Diplomacy and Commerce No. 46 by Diplomacy&Commerce magazine

December 2019 | ISSUE No. 46 | Price 350 RSD

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13 NOV

WHITE BOOK 2019 PRESENTED

I WAS SEVERELY CRITICIZED ZORAN PAŠALIĆ

2.4 BILLION DINARS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RARE DISEASES Prof. dr SANJA RADOJEVIĆ ŠKODRIĆ

Director of the National Health Insurance Fund

GEESE SAVED ROME AND TWO VILLAGES IN SREM Cycling around Vojvodina: Šatrinci and Dobrodol

Protector of citizens of the Republic of Serbia

WE NEED(ED) A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION FOR THE REGION

THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM TO STEP UP

Political analyst, political scientist and journalist

Ambassador of Belgium to Serbia and to Montenegro

BORIS VARGA

Qatar

H.E. SHEIKH MUBARAK BIN FAHAD AL-THANI Ambassador of Qatar

H.E. KOEN ADAM

MY MANDATE WAS EXTREMELY CHALLENGING AND INTENSE H.E. GORDAN BAKOTA

Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Serbia

Slovenia

MARJAN ŠAREC Prime Minister of Slovenia

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

Years of Living Dangerously When, in December, analysts start summarizing the events of the year that is nearing its end, they usually say that we have lived in dynamic time and that coming years will bring “many challenges”. This December, it’s going to be exactly 10 years since we’ve launched a special edition of The Economist magazine called “The World in….” that contains forecasts from state officials, economists and geopolitical, scientific and cultural experts about what awaits us next year. I reached an agreement on publishing this issue at the FIPP Magazine Market Place which was held in November 2009 at the luxurious Jumeira Beach Hotel in Dubai. The lavish interior of the hotel was in stark contrast to the galloping economic crisis, which, combined with the Internet penetration via smartphones was literally gnawing away at the media industry. However, we believed that the strength of a brand such as The Economist could handle all these challenges, and we were right. This year, we published "The World in…." in Serbia, North Macedonia and Croatia, and Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, syndication of The Economist, is available in Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia. Some of the experts, whose opinions were mentioned in the edition, were wrong in their forecasts. For instance, four years ago, in “The World in 2016”, they were sure that Hillary Clinton would win the US election and that the UK population would mostly vote for the “remain in the EU” option at the Brexit referendum. Quite the opposite happened in both cases. I remember the editor of our edition, Žikica Milošević, telling me that the British ambassador in Skopje almost scoffed at him at the reception on the occasion of the Macedonian launch of this magazine in December 2015, when Žikica said that it was possible for the British to decide to leave the EU next year. His Excellency thought it was a bad joke and did not even entertain the idea of the UK leaving the EU for a second. We had a chance to see for ourselves who won the US election and what has been happening in the UK in the last four years. The past four years of “living dangerously” have taught us to be careful what we say, and to think before writing something and hopefully, before we vote.

2.4 BILLION DINARS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RARE DISEASES Prof. dr SANJA RADOJEVIĆ ŠKODRIĆ

Director of the National Health Insurance Fund

MY MANDATE WAS EXTREMELY CHALLENGING AND INTENSE H.E. GORDAN BAKOTA

Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Serbia

Dr NEBOJŠA KUZMANOVIĆ

Director of the public institution Archive of Vojvodina

NOVI SAD WINTERFEST AMONG THE BEST EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS Novi Sad Winterfest

AJA JUNG

I WAS SEVERELY CRITICIZED

Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival

ZORAN PAŠALIĆ

Protector of citizens of the Republic of Serbia

GEESE SAVED ROME AND TWO VILLAGES IN SREM

Cycling around Vojvodina: Šatrinci and Dobrodol

WE NEED(ED) A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION FOR THE REGION BORIS VARGA

Political analyst, political scientist and journalist

DIPLOMACY & COMMERCE PRESENTS

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POLITICS

The New European Commission is Approved And Ursula von der Leyen can at last get down to work It has not been the easiest of starts for Ursula von der Leyen. In July the eu’s government heads alighted on the former German defence minister as their surprise choice to run the European Commission, Brussels’s largest institution. She immediately suffered a series of reverses. The European Parliament approved her candidacy by the slimmest of margins. Of 26 proposed commissioners—one from each eu member government except for Britain, which refused to make a nomination despite having failed to Brexit—three were rejected. But on November 27th the parliament nodded through Ms von der Leyen’s commission by 461 votes to 157. It will take office on December 1st, one month later than planned. The commission is an odd hybrid of executive, civil service and watchdog. It has extensive powers in some areas, such as competition and product regulation, but few in others. Ms von der Leyen will oversee the work of 32,000 civil servants from her office on the 13th floor of the Berlaymont building in Brussels, which the hard-working president has also converted into a small flat. In one sense she arrives at a more propitious moment than her predecessor, Jean-Claude Juncker. The European economy is sputtering along and the crises that marked so much of his tenure are receding into the past. Yet the global context looks more challenging. The transatlantic bond has frayed, and Chinese commercial and strategic ambitions are lapping at Europe’s shores. In response Ms von der Leyen says hers will be a “geopolitical commission”. She promises initiatives on defence, migration and industrial policy (which some fear could tip into protectionism). Sabine Weyand, who runs the commission’s trade department, told an audience in Berlin this week that the eu would use trade as one weapon in its international policy arsenal rather than merely “following economic logic”.

EVER-PRESENT SPLITS AMONG GOVERNMENTS WILL DEEPEN AS RICH AND POOR COUNTRIES BICKER OVER THE EU’S SEVEN-YEAR BUDGET, WHICH MUST BE AGREED ON IN 2020 The new president will also face challenges from within. The fractured parliament that emerged after the European elections in May will not always prove so obliging as it did this week. Ever-present splits among governments will deepen as rich and poor countries bicker over the eu’s seven-year budget, which must be agreed on in 2020. And fresh divides are emerging over Emmanuel Macron’s disruptive ideas for eu reform, which spook status quo

powers like Germany. An early test will come on eu enlargement. Mr Macron’s recent veto of membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania infuriated other eu governments. It falls to the commission early next year to propose changes to the existing process, as France’s president wants. Ms von der Leyen has promised a flurry of early initiatives, including on pay and the “human and ethical implications” of artificial intel-

ligence. The first of her blockbusters will be a “European Green Deal”, a set of climate proposals that are planned for mid-December. Ms von der Leyen aspires to turn Europe carbon-neutral by 2050 and to tighten the 2030 emissions target. That implies tweaks to the eu’s carbon-trading market as well as a tax on imports from less green places. These will be subject to the usual wrangling among governments with diverging interests and priorities. The eu’s leaders may have put Ms von der Leyen in place, but they will not do her bidding. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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INTERVIEW

2.4 Billion Dinars for the Treatment of Rare Diseases Since 2012, the state budget allocations for the treatment of rare diseases have been growing year-on-year, which shows the state's clear commitment to continue improving the treatment of patients with rare diseases

Prof. dr SANJA RADOJEVIĆ ŠKODRIĆ Director of the National Health Insurance Fund

„In 2012, about 130 million dinars were allocated for the treatment of rare diseases, while in 2019, the allocations amounted to 2.15 billion dinars. The 2020 state budget stipulates that 2.4 billion dinars will be allocated for medicines for the treatment of rare diseases. I would like to underline that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Commission decides whether to approve the funding for patient's therapy following the professional criteria provided by the medical records and available financial resources. In 2020, the budget for the treatment of rare diseases will amount to 2.4 billion dinars. How is this money going to be spent?

— Due to the steadily increasing budgetary allocations, the NHIF Commission has been able to approve the funding of the treatment of a number of patients and different rare diseases each year. Thus, from 2012 until now, the number

pulmonary arterial hypertension and spinal muscular atrophy, with annual medication per patient for treatment of certain rare diseases currently being treated in Serbia can cost up to several hundred thousand Euros each.

THE STATE'S CLEAR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE RIGHT TO USE INNOVATIVE MEDICINES IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED IN THE 2020 STATE BUDGET TO INCLUDE INNOVATIVE MEDICINES IN THE MEDICINES LIST of patients treated with budget funds has increased about 25 times (from 8 patients to close to 200 patients), while the number of rare diseases treated with budget funds has increased from 2 to 19 different which belong to the group of congenital metabolic diseases, rare tumours, hereditary angioedema,

The budget provides funding for particularly expensive medicines used in treating rare diseases, while medical and technical supplies are provided at the expense of the NHIF. The rights to medical and technical aids for patients with rare diseases are continuously expanded following the submit-

ted requirements and the financial means available. Thus, last year the number of patches provided for patients with Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa increased, and from this year on, a new type of bandage used in treating this disease has been secured. Pulmonary arterial hypertension patients are also entitled to use portable oxygen concentrators. The NHIF will continue its activities on promoting the right to medical and technical aids for patients with rare diseases, in line with the requirements and available financial resources. An important novelty is that the new Health Insurance Law prescribes the possibility of longer sick leave for parents of children with rare diseases that have resulted in severe damage to the brain structures or severe deterioration of the child's health. In this case, sick leave is approved until the child is 18 years old, and the carers of such children will be paid a full monthly salary.

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Amendments to the Ordinance on the list of medicines that are prescribed and issued at the expense of mandatory health insurance are under preparation. It was announced that innovative medicines would be incorporated into the Medicine List which costs are covered by health insurance all year around. What innovative medications will be included in this list?

— The continuous availability of innovative therapies for the treatment of various diseases has been recognized as a necessity which resulted in certain innovative medicines being incorporated into the Medicine List. As of 2016, 38 new original / innovative medicines have been added to the List, which are used in the latest and expensive therapies used in the most developed countries. In accordance with the therapeutic areas defined by the medical profession as a priority for making innovative therapies available (multiple sclerosis, lung cancer, hepatitis C, etc.), there have been lengthy negotiations with pharmaceutical companies in order of priority and a new Medicine List will include new innovative therapies for diseases that have not been available so far or mark a significant improvement in treatment. What is the situation with innovative medicines in Serbia in

relation to the region and the world?

— In recent decades, we have witnessed new medical developments that help us to better understand the mechanisms of the onset of disease, which has also led to the development of newer and more effective medicines. The primary goal of innovative therapies is for patients to have a more effective treatment, live a longer life and have a better quality of life, while on the other hand, the additional effect on the healthcare system and society is generally reflected in shorter hospitalizations, reduced

advanced than us are also struggling with high medication prices, and this is not only a challenge in Serbia. For example, 20 years ago, the most expensive therapy was about $15,000, and today the most expensive therapy costs $2.1 million. Continuous provision of innovative therapy is our goal, and pharmaceutical companies are expected to do their best in creating the most favourable conditions through the conclusion of special contracts where part of the cost of medicines is borne by pharmaceutical companies, which is also a practice in other countries.

DUE TO THE STEADILY INCREASING BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS, THE NHIF COMMISSION HAS BEEN ABLE TO APPROVE THE FUNDING OF THE TREATMENT OF A NUMBER OF PATIENTS AND DIFFERENT RARE DISEASES EACH YEAR length of sick leave, and prevention of early retirement. Over the last twenty years, with the development of biological medication and gene therapy, the costs of medication have increased dramatically and are continuing to grow, and there is a global challenge how to provide therapy, make it accessible to patients, and enable sustainable financing for health care. Countries that are economically much more

Compared to other countries in the region, these countries probably have more medicines on their medicine lists, but unlike Serbia, they do not have stable functioning in terms of regular payment and therefore availability of medicines to patients. If we compare Serbia to other countries, we have to take into account locally-specific characteristics, such as whether that country is a member of the European Union, what is the

economic power of that country, which patient's rights are financed by mandatory health insurance and what are payment deadlines. For instance, some countries include a certain medication into the Medicines List, but they do not have money for it, which forms waiting lists for that particular medicine, i.e. there are interruptions in the provision of therapy. Did the NHIF’s call centre prove to be useful? How many calls did it handle and what were the most frequently asked questions?

— It’s been nearly a year since our Call Centre has been opened. Its services are available to almost 7 million insured persons in Serbia, making it the largest call centre in the region. By opening of this centre, we made a huge step forward and have reformed the previous practice whereby the insured person had to go to solely to one of our branches to inquire. In addition to saving time, the pressure on the NHIF employees who work on counters has been reduced and queues have been shortened. The biggest number of calls to the Call Centre relates to health insurance issues and they account for about 75 per cent of the total number of calls. Next are the calls regarding the right to use medical aids, the right to use sick leave (mostly pregnant women ask this), as well as questions regarding waiting lists.

INTERVIEW

My Mandate Was Extremely Challenging and Intense The process of resolving outstanding issues between Serbia and Croatia should continue, we should also carry on with dialogue, and in particular, continue to actively work with the Serbian side on its future in the EU

H.E. GORDAN BAKOTA Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Serbia

After two years of being the Croatian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Gordan Bakota will continue his diplomatic career in Germany. In his last interview in the capacity of the Croatian ambassador to Serbia, Mr Bakota talks about memories from his stay in Serbia, the things that were done to improve the relations between the two countries and what is his vision for their future. In December, you will leave the post of Croatian Ambassador to

Serbia. How will you remember these past two years in that capacity?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The two years I spent as an Ambassador in Serbia were extremely challenging and intense, and it has been a great pleasure for me to work on improving bilateral relations between Serbia and Croatia, together with my colleagues, as

friends, participated in the cultural life of Serbia, travelled a large part of Serbia and felt very comfortable in all parts of the country. What has been done to improve the relationship between our two countries during your tenure?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; We have intensified and dy-

IT IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE TO BE AN AMBASSADOR IN A NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY well as to contribute to Serbia's future in the EU and help the country on its way to the EU membership. I met a whole host of interesting people in Serbia, made many

namized the work of mixed committees that address mutual open issues. The committees met on a regular basis over the past two years, as it is extremely important

to have a continuous dialogue on these issues. Economic cooperation between Croatia and Serbia is certainly an area where we are recording very good results and continuous progress. Our economies are complementary and compatible, far more than they are competitive with each other, and this is a particularly important factor that opens the prospect for bolstering the cooperation even further. With almost EUR 800 million worth of foreign direct investments, Croatia is one of the most important foreign investors in Serbia, with Croatian companies here employing around 15,000 workers. Lately, Serbian entrepreneurs have shown more interest in investing in Croatia. Cultural cooperation between

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the two countries is excellent, but of course, there is always room for improvement. What was the biggest challenge you faced during your tenure in Belgrade?

— It is always a challenge to be an Ambassador in a neighbouring country. I look at it positively because the challenges are always stimulating. I would like to underline the work on promoting the rights of the Croatian minority in Serbia in various aspects and promoting European values and European standards. The unresolved issue of missing persons is an important humanitarian issue, and also one of the fundamental issues in the relations between Serbia and Croatia, as it represents an extraordinary challenge for the relations between the two countries. This is Croatia's first presidency of the EU since joining the bloc. How significant is that?

— Presidency comes at the beginning of a new five-year post-election institutional cycle in the EU, with new leaders of the EU institutions, a new EC and Parliament, and a new President of the European Council; with new topics, policy proposals and programmes in line with the Strategic Framework 2019-2024, and the finale of the negotiations on a new seven-year budget for the period 2021-2027. Croatia is also taking over the Presidency at the moment when the discussion on the negotiation methodology opened and when we have proposals for new models to be discussed at EU level. The Western Balkans and European Union summit will take place in Croatia next year. What can we expect from it? Do you think that, after the summit, the Western Balkan countries

WITH ALMOST EUR 800 MILLION WORTH OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, CROATIA IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FOREIGN INVESTORS IN SERBIA, WITH CROATIAN COMPANIES HERE EMPLOYING AROUND 15,000 WORKERS will be one step closer to EU membership?

— EU has a special responsibility towards its immediate neighbourhood. It is of the utmost importance to guarantee the well-being and stability of our immediate neighborhood in Southeast Europe, while fostering reform processes here. We are aware of the transformational power of

the accession process from our own experience. We will therefore advocate an effective enlargement policy, based on a European perspective for candidates and potential candidates, with full compliance with the established criteria. This is the main reason why the Republic of Croatia will host the EU and Western Balkans summit in Zagreb in May 2020.

We believe it is crucial to send a clear message again to the Western Balkan countries that their place is within the EU. In a regional context, the EU-WB Summit in Zagreb will be important for the future of enlargement policy. What advice will you give to your successor as Ambassador of Croatia to Serbia?

— It is difficult to give advice to colleagues, but the message is that it is very important to continue the process of resolving outstanding issues between Serbia and Croatia. We should also carry on with the dialogue, and in particular, continue to actively work with the Serbian side on its future in the EU.

PERSPECTIVE To remember, in an interview for InFocus Croatia in February this year, Mr Bakota said that the past years had been quite dynamic and that there had been ups and downs in bilateral relations. — „During President Vučić's visit to Croatia, both sides underlined the importance of further improving the relations and expediting the work on unresolved issues, especially addressing the issue of missing persons. The importance of the status of national minorities has also been underlined. The dialogue has intensified and a certain dynamics was established in a number of areas. As far as our relations go, we can surely do more and better. In order to do that, we need to constantly invest in creating a positive atmosphere that will facilitate the improvement of our relations. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a series of events and incidents that do not contribute to this. On the contrary, they adversely affect our relations. Regardless, Croatia remains committed to bolstering good neighbourly co-

operation and developing relations, and I will personally continue to invest a lot of effort to that end. Even though, in the past year, we were not able to achieve a significant growth in the external trade between our two countries, to the extent it had been in the past years, economic cooperation remains one of the bright points of the bilateral relations between Croatia and Serbia. Last year, the Republic of Croatia's Chamber of Economy re-opened its office in Belgrade, adding to the synergy in the bilateral economic cooperation. Also, the Joint Committee for the Implementation and Facilitation of Economic Cooperation held its first session. The Committee's main task is to identify the obstacles faced by companies and small businesses, and suggest appropriate solutions for their removal. Furthermore, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Promoting Effective Railroad Traffic,“ said H.E. Gordan Bakota on the occasion.

NATIONAL DAYS

in December

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

DECEMBER

TARZAN MILOŠEVIĆ The new ambassador of Montenegro to Serbia

The new Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Serbia, Tarzan Milošević was born on July 28, 1954. He is a mechanical engineer. He was the Head of Investments and Public Works in the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, as well as the Mayor of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje and Montenegro’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has been a member

of the Montenegrin Parliament, a member of Parliament of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, President of the Managing Board of the Union of Montenegrin Municipalities, a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, and a member of the OSCE Parliament representing the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro.

ROMANIA National Day

02 UAE

ational Day, N formation of the federation of seven emirates on independence

FINLAND

I ndependence Day of 1917

STYLIANOS ZAKOF

IRAQ

President of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia

Mr. Stelios Zakof, was born in 1969 (Mytilini, Greece). He spent his childhood in Germany. After he has finished high school in Thessaloniki, he is moving to Belgrade, in order to acquire a university degree. Beside the bachelor degree he is a holder of MBA degree in Business Development – University Kurt Bosch Sion Switzerland. Mr. Zakof started his professional career in 1995 working for Anthemia

National Day

company (daughter company of Chipita SA), where in 1999 was promoted in Supervisor of sales for North Greece. In 2001 he begins to live in Belgrade and from the very first day Mr. Zakof is Country Manager of Chipita YU. Along with his mother language Greek, he perfectly speaks English, German and Serbian. He is married, and a father of two children Eleni and Konstantinos.

UNICEF

UNICEF Day

THE NETHERLANDS Kingdom Day

KAZAKHSTAN Independence Day

18 STYLIANOS TSOKTOURIDIS New Managing Director of Alumil YU Industry AD

Stylianos Tsoktouridis is currently the Managing Director of Alumil YU Industry AD. Appointed to manage with full P & L responsibility a €60m turnover downstream Aluminium extrusion Company in Nova Pazova, Serbia, with annual capacity of 12,000mt of surface treated and precision machined aluminium profiles. Stylianos is a graduate of The University of Huddersfield in UK, where he received a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Design and of The Technical Chamber of Greece where he received an MSc in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation Stylianos launched his career in the maintenance department as mechanical engineer in Arjo Wiggins Fine Papers Ltd, Aberdeen, UK. Then moved in Greece where he

worked as designer in the technical department of Thrace Paper Mill s.a. After that he joined Valve s.a. an aluminum extrusion company, as head of production and scheduling. That eventually led him to start a fourteen years career in Alumil s.a. an Aluminium Extrusion Group with 7 production plants around East Europe and 24 sub diaries worldwide, generating annual revenues of 300m. In this firm he developed his career starting as Plant Manager in one of Alumil’s Production Plants then was promoted as Multi Site Production Manager and finally was assigned as Corporate Engineering and Manufacturing Director appointed to manage directly all production units within the Group with full P & L responsibility.

QATAR

National Day, the assumption of power by Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878

JAPAN

ational Day N (Emperor's Birthday)

LIBYA

National Day

SLOVENIA

Independence and Unity Day, declaration of the results of the Slovenian independence referendum in 1990

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INTERVIEW

I Was Severely Criticized If I inquire why certain lawsuits take decades to settle, this is not an attack on the independence of the judiciary, but the most common question that citizens ask us and want us to resolve

ZORAN PAŠALIĆ Protector of citizens of the Republic of Serbia

The Human Rights Day is marked globally in December, and this was a good reason to talk to the Ombudsman, Zoran Pašalić about this topic. "The situation with human rights is still characterized by numerous forms of violation, notably of the rights of vulnerable groups, but also media freedoms and the safety of journalists in Serbia. This is the assessment of the human rights situation for the World Human Rights Day," the Ombudsman says at the beginning of the interview. He warns that every sixth child in Serbia is a beneficiary of social protection services. "The amounts of child allowance and financial welfare assistance are insufficient to provide for even the most basic child's needs, while the current ban on civil servant employment also applies to public childcare services. Nonetheless, additional expenditures are planned for the establishment of

duplicate institutions, such as the protector of the rights of the child,” Mr Pašalić explains, adding that he opposes the establishment of a new protection mechanism for two reasons – functional, as the existing sector in the Ombudsman's office has been successfully dealing with these issues for 12 years, and economic, as it is unnecessary

2,500 complaints that I received during the Ombudsman Day in Belgrade and throughout Serbia relate to the work of the judicial administration, and 10% of the total complaints on annual basis. Most of them relate to the violation of the right to a fair trial, scheduling a trial within a reasonable time and a failure to act under court

IF WE WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE NEEDS OF CITIZENS AND MEET THEIR REQUIREMENTS, WE NEED TO ADAPT THE INSTITUTIONS TO THE CITIZENS, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND to allocate special financial resources for the establishment of a new institution. Year-on-year, citizens have been mostly complaining about the violation of their rights concerning the inefficient judiciary. Has something been done to remedy this in the last two years since you have been appointed the Ombudsman?

— As much as a quarter of over

rulings, precisely in the area of law in which this institution has no jurisdiction. In the Draft Law on Amendments to the Ombudsman Law, I requested that we supervise the work of the judicial administration, in the above segments. There is resistance in certain segments of the expert community, but I am deeply convinced that independent institutions should protect the rights of citizens in this area as well.

The reactions to your proposal to allow the Ombudsman to supervise the work of the judicial administration have not been positive. How did you come up with this idea and are there similar examples in the world?

— I was severely criticized and even accused of meddling into the judiciary's independence. Considering the job I used to have earlier (many years of working as a misdemeanour judge and the president of the Misdemeanor Court of Appeal), I am very sensitive when it comes to any influence on the independent work of judges, but that is why I do not agree with this 'straw man argument'. If I inquire why certain lawsuits take decades to settle, this is not an attack on the independence of the judiciary, but the most common question that citizens ask us and want us to resolve. Under the current Ombudsman Law, our jurisdiction does not cover this domain of human rights protection. Most ombudsmen from the former Yugoslav republics (Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia) supervise the work of

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the judicial administration in different ways, and this is not a novelty in their work. If we want to keep up with the needs of citizens and meet their requirements, we need to adapt the institutions to the citizens, not the other way around. You requested an explanation of whether the relevant procedures were honoured during Aleksandar Obradović's arrest, explaining that that was your jurisdiction. What happened afterwards?

— Based on the media reports about Aleksandar Obradović's arrest, I decided to initiate the process of supervising the legality and regularity of the work done by the Interior Ministry, all under the Ombudsman Law. After all the facts have been gathered, we will go public with our findings. How are prisoners treated in Serbia?

— In Serbia, there is no definition of torture as a systematically organized or encouraged phenomenon, but there are still deficiencies in the treatment of incarcerated persons in terms of providing adequate accommodation and health care and compliance with established procedures. The most vulnerable prisoners are those in psychiatric and closed social welfare institutions. The conclusion remains that the existing Law on Social Protection needs to be improved to better regulate the system of deinstitutionalization. The fact remains that the existing Law on Social Protection needs to be improved with regard to regulating the system of deinstitutionalization. Furthermore, in 2019, the NPM (National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture) visited more than 30 criminal enforcement agencies, police departments and their police stations. The NPM also made visits to army barracks as a new activity, aimed at monitoring the manner in which disciplinary sanctions were enforced - prohibiting the abandonment of a military facility and prohibiting the removal from special premises in a military facility. The NPM visited all 16 barracks in which this type of sanction is enforced. Monitoring of forced removals of foreigners from the the Republic of Serbia, which we do in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, is also new jurisdiction. What is the situation with national minorities?

— In an effort to protect the Roma's rights, the Ombudsman's representatives visited 20 Roma settlements in various municipalities in 2019. We have received over 30 complaints relating to the exercise of the right to education, work, adequate housing and the right to health insurance and health care. Subsequently, we requested the competent authorities to respect the rights of the Roma people. What is happening with the court proceedings regarding the fires in Vinča? What do citizens mostly complain about in terms of environmental protection?

— Media reports have warned that new fires have erupted on the

the right to a healthy environment, in addition to further aligning the normative framework with the EU regulations, also entails improving the inspectors' work. About 50% of labour-related complaints are about non-payment of salary contributions and social security. How can we resolve that?

— Employers mistreating employees, undocumented work, unpaid salaries and unpaid social security contributions are the most frequent labour-related reasons why citizens turn to the Ombudsman. Citizens are often unable to exercise their full right to a pension because, for certain

THE SITUATION WITH HUMAN RIGHTS IS STILL CHARACTERIZED BY NUMEROUS FORMS OF VIOLATION, NOTABLY OF THE RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS, BUT ALSO OF MEDIA FREEDOMS AND THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS IN SERBIA Vinča landfill that could jeopardize the environment there. I launched the process of supervising the work of the city's Secretariat for Environmental Protection. The result is that the public utility company Javna Čistoća has urgently closed all potential hotspots, preventing the spreading and outbreak of fires. The Ombudsman's Office continues to carry out further proceedings and the plan is to obtain additional information to permanently resolve the problem of the Vinča landfill. In terms of ecology, the key problems that the Serbian citizens face are air and water pollution, construction of small hydropower plants and a large number of non-sanitary landfills; that is landfills that directly jeopardize water sources. Improving

periods of insurance, employers have not fulfilled their legal obligation to pay pension and disability insurance contributions. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans' and Social Affairs has to increase the number of inspectors, expand the responsibilities of labour inspectorates and improve technical conditions to ensure timely and effective implementation of the relevant law. I have repeatedly stated that better cross-sector cooperation between the Tax Administration, the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, the State Health Insurance Fund and the Labour Inspectorate should contribute the resolution of the aforementioned problems, primarily through an up-to-date exchange of information.

NEW OMBUDSMAN LAW What is the main goal of the new Ombudsman Law? — The draft Law on Amendments to the Ombudsman Law has been finalized and I hope that it will enter the parliamentary procedure soon. All institutions that are obliged to do so have given their opinion about our draft law, except the Ministry of Finance. The public debate about the draft law in the National Parliament is next. In this draft proposal, we have taken into account all EU requirements, which primarily relate to the more effective protection of human and minority rights by increasing the capacity of the Ombudsman’s office. The most significant novelty in terms of jurisdiction is the supervision of the court administration. I would like to underline that the draft law was prepared following the recommendations of the Venice Commission from March 2019 and that all their suggestions were taken into account.

Are women’s rights jeopardized too? What about gender equality?

— A survey conducted by the Ombudsman’s office shows that women are underrepresented in decision-making places in local governments. Domestic violence remains in the focus of this institution's work. Although I have been involved in this topic since 2004, I have not received the official support for launching the "Make Violence Visible" initiative, which would provide quality medical evidence in a court against abusers. In addition to preventative work to eradicate such phenomena in society, this is one of the most effective ways to ensure a sure penalty for abusers. In your annual report, you stated that the situation in the media did not change in comparison with the previous period, that is, it is still bad. What is happening with the Ombudsman’s initiative for setting up a platform that would record attacks on journalists?

— The draft Agreement between the Ombudsman and the Coalition of Media Associations and Associations for the Protection and Improvement of the Security of Journalists has been finalized. This is an important step towards establishing a common platform on which all cases of threatening security of journalists and media workers will be recorded, which will be supported by media associations. We will have an accurate number with clearly defined categories of attacks, insults, discredits, and verbal, physical and economic pressures on journalists. We will pay special attention to indirect pressures through short and undefined job contracts accompanied by low salaries that lead to censorship and self-censorship in journalism. The platform will be complementary to that of the Working Group on Journalist Safety, formed by media associations in cooperation with the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. We intend to publish the database in special reports, which would be submitted periodically to the National Parliament. A democratic society is unimaginable without free and responsible media, and the state must provide media employees with the conditions that facilitate uninterrupted work of journalists.

CORPORATE

Being a Leader Comes With Responsibilities Sika Serbia will remember this year for the priceless recognition it received from the Sika Group in the shape of an award for the best Sika company in the world based on results from the previous three years. Such successes are the impetus for us to continue at full speed and unwavering enthusiasm DRAGAN GAVRILOVIĆ Managing Director of Sika Serbia d.o.o.

Sika is a Swiss company that globally produces special-purpose chemicals for the construction and industrial sectors. Since 1910, Sika has been developing manufacturing and system solutions that meet the relevant standards, bolster the construction process and provide support in construction. Innovative research programmes are aligned with Sika's core competencies and are focused on solutions for concrete production, waterproofing, flooring, sealing, bonding, grouting, structural reinforcement, repair and protection, steel and glass facades, roofs, etc. Since 2002, a wide range of Sika products for all segments of construction and industry has been made available in Serbia and Montenegro too. By implementing the business policy under the slogan "From floor to roof", Sika provides full support to its clients in all stages of construction. We have talked to Dragan Gavrilović, Managing Director of Sika Serbia d.o.o., about the company's future operations in our country.

Since 1910, Sika has been developing manufacturing and system solutions that meet the relevant standards, improve the construction process and provide support in construction activities. What responsibilities does this kind of tradition entail? — The path Sika has been marching on from 1910, when Kaspar Winkler officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for his factory in Switzerland, to this day, when the company has branches in 101 countries worldwide with over 300 factories, is certainly a source of motivation for each individual employee as it strengthens the desire to blaze

OUR CONCEPT OF QUALITY COMPRISES THREE ASPECTS: INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT QUALITY, QUALITY OF CUSTOMER AND PARTNER RELATIONS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE that trail even better, extend it and refine it. Since 2002, a wide range of Sika products for all segments of construction and industry has been made available in Serbia and Montenegro too. I can confidently say that we have honoured the responsibilities that come with a

century-long tradition and I firmly believe that such a trend will continue in the future. We are particularly proud of the Sika brand being synonymous with product and construction solutions quality, so it is not surprising that Sika occupies a leading market position

that we have worked towards and that we successfully maintain year-on-year.

Sika is known for its extremely advanced technologies, comprehensive services, extensive experience and unique expertise. How important is to follow the latest technologies for a successful business? — Our concept of quality comprises three aspects: individual product quality, quality of customer and partner relations and quality of service. To achieve

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all three aspects, it is of utmost importance that we respond to rapid market changes. Sika listens to the "pulse" of its clients and continually invests in the development of new, advanced solutions. The ability to innovate is the key to our success. Our global R&D strategy includes centralized and decentralized components that complement each other perfectly. Centrally organized research manages long-term research programmes, provides analytical services and establishes R&D management at the Group level. These commitments depend entirely on Sika technologies. Another component of R&D management is the regional adaptation of products, solutions and application modes.

Are you satisfied with Sika’s business here?

WE WILL WORK TOWARDS MAINTAINING OUR GROWTH IN THE COMING YEAR AND BE CONSTANTLY PRESENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES THROUGHOUT SERBIA — I really cannot think of a single reason to be dissatisfied. All parameters indicate a very successful business, which confirms that smart planning, good business organization, trained staff and quality work is a formula that guarantees continuous growth and this is something that we are not going to change. Sika Serbia will remember this year for the priceless recognition it received from the Sika Group in the shape of an award for the best Sika company in the world based on results from the previous three years. Such successes are the impetus for us to

continue at full speed and unwavering enthusiasm.

Sika is also recognized in Serbia as a socially responsible company, always ready to meet those who need help. Can you tell us more about that? — Sika carries out activities relating to social responsibility regularly. I would like to highlight our donations to the Centre for the Protection of Infants, Children and Youth in the Zvečanska Street, and the cooperation with the TV show "Sa Tamarom u Akciji" where we help every year with

the renovation of homes for the most vulnerable families all over Serbia. Besides, Sika Serbia has helped numerous events, both in the segment of construction and in education and sports.

The year 2020 is almost here. What are the company’s plans for next year?

— We will work towards maintaining our growth in the coming year and be constantly present on construction sites throughout Serbia while nurturing good relations with clients and providing adequate support. One of our main missions is to justify the investment in a new mortar factory and the extension of the warehouse that we did this year. We also want to increase export and of course, to maintain a leading position both locally, in Serbia, and within the Sika Group.

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH APPROACH What do you offer your clients? — Innovative research programmes are aligned with Sika's core competencies and are focused on solutions for concrete production, waterproofing, flooring, sealing, bonding, grouting, structural reinforcement, repair and protection, steel and glass facades, roofs, etc. Since the very beginning, the branch in Serbia gained prominence by participating in infrastructure projects such as the construction of tunnels and bridges and renovation projects. The focus was precisely on the part of the construction sector in which Sika already had a leading position worldwide and by which the brand itself was recognized. Following the opening a factory that produces powder materials and additives for concrete (which was a greenfield investment) in 2014, Sika Serbia has begun to record extraordinary results in distribution terms and its products become available to a wider group of consumers. In the second half of 2019, a new mortar factory was commissioned, which will hopefully further contribute to the overall success of the company..

CORPORATE

How Far Can You Go With an Electric Vehicle? The most common question that bothers people when thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle is how far can it go? By ALEKSANDAR ANIĆ Expert for BMW i – Electric and Plug-in hybrid vehicles at Delta Motors

No-one wants to constantly think if they will run out of energy while driving a car. This is especially a problem in Serbia because our infrastructure network does not support electric vehicles and the charger network is still under development. What about in the world? The Western countries are light years ahead of us. If you go to Oslo, where I was attending a conference on global development strategy and the latest trades in the world relating to electric vehicles, you will see the true implementation of everything for which the employees of the BMW factory in Leipzig work hard and diligently for. As you get off the plane, it won't take you more than two to three minutes to spot a BMW i3. The taxi that will drive you to the hotel will almost certainly be a hybrid vehicle. It is only a matter of time before you realize that the extraordinary peace you feel while walking down the street is due to silence because the vast majority of vehicles are electric or hybrid. This is common in Western European countries, as state subsidies and benefits for driving electric vehicles are perfect. For example, if you decide to buy an electric vehicle in the Netherlands, the state will help you with a subsidy of 4,000 EUR (in some countries this amount goes up to 7,000 EUR). The price of registration is negligible. You will be allowed to park for free anywhere, even in the city centre. You will drive inside the yellow lane without risking a fine (this benefit is abolished in some countries because the number of electric vehicles has grown so much that the benefit has lost its purpose). You will have at your disposal garages

and parking lots with endless sets of chargers and where charging, of course, costs nothing. So, let’s go back to our initial question – how far can you go with such a vehicle? Let me use BMW i3 as an example, which has been primarily designed and made as a city vehicle, not a long-distance one. As such, it completely meets the needs that arise from driving around the city on a daily basis. The declared range of a fully charged vehicle is 300km with the latest 120Ah battery.

The range may vary depending on the driving conditions. If you switch on air conditioning in the vehicle, the range will fall by 35km. The same goes for heating the vehicle cabin providing there is a heating pump as an optional accessory. If you did not buy the heating pump with the vehicle, which costs an additional 800 EUR, the cabin heating will reduce your driving range by approximately 80km. If you opt for seat heaters, you will also get battery heaters that work regardless of

THE CALCULATIONS SHOW THAT IN SERBIA EVERY KILOMETER WITH AN ELECTRICAL VEHICLE COSTS ON AVERAGE 13 TIMES LESS IN TERMS OF FUEL COMPARED TO AVERAGE PETROL OR DIESEL POWERED VEHICLE

whether the seat heating is active at that moment. This system is set up to reduce the negative effects of cold weather on the range. Benefits of using this vehicle are the same regardless of the location of use – you need to service it every two years regardless of the covered mileage. The calculations show that in Serbia every kilometer with an electrical vehicle costs on average 13 times less in terms of fuel compared to average petrol or diesel powered vehicle. This calculation, of course, depends on whether you will charge your vehicle at home or on a public charger, whether you will use electricity at night, when a kilowatt costs less, whether your household is in the green or blue zone in terms of your current electricity consumption, and the like. Although the benefits of using this kind of vehicle in terms of nature conservation are not immediate, their value cannot be expressed in monetary terms. In addition, the vehicle has so-called regenerative braking. Namely, every time you release the gas pedal, you will feel some resistance and you will experience a more intense deceleration compared to other vehicles. This is no cause for concern as the vehicle recovers kinetic energy this way and converts it to electric which gives you extra miles to drive. The feeling that you get when driving an electric vehicle is beneficial. You can see other drivers in the traffic, all stressed out and uptight for having to wait in line and the city’s hustle and bustle, while you sit in peace and quiet with your favourite music playing in the background. You will suddenly become more tolerant, giving way to other vehicles more than before. However, if you want to experience acceleration that you have never felt before, this vehicle will be happy to do that for you. The moment you press the gas pedal, all the power is available to you in milliseconds.

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ECONOMY

Excess Asian Savings are Weighing on Global Interest Rates But Asian officials argue that criticism of their current-account surpluses misses the mark It is nearly 15 years since Ben Bernanke, then the chairman of the Federal Reserve, argued that a “global saving glut” had fuelled America’s giant current-account deficit. Much has changed since then. The American deficit has shrunk, oil exporters’ surpluses have dwindled and central banks everywhere have dramatically expanded their balance-sheets. But another feature of the world that Mr Bernanke described in early 2005 looks strikingly familiar: Asia’s stockpile of savings remains enormous, and it is getting bigger by the year. For East Asia as a whole, each year gross domestic savings add up to 35% of gdp, and little has changed over the past three decades (see chart). This is not just an academic curiosity. Mr Bernanke’s concern in the early 2000s was that Asia’s excess cash was flooding into bond markets in America and beyond, depressing longterm real interest rates. When the global financial crisis erupted in 2008, some economists pointed to the Asian saving glut as an underlying cause of the housing boom and bust from Las Vegas to Dublin. With interest rates even lower now, some are again asking whether excessive saving in Asia is storing up trouble for the global economy. There are certainly echoes with 15 years ago. High savings rates in Asia continue to translate into large current-account surpluses. Over the past five years East Asia’s current-account surplus has averaged about $525bn annually, a touch higher in cash terms than the average in the five years preceding the 2008 crisis. The distribution has shifted: China’s surplus peaked a decade ago, while those of South Korea and Taiwan are bigger than they used to be. The current-account surpluses in Asia’s big economies add up to about 0.6% of global gdp, roughly the same as that of Europe’s surplus economies, including Germany’s, in combination. “It is one of the main global cross-border flows impacting

FOR EAST ASIA AS A WHOLE, EACH YEAR GROSS DOMESTIC SAVINGS ADD UP TO 35% OF GDP asset markets and pulling down yields globally,” says Brad Setser, an economist with the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. In the early 2000s the focus was on Asia’s currency reserves, especially China’s, much of which ended up in safe assets such as American treasuries. Now a wider array of Asian investors are channelling household and corporate savings into global markets. But their impact can, in some segments, be more pronounced. The imf calculates that Taiwanese life insurers own 18% of all dollar debt issued by non-American banks. Japanese banks own about 15% of globally issued collateralised loan obligations, potentially risky securitisations of corporate debt. South Korea’s national pension fund, the world’s third-biggest, with nearly $600bn in assets, plans to double its investments in foreign bonds over the next five years. Nevertheless, the continued rise in Asian savings looks less harmful from other angles. Most crucially, it has not been accompanied

by the same degree of intervention to hold down currencies as in the early 2000s. Then, China was the most flagrant actor. But its central bank is no longer a big buyer of dollars. If anything, its enforcement of capital controls has probably kept the yuan from falling more sharply. Across much of Asia, tolerance for stronger currencies has increased. Of the 60 economies monitored by the Bank for International Settlements, a club of central banks, only 16 have seen their real effective exchange rates rise by more than 5% since 2010; of this small group, seven are Asian. Some countries have also taken steps to make their role in currency markets more transparent. America’s Treasury has welcomed decisions by South Korea and Singapore to start publishing regular data about their interventions. That said, other countries are now intervening more heavily. Vietnam and Thailand have started accumulating foreign-exchange reserves at a rapid clip. And Mr Setser has published forensic analysis suggesting that Taiwan’s cur-

rency reserves might be 40% bigger than officially declared, because the country’s central bank does not report its exposure to derivatives. A broader question is whether Asia should be faulted for its predilection for saving. Take Singapore, which lies at the extreme end with a current-account surplus of 18% of gdp. The imf argues that the country’s external position is “substantially stronger” than warranted by fundamentals. It has called for the government to spend more on infrastructure and on social security, which would help reduce its citizens’ precautionary savings. But Singapore has pushed back against such criticisms. Before the mid-1980s it regularly ran a current-account deficit. Its surplus ballooned as it hit a demographic sweet spot, with lots of workers and few retired people. In the coming years, though, it expects its surplus to narrow as its population gets older. Households will draw down savings and the government will face mounting health-care costs. For China, South Korea and Taiwan, all of which are set to age rapidly, the dynamics are likely to be similar. Economists also continue to question how much blame Asian savers really deserve for the global financial turmoil of 2008. There were plenty of other culprits. They included America’s lax mortgage regulations and Europe’s rash banks, which borrowed heavily and scooped up dangerous debt products. Once again, the West is doing much on its own terms that is alarming enough, from America’s trade wars to Europe’s inability to muster a co-ordinated fiscal response to its economic woes. Surplus savings in Asia are yet another drag on a world suffering from weak demand. But of all the things to worry about, they are not top of the list. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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CORPORATE

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INTERVIEW

We Need(ed) a Comprehensive Solution for the Region The economic and legal systems are paramount, we can be different culturally

country. The EU made a dangerous precedent here, and I hope they will correct it soon. NATO is a kind of substitution. Montenegro and Albania, together with Macedonia, will form a sort of an "Adriatic-Ionian" NATO zone, while the other part of the region will stay out of that zone. However, the West will do everything in its power to keep Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia away from Russia military-wise. They say that the USSR fell apart when the gap between Estonia and Tajikistan was 6:1 in terms of wealth, as did Yugoslavia, when there was the same gap between Slovenia and Kosovo. Now, the gap between Luxembourg and Bulgaria is similar. This has also caused the migrations that, in part, led to Brexit. Intra-European migrations are quite visible. Is the EU strong enough economically to accept new members? Even if we all join NATO and behave like Zaev, are they willing take in poorer countries after the global economic crisis and the Greek crisis?

BORIS VARGA Political analyst, political scientist and journalist

Boris Varga has combined different identities within himself – both a Ruthenian and Yugoslav, he studied in Ukraine and speaks many languages, in which he thinks and writes. He has a sharp tongue and clear views and is a frequent interlocutor of both domestic and foreign media when they need a political analysis of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The current situation is burdensome for a number of reasons. Macron has obviously decided to endorse the „EU First“ strategy, namely he wants first to consolidate the EU as it is, and it is quite heterogeneous. The UK has been trying to get out of the way, and since 2004, the EU is bigger for 14 countries, of which only two had a tradition of capitalist

I THINK THE FUTURE OF OUR REGION DEPENDS ON THE EU AND THE WEST, AND NOT SO MUCH RUSSIA AND CHINA democracy - Malta and Cyprus (by 1990) while 11 were former socialist countries, new to the experience of liberal democracy. Now, they are wrestling with the problems of the media and judicial control, nationalism and migrants. They feel like a bumper of "the old Europe". There is a big cultural gap between them, as if they were "sewn together" by someone. We also have a "third Europe", in limbo, which stretches from Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans. There is also a „fourth Europe“, that is the Eurasian Union. Which direction should "the third Europe" take?

— I think the future of our region depends on the EU and the West, and not so much Russia and Chi-

na. Firstly, we have declared our primary goals, and secondly, we belong here, both geographically and politically. The current problem is a lack of vision of what the EU is. Macron tries to impose himself as a leader in making sense of what Europe is, while Angela Merkel is withdrawing. He is the one who defines the geopolitical construction. We've heard so many times the phrase that „the EU has no alternative“, but an alternative does exist. Maybe that's not membership in the Eurasian Union (EAU), but rather it's a balancing act which is a bad scenario for Serbia. Vučić is relieved by Macron's attitude because it's easier for him to balance. He turned out to be cunningly wise. Zaev did not, as he honestly changed the name of the

— The problem with their financial consolidation is not completely resolved. Integration, control and greater regulation have not been fully implemented. The EU could swallow WB6 economically if it were not to the detriment of developed countries. They could import problems and conflicts that have not been resolved, and this is something they don't want to do – they did already it with Cyprus. In terms of the wider region, the political issues are much bigger than the economic. In this limbo, Turkey and Ukraine serve as two opposite examples. The EU overshadows Turkey economically but not politically. Also, there is a cultural moment here to consider – can the EU take in tens of millions of Muslims? Ukraine suits the EU politically, but not economically, because Ukraine is weak - 40 million people and a huge systemic corruption are unacceptable to the EU. Having Syria, Iran and Russia for neighbours also poses a problem.

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How did Russia got lost?

— The problem lies in the West's duplicity towards Russia. After the fall of the USSR, during the Yeltsin era, the West turned a blind eye to enormous corruption and looting, and when Putin came to power, everything started to bother them all of a sudden. But this is not just about one man. After the 1998 devaluation of the ruble, the elites concluded that they had made enough money in the whole "east-west plot", and decided to stop that mayhem with the help of Putin. And then the West started going on about human rights and democracy. Let's not forget that the same Western countries have been involved in systemic corruption and liberal neo-colonialism for 10 years. So, where is this visionary who can make a deal with the present Russia? In December 1991, when Gorbachev broadcasted on TV that the USSR was no longer, there was a great opportunity to Europeanize and accept all these countries, from Moldova, Azerbaijan and Georgia to Ukraine. It seemed that the West was not that keen to take them under its wing. It rather promoted wars and poverty and extracted money from these countries while they remained poisoned by nationalism and tycoonization and having to deal with an unfinished state. We, here, resemble unruly crowd who is at each other's throats, but who swear that they will get along just fine once they join the EU.

— I think that was a huge mistake, although it is an extraordinary task for any politician to draw a former empire closer rather than to import its problems and ambitions. On this example you can see how great a politician is. The perfect example of this is when eight Eastern European countries joined the EU in 2004. This somehow coincided with the "Orange Revolution". I did my doctoral thesis on this subject and my position is ambivalent maybe 2004 was good for Ukraine,

but bad for the entire former USSR region. Putin thought that the US extending its arm to Russia as an ally in Afghanistan in 2001 was enough, and he saw all these "colourful revolutions" as a blow. The West missed out on an opportunity to have a fresh start with Russia in the 1990s after the "Orange Revolution" and the "Rose Revolution" which additionally frustrated Moscow. It was a bad call for Russia to rely on Shevardnadze and Kuchma up until then, but it was also a great opportunity for the West to export political technology there, which previously proved to be efficient against Milošević and Mečiar. This is also the case with the Western Balkans. Just like in the former USSR, where the West was not bothered with democracy, corruption and law, but won over individual countries by frustrating Russia, now, it is doing the same thing with the Western Balkans. The mistake made with the USSR in 1991 is now being made in the case of the Western Balkans. The

— I don’t think that's a matter of symmetry. But I wouldn't mind if the independence of Kosovo and the former Soviet breakaway republics were resolved within the EU and the EAU. Then the problem would be similar to the "Catalan issue" rather than having a situation of constantly being on the brink of a civil war. However, a crisis is created here to entice the parent state to the opposite side. The same goes for the issue of Crimea.

and legal values, we are closer to Europe than China. Europe is more realistic for me in several ways – first there is the Old Europe, then the Eurozone, then the Big CEFTA, then Eurasia, then Central Asia, and only then China. We have to compromise with China. Russia cannot do without Europe, and vice versa, and it is increasingly being left to China. The key issue is relations with Ukraine, which Moscow must resolve.

They say that the first countries to enter the EAU will be Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan ...

Orban thinks that Eastern Europeans are a symbol of European values.

— ... and Vietnam.

— I don't think that the Europe of cultures is the point here. Rather, it is the Europe of markets, meaning that we all have to have the same market conditions. If we start focusing on cultures, that will immediately create insurmountable differences. We need a legal base, like in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, where people mixed among each other. I would love for Eurasia to be formed that way, so, in 100 years, it really would not matter if you were in Kyrgyzstan or Shenzhen.

And Tunisia, which is, funnily enough, not in Eurasia but in Africa. Can we talk now about European values? Are they, to quote Teofil Pančić, the values of the West that we are adopting, or as I said, the smallest common storage of Europe from Iceland to Ukraine and Portugal to Georgia?

IT IS AN EXTRAORDINARY TASK FOR ANY POLITICIAN TO DRAW A FORMER EMPIRE CLOSER RATHER THAN TO IMPORT ITS PROBLEMS AND AMBITIONS so-called Mini Schengen should have been established right after the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Now, we have some kind of negotiations with Kosovo that will definitely fail. And the time is going by pretty fast. Personally, I think Kosovo should be an independent state, but I don't know how we can reach an agreement on that. Do you symmetrically advocate that other de facto seceded entities that do not wish to be again a part of their former common state, such as Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Northern Cyprus and Transnistria, should be independent and that Crimea should be a part of Russia?

— Are we a Europe of cultures or a Europe of markets? Above all, there has to be a common structure in place, a base of economic and legal rules. We should have at least minimal democracy, free elections, freedom of the press and no death sentence. I cheer for Brzezinski's Europe from Dublin to Vladivostok. But in reality, the EU is an American vision to compete with China. I think the aforementioned "Big CEFTA" could in the future respond to the challenge of unstable Eurasia. That's what Mikhalkov said in 1999 - that the Balkans, Russia and Central Asia were the bridge of Eurasia and that Eurasian values already existed.

— Yes, but in terms of economic

Authorities are increasingly controlling the media in Serbia. How would you assess the political and media situation? Regardless of the direction it takes, how can this country be better, less party-centric and make its people stay?

— Vučić has created a modern cult of personality and has reduced the capacity of the institutions, causing unprecedented damage. We are reverting to the time of despots and we are leaving the Europe we talked about, i.e. European markets and rules. We are becoming a one-party state. This is something that will not survive in the 21st century in Europe. Maybe Azerbaijan and Belarus and Turkmenistan can do that because they have oil and gas. Once the people realize that Vučić is guilty of everything, and once he leaves, we will wake up in the year 2000 and realize that we have to build everything from scratch.

WE TRUST LEADERS, BUT... Do you think that, again, we are going to see a peaceful lawyer emerging, like Koštunica or Zelensky, who is prone to negotiating and reconciling the differences? — Recent numerous affairs testify to the fact that the Serbian authorities are slowly crumbling and they are not even aware to what extent. We trust

leaders, but we can easily turn to others very suddenly. That was the case in the US, Ukraine, France, and Kosovo, after all. Only Facebook and Zuckerberg know who is the Serbian 'Zelensky' and he is, quite possibly, a political "newcomer". I just hope that he is not some kind of Google leader, like Beli Preletačević.

INTERVIEW

Great Importance of Visit to Israel At the newly established Serbian-Jewish Centre, people will be able to learn the Serbian language and also learn about the culture and history of the Jewish community in Serbia Dr NEBOJŠA KUZMANOVIĆ Director of the public institution Archive of Vojvodina

Director of the Archive of Vojvodina, Dr Nebojša Kuzmanović was a member of a Serbian delegation that visited Israel on the occasion of the opening of Saint Sava and Yehuda Alkalay Serbian-Jewish Centre. In this interview, he talks about the visit in detail and what has been done since then. Saint Sava and Yehuda Alkalay Serbian-Jewish Centre was opened at the ONO Academic College in Jerusalem. You attended this event. Could you tell us more about it? How did the collaboration come about?

— The Serbian-Jewish Centre in Jerusalem was opened at the initiative of the renowned Israeli historian, Professor Gideon Greif, PhD, and Serbian Ambassador H.E. Dr Ljiljana Niksic, Head of the Department for Migration Policy, Diaspora and Social Agreements at the Foreign Ministry. The opening of the centre is actually part of the process of establishing better ties, that is, of deepening the relations between Israel and Serbia. More to the point, a few months ago a Serbian-Jewish Centre was opened at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, so the opening of the Centre in Jerusalem is in a way a natural continuation of the cooperation between Serbia and Israel in various fields. This was an initial academic trip to Jerusalem that

additionally took on a distinctive "pilgrimage" dimension. I would also like to highlight the importance of the ONO Academic College in order to understand the significance of the opening of Saint Sava and Yehuda Alkalay Serbian-Jewish Centre under the auspices of this educational institution. The ONO Academic College is the most renowned and largest private higher education institution in Israel, attended by about 60,000 students who, now that the Centre is open, have the opportunity to learn the Serbian language, but also to learn about the culture and history of the Jewish community whose members live and have lived in Serbia. At the opening of the Centre, which is located in the western part of Jerusalem, a memorial plaque was also unveiled at the college in honour of Saint Sava’s first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, 790 years ago. For me personally, the unveiling of this memorial plaque significantly contributes to the affirmation of the national culture of memory. The poetic inscription of the plaque that reads "He left a trace on the azure sky above the Holy Land 790 years ago. This memorial plaque is for future generations to remember his paternal love, which truly encapsulated all his missions of 'Saint Sava pacifism' in a year when we are commemorating eight centuries of the autocephaly of the Serbian Orthodox Church”, further validates my point. An academic roundtable discussion on the Serbian-Jewish rela-

tions was also held. What were the conclusions?

— The Tel Aviv-based International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, INIS - the Belgrade Institute for National and International Security, the Center for Social Stability from Novi Sad and the Archive of Vojvodina were the organizers of this event that took place in Jerusalem. The topic of the academic roundtable was Serbian-Israeli relations, with an emphasis on the suffering of Serbs and Jews, as well as on the development and affirmation of a critical culture of memory, which I personally and as director of the Archive of Vojvodina advocate. Distinguished experts from Serbia and Israel, Italy, the USA and Germany participated in the discussion. Considering the roundtable topics, I can confidently say that the quality of the discussion exceeded our initial expectations that we had

had prior to holding this gathering. Historian Nemanja Starović moderated the round table discussion about the suffering of the two peoples, particularly in Jasenovac. The participants mostly talked about Jasenovac, this mass execution site and one of the cruellest concentration camps in the history of civilization. Most of the roundtable participants underlined the importance of the enormous contribution of the leading Israeli historian Professor Gideon Greif, PhD, who, through his Jasenovac trilogy, made a significant contribution to bringing up the issue of establishing the truth about Jasenovac again. The survivors of the Jasenovac concentration camp, Jelena Buhač Radojčić, Smilja Tišma, Gojko Rončević and Antun Miletić talked about the suffering of inmates. How important is this for Serbian-Jewish relations?

— The visit was of great importance for the relations between our two friendly countries. First of all, it had a scientific, academic and diplomatic character, but it also took on a certain spiritual and cultural dimension. For me personally, the memorial plaque in honour of Saint Sava is definitely the most important aspect of our visit to Israel, since we were the first put up a memorial plaque commemorating 790 years since the pilgrimage of our saint and enlightener, who first made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1229.

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BUSINESS NEWS

UNICREDIT BEST BANK IN SERBIA IN 2019

NELT COMPLETED INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT CYCLE WORTH 15 MILLION EUROS The Nelt Group has invested 15 million euros in regional integrated logistics services. With a focus on process optimisation and investment in people, the company will record revenue of 950 million euros in 2019. The leader in providing the most sophisticated services in the area of distribution and logistics, employing 4,000 people in 15 companies in 11 markets in Southeast Europe and Africa, it has constantly been investing in business development, new technology implementation and employee advancement for more than 25 years. “Despite challenges, we are planning further investments in service improvements, new technologies and process optimisa-

tion. We aim to continue with our organic growth, improve efficiency and generate value added by creating or acquiring new FMCG and pharmaceutical brands. We will also continue supporting projects related to education and professional empowerment of youth in all the markets where we operate,” said Miloš Jelić, the Nelt Group CEO.

W RESIDENCES ARE COMING TO BELGRADE!

Belgrade Waterfront has officially announced the arrival of W Belgrade hotel and the prestigious W Residences Belgrade apartments to Serbia. The sale begins on Friday, November 22 in Belgrade Waterfront Sales Centre. W Residences are spread throughout eight attractive locations in

the USA – such as Hollywood, Aspen or Miami – but so far in the old continent, they are present only in London and Portugal. Nikola Nedeljković, Belgrade Waterfront General Manager, says: “Belgrade Waterfront leads the trend of branded residences in Serbia, allowing the residents to enjoy all hotel services of the same brand, but in the privacy of their own home. W Residences Belgrade is created for people who demand top of the class quality standards and a sophisticated service, those who love art and design, healthy lifestyle and time actively spent, at the same time cherishing exclusive and out of the ordinary experiences”.

IMMOFINANZ CELEBRATED OF ITS FOURTH YEAR OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS IN SERBIA The Austrian company IMMOFINANZ – a leading listed commercial real estate investor in Central and Eastern Europe – last night celebrated its 4th full year of the successful operations in Serbia in the presence of many partners, local officials and media representatives. Since 2015, the company has opened 10 retail parks with the aim to bring global trends to the local population. The guests present were addressed by Mr. Josko Pitesa, Country Manager for Serbia,

Slovenia and Croatia, with IMMOFINANZ. During his speech he pointed out that Serbia presents favorable business environment for IMMOFINANZ which will continue to expand further in Serbian market.

UniCredit Bank received prestigious award for “Bank of the Year in Serbia“ by the renowned British financial magazine “The Banker“. UniCredit Bank managed to further strengthen one of the leading positions in Serbia, despite all the challenges on the market, mostly thanks to strong loan and deposit growth. Besides that, key success factors were an increase in process efficiency, sound risk management and focus on customer acquisition. Moreover, considering the digital era in which we live and work, digitalization strategy, usage of new technologies and benefits created for customers, have imposed UniCredit Bank as the leader. Feza Tan, CEO of UniCredit Bank Serbia, has stated: “We are very pleased that The Banker has recognized our efforts to adopt the way we are doing banking in order to fulfil the needs of our customers. “I am particularly proud of dedicated employees who always move one step ahead of our customers, continuously analyzing the market in order to embrace new opportunities for innovation. Readiness to improve ourselves and adjust to the fast changing environment are the keys to our success”.

SECOND MIELE KITCHEN EXPERIENCE TAKES PLACE

Miele Kitchen Experience / Interactive Cooking made it possible to socialize with the founder of the New Balkan Cuisine concept and a friend of the Miele brand, Chef Vanja Puškar. At the event, we prepared two interesting specialities together, had fun and learned more about combining herbs, steaming and small secrets that make the cooking process easier. Our plate featured chicken drumstick in wine and fruit crumble with vanilla ice cream, which can be easily made if you carefully follow the instructions of the experienced chef. The Miele Kitchen Experience programme is a blend of culinary skills, the right combination of ingredients and the preparation of food on high-end Miele appliances, which, thanks to their innovative technology, preserve the aroma. Miele Kitchen Experience Meetings are intended for everyone who wants to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of Miele kitchen appliances in a practical manner while spending time in good company.

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Novi Sad Winterfest Among the Best European Christmas Markets In collaboration with the European Commission, the European Best Destinations website declared Novi Sad Winterfest one of the best Christmas markets in Europe “Winterfest in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia and the capital of the Province of Vojvodina, is the first and largest Christmas Market in the country. Since 2016, Winterfest has had a large number of visitors from other parts of Serbia and other countries in the region. The biggest attraction is the Singing Christmas Tree, where children and adult choirs from all over Vojvodina perform every day. Since this is a multicultural province, the choirs sing in 10 different languages (Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ruthenian, Croatian, Ladin, Yiddish, English,German and Russian),”www.europeanbestdestinations.com writes.“ Around 50 wooden chalet-

sare set in the historic centre ofNovi Sad - Liberty Square. Thereis also a “Playground in Hay”where city kids can play carefree.After 30 years, organizers of theWinterfest have returned "fijakers",horse-drawn carriages, tothe streets of Novi Sad,” the websiteadds. In addition, the site recommendshotel accommodation inNovi Sad as well as tours aroundVojvodina and Belgrade. Advent in Zagreb has been theNo 1. European Christmas marketfor several years according to thesite, which has brought manytourists to visit the Croatian capitalthis time of the year.Voting for the title of "Best EuropeanChristmas Market" on www.europeanbestdestinations.comends on December 10th.

BELGRADE’S CITIZENS ENJOY FRENCH FASHION, WINE AND GASTRONOMY

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The citizens of Belgrade had the opportunity to experience the French living at the first salon called “Bonjour France”, held at the Rajić Shopping Centre. The plateau in front of the shopping centre was transformed into a salon where visitors could taste and buy French-inspired products from different segments – gastronomy, cosmetics, decoration and fashion. Visitors were also able to feel the charm of French hedonism while tasting the country’s top wines paired with the traditional Ile de France cheeses – Brie, Camembert and Emmentaler – produced by Mlekoprodukt. French cheeses with more than 250 varieties are a delight for all senses and, together with the famous croissants and varieties of the finest wines, are a symbol of the ‘land of love’. By enjoying these products, the visitors could feel the French spirit and imagine for a moment they were in Paris. Employees are yours the most valuable resource. Especially, if the job they do requires teamwork and organisation of work. In fact, there’s a correlation between successful company operations and employee satisfaction. Why? First of all, they can handle a bad critique and understand that the team goals always outweigh individual needs. Also, they’re responsible, in a sense of sport – each player has a role and has to contribute in order for best results. Team management works great for them and because of their persistence - determina-

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

13 FOREIGN NOV

INVESTORS COUNCIL PRESENTED THE WHITE BOOK 2019

Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister

15 NATIONAL DAY NOV

OF BRAZIL CELEBRATED IN BELGRADE

H.E. Eduardo Barbosa, Ambassador of Brazil

18 THE EMBASSY OF NOV

QATAR HOSTS A PRESS DINNER

Representatives of Belgrade media

The Foreign Investors Council presented the White Book 2019 to the highest Government officials and stakeholder community. The White Book, written by FIC members, is the major product by which, for more than a decade, FIC gives recommendations aimed at supporting economic growth and

better living standard of Serbian citizens. The event was opened with introductory address by FIC President Yana Mikhailova, followed by insight into FIC Index 2019 by White Book Editor-in-Chief Miroljub Labus, as well as addresses by Head of EU Delegation in Serbia Sem Fabrizi and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.

Sem Fabrizi, Head of EU Delegation in Serbia, Zorana Mihajlović, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Yana Mikhailova, FIC President and Zoran Djordjević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy

The Embassy of Brazil in Serbia hosted a formal reception at the Yugoslav Archive building in honour of the Brazilian national holiday – the Republic Day, as well as the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Serbia, that is, the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Ambassador

of Brazil, H.E. Eduardo Barbosa said in a welcoming speech that, despite great geographical distance, Brazil and Serbia were able to establish good communication and work together. He also said that it was important to respect the provisions and principles of international law, but also to support one another in international tasks.

Mr. Hans Friedrich Schodder, UNHCR Representative in Serbia and H.E. Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko, Russian Ambassador to Serbia

The Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al-Thani played host to editors of prestigious media at Belgrade's Madera

H.E. Anthony Godfrey, US Ambassador to Serbia and H.E. Chen Bo, Ambassador of China to Serbia

Restaurant. In a pleasant atmosphere, journalists from Belgrade-based media outlets had a lengthy talk with the Ambassador of Qatar.

Boško Jakšić. Daily newspaper Politika and Milan Ćulibrk, H.E. Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al-Thani Weekly NIN

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20 EMBASSY OF NOV

ALGERIA CELEBRATED THE NATIONAL DAY

The Embassy of Algeria in Belgrade celebrated on November 20 at the Metropol Palace Hotel, the Algerian National Day marking the 65th anniversary of November 1st 1954, and the date of the outbreak of the national liberation struggle. Mr Zoran Djordjević, Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy, Their HRH Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjević and Crown Princess Katherine as well as political, religious and military figures, members of

H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub and H.E. Tomáš Kuchta, Zoran Djordjević, Minister, Ambassador of Algeria Czech Ambassador and Dragomir Karić

28 AMCHAM SURVEY: NOV

WE EXPECT RECORD GROWTH – PREREQUISITE: INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

Jelena Pavlović, President of AmCham

02 UNITED ARAB DEC

EMIRATES STATE DAY

the diplomatic corps and the Algerian community members in Serbia attended the ceremony. On that occasion, H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, Ambassador of Algeria recalled a great symbolic value of this historic date, the sacrifices made by the Algerian people for their freedom and independence, and the contribution of Stevan Labudovic cameraman at Filmske Novosti, in publicizing the reality of the Algerian people’s struggle worldwide.

H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub and H.E. Andrea Orizio, Head of the OSCE (OEBS) Mission to Serbia with his wives.

Labor availability is the biggest challenge for business development, with business climate assessments slightly worse than last year due to the failure to implement key reforms. Most AmCham member companies (78%) expect growth, while 61% plan to hire more people in 2020. One of the conclusions of AmCham's annual survey of key priorities for

improving the business environment in Serbia, unanimously agreed by members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia and medium, small, micro and startup companies, is that the biggest challenge for business development is workforce availability. This was one of many conclusions presented at the Seventh annual Lap Time Conference.

Zorana Mihajlović, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure

Panel with ministers of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Serbia celebrated the 48th anniversary of the establishment of the Emirate at Belgrade’s Hyatt Hotel. The reception was attended by many representatives of the

diplomatic corps and Serbian officials. The National Day of the UAE is celebrated on December 2nd in memory of the same date in 1971, when seven emirates joined into one union, called the United Arab Emirates.

H.E. Mubarak Aldhaheri ,Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Belgrade

Ceremonial cutting of cake, Ambassador with ministers

MORE PHOTOS ON

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

02 WALKING DINNER DEC

WITH THE MAYOR OF NOVI SAD

The Mayor of Novi Sad, Miloš Vučević and Robert Čoban, Director of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, played hosts to ambassadors and deputy ambassadors of Brazil, Switzerland, Indonesia, Tunisia, Mexico, Cyprus and Montenegro in Novi Sad. The guests, who had the opportunity to get acquainted with the rich history of Novi Sad, included H.E. Eduardo Barbosa, Ambassador of Brazil and his wife, H.E. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha, Ambassador of Indonesia, Indira Stevia, Third Secretary of the Indonesian Embassy, Professor Dragan Trivan, PhD, Honorary Consul at the Embassy of Tunisia, H.E. Marco Antonio García Blanco, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Constantinos Eliades, Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Tarzan Milošević, Ambassador of Montenegro and Ljiljana Čampara, First Advisor to the Consul of Montenegro in Vojvodina. As part of the concept called “Walking Dinner with the Mayor of Novi Sad,” the ambassadors met at the Atina restaurant, which until 1944 was called “Kod Dornštetera”, after the war “Moskva,” from 1948 to 1991 ” Zagreb”, and since then “Atina”. Dinner continued with the main course, accompanied by the tamburitza music at the Lazin Salaš restaurant, which is located in the building which once housed “Talija”, the printing shop of the Serbian National Theatre. The dinner ended at “Carigrad”, one of the oldest pastry shops in Novi Sad, which dates back to 1936. On their way back to Belgrade, the ambassadors were gifted with the traditional kurtoš cake to take with them. Apatin Brewery was the event’s general sponsor.

03 THE ROMANIAN DEC

EMBASSY CELEBRATES A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

H.E. Constantinos,Eliades, Ambassador of Cyprus, Robert Čoban, CPG, H.E. Marco Antonio García Blanco, Ambassador of Mexico and H.E. Eduardo Barbosa, Ambassador of Brazil

H.E. Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha, Ambassador of Indonesia and Miloš Vučević, H.E. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland Mayor of Novi Sad

On the occasion of the national holiday, the Day of Romanian Unity, the Romanian Embassy in Serbia hosted a formal reception. The guests were welcomed by the Ambassador of Romania to Serbia, H.E. Ms Oana Kristina Popa, at the Hyatt Hotel in Belgrade. On the occasion, the Ambassador highlighted very good and strong relations between Romania and Serbia and reminded of the traditional friendship

H.E. Ms Oana Kristina Popa

Ambassador of Cyprus, Mayor of Novi Sad and Ambassador of Indonesia

H.E. Marco Antonio García Blanco, Ambassador of Mexico

and closeness of the two peoples. The reception was attended by government ministers, representatives of public and cultural life, diplomatic corps, high army officials, church dignitaries and others. Romania celebrates its National Day, the Day of Romanian Unity, in memory of December 1, 1918, when Transylvania united with the Kingdom of Romania, while Bessarabia and Bukovina regain their borders.

H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio, Italian Ambassador, H.E. Archbishop Luciano Suriani, Apostolic Nuncio In Serbia,H.E. Sem Fabrizi, EU and H.E. Andrea Orizio, OSCE

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03 THE AUSTRIAN DEC

CULTURAL FORUM PLANS TO IMPLEMENT OVER 90 PROJECTS IN 2020

event. “We want to represent Austria from both a cultural and scientific perspective. Next year, we are planning to implement 90 projects throughout Serbia, not only in Belgrade. Some of the projects related to jazz, painting and film,” Adrien Feix said on the occasion.

The Austrian Cultural Forum’s plans for 2020 were presented at the Austrian ambassador's residence on Tuesday, December 3rd. Ambassador the Republic of Austria, H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti and the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum Adrien Feix hosted the

Ana Lojpur, Assistant at the Embassy of Sweden, Joachim Waern, Deputy Ambassador of Sweden , H.E. NIKOLAUS LUTTEROTTI, Austrian Ambassador to Serbia, Adrien Feix,Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum , Mirjana Komadina, Project manager, Austrian Cultural Forum and Jelena Glišić, Project manager Austrian Cultural Forum

05 USAIDDEC

SUPPORTED FORUM

On December 5, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Cooperation for Growth Project (CGP) held an event at the Crowne Plaza hotel dedicated to helping Serbian companies and entrepreneurs expand their businesses. More than 250 representatives

from Serbia’s leading small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attended the SME is MVP Forum. USAID’s and CGP’s aim was to help SMEs identify ways to compete more effectively in the 21st century marketplace and develop strategies to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their further growth.

Joseph Lowther, Chief of Party of USAID’s Cooperation for Growth Project

05 THE EMBASSY OF DEC

FINLAND CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY

H.E.Anthony Godfrey, US Ambassador

The Finnish Embassy in Belgrade held a reception in honour of the Independence Day of this northern European country. The guests were welcomed by the Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Kimmo Lähdevirta in his residence in Belgrade. The reception

was attended by public and cultural figures, members of the diplomatic corps and other notable guests. Finland celebrates its Independence Day in memory of December 6, 1917, when the country declared independence from the Russian Empire.

H.E. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Finnish Ambassador

H.E. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Finnish Ambassador and H.E. Anders Christian Hougard, Ambassador of Denmark to Serbia

CULTURE

Let them Eat Christmas Cake Don’t make seasonal festivities too formal

Everyone feels like winding down in December. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, the New Year is approaching and most people take a few days’ break. In many workplaces this feeling of “mission accomplished” is accompanied by an established tradition: the office party. In boom times these can be truly lavish affairs. Robbie Williams sang at Deutsche Bank’s global-equities party in 2001. A Bloomberg event in 2000, based on the seven deadly sins, was said to have cost £1m (then $1.5m). At the “Googlympus” in 2006, the internet group had tents named after different Greek gods while staff amused themselves at the “wine cork shooting gallery”. Few companies today desire the publicity that tends to follow such events. The natural question is, if you are spending that amount on a party, how much are you charging clients? Companies are rightly more sensitive than they were about the risks involved when workers lose their inhibitions after consuming too much alcohol. A survey of American companies by the suitably named Challenger Gray & Christmas, an outplacement firm, found that 59% had discussed, or planned to discuss, the dangers of “inappropriate celebrating” with staff. To avoid these dangers, the chief operating officer of bdo, an accountancy firm, has suggested that two chaperones attend seasonal celebrations, along with first-aiders. Other accounting firms have suggested holding daytime events rather than after-hours drinks parties. There is a lot to be said for daytime celebrations. First, it makes attendance easier for anyone caring for small children, or elderly relatives, and who thus finds it difficult to stay out late. Second, people are likely to be a bit more restrained in their alcohol consumption at lunchtime than in the evenings. And third, celebrating during working hours feels like a genuine break from duties; attending after work seems more like an obligation. Most workers don’t expect their seasonal event to turn into a Bacchanal; they are just hoping to

IN SHORT, IT'S EASIER TO ENJOY YOURSELF IF YOU CAN DO SO IN YOUR OWN FASHION avoid tedium. A survey of British office workers in 2014 found that only a quarter looked forward to their Christmas event and 71% would rather have a small cash bonus than a knees-up. In Bartleby’s experience, office parties come in three types. The first is the sit-down lunch, in which you are inevitably seated next to someone whose name you do not know, even though you have spent five years politely nodding at them when you pass in the corridor. Two hours of social awkwardness ensue. The second type of do is the evening event with excruciatingly loud music. On the plus side, no one can hear you speak so it does not matter if you have forgotten their names; on the down side, after half an hour everyone over 30 is so deafened that they wish they were at home with a nice book or a box set of

“The West Wing”. The third sort of event is the stand-up do with drinks and nibbles, when the food is never enough to absorb the alcohol and you are permanently caught in a state of angst over whether you are boring the person you are talking to more than they are boring you. Naturally, there is an economic answer and it is specialisation. Think of Adam Smith’s pin factory where everyone plays their different part; let everyone have the party they want. Some may want to down the prosecco but others may be happier only to gorge on cake. Seasonal events at The Economist are highly segregated. The leader writers sit quietly in a corner, sipping sherry and discussing structural reform; the Keynesians borrow money off the rest of the staff to pay for their drinks; believers in central-bank independ-

ence down pints of beer in feats of “quantitative drinking”; neoclassical economists sip water, arguing that no rational person would consume alcohol, given the risks of hangovers and liver damage; while those who favour modern monetary theory guzzle vodka shots on the ground that it is impossible to get drunk if you control your own alcohol supply. In short, it is easier to enjoy yourself if you can do so in your own fashion. And that may include not partying at all. If managers think staff would rather spend time at home than attend, let them; the company will save money. Last, but not least, if managers must make a speech, keep it short. Something along the lines of “You’ve all done very well this year, good luck next.” Save the Churchillian rhetoric for the annual general meeting. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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INTERVIEW

Sensation at the Core of Dance Stars of the New York City Ballet will perform in Serbia for the first time. Belgrade will be one of the few cities in which the Ballet Jazz Montreal will perform to the music of Leonard Cohen

AJA JUNG Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival

The 17th Belgrade Dance Festival, which will take place under the slogan “Pure Sensation” from 21st March to 12th April, 2020, will present unique artistic experiences. The main programme will feature performances by 17 troupes from 12 countries who will stage 23 choreographed pieces. The troupes come from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, the USA, Israel, Canada, the Netherlands, Argentina, Croatia and Brazil, and the Festival will take place both in Belgrade and Novi Sad. The Festival will be officially opened with the world premiere by Jacopo Godani for the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company. Godani won the Jovan Ćirilov Award for the choreographic triptych performed at the previous festival. As the recipient of this award, Godani was obligated to come back to the Festival and stage a brand new piece in front of the Belgrade audience. Earlier recipients of the Jovan Ćirilov Award (‘For a Step Forward’) include Jiri Kylian, Sharon Eyal, Dimitris Papaioannou and Marie Chouinard. The new piece by the famous Italian choreographer, who lives in Frankfurt, will bring to Belgrade many foreign fans of dance and will be an opportunity for the Festival to validate its slogan at the very beginning. With Leonard Cohen’s consent and under the artistic direction of Louis Robitaille and

the bold dramaturgy by Eric Jean, the Ballet Jazz Montreal will perform its latest piece, as it did on the several biggest global stages. This homage to the renowned Montreal poet and songwriter evokes the life cycles through five seasons, as described in his lyrics. In this interview, the Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival, Aja

Jung talks about all of the above in much more detail. Next year’s Dance Festival will take place under the slogan “Pure Sensation”. How do you define sensation and what is the Festival’s main message?

— Every choreographic piece we will showcase will be sensational,

WE WILL INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF SURPRISES, FROM LIVE ORCHESTRA MUSIC TO UNIQUE STAGE INNOVATIONS

just like the troupes and artists that will perform at the Festival. We will introduce a number of surprises, from live orchestra music to unique stage innovations. Stars of the New York City Ballet will perform in Serbia for the first time. Belgrade will be one of the few cities in which the Ballet Jazz Montreal will perform to the music of Leonard Cohen. We will also see "Fury" by Lia Rodrigues from Brazil, which the European press has been raving about. Then there is a piece called “August", by Alessandro Sciarroni, who is this year’s recipient of the Golden Lion in Venice. Plus, the famous Indian dancer Shantala Shivalingappa will perform her dance of drawing on ashes. For the first time, Jacopo Godani will showcase his piece, performed by his company from Frankfurt, at the opening of the festival, on March 21st, at the Sava Centre, which was specially choreographed for the Belgrade audience. But, the sensation we talk about, lies in the dance itself, that primary and unforgettable experience, just as bringing the best contemporary dance to Belgrade for 17 years has been pure magic. Which performances are a must-see? What would you recommend?

— Lisbeth Gruwez will stage a unique piece about freedom of speech. There is also the inimitable performance called “Fugue” by the Inbal Pinto Company, and a magical autobiographical solo by Olivier Dubois. I believe that the

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Who is your competition? Are there similar festivals in the region?

audiences will have a hearty laugh attending the show of young company Un Poyo Rojo from Argentina. I would also like to mention Silvia Gribaudi’s piece “Graces” and the aesthetics of black-white films in the performance of the Jakop Alhbom troupe from The Netherlands. Jason Samuels Smith is another important name I would like to mention who is a Broadway step master and a dancer whose legs are insured for millions of dollars.

— The Belgrade Dance Festival has no competition in terms of festivals, but it has excellent partners in Athens, Sofia, Budapest, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Thessaloniki. We share with them great productions that come from afar or entail having a few trucks full of stage parts and lighting. This year, thanks to the support of Erste Bank and Visa, we went a step further and will co-produce guest appearances of the famous New York City Ballet in Tel Aviv and Budapest before they perform in Novi Sad and Belgrade, as well as guest appearances of Shay Kuebler's Company in Linz and Zagreb, before they come to Belgrade.

Could you evaluate the Festival’s growth over the years, including its artistic accomplishments, since its inception?

— This year, London’s The Guardian wrote that Belgrade had one of the best dance festivals in the world. Critic Judith Mackrell wrote that (the Festival) “is not just about the duration of the repertoire, the number of troupes and new choreographic pieces, but about the referentiality of the content, a good balance between different dance forms, different themes and voices, as well as the relationship between established and younger authors”. Of course, it is not easy to maintain the quality of the programme and surprise both local and international audiences every time. It is not easy to even

THIS YEAR, LONDON’S THE GUARDIAN WROTE THAT BELGRADE HAD ONE OF THE BEST DANCE FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD work and last in Serbia while announcing the festival programme in Europe, one year in advance. However, when we realize that the productions that we saw in Belgrade were staged in Paris, Mos-

cow, London or New York months or even years later, and that the whole world is talking about them, then we are confident that we have made good choices and that fortune really favours the bold.

Last but not least, what is a professional challenge for you, as a ballet dancer and the Festival director?

— I come up with challenges on a daily basis, otherwise, I would not be able to do any job whatsoever. In the case of the Belgrade Dance Festival and the National Dance Foundation, challenges are easily recognizable and very loud, sometimes reaching a crazy crescendo.

CULTURE SCENE IN BELGRADE Owing to your event, Belgrade has earned a prestigious mention in the biographies of artists that trend setters and are writing the dance history; a place where new productions are discovered and where both established and new authors are given an equal amount of attention. What do you think of the current cultural offer in Belgrade? — I used to believe that the most visible and concrete changes could be made in culture. Unfortunately, it seems that we are still far from the goal. Belgrade has valuable examples of culture, but it does not have its own concept,

internal organization, or ability to impose its content in the region and Europe. That is why every success or step forward resembles a systemic mistake, while the managers of successful projects are not the most beloved people in their profession. There are many wrong people in the right places, as well as many people who do not want to or are afraid of making core changes. I admire the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra which has its faithful audience and I am proud of the wide-open doors of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum in Belgrade.

INTERVIEW

By: ROBERT ČOBAN

Geese Saved Rome and Two Villages in Srem CYCLING AROUND VOJVODINA: ŠATRINCI AND DOBRODOL

Šatrinci and Dobrodol, the only two villages in Srem County with the majority Hungarian population, resemble the villages described in Stevan Sremac’s novels - geese running around in the street, women sitting in front of their houses and children playing in the meadow…

Fisherman's Dream: Lake Medješ near Šatrinci

There is a saying that “the geese saved the Rome”… Similar claim can be made for two villages – Šatrince and Dobrodol, the only two places with the majority Hungarian population in Srem. These two villages were the goal I was trying to reach on my cycling tour. I am descending Iriški Venac, via Partisan Road, in the direction of Krušedol. I pass by the Liberty Monument, from 1951, and the broadcasting tower that still bears the holes from NATO projectiles that hit it in 1999. These are all testimonies to our more or less glorious past. Once I reach the Krušedol Monastery, I climb towards the Krušedolka Restaurant, famous for its succulent lamb. The sounds of the tambourine and the well-liked folk song “Ima jedan kućerak u Sremu” ("There is a little house in Srem")

are coming from the yard. I continue onto Šatrinci. This is where the flat Srem starts, as described in a folk song. Before entering the village, a signpost directs me to Lake Šatri-

na or Lake Medješ, as it is called. I take a dirt road to reach the water. “There are lots of swimmers here in the summer because the water is very clean”, a local fisherman tells me, adding that there is plenty

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST CENSUS, 369 PEOPLE LIVE IN ŠATRINCI, IN 123 HOUSES, 64% ARE HUNGARIANS, 22% ARE SERBS AND THERE ARE SOME CROATS AND YUGOSLAVS TOO

of perch, catfish, carp and starlet to catch in the 44-acre lake. I enter the village and it immediately becomes apparent to me that this place is livelier than similar small towns in Vojvodina: although modest, the houses are generally nicely painted and very few are abandoned or demolished, which is such a common and sad sight throughout the province. I arrive at a local shop, with two old men sitting in front of it. The beers they are drinking are making them more cheerful than usual. “Are you from Bač? I used to go there to hunt pheasants. I used to be the president of the Šatrinci Hunting Society”, says one of them. He goes on to say that the Hunting Society has 21 members, and they usually hunt hares, pheasants and “an occasional deer”. He yells to a passerby on a bicycle over my shoulder - "What's the result?" I thought he was interested

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in the result of the Serbia-Spain basketball game that was playing in Bejing, but when the cyclists told him that the result was 1:0, I realized he was talking about a local football game. I made my way down to the neatly trimmed football pitch, where FC Šatrinci played against FC Jarkovci. A few locals are lethargically watching the match, propped up on a wire fence, as the players, dressed in neat jerseys, are running and trying to do their best as if they are competing for the Champions League. You can hear people shouting both in the Serbian and Hungarian language. When I inquired what division was that, one spectator told me:”The lowest possible.” Next to the shadoof, with a dozen geese lurking around, I decided to go back to the village. According to the latest census, 369 people live in Šatrinci, in 123 houses, 64% are Hungarians, 22% are Serbs and there are some Croats and Yugoslavs too. A small but beautifully painted Catholic church is located not far from the store. The guy from the house across the street tells me that the priest comes from Irig once a week. He then sends off his sister to get the key and introduces me to the colourful interior of the church. A hundred yards down the hill, you can see the Orthodox Church. They are back-toback and share the same garden. The birth rate in the village is positive, plenty of children are being born and the local elementary school has enough first graders every year. Some locals work in Ruma and Irig but live in their village. Others turned to agriculture because they lost a job – some breed geese, others grow tobacco. Every day, about a hundred cows graze on a meadow near the village; something that used to be a

Picturesque interior of the church in Šatrinci

The church at the end of the village: Dobrodol

Back-to-back: Catholic and Orthodox Church in Šatrinci

ŠATRINCI AND DOBRODOL REALLY DO RESEMBLE THOSE VILLAGES DESCRIBED IN STEVAN SREMAC’S NOVELS - GEESE RUNNING AROUND IN THE STREET, WOMEN SITTING IN FRONT OF THEIR HOUSES AND CHILDREN PLAYING IN THE MEADOW…

regular occurrence in the Vojvodinian villages. Four women are sitting in front of one of the houses, talking Hungarian and Serbian alternately. "We have always got along well here and helped each other both in war and in peace. There has never been any problem! The young people hang out at the only café bar here or at each other’s houses. On Sundays, they go out to see a football game", one of them says. I continue in the direction of Dobrodol. At the entrance to the village, on the left-hand side, there is a six-metre deep lake with a well-kept shoreline and clear water. "The Prussian carp, grass carp and perch," says the fisherman, leaning on a sunlit concrete embankment Dobrodol, as the younger brother of Šatrinci, has only two streets and 137 inhabitants, who are almost all Hungarians. Here, too, the average age of a resident is 38 years, five years lower than the Vojvodina average, which speaks in favour of the fact that children are being born here and young people are not leaving their homes. At the end of the village, on the right-hand side, there is a small Catholic church, to which the same priest from Irig also comes once a week. Šatrinci and Dobrodol really do resemble those villages described in Stevan Sremac’s novels - geese running around in the street, women sitting in front of their houses and children playing in the meadow… The first Saturday in October is the right time to visit this part of Srem because that’s the time when the traditional Guščijada takes place in Šatrinci during which fans of goose fat, pate and stew can enjoy the specialities that the two villages are famous for.

In fear of the first Saturday in October: Geese in the street

KOLARAC

Concert hall

CALENDAR & NEWS

BELGRADE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

06 DEC

20:00

#BEETHOVENBRO 2

CONCERT PROGRAMME December 2019

Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Conductor: Daniel Raiskin Soloist: Georgi Gvantseladze, oboe Georgi Gvantseladze

Giorgi Gvantseladze was born in 1984 in Tiflis, Georgia. He began his musical studies at the State Conservatorium of Music in Tiflis, during which time he was appointed solo Oboist of the Georgian National Symphony Orchestra. After graduating in Tiflis, Giorgi furthered his studies in Munich under Prof. Francois Leleux, and in Salzburg under Prof. Stefan Schilli.

DEC

20:00

#BEETHOVENTHEINFLUENCER 2 Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Conductor: Gabriel Feltz

Thursday, 12th at 20.00 Concert Hall

RTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA/ PREMIERES

Dunja Kalamir, violin Aleksandra Kindjić, oboe Conductor: Stanko Jovanoić Programme: S. Božić, K. Sen Sans, L. A. Lebrun, G. Bizet Friday, 13th at 20.00 Concert Hall

BELGRADE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Gabriel Feltz

Gabriel Feltz is chief conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra as of the 2017/2018 concert season. Since 2013, Feltz has been working concurrently as general music director of the Dortmund Opera and chief conductor of the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra and after three very successful years his contract has been renewed through 2023. In addition to the Philharmonic Orchestra Altenburg-Gera (2001-2005) and the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra (2004–2013), this is his third consecutive position as chief conductor of a German orchestra.

20:00

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

Grand Hall of the Kolarac Foundation

Artistic Leader: Aleksey Igudesman

Aleksey Igudesman

Aleksey Igudesman was born in Leningrad at a very young age. He is known as a violinist, composer, conductor, comedian, film maker, actor, writer, poet, and entrepreneur, but his secret passion is cooking, eating out in luxurious restaurants and writing reviews on tripadvisor.

BELGRADE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Sunday, 22nd at 19.00 Concert Hall

CONCERT OF MUSIC SCHOOL LISINSKI

Monday, 23rd at 20.00 Concert Hall

CONCERT OF MUSIC SCHOOL MANOJLOVIĆ

Tuesday, 24th at 17.30 Music Gallery Čarobna frula New Year’s Concert

Saturday, 14th at 11.00 Concert Hall

Wednesday, 25th at 18.00 Music Gallery

„ČAROBNA FRULA“ Children’s Concert

Sunday, 15th at 11.00 Concert Hall

Katarina Uhde, violin Sanja Uhde, cello Michael Uhde, piano Programme: Beethoven, Schumann

Wednesday, 18th at 18.00 Music Gallery Concert of Violin Students Class Marija Špengler Production: Music Centre Admission free Saturday, 21st at 20.00 Concert Hall

CYCLE: AN ENCOUNTER WITH AN ARTIST

Vladimir Aćimović, piano Programme: Chopin, Mendelssohn, Granados and Medtner.

Saturday, 28th at 11.00 Concert Hall

SMALL SCHOOL OF BONTON/ HOW TO LISTEN TO MUSIC

Saturday, 28th at 20.00 Concert Hall

RTS CHOIR & SYMPHNY ORCHESTRA

J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio Ivana Lazar, soprano Sonja Runje, mezzo-soprano Leif Arun Solen, tenor Sreten Manojlović, bass Conductor: Bojan Sudjić Sunday, 29th at 11.00 Concert Hall Kolarac Podium of Chamber Music

Wednesday, 25th at 20.00 Concert Hall

STEFAN ĐOKOVIĆ, VOICE & PIANO

MASTER ART ACADEMY

400

Thursday, 26th at 20.00 Concert Hall

BELGRADE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Artistic Leader: Aleksey Igudesman Programme: Beethoven & More Production: Belgrade Philharmonic

RTS Children Choir Host: Miloš Milovanović

Conductor: Gabriel Feltz Programme: L. van Beethoven, A. Bruckner Production: Belgrade Philharmonic

PIANO TRIO UHDE

DEC

PIANO DUO

Jasna Tucović, Marija Glubović Programme: Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff Production: Music Centre

Georg Baich, cello, Ostria Production: Music Centre Admission free Sunday, 29th at 20.00 Concert Hall

SERBIAN FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE KOLO

Concert „The Star of Bet Lehem“

DIVNA & MELÓDI

Artistic Leader: Aleksey Igudesman Programme: Beethoven & More

Sunday, 30th at 20.00 Hall

Sunday, 22nd at 11.00 Concert Hall

Friday, 27th at 20.00 Concert Hall

Christmas Concert by Candlelight

NEW TRINITY BAROQUE'S ANNUAL