Diplomacy and Commerce No.51 by Diplomacy&Commerce magazine

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May 2020 | ISSUE No. 51 | Price 350 RSD

EUROPE DAY CELEBRATED

09 MAY

SOLIDARITY MAKES US STRONGER

WE NEED TO BE VIGILANT AND ADDRESS THE VULNERABILITIES ON OUR SYSTEMS TOBIAS FLESSENKEMPER

Head of the Belgrade Office of the Council of Europe

NEAR CHINA’S BORDER WITH RUSSIA, THE ORTHODOX CHURCH REGAINS A TOEHOLD

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE BUSTLING CITY LIFE AGAIN!

AT THIS MOMENT, MY ONLY ADVICE FOR YOU WOULD BE, STAY AT HOME“ OR„ OSTANI KOD KUĆE

Ambassador of Canada

Ambassador of Israel

H.E. KATHLEEN CSABA

H. E. ALONA FISHER KAMM

THE DAY WHEN REVISIONISM WAS DEFEATED

IMPORTANT EU FUNDS ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING MEMBER STATES

WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE EPIDEMIC WITH A HYBRID STRATEGY

France Ambassador

Ambassador of Finland

H.E. JEAN LOUIS FALCON

H.E. KIMMO LÄHDEVIRTA

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FOREWORD

Skeletons from the Closet

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ROBERT ČOBAN Director

TANJA BANKOVIĆ Editor in Chief tanja.bankovic@color.rs ILIJA PETROVIĆ INDIGOCHILD Art director indigochild.ilija@gmail.com

ince we are all slightly fed up with the COVID-19 related topics, we have started to pay attention to life after the pandemic. In addition to many things that will change and continue to be done as during the pandemic (for example, I continued to ride my bike to work and have lunch more often in the peace and quiet of my backyard instead of in a restaurant), many bad and ugly things from the time before will return, including nationalism, xenophobia, conspir-

JOVANA MARKOVIĆ Advertising manager jovana.markovic@color.rs NATAŠA NEŠIĆ Advertising director

natasa.nesic@color.rs

DRAGANA RADOVIĆ Advertising manager dragana.radovic@color.rs JELENA RANĐELOVIĆ Advertising manager jelena.randjelovic@color.rs VANJA KOVAČEV PR&Event support Nord Communications vanja.communications @gmail.com

RUŽA VELJOVIĆ Magazine director ruza.ristanovic@color.rs

acy theories ("migrants are installing 5G equipment that spreads the virus”) and similar things that confirm Einstein's alleged quote:” Two things are infinite – the universe and human stupidity. And I’m not so sure about the universe.” So, in the vast pool of examples of “reverting to the old”, we are bringing you a refreshing quote from the Croatian President, Zoran Milanović, who was a prime minister back in 2015, at the height of the migrant crisis,

and who was known for his haste and often insulting statements back then. Cue to five years later and Milanović has matured into a serious politician with a style which is all the more reason why we should pay attention to his reaction (to the map of the Greater Hungary, posted by Viktor Orban on his social media accounts): “Apropos the map/globe showing the hypertrophied Hungary, otherwise our neighbouring state and, in recent history, a friendly country, currently in the firm grip of chronic "map-maniacs", here is my message of encouragement to Croatian students before their graduation. Croatia is a modern European state and nation. Our closets and archives hide numerous historical maps and maps that show our homeland much larger than it is today. The closets of most European countries hide similar maps. Do not "share" them and put them on your profiles. They are not current or attainable today, and, more importantly, they irritate our neighbours to no end. We are also as irritated and marvel over the "historical" maps that, as a dark fetish, conveniently and predictably emerge from the social media of people in our neighbourhood who call themselves "leaders".”

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ROBERT ČOBAN Director robert.coban@color.rs

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THE NEW SCOLD WAR

The Pandemic is Driving America and China Further Apart A relationship long burdened by rivalry and suspicion has fallen into outright hostility ou might have hoped that a pandemic would bring the world together. Instead covid-19 is tearing it apart. As the disease has spread, relations between America and China have plunged into an abyss from which they will struggle to escape. Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, says he has “enormous evidence” that the virus behind covid-19 came from a laboratory in Wuhan— though America’s intelligence agencies as well as its closest intelligence partners say proof is still lacking. To punish China for letting the disease spread, the Trump administration has reportedly considered demanding reparations or cancelling some Treasury bonds held by China—though nervous American officials later dismissed this crackpot idea. China has branded Mr Pompeo “insane” and a “political virus”. State-run media are calling for an international investigation into America’s “incredible failure” to deal with the outbreak. This sniping deepens a bitter rivalry. The dominant view in the United States is that China is fundamentally hostile, a strategic rival that steals American intellectual property and destroys American jobs in the race to get ahead. China, meanwhile, sees America as a decadent and declining power that has resorted to bullying to keep China down because it can no longer compete fairly. Domestic politics in both countries is likely to intensify the animosity. Now that covid-19 has undone the economic gains that occurred on his watch, President Donald Trump is making confrontation with China central to his re-election strategy including, he hopes, as a way to browbeat his opponent, Joe Biden. China denies any blame for the pandemic, instead hailing the party’s disease management. At home, propaganda outlets hint that the virus came from America—and are widely believed. Yet America’s complaint that China’s first instinct was to cover up covid-19 is true. Other countries, including Australia, have called for an investigation into the origins of

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CHINA, MEANWHILE, SEES AMERICA AS A DECADENT AND DECLINING POWER THAT HAS RESORTED TO BULLYING TO KEEP CHINA DOWN BECAUSE IT CAN NO LONGER COMPETE FAIRLY the pandemic. Reuters news agency this week reported on an internal paper prepared for China’s leaders, warning that feelings around the world against their country, led by America, are more intense than at any time since the killings around Tiananmen Square in 1989. China will slap down foreign critics more vigorously than ever. Tension between two such splenetic powers has consequences. One is the risk of military action. China has occupied and fortified disputed shoals and reefs in the South China Sea in defiance of international law. It has recently sunk a Vietnamese vessel there. America, meanwhile, has been vigorously asserting the

principle of freedom of navigation. When tensions are high, so are the risks of an accident. The most dangerous flashpoint is Taiwan. China claims the island as its own territory; America has an implicit commitment to protect it. During the pandemic, China has been testing Taiwan’s defences with aerial sorties and, in March, its first night-time exercise. America may be thinking of sending a high-ranking official to visit. Neither China nor America seeks war, surely. But they are deliberately hurtling towards an economic separation. The world is thick with talk that more industries should count as strategic. As our special report on banking this week spells out, China

is building a parallel financial system that will avoid the dollar-based payment mechanisms—and hence American sanctions. A trade deal between America and China, a minor, pre-covid thawing in their commercial rivalry, may yet fall apart. Animosity also makes global threats, such as climate change and international crime, harder to deal with. Consider the pandemic itself. This week the European Union held a conference that raised $8bn to finance the search for a vaccine which might save lives and let people go back to work without fear. But America stayed away and China sent an empty-handed ambassador. For those decisions to make sense in Washington and Beijing, something must have gone very wrong. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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TOBIAS FLESSENKEMPER

Head of the Belgrade Office of the Council of Europe

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We Need to be Vigilant and Address the Vulnerabilities on Our Systems Our human rights training programme, the HELP, traditionally meant for lawyers and legal professionals, is now accessible for everyone

e have interviewed the officials from diplomatic community to find out how embassies have organized their diplomatic activities during the state of emergency, as well as, how they spend their free time and what they will do first when the state of emergency is abolished. We talked to Tobias Flesenkemper, Head of the Council of Europe office in Belgrade: “Our support for human rights is unwavering, during the crisis and beyond“ he stressed.

How did you organize the Council of Europe’s activities in Serbia?

— My first concern was to find a way to keep our team in Belgrade safe and to protect the

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health of everyone, having in mind that the Council of Europe’s Office in Belgrade must continue to pursue its mission to the benefit of all people in Serbia. Therefore, the current situation calls for adjusting our

the current challenges, in full respect of the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. I am particularly grateful that we were able to focus our work on vulnerable groups. For instance, the

Can you share with us some concrete actions?

— The Council of Europe monitoring bodies continue providing recommendations to member states. For example, the Council of Europe’s

OUR PLATFORM TO PROMOTE THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISM AND SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS CONTINUES TO OPERATE AND TO INFORM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING CASES OF INTIMIDATION OF JOURNALISTS working methods. Our team started to work from home, most of the public events have been put on halt, but some of them are taking place through electronic communication means. We remain committed to support Serbia in addressing

ROMACTED programme of the Council of Europe and the EU has been empowering Roma as citizens, including through the establishment at local level a network of community workers who are now an integral part of the crisis mobilisation.

anti-corruption group GRECO issued guidelines last week to its 50 member States, including Serbia, on mitigating new corruption risks during the COVID19 emergency. Our Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of

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journalists continues to operate and to inform the public concerning cases of intimidation of journalists. Our human rights training programme, the HELP, traditionally meant for lawyers and legal professionals, is now accessible for everyone. You can learn about many aspects of human rights online and the courses are for free, many of them are also available in Serbian. You can learn, for instance, about the worrying problem of domestic and gender-based violence and how to prevent and fight it, in this respect I would like to draw the attention to the recent declaration of the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention which Serbia has also ratified. The pandemic does not put crime at rest, we need to be vigilant and address the vulnerabilities in our systems and protect public health from falsified medical products: the Council of Europe’s MEDICRIME Convention created to counter production and distribution of fake drugs is there to help

authorities of European states. On a general level the Council of Europe issued guidance in early April to governments on respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law during the COVID-19 crisis. This document is available in Serbian on our office’s website. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

of our team took a long Easter break. I was happy to catch up on reading with Saša Stanišić book “Origins” (Herkunft) that won the German Book Prize 2019. I am also reading books on the history and culture of Europe. It is inspiring to see how European institutions were created and developed against challenges which more formidable than this crisis. An inspiration has been the works

to simply walking around through the city and to being able to travel and visit friends and family across Europe. As for our freedom of assembly, I am missing concerts and theatre and I will certainly be attending performances at Kolarac as soon as it possible. I will also feel privileged to reunite with my counterparts from the Belgrade diplomatic community: unfortunately, we

PRIVATE AND WORK TIME ARE ACTUALLY MORE DIFFICULT TO SEPARATE WITH OUR TELEWORKING ARRANGEMENTS. WE ARE HOLDING TELECONFERENCES IN OUR HOMES AND AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE TO ADAPT OUR SCHEDULES TO THE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE — Private and work time are actually more difficult to separate with our teleworking arrangements. We are holding teleconferences in our homes and at the same time we have to adapt our schedules to the restrictions in place. The restrictions often lead to a new working day organisation, spreading into the evening. At the same time, it is important to unwind. Most

of the Dutch Johan Huizinga, one the founders of modern cultural history. What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— The restrictions, as justified as they can be, are reducing our freedoms in an unprecedented manner, also on an everyday basis. I am looking forward

will not be able to have a public event to mark the Europe Day on 9 May, but for Human Rights Day on 10 December we shall hopefully be all together again together. This day is especially important for us at the Council of Europe, as we are celebrating 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights, the key document of our organisation, this year.

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At This Moment, My Only Advice For You Would Be, Stay At Home“ or „Ostani Kod Kuće As Pesah and Easter are approaching, we, in our embassy, are looking for ways to assist the most vulnerable sectors of the Serbian society. On Monday, the President of Israel and the President of Serbia had a very friendly conversation in which they exchanged views and ways to collaborate

H. E. ALONA FISHER KAMM

to the worldwide campaign of #ostanikodkuće and #stayathome. At this moment, my only advice for you would be „stay at home“ or „ostani kod kuće“, and also visit our Facebook and Instagram page.

Ambassador of Israel

How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?

— Well, I am working from home, as you can see, so I am not really alone. Lucy is with me, right behind. I am also talking to my family in Israel and play board games online. I read and watch movies, mostly documentaries. I am also trying to renew some contacts with old friends when we all have time. I must say that, surprisingly enough, I am expanding my Serbian vocabulary, so that in addition to "Kako ste?", "Dobro.", "Nije loše." and "Srećan rođendan!", I have learned new

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e have interviewed the officials from diplomatic community to found out how embassies have organized their diplomatic activities during the state of emergency, as well as, how they spend their free time and what they will do first when the state of emergency is abolished. We talked to H. E. Alona Fisher Kamm, Ambassador of Israel, who said: “I will prepare my farewell, since I am leaving Serbia after four beautiful and exciting years here. I am taking very good memories with me and hopefully also long-lasting friendships. We are not saying goodbye yet, right?“ she added.

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THE PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL AND THE PRESIDENT OF SERBIA HAD A VERY FRIENDLY CONVERSATION IN WHICH THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS AND WAYS TO COLLABORATE How did you organise your diplomatic activities?

— The Embassy of Israel is working in rotation in order to minimise the contact and the risk. Of course, the most urgent task was to make sure that all the Israelis who want to leave Serbia were able to do it safely and at the same time, to collaborate with the Serbian authorities to make sure that the Serbs would be able to leave Israel safely. We are closely following the de-

velopments here in Serbia. On Monday, the President of Israel and the President of Serbia had a very friendly conversation in which they exchanged views and ways to collaborate. As Pesah and Easter are approaching, we, in our embassy, are looking for ways to assist the most vulnerable sectors of the Serbian society. We are also trying to upload interesting and enriching content on our Facebook and Instagram page and in this way also contribute

words like "situacija", "zaštita" and "zaraženi". It is never too late to learn. What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— I will prepare my farewell, since I am leaving Serbia after four beautiful and exciting years here. I am taking very good memories with me and hopefully also long-lasting friendships. We are not saying goodbye yet, right?

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We Will Continue to Fight the Epidemic With a Hybrid Strategy We prepared a package of two billion euros

H.E. KIMMO LÄHDEVIRTA Ambassador of Finland

e spoke with H.E. Mr Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland: about how the embassy organised its operations during the state of emergency and how he spends his private time during the pandemic, as well as how Finland itself is coping with pandemic. ”The Finnish Government is also preparing new support measures for restaurants and other companies that have especially suffered from the crisis” - he added.

How did your country organize itself for the post-corona period?

— It seems that the measures the Finnish government has taken to contain the epidemic since March have been quite successful: while the R number was 2.4 in Finland in March, it is now 0.8, meaning that one infected person will infect less than one other person. However, this has been achieved with significant costs: it has been estimated, for example, that Finland’s gross national product will decrease somewhere between 5 to 13 percent this year, depending on how long the restrictions will have

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soon. A key consideration here is the capacity of the health sector and especially the sufficiency of intensive care. The Government of Finland decided on 4th May, 2020 to continue to fight the epidem-

IT SEEMS THAT THE MEASURES THE FINNISH GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO CONTAIN THE EPIDEMIC SINCE MARCH HAVE BEEN QUITE SUCCESSFUL to stay in place. Our national debt may increase from about 60 per cent of GNP to at least 80 per cent of GNP. While the epidemic has not even peaked yet in Finland, we now have both the need and the opportunity to start opening our society again. Opening it gradually is also necessary in order to expose the population to the virus in a controlled way, as it seems that there will be no vaccine available any time

ic with a hybrid strategy of four key elements: test, trace, isolate and treat. It also decided on some gradual easing of restrictions: on 14th May day care and primary schools opened again and Schengen border crossings will open for work and other essential traffic; on 1st June restaurants, as well as cultural and sports facilities will also open again (with certain restrictions), and the limit of public and private

gatherings will be raised from 10 to 50 persons. Situation will be reviewed by the end of June. However, all larger events (over 500 people) will be forbidden until end of July. In addition to what was decided already in March, the Government is also preparing new support measures for restaurants and other companies that have especially suffered from the crisis. The package will most likely be close to two billion euros, to be paid in May and June. How did you organize your diplomatic activities?

— The Embassy has been operating in distance working mode since March. Luckily most of our staff have the necessary equipment and connections so that they can perform their duties also at home. While the Chancery is not open every day, consular services are provided

as needed. Visa and residence permit services are suspended for the time being. At the beginning of the crisis we concentrated our efforts on helping Finnish tourists abroad to return home. Like many other countries, also Finland organized special flights to those destinations where the majority of Finns were. Here in Serbia we have had excellent cooperation with other EU and Nordic countries and the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in combining the efforts to repatriate our citizens. Information with Serbian officials is exchanged mostly via e-mails, phone or videoconferencing, but we have also had some live meetings, e.g. with the President and key ministers. EU ambassadors, deputies and other officials keep regular contact via videoconferencing. What is lacking, of course, are personal contacts between people, which are essential for smooth implementation of some Embassy tasks. Therefore, I’m very much looking forward to possible easing of restrictions also here. How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?

— As everybody else, I suppose, staying at home and reading, watching TV, internet, et cetera. However, I can’t complain as our residence is quite spacious and has a nice garden. And what’s especially important for Finns, we also have a sauna! What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?

— Well, if the weather is good, probably my wife and I will go for a walk together. It’s been a while since we have been to the city center, for example. There are so many nice restaurants, museums and other places that we want to visit again.

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H.E. HIDAJET BIŠČEVIĆ New Ambassador of Croatia to Serbia

Until recently, Ambassador Hidajet (Hido) Biščević worked as the Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, as the first Croatian diplomat to be elected to the EU. He was appointed by the High Representative / Vice-President of the EC, Catherine Ashton, and he held that

position from 2014 to 2019. Before that, during a short period in the first half of 2014, Ambassador Biščević worked for the OSCE, as the Project Leader on the National Dialogue project in Ukraine, and as the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), from 2007 to 2012. During his extensive diplomatic career, Ambassador Biščević also worked as State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (2003-2007), Croatian Ambassador to the Russian Federation (1997-2002), Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs (1995-1997), Ambassador to Turkey (1993-1995), accredited in Uzbekistan and Kazakh-

stan, and previously as an Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (1992) and Head of the Department for Asian and Arab Countries (1992). Before embarking on foreign service, he worked as editor-in-chief of the Vjesnik political daily (1990 - 1992) and, earlier, as the editor of the foreign policy column (1985 - 1989) in the daily. He is the author of numerous books and is the recipient of the high-level state decorations in Croatia, Austria and Bulgaria. He graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb. Mr Biščević was born on September 18, 1951, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He speaks English and Russian. He is married and has two daughters.

Investment- Foreign Affairs Ministry, Deputy Head of Press Department- Foreign Affairs Ministry, Second Counsellor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dublin, Advisor to Deputy Minister for Asia and Oceania- Foreign Affairs Ministry, Acting General Directorof Department for North and East EuropeForeign Affairs Ministry. During 2009 – 2010 he was Charge d'Affaires e.p. at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Prague, 2010 - 2014 Deputy Head of Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing, 2014 - 2017 Head of Department for North and East Europe - Foreign Affairs Ministry and from 2017 to Decem-

ber 2019: Head of Departmentfor North Europe - Foreing Affairs Ministry. On the 12th May 2020 he became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenitpotentiary to the Republic of Serbia. He speaks English, German, French, he is married with one child.

RASHID HASSAN POUR BAEI New Ambassador of Iran H.E. Rashid Hassan Pour Baei, is a new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Serbia. He was born on the 30th April 1960 in Babol, and finished MA in Regional Studies, at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran. From 1986 he started career in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, 1989 – 1991 he was a Political Attache at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bonn, 1991-1993 he was Head of Section for Germany-1st West Europe DepartmentForeign Affairs Ministry. Later he was first Secretary at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Moscow, Deputy Head of Department for Foreign

MIKE MICHEL CEO of Telenor Serbia became the Foreign Investors Council President

The Foreign Investors Council announced changes in its management. Mike Michel, Telenor Serbia CEO, is the newly elected President of the Foreign Investors Council, while the new FIC Vice President – substitute is VIP Mobile CEO Dejan Turk and Roche General Manager Ana Govedarica is new FIC Vice President spokesperson. At the same time, FIC will continue to pursue the same policy of advocating for simplified and more favourable business conditions. Mike Michel has been appointed

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telenor Serbia, effective as of October 8, 2018. Before joining Telenor Serbia, Michel was Chief Marketing Officer of mobile operator Banglalink, Bangladesh. In his previous roles, he also served as Chief Marketing Officer in Telenor Hungary and Vice President for Brand in Telenor Group, Norway. Michel has over 20 years of leadership experience in global telecommunication companies in CEE region, North America and Asia. As the new FIC President, he succeeded Market Head – Nestlé South East Market Yana Mikhailova, who leaves Serbia to take new responsibilities within Nestlé Group. The FIC Board of Directors extends gratitude to Yana Mikhailova for her strategic guidance and valuable contribution to FIC work during all these years. The FIC Board of Directors has one

new representative: Marian Marinov, Nestlé South East Market Head of Finance & Control. Other members of the Board of Directors include: Belgrade airport d.o.o. CEO Francois Berisot, Ernst&Young d.o.o. Managing Partner and Head of Tax Ivan Rakic, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Regional Director for Western Balkans Zsuzsanna Hargitai, European Investment Bank (EIB) Head of Regional Representation for the Western Balkans Dubravka Negre, FCA Serbia d.o.o. CEO Silvia Vernetti – Blina, G4S Secure Solutions d.o.o. Managing Director Aleksander Dawid Sold, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director at JTI Adriatica Goran Pekez, Raiffeisen banka a.d. Beograd Chairman of the Managing Board Zoran Petrovic, and SGS Beograd Managing Director Marinko Ukropina.

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Countries With Multiple Capitals sually, we counsider countries to have one and only capital city, but it is not that „linear“. Some countries have more than one capital, and ours was one of them until 2006. Namely Serbia and Montenegro's capital was Belgrade, but not judicial, which was located in Podgorica. Montenegro is now a country with two capitals, Podgorica („glavni grad“ – literally „the main (capital) city“) and Cetinje („prijestonica“ – literally „the capital“) – the official seat of the President. It makes the whole thing linguistically complicated. Apart from this region, Benin

(Porto Novo and Cotonou), Bolivia (Sucre and La Paz), Burundi (Gitega and Bujumbura), Chile (Santaigo and Valparaiso), Ivory Coast (Yamousoukro and Abidjan), Czechia (Prague and Brno), Tanzania (Dodoma and Dar Es Salam), Eswatini (Mbabane and Lowamba), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) have different seats of execuitive, presidential and judicial powers. The Netherlands is a bit serious, with Amsterdam being de jure capital under the Constitution of the Netherlands and The Hague as the seat of government. The most unusual is South Africa,

which after the end of apartheid, has 3 capitals: the old Pretoria as administrative and executive capital, Cape Town as legislative capital and Bloemfontein as judicial capital. Israel’s Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are disputed internationally as capitals, Republika Srpska’s official capital is in Sarajevo, which is the favourite quiz question everybody slips on, while officially North Korea’s capital was Seoul until 1972. Taiwan still claims to be Republic of China, and its capital until 1992 was Nanjing (mainland China). Cuzco is “historical capital” of Peru, symbolically.

NATIONAL DAYS in May & June MAY

POLAND

ational Day N (Constitution Day)

ICRC, IFRC

I nternational Red Cross Day

09 EU

ational Day N (Schuman Day)

ISRAEL

Independence Day

NORWAY

Constitution Day

ARGENTINA

Primera Junta Day

JUNE

ITALY

Festa della Repubblica

DENMARK

Constitution Day

SWEDEN

National Day

RONNY PECIK New CEO of IMMOFINANZ Supervisory Board of IMMOFINANZ resolved upon the appointment of Ronny Pecik as member of the Executive Board of the company for three years starting with 4 May 2020. Ronny Pecik will be Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "Ronny Pecik is a leading entrepreneur and his many years of experience in executive and supervisory board positions, carry a special

RUSSIA

strengthening of the Executive Board in challenging times like these. Further there is also a strong entrepreneurial responsibility grounded in the significant stake in IMMOFINANZ", says Michael Knap, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of IMMOFINANZ. The Executive Board of IMMOFINANZ therefore consists of Ronny Pecik (CEO), Dietmar Reindl (COO) and Stefan Schönauer (CFO).

Russia Day

ICELAND

Republic Day

MALTA

ational Day N (St John the Baptist)

CORRECTION

CROATIA

Statehood Day

We would sincerely like to apologise for the error in the DC 49, where, at the page 69, in the text describing the celebration of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, it was mistakenly written "Ambassador of Iran H.E. Mr. Davoud Zamaniyan, " whereas the name of the H.E. Ambassador-designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Belgrade is H.E. Mr. Rashid Hassan Pour Baei.

SLOVENIA

Statehood Day

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I Can't Wait to See the Bustling City Life Again! We will continue to assist the Canadians in distress. This practically means that all the other programmes are currently on hold

H.E. KATHLEEN CSABA Ambassador of Canada

e have interviewed the officials from diplomatic community to found out how embassies have organized their diplomatic activities during the state of emergency, as well as, how they spend their free time and what they will do first when the state of emergency is abolished. We talked to H. E. Kathleen Csaba, Ambassador of Canada: “Our basic task is to help the Canadians from Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia in distress“ she added.

How did you organise your diplomatic activities?

— The Embassy of Canada is open and only offering essential services at this time. It means that we are focusing in helping Canadians in need. Over to past 10 days, we were able to help Canadian citizens from Serbia but also from the two other countries from acreditation, Montenegro and North Macedonia return to Canada. We will continue to assist the Canadians in distress. This practically means that all the other programmes are current-

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WE WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST THE CANADIANS IN DISTRESS. THIS PRACTICALLY MEANS THAT ALL THE OTHER PROGRAMMES ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD ly on hold. In order to keep our staff safe, we ordered our staff to work from home, as for the staff that are essential to our work, i.e. those who must appear in the offices, we organised the rotatin schedule. So we have one team doing one week, one team doing the other week. This way we are limiting contact among them, that they have with each other. But of course, we are staying in touch with each other with email and with the other electronic tools. How are you spending your

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private time during the pandemic?

— I must say I am not used having so much private time in my life at disposal in the evenings and at weekends. Normally, living this life there's so many events, national days, the whole range of meetings, and performances. Usually in March and April I would usually attend, during many evenings, performaces during the Belgrade Dance Festival, for example. But of course all of these events had to be postponed. And since I am spend-

ing so much time at home, it means that I am able to do lots of things with my family, which is a lovely thing, we are having more conversations, we are playing games, cards, watching movies together. It means that I have more time to read books, which is nice. Since we had some sunny days, I have been spending some time outside on my terrace, working with my flower pot and trying to help my plants to survive through winter and to grow again this year. What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— There are many things that I am looking forward to doing when this crisis is finally over.

First and foremost, seeing many friends in Belgrade in person. We are looking forward to going to restaurants, since we were not doing that for a while but also to having friends that visit us at home and just spending time together. I am looking forward to going to green markets, to buying fresh food and vegetables that are now in season, as well as buying flowers to plant in a pot in my terrace, going to some nice walks, in Belgrade, in the city centre, seeing this beautiful bustling city life again, going shopping, but also getting out to have some walks in nature, and of course, I am looking forward to do some more travelling around the country.

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Important EU Funds Are Dedicated to Helping Member States We will gradually and regionally lift measures

H.E. JEAN LOUIS FALCONI France Ambassador to Serbia

How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?

e spoke with H.E. Jean Louis Falconi, France Ambassador to Serbia: about how the embassy organised its operations during the state of emergency and how he spends his private time during the pandemic, as well as how France itself is coping with pandemic. „Government has taken significant measures to support firms and independent workers” – he emphasised.

How did your country organize itself for the post-corona period?

— As you may know, strict containment measures were introduced in March. People could go out under very specific circumstances, schools and non-essential shops were closed, home-office was recommended whenever possible. Since 11 May, some restrictions were eased, but the epidemiological situation is still under tight surveillance and the Parliament voted the prolongation of the “health emergency situation” until the beginning of July. As a matter of fact, people still die of COVID every day in France but less every day, so we cannot fully relax.

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dents, bars, restaurants, theaters and cinemas are still closed, so life is still far from normal. Restrictive measures will gradually be lifted and adjusted according to the epidemiological situation in various parts of France. We have a map with a two-colored code, depending on the situation. Regions in red are still bound to very strict and long-lasting measures while regions in green can hope for a quicker recovery. Some people think the government is moving too quickly, while others hope to start their activities

AFTER THE STATE OF EMERGENCY WAS CANCELLED, I WAS JUST HAPPY TO TAKE A STROLL OUTSIDE DURING THE WEEKEND In a nutshell, the main changes since 11 of May is that people can go out without restriction in a 100 km radius; they can put their children to pre-school and primary schools on a voluntary basis; shops opened again, provided strict social distancing is respected. Technically, people can go back to work and take public transportation provided they wear a mask, but home-office continues to be required whenever possible. As per today, the borders are still closed to non-nationals and non-resi-

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as soon as possible in order to avoid a complete economic breakdown. The perfect balance is difficult to find and I think our government is doing its best, considering the situation is unprecedented. Some economic sectors are deeply impacted, such as tourism and gastronomy to only name a few. Thankfully, France is not alone in this. Important EU funds are dedicated to helping member states. All together, these funds amount about 500bd€. The Central European Bank shall also repurchase

the debt of EU companies up to 750bn€. How did you organize your diplomatic activities?

— We of course had to cancel or delay all of our public events. We then very quickly asked the embassy staff to work from home whenever they could, or just stop working if there was no other solution. Non-essential cooperation programs with Serbian public institutions were brought to their minimum, and we rather focused on COVID-related discussions and cooperation, on a bilateral basis or through EU-channels. Two essential activities did however remain: the political monitoring of the events unfolding in the country and the region on the one hand, and consular activities on the other. Many French citizens were stranded in Belgrade after the international air traffic stopped. Serbian nationals residing in France were also wondering how to fly back. Thanks to a very fruitful cooperation with the Serbian ministry of Foreign affairs and Air Serbia, we managed to organise several humanitarian flights from Belgrade to Paris. On their way back, those flights would in their turn bring back stranded Serbian citizens to Belgrade.

— With the curfew and state of emergency, I had more “alone time”, which I used to discover Serbia in another way: through literature, history books and films. Through the French Institute, I was provided with a nice collection of Serbian films, all excellent and telling much about Serbian identity, the difficult moments of wars, the times of remembrance and reconstruction. In particular I enjoyed the Serbian films. It is interesting to get to know these remarkable actors shooting in several of these films and who progressively become almost part of your family! I started interacting more with people through my personal twitter account. I decided to share positive moments, small parts of my environments, such as sunsets on Kalemegdan, or pieces of arts that are exposed at the French Residence and that I particularly appreciate. I saw there was a real interest, as the Embassy is a renowned building in Belgrade. What did you do first after the state of emergency was cancelled?

— After the state of emergency was cancelled, I was just happy to take a stroll outside during the weekend. In the longer run, I’m really looking forward to enjoying Belgrade again and traveling across Serbia, to discovering its landscape now that the winter is over. A little time and patience is still needed, though, to assess the epidemiological situation. I would like to spend a few days back in Paris to see my family and friends and I would also appreciate receiving friends from France and sharing experiences of Belgrade and Serbia with them, now that the conditions for foreigners to enter Serbia are being clarified.

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Digital Solutions are Moving Life Forward Digitalisations, as well as connectivity, are global trends which significantly gained on importance in recent months. As a global leader in power management and automation, through its platforms, Schneider Electric offers optimal solutions including those when market encounters major challenges

KSENIJA KARIĆ New GM of Schneider Electric

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senija Karić has been recently appointed General Manager of Schneider Electric in Serbia and Montenegro. She came to the helm of one of the leading companies in the segment of power management and digitalisation in time when market conditions change on a daily basis.

What are the company’s plans in the upcoming period and what will be the focus of your business operations?

— Our priorities in the future will include implementation of innovative solutions in the areas we are renowned for in the world and Serbia. Providing supreme service focused on end-users and development of the local economy by expanding the network of local partners are the things we will constantly work on in the future. That is the model we have been relying on for decades and it guarantees success. Due to the current circumstances, we are compelled to be digitally operative and present. What are your expectations in regard to the future of digitalisation in Serbia?

— We expect to see greater connectivity of devices and IT systems in Serbia as well, which creates new opportunities for a more functional and efficient life. Schneider Electric will continue focusing on solutions that help large industries to keep up with the latest digitalisation trends, with a clear objective of cost-cutting and higher productivity in all the segments where our platforms and solutions are present. It is also evident that sustainable business operations are becoming dominant in large

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OUR PRIORITIES IN THE FUTURE WILL INCLUDE IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN THE AREAS WE ARE RENOWNED FOR IN THE WORLD AND SERBIA companies, and that is the direction we must not neglect. Customers all around the world and in all structures have changed their perspective and habits, and the companies that are prominent in these segments will be in a much more favourable position. Consumers have changed their habits, business models also look different now. The future definitely belongs

to modern technologies and digitalisation. What is your message to all those companies planning to invest in and change their business models? Is an investment an expense or some benefits can be expected?

— Development of IT and the energy sector and investments in new solutions in any segment of the industry actually represent a way to be more efficient. If you have the right

partner for digital services, you’ll be able to reduce operating costs by up to 50% and have recorded a 30% increase in energy efficiency. Achieving optimal consumption and saving costs while office building occupancy is low are also the topics that emerged in the previous period. Many buildings that have switched from analogue systems to IoT now perceive significant benefits.

NEW MANAGEMENT OF SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Ksenija Karić was appointed General Manager of Schneider Electric in Serbia and Montenegro, succeeding Dejan Marković. After four years at the helm of the company, Mr Marković, was appointed the Southeast Europe Energy and Service Director. The former Southeast Europe Energy and Service Director, Dragoljub Damljanović, was appointed the VP Global Sales Smart Grid Services.

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We are Gradually Restarting Economy in the Phase 2 The post-coronavirus period will start only when there will be no new contagions, but important progress has already been achieved

H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO Italian Ambassador to Serbia

e spoke with H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio, Italian Ambassador to Serbia: about how the embassy organised its operations during the state of emergency and how he spends his private time during the pandemic, as well as how Italy itself is coping with pandemic. «we have to act responsibly and continue to fight the virus while living with it.» - he emphasised.

ship that Italy will never forget. The donation shows how close Italy and Serbia are when help is most needed. As President Vucic recalled, Italy was there to help during the 2014 floods and during the Covid19 emergency Serbia was ready to give back. Last but not least, during these two months we also supported many Italian companies that invested in Serbia. It is a very challenging moment for the economy, but our companies continued to work. We are therefore particularly grateful for the great collaboration that we have with all the Serbian authorities and associations that support private business and foreign investments.

How did your country organize itself for the post-corona period?

— Italy started the so-called ''phase 2'' on the 4th of May and, like many other Countries in Europe, we are now experiencing a transition period, with a focus on the security and the health of our citizens, but also with the aim to gradually restart our economy. The Italian government is very much planning for the future and has already put in place import economic measures to support our companies and workers. More than 4 million people already went back to work, all the manifacturing companies and construction sites reopened and it is now possible to move, even if with some

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od will start only when there will be no new contagions, but important progress has already been achieved. We made an incredible effort in containing the epidemic and I

ITALY STARTED THE SO-CALLED ''PHASE 2'' ON THE 4th OF MAY AND, LIKE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES IN EUROPE, WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING A TRANSITION PERIOD limitations, within the Region of residence. As our Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio stated, we are now facing a new challenge: we have to act responsibly and continue to fight the virus while living with it. We can go back to work and visit our families and loved ones, but we need to be careful and mantain social distancing. The post-coronavirus peri-

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am very proud of the discipline and responsibility showed by the Italian people, since Italy was one of the most affected countries in the world. How did you organize your diplomatic activities during the emergency?

— The Embassy never closed, quite the opposite, even if remote working became the rule for many of us, our activities

actually increased as it is often the case during international emergencies. First of all we provided help to the Italian citizens living in Serbia, we constantly kept up to date those who wished to stay here, but we also facilitated the repatriation of those who wanted to go back home. Together with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alitalia we organised a special flight to Rome at the end of March. We also worked closely with the other European embassies and with the EU delegation to put in place a coordinated assistance for all our citizens. I also want to recall the Serbian donation of medical equipment to Italy. Serbia donated 4 million masks and other medical equipment for a value of 8 million euros. It was a great gesture of frien-

— Well, I will certainly have a couple of nice walks in the city parks! The Embassy has a garden, but I have to admit that I missed a bit the outside world. I think that everybody feels the need to go back to the life we had before the pandemic, but for some time we will still need to be very careful, to respect social distanging and to avoid unnecessary contatcts. The emergency, as it is the case for many all around the world, kept me away from a part of my family. So as soon as travel restrictions will be lifted I hope I will be able to spend some time with my loved ones. Luckily new technologies allowed us to work efficiently from home and thanks to our computers and smartphones we actually were able to keep in touch with our friends and colleagues during the lockdown. However, as a diplomat, sometimes there is the need for a face to face meeting, even if it is better not to shake hands for the time being!

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We Might be Able to Save Some of the Summer Season Montenegrin government undertakes measures to mitigate bad circumstances

H.E. TARZAN MILOŠEVIĆ Ambassador of Montenegro to Serbia

e spoke with diplomats about how they organized activities during the pandemic, how they survived the crisis, and most importantly, how their countries reacted to the pandemic and what measures they implemented it to counteract it. Our interlocutor today is H.E. Tarzan Milošević, Ambassador of Montenegro to Serbia. "The Government of Montenegro has adopted a series of measures grouped into two packages - the first which aim to help small and medium-sized enterprises and the second intended for the tourism industry,“ he said.

How did Montenegro prepare for the period after the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in terms of tourism and the upcoming summer season, considering that a large part of Montenegro's GDP is derived from tourism?

— The National Coordination Body and the Government of Montenegro acted in a very responsible way towards the pandemic that affected the whole world, including our country, which both suffered huge damages as a result of the pandemic. There are several economic branches in Mon-

Although the coronavirus has resulted in the cancellation of most tourist arrangements, the Government of Montenegro has devised two sets of measures - for small and medium-sized enterprises and the tourism sector. We are trying to continue with a normal life. There are practically no more coronavirus patients in hospitals any longer. We expect that, in the next period, we will come up with a clear plan for how tourists will come and stay in Montenegro, and I believe that July, August and September will be crucial. I believe that we will have enough tourists, although not like last year, and that we will be able to generate sa much revenue as last year. We expect the first tourists to arrive in the second half of June, at least that's what the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Montenegro want to see. All we can do is to fight for every tourist, make them feel welcome and assure them that Montenegro is a safe destination. There will be certain conditions in place regarding tourists which will be defined very soon. Public enterprise Morsko Dobro opened the beaches on May 18. There can be two loungers

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izens working and residing in Montenegro that had to return to our country. The Serbian Interior Ministry, Health Ministry and Defence Ministry were very understanding of this situation. The Serbian Foreign Ministry and the Coordination Body had excellent solutions for transporting people through the Republic of Serbia. State services were mobile 24/7. Also, the Serbian authorities were understanding regarding people coming to Serbia for medical treatment or urgent private needs. Unfortunately, in

AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC, THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WHICH, IN TURN, HAS PARALYZED THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TOURISM tenegro that are directly or indirectly related to tourism. As a result of the pandemic, the movement of people has completely stopped which, in turn, has paralyzed the activities related to tourism. Compared to last season, which was one of the best in the history of Montenegro, before the pandemic, we had expected that the upcoming season would be at the same or higher level.

and one parasol for every 16 square metres of the beach. Further developments regarding the virus and the pandemic will determine whether these measures will change. How did you organize diplomatic activities at the Montenegrin Embassy in Belgrade?

— It was business as usual at our Embassy as we had many Montenegrin and Serbian cit-

terms of diplomatic relations, we had no contact with our colleagues apart from talking to them occasionally and asking them for their health, family and the current situation, what they were planning to do in the next period and what awaits us all once the pandemic subsides. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— Apart from the time I spend working at the embassy and maintaining the aforementioned contacts, I had a lot of spare time, so I used it to read a little bit, surf the Internet, and play chess. I read some new books but also went back to some old books, i.e. trying to stay up to date as far as literature is concerned. What will you do first after the state of emergency is lifted?

— Since I have been separated from my family, who is in Podgorica, for quite a long time, my wish would be to see them and be with them, when the opportunity arises. I would like to meet up with my friends here in Belgrade and Serbia. We have been fully compliant with all the measures devised by the Serbian government because we wanted the number of people ill with the coronavirus and the victims to be the lowest possible. I would like to express my condolences to the families of the victims and say that I am sorry that this has happened. I would also like to say that government measures have probably prevented more people from falling ill and dying.

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RE-OPEN AND SHUT

When Lockdowns End, Governments Will Have to Free Labour Markets Managing the transition will bring many risks in work. That blunts the incentive to seek new jobs. And yet cutting support abruptly would leave legions of unemployed workers fending for themselves in brutal conditions, especially in America with its thin welfare system. Governments thus face a difficult balancing act: withdraw support too readily, and many people will suffer; withdraw it too late, and the economy will ossify. To find the right path, the most lavish support should be maintained only in industries which the government is forcibly keeping closed. Once shops, restaurants and cinemas are allowed to open, the market must decide if they have a future. These signals should not be ignored for long. Schemes should also encourage flexibility. Idled workers should be allowed to return to their companies part-time, as Britain this week pledged. America should make more use of work-sharing schemes, already in place in about half of the states, which, as in Europe, provide benefits on the basis of lost hours of work, not just lost jobs. This should be paired never before have governments erected safety-nets as generous as those they have created during the pandemic. In Britain 7.5m furloughed workers’ wages are being paid in large part by the state, which is spending more on them than it is on health care. In France the government is topping up the majority of private-sector workers’ incomes after their hours were cut. America has increased unemployment benefits by $600 per person per week, almost trebling the average payout. Since March a staggering 34m or so claims for this kind of support have been made. Germany and Japan have boosted their existing subsidy schemes for furloughed or partially furloughed workers. These policies have been indispensable. Replacing lost incomes has averted suffering, prevented economies from falling apart and ensured public support for social-distancing measures. Yet governments need to prepare an exit strategy not just from lockdowns, but also from their

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CONSUMERS MAY EMERGE FROM LOCKDOWN WITH NEW HABITS AND FEARS ABOUT MIXING, SPENDING LESS ON RESTAURANTS, CINEMAS AND TRAVEL, AND SPENDING MORE ON DELIVERIES, HOME-IMPROVEMENT AND VIDEO-STREAMING emergency policies. They cannot replace private incomes indefinitely. If today’s transfers are maintained for too long, they will be ruinously expensive and prevent labour markets from adapting to the new way of life that emerges from the pandemic. Many of today’s schemes reflect the idea that economies need to be placed in deep freeze in order to be revived intact once the crisis subsides. Yet it seems increasingly likely that economies will instead be permanently changed. Consumers may emerge from lockdown with new habits and fears about mixing, spending less on restaurants, cinemas and travel, and spending more on deliveries, home-improvement and video-streaming. Employees may, reasonably, demand higher

wages to perform some jobs, such as construction or butchering, which involve working elbow-to-elbow with others all day. And industries starved of immigrant labour because of border controls may have to entice in more locals. Four in ten American jobs lost in the pandemic will not return, according to one estimate based on surveys, historical patterns and stockmarket signals. Three in ten gross job losses have already been offset by new hiring. The necessary adjustments will not take place while the state pays workers to wait for their old jobs to return—often on better money than they got before. In America roughly three-quarters of recipients of unemployment insurance are receiving more than they did

with unemployment insurance, though neither scheme should pay so much that it discourages seeking full-time work. Finally, governments should help people find new jobs. That means boosting support for training, tearing down barriers to opportunity such as unnecessary licensing rules, and cutting payroll taxes to encourage hiring. As in normal times, governments must not stand in the way of economic change. They should instead grease its wheels—while offering a helping hand to those who are left behind. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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NIS VOLUNTEERS CLUB

Humanity in Action The members of the “NIS Volunteers Club” have been engaged in numerous activities since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, showing humanity and solidarity towards their citizens, neighbors, as well as the colleagues

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hallenging times bring out the best in people. Carried by this idea, the members of the “NIS Volunteers Club” have been engaged in numerous activities since the outbreak of the COV-

Volunteers Club” has existed for two years and now it gathers more than 500 members who are ready to engage for the benefit of the community, especially of the most vulnerable categories.

NIS EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTEER CLUB ARE DEMONSTRATING THAT IN CHALLENGING TIMES, SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ENGAGEMENT AND SOLIDARITY ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER ID-19 epidemic. They have continued their humanitarian work, showing humanity and solidarity towards their citizens, neighbors, as well as the colleagues. A propos, the “NIS

Volunteers have also shown their solidarity and empathy by employing their skills in making visors, one of the main tools for protecting medical staff, cloth protective face

masks, by their participation in disinfection of public areas, and in the exchange of information that further expands the circle of solidarity. During all their activities, NIS volunteers apply protection measures that are in accordance with the rules and recommendations of healthcare organizations - social distancing, the use of protective face masks, gloves, regular use of disinfectants and hand sanitizers and increased hygiene, especially the hand hygiene. These days, one of the important topics for NIS volunteers is nurturing and developing the sense of community within the collective. That

is why, among other things, they have designed online acting classes for the children of their colleagues, developed a system of internal exchange of knowledge and skills, and provided a kind of "psychological" workshop in these extraordinary circumstances, for all those in need of this kind of support. In this way, NIS employees, members of the Volunteer Club, pointed out by their example, that in challenging times, socially responsible engagement and solidarity are more important than ever, and that they are always ready to contribute to achieving wider social goals.

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We are Actively Involved in Finding the Best Solutions to Combat the Pandemic We welcome the Government's willingness to set aside such a large amount of money, more than five billion euro, and help the economy in this way an additional suggestion from NALED and businesses which is to abolish paying VAT on donations. One question that remains open is what will happen to the local governments which are entitled to a share of tax revenue belongs, which they will not be able to count on now. NALED proposes that a special support fund should be established with these local governments in mind. In terms of healthcare, we have proposed 15 emergency measures and have forwarded them to the relevant institutions.

DRAGANA ČUKIĆ Deputy Chairwoman of NALED’s Managing Board and a member of ACES’ Managing Board

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ALED is the first organization to have proposed 10 emergency measures to the Serbian government with the view of helping the economy, as well as 15 emergency measures to support the functioning of the healthcare sector.

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How did you organize your business activities?

— In terms of NALED, we have been conducting all our business activities from home since the first half of March in order to protect our employees. Even in such circumstances, we are actively involved in finding the best solutions to combat the pandemic and its consequences for citizens and the economy. We did a mapping of municipalities and cities by the population’s age to locate where the greatest need for supporting the most vulnerable categories is. On our website, we have created a COVID-19 section where companies can ask questions and get answers about doing business in the

state of emergency, as well as talk about problems and suggest what would be a good solution for resolving them. We have launched a contact centre for inspections, where individuals and businesses can report unlawful increases in the prices of food, medicines, medical supplies and protective equipment. We also thought of local govern-

First, you proposed 10 measures for supporting businesses, then 15 for preserving health and supporting healthcare systems. What are your expectations from these measures?

— The Serbian government has adopted a package of measures that is largely along the lines of what NALED, on behalf of more than 300 of its members,

How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— The state of emergency has also brought extraordinary responsibilities for parents. My daughter goes to the third grade of elementary school, so my free time is largely devoted to school activities, but I also try to set aside time for movies, books and online socializing, which have become a part of daily routine.

THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES THAT IS LARGELY ALONG THE LINES OF WHAT NALED, ON BEHALF OF MORE THAN 300 OF ITS MEMBERS, HAS PROPOSED AT THE OUTSET OF THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK ments and launched a unique platform which contains an overview of all required donations, which shows that the needs of the first municipalities that contacted the platform are already exceeding 80 million dinars. The goal is to connect donors and socially responsible companies, on one side, with municipalities and towns that need the help the most.

has proposed at the outset of the coronavirus outbreak. I am pleased to see that three of our key recommendations have been accepted, namely deferring payment of payroll tax and contributions during the state of emergency, providing favourable liquidity loans, and paying financial support to small business owners and SMEs or their employees. The government has also accepted

What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— This is a question we all ask ourselves. I am not planning on going on special trips or embarking on new ventures. My biggest wish is that we all return to "normal" activities that made up our daily lives as soon as possible, which we are now surely going to view from a different perspective.

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We Are Active, Productive and Optimistic At the stage that we are entering now, our priorities and guiding principles stay the same: safety of all our people, customers and consumers as well as business continuity and its acceleration in this new environment

ation affects your business globally and locally?

NIKOS ZOIS

— One of the difficulties we had to manage to adapt to, here in Serbia is the volume impact, especially from On trade sector which was closed, as all over the world. At the same time, limited working hours of retail resulted to difficulties for replenishment and higher demand of our products at a shorter period. Both globally and locally, HEINEKEN has secured business operations and maintained cooperation with suppliers, thus contributing to the continued functioning of the market and the economy and therefore “moving to a new normal”. This applies to how we think about our business in the future, our ways of working and our employee’s safety and health. It is a careful balance – we want to get back to work but we also need to make sure we do it in a way that ensures the safety of our people and is in line with continuing public health measures.

Managing Director of HEINEKEN Serbia

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ince this unprecedented situation occurred, our moto was to prepare ourselves for the worst and hope for the best. Our energy is focused now on how we may

do you cope with this crisis, as Heineken Serbia?

— At the very beginning, we have clearly stated and followed two main guiding principles. First, the health and safety

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, WE WERE ALL TOGETHER. THIS WAS A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE WHERE EACH OF US HAD THE SAME TARGET TO STAY HEALTHY AND KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE support the smooth on trade reopening in a safe way, which secures financially healthy foundation of these outlets, said Nikos Zois, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Serbia. With COVID-19 affecting different markets and industries around the world, how

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of our people are of utmost importance. This does not only mean that all our people are safe and sound at every moment, but also that each and every of us do everything we can both personally and professionally following all the precautious measures so as to avoid any contact or spread of the virus.

Second, we did and are doing everything we can to safeguard the continuity of our business and maintain our breweries operational, which means also regular timely payment of all our employees in Zaječar, Novi Sad and Belgrade, with no layoffs or reduction of workforce, as well as supporting the business continuity of all our customers and suppliers. We believe that this approach and way of working supports recovering of the entire economy much faster and we are glad to see that so far all the measures and steps we have taken are proving to be right choices and brings us smooth everyday operations. How much this health situ-

What additional safety and precautionary measures have you taken at the company and how your employees reacted to this?

— We place our health and safety as well as that of our families and partners above all else. Therefore, we have tested our networks and organized working remotely by shifting all the internal conferences and meetings to on-line platforms and allowing the employees to take all business assets to facilitate their work from home. We purchased and installed additional hygiene requisites such as disinfectant dispensers for instant hand hygiene and protective masks and we measured regularly the temperature using contactless thermom-

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eters at all our locations. We also established clear and strict process to check visitors or contractors to our premises before they enter. With regard to the overall situation, we have crisis team meetings every day, where we make decisions and put them in action at lightning speed. Furthermore, we communicate with our employees on regular basis, for we believe that regular business updates and preserving the mental health is as significant as physical health. Because of working from home, do you notice any changes in work productivity? How do employees cope with working remotely?

— For the last few months, we have all been in various stages of managing the current situation within our businesses day-to-day and even hour-byhour. We have had to adjust to fast changing circumstances and restrictions that have tested our business and us individually. I am very proud of all HEINEKEN Serbia employees, their flexibility, efforts they put on daily basis and their approach to work. In these rather unusual circumstances, they are truly dedicated and are genuine HEINEKEN ambassadors. On behalf of all of us in Zaječar, Novi Sad and Belgrade, I may share that we all feel how this time actually has brought considerably higher engagement and our bonds become much stronger during

this crisis. In order to provide full security to all our employees, HEINEKEN committed until the end of 2020, not to carry out any structural layoffs because of COVID-19. HEINEKEN Serbia donated 12 million for supply of respirators. How important is to be socially responsible in such times?

— These are challenging times where solidarity and collective efforts are vital to fight against the spread of Covid19. From one hand, staying responsible and loyal employer caring for the employees and, thanks to all the efforts from our employees, being a role model company in all the recommendations, presents a support to the Government in these times of crisis. But, one more step ahead and a helping hand, for sure, was a donation of 12 million dinars to the Government in their effort to cover the needs for more respirators in our hospitals to treat those in the biggest need. On global level, HEINEKEN donated 15 million euros in order to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Many other activities are taken as well, including donation of water and non-alcoholic beverages and the production of hand sanitisers. Our hearts go out to all who have been hit by this disease, and we need to stay active, supportive and optimistic.

Zaječarsko TVC was very noticed among consumers, with many comments. What do you think has touched consumers in Zaječarsko TVC?

— At the beginning of state of emergency, we all found ourselves trying to adjust to a new reality. We felt obliged to make a bold statement, which shows how important it is to stay involved and encourage the others to stay strong and give our best to safeguard each other, by promoting solidarity and care. Through Zaječarsko

consumers as well as business continuity and its acceleration in this new environment. Through our local and global experiences, l believe we may contribute for the local surrounding in supporting on trade sector and all our customers and consumers to find the relevant models that helps them stay operational to meet the increased demand of this summer period. But, before any financial impact, people come first. The vital thing for us is to continue managing to keep all our col-

WE BELIEVE THAT MANY HAPPY GATHERINGS IN THE FUTURE WILL COME AND CAN COME FASTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND SOLIDARITY brand we have kept on communicating relevant messages of optimism and responsibility. The fact that it is not important which beer we drink, as long as we are all safe. It shared optimism and sent hart-warm message that it is the matter of time when we will all gather around the table and drink our favourite beer with our loved ones. We looked forward to this moments, and so did our consumers. What is your plan for the future and returning to normal?

— I am glad that we may see the light at the end of a tunnel. At the stage that we are entering now, our priorities and guiding principles stay the same: safety of all our people, customers and

leagues, all our customers and all our consumers safe at the level and to the highest extent that we could contribute. What will you and HEINEKEN Serbia do first, once the pandemic is over?

— I would like to thank to all the heroes of these times, to all of those who were tirelessly working and giving their time and their best for the benefit and safe life days of all the others. Special thank you goes to all our employees in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Zaječar for being on the top of things and showing enormous courage, trust and unity day after day. I look forward to the day that we all meet again and cheer over a glass of Zaječarsko.

ABOUT HEINEKEN SERBIA HEINEKEN Srbija presents the brewer, which actively operates in two breweries. While the brewery in Zajecar is proud of its long lasting tradition and brewing expertize dating back to 1895, Novi Sad brewery is one of the most technologically advanced and modern breweries in the region. Transparency in the daily work and communication, respect for the individual,

local community and society, passion for quality and corporate social responsibility present the core values of the company. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders.

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Honest Communication is Always the Key to Consumers' Heart Atlantic Grupa has achieved quarterly sales growth despite the pandemic and implementation of restrictive measures in key markets mitment, so we succeeded in ensuring a regular supply and a sufficient amount of products for all our consumers. Thanks to the excellent planning of our central procurement department, we had sufficient stock of raw coffee and necessary raw materials at all times, which ensured that the production and the entire supply chain functioned regularly, and which, in turn, guaranteed the smooth operation of Atlantic Grupa as a whole, including SBU Coffee.

MATE ŠTETIĆ General Manager, SBU Coffee, Atlantic Grupa

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he company overcame negative impacts thanks to its quick reactions, the maximum commitment of all employees and adequate measures implemented in individual markets. As a result of the aforementioned, the Strategic Business Area Coffee (SBU Coffee) has successfully responded to the increased demand and product consumption and achieved

by Atlantic Grupa's Crisis Unit, as well as regulatory and epidemiological criteria in each of the markets, the company quickly adjusted its business in production, logistics and distribution segment, plus it has enabled employees to work from home. In this way, we ensured regular supply during the state of emergency, but also preserved the health and safety of our employees, who showed

already have a clearly defined plan for the gradual return of employees to our offices in several phases. If the epidemiological situation continues to improve at the current dynamic, a number of employees will return during the first phase who will, of course, adhere to all prescribed epidemiological and hygienic measures and social distancing. The world has not yet overcome the coro-

THE APPROACH TO DIFFERENT GROUPS IS BASED ON SERIOUS RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS OF MARKETS AND CONSUMER HABITS, BECAUSE ONLY IN THAT WAY CAN WE FORM A CLEAR APPROACH AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY TOWARDS EVERYONE significant results at the beginning of this year. We spoke to Mate Štetić, General Manager of the Strategic Business Area Coffee at Atlantic Grupa. How has your company adapted to the circumstances relating to the coronavirus pandemic and has it affected your business?

— Thanks to good organization and following decisions made

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great work energy and a strong community spirit in all of the markets we operate in, even in the new circumstances. It is important to me that we have managed to organize ourselves so that we act responsibly to our employees, but also to provide safety for our customers and respond to all their needs. All employees who can do their job from home continue to do so, and we

navirus and its consequences, so it seems that, in the future, we will learn to live and do business in new conditions. We are especially proud of our colleagues in production who were at their workplaces even during the state of emergency, and who complied with all preventive measures for the protection and preservation of their health. They did their job with dedication and com-

Coffee is traditionally an indispensable part of our everyday life and yet it still requires ample marketing. Which consumer groups are most important to you, how do you approach them and how have you adapted your activities to the extraordinary circumstances?

— Our main goal in extraordinary circumstances was to fully adapt to the new needs of our consumers, to support them and provide them with their favourite brands like Barcaffe and Grand Kafa. All the more reason because drinking coffee is considered one of the most important rituals during the day, so many people see it as the most important foodstuff in their home. As before, and in addition to solidarity in the form of donations, we are trying to create a warm atmosphere in homes throughout Serbia and the region in other ways too. Our communication was aimed at showing our consumers that they are never alone and that their daily routine that gives them a sense of security, such as drinking coffee, is still available. We wanted to remind them that even in these adverse circumstances, they should not deprive themselves of socializing, but only adapt it to the new situation. Therefore, direct and honest communication is of the

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utmost importance for the success of a brand, along with product quality as a must-have factor. In that sense, every individual is important to us. The approach to different groups is based on serious research and analysis of markets and consumer habits, because only in that way can we form a clear approach and communication strategy towards everyone, even in extraordinary circumstances. You are a leader in the region that used to prefer the socalled classic Turkish coffee, which was somewhat evident in this period as well. What are the characteristics of the market today and how much is the market ready to step towards an ever-growing range of products in the coffee segment?

— As the market leader in the category of freshly ground coffee in Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, we were aware that although still the most represented, this traditional category has been recording a declining trend in the long run. So, with the idea of "rejuvenating" the entire category, we launched a regional communication campaign last year called „That's Coffee“ („To je kafa“) with the desire to better introduce younger generations to freshly ground coffee. As part of the campaign, we also offered our consumers a completely new experience of enjoying coffee in our Freshness Corners in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. We have also re-designed the entire Grand Kafa portfolio by adding Grand Kafa Strong and Barcaffè Single Plantation which further modernized this category. Consumer habits in the region are changing so we need to develop new brands and products to provide them with even more choice when it comes to this favourite beverage. Our consumers are open to a new range of flavours, new ways of preparing coffee and thus new ways of consumption. In line with global trends, we created a new category that is ice coffee with the Barcaffè Lattiato brand, which met the market's expectations and was well accepted in most regional markets. So, that is perhaps the shortest answer to your question. The market is open

to product quality and variety and that is why we innovate. We try not only to respond to consumer needs but to anticipate them as well, we try not only to follow but to dictate trends. Regardless of the time and circumstances, Millennials are a very important consumer group. What are the main characteristics of the Millennials in the region when it comes to coffee consumption and what media do you use to communicate with them?

— I must admit that the era of digitalization, the universal presence on digital networks and availability of all kinds of information, challenges us every day to be as innovative as possible in communication and to think not only "out of the box", but also to respect the context of work and life of each individual. If we are talking about the characteristics of this particular population segment relating to their coffee consumption, we have noticed that in recent years, Millennials are increasingly consuming freshly ground coffee, in addition to instant and espresso coffee. So, after launching a successful and innovative product that was Black’n’Easy, a traditional coffee that is made in one minute, in 2019, we expanded our existing portfolio with a new product - Black’n’Easy Milk. We are aware that Millennials

— As the leading business segment of Atlantic Grupa, last year SBU Coffee generated over 153 million euro in sales revenue, which is about 20% of the Group's total turnover. We have fulfilled our plans and achieved record results and growth in key segments in most markets, which is in line with the goals of the overall business strategy. Our leading brands are Barcaffè, Grand Kafa and Bonito, and observed by category, the most represented was the category of freshly ground coffee, followed by espresso and instant coffee, and Black n’Easy, which has been growing year-on-year.

planning and financial stability give us an excellent basis to overcome the resulting market disruptions more easily. There is no doubt that the pandemic has had a significant impact on us as well, however so far, apart from the cessation of sales in the HoReCa channel and falling consumption in the on-the-go and impulse segment, we have not felt any other significant negative impact on our business. The world has not yet overcome the coronavirus and its consequences, so it seems that, in the future, we will learn to live and do business in new conditions. We will certainly

THE MARKET IS RECEPTIVE TO QUALITY AND VARIETY OF PRODUCTS AND THAT IS WHY WE INNOVATE. WE TRY NOT ONLY TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS BUT TO ANTICIPATE THEM are one of the most demanding target groups and that the availability and transparency of information are important to them, just as the experience and recommendations of other consumers or people close to them are important to them. They collect all important information on social media, so we usually communicate with them through these channels by creating visual content on Instagram or Facebook. What is the share of SBU Coffee in the total revenue and profit of Atlantic Grupa? What are your plans and ambitions for the next 3 to 5 years?

The import and sales of more than 23,000 tonnes of coffee a year has made us the leader in the region for many years. This success was validated by the excellent results from the first quarter of this year. The overall growth of Atlantic Grupa stood at over 12% relative to the same period last year, while SBU Coffee achieved a 5.4% growth, mostly in the freshly ground and instant category. We always think long-term and we have set strategic priorities for a period of three to five years. Of course, emergencies like the one caused by the coronavirus cannot be predicted, but good

adjust our goals, but sustaining the leading market position in the region remains a priority. The plans are to maintain continuity of investments in basic brands and to offer consumers innovative products and the quality to which they are accustomed. In addition, we are focused on the further development of our distribution segment as an important lever for business growth and on possible new mergers and acquisitions. The most important thing is to continue being a part of the everyday life of our consumers and to carry on surprising them with new products and authentic tastes.

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We Have Adjusted Our Operations to the Fullest Extent Possible Quite a few of our employees are working from home, and ATMs and online banking services are available to our clients at all times

PREDRAG VASIĆ Chairman of Executive Board of Vojvođanska Banka a.d. Novi Sad, OTP Group

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need, related to work or private life. To preserve the financial stability in the country, the National Bank of Serbia has introduced a moratorium (on payment of loans), and it is our duty, as a financial institution, to support this decision and offer the moratorium option to our clients. They have been promptly informed about all the details of the moratorium and we will try to find the best solution for each client.

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e spoke with Mr. Predrag Vasić, Chairman of Executive Board of Vojvođanska Banka about organizing their business activities. “Communication with our clients is running smoothly and we strive to meet everyone's needs, respond to every request and always be there for

communication with clients going and what do you think about the moratorium (on repayment of loans)?

— Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency were declared in our country, Vojvođanska Banka has adjusted its operations to the fullest extent possible. From

COMMUNICATION WITH OUR CLIENTS IS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND WE STRIVE TO MEET EVERYONE'S NEEDS, RESPOND TO EVERY REQUEST AND ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THEM them. We are also always there for our employees because they and their families are a priority for us in this difficult situation. They can always reach out to us for whatever they need, related to work or private life” said Predrag. How did you organize your business activities? How is

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the beginning, we have been continuously following the recommendations of health professionals and state authorities, based on which all required sanitary and safety measures have been implemented. Following the measures of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, we adjusted the working hours of our branches, which,

since March 26, are mostly open until 2 pm, while some are closed altogether. Quite a few of our employees are working from home, and ATMs and online banking services are available to our clients at all times. We have also paid special attention to pensioners and senior citizens over the age of 65, since, as we all know, they are not allowed to leave their homes. That is why our bank has introduced several novelties exclusively for pensioners so they don't have to worry about the disbursement of their pensions. Communication with our clients is running smoothly and we strive to meet everyone's needs, respond to every request and always be there for them. We are also always there for our employees because they and their families are a priority for us in this difficult situation. They can always reach out to us for whatever they

How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity and support and donate to the healthcare system?

— Vojvodjanska Banka recognizes the gravity of the situation and was among the first organizations to join and give concrete assistance to the Serbian healthcare system. We were the first to respond to UNICEF's campaign and donate one million dinars towards the purchase of respirators to help our healthcare professionals who are fighting the most important battle in this moment. We are not stopping there, as we are considering other forms of assistance too. Vojvodjanska Banka will be providing more help shortly. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— Well, I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. I spend it at home, with my family, watching TV and on my computer.

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CHAMPIONS FOR THE CHAMPIONS

Serbian Olympians: Thank You Ever So Much, You Are Our Heroes! The Olympians paid tribute to the real heroes of the crisis by participating in a video campaign of Vojvođanska banka and the Olympic Committee of Serbia entitled "Who are you cheering for"

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lthough they have been preparing for this summer for years, thinking they would spend it competing with the best world athletes in their sports disciplines, our Olympians must wait for that moment for another year. The Tokyo Olympic Games have been postponed, and sport has stopped all over the world due to the pandemic of the COVID-19 virus. Our doctors, teachers, salesmen have

and Aleksandar Kukolj, kayaker Milica Starović, swimmer Čaba Silađi, wrestler Davor Štefanek and shooter Zorana Arunović paid tribute to the real heroes of the crisis by participating in a video campaign of Vojvođanska banka and the Olympic Committee of Serbia entitled "Who are you cheering for". “At the moment when the emergency state was declared in our country, we were all preparing for Tokyo and none

AS THE OFFICIAL BANK OF THE OLYMPIC TEAM OF SERBIA FOR THE PAST TWO DECADES, VOJVOĐANSKA BANKA IS CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES become the greatest heroes in combating this infection. Although the state of emergency has been lifted, the public is expressing their gratitude to them every night for the commitment showed in the previous period, and our most successful athletes have also found a way to say "Thank you". Our Olympians, taekwondo fighter Tijana Bogdanović, rower Miloš Vasić, athlete Mihail Dudaš,judoistsNemanjaMajdov

of us could have imagined that the Games for which we were preparing for so long, would be cancelled. The severity of the

situation pointed out to us of the importance of being united so as to achieve the goal by team work and give support to those needing it the most. We realised that encouragements that had been previously sent to us were now needed by someone else”, said taekwondo fighter Tijana Bogdanović. Gratitude and support were extended to the outstanding results of health workers across Serbia who risked their lives every day to save others. Constant exposure to the dangers of infection, overtime work and separation from family and friends are just some of the sacrifices that our doctors bravely endured. The Olympic circle of support has also been opened for bakers, drivers, teachers, sales-

men, farmers and all those who went to work every day, performed their duties responsibly and thus showed solidarity. We must not forget the elderly fellow citizens, who were not allowed to leave their homes, but also parents who faced a particular challenge of balancing between hard work from home and taking care of their children. “In uncertain moments and defeats, the audience does not deny support, but cheers even louder, encourages and motivates us to continue the game, reverse the result and take the victory. Even when sitting at home, we feel that Olympic, team spirit and suppor all those who are standing on the first line of defence. I thank them for everything they have done in the past period“, stated judoist Nemanja Majdov. As the official bank of the Olympic team of Serbia for the past two decades, Vojvođanska banka is continuing to support our athletes, enabling them better conditions to prepare and compete, so as to achieve their best results.

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Children Must Use the Internet – Safely! Telenor recently received the VIRTUS award, in the category of long-term partnership between the business and non-profit sector in 2019. The company received this recognition for its twelve-year partnership with UNICEF on programs educating children and their parents on the safe use of Internet and prevention of digital violence

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f someone had told us just three months ago that our children would be getting their education online, through distance learning, that they would be doing exams and tests via Viber, Teams, Skype and other digital platforms, it would sound like an experiment, far from our reality. And not only that. For the past two months, we probably allowed our children to use the Internet more than they usually do, to help pass the time they spent at home and communicate with the people they could not meet face-toface. Everything moved to online world in short time. As parents, teachers, educators, guardians and society as a whole, once again we found ourselves faced with the question: how can we ensure that our children make the most of all the benefits that the Internet can offer, and, at the same time keep them safe

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from potential dangers? First, it is important to know that there are already tools, platforms and research available that can be of help. For one such project, Telenor recently received the VIRTUS award, in the category of long-term part-

more than 10 years. The results we have achieved are a great help to children, parents, educators and teachers, and are also part of the system-wide solution in response to the global challenges posed by digitization. Our partnership includes the

included a research of Internet usage by younger children, aged 4-8, and the willingness of their parents, educators and teachers to properly guide and protect them from any risks and dangers. The results showed that most do not have

WE, AS A TELCO COMPANY, MAKE THE DIGITAL WORLD AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME AND PLACE. THIS IS WHY IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT OUT THE RISKS IN CASE OF UNSAFE AND IMPROPER USE nership between the business and non-profit sector in 2019. The company received this recognition for its twelve-year partnership with UNICEF on programs educating children and their parents on the safe use of Internet and prevention of digital violence. “The VIRTUS Award is a huge recognition and we are really proud of the entire partnership with Telenor that has lasted for

public sector, so the cooperation between Telenor, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, is an example of good practice for developing new partnerships that can contribute to the strengthening of the society” said Vesna Savić Đukić from UNICEF. PROJECT RESULTS “Family Safety Net” project

enough knowledge and skills to do so and therefore several activities were implemented: ∙ Training and education sessions for 150 educators and teachers in five cities: Niš, Belgrade, Užice, Kragujevac and Novi Sad. Teachers and educators piloted a workshop program that included around 3,750 children aged 4-8 and about 2,000 of their parents;

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∙ The e-version of the training is available in all schools and preschool institutions in Serbia, thanks to which educators and teachers can use these resources in their work; ∙ Flyers were distributed to every first graders in Serbia, and they are also available online; ∙ The importance of digital

data and privacy on the Internet; screen-time — how much and in what way; playing video games (gaming); internet predators; how to improve a digital device for safer use of the Internet etc. It also includes a knowledge check quiz and other useful materials; ∙ Four cartoons were created for children (three animated

ment, the developed materials were available to primary schools and preschools, as part of a system-wide solution for the prevention of digital violence. This is the third time that Telenor has received the VIRTUS award for its socially responsible actions. Telenor received its first award in 2008 in the category of special con-

TELENOR RECEIVED ITS FIRST AWARD IN 2008 IN THE CATEGORY OF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL, AND ITS SECOND AWARD IN 2011 FOR THE “CONNECTION” PROJECT tribution at the national level, and its second award in 2011 for the “Connection” project. “We, as a telco company, make the digital world available at any time and place. This is why it is our responsibility to point out the risks in case of unsafe and improper use. None of this would have been possible without the support of and partnership with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and the Užice Child Rights Centre,

who may deserve the most credit for the implementation of the project. In the following period, we will continue to use our expertise where it is needed the most”, says Milica Begenišić, Manager of Telenor Foundation.

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videos intended for children aged 7-8 and one for children aged 4-6) that can be used for continuous dissemination through the media and social media and in training and work with children. At the end, 50 percent of parents, educators and teachers made significant progress in their level of digital knowledge and skills. Thanks to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Develop-

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competences and online safety for young children was discussed in panel discussions with more than 500 teachers and parents; ∙ 10,000 copies of brochures were distributed to parents; ∙ A Digital Guide that includes the key positive and constructive messages on Internet safety was developed: www.digitalni-vodic.ucpd. rs/ It contains topics such as: protection of personal

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„A School Designed For You“ Jana Novaković, a student of the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Niš, has won the competition to design the affinity Mastercard credit card “Eurobank Big Heart”

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ince the establishment in Serbia in 2003, Eurobank has constantly combined a strategy of dynamic and successful growth with contribution to the community where it operates. In October 2018, supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Eurobank launched its first standalone CSR project, “A School Designed for You”. Jana Novaković, a student of the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Niš, has won the competition to design the affinity Mastercard credit card “Eurobank Big Heart”. A specific feature of this card is that the Bank earmarks a portion of its proceeds and redirects them for equipping classrooms and workrooms of schools of economics across Serbia. In this manner, joint efforts of the Bank and its clients help improve the studying and working conditions in secondary schools of economics. The first donation, worth 1.4 million dinars, was executed in June 2019, at the First Secondary School of Economics in

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Belgrade. Owing to the funds raised via the “Eurobank Big Heart” humanitarian credit card, the students got a new, equipped classroom for statistics and accounting. The project was continued and, in November 2019, in the presence of representatives of Eurobank, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, school principal, teachers and students, a new electronic language laboratory was opened at the “Stana Milanović“ School of Economics

was invested in modernising the virtual bank classroom, and new IT equipment was particularly beneficial for students of the “Banking and Insurance Clerk” educational profile, as it enabled them to actively improve their knowledge in a high-quality manner and in real-life circumstances. According to Slavica Pavlović, President of the Executive Board of Eurobank, the “School Designed for You” CSR project was launched in the aim of providing secondary

PROJECT AS RESULT OF SYNERGY BETWEEN EUROBANK AND ITS CLIENTS in Šabac and the school library was equipped with laptops, providing students with an opportunity to read e-books. The value of this donation exceeds one million dinars. The third donation within Eurobank’s “School Designed for You” humanitarian project was executed in February 2020, at the “Bosa Milićević“ Secondary School of Economics in Subotica. More than 1.2 million dinars

schools of economics across Serbia with better studying and working conditions. In addition to donating necessary IT equipment, Eurobank also supports students in the area of professional development through internship in its branches and lectures on relevant banking topics by its employees as visiting lecturers in schools. In addition to the dona-

tions in classroom, workroom and IT equipment, the “School Designed for You” project has another very significant component. Through lectures of Eurobank employees, students of secondary economics schools gain new theoretical and practical knowledge about banking. In this manner, the Bank shares common interests and values in the area of development and enhancement of both secondary school education and education as a whole. Within the Memorandum signed between Eurobank and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, another example of socially beneficial collaboration was initiated, focusing on developing and enhancing secondary education at the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Eurobank is particularly grateful to its clients, users of the “Eurobank Big Heart” MasterCard humanitarian credit card, who have recognised the importance of this project and made significant contribution to its execution and success.

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Europe Day Celebrated

CLICK TO SEE THIS ON WEB H.E. Sem Fabrizi and Ana Brnabić, Serbian Prime Minister

urope Day was celebrated with different events this year, but a bit differently because of the Covid-19 pandemics. This year marks exactly seven decades since the publication of the Schuman Declaration, the first and fundamental document of European unification, and the bloc whose development began with the agreement between France and Germany today has 27

members. On the 8th of May, “The past, the present, and the future of the European Union and its relations with Serbia” was the topic of the online ambassadorial panel on the Facebook page of the EU Info Center. On the 9th of May, the ceremony was held in the botanical garden “Jevremovac” in Belgrade, attended by guests from the diplomatic corps and the state leadership of

Proffessor Milan Veljić PhD, Director of botanical garden "Jevremovac", H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Minister Jadranka Joksimović and Zoran Radojičić, Mayor of Belgrade

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Serbia. Europe Day symbolizes the promise of peace, prosperity, and solidarity, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić agreed in welcome speeches during the central event marking this holiday in Belgrade. Belgrade was later that day illuminated with the colours of the European Union, when the night fell.

Also in Belgrade, the huge billboards was posted with the inscription “Solidarity makes us stronger – we built future together”. From the 10th to the 12th of May, online poetry evenings and two online concerts were held. The concert for Europe includes two concerts – the Belgrade band Kristali and the concert of the Novi Sad band Deep Steady. A question related to European literature wa asked on the Bulevar Books bookstore page during both days, and the first person to answer the question correctly received a book as a gift published by the Bulevar Publishing House. On the 11th of May, online concert “Contemporary sounds in a classical way” was held, and on the 13th, online performance “Davorin and Krejzi: Crazy Facts about Europe” introduced interesting facts about our continent. Online children’s concert “Elven joy of singing” followed on the 15th, and the day before exhibition “Solidarity” of the Shock Cooperative Association was held.

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The Day When Revisionism Was Defeated On the occasion of May 9, the Day of MAY Victory over Fascism and Nazism, the Secretary-General of the Serbian President, Nikola Selaković and the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko laid flowers at the Red Army Soldiers Monument. Ministers Ivica Dačić and Nenad Popović also laid flowers in memory of the soldiers fallen in the fight against Nazism. The commemoration was held with the message that we must resist attempts to revise history. Mr Selaković said that May 9 was one of the brightest dates in the history of mankind when evil and the Nazi ideology, that sowed death throughout Europe and the world from 1939 to 1945, were destroyed. On that day, he said, Serbian soldiers, who were members of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia and Russian soldiers from the Red Army freed our homeland together, while the Red Army continued to liberate the rest of Europe further towards Berlin. Warning that we were witnessing attempts to revise history, Selaković said that we must resist such attempts

CLICK TO SEE THIS ON WEB H.E. Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, Russian Ambassador to Serbia

in every possible way. One of the ways to stand against them is the exhibition staged in the Republic Square (Trg Republike) in Belgrade dedicated to the liberation of Eastern Europe from Nazism in the period from 1944 to 1945. The exhibition called “The March of the Immortal Regiment” reminds us of our ancestors who sacrificed their lives or participated in the fight against the greatest evil in world history. Mr Dačić pointed out that there was a visible attempt in the world to relativize the role

of certain countries and peoples in World War II, but also certain events, and even to deny the crimes that were committed. The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that Serbia felt a violation of international law on its ‘skin’ too, pointing out that the bombing in 1999 was carried out regardless of the fact that the UN Security Council had not officially given its approval. The Russian Ambassador to Serbia congratulated on the 75th anniversary of the Victory Day, stating that May 9 was a

magnificent day brimming with pride, happiness, but also great sorrow. Mr Botsan-Kharchenko also said that the goal of falsifying history was to take away the sovereignty and independence of countries. "This is a difficult political fight, but we will win it as well," Mr Botsan-Kharchenko added. The Deputy Mayor of Belgrade, Goran Vesić, and the Speaker of the Assembly of the City of Belgrade, Nikola Nikodijević, also laid flowers in honour of the Victory Day.

Ministers Ivica Dačić and Nenad Popović with H.E. Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko

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The First International Conference “The Serbian-American Relations in the Face of Challenges of COVID-19”

Steve Stivers, US Congressman and Co-Chair of the Serbian caucus

Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and co-chair of the SAFC Advisory Board

H.E. Anthony Godfrey, US Ambassador to Serbia

Derek Mitchell, Representative of NDI in Serbia

Vladimir Marinković, Deputy Speaker of the Serbian National Parliament and founder of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (SAFC)

Shanley Pinchotti, Director of USAID Serbia’s Office for Democratic and Economic Growth

Paul Prososki, Director of IRI in Serbia

Robert Čoban, CPG President

International online conference hosted APR by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress along with Color Media Communications aimed at exploring opportunities for mutual help and assistance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert Čoban opened the conference with figures and facts about the pandemic and announced the speakers. Vladimir Marinković, Deputy Speaker of the Serbian National Parliament and founder of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (SAFC) said: "We can have very good growth in 2021, according to WB and IMF. We should keep the good attitute towards the American companies, since our future relies on that." H.E. Anthony Godfrey, the US Ambassador to Serbia said: " We have invested billions of dollars in infrastucture,

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like in Medical Centre in Niš, which is now doing the great job in fighting Covid-19. AWe have invested $4b in Serbia an we expect more investments, and the facilitation of investment – we marked The Balkans as the strategic investment place." Steve Stivers, US Congressman and Co-Chair of the Serbian caucus said: "Serbia-US caucus is hoping for a stable peace in the region, especially the impovement in Kosovo-Serbia relations. The partnership between the Ohio National Guard and Serbian Army is great and I am proud.” Derek Mitchell, Representative of NDI in Serbia said: “We would like to see Serbia joining the EU, strengthern democracy and Trans-Atlantic relations, imporoving economy. All the crises are at the same time opportuni-

ties – to change and improve govermnents, healthcare system and infrastructure, and the government-civil cooperation. Shanley Pinchotti, the Director of USAID Serbia’s Office for Democratic and Economic Growth said: "We never enter the new phase without consultation and we have a robust portfolio of $21m in assistance to Serbia’s joining the EU and we need some democtratic principles we eneed to support: like civil society and media, transparency, dialogue, competition in both political and economic area." Paul Prososki, Director of IRI in Serbia said: "The American president Trump made a great efforts in economy and it should be his trump card in November and the presidential election. But now, all of this is disrupted.

I hope America and Serbia will prevail, and with EU and NATO will overcome the situation." Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and co-chair of the SAFC Advisory Board said: "Our common aims are to make a stable and peaceful region. The last visit of any American president was in June 1980, and it was Jimmy Carter. We think that it is about time to change that. I asked Ambassador Godfrey, how many times Presidents Putin or Xi should come to Serbia to make American President willing to come to Serbia? I am thankful for the 600 businesses in majority ownership of the USA companies, and the American investments are big. I am thankful for the American efforts in Priština-Belgrade dialogue."

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Serbia’s Economy, the Day After Organized by Color Media CommunicaAPR tions and the Congress of Serbian-American Friendship (CSAF), and in cooperation with the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, an online conference called “Serbia’s Economy – The Day After”, dedicated to the Serbian economy, was live-streamed on the YouTube channel of Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, which was also the media sponsor of the conference. Telekom Serbia was the conference’s partner. The participants of the online conference talked about what the Serbian economy would look like after the coronavirus pandemic, the measures adopted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and their implementation. One of the topics was investments in the post-pandemic period and a debate about what certain industries would look like,

that is, how both domestic and foreign companies would organize their business in the post-pandemic period. The conference was opened by Robert Čoban, President of Color Press Group. Vladimir Marinković, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and founder of the CSAF, pointed out that macroeconomic parameters showed that Serbia would have the smallest decline in the region, perhaps in the whole of Europe. Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, underlined that the banking and financial sectors were not too affected (by the pandemic-related problems) and added that the bigger problem was uncertainty whether we would experience a second tide of the pandemic. If there wasn’t the second wave of the pandemic and a crisis stemming from it,

global predictions say that we would slowly return to the activities from the pre-pandemic period within a month or a month and a half at the most. We also expect economic activity to intensify in the last three months of this year while global forecasts for 2021 predict great economic growth that year. The participants of the first panel were the following: Dragan Demirović, acting Assistant Minister in the Fiscal System Sector; Ivan Djoković, Deputy Prime Minister and Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Dubravka Negre, Head of the EIB Office for the Western Balkans and Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED. Dubravka Negre said that the total aid package approved by the EIB amounted to 5.2 billion euro, of which a significant amount of funds would be

directed to small and medium-sized enterprises, and for infrastructure, primarily healthcare infrastructure. Mr Djoković warned that the state must be careful, while Mr Demirović said that it was important to preserve macroeconomic stability. Violeta Jovanović advocated dialogue with businesses. The participants of the second panel included Borko Crnogorac, Director of the Business Services Development Sector at Telekom Serbia, who highlighted the fact that the Internet had never been more accessible, Ivan Miletić, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Philip Morris Company, who said he was proud of his company's participation in humanitarian campaigns, and Dragan Filipović, Managing Director of Generali Osiguranje Srbija, who pointed out that online insurance sales grew by 40% worldwide in the past month.

Vladimir Marinković, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and founder of the CSAF

Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Dubravka Negre, Head of the EIB Office for the Western Balkans

Ivan Djoković, Deputy Prime Minister and Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED

Dragan Demirović, acting Assistant Minister in the Fiscal System Sector

Dragan Filipović, Managing Director of Generali Osiguranje Srbija

Ivan Miletić, Corporate Affairs Director at Philip Morris

Borko Crnogorac, Director of the Business Services Development Sector at Telekom Serbia

Source: Mondo-Stefan Stojanovic

S P E C I A L

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THE VISA FOUNDATION COVID-19 GRANTEE The Visa Foundation announced its approval of a $1.6 million COVID-19 relief grant to the Red Cross to support their COVID-19 recovery programs across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. The Red Cross is supporting the frontline response to the pandemic and providing critical services for vulnerable communities through public health and disaster relief services. This grant is part of the Visa Foundation’s previously announced $210 million global commitment, with $10 million in COVID-19 relief focused on the emergency needs announced this week for organizations worldwide and another $200 million to address longerterm needs of the small and micro busi-

UNICEF, RED CROSS AND USAID PROVIDING VITAL SUPPORT

ness community over the next five years. Globally, the Visa Foundation is providing $4.3 million in funding to support the Red Cross’ COVID-19 programs. The forthcoming 5-year $200 million program will supportsmall and micro businesses, with a focus on fostering women’s economic advancement, both of which will be critical to long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

WILL INCREASED DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC PRODUCTS CONTINUE?

On Tuesday, May 12th 2020, USAID's Competitive Economy Project organized 7th online panel discussion under the "Svet hoće domaće" initiative, in order to inform and advise food producers on key issues and ways to better cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. The panel discussion, entitled "Buy Local: Phrase or Reality" addressed the placement of local products in the do-

mestic market, the influence of campaigns that encourage purchases of domestic products, the changes that the crisis brought along and what needs to be done to get more products from Serbia at the shelves of the local retail stores. The panel participants were Veljko Jovanović, Director of the Agricultural Division and the Advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Goran Kovačević, General Manager of Gomex, Milica Čalija, founder of the initiative "Buy from Serbia", and Ivana Antonijević, Advisor for Rural Development and Tourism of the Regional Development Agency Braničevo - Podunavlje, with the initiative localpazar.rs.

UNICEF and the Red Cross of Serbia, with financial support from USAID, delivered vital hygiene supplies to a Roma settlement in the Veliko Polje village, in the Obrenovac municipality, to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Serbia. The hygiene kits contain soaps, shampoos, dishwashing and laundry detergents, toilet paper, as well as information materials in Serbian and Roma languages on COVID-19 symptoms and guidance on protection measures against the disease. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Serbia, UNICEF, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Serbia, has distributed 2,700 hygiene kits along with information related to the novel coronavirus protection. Additional distribution is ongoing to families living in poverty, children and youth living in residential institutions, foster families, and refugee and migrant families.

NOVAK DJOKOVIĆ FOUNDATION STARTS PROVIDING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

TRAG FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF THE 13TH VIRTUS AWARD Trag Foundation announced the winners of the VIRTUS Philanthropy Award for the 13th year in a row, awarding companies, small and medium enterprises and individuals in order to acknowledge and publicly name all those who supported community development in a strategic way, thus setting an example for everyone to follow. The recipient of the Main Award for corporate contribution on the national level is the company Mastercard Europe SA Belgrade for donating 250.000 EUR to NURDOR for the construction of the Parents’ House in Belgrade, support to women's entrepreneurship and health protection in Serbia. The Award or contribution to the local community in which the company operates is presented to the company Eurobank a.d. Belgrade, while Telenor LTD received the award for longterm partnership between business and non-profit sector. Family enterprise from Smederevo, Inter-mehanika LTD received the award for small and medium-size enterprises, while the award for individual

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contribution to philanthropy went to Tamara Klarić and Bogdan Stevanović from Belgrade, who raised funds for the construction of a new Parents' House in Belgrade as part of the humanitarian walking campaign "Take a Step". VIRTUS special awards are given to dm drogerie markt LTD Belgrade for the most innovative project, AVON Cosmetics SCG LTD for contribution to gender equality, Marko Čikarić, a young teacher from Prokuplje, for the personal contribution to the local community development, Milinka Ivanović, a retired nurse from Kruševac, for contribution to vulnerable children, while Mattea Ballani, a nine-year-old from Zrenjanin, received the special award for young philanthropist.

The delivery of medical equipment, organized by our Foundation, to healthcare institutions treating patients with COVID-19, has started. The first shipment, involving 4 ventilators and 20 patient monitoring devices, was donated to the Clinical Centre in Kragujevac, to support all the effort doctors and health workers invest to combat the COVID-19 crisis. As agreed with competent state institutions, the most valuable part of the donation, a CT SCAN with all accessories and four non-invasive ventilation devices with a large number of kits, will be distributed to the Belgrade Clinic for Infectious Diseases and the Pulmonology Clinic of the Clinical Centre of Serbia (KCS), since the patients with the most severe COVID-19 symptoms are being treated in these institutions. As part of the donations, two ventilators will be delivered to the Clinical Centre in Kosovska Mitrovica. The Foundation also delivered the necessary medical equipment to other COVID centers all over Serbia, including 10 ventilators, x-ray devices, vital sign monitors, special shoes, and other equipment which shall be distributed in accordance with the needs of those healthcare institutions.

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HOSPITALITY SERVICES ARE NOT LUXURY The hospitality sector is deeply affected, but it is gradually resuming activities, as concluded at a panel organised by Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, marking the initiation of a dialogue about the HoReCa sector, which employs more than 65 000 people in Serbia and is one of the most affected areas due to coronavirus. Four topic discussions, moderated by Đorđije Stajkić, gathered online more than 150 representatives of the largest clubs, bars, restaurants and cafe chains, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and HORES Association, and resulted in a range of observations about the new changed reality after the state of emergency cancellation. “We need to realise that hospitality services are not a luxury; they are a relevant industrial sector, employing several tens of thousands of people, and they need serious assistance to overcome this crisis.” - said Aleksandar Vasilijević, Chairman of the BoD of the Hotel and Restaurant Association HORES.

LARGE COMPANIES INCREASINGLY WAIVING THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE

Large legal entities that have expressed solidarity include Philip Morris, which has supported equipping of healthcare centres with the necessary medical equipment through one of the highest corporate donations at a peak of the epidemic. The MK Group with all of its subsidiaries has also decided to waive the assistance for the benefit of those who need business support more, noting that it is aware of that the fact that highest burden of the ongoing crisis is currently on micro-, smalland medium-sized companies, and that the adopted measures are primarily targeting that segment of economy. Similar

reasons have been announced by the Pink media company, and those who waived the assistance measures also include the Univerexport Group, while “AutoČačak” has announced that it has even employed new workforce.

CARLSBERG SERBIA DONATED FIVE MILLION DINARS TO CLINICAL CENTERS

ADDIKO BANK DONATES 2 MILLION DINARS TO TORLAK INSTITUTE Addiko bank donated a sum of 2 million dinars to institute for virology, vaccines and serums “Torlak” which will be used for procurement of necessary laboratory equipment, in order to increase the number of daily Covid-19 tests in Serbia as much as possible. “We are fully aware of the importance that a national institution, with an international reputation, such as Torlak has on the public health, especially in these extraordinary circumstances due to Covid-19 pandemic which affects the lives of all Serbian citizens. Time is of the essence and one of the key measures to contain the quick spread of the virus is to have as many tests and data analysis as possible. We would like offer our contribution in this fight which affects us all. It is very important that we act concisely, unified and that each individual behaves responsibly within their community. As a bank, we show our support this way to the wider society in which we operate.“ Vojislav Lazarević, CEO of Addiko bank, said.

Carlsberg Serbia has donated five million dinars to Serbia's leading healthcare institutions to help suppression Covid-19 epidemic. To Clinical Hospital Centers "Zvezdara" and "Zemun" was donated 2.5 million dinars each for the procurement of necessary medical equipment. "The situation we are in

is a great challenge for all of us and therefore it is important that we all stand together in solidarity and give an effort to overcome. We look forward to days when we will be able to spent time together again, but for now we need to stay home and stay safe", Carlsberg Serbia pointed out.

AKSA COMPANY DONATED 4,8 MILLION RSD WORTH PRODUCTS

Aksa Company donated 4,8 million RSD worth products to Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at Clinical Centre of Serbia and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic Narodni front, as well as to insistutions for children without parental care and institutions for children with disabilities in Serbia. In order to help fighting COVID 19 epidemy, the obstetrics and gynaecology clinics were donated by products worth 2,6 million RSD. Donated were the products that moms and babies needed the most – Evy baby diapers, wet wipes, bed sheets, tetra diapers, contactless thermometers and etc. The other part of the donation were 2,2 million RSD worth toys for institutions for children without parental care and with disabilities in 11 cities

in Serbia. The toys were distributed in institutions: Home for children with disabilities “Kolevka“ Subotica, “Zračak” in Čačak, Day care “Alternativa” for children and youth with disabilities, and Home for children in Kragujevac. After the end of state of emergency, donations will be distributed to institutions and homes in Belgrade, Pančevo, Užice, Šabac, Novi Pazar, Smederevo, Novi Sad and Niš.

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TETRA PAK DONATES €100,000 FOR COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORTS IN SERBIA The global COVID-19 outbreak has brought about never-before challenges in our daily lives, and we remain deeply concerned for all those affected by the pandemic. In order to support the country’s collective response to this crisis, Tetra Pak will donate a total of €100,000 towards relief efforts in Serbia with a view to halt the spread of COVID-19 and help Serbian people recover from its effects. The amount of €35,000 will be donated to the Red Cross of Serbia. Moreover, and in order to support the local community of Gornji Milanovac where the Tetra Pak factory operates, the Company will also donate €50,000 to the Gornji Milanovac General Hospital as well as €10,000 to the Gornji Milanovac Medical Center and

A GROWTH OF 71% IN MOBILE BANKING TRANSACTIONS

€5,000 to the Gornji Milanovac Municipality. These contributions will be used to strengthen the health care system of the municipality and contribute to the COVID-19 relief effort in the area. The donation forms part of the Tetra Laval Group’s recent donation of €10 million to support global COVID-19 relief efforts.

ITALIAN COMPANIES OF CONFINDUSTRIA HELP SERBIA

Italian companies, members of Confindustria Serbia, continue to operate responsibly even more in times of the coronavirus pandemic by implementing numerous measures of support to the health system of the Republic of Serbia, its institutions, businesses and directly to the citizens. Guided by this mission and goals, on Tuesday, April 14, the Italian company La Linea Verde (Dobrinci, municipality of Ruma), donated 8 tonnes of its products: readyto-use packed salads. The value of this do-

nation is 5 million dinars aproximately. According to the director of the company, Simone Apolloni, this initiative, realized in collaboration with the Provincial Secretariat for Social Policy, implies the delivery of salad to the Clinical Center of Vojvodina as well as to 20 student and volunteer centers in Vojvodina that will prepare food packages for retirees and vulnerable citizens. From Subotica to Niš, via Valjevo to Kikinda, Italian companies have so far produced and donated tens of thousands of protective masks to municipalities, police departments, citizens, as well for the needs of employees of local companies. Aunde donated protective masks to the member companies of Confindustria Serbia, and Olimpias Knitting prepared specially designed protective masks for the Confindustria’s executive team in Serbia.

UniCredit Bank recommends its customers to use digital channels from the beginning of pandemic in order to reduce the need for physical contact and thus help prevent the spread of the virus. Even for those who have not previously used these services, the bank has enabled the installation of a mobile application without visiting the branch, by providing short training online. Additionally, dedicated telephone lines have been opened to support new users to switch to digital banking transactions as quickly as possible. Feza Tan, CEO of UniCredit Bank, stated: „According to analyzes of mobile banking usage, the number of transactions in March increased by 71% compared to the same period last year, while the number of users of this service increased by 30%. Furthermore, thanks to our network of multifunctional ATMs where payment is also possible, there has been an increase in the volume of payments by about 25%, in the same period, which means that we support micro and small companies and entrepreneurs in their day-today banking operations.“

EIB GROUP TO CONTRIBUTE €1.7 BILLION TO THE EU’S COVID-19 RESPONSE PACKAGE

OTP BANK’S INNOVATION HUB AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST

After its success in 2019, OTP Bank’s innovation hub, OTP LAB has again earned the “Best Financial Innovation Labs” award from Global Finance Magazine in 2020. With this award, the periodical recognized those financial innovation hubs that are constantly exploring new avenues and employing novel approaches in the world of finance, and named the institutions that are the most innovative in developing banking services and products of the future. In a prestigious international field, the expert panel awarded OTP LAB alongside the innovation labs of 34 global corporations such as Barclays, Boston Consulting Group, Citibank, Com-

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merzbank, PayPal, UBS and Wells Fargo. Global Finance Magazine regularly rewards the best performing banks and other financial service providers in various categories; its awards are recognized by the global financial community as a badge of excellence.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group will provide €1.7 billion to support the social and economic recovery of the Western Balkans from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is part of the €3.3 billion financial support package for the region announced on 29 April by the European Commission and follows the Team Europe efforts to support the Western Balkans. National healthcare sectors and small and medium-sized enterprises in the region will be the immediate beneficiaries of the EU’s support package, which is also designed to strengthen the national banking sectors and provide technical assistance to realise development projects and stimulate much needed investments. To ease the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic, the EIB will provide new financing and accelerate signatures and disbursements of approved loans to private and public sector clients in the Western Balkans, with some €600 million earmarked for the private sector.

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MORE THAN 4 MILLION DINARS DONATED BY GRAWE OSIGURANJE

Since the very onset of the state of emergency caused by the outbreak and spread of the virus COVID-19 GRAWE Osiguranje A.D.O. Belgrade has provided more than 4 million dinars to procure required medical and other equipment as well as to assist those most at risk under current circumstances. Responding to an appeal of the Serbian Government, GRAWE donated RSD 2.5 million for the purchase of respirators and other medical equipment required in the fight against the coronavirus. In cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Austria, GRAWE donated funds for procuring 1300 protective masks for the healthcare workers who are most at risk in these extraordinary circumstances. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, we are currently in the process of procuring 230 antibacterial waterproof mattresses which will be handed over to the Logistics Department of the Serbian Armed Forces and further distributed to the alternative Belgrade hospitals. These donations amount to a half of million dinars in total.

MASKS INSTEAD OF DRESSES

NLB Bank has supported the initiatives “PokrivaLice“(FaceCovers) and “Zaštitilice” (ProtectFace), launched by BFW Design Collective in Belgrade and the Jedi Movement in Nis. The associations have organized volunteers to sew protective masks and distribute them to institutions and individuals in need across Serbia. With the support of NLB Bank, about 4,000 more protective masks will be provided. “We intend to provide medical workers, who are on the first line, with our “face protection “, and then the citizens, too, free of charge,” says Jedi Movement founder Milos Antic. He thanked all the people who took part in this initiative, as well as fashion de-

signer Nevena Kragic, who, in addition to including her workshop in the initiative, made a significant contribution to the promotion of this activity, which helped increase the number of volunteers and raise funds for this action.

SCIENCE AND SOLIDARITY TO END PANDEMIC

ALL MIELE PLANTS PRODUCING AGAIN

Manufacturer Miele resumed production at all its German plants on April 20. The shutdown, which had been in effect since April 1, has thus ended. Production is also running again at all foreign plants. In some administrative areas, however, the short-time working continues. In recent weeks, Miele had taken precautions to provide the best possible protection for employees against coronavirus infection when they resume work. For example, face masks are being provided at all sites. The company had justified the shutdown with the interruption of supply chains and a sharp drop in sales due to store closures in the retail sector. “The situation has eased somewhat for vendor parts, but is by no means stable. We are producing for the foreseeable future, with a maximum of ten days to plan. Short-time work therefore cannot be ruled out in the coming weeks in individual plants or production areas. We are confronted with a very dynamic situation worldwide, characterised by many uncertainties”, says Dr. Stefan Breit, Executive Director Technology of the Miele Group and adds: “As many dealers are allowed to reopen their shops, we hope for an increase in demand”. Short-time working continues to be in force in assigned departments – examples include administration and areas with public access (exhibitions, Miele Museum). Which departments are affected and to what extent will be adjusted weekly.

Merck, one of the world’s leading scientific and technological companies, has donated 2.4 million dinars to the Serbian health system, thus supporting the Government of Serbia’s efforts to address one of the biggest challenges faced today. The donation is realized in cooperation with UNICEF, it is intended for the procurement of medical and protective equipment for healthcare professionals, and today it was delivered in Serbia. “We wanted to respond to what is

currently most needed by the health care system in our country. Thanks to partners from UNICEF, we have directed assistance to the procurement of medical and protective equipment, currently essential for healthcare professionals, which is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. We want to thank all health care professionals for their commitment to protecting the health of the population,” said Ina Bulat, Merck’s CEO in Serbia.

DDOR OSIGURANJE CONTINUES TO HIRE In the light of the changes in business operations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, taking account of the safety of job candidates and its employees, DDOR osiguranje has introduced a unique system for the selection of new colleagues with the use of all the existing digital platforms for distance communication. Despite the difficult economic conditions, this way of the hiring process organization from now on will represent a complete workflow with the segment of interviewing and testing of candidates in addition to the already existing system of sending job applications which have been available on the website of DDOR osiguranje. During the entire preparation process of this sys-

tem, special attention has been paid to the highest standards of care regarding collection, processing, and storing of candidates’ personal data in line with legal norms. Job candidates can use a contactless system of selection and recruitment process.

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ONLINE COMBINED HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE POLICY AT 20% OFF

Considering the current situation with numerous negative consequences resulting from the Covid-19 virus epidemic, Sava non-life insurance has decided to offer its clients a 20% discounted Combined Household Insurance policy on the webshop application within the company website. Buying a policy is very easy and allows the clients to calculate a premium, i.e. the price of insurance through a calculator and to get acquainted with the offer of insurance coverage and insurance conditions, followed by the purchase of the Combined household insurance policy. Within the webshop application, clients can choose one of the two insurance packages offered – basic or standard.

BAT DONATED ONE MILLION DINARS TO THE RED CROSS OF VRANJE

The choice of the insurance package depends on the clients’ needs for specific insurance coverage, which is clearly indicated next to the insurance price. Most often, in classic sales, the clients opt for a standard package that covers the risks that in recent years we have been increasingly exposed to in the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

CHARITY #WAKEUPCALL TO HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE

In the new situation caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Marketing Mreža, in cooperation with donors-companies MARS, Imlek, Jaffa Crvenka, Mioni, Delta Holding, Marbo Product, Knjaz Miloš, Mlekara Šabac and Chameleon Ruma, launched a #WakeUpCall humanitarian action assistance to the most vulnera-

ble categories of the population. As part of the action, about 2,000 packages have been donated to single parents and families without income, as well as to the homeless in Belgrade and the surrounding area. This charity packages contain over 15 different food items, which volunteers deliver on a daily basis. “Immediately after the state of emergency was declared, we felt that we need to respond and do something specific for the community. We engaged the advertising industry in Serbia to work together with aim to help the most vulnerable population groups. Very quickly, we got positive responses from the companies – demonstrating humanity and solidarity.” said Ivana Parčetić Mitić, founder and CEO of Marketing Mreža.

British American Tobacco (BAT) has donated one million dinars worth of food supply packages to The Red Cross of Vranje, which will be redirected to those in greatest need. In addition to the donation, BAT employees, as well as workers’ syndicates “Nezavisnost” and “Samostalni sindikat”, took part in voluntary fundraising in order to provide help to fellow citizens and the community and show humanity at work. “As a company we have always been committed to social responsibility and helping the local community, which is now more important than ever. Today’s donation is just one in a series of activities that we are carrying out in order to contribute to the cause, and for this very reason the company will not use the economic assistance that the Serbian Government offered in order to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As we appeal to other business entities to stay united and show solidarity, we will continue with the same practice in the time to come. Also, employee care remains our top priority, which is evidenced by the fact that, despite the state of emergency, the number of employees in the company has not changed”, said Milorad Krstikeski, Director of BAT for Serbia and Montenegro.

GALENIKA DONATES EUR 400,000 IN THE NATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST COVID 19

MOBI BANK AND TELENOR HELP HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

Mobi Bank and Telenor, in cooperation with Fund B92, have donated funds for the procurement of six infusions and one syringe pump to be delivered to health institutions in Serbia as an aid in the fight against COVID-19. These pumps are intended for the Banjica Hospital, which is currently serving as COVID 19 hospital, and are a part of necessary medical equipment used by patients connected to respirators, and enables the infusion of fluids, medications, and nutrients in the pa-

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tient’s circulatory system and more precise dosing of drugs with intravenous infusion. During the state of emergency and restricted movements, Mobi Bank enables its clients to manage their finances online, safely and easily, over mobile and internet applications, and with advanced digital services. Telenor is oriented to keeping its network strong and stable and to educating customers on how to perform telecommunication services online “Even at home we stay connected!”

Galenika a.d. Belgrade produced and placed 372,000 tablets of the drug Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate on the disposal of the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The value of the manufactured medicines, which Galenika will donate to the health system of the Republic of Serbia, is 400.000 euros. Hydroxychloroquine production is completed today and complete quantities will be handed over to the Republic Health Insurance Fund in the coming days. The technology used in the production of Hydroxychloroquine was provided by EMS company from Brazil which is the owner of Galenika a.d. Belgrade since November 2017. Our colleagues from the parent company confirmed the adequacy of technological conditions, expertise and ability of Galenika employees to produce this, in the world during the pandemic of COVID 19, a highly sought after medicine by EMS technology. EMS, as its contribution to the fight the Republic of Serbia and its citizens are fighting against the pandemic, has donated complete technology for the production of the drug to Galenika. In this way Galenika was able to produce the quantities that we donate today to the citizens of Serbia, but it has also permanently acquired the production capacity to assist in its own production in cases of threatened regular supply or emergency needs of our health system.

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ANDRÉ RINNENSLAND CEO of METRO Cash & Carry Serbia

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I am Already Anticipating What Will Happen When the Crisis is Over We have taken all the necessary and recommended measures to protect our employees, customers and business partners

e strictly adhere to all instructions issued by the Republic of Serbia and adjust our business accordingly monitoring any kind of new changes permanently. Nevertheless, the most important thing for now is to stay safe and healthy and help others do the same, by showing solidarity and perseverance in these challenging times.

Given that many of your employees, due to the nature of your work can’t work from home, what are the measures that you are undertak-

ing? How did you organize the business activities?

— METRO Cash & Carry Serbia has taken all the necessary measures recommended by the Serbian state institutions and the World Health Organization to protect our employees, customers and business partners. As health & safety is of utmost importance to us, we have implemented a series of additional measures to create conditions for a safe workplace for our colleagues who, due to the nature of their work, are unable to work from home. In

addition, we strictly adhere to all instructions issued by the Republic of Serbia and adjust our business accordingly monitoring any kind of new changes permanently. How do you spend your free / private time during the pandemic?

— Personally, I believe that the safety of us all is the key for all of us and this is why I personally comply with and observe all recommended measures. During curfew times the possibilities are limited but I try to exercise at home

AS HEALTH & SAFETY IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US, WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED A SERIES OF ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO CREATE CONDITIONS FOR A SAFE WORKPLACE FOR OUR COLLEAGUES

and I finally found more time to read some favourite books. Since my mind never rests I am already anticipating what will happen when the crisis is over and how our business models will evolve due to changed customer behaviour. Nevertheless, the most important thing for now is to stay safe and healthy and help others do the same, by showing solidarity and perseverance in these challenging times. What is the first you will do once the emergency state is over?

— I cannot wait to go out again and visit some of our HoReCa customers and have a coffee in the sun, a nice sunset drink and after that go to one of my favourite restaurants to enjoy a great meal.

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The Strength of Our Brands in the Future Will Depend on How They Position Themselves Now Growth is guaranteed for the marketing companies that have been able to quickly and efficiently change their organization model, show empathy in everything they do, advise clients in an honest, neutral and knowledgeable way, and accept that the social impact of brands will be their standfast in the future

SRĐAN ŠAPER The founder of I&F Grupa

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ndoubtedly, we are at the beginning of what we have only seen in movies or read about in history books. Of course, one has to be optimistic, firstly because the planet has never been so connected, science has never been so developed and never, I believe, will there be such a unique effort, human and financial, of the entire scientific and pharmaceutical community to find the drug and vaccine for coronavirus as soon

as possible. In the meantime, we should adapt to the disciplined life that this situation dictates and show great responsibility, solidarity, and patience,” says Srđan Šaper, founder of I&F grupa about the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. At this point, we all need solidarity. The communication industry has the knowledge, and the experience; does it now have an even greater

SOLIDARITY IS A CONDITION FOR SUCCESS, BOTH AS A COMPANY AND AS A CIVILIZATION. THEREFORE, THERE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH OF NICE GESTURES, KINDNESS, AND CARING

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obligation to promote true values?

— More than other people or companies, we are the ones who can remind the public about this through our work. Let’s take the lead, set an example and show our creative ideas and our values, which are so very important these days. Solidarity is a condition for success, both as a company and as a civilization. Therefore, there will never be enough of nice gestures, kindness, and caring. Colleagues from our SDG agency in Norway are running a campaign for their country's brand under the slogan Stronger Together. We have proven that this applies to us as well. We have also shown great

solidarity with the society we live in and with each other, and I think that in the days to come we will be ready to continue as far as we can. I am proud that as a company, with the support of our employees, we were among the first to join the UNICEF Serbia campaign and purchase five respirators for health centres. Advertising cannot exist without advertisers and the media. Is there awareness among all parties that communication and a proactive approach may now be needed more than ever?

— We will do our best to be as good partners to our clients as we have been so far.

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We will come up with new ideas, tailored to the media and logistics challenges our clients are now exposed to. I think it is paramount that we help our clients understand how important it is not to break off communication with consumers, which is a temptation many will feel. Our experience, research, and analysis will help us convince them. The strength of our brands in the future will depend on how they position themselves now. We will be optimistic because, at the end of this crisis, a better world may emerge that will have more understanding for all people and the entire planet.

hair salons are closed, in which people thousands of miles away do the same - wash their hands for no less than 20 seconds and stay at least two meters away from each other, where no planes fly, the hotels are closed, there are no tourists and business meetings, borders are impassable and newspapers have ten times less circulation – realistically, we would not believe all that is possible. Behold, it happened, quickly and effectively. A world is being created, one that will not return to what it was, but create the new normal when all this is over.

that the fact that, for the first time in the history of human society, we have all stood before a common enemy, will be enlightening for all people and show how much we are all the same wherever we live. Certainly, many things will change. Are you ready for the "day after tomorrow"?

— It is already clear that the transition to online communication – in not only business, advertising, and marketing, but in personal life, education, procurement, medical and various other areas also - will gain tremendous acceleration.

More humane and emotional creativity? What does it mean?

— Our motto, to work so that it is good for business, for people and the planet, will gain in force and conviction. That is why we should prove we mean it. I invite you to unleash your creativity, get out of all the mental boxes and make the greatest creative contribution to our civilization, the clients’ campaigns and social ideas for society and the planet as a whole. Creativity is our strength and our tools. The marketing companies which have been able to quickly and

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO BE AS GOOD PARTNERS TO OUR CLIENTS AS WE HAVE BEEN SO FAR. WE WILL COME UP WITH NEW IDEAS, TAILORED TO THE MEDIA AND LOGISTICS CHALLENGES OUR CLIENTS ARE NOW EXPOSED TO

The world is changing before our eyes, from our habits to how we communicate. Is all this a transient occurrence caused by the global situation, or will we have to accept that nothing will ever be the same again?

You mentioned the “new reality”. What will it be like?

— If someone told us twenty days ago that we would live in a society where no one across most of the globe was leaving the house unless they had to, in which the vast majority of employees work from their living room, where restaurants, cinemas, theatres, playgrounds, gyms, shopping malls, and

— What this new normal is going to be like - that might be the topic primarily for us, communication experts. Within it, there will be one important connecting point – the whole world will have the same experience, the experience of dealing with the danger that is the same for everyone. I hope

Not in all countries in the same way and at the same speed, of course, but with much smaller differences than before, I believe. I also hope that the experience of empathy from the corona era will mean the possibility of a more open and inclusive society, and when it comes to our industry, the possibility of much more humane and emotional creativity.

efficiently change their organization model, show empathy in everything they do, advise clients in an honest, neutral and knowledgeable way, and accept that the social impact of brands will be their standfast in the future –will have a secured growth. I believe that we are such a company and that we have to show it in practice every day.

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Serbian Transport Has Enabled Prompt Import and Export of Goods During the Pandemic The biggest contribution of the Serbian transport sector is the fact that transport (in aggregate) is the largest Serbian exporter, and it is active despite all the risks resulting from the pandemic

(Ernst & Young) ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ in 2015.

BRANKO GRBA Director and co-owner of the company GRBAPRPIĆ d.o.o.

How did you organize your business activities and communication with your business partners and clients?

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RBA-PRPIĆ d.o.o. has over 20 years of experience in the transportation of goods in international road freight transport and is a leader in this sector, also in terms of the ISO 9001 standards, which the company has implemented with the view of achieving long-term strategic business improvement. From the very beginning of this family-owned company, Mr Grba has devoted himself to the development of the Serbian transport and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Transport Business Association and Vice-President of the International Transport and Logistics Chamber of Commerce, both based in Belgrade. Thanks to his personal qualities and leadership skills, he represents the soul of the company and, as a successful manager, was the recipient of the prestigious EY

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— Due to the circumstances caused by the pandemic, the Serbian transport sector has suffered a significant decline in business. In these extraordinary circumstances, the operations of our company, GRBA-PRPIĆ d.o.o., are down to 80% of our regular business activities. Due to the nature of our business, communication with business partners still takes place in a previously established manner, namely online and by telephone. Regarding the inter-

nal organization of business, we have implemented all measures and recommendations of the Government of the Republic of Serbia from the very first day of the state of emergency – we provided disinfection barriers, gloves, disposable masks and disinfectants. How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity and help in these extraordinary circumstances?

— Solidarity is a broader concept than donations, as each company has a task by first acting responsibly towards employees, associates and business partners. In the light of what I have just said, GRBA-PRPIĆ d.o.o. paid the March salaries on time,

SOLIDARITY IS A BROADER CONCEPT THAN DONATIONS, AS EACH COMPANY HAS A TASK BY FIRST ACTING RESPONSIBLY TOWARDS EMPLOYEES, ASSOCIATES AND BUSINESS PARTNERS

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as well as the related payroll taxes and contributions. Regardless of the government’s measures to assist the economy (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 54/2020), corporate social responsibility requires that companies generate regular revenue for the state budget so that the state can continue to finance its expenditures. Accordingly, we did not seek fiscal benefits in the form of deferral of payment of payroll tax and contributions, because we will have to pay these obligations anyway, so our goal is not to defer payment of our liabilities but rather cover them in full and prove that we are worthy recipients of the AAA solvency excellence certificate which puts our company in the top domestic businesses. Also, we pay all our subcontractors before the stipulated payment deadlines, which ensures financial stability of the partners we work with, and further chain liquidity and security along the “communicating vessels” principle. Furthermore, in the previous period, the company has assisted the local community, local football club and other organizations and always gladly responded to all calls for donations from the Association. Still, I think that the biggest

contribution of the Serbian transport sector is the fact that transport (in aggregate) is the largest Serbian exporter, and it is active despite all the risks resulting from the pandemic. Serbian transport has ensured prompt import of goods from abroad and the export of Serbian goods, as a support to the supply activities on the territory of the Republic of Serbia and production activities of companies which continued manufacturing and exporting. Another thing to consider is the fact that there are quite a few transport companies in Serbia and that they employ over 20,000 drivers, as well as a lot of administrative staff and staff of other job profiles (management, dispatch personnel, clerks, sales staff, vehicle maintenance employees, support workers, lawyers, economists, accountants, etc.). Despite having an immeasurable economic importance, I also have to mention the socalled spill-over effect that transport companies have on many other economic segments in the Republic of Serbia, in terms of opening production chains and engaging other business activities (for instance, hiring maintenance staff, doing business with vehicle parts and equipment suppliers and being a client

of the oil industry considering that one standard semi-trailer truck covers approximately 100,000km during one business year and uses close to 35,000 litres of fuel, which, in monetary terms, amounts to around EUR 37,000). I did not mention this to illustrate it as a closed big number system, but just to show you how transport segment is an important driving force in the national GDP. I also believe that we need

in international road freight transport. Namely, licenses for transportation outside Serbia are conditioned by the renewal and improvement of the vehicle fleet. This expenditure is not subsidized and is not even treated as a tax credit from the aspect of tax regulations. In other words, purchasing a new vehicle (a new semi-trailer truck costs around EUR 100,000) and creating one job are not even treated as a business expense.

WE DID NOT SEEK FISCAL BENEFITS IN THE FORM OF DEFERRAL OF PAYMENT OF PAYROLL TAX AND CONTRIBUTIONS, BECAUSE WE WILL HAVE TO PAY THESE OBLIGATIONS ANYWAY to improve the communication with the line ministry to further support transport companies. Specifically, domestic companies (by which I mean companies founded with domestic equity) are in an unequal position relative to foreign companies, since the government's incentive is directed exclusively at foreign investors. In terms of the industry I am in, the state does not encourage or subsidize the introduction of new technologies which is an aggravating circumstance and which further complicates the business of companies engaged

How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— Transport business implies that we have to available to our clients and drivers 24/7, and this has not changed even during the state of emergency. In terms of everything else, and as a responsible person, I follow the prescribed government measures in all aspects and do not perceive the current circumstances as “quarantine” but rather as a privilege to spend more time with my family, which is a rare opportunity.

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JASNA DUGALIĆ Deputy Managing Director, DIRECT MEDIA United Solutions

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An Experienced Agency is the Best Partner to Brands During the Corona Pandemic We are fully committed to the communication of our partners, dedicating one hundred per cent of our resources and expertise e spoke with Ms Jasna Dugalić, Deputy Managing Director of DIRECT MEDIA United Solutions, about how the company has organized its business activities during the state of emergency, but also about the first reactions in brand communication. "It is crucial that brands now send a clear message to their customers and that the message rests on empathy, understanding and support that the brand can and should provide," says Ms Dugalić.

How did you organize your business acitivities?

— DIRECT MEDIA United Solutions has been working remotely for five weeks now.

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We switched to working from home very swiftly and smoothly thanks to the proactive reaction of our proprietors BC Partners, United Media and United Group who put safety and health of all employees in

port of an experienced agency is crucial for ensuring undisrupted activities of companies. Not only are we committed to our partners every day, but as always, we share all their crises and challenges, committing

all the challenges they face in adapting to the new way of working in these uncertain times. Our employees have responded well to initiatives we launched, such as internal educational webinars or psy-

NOT ONLY ARE WE COMMITTED TO OUR PARTNERS EVERY DAY, BUT AS ALWAYS, WE SHARE ALL THEIR CRISES AND CHALLENGES, COMMITTING ONE HUNDRED PER CENT OF OUR RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE TO SOLVE THEM the system in the first place. We continue to have dynamic communication with our partners as before, and, with some of them, we are communicating on a maybe even larger scale because at this point, the sup-

one hundred per cent of our resources and expertise to solve them. Our employees are still engaged and motivated. We strive to sustain internal communication and at all times, support our colleagues through

chological support and emotional intelligence workshops. How did the current situation impact your clients' business? What are the first reactions in communication

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regarding brands and media consumption?

— While many things seem to have stopped, it is noticeable that brand communication is still continuing, tailored to the current moment. I am primarily referring to those brands that have been building sincere communication with their customers, which have responded quickly and successfully adapted their communication strategies. It is crucial that brands now send a clear message to their customers and that the message rests on the empathy, understanding and support that the brand can and should provide. It is noticeable that an increasing number companies are going down that path, and we are here to encourage them, come up with an idea, provide creative realization, find the right channels and convey the message to their target group. Our clients know that they can count on us in times like this. Our 20-year-experience in this market and the many successful crises that we have gone through with our clients so far speak in support of this. As for media consumption itself, it can also be divided

into categories before and after the pandemic. In our region, since the state of emergency has been declared, television viewership has increased by 30% and website visits between 40% and 60%. Social media are experiencing a new boom because people are in search of information and social interaction. There is also a demand for content that is not just related to the coronavirus. People are focusing on normal life and this is an opportunity that brands need to make the most of. They need to be authentic and brave now. How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity, help and donate to the healthcare system?

— The broad front of support in the corporate sector, formed during the very early days of the pandemic and thereafter, speaks to the high awareness of companies that responsibility towards community is becoming vital to the world. Of course, companies are not alone in this; a whole host of non-profit associations, foundations and business organizations have been helping, each in their own way and at the right moment.

We, as a marketing agency, have launched the "Applause at 8 pm" campaign to support not only medical staff but also all those people who have to do their jobs outside the safety of their homes. As part of United Group, we are particularly proud that our parent company has earmarked 3 million dinars of donations to help the whole region, one million of which is for Serbia. Only focusing on own business and profit is the thing

requires fast and innovative communication. In that sense, my work segment of the day lasts well over eight hours. Of course, these include internal arrangements for the period after resuming a somewhat normal mode of operation, as well as strategic reflections on the agency's further activities in a changed environment. I try to be informed in every sense, and it makes sense that I also use my free time for that due to

WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE "APPLAUSE AT 8 PM" CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT NOT ONLY MEDICAL STAFF BUT ALSO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO DO THEIR JOBS OUTSIDE THE SAFETY OF THEIR HOMES of the past, and companies that are not aware of the need to give back to the community will have a long way to go to achieve long-term success in the post-Covid-19 society.

the nature of my job. I spend my downtime listening to music and reading good books.

How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— We will gather all employees and congratulate them on their successful adaptation to teleworking, as well as on the spirit, motivation and results they have achieved together with our clients in these uncertain times.

— Our business has not stopped. On the contrary, there is an increased demand for certain services due to the crisis, which inevitably

What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

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We Donated RSD 4 Million for the Purchase of Respirators and Other Medical Equipment GRAWE continues to donate assets to procure medical and accompanying equipment necessary to provide relevant care to and preserve the lives of citizens who are most at risk during this COVID-19 epidemic

CHRISTOPH CZETTL Chairman of the Executive Board GRAWE Osiguranje

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e spoke with Mr. Christoph Czettl, Chairman of the Executive Board of GRAWE Osiguranje (GRAWE Insurance), about how the company organized its business activities during the pandemic and the state of emergency. “Following the worldwide

this does not require the client’s signature” Mr Czetti said. What actions have you taken to organize your business activities and maintain the communication with your business partners and clients?

security. Of course, we have emphasized the gravity of the current situation and advised our clients and employees to comply with recommendations of competent institutions and experts with respect to measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Taking into account the specific nature of the situation and in accordance with the measures of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the recommendations of competent health institutions, we made the decision to close our sale offices temporarily and adapt our business processes to the current situation. Thanks to the entire GRAWE team I manage, which currently has more than 340 employees, we have managed to establish the operation of all vital business processes in a short period of time. In order to reduce the opportunities for personal contact, we enabled all requests to be submitted electronically, regardless of whether these are requests for information, policy changes, reporting insured event, but also concluding new contracts.

WE TAKE CARE OF THE WELL-BEING AND INTERESTS OF ALL OUR CLIENTS AND UNDERSTAND THE CURRENT SITUATION AND EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. THEREFORE, WE EXTENDED THE PERIOD FORESEEN FOR THE PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUM UP TO 150 DAYS concept of digitalization, we had great pleasure to be engaged in the development and improvement of web solutions and services in the previous period. As a result, under current circumstances, an insurance policy may be obtained in a quick and simple manner, through the web shop, since

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— We have been actively monitoring the development of the situation caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus from its very onset. Therefore, we have taken all necessary precautionary measures in time to protect the health of our employees and clients and to ensure their safety and

When you say “policy changes” what options do you refer to? Have you allowed for deferred payment of insurance premiums, reductions or exemptions from premium payment during this state of emergency?

— Of course, we take care of the well-being and interests

of all our clients and understand the current situation and extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, we extended the period foreseen for the payment of life insurance premium from up to 150 days. In accordance with the recommendations of the National Bank of Serbia, during the entire period of the state of emergency, payments of the insurance premium under the concluded life insurance contracts shall be deferred for all our clients who belong to the elderly population and whom the ban on free movement throughout the day refers to or who have difficulties meeting their obligations under life insurance contracts without affecting their rights under these contracts and without accruing interest on arrears. I would like to emphasize the fact that by deferring the premium payment the insurance validity period shall not be extended. This simply means that the payment of the due insurance premium installment shall be deferred. On the other hand, clients who do not want to have their insurance premiums deferred will be able to settle their liabilities within the terms stipulated in the insurance contract. All other changes, reductions or exemptions may be made and approved in accordance with the insurance terms and conditions, that is, exemption from payment is possible if at least 1/10 of the insurance period has elapsed and if insurance premiums have been paid for that period, whereas reductions in insurance premiums are possible upon each annual cut-off for specific policy.

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What kind of support has GRAWE provided to the community during these difficult times?

— Responding to an appeal of the Serbian Government, GRAWE donated more than RSD 4 million for the purchase of respirators and other medical equipment required in the fight against the coronavirus. GRAWE continues to donate assets to procure medical and accompanying equipment necessary to provide relevant care to and preserve the lives of citizens who are most at risk during this COVID-19 epidemic. In cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Austria, GRAWE donated 1300 protective masks for the healthcare workers who are most at risk in these circumstances. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, we donated 230 antibacterical waterproof mattresses which will be handed over to the Logistics Department of the Serbian Armed Forces and further distributed to the Fair or Arena, which are currently used as alternative Belgrade hospitals. Together with other members of the Association of Serbian Insurers, GRAWE participated in donating the assets used for the procurement of respirators, coronal virus tests, reagents, medical and other equipment required during this epidemic which required hiring three airplanes to deliver these materials to our country. The list of necessary resources was prepared in cooperation with the Office of the President of the Republic of Serbia and the Coronavirus Crisis Response Team, which distributes the purchased equipment according to the principle of priority. When it comes to life and travel insurance, is the disease caused by the current Coronavirus considered as an insured event?

— In cases where, upon the conclusion of life insurance contract, the insured person was not infected with COVID-19 virus, but catches the disease of becomes infected during the insurance period, coverage for the “worst case scenario” caused by this virus, is, of course, applicable. In case of travel health in-

surance, in accordance with the insurance terms and conditions, the insured event falls within the exclusion category. The terms and conditions presented to the client prior to purchasing travel insurance stipulate that all obligations of the insurer, i.e. the assisting company, do not apply in events resulting from an earthquake, other natural disaster, act of God, as well as epidemics and pandemics. However, due to the specific nature of the situation and circumstances that our clients may find themselves in, we agreed with all of our assisting partners, as

adequate solution for such circumstances?

— Although we understand the severity of the global situation and current circumstances, we also understand every individual facing this situation to the same extent. In this regard, we enabled the purchase of an additional policy for the maximum period of one month, which shall “bridge” the gap caused by extended stay abroad. Following the worldwide concept of digitalization, we had great pleasure to be engaged in the development and improvement of web solutions

abroad and were forced to extend their stay. Purchasing an insurance policy while being abroad is not possible under ordinary circumstances. We made this decision in order to meet the requirements of our clients who had travelled abroad. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that this option applies to clients who already have an active or just expired GRAWE travel insurance policies. Do you have any message for your co-workers, employees, clients… ?

— The change that has taken

ALTHOUGH WE UNDERSTAND THE SEVERITY OF THE GLOBAL SITUATION AND CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, WE ALSO UNDERSTAND EVERY INDIVIDUAL FACING THIS SITUATION TO THE SAME EXTENT well as with healthcare institutions abroad to analyze each emerging case individually and provide assistance at individual level. Have you had any recorded cases when the insured persons with your travel insurance were not able to return to Serbia due to the state of emergency? If yes, did you manage to find an

and services in the previous period. As a result, under current circumstances, an insurance policy may be obtained in a quick and simple manner, through the web shop, since this does not require the client’s signature. The maximum capacities of the travel assistance coverage web shop have been available in these extraordinary circumstances to all citizens who were

place can be observed from numerous aspects. From one point of view, we did recognize it as a chance to adopt a new way of thinking and a new way of working. We have demonstrated in the past that we have many good ideas and that we have an extraordinary ability to adapt. Together, we are not only “overcome the situation”, but we also came out of it better prepared and stronger!

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Serbian Doctors Around the World Unite Against the Coronavirus Serbian doctors and researchers from around the world will be able to apply online at www.onmed.rs to develop fruitful dialogue

Dr. med. CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOS President of the Serbian Medical Association Pomoravlje

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n the occasion of the spread of COVID-19 virus in Ćuprija, one of the main foci in Serbia, the situation that represents one of the biggest challenges for health care workers in history, the President of the Serbian Medical Association Pomoravlje, dr. med. Christos Alexopoulos announces the establishment of the World Institute of Serbian Physicians and Biomedical Sciences Researchers. "In these difficult times our country is going through, it is paramount that we all be united. United against a common enemy. Only by unity, cooperation and solidarity, and by observing the measures and regulations we can defeat this monster, ”said Dr. Alexopoulos. “Since my ancestor Panajot Papakostopoulos and his colleagues founded the Serbian Medical Society on April 22, 1872, I have chosen that very date to establish the World

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Institute of Serbian Physicians and Biomedical Sciences Researchers (SISLI). Given the current situation in which communication is possible exclusively through the Internet, in April we will hold a founding assembly at a tel-

unite medical and research forces not only in Serbia but worldwide, in order to expertly and scientifically tackled the problem." The establishment of the Institute and a digital platform for all biomedical doctors and researchers aims to exchange views and knowledge among doctors and researchers of biomedical sciences in the country and the diaspora with a focus on patients and Serbian doctors and researchers who have gained their experience not only in Serbia but across Saint. SISLI seeks to bring together several thousand physicians and researchers living abroad and over 30,000 licensed physicians working on Serbian soil. At the initiative of dr Alexopoulos, in addition to the Institute, a dedicated electronic network has been set up to connect all Serbian scientists from all geographic lengths and latitudes. Serbian doctors and researchers from around the world will be able to apply online at www.onmed.rs to develop fruitful dialogue.

together all Serbian doctors and researchers around the world under the auspices of the Institute. "A large number of Serbian doctors make up high-quality scientific potential, with internationally recognized certificates and abilities, with vast experience and great social contributions, now widely recognized and perhaps the best ambassadors of Serbia. This capital must be supported and used, especially now, at the most critical and most vulnerable moment for Serbia. In addition, it is time to create such conditions that doctors who have emigrated abroad as a result of the recession can return to their homeland, "said Alexopoulos. The institute will include, inter alia: the creation and operation of www.onmed.rs, the awarding of special awards of excellence to Serbian doctors and researchers of biomedical sciences, the creation of their own resources, undertaking and conducting studies, research projects and appli-

A LARGE NUMBER OF SERBIAN DOCTORS MAKE UP HIGHQUALITY SCIENTIFIC POTENTIAL, WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATES AND ABILITIES, WITH VAST EXPERIENCE AND GREAT SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS econference. A large number of doctors from Serbia and the diaspora have already shown interest and responded to our call for cooperation. " "We, as doctors and researchers, have responded to the slogan Serbia calls you through the SISLI project by creating a digital platform onmed.rs in addition to the Institute, recognizing the right moment and opportunity to

Initially, the goal is to integrate physicians living and working in major countries such as America, Canada, England, Germany, Sweden, etc. The fact is that according to estimates today, several thousand doctors and researchers live and work in developed foreign countries, and about 300 doctors leave Serbia every year. SISLI would build digital bridges of cooperation to bring

cations in cooperation with partners and members companies and other bodies (research institutes, universities, etc.) nationally and internationally. This unique platform called www.onmed.rs is under construction, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2020. All interested persons who wish to participate in the project can write to the email address sldcuprija@mts.rs.

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Unicef Delivers Respirators and Flowmeters to Health Facilities We have the biggest humanitarian aid warehouse in the world, with a network of more than 1,000 medical suppliers, long-standing partnerships and a large number of people who support us

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NICEF delivered the first four of a total of 50 respirators purchased for health care institutions in Serbia. Two respirators were delivered to the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital and Clinical Centre, and one each was given to the University Children's Clinic in Tiršova Street and the Mother and Child Institute. UNICEF Director in Serbia Regina de Dominicis personally handed over the respirators to the Minister of Health, Dr Zlatibor Lončar, at the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital. "UNICEF has abundant experience in responding to crises and providing the necessary assistance when it is most needed. We have the biggest humanitarian aid warehouse in the world, with a network of more than 1,000 medical suppliers, long-standing partnerships and a large number of people who support us. The purchase of 50 top quality respirators and other medical equipment for the health care

system would not be possible without the support of the private sector in Serbia and UNICEF Ambassador to Serbia, Ana Ivanović. The private sector in Serbia has shown great solidarity and is one of only five in the world that responded

go the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital, and one device goes to the Mother and Child Institute and the children's hospital in Tiršova Street. These are the latest generation respirators which can be used both for invasive and non-invasive

UNICEF, a global organization that monitors the worldwide health situation. I would like to extend gratitude on behalf of all our patients, past and future, and on behalf of all employees to UNICEF for recognizing the needs of our country and this hospital." Evita Infinity V500 respirators, purchased from the German manufacturer Dreager, can be used on both children and adults, and are compatible with the needs of the health care system in Serbia. The following are the companies and UNICEF ambassadors whose donations enabled the purchase of 50 respirators - PhiAcademy, Nordeus, Vojvodjanska Banka, Raiffeisenbank, I&F McCann Group, Petite Geneve Petrović doo, Mol Serbia, Continental Automotive Serbia, Recyclers Association of Serbia, EXLRT, Execom doo, Kalemegdan Development, Prozone doo, Eko Hellenic, Vega IT Sourcing, Schneider Electric DMS NS LLC Novi Sad, Multikom, Telegroup and UNICEF National Ambassador Ana Ivanović.

THE NEXT DELIVERY OF RESPIRATORS IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN MID-MAY AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEEDS OF HEALTH INSTITUTIONS quickly to UNICEF's appeal in the fight against COVID-19," said Regina De Dominicis. The Minister of Health, Dr Zlatibor Lončar, thanked UNICEF for the donation: "I would like to express huge gratitude to UNICEF for deciding to donate to Serbia and our health care system. This is the first delivery of a total of 50 respirators that will be in Serbia by the end of May, and their value stands at over a million dollars. The first 4 devices arrived today. Two will

therapy on children and adults alike. We have been working with UNICEF on immunization and other projects, which you will be informed about in due time. I am grateful for the good cooperation and partnership with the entire UNICEF team. " Director of the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital, Dr Marija Zdravković also thanked UNICEF: "This is a great day for our hospital, and the importance of this donation is evidenced by the fact that it comes from

Last week, UNICEF delivered 20 flowmeters to the Zemun Hospital and Clinical Centre, the Zvezdara Hospital and Clinical Centre, the Banjica Institute for Orthopedic and Surgical Diseases and the Vojvodina Clinical Centre. Ten flow meters were delivered to the Dragisa Mišović Clinical Centre in mid-April. The next delivery of respirators is expected to take place in midMay and will be distributed in accordance with the needs of health institutions.

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Our Function Requires That We are Even More Engaged in These Situations The entire society must be in solidarity because only in solidarity can we win together in this ‘game’ that we are currently ‘playing’ merce and Industry of Serbia and our clients, we are trying to find a solution that will help our export-oriented companies to overcome the new situation as easily as possible.

DEJAN VUKOTIĆ Director General of the Republic of Serbia’s Export Credit and Insurance Agency (AOFI)

How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity, help and donate to the healthcare system?

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n cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and our clients, we are trying to find a solution that will help our export-oriented companies to overcome the new situation as easily as possible

How did you organize your business activities? What impact does the state of emergency have on businesses?

— The Republic of Serbia’s Export Credit and Insurance Agency (AOFI) has fully aligned its operations with all the recommendations and decisions made by the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Most of our employees are working from home, we made sure that their work runs smoothly and it has all been functioning really. We have provided transportation to and from work, safeguards, masks, gloves and disinfectants for those employees who work in our office, i.e. the lowest number of staff required for the uninterrupted running of the agency. So far, everything

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is working in the best possible way. We also adhere to all the recommendations of doctors regarding social distancing and have one employee per office. It is safe to say that Export Credit and Insurance Agency, i.e. its employees, give their maximum contribution to preventing the Covid-19 contagion from spreading further. As for the agency itself, our

— In terms of solidarity, I believe that we, as individuals, and the entire society must be in solidarity because only in solidarity can we win together in this ‘game’ that we are currently ‘playing’. Of course, this solidarity must be directed the most towards those who give the most, namely our healthcare workers, because they are on the front line of defence against the virus. I would like to use this opportunity to thank them wholeheartedly and congratulate them on the hard work they have put in so far, wish them all the best and that this situation is resolved as soon as possible so we can all return to our normal routine

as soon as possible. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— When it comes to free time, I use it to be with my wife in our home - we read, watch series and generally have more time for ourselves and some of our plans for the future. Considering the gravity of the situation and if we claim that we all have to be in solidarity, I think that each of us should spend that time at their home, trying to make the most of it with their family. What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— First, I will visit my parents and have a picnic with my cousin. That is probably the only thing I miss in this situation, i.e. spending time with my brother's children and my wife's brother's children. Of course, we have minimum contact with my parents and friends.

I BELIEVE THAT WE, AS INDIVIDUALS, AND THE ENTIRE SOCIETY MUST BE IN SOLIDARITY BECAUSE ONLY IN SOLIDARITY CAN WE WIN TOGETHER IN THIS ‘GAME’ THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY ‘PLAYING’ function requires that we are even more engaged in these situations, just like we are now. We keep in touch with our clients daily. They are export-oriented companies which are currently experiencing certain problems, starting with a reduced demand through to their foreign clients having difficulty settling their financial obligations. In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Com-

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We Decided to Take a Step Forward in Our Clients’ Best Interest The GRBA Law Firm was founded more than a decade ago, specializing in commercial law

DUŠICA GRBA Attorney at Law, GRBA Law Firm

s competence represents one of the most fundamental principles in the practice of law, we deem that, in the current circumstances when modifications in regulations and diverseness in precedents often happen, we simply had to develop a close specialization in legal education. Such an approach was bound to result in constant operational growth, as well as, in the growth of the number of esteemed clients. Some of these clients have been with us since our very beginning.

How are you now communicating with your business partners and clients?

— From the very first day since the state of emergency was declared in Serbia, our law firm started using the ‘work from home’ system, whereas all contacts with clients are carried out via electronic means as was the case in the prior period too. Bearing in mind that our employees, as well as the attorneys engaged under business cooperation contracts, visit our offices occasionally in order to return / take files relevant to their work, we also use snail mail, all with the aim of dealing with our cases in a timely manner. Although the Serbian government has issued the Ordinance stipulating the intermission of court activities until the termination of the state of emergency (The Republic of Serbia Official Gazette No. 38/2020), we have decided not to use this option, but to take a step forward, all in the best interest of our clients, so they don’t waste their precious time regarding the cases in which we represent them, both in litigation and enforcement. How important is it for the companies to manifest solidarity and provide assistance in such extraordinary circumstances?

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— In my opinion, solidarity and social responsibility are primarily reflected in our attitude towards employees. Following my own example, and although it was very difficult to collect the money owed to our law firm, I have managed to pay out salaries on regular basis, and sometimes even much earlier than usual. Our clients, whom we represent, have the same approach. For instance,

to their employees. I would also like to mention that I have been a legal representative of the International Transport Business Association for many years. As freight transportation in Serbia is fully functioning and the carriers have been transporting foreign goods destined for Serbia and goods for export from Serbia without a delay, the freight forwarding branch has been

capacity although there are no court proceedings during this period. The scope of our work has widened to include labour relations (preparing documents and such). Also, the enforcement officers and the notary publics are still working (although in line with the state of emergency measures). In order to be of assistance to companies, I need to be at the client’s disposal 24/7. Despite

MY LAW FIRM IS WORKING AT FULL CAPACITY ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO COURT PROCEEDINGS DURING THIS PERIOD in some of the companies on my client list, salaries for the previous month are disbursed by 10th of the current month. This is considered an employee privilege taking into account the regulation that states that the payment of the previous month salary should be done by the end of the current month. Also, and aside from the fact that we are in the state of emergency, none of my clients has been late in paying out salaries

facilitating supply in Serbia in this manner, and provided transport services for those companies which manufacturing and exporting process has not been interrupted due to the current situation. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— I have never a lot of private time and the same applies now. My law firm is working at full

the changed way of doing business and life in general in the current circumstances, I do my best to justify the trust that my clients have in me. I see this “state of emergency” as a gift in terms of surplus time. Finally, I have time to properly organize and classify the documents in my law firm, to analyze in detail particularly demanding cases, and also to further develop previously acquired legal knowledge and skills.

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There are Many Ways to Help Fight This Crisis Such situations are overcome only through the joint work of individuals, companies, institutions and organizations

GORAN JANKOVIĆ Director and Proprietor of Inmold Plast d.o.o.

e talked to Goran Janković, director of Inmold Plast, about how the company organized its business activities during the state of emergency, what safeguards they used in their work, and how much and in which way did the company helped the most vulnerable groups in the society.

nerable people, most notably healthcare professionals, the police and the military. In only 72 hours, we have managed to build a tool for injection moulding of plastic mounts, purchased the required material and began assembling and donating visors. We can proudly say that we have donated 15,000 visors so far. I would also like to underline that we have also donated over 50,000 plastic mounts to individuals and organizations, who privately made protective visors and who later donated those visors locally. We believe that by the end of this crisis, we will have donated over 100,000 protective visors directly and indirectly.

How did you organize your business activities and communication with your business partners and clients?

— Considering that the health and safety of employees is the most important thing in Inmold's business policy, we decided to implement all the necessary measures at the outset of the pandemic to protect the safety and health of people. Like most other companies, we had to a certain number of our employees working from home and making more use of video communication. Fortunately, all of our technical, sales and administration staff was already equipped for teleworking, so we didn't have any additional financial costs. We informed our employees that the current situation is not an excuse to end communication with customers, suppliers and business partners, but rather that such communication

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important are the measures we have applied to increase the safety of our employees. We have set up a washing and disinfection station at the very entrance to the company, with sufficient capacity to ensure that all employees can disinfect their hands when entering and leaving the company, without having to wait in lines. The same applies to footwear disinfection. After this, we gave all our employees the protective equipment (masks, gloves,

ees and people they contact in other companies. We also changed the meal schedule at the company, with the goal of reducing the number of people in one place. Like a number of other measures, new measures are constantly being introduced in line with the measures implemented in companies worldwide. How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity and help in these extraordinary circumstances?

CONSIDERING THAT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN INMOLD'S BUSINESS POLICY, WE DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT ALL THE NECESSARY MEASURES AT THE OUTSET OF THE PANDEMIC TO PROTECT THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF PEOPLE needs to be continued to an even greater degree. Similarly, we have decided that developing investment projects should continue and that prudent implementation of planned investments must continue. In addition to measures to protect our business, even more

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visors) and we started disinfecting all surfaces in the company daily. A ban on 'third parties' entering the company premises was introduced, while all our drivers are required to wear protective equipment, to reduce contact with our employ-

— Such situations are overcome only through the joint work of individuals, companies, institutions and organizations. There are many ways to help address this crisis. We have chosen to help financially by starting to produce visors and donating them to vul-

How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— In spite of the fact that the amount of work in Inmold is growing, as well as the fact that working in the company still occupies most of my day, I still have more free time than before. The reason for this is primarily the absence of customers and guests at the company and postponed business trips. I strive to spend that this time with my family, read books and devise longterm plans for the company. What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— Our company’s business is based on customer relations, which we create through mutual visits and meeting at trade shows. Therefore, once the state of emergency is lifted, we plan to immediately begin re-establishing those relationships, which will surely suffer despite the online contact, but we also intend to make more visits to our new customers, trade fairs and industry events for the rest of the year.

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The Global Economy Will Suffer a Lot And We Have to Be Ready For the Next Day We did secure enough quantities of self-protecting equipment and we did manage to organize a 45% of our people to work remotely from home IOSIF VANGELATOS General Manager INOS-BALKAN d.o.o.

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he Covid -19 pandemic is an extraordinary issue of global size. Governmental as well as international institutions should cooperate to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 in our society. In addition, we are in constant communication with our suppliers and our customers in order to mutually overcome any obstacles in our supply chain and maintain a steady flow of materials.

general directions that Serbian government and World Health Organization are issuing. We did secure enough quantities of self-protecting equipment and we did manage to organize a 45% of our people to work remotely from home.

How did you organize your business activities?

In addition we are in constant communication with our suppliers and our customers in order to mutually overcome any obstacles in our supply chain and maintain a steady flow of materials.

— Our business activities during the Covid-19 pandemic were organized on the principles of securing the health of our employees as well as securing business continuity. We did form task force which started following and adopting the

and help in these extraordinary circumstances?

private time during the pandemic?

— The Covid -19 pandemic is an extraordinary issue of global size. Governmental as well as international institutions should cooperate to minimise the impact of the

— I am sharing my time between office and family, trying harder than before to maintain the balance between professional and personal life. I am trying to keep my self-informed

WE DID SECURE ENOUGH QUANTITIES OF SELF-PROTECTING EQUIPMENT AND WE DID MANAGE TO ORGANIZE A 45% OF OUR PEOPLE TO WORK REMOTELY FROM HOME

How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity

Covid-19 in our society. Private sector companies should also participate in the fight against the Covid-19. The global economy will suffer a lot and we have to be ready for the next day, to rebuild on the ruins that the Covid-19 will leave behind. How are you spending your

on the latest developments and I am on a constant communication with business partners. What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?

— I will probably have to visit my hairdresser!

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How to Make Remote Leadership Inclusive Enough? Diversity and Inclusion at the workplace have become one of the key words in company policies around the globe

JELENA MANIĆ RADOIČIĆ Senior HR Partner at Assert Serbia

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&I calls for creating environment that provides equal chances for all regardless of the differences in age, physical condition, social status, family circumstances, etc., allowing people to be their true self at work. It also challenges companies to build a supportive and respectful environment, that increases the participation and contribution of all employees. It sounds like a right thing to do, but it is also a smart thing to do. Various reports and statements has shown that companies that make employees feel valued and accepted tend to get and retain the most talented ones, and thus outperform their competitors.

How does the workplace inclusion stand a chance in the COVID-19 forced remote work?

— Digitally engaged employment is sometimes seen as a key to broadening participation, by reaching a larger geographical spread and breaking down barriers to access for many, like persons with

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hearing impaired, or whose first language isn’t native.

INCLUSIVE REMOTE LEADERSHIP As first comes first, inclusive leadership requires that all employees have all necessary recourses for working from home. Leaders need to make sure people have the tools and technology they need for working remotely. We need

one’s voices are being equally heard, even in a video-enabled meeting. Encouraging and respecting different perspectives and opposing ideas is now of a great importance, as all companies need innovative perspectives and creativity to flourish to be able to successfully adapt to the changes and uncertainty. We need to nurture openness and to be honest about problems that

ENCOURAGING AND RESPECTING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND OPPOSING IDEAS IS NOW OF A GREAT IMPORTANCE, AS ALL COMPANIES NEED INNOVATIVE PERSPECTIVES AND CREATIVITY TO FLOURISH TO BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY ADAPT TO THE CHANGES AND UNCERTAINTY physical disabilities. By the way, many of them are now hoping that employers may finally realize how effective can workers be even when they stay at home, and thus become more open minded in offering those with disability a chance to prove their talents while working remotely. On the other hand, working constantly in an online setting and relying too much on computer-based work or video calls, may also create barriers for those who are visually or

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to stay productive, but also to avoid frustration that bugs in collaboration tools or simple lack of high-speed internet can cause. Providing subtitles when possible or ensuring that everyone speaks clearly and slowly with their faces visible, might help to increase understanding and accessibility during intensive virtual meetings or conferences. Moving forward, inclusive remote leadership requires a renewed commitment to actively listening, ensuring that every-

need to be addressed. Leaders should allow their opinions to be challenged in these times as well, as it will allow them in return to make well thought and very tough decisions.

WHAT TO AVOID Newly comers to remote leadership might find it challenging to cope with a new work reality, and avoid common mistakes such as micromanagement, lack of flexibility when it comes to working hours of their employees, fo-

cusing on the work only and neglecting to focus on how your people feel along the way. In addition to the stress that we all face since suddenly there is an imperative of remote work, people are also stressed by a number of other factors, like balancing parent role and employee role under the same roof, loneliness, worrying about loved ones far away, or a fear of having salary decreased or even being laid off, not to mention the pandemic caused crisis itself. Embracing the fact that we are all in the same boat of occasionally being overwhelmed with worries, may leverage our expectations from each other and our work to the point that it enforces reasonable productivity.

A LEADER IN NEED IS A LEADER INDEED Leadership is not just about bringing decisions from the top. It also refers to how we treat our superiors, our peers, our vendors and partners. These are all humans first with their own strengths and fears, and all of that might pop out during this crisis. When we are aware of what is going on with the people we interact in the course of our work, we can better interpret why someone might be sharp or short, or maybe why some deadline is going to be missed. We should try to foster inclusive approach and give ourselves as leaders and the people around us the opportunity to show each other support. For further reading on related topics, my colleagues from Assert team wrote down a couple of great advices on how to remain successful remote leader at this point here, as well as on the importance of the emotional intelligence in dealing with crisis provoked by sudden remote leadership here.

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Building a Cashless Society and Promoting Digital Payments An online operating model is the only way to sustain business during the pandemic

JELENA RISTIĆ Country Manager for Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mastercard

he quarantine will help us all to revise our past values and lifestyles, to stop taking many things for granted and to respect and value them in the future," said Jelena Ristić, Country Manager at Mastercard.

How did you organize your business activities?

— Mastercard is one of those international companies that offer flexible working hours as well as work from home, even under normal circumstances, so it wasn’t challenging for us to adjust to the new work regime. All internal and external meetings are now taking place online, and F2F meetings have been replaced by Skype calls. Many projects have lost meaning due to social distancing, and are therefore cancelled or postponed for later, when the situation normalizes. In order to safeguard the health of our clients and employees, our partners from the banking, retail and public sector are forced to minimize physical contact and divert customers to digital channels, promoting online and mobile banking, online shopping and contactless payment. An online op-

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of online shopping, above all, the safety, security and convenience of buying from the comfort of your home. One of the measures that is implemented on 15th April, which gives users additional support in the day-to-day challenges they are currently facing, is the decision to increase the limit for contactless payments from 3,000 to 4,000 dinars for which you don’t need to enter your PIN, with the goal

LOOKING AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS, ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER, I AM GOING TO HAVE NEW SKILLS AND HOBBIES AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, HAVE A PROPER REST AT MY HOME erating model is the only way for many retailers to sustain their business during the state of emergency. Hence, there is a great interest among both small and large retailers for introducing online sales of their goods and ensuring that they are delivered to their customers as quickly as possible. Isolation has greatly contributed to changing consumer habits and highlighted the benefits

of improving the shopping experience. Building a cashless society and promoting digital payments remain our priorities, with their benefits gaining on importance since 16th March 2020. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— My life has changed completely since the pandemic

began. I spent the first few days learning about the measures that had been introduced in the countries I cover, while simultaneously monitoring the development of the situation in the most vulnerable countries and exchanging messages with colleagues and partners regarding the new situation. All business trips, which were my routine ever since I started working for Mastercard, were cancelled. In the last three years, I took a business trip almost every week, going to the countries I cover or for management meetings. Now, the current situation has forced me to spend more time at home and do those things that I didn’t have time to do earlier due to my work, like exercising every day, meditating, reading books, trying out different cooking recipes and spending time with my family and plants. I am lucky enough to live in a house with a yard which, during the curfew, is an exceptional privilege that very few people who live in our capital city have. Thanks to that, I can lead a relatively normal life and abide by the curfew,

which starts at 5 pm, while balancing between watching the news about the pandemic and the best-rated series to properly dose the quantity of information that is circulating in the media. Looking at the brighter side of things, once the pandemic is over, I am going to have new skills and hobbies and for the first time, have a proper rest at my home. The quarantine will help us all to revise our past values and lifestyles, to stop taking many things for granted and to respect and value them in the future What will you do first after the pandemic is abolished?

— I think I will gather friends and family and throw a party in honour of health, life and re-socialization if that is possible. Before I do that, like most women, I will run to my hairdresser and beautician to eliminate traces of isolation and instead of wearing my jogging suit, I will put on a blazer so I can return to work refreshed. I'm sure I'll walk a lot because we all miss movement the most.

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It's Very Important That We Take This Situation Seriously and Act Responsibly Within the first quarter of 2020, the visitor frequency in stores within our retail parks marked a very strong start into the year. However, we noticed clear declines because of the restrictions

JOSKO PITESA IMMOFINANZ Country Manager for Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia

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e maintain an active dialogue with our tenants to jointly master challenges and take our responsibility towards the retailers, their employees and their customers very seriously. Health and safety of our partners and their customers have top priority.

How did you organize your business activities? What is the impact of the state of emergency on your business?

— The restrictions imposed by the government certainly affect IMMOFINANZ’s retail locations. If our tenants - mostly shop owners - cannot make revenue, obviously this will influence our business as well, since we rent our facilities to them. Within the first quarter of 2020 the visitor frequency in stores within our retail parks marked a very strong start into the year. However, we noticed clear declines as a result of the restrictions. It is too early to estimate the full impact of the current situation. In order to largely offset potential, temporary declines in rental income from the retail business, a cost savings program has already been implemented. It includes, among others, the postponement of non-essential investments as well as the reduction of overheads. In addition, all economic support measures announced by the various national governments will be evaluated. We maintain an active dialogue with our tenants to jointly master challenges and take our responsibility towards the retailers, their employees and their customers very seriously. Health and safety of our part-

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WE MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH OUR TENANTS TO JOINTLY MASTER CHALLENGES AND TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE RETAILERS, THEIR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR CUSTOMERS VERY SERIOUSLY ners and their customers have top priority. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

— I think it is very important that we take this situation seriously and act responsibly. Personally, I am grateful I get to spend my free time at home with my family, where we enjoy different activities together. I believe that in these circumstances, when the majority

of companies are working remotely, it is especially important to maintain your work-life balance and use your free time for activities you enjoy in. What will you do first after the emergency is lifted?

— Due to the pandemic of the virus COVID-19, we surely have to adjust our plans and try to remain as flexible as possible - it is now a priority to stabilize the situation in Serbia, as well as in other countries where IMMOFI-

NANZ operates. We believe that currently it is crucial that the situation regarding COVID-19 is coordinated adequately for all of our tenants and visitors. We will surely take our time to review the effects that this global pandemic had on our business and plan our next steps. Regarding the company plans for the following months, in April we will present the annual results of IMMOFINANZ. That is the only definite plan for now.

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Our Longstanding Commitment is to Digitizing Most of Our Business Processes All our business activities in the segment of finance, accounting, legal affairs, HR and administration can be entirely carried out from home

JOVAN PURAR General Manager of MK Group

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Serbian economy, but also on the region and Europe. In the state of emergency, MK Group has made every effort to ensure optimal production and meet not only domestic, but also export needs. After the state of emergency is abolished, I expect all our production facilities to work at full capacity and the even greater commitment of the entire MK Group to show that, in the period ahead, we can overcome all the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

ur factories have reorganized their operations following the recommendations of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the nature of their activities. MK Group continues its operations in extraordinary circumstances, said Jovan Purar, General Manager of MK Group.

How have you organized your business activities since the beginning of the state of emergency?

— MK Group continues its operations in extraordinary circumstances. Those employees, who, due to the nature of their job can work from home, are doing so, while the employees who are needed in their workplaces are provided with the highest possible level of protection and safety at work. Our longstanding commitment to digitizing most of our business processes has ensured regular operations to a great extent. Namely, all our business activities in the segment of finance, accounting, legal affairs, HR and administration can be entirely carried out from home.

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tion of processes, which we have worked on a lot in the past, they are now all showing their strength. AIK Banka has successfully has organized branch operations on weekends, provided additional services, expanded contact centre activities, ensured smooth and regular operation of ATMs, as well as increased use of digital banking services. Regarding the hotel sector, all our hotels in Serbia, Slovenia and

OUR FACTORIES HAVE REORGANIZED THEIR OPERATIONS FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE NATURE OF THEIR ACTIVITIES Our factories have reorganized their operations following the recommendations of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the nature of their activities. Employees in our agrarian, sugar and meat segments have been regularly working and there are no significant problems in these sectors. In terms of banking, e-banking and the digitiza-

Croatia are temporarily shut down following the orders of the state authorities. Planned events and group visits have been postponed for some other time, when the situation in the country and the region becomes stable. How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?

How did MK Group contribute to the fight against Covid-19 pandemic?

— Like most citizens in this situation, I spend my private time at home, with my family, adhering to the prescribed measures. I try to use this time to do all those things that I did not have enough time for in the ordinary circumstances. What are you going to do first after the state of emergency is abolished?

— I will first meet with my closest associates at the company and visit all the employees in our key companies to thank them for their courage and loyalty during the difficult period. However, I can already see that the employees of MK Group have once again demonstrated the best human qualities in extremely difficult conditions, as well as their courage, perseverance and dedication. How is the Covid-19 pandemic going to affect further operations of the biggest companies in the region including yours?

— We expected this situation to have an impact not only on our business and the entire

— MK Group has, so far, donated 43 million dinars towards the fight against the Covid-19 contagion. We donated to the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Serums, to assist with the procurement of essential supplies for the COVID-19 diagnostics. Following the initiative of MK Group’s President, Miodrag Kostić, we have given the accommodation capacities of the Sheraton Hotel in Novi Sad to the Dr Milan Jovanović Batut Institute of Public Health of Serbia to use free of charge. AIK Banka has donated 28 million dinars to the State Health Insurance Fund towards the purchase of 10 respirators used by the Covid-19 patients, while companies that are members of MK Group have supplied food to vulnerable groups in the society. Furthermore, MK Group has donated 3,000 reusable protective masks to the Vojvodina Clinical Centre. Substantial funds have been donated towards the purchase of medical equipment and humanitarian packages in local communities in which our companies operate.

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Dawn of a New Era We should expect that the Covid-19 crisis will change our businesses and society in important ways

investments to digital platforms will mitigate the impact of the outbreak and keep their companies running smoothly now, and over the long term. Organizations that have web enabled their businesses are in much better position to weather this pandemic, both in the short and long term.

KAMAL AHUJA Deputy Director - European Operations TAFE and Managing Director IMT

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What repercussions will the pandemic have in the business realm, once this situation is overcome?

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he covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges in operational day-to-day activities of enterprises and it is therefore important that relevant government agencies understand these challenges in detail, in order for them to adopt appropriate and effective policies and measures.

What are the consequences of the pandemic corona virus (COVID-19) in the business sphere?

— The “business sphere” is ultimately made up of people - be it employees, clients, shareholders, lenders, et al. And everyone has been affected. There has been an

century solutions - emerging to dealing with the business challenges of this crisis. And many of these solutions will be firmly rooted, embraced and adopted after we, collectively, emerge at the other side of this global crisis. And there clearly will be a collective socio-political-business opportunity to reset many old and outdated ways, for a brighter, more sustainable and more equitable future. Your pace of life entailed extensive travelling, now, you manage a substantial number of employees from your home office? To what extent do digital platforms enable this?

NEWTON DISCOVERED GRAVITY AND SHAKESPEARE WROTE KING LEAR WHEN BOTH WERE IN SELF ISOLATION TO AVOID THE PLAGUE. MAKE SURE YOUR QUARANTINE DOESN’T GO TO WASTE abrupt and dramatic shift in peoples’ lives, globally, in so many realms, that touch on businesses directly as well as tangentially. Unlike numerous previous crisis, that were caused by supply-side issues, economic imbalances, etc. this is very different – it is affecting everyone, everywhere. Having said that, we are already seeing some important and innovative solutions – very much 21st

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— The reality of the unprecedented covid-19 pandemic has inevitably forced me to think outside of the box so to speak, however I have learned that out of limitations comes creativity. The value of digital channels, products and operations is immediately obvious not only to our company but to all companies everywhere right now. Businesses that can shift technology capacity and

— The world will be a different place. A new dawn and a new era will emerge. We should expect that the Covid-19 crisis will change our businesses and society in important ways. It is likely to fuel areas like online shopping, online education, and public health investments, for example. It is also likely to change how companies configure their supply chains and reinforce the trend away from dependence on few mega-factories. When the urgent part of the crisis has been navigated, companies should consider what this crisis changes and what they’ve learned so they can reflect them in their plans. I am also hopeful that this crisis will focus minds on sustainability, the environmental impact of businesses, and the responsibilities of business community and stakeholders to make our planet a more liveable and mindful one. What is the best way to organize one's time during this period and to maintain good mental health and social habitus?

— According to an article I had read recently read, Newton discovered Gravity and Shakespeare wrote King Lear when both were in self isolation to avoid the plague. Make sure your quarantine doesn’t go to waste. In a crisis like this, burnout can emerge because of something different – what experts call ‘decision fatigue’. With

news changing all the time, information is constant: whether it’s about the pandemic itself, whether it’s about things you should be doing, schedules for your kids, how to work best from home, it’s just a lot of information. The problem is that many of our usual coping mechanisms have disappeared – think going to the gym or taking an art class – and trying to fit in a new one might actually exacerbate burnout. It really needs to be very individualised, and there’s not necessarily a right or wrong. A big part of staving off pandemic-induced burnout is that the activity shouldn’t feel exhausting. Has the state offered you support since the covid-19 pandemic began?

— We are regularly in touch with various government ministries in all the countries where we have a presence. The covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges in operational day-today activities of enterprises and it is therefore important that relevant government agencies understand these challenges in detail, in order for them to adopt appropriate and effective policies and measures. The various government ministries and agencies, in our case the most relevant one being the Ministry of Agriculture, under the helm of Minister Branislav Nedimović, have been very responsive and supportive to our suggestions. Certainly, the first set of measures relating to tax relief through the deferred payment of tax arrears, as well as the second set of measures, involving direct financial aid to companies through payment of three minimum wages for each employee, is welcome and helpful. We are now working closely with them to ensure that the interests of farmers, dealers and that of our company are holistically catered to in a constructive manner.

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The Amendments to the Law on Income Tax of Citizens Have Entered Into Force The motive for engaging entrepreneurs and simulating employment is for tax reasons

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he amendments to the Law on Income Tax of Citizens (hereinafter referred to as the Law) have entered into force, thereby adopting a new legal decision relating to the Entrepreneurship Independence Test. The Tax Administration issued the Instruction for the application of the test. The law has been in force since March 1, 2020 and its implementation has not been suspended by the introduction of the state of emergency in the Republic of Serbia. The reason for the amendments to the Law and the filing of the so-called the independence test was the fact that in the past few years a sharp increase in the number of registered entrepreneurs was observed,

TAX CONTROLS RELATING TO THE PERIOD UNTIL FEBRUARY 28TH, 2020 WILL NOT CALL INTO QUESTION THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ORIGINATOR AND THE SOLE PROPRIETOR which imposed the need to examine their real independence in carrying out their registered activities. It turns out that in a number of areas entrepreneurs close a service contract, which simulates the real legal relationship between companies and entrepreneurs, which actually comes down to employment. The motive for engaging entrepreneurs and simulating employment is for tax reasons. The test is based on 9 criteria that aim to evaluate the actual relationship between the en-

trepreneur and the principal, and must be met by 5, to be considered as independent by the particular entrepreneur. The consequence of the established independence test is that the income generated in such relationship is taxed as "other income" within the meaning of Article 85 of the Law, which increases the tax rate from 10% to 20%, and therefore the base to which the tax rate applies and the contribution base for compulsory and social security. Tax controls relating to the

period until February 28th, 2020 will not call into question the economic system of the relationship between the originator and the sole proprietor, but will only focus on the correct fulfillment of the tax obligations arising from that relationship. From March 1, 2020, the Tax Administration will control the business relationship between the principal and the entrepreneur in accordance with the provisions of Article 85, paragraph 1, item 17) of the Law.

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The Operations are Going Smoothly We continue to serve our customers with the best possible and tailored solutions

LACHEZAR RUBCHEV Managing Director GEFCO Serbia

e spoke with Mr. Lachezar Rubchev, Managing Director GEFCO Serbia, about how the company organized its operations during the state of emergency and how he spends his private time during the pandemic.” I organized one corner of apartment for my “office”, where I start my day at 9 AM, firstly having regular calls with my team and later on with my superiors. After that the regular business day is continuing.” Mr. Rubchev said.

How did you organize your business activities?

— GEFCO is a company being always responsible for its employees – our biggest value. We are closely monitoring the situation from the really beginning. First in China, where we have strong activities, later on in Italy, one of our oldest subsidiary. We were receiving daily and weekly reports by our central HR team. Despite the fact we implemented in the office some delivery of sanitary materials and processes related to health protection of GEFCO Serbia’s employees, I decided to organize home office setup for the whole team since 13 of March. The operations are going smoothly – no any impact on our customers or suppliers, the administrative process are well managed and the people are staying safe at home. Good example could be the regular block-train we organized between Serbia, Belgrade and Montenegro, Bar. It really helps the business of our partners and customers, where the regular road transport is

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almost blocked in the times of Corona virus. How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?

— It was the biggest challenge for me. Being a person use to have dynamic life, the idea

was to buy some small fitness equipment in order to keep not only my brain in shape, but my body as well. Let me not forget some other tasks like, creating a list with missing products and schedule when and where to buy them – twice per week. All the rest of the

obligations. I believe there’s anybody who is not clearly understanding that the world will not be the same tomorrow. We at GEFCO, are following all economic and operational aspects, which we will face as a consequences of the COVID19 and making necessary

WE CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE AND TAILORED SOLUTIONS. MAYBE NOW IS THE TIME TO THANKS ALL OF THEM FOR THE UNDERSTANDING FOR THE OVERALL SITUATION WE ARE FACING DURING EXECUTING OUR OBLIGATIONS to stay home 24/7 was, let’s say, disturbing. For sure was not a question should I or not. In order to protect my family and the other people, I had no doubt, what I have to do. So, I organized one corner of apartment for my “office”, where I start my day at 9 AM, firstly having regular calls with my team and later on with my superiors. After that the regular business day is continuing. The second implemented change,

time I am spending with my family - opportunity I didn’t had a lot of time. What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?

— We continue to serve our customers with the best possible and tailored solutions. Maybe now is the time to thanks all of them for the understanding for the overall situation we are facing during executing our

conclusions. First I hope that this period will be as short as possible and we will go thru with no big casualties. Our team is keeping Infinite Proximity attitude and innovative way of thinking – part of our DNA. The day after the state of emergency will be cancelled, we will come back to our office stronger than before and full of energy for new victories. I truly believe, we will have much to share very soon.

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We Foster Collaboration Through Brainstorms, Workshops, Conversations, and Meetings By working in a global digital industry, we were already communicating with many of our partners online so the transition in that area was natural and quick us in Nordeus, giving back is in our DNA, and by taking an active role, we wanted to lead by example and motivate others to get involved. I hope we did it and that it will make a difference

MILOŠ PAUNOVIĆ Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at Nordeus

How do you spend your nonwork time during a pandemic?

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can’t wait to get back to Nordeus Hub and catch up in person with all the teams that are working there. In our Booster program, we are hosting 18 teams that are developing their own games and we are supporting them in that process. As for everybody, this period is very challenging for them, but they are doing their best to work on their games”, said Miloš Paunović, Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at Nordeus

How did you organize your work and communication with partners during this period?

— With over 160 people in a number of different teams who are working on multiple projects, we are trying to keep the days, as it would be if we were all in the office. We foster collaboration through brainstorms, workshops, conversations, and meetings with the help of Zoom and other collab-

orative software such as G Suite, Mural, virtual whiteboards, and sticky notes. We focused more energy on internal comms to bring engagement across the company and to ensure the whole team is aligned. We are having regular All-Hands meetings with every single member of the team present, which helps us, understand what is

also having constantly in mind how this situation is impacting each of us and our families. How is it important for companies to give back in these times?

— In the situation when the world as we know is changing and adapting to contain the pandemic, the size of the

— When I am not working, I am mostly doing things that help me relax and take my mind off from thinking about the situation we are in. I am trying to catch up and play all the games I didn’t have time before. Games are a great way for me to stay in touch with my friends and spend some quality time with them by playing together. Besides that, I watch tv shows on Netflix, cook and try to exercise. What are the first next steps you will take when everything is over?

— I can’t wait to get back to Nordeus Hub and catch up in person with all the teams that are working there. In our Booster program, we are hosting 18 teams that are developing their

WE FOCUSED MORE ENERGY ON INTERNAL COMMS TO BRING ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE COMPANY AND TO ENSURE THE WHOLE TEAM IS ALIGNED happening across the company and teams. By working in a global digital industry, we were already communicating with many of our partners online so the transition in that area was natural and quick. As days go by we are getting better and better and more efficient in remote working and organization, but new challenges are always there and we are trying to figure them out but

impact this will have on our society is only just becoming visible. I think it’s crucial, more than ever, for everybody to be empathic and try to help in any way possible they can. For companies, first, that means putting their people first and taking care of them and their families, and then finding a way to help the community by giving back goods, funds, connections, influence. For

own games and we are supporting them in that process. As for everybody, this period is very challenging for them, but they are doing their best to work on their games and the progress they made is already very visible. Their games are starting to get their first prototypes, which is a super exciting period for the teams, and I am looking forward to trying all of them when we go through this.

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NEVENA BUHA CEO at Next Level NB/ Sales insurance 3D Mediator

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Now is the Right Time to be Human I would like to welcome the efforts of the Government, and all the people who contribute daily to the suppression of the further spread of this virus believe that we will return to normal life in two months, by the end of May, as far as I am aware this virus suffer from high temperatures, and summer is almost there, which is another good thing. What if this happened to us in November, in the middle of winter, as was the case in the China? So let's be grateful, because life is a gift” said Nevena Buha CEO at Next Level NB/ Sales insurance 3D Mediator.

showed great understanding, they agreed to postpone the scheduled meetings after the pandemic.

How did you organize your business activities and communication with your business partners and clients?

— Now is the right time to show how much we love our country, our people, to be human, as Serbian Patriarch Pavle used to say. Contribution not need only to be in money, of course who can give, should do it, on the other hand there are many ways to be humane. Call your relatives,

— We have kept our business activities to a minimum, I keep in touch with business partners and clients via the Internet (Skype, Viber, Email, etc.). They

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How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity and help in these extraordinary circumstances?

ask them how they are, talk to them, we may not be allowed to have physical contact, but sometimes a warm word has the same strength as a hug. How do you spend your private time during a pandemic?

— I use my private time during

What are the first steps you will take after pandemic?

— I will hug my parents, who are in isolation because they are at risk because of their age. I will also visit other dear ones, friends and relatives, whom I currently assist by making purchases for some of them,

CONTRIBUTION NOT NEED ONLY TO BE IN MONEY, OF COURSE WHO CAN GIVE, SHOULD DO IT, ON THE OTHER HAND THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO BE HUMANE the pandemic to provide my loved ones who cannot leave their homes because of the ages, I spend the rest of my time with my boyfriend, arrange an apartment we have recently moved into, preparing food, planning a wedding... after all, we are not bored.

supplying them with groceries, medicines as much as I can. Finally, I would like to welcome the efforts of the Government, and all the people who contribute daily to the suppression of the further spread of this virus. I wish you all the best.

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We Are Continuing With All Processes Within the Company We fulfil our basic business imperative, which is always to provide quality and professional service to the client panies to stand in solidarity and help in these extraordinary circumstances?

OSTOJA MIJAILOVIĆ General Manager of British Motors

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verywhere in the world, including Serbia, the process of transforming traditional ways of communication and shifting to the online has begun a long time ago, which means adjusting and changing the way employees work in many workplaces. These health circumstances will only accelerate the process” said Mr. Mijailović.

How did you organize business activities and communication with your business partners and clients?

— In a situation where the whole world is caught by the power of an invisible rival, the most important thing for us is to save the health of all of us - employees, clients and all partners we cooperate with. We have implemented all the necessary prevention and protection measures, we have reorganized very quickly and actually from the first day of the state of emergency we have a different organization of work that, besides health care, still has a client and an

efficient response to all his needs in the forefront. All processes within the company continue to be at full capacity and - although the circumstances are like this we fulfil our basic business imperative which is to always provide quality and professional service to the client. Direct communication is kept to a minimum while all internal and external meetings are conducted online. Everywhere in the world, including Serbia, the

— Solidarity is something that is also very important in ordinary circumstances, and now that need is even more pronounced. As a person who has been in sports and business for many years, I can say I love sports and market games, but this is not a moment for any type of competition and now we all have to compete against the same opponent. In recent days, we have witnessed an awakened spirit of community between people and companies, and this is something that we must nurture in the future, to learn something useful from this whole situation. At this time companies should be in solidarity with their employees as well, do their best not to dismiss them and, with the help of the state, prepare a plan how to carry the burden of the economic problems that will inevitably be used in the most painless way possible. Employees also need to be aware that we are entering a period of crisis and that a strong joint action to overcome everything as soon as possible is necessary. How do you spend your private time during a pandemic?

address. Each of us should take time at home to make the best of it, devoting ourselves to development, personal and professional. In addition to the day-to-day regular work whose scope is changed now, I also use the time to analyze all previous activities and plan for the future, improve internal processes, improve the efficiency of company procedures... We are aware that revenue will be far lower in the coming period, so we are trying to be better prepared for the weeks and months ahead. What is the first thing you are going to do after the state of emergency is lifted?

— We will try to return to our regular work commitments from day one and implement improved work processes. If we knew how long all this would last, it would be easier to make a plan for the “day after”, but as no one in the world can now give us the correct answer to this question, we will be ready at any moment to respond with our full capacity to customer needs. It will not be easy, we are aware of the challenge ahead, but I am sure that all employees of British Motors and I personally will do our best to get back to the track we have been suddenly turned

TIME SPENT MOSTLY AT HOME DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN LEISURE TIME. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, MOST BUSINESS PROCESSES CAN AND MUST BE IMPLEMENTED process of transforming traditional ways of communication and shifting to the online has begun a long time ago, which means adjusting and changing the way employees work in many workplaces. These health circumstances will only accelerate the process. How important is it for com-

— Time spent mostly at home does not automatically mean leisure time. Under these conditions, most business processes can and must be implemented. So, I personally try to divide my capacity on all the business responsibilities I have. Everyday business activities did not stop; they are just physically done from another

away from. In line with global trends in the economy and business, we will do our best to adapt and get through these circumstances as painlessly as possible. The car industry generally faces major challenges, but we believe that we will be able to depreciate this difficult period and come out stronger and more experienced.

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Near China’s Border With Russia, the Orthodox Church Regains a Toehold Photo: Shan Jie / Global Times

China is wary of religions with foreign links, but it likes Russia

n the city of Ergun, about 60km from China’s border with Russia, the feast of Pascha last month was one that Father Pavel Sun Ming will long remember. Because of covid-19, he could not open his Eastern Orthodox church for celebrations of Christ’s resurrection. Police wearing surgical masks stood outside, stopping passing cars to check people’s health. But it is last year’s Pascha in Ergun that will go down in history. For the first time in more than six decades, the church’s midnight service was led by a local. Father Pavel had recently returned from his ordination in Russia. At last, Ergun’s flock had a priest again. Father Pavel is only the second person to be accepted officially in China as an Orthodox priest since Mao Zedong tried to wipe out religion a few years after seizing power in 1949. The first was Alexander Yu Shi, who was ordained in Russia in 2015 and now serves in Harbin, about 800km south-east of Ergun. Before the Communist takeover, Russian Orthodoxy had a strong

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THESE DAYS FEW OF THE 15,000 CHINESE CITIZENS OF RUSSIAN ANCESTRY SPEAK RUSSIAN OR EVEN LOOK LIKE THEIR RUSSIAN FOREBEARS. BUT THE GOVERNMENT REGARDS THEM AS MEMBERS OF AN ETHNIC MINORITY GROUP. IT CALLS THEM RUSSIANS foothold among Russians living in China’s borderlands. They married local Chinese, but some of their descendants, such as Father Pavel and Father Alexander, kept up the faith. These days few of the 15,000 Chinese citizens of Russian ancestry speak Russian or even look like their Russian forebears. But the government regards them as members of an ethnic minority group. It calls them Russians. Few are devout, but many of them cling to symbols of Russian-ness. The church on the edge of Ergun, in Inner Mongolia, is one such. Atop it are golden crossbeams, the lowest hanging at a slant. It has a green-domed roof and maroon walls trimmed in white. It was built in the 1990s on the ruins of St Innocent of Irkutsk, one of at least 18 Orthodox

churches that were once in the city. Today, apart from those in Ergun and Harbin, there are only two others in China—both in the western region of Xinjiang. The revival of these four, after the dark days of Mao, has not been easy. The government recognises five religions. These are Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and two strands of Christianity: Catholicism and Protestantism. Orthodoxy operates in a grey zone, assigned to none of these. But along with the rapid improvement of Sino-Russian relations since the 1990s, China’s government has fostered stronger unofficial contacts with its giant neighbour, including in the religious realm. It took years for Ergun’s church to get government approval to import Russian religious artefacts. But in

2009 it was finally consecrated. Four years later the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, made his first official visit to China where he met President Xi Jinping. This paved the way for Chinese to train as priests in Russian seminaries. But the Orthodox church in China is still treated warily by the government. Only registered members of Ergun’s church are permitted to enter it (even visiting Russian citizens are barred). There is a security camera above its door. As Father Pavel matter-of-factly admits, Orthodoxy in China is a “slightly sensitive” affair. From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com

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When the Who Declared Covid-19 Pandemic, Our First Task Was to Reach Our Students We have been serving students and parents for more than 35 years and we strive to provide access to educational institutions that meet clients` preferences

TAMARA LUKIĆ Marketing director, EGIDA International

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s the situation was changing, not on a daily but on hourly basis, with different governmental announcements in every country, we were in constant communication with parents and schools in order to make the best decision for every student. These were stressful days, and I am happy to say that the majority of our students came home!´said Tamara Lukić, Marketing director of EGIDA International.

How did you organize your business activities?

— Egida International is an educational consulting company that represents more than 300 prominent language schools, colleges, and universities around the world, with offices in Serbia, Montenegro and the USA. We have been serving students and parents for more than 35 years and we strive to provide access to educational institutions that meet clients` preferences. When the WHO declared Covid-19 pandemic, our first task was to reach our students, who are currently all around the world, and give them support. As the situation was changing, not on a daily but on hourly basis, with different governmen-

tal announcements in every country, we were in constant communication with parents and schools in order to make the best decision for every student. These were stressful days, and I am happy to say that the majority of our students came home! The ones that decided to stay are university students who are following all health regulations of the counties that they are currently residing in. When we started working from home, the most important thing was to inform all our clients how they can get in touch with us. We sent out a note from our CEO to clients, assuring them that even in these uncertain times, their deposits for summer programs were

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DESPITE THE FACT THAT CHANCES FOR SUMMER TRAVEL ARE STILL UNCERTAIN, ALL OF US FROM EDUCATION SECTOR BELIEVE THAT THE SCHOOL YEAR IN SEPTEMBER WILL START AS USUAL ALL OVER THE WORLD safe with Egida. In case that their planned travel could not be organized, we would give our clients different options and any they choose would be secure with us and their investment saved. Even if we cannot give them answers at this point, it is important to

be honest and open in order to maintain credibility. How are you spending your private time during the pan demic?

— When working from home, it takes a lot of discipline to separate working time from private time. And I must admit that I am still working on my self-discipline. These days, there are so many memes and GIFs and similar content on social media, depicting working from home routine, and I must admit I can relate to a few of them... What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?

— The outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 presents the tourism sector with a major and evolv-

ing challenge. Egida is already working on providing quality online solutions for our junior and adult clients who want to develop their foreign language in an international mixed class. Despite the fact that chances for summer travel are still uncertain, all of us from education sector believe that the school year in September will start as usual all over the world. So, I am happy to start working on new applications for our high school and university students who want to study abroad. As everybody, I am trying to understand the full extent of the problem, but I tend to stay positive, focus on new ideas and programs to minimize the effects of this global crisis on our business.

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The Sexiest Carmen From Our Garden Girl next door and superstar in one was I am completely mesmerized by the sound, the vibration and the beauty that the human voice could produce. Ever since then, I have been standing in front of the mirror, trying to produce the same voice. You can imagine how strange it all seemed to my parents. I also remember when I sang in my class for the first time. Sometimes, instead of taking a test in high school, my classmates would ask the professors to allow me to sing in class. I was already taking singing lessons by then.

MILIJANA NIKOLIĆ Mezzo-soprano

The coronavirus pandemic is not the first big challenge you had to deal with. There was the civil war, the economic sanctions and the NATO bombing in 1999 that posed a huge challenge to all of us. How can we continue to aspire to higher aims in art when everything around us is falling apart? How did you boost your spirit as a young girl?

— Art is salvation for the soul, especially in such extraordinary circumstances. Art was my escape from reality. At that time, I was in Belgrade studying and working part-time in the Radio and Television of Serbia Choir. Back then, my world was the rehearsal room at the Music Academy where

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ilijanaNikolićisknown as "the sexiest Carmen" and a girl-nextdoor that became a star. She began her singing career in her native Sremska Mitrovica, in the Sirmium Cantorum Choir, which was globally famous at the time, and continued honing her solo career at the Music Academy in Belgrade, in the class of Radmila Smiljanić. Already at the age of 23, she became a prominent vocalist, then a recipient of the Biserka Cvejić Award (in 1998), and in 2001, she showed everyone that she

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WE CANNOT IMAGINE THE WORLD WITHOUT ART. ALTHOUGH, ART WILL SURVIVE, THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE OF ARTISTS CONCERNS ME was a serious contender for world fame. She joined La Scala in Milan, and in 2015, she had her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. We are talking to Milijana about her career, plans and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. When did you realize that your calling was an opera

singer? In your childhood?

— Yes, I was intrigued by opera singing as a child. Maybe because I was a very introverted, shy and quiet girl. I remember that my wonderful teacher Marica Katanić had to stand really close to my desk just to hear me. Then, one day, I saw a very popular opera singer Dubravka Zubović on TV and

I was happy just rehearsing. That discipline certainly bore fruit later. I hung out with wonderful people and those friendships still last to this day, even though we don't speak with each other every day. The pandemic has given us more time to renew our friendships, share opinions and laugh together.

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How difficult was it to come from post-war Serbia to Milan in 2001 and propel yourself into stardom from there?

— It wasn’t easy at all. First of all, it was a great shock for me because during all our troubles and confinement we had no idea about what the outside world looked like. The competition is huge. For instance, there were 200 people short-listed to enrol into La Scala’s Academy in Milan. I had three auditions for my first role at La Scala. Of course, luck also plays a big part, i.e. who gets to listen to you, at which moment in time and in which role. Sometimes you have to fight the stereotype. It took me a long time to get the role of Carmen, which is probably the role that has marked my career so far, considering that I stand at 185cm tall. However, luck played a part when I was in Australia and preparing for the role of Ulrica from "A Masked Ball". “Carmen” was staged at the same time and both of my colleagues, who sang Carmen, fell ill. I was in a taxi, on my way to the rehearsal for "A Masked Ball", when I got a call from the opera management asking me if I could sing Carmen that night. Did I also mention that you need to be brave to be lucky? After that evening, I got a contract from the Sydney Opera House to sing Carmen the following season, and it was when I was singing Carmen that Lenore Rosenberg heard of me and subsequently invited me to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.

artists, all behind-the-scenes artists, mechanics, costume designers, choreographers, make-up artists. We cannot imagine the world without art. Although, art will survive, the immediate future of artists deeply concerns me. You often fly from Australia to Italy to the US to Serbia and back. In which country do you feel the most comfortable and which place do you call home?

— Serbia will always be my home because I originate from here and that is one of the rea-

the world. I have a lot of friends in the US and Japan who make me feel at home when I go there. Wherever I meet with my nearest and dearest, that is my home. You have worked with our old acquaintance Khachatur Almazian. How would you describe that experience?

— Hachi, as his friends like to call him, is an exceptional artist and, above all, an exceptional human being of great charisma and inexhaustible energy. He pushes boundaries, speaks our and many other languages

How are you coping during the pandemic, unable to perform and self-isolating?

— I am completely dedicated to my son. We do online school every day, we do various projects, we learn to play the piano, we play football in the yard. I taught him to play hopscotch (my mother taught me how to play) which he likes. We also play Ludo and I have to let him win every single time. I practice every day as if I am performing tomorrow. Singing is still a form of therapy that protects my mental and spiritual health.

Tell us something about your current career that is on hold at the moment?

— I am currently in Rome. Everything has stopped and performances and concerts have been postponed until further notice. There is still hope for me performing in "Tristan and Isolde" in Australia, but that is not a done deal. Freelance artists are in a very difficult and uncertain position at the moment. What I am really afraid of is how freelance artists will survive both in our country and the world (after the pandemic). It is discouraging to see that our country has allocated no budget funds for culture and art. Not only freelance artists are at risk, but also home-based

SERBIA WILL ALWAYS BE MY HOME BECAUSE I ORIGINATE FROM HERE AND THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I KEPT MY MAIDEN NAME BECAUSE I WEAR MY IDENTITY WITH PRIDE sons why I kept my maiden name because I wear my identity with pride. Australia is my new home, a country that gave me a lot professionally speaking. Australia is where my son was born too. Italy is also my home because Italians are very close to us. This is also where my international career was launched and where I met my Italian husband. Plus, Italy has one of the best cuisines in

perfectly, and has a remarkable talent for connecting people. The incredible fact is that he put me in touch with some of our orchestras, such as the Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra and NOMUS, the renowned festival in Novi Sad, which was supposed to celebrate its 40th anniversary in April. I was also hired to close the festival by performing with the Arts Academy Symphony Orchestra in Novi Sad.

What will you do first when this is all over and what are your plans after the pandemic?

— The hardest part of the pandemic is that we can't plan anything. I have not seen my husband for four months because he could not come home from Australia. I have only one wish and that is to freely run on the beach and play in the sand with my family.

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(Re)Thinking New Office Space Concepts After Pandemic: Dispersion Effects Not only offices should be safe places, but the ways of getting to them - where the risk of the virus is actually much higher, are even more important

VESNA KRIZMANIĆ Architect and Founder, ARCHINOVA

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he dynamics of changes in offices follow the dynamics of changes in medical recommendations during a pandemic. Can we benefit from that recommendations later on? Can we make office space more healthy and wellbeing place in future? Is maybe density in offices to high? We do not currently know the dynamics of the spread and behavior of the virus, as well as its long-term consequences or duration. However, taking into account the advice - 2m physical distance, we can make recommendations for dispersion in the offices, but also, we can implement remote work experiences for future office design, focusing on the social role of the workspace. Having in mind that coworking spaces have been developed as social incubators for flexible workers - although for most of their users was possible to do work from home, and fact that personal contact and social

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interaction give a huge psychological and social benefit to people - the office spaces of the future will be also primarily social and business incubators, even though it seems that a most of the work can be done remotely and virtually. The pandemic was also a kind of technological catalyst, and it is quite clear that the digital age is creating some new

temporary? Not only offices should be safe places, but the ways of getting to them - where the risk of the virus is actually much higher, are even more important. Therefore, it is desirable that routes to offices be shorter - ideally, they should be accessible on foot or by bicycle, or at least to be close. A dispersion of locations is proposed — in several small-

In this temporary period, indoor office space can be reorganized: workplaces, communications and meeting-collaboration spaces. Workplaces in open space can be temporary use with diagonal seating, for example: a block of four tables of 160 cm, allows a safe distance of 2m diagonally seating for two, in groups of six tables – three people who are not directly facing each other can use it. By temporarily reducing density and the number of employees staying in the workspace by 50% (6 to 3, or 4 to 2 people in the open space block), safe work can be organized in this open space blocks. Reducing seating density can be achieved by reorganization of tables and flexible organization of working hours (shifts, division by weeks, etc.). Bigger problems are horizontal and vertical communications those routes should be clean and one way – a scheme of communications should be made, avoiding elevators, enabling separate entrances and exits from the building as much as possible. Each building has its own possibilities of transformation and it is

IT IS DESIRABLE THAT ROUTES TO OFFICES BE SHORTER - IDEALLY, THEY SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE ON FOOT OR BY BICYCLE, OR AT LEAST TO BE CLOSE elites and not everyone will be in the same "position" after the pandemic. However, it is also certain that use of digital tools in work will become a daily routine, as different options of flexible working also.

Lower density and higher dispersion - a guidance for temporary office concepts

How to organize workspace

er hubs that are closer to the employee’s homes, without going to the headquarters of companies with a higher number of people. Companies that are more dispersive developed in multiple locations have an advantage this time around, as the goal is to reduce the number of contacts between people.

necessary to make temporary schemes, which will hopefully be short-term. Collaborative and common spaces in this transition period will have to accommodate less people with much bigger application of hygiene measures, or to become places for virtual collaboration or new workplaces, while facility man-

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agement teams should provide hygienic procedures for the use of all common spaces (halls, toilets etc.). The most important measures in this transition period that will be continued in future also, are from the sector of hygiene and maintenance - according to medical recommendations, internal procedures should be made in order to make the workspace as safe as possible. Future offices - new office culture

FUTURE OFFICE AS SOCIAL INCUBATOR, HEALTHY AND WELLBEING PLACE

The office of the future should be focused on creation of place as the catalyst for health and wellbeing, not temporary but as longterm goal. People should feel safe and secure at work. Wellbeing at work was important both before and will be after the virus even more, now implementation can only be accelerated. Outdoor space is very important in future planning - providing landscaped outdoor spaces (green roof terraces are one of the solutions) that employees can use for work and for a break. Raising hygiene standards, using materials that are easier to clean, clean desk

policy (leaving an empty table after work so that it can be disinfected) are just some of the recommendations. The territory of work becomes less important and flexible, and office space is still crucial social place that points out the value systems of the company, communication and collaboration. Office is a representation of the cultural values of company, and will

develop in that direction, with all the transformed forms that will follow. The implementation of new technologies and social connectivity is crucial, and the planning of the future office should provide values that even more attract employees, but at the same time people will have the opportunity to improve work-life balance implementing some form of flexible work.

OFFICE IS A REPRESENTATION OF THE CULTURAL VALUES OF COMPANY, AND WILL DEVELOP IN THAT DIRECTION, WITH ALL THE TRANSFORMED FORMS THAT WILL FOLLOW

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“The Holocaust, European Values and Local History” In cooperation with the Foundation Novi Sad 2021, the project is embedded in the official program of the European Capital of Culture Novi Sad 2021

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ear friends, in these moments when we are all fighting together to suppress the coronavirus pandemics, it is our duty to show solidarity, calmness, and follow the instructions of healthcare professionals in a rational and disciplined manner. But also, defying the coronavirus, life must go on, and we must continue to work and create in the new conditions. We adjusted the launch of our new project to the current circumstances, too. In spite of the coronavirus, on April 21st 2020, we officially launched the project, but instead of a public gathering in Novi Sad with our partner organizations from Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and of course Serbia – digitally. The project “The Holocaust, European Values and Local History” is developed by the Archives of Vojvodina and Terraforming NGO from Novi Sad. It aims to develop, pilot and

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introduce sustainable methodologies and tools for an innovative approach in archival pedagogy in local archives. Our objective is to empower and train the archivists to create own educational outreach programs about the life before, and the times during the Holocaust, based on own archival materials and local history, and to incorporate archival pedagogy

United States, and in cooperation with the local Jewish and Roma communities, will exchange best practices and support a coalition of archives in Vojvodina province in Serbia with aim to gather experiences for future implementation of similar programs in local archives in other parts of Europe, particularly South-East and East Europe.

and the times of occupation, suffering and resistance. In cooperation with local archives, and other actors of education, these materials will be permanently incorporated in education with aim to counter historical distortion and denial, and to promote knowledge and culture of remembrance of the Holocaust, as well as Sam-

OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO EMPOWER AND TRAIN THE ARCHIVISTS TO CREATE OWN EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS ABOUT THE LIFE BEFORE, AND THE TIMES DURING THE HOLOCAUST in their long-term activities, presenting in the same time local micro-histories to global audiences. During the next 24 months, partners from Serbia, Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, as well as project participants from Great Britain, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, and

In cooperation with the Foundation Novi Sad 2021, the project is embedded in the official program of the European Capital of Culture Novi Sad 2021. During this process we will also develop several educational graphic novels about the life in various parts of Vojvodina before the WWII,

udaripen and other genocides, crimes against humanity and large-scale breaches of human rights during the WWII that have marked 20th century. Remembering this history is a cornerstone of European values – a Europe that places humanity at its center, protected by the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.

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“EPIDEMIK PROTEKT” Packages Help Overcome the Epidemic More Easily DOR osiguranje has presented “EPIDEMIK PROTEKT” packages, unique on the market, which contain a combination of indemnity for hospitalisation due to an epidemic or pandemic, as well as a set of different types of assistance that provide support at the most difficult times. The packages are arranged as supplementary insurance and can be contracted with group coverage of employees, members of an association or any other organisation. They can also be offered as supplementary insurance with individual or group life insurance policies. Special care is dedicated to families, which is why all parents will get free coverage from the “EPIDEMIK PROTEKT” package for a year if they conclude it along with a life insurance policy by the end of this June 2020. This type

of supplementary insurance is not limited just to the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes coverage during any local or global epidemic/pandemic. “Unpredictability and strength of the current pandemic virus have blocked the entire planet. The last few months have assured us that we must behave responsibly, think more about the future and be as prepared and flexible as possible. This is precisely why we have prepared a special set of services, “EPIDEMIK PROTEKT”, which provide total coverage against the consequences of COVID-19, combining life insurance with a monetary compensation for hospital days and the most important services relevant for everyone who has to spend time in a hospital,” said Giorgio Marchegiani, Chairman of Executive Board of DDOR osiguranje, adding: “Our

individual term and mixed life insurance certainly offer coverage in case of an insured event caused by coronavirus, while our new product “EPIDEMIK PROTEKT” has been prepared so that it offers help for overcoming difficulties before, and especially after returning from hospital treatment, providing an adequate monetary compensation and services that facilitate return to a normal life.” The “EPIDEMIK PROTEKT” packages entail payment up to €50 per hospital day and up to €100 per hospital day spent at intensive care. Additionally, during the first year, the packages include, depending on the arranged premium level, special types of assistance that provide support at the most difficult times and include consultations with doctors 24 hours a day, psychological

counselling, transport to and from the hospital, food and medicine delivery, and even pet care. Since the epidemic was declared, DDOR osiguranje has been paying special attention to organising operations in line with the advice of relevant state and health institutions. The company also urges all citizens to keep adhering to all recommendations for decreasing the risk of spreading the infection. Still, responsible behaviour, along with prevention measures, includes taking care of potential future events we should be insured against. “COVID PROTEKT” packages guarantee full compensation for days spent in hospital, while assistance includes full logistics support in obtaining verified information from doctors and organising one’s life during hospitalisation.

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CSR Serbia 2020 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN TIMES OF CRISIS or the sixth consecutive year, Color Media Communications is organizing a conference dedicated to corporate social responsibility. Due to the situation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the conference CSR Serbia 2020 - Social Responsibility in Times of Crisis will be held online for the first time, on May 26, 2020, starting at 10 am. You can watch and actively participate in the conference via live stream on Color Media Communications’ YouTube channel. Conference’s link:

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eEXUrV8zkxs At this year's conference, we will talk about the future of CSR, the latest trends and challenges. You will find out about compa-

AHK Serbia REGIONAL BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES AFTER COVID-19: YOU ASK - OUR NEIGHBOURS ANSWER

nies’ socially responsible activities during the pandemic. In this new situation, we saw the need for a quick response of the whole sys tem and solidarity in every sense, as well as the importance of vol-

unteerism as one of the ways to help the community. We will talk about how companies gave their employees the opportunity to work from home and stepped up their socially responsible activities when the citizens needed it the most. In the last panel, we will look at the importance of responsible production and consumption, consumer education and waste reduction. You can find a more detailed conference programme by clicking on the following link: http://communications.rs/ csrsrbija2020/

CCI France Serbia FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR - A POSSIBLE STRATEGY FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE ogether with colleagues from the French chambers of commerce in Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia, we would like to invite you to participate in the seminar "Food Processing Sector - A Possible Strategy for Central and Eastern Europe". We will talk about the dynamics of this sector, food safety, access to products, and the quality and development of labelled products with the experts from the food sector from the seven countries. Date: May 26, 2020, at 9 a.m. (CET) You can register by clicking on the following link: https://www.ccfs. rs/sr/dogadaji/predstojeci-dogadaji/prijavni-formular.html?tx_ccifit3connect_t3connect%5Bevent%5D=14868&tx_ccifit3connect_t3connect%5Baction%5D=showForm&tx_ccifit3connect_t3connect%5Bcontroller%5D=Inscription&cHash=0ee6160e279d0278aeeb06fcdac4c3bc Seminar language: English. A link to the Zoom platform for the participation in the webinar will be sent to you promptly.

ate: May 27, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm (local time in Serbia), via the Go to Webinar application. You can register and leave questions for any of the six mentioned chambers in the English language by clicking on this link: https://serbien.ahk.de/events/regional-business-perspectives-aftercovid-19-you-ask-our-neighbours-answers Registration deadline: no later than Thursday, May 21, by noon. The number of registered participants is limited and we advise you to apply as soon as possible. You will receive a link for easy access to the webinar no later than May 26. The webinar is free for members. Data protection: By submitting your application, you agree that the question you have sent will be answered in the presence of third parties and will be discussed in public.

Color Media Communications and the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina ONLINE CONFERENCE: PERSPECTIVES OF VOJVODINA’S ECONOMY AFTER THE PANDEMIC ovi Sad, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Color Media Communications and the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina will hold a conference dedicated to Vojvodina’s economy in the post-COVID-19 period. The conference will be held on June 2, 2020, starting at 10:00 am. You can follow and actively participate in the conference via a live stream on Diplomacy & Commerce’s YouTube channel. The conference participants will talk about Vojvodina’s economy and investments after the coronavirus pandemic, but also how certain industries and companies, both domestic and foreign, will look like in the future. The way

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industrial branches are organized, the private sector in Vojvodina and cooperation at the local level after the pandemic are some of the topics that will be covered during the conference. The experiences of the regions in the European countries in restoring interregional cooperation are certainly important for sustainable economic development. The presidents of the chambers of commerce from various European regions, with whom the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina has signed cooperation agreements and has been implementing numerous joint activities, will convey their views to us.