaping hole in the middle where the prime working-age population should be.

Creating desirable jobs is one way to address the brain drain. But equally important is providing people with opportunities to spend their disposable income. Fine restaurants and trendy bars are a piece of that. Visit any small

town in the West—or second-tier global city anywhere in the world—and the places where well-paid young professionals congregate will be similar to those in London and New York.

This is not so much a flattening of taste as a democratisation of it.

Finally, these places can serve as a meeting point for cultures. For every visitor who goes out of her way to search for “authentic” regional cuisine or a local dive bar, many more will end up at a place that is familiar and safe. For the Budapester for whom it is more conceivable to buy a house at the age of 26 than take a flight to New York for the weekend, that is part of the appeal of these places: they become meeting points for intercultural exchange, to make new friends and to learn new things. And for those that live in culturally and socially conservative places, such venues are all the more important as outlets for global values, especially in these inward-looking times. What big-city visitors and critics forget is that even in the middle of nowhere, places that could be anywhere are, for the people who live there, an essential component of feeling like they are indeed somewhere.

From The Economist, published under licence.

The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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REPO RTAGE

There Hasn’t Been a Boring Moment in My Life Professor Shaul Ladany (age 82), who is still a record-holder in 50km-race walk and whose fascinating destiny reflects the suffering of the Jewish people and what transpired in Belgrade in the World War II, has shared his life experience with our fellow citizens during his first ever visit to Belgrade in 70 years

Professor Shaul Ladany

Following an initiative

by Color Press Group and with the assistance of the Israeli Embassy in Serbia, the city of Belgrade and the Serbian Olympic Committee, Shaul Ladany, the Olympian, professor emeritus at the Ben-Gurion University in Israel, world record holder in 50km race walk and the recipient of the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his exceptional contribution to the Olympic movement, visited Belgrade. This is the first time in 70 years that professor Ladany visited the Serbian capital which also his city of birth.

Shaul Ladany was born in Belgrade in 1936. He survived the destruction of his family’s house in the bombing of Belgrade in 1941 and consequently escaped to Hungary. He was taken to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1944, survived the gas chamber which broke down after he was taken in for execution, and escaped the camp on the Kastner Train.

Four years later, he emigrated to Israel, became an Olympic champion in racewalk and marathon, and was appointed university professor who wrote hundreds of scientific papers. Professor Ladany’s incredible life story also took him to the Olympics in Munich in 1972 where he survived the notorious attack of the Palestinian terrorists on his Olympic team by jumping out of the window.

Ladany was the guest of the

52

Serbian Olympic Committee and was welcomed by the Committee’s President, Božidar Maljković. After the reception, Ladany joined the Committee's members and the medal-winning Olympians, as well as gave an interview for the TV show „Olympic Circles“.

At Stari Dvor, Ladany met with the Belgrade City Manager, Goran Vesić who said that it was his honour and pleasure to welcome the famous Olympian.

"Shaul Ladany is still the world record holder in 50km-racewalk, and his life has been incredibly in-

PROFESSOR LADANY COMING TO BELGRADE IS A PROOF THAT WE, THE MEDIA PEOPLE, THE EXECUTIVE POWERS AND THE SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS, CAN DO WONDERFUL THINGS TOGETHER THAT WILL BE MEMORABLE AND SERVE AS A GOOD EXAMPLE – SAID ROBERT ČOBAN, PRESIDENT OF THE COLOR PRESS GROUP

Professor Shaul Ladany with the President of the Olympic Committee, Božidar Maljković

teresting while truthfully reflecting the suffering of the Jewish people and what happened to our city in the past. He left Belgrade with his family 70 years ago, and in the meantime, he became a sports star.

We are happy that today we have the opportunity to tell him that what he had achieved in the last seventy years is our success too.

We are proud of him, as well as the fact that he was born in Belgrade and that while accomplishing all this things in the world, including becoming the recipient of the Pierre de Coubertin Medal for contribution to the Olympic Movement, he has also brought glory to our city, " Vesić said.

President of Color Press Group, Robert Čoban, who, along with the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade, was instrumental in bringing Ladany to Belgrade, said that, a year ago, while surfing the Internet, he came across Shaul Ladany’s biography and wanted to invite him to run the Belgrade Marathon.

“During his stay in Belgrade, he will participate in the marathon, and visit many other places too.

This is a proof that we, the media people, the executive powers and the sports organizations, can do wonderful things together that will be memorable and serve as a good example”, Čoban underlined.

Shaul Ladany also gave a lecture at the Belgrade Faculty of Political Science on the topic of “Survival of the Holocaust and Struggle for

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Success”.

"Thank you very much for inviting me. I am going to tell you about certain dangerous details from my life. I was born in Belgrade in 1936 and I remember the bombing of Yugoslavia that took place on 6th April, 1941 when I and my family lived in Senjak in a modern villa. I remember the loud bangs, the shock that I survived and the moment when my grandmother protected me. Afterwards, we escaped to Hungary and then to Israel," Ladani addressed the students.

In Hungary, he and his family were hiding in a monastery, but he was caught and sent to the concentration camp. He was saved because the American Jews bought his freedom.

"While we were in Hungary as a child, I was afraid of getting caught every day, and after that I was never afraid of anything in my life.

I was eight years old when we were caught, and we were saved when we entered the gas chamber. God was gener-

ous to us," Ladani recalled.

Most of his family died in the camp. Those who survived returned to Belgrade in 1945, and three years later they left for Israel.

Ladany started to play sports in Israel, but his life was still full of drama, especially at the Olympic Games in Munich when he was attacked by the Palestinian terrorists a member of the Israeli national team. He survived because he jumped out of the window.

"There hasn’t been a single boring moment in my life," said the 82-year-old Ladany with a smile.

Shaul Ladany also participated in the semi-marathon race at the Belgrade Marathon.

Although being 82, Ladany continues to participate in various racewalking events every year and walks at least 11 kilometres every year. He celebrates his birthday with an interesting tradition by walking the same amount of kilometres as his age.

Ms. Jenny Sedov, First Secretary Embassy of Israel, Professor Shaul Ladany, Dragan Simić and Robert Čoban

Professor Shaul Ladany and Goran Vesić in the city assembly

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C ULTURE

Text: ROBERT ČOBAN

Tijana Palkovljević-Bugarski Gallery of Matica Srpska (GMS) and Slobodan Nakarada Museum of Modern Art (MMA)

21 Century Abolishes Elitism st

We have to fight for our young!

Following restoration, two elite museums in Serbia opened their doors last year – the Gallery of Matica Srpska (GMS) in Novi Sad and the Museum of Modern Art (MMA) in Belgrade. We have talked to the directors of these two institutions – Tijana Palkovljević-Bugarski (GMS) and Slobodan Nakarada (MMA) – about the importance of quality art in an impoverished and politicized society like ours, and asked them the same 7 questions. Here are their answers.

The opening of the MMA and GMS, after the restoration, was one of the most important cultural events in Serbia in 2017.

Looking back, how did the visitors and the general public react to the new-old museum space?

Slobodan: The reactions were fantastic! So far, over 84,000 people have visited our museum, and I do believe that we are constantly underestimating the thirst that people have for this kind of cultural content. The Museum’s building in Ušće was closed for 10 years, and we were sure that the audience had disappeared for good and forgot

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what we had in our possession.

You have to constantly communicate to your audience and especially educate younger generations.

Tijana: As a result of the 2017 restoration, the Gallery of Matica Srpska now has a completely re-designed facade. Furthermore, thanks to numerous and diverse programmes and an active media campaign, we have managed to completely revamp the old-new

continuity in making significant progress in organizations such as big museums or theatres?

Slobodan: Continuity is important for creating stability in our institution. If we want top quality, then we have to work in normal conditions, without our employees constantly fearing that someone else will take over and make them redundant. For the first time ever, we are putting together plans for the next 3 years.

THERE IS A BIG BATTLE FOR US TO WIN OVER A NEW AUDIENCE, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ONLY ONE PRIMITIVE ASPECT OF CULTURE FOR A VERY LONG TIME exhibition areas. What we have now is a museum with a modern concept, longer opening hours and a series of different activities. The reactions from our visitors have been excellent! And our visitors are growing in number too.

You have both been at the helm of your respective museums for years, and have been managing them under various political circumstances. How important is

Tijana: I sincerely believe that the continuity of the idea is the secret behind every success, especially in the environment such as ours, where discountinuity has been the only continuity. Our position changes depending on political and social circumstances, but our goal is always the same.

How can elite institutions, like these two, help smaller museums and galleries not located

in Belgrade or Novi Sad with setting standards and having a breaktrough on an overly saturated media stage? The fact is that 90% of cultural events take place in Belgrade and Novi Sad, while the audiences, living elsewhere, are starved of good quality cultural content.

Slobodan: In late May, we invited all the institutions in Serbia, which we are a parent institution of, to come to Belgrade for one day, visit the Museum of Modern Art, and talk about shared problems, how to overcome them, and especially about the standards we are trying to reach. We definitely want to try to decentralize cultural events.

Tijana: We can do that by, first and foremost, organizing conferences, workshops and seminars with the aim of providing permanent education for the people working the institutions of culture. A lot can be learned through good practice cases and having a direct contact with experts from European museums. We are also helping smaller museums through having our exhibitions at their premises. By doing so, we are bolstering decen-

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tralization of culture, but at the same time, we are transferring professional standards. With this idea in mind, we have launched a series of traveling exhibitions.

How important is for museums, like the two you are managing, not to focus on elitist segment of the audience or foreign tourists alone? In which way do you reach children and people from different generational and social spheres? How can museums be likeable to the media with many of the media outlets not even having a culture segment anymore?

Slobodan: We are very keen on culture and we have talked enough.

Now, we need to focus on implementetion. I think there are indications and the awareness of the importance of culture for our nation. The education and the various programmes we run in our institution will definitely change the current situation soon. The museum has a youth and a children's club, both very popular. Tourists are not always a social elite but curious people who want to get to know the country they are staying in. I think we are on the right track in terms of not being perceived only as a country of good entertainment and good bars, but also as a cultural destination. We all want Belgrade to become the cultural capital of the Balkans and Europe, but we must work harder and invest more to achieve that. Following the opening of the MMA, we started this story because culture belongs to everyone.

Tijana: The 21st century has abolished the elitist format of museums. Contemporary museums have to be accessible, open, attractive, intriguing, fun and thought stimulating. That's why we, in the Gallery, have been working for decades on educational programmes for children, and have recently also launched programmes for teenagers. Each exhibition has its accompanying programme and we are also open to all types of partnerships that can contribute to the development of the society. In collaboration with designers, we have developed a series of museum souvenirs that make for very original gifts. All of this has made us a a regular stop for the people living in Novi Sad, tourists and social elite. Also, we have become more attractive to the media and we have been fostering excellent partnership relations with them. If our work was not covered in the media, that would be tantam-

out to blinking in the dark.

At the recent promotion of Hello!

Travel: Vojvodina magazine, there was a lively debate about what was more important – museums promoting domestic art and, by doing so, appealing to domestic audience, or staging big exhibitions of famous foreign artists (like the exhibition of Andy Warhol's artwork in Novi Sad in 2017, or the Hermitage Museum exhibiting at the Klovića Dvori Gallery in Zagreb, which is currently being advertised on billboards all over Belgrade)?

Slobodan: I'm very ambivalent about that issue. We are exhibiting Serbian, Yugoslav and international art collections. For me, favouring domestic art at the expense of foreign is a fake demagogy. Our painters are not damaged by that in any way. Art should not be concerned

tioned off abroad and that they are mostly bought by foreign art collectors, instead of the state of Serbia. How can we change this?

How can we instil the manners of Prince Pavle Karadjordjević and Pavle Beljanski into today's political and social elite?

Slobodan: It will not be easy, I am afraid, to change that. A lot of our artwork was found at various auctions. The state must find the mechanisms to investigate, at least through our embassies, what is being sold and somehow negotiate and buy back the artwork of national importance. We must love our own culture more and we must fight for it. We have to organize fundraisers, animate wealthy business people to help, provide tax reliefs and do whatever is needed to get national art back to our country. This should be a well-organized, professionally executed

MUSEUMS ARE NOW FACING THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A PLACE OF MEDIATION AND SOCIAL COHESION with origin but with the quality and the significance of the artwork you are exhibiting. Contemporary art is our heritage! And that’s it!

and continuous action, rather than a sporadic one.

Tijana: With their activities, national museums primarily contribute to the research, presentation and popularization of national culture. However, in order to understand ourselves and our peculiarities better, we have to see ourselves in a wider social context.

We stage exhibitions of national and international art, but we are constantly trying to put them in the context of a dialogue, or outline their parallel features.

Tijana: The relation to our heritage that is located abroad and the possibility of buying it and returning it to the national institutions is something that the Ministry of Culture must take care of. All that is valuable ends up in museums sooner or later, and the only question is whether that will happen in our lifetime or with the next generation. We recently had a wonderful example of established trust when the Tarkett Company from Bačka Palanka gave our Gallery its collection of 83 art pieces.

It often happens that the works of the Serbian painters are auc-

What kind of exhibitions / programmes are you planning

on staging in your respective museums by the year end?

Slobodan: In October 2018, together with the Vojvodina Museum of Modern Art, our museum will stage a very interesting exhibition about Ilija Šoškić, whose art is more famous in Italy than in Serbia. In January 2019, we are going to have an exhibition of the German contemporary art, and in mid-2019, we are going to showcase the art of Mileta Andrejević, whose work is exhibited in top museums all over the world. Of course, than we have the blockbuster exhibition of Marina Ambramovich in September 2019.

As I am talking to you about this, I have to say that I am a little bit surprised of how ambitious we sound.

We can do it and our audiences deserve only the best! The time has come to pay it forward.

Tijana: In May, we are staging an exhibition called 'Through Camera Lens – Gallery, Art, Audience', which will showcase photographs of the collections in the Gallery, made by esteemed photographers, public figures and visitors. Then, there is an exhibition dedicated to the famous painting by Pavle Simić called „The May Assembly“, which will be a part of the celebration of an important national jubilee. In summer, we are going to stage an exhibition 'European Phenomena in the GMS Collection' to mark the European Heritage Year. In autumn, there will be a new permanent exhibition that will illustrate the history of our institution through large-format paintings. At the same time, we will work on international projects.

In autumn, we are going to host a guest exhibition of the British Council, which is going to showcase segments of their collection in a corelation with the artwork exhibited at our institution. Furthermore, we are going to stage an exhibition called "Paintings of the Passing World - The Relations between Serbian and French Intimism" at the Serbian Cultural Centre in Paris. Together with our peers from the History Museum of Budapest, we are preparing an exhibition about the Iconostasis of Arsenije Teodorović for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Budim, which we have restored and are currently exhibiting. We have many interesting plans and programmes for 2019 particularly in the light of the fact that Novi Sad is the 2019 European Youth Capital, which will open up new and different possibilities for presentations and communication.

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C O RPO RATE

Serbian Food is Good and Tasty, but Heavy A chef has to be a mentally strong person, because this is a hard job show finesse, techniques and skill.

However, what is equally important is that you let you personality shine through.

EYCK ZIMMER Culinary Director – Square Nine Hotel, Belgrade

With its two restaurants THE SQUARE and EBISU, Square Nine Hotel in Belgrade offers outstanding, contemporary European cuisine and perfect Japanese dishes created by the award-winning chef Mr. Eyck Zimmer. We talked to him in Piazzetta, a wonderfully cozy hotel garden where you can enjoy his culinary specialties over the summer.

You were the recipient of the National Chef of Year in Great Britain in 2006, and twice the recipient of the Grand Prix de Cuisine. What do these awards mean to you?

— I believe that if you have passion or love for something, you should share that. To me, awards are not about fame or recognition; they are about expressing and showing my love for food and cooking for others, and if they give me an award for that, then that’s a proof to me that I am doing and loving the right thing. All my life I wanted to be the best in whatever I had passion for, so I push myself every day to be better. Maybe, it’s also down to the fact that I hate losing.

Is competition important for a good chef?

— Yes, especially when you are

younger, when it can help you to find your way. A competition pushes your limits, puts you under pressure and you learn a lot about yourself. Competitions also teach you how to respond to criticism.

What I am trying to say is that if you win the competition, it doesn’t make you better than the chef who didn’t win. On the contrary, I actually believe that you learn much more from a defeat, as it makes you grow personally and professionally. In the end, it’s what you make out of the feedback that you get – it will either break you or make you.

What is important for becoming a good chef?

— You have to be quite determined

You have worked in a number of well-known hotels in Europe. Is it important to a chef to work in different countries?

— It’s not important to all chefs but it was important to me. I was raised a communist. I am East German, and I grew up in GDR until the fall of the Berlin Wall. Obviously, we couldn’t travel much back then.

But suddenly, at the age of nineteen, the whole world changed for me and thanks to my profession, I had a freedom of working anywhere in the world if I wanted. It was important for me to work in other countries, and see different cultures. I love traveling, I have visited 70 countries and that helps me with my love for food and cooking.

I ALWAYS WANT TO WORK IN THE BEST HOTEL IN A PLACE OR A CITY, WITH THE BEST CHEFS POSSIBLE, USING THE BEST PRODUCTS AVAILABLE and mentally a strong person because it is a demanding job.

You have to lead a team and I have the team of 20 chefs here. On one hand, you have to be a team player, but you also need to be a dictator, a general and a friend. On top of that, you have customers who have special requests and you have to make them happy. And in the end, you also have your own expectations of what your cooking should be like, which also have to be fulfilled.

If you have been doing that for a period of time, then it’s the right moment for you to shine and put your stamp on your cooking, i.e. to

It opens my eyes and more importantly, my mind. I always want to work in the best hotel in a place or a city, with the best chefs possible, using the best products available.

Is your cooking based on local ingredients and recipes, or do you have your own?

— Wherever I have worked so far, I tried to incorporate certain local ingredients, and reflect upon the national cuisine and flavours of the country I am working in.

So, for an example, here I created the “Belgrade Oreo”, which are Black Olive Cookies filled with

creamy goat cheese and served with ajvar. People seem to like it!

It’s almost an instant classic, and I am confident there are many more such things to come.

Is it hard to find exotic ingredients in Serbia?

— It’s a little bit harder. For example, everybody loves avocado here, but the avocados you have in this country are not of a good quality, actually. It is almost impossible to find a right avocado here.

How do you like the Serbian cuisine?

— It’s good, tasty but rather heavy – maybe fit for eating once a week, but it is definitely not food for the summer, apart from ćevapi and maybe burek. It has a good taste but it’s certainly not light food. I don’t know how all the Serbian ladies I see around stay so slim and elegant.

Why are men better chefs than women?

— They are not. But most women who become chefs change their priorities when planning, or having a family. They want to spend more time with their family, make a home and raise children, which is an equally difficult job. As a chef you work unsociable hours, bank holidays, Sundays… And you cannot plan your time too much in advance. You need to have a certain type of family life that supports and allows you to do that. But there are some very good women chefs like Elena Arzak from Spain, Anne-Sophie Pic from France (they both have 3 Michelin stars), and Angela Hartnett and Clare Smyth from England, to name just four women who are equally as good as men, if not even better.

THE NEW MENU WILL BE SERVED AT THE SQUARE RESTAURANT IN MID-MAY

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KOLARAC

C ALEND AR & NE W S

Concert hall

BELGRADE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

WATER 4 May 11, 20:00

Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Alban Gerhardt

Conductor: Uroš Lajovic, Soloist: Alban Gerhardt, violoncello, J. Sibelius: Oceanides, B. Martinu: Violoncello Concerto No. 1, P. I. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, excerpts

Sibelius – the greatest man of nature among all composers takes us to the ocean. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake has inspired even Hollywood. What more can we wish for?

AIR 5 May 18, 20:00

Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Yeol Eum Son

Conductor: Howard Griffiths, Soloist: Yeol Eum Son, piano, A. Dvorak: Midday Witch, A. Dvorak: Piano Concerto, F. Schubert: Symphony No. 3

There is no witch without air, and Dvorak is no exception. Doesn’t his piano concerto require one on piano?

MUSICAL TALKS WITH FELTZ 4

CONCERT PROGRAMME June 2017

Sunday, 6th at 11.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: KOLARAC PODIUM OF CHAMBER MUSIC

School for music talents - Ćurija Production: Music Centre Admission free Tuesday, 8th at 20.00 Concert Hall

EUGEN INDJIĆ

piano, France Programme: Chopin, Schumann Production: Chopin Fest Wednesday, 9th at 18.00 Music Gallery

SONGS ABOUT LOVE AND FREEDOM BY. ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK

Isidora Stevanović, soprano Marko Pantelić, baritone Marina Mikić, piano Ammar Mešić, drama artist Production: Music Centre Thursday, 10th at 21.00 Concert Hall

BOJANA & NIKOLA PEKOVIĆ

Programme: Chopin Production: Chopin Fest Monday, 14th at 20.00 Concert Hall

MUSIC OUT OF TIME

Chamber Orchestra * Belgrade Symphony Constantin Bogino, piano Borislav Nestorov, piano Michael Rapaport, violin Lav Bogino, violin 600, 800, 1.000 Wednesday, 16th at 20.00 Concert Hall

MUSIC SCHOOL SLAVENSKI

Thursday, 17th at 20.30 Concert Hall

JASMINA TRUMBETAŠ PETROVIĆ

soprano Art Ensemble of the Ministry of Defence “Stanislav Binicki” Conductor: Milica Radivojević Guests: Sanja Anastasia, mezzosoprano

gusle, accordion and „Artistic Family“ Traditional music

Friday, 18th at 20.00 Concert Hall

Friday, 11th at 20.00 Concert Hall

Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Howard Griffiths Soloist: Yeol Eum Son, piano Programme: A. Dvorak, F. Schubert Production: Belgrade Philharmonic

AIR

Wednesday, 23rd at 20.00 Concert Hall

ART ENSEMBLE OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE “STANISLAV BINICKI” Rade Pejčić, conductor Petar Pejčić, violončelo

Thursday, 24th at 20.00 Concert Hall

MUSIC SCHOOL KOSTA MANOJLOVIĆ

Admission free

Friday, 25th at 20.00 Concert Hall

WATER

Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Gabriel Feltz Soloist: Robert Lakatoš, violin Programme: G. F. Hendel, P. Konjović, C. Debussy Production: Belgrade Philharmonic Saturday, 26th at 11.00 Concert Hall

SMALL SCHOOL OF BONTON

How to listen a Music Host: Miloš Milovanović Disney Music

May 23, 14:00

Belgrade Philharmonic Hall

Igor Ranković

Soloists: Igor Ranković, Bass Trombone, Gabriel Feltz, Piano, L. van Bethoven: Theme and Seven Variations from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, C. M. von Weber: Romance, S.Šulek: Sonata Vox Gabrieli

In the season 2017/18, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra is introducing a new project within its chamber music series. Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz, who also holds a degree in piano performance, will work as the collaborative pianist with our musicians and as the host of special day-time concerts. These short concerts at the Belgrade Philharmonic Hall, lasting about 30 minutes, will present some of the orchestral music instruments in a solo setting, in carefully selected thematic programmes. Entrance to these concerts is free. For more information please contact us 011-2623-184 or edukacija@bgf.co.rs

WATER 5 May 25, 20:00

Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Robert Lakatoš

Conductor: Gabriel Feltz, Soloist: Robert Lakatoš, violin, G. F. Haendel: Water Music, P. Konjović: Capriccio adriatico, C. Debussy: La mer

The premiere in Paris, in 1905, was poorly received, but today it is an iconic orchestral piece about the blue water: Debussy’s La mer is the Holy Bible of the art of orchestration (Sergiu Celibidache).

WATER

Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Uroš Lajovic Soloist: Alban Gerhardt, violoncello Programme: J. Sibelius, B. Martinu, P. I. Tchaikovsky Production: Belgrade Philharmonic Saturday, 12th at 20.00 Concert Hall

RTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Conductor: Bojan Sudjić Mladen Djordjević, trumpet Milena Simović, viola Programme: S. Božić, D. Despić, H. Brelioz Production: RTS Music Production Sunday, 13th at 11.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: KOLARAC PODIUM OF CHAMBER MUSIC

Piano duo: Marta Borikić & Irina Naumovska Programme: Poulenc, Debussy.

Satie, Chabrier, Ravel Production: Music Centre Admission free Sunday, 13th at 20.00 Concert Hall

LESZEK MOŻDŻER

piano Jazz impressions

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Saturday, 19th at 20.00 Concert Hall

HYPERCUBE

Concert Season 2017/2018 Muzikon Orchestra Artistic Leader Miloš Petrović Programme: Britten, Schostakovic Production: Muzikon Sunday, 20th at 11.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: KOLARAC PODIUM OF CHAMBER MUSIC

Trio Susret Jelena Šarenac, flauta Jelena Dimitrijević, violina Marija Wüthrich-Savićević, klavir Programme: J. Loeillet, B. Matrinu, J. Ibert, Nino Rota Production: Music Centre Tuesday, 22nd at 20.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: EDITOR & ARTIST VISIT

Vladimir Milošević, piano Dragan Djordjević, violoncello, as guest Programme: Mozart, Ravel, Liszt, Bach, Rachmaninoff Production: Music Centre

Production: Music Centre Sunday, 27th at 11.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: KOLARAC PODIUM OF CHAMBER MUSIC

Spring Concert/ Zemun Chamber Orchestra Programme: A. Vivaldi, M. Miahjlović, M. Tajčević, E. Grig Production: Music Centre Sunday, 27th at 20.00 Concert Hall

GALA CONCERT

Roman Simović, violin Dragan Đorđević, cello Ivana Damjanov, piano Chamber Ochestra of the Music Talents Ćuprija Tuesday, 29th at 18.00 Music Gallery

CHILDREN`S CONCERT

Wednesday, 30th at 18.00 Music Gallery

CYCLE: ENCOUNTER WITH AN ARTIST

Svetlana Stojanović Kutlača, harpsichord J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variation Production: Music Centre Admission free Thursday, 31st at 18.00 Music Gallery

MUSIC WORKSHOP

Sofia di Somma, violin Production: Music Centre

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