D&C 59

December/January 2021 | ISSUE No. 59 | Price 350 RSD

15 DEC

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

THE ECONOMIST “WORLD IN 2021”

9772466380002

GLOBALIZATION IS NOT AN IDEOLOGY, IT IS A NECESSITY EVARIST BARTOLO

Foreign and European Affairs Minister of the Republic of Malta

PAVLE PETROVIĆ

President of the Fiscal Council of the Republic of Serbia

LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF SERBIA TOMISLAV MOMIROVIĆ

Minister of Transport, Construction and Infrastructure S P E C I A L

E D I T I ON

France

AS AN INSTITUTION, WE CAN PROMISE ETERNITY Albertina Museum in Vienna

WE ENSURE THE SAFETY OF TOURISTS DURING THE PANDEMIC H.E. LOURDES VICTORIA-KRUSE

Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Serbia

Switzerland

FOCUS ON

H.E. JEAN-LOUIS FALCONI Ambassador of France to Serbia

H.E. URS SCHMID Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia

2

CLICK TO GO ď ľ www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Cuckoo Clock porting “the death of Đurđica Barlović, the first singer of the music band Novi Fosili”, a few days ago.

What they actually did was to copy similar news about bizarre details of her death in 1992. To top it all off, a TV station, which uses a national frequency, announced that "Đurđica Barlović died suddenly at the age of 42 "in a news ticker several times during the broadcast on the same day.

As if we don’t hear enough about death every day, let alone the passing of a celebrity. They needed a few more clicks obviously. This is the

part of the same type of story when, a month ago, terrorists in Vienna, a city where 150,000 Serbs live, killed people on the street and none of our TV stations reported about it, at least in a news ticker, let alone interrupted the regular programming. Several "Media Strategies" adopted in Serbia over the past 10 years, hundreds of millions invested in the purchase of cable channels and operators, in making films and series, and the result is “a cuckoo clock”, to paraphrase Orson Welles from the legendary scene in the movie "The Third Man".

16

64

ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ

WE ENSURE THE SAFETY OF TOURISTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The President of the Republic of Serbia

H.E. LOURDES VICTORIA-KRUSE

Diplomacy

FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED

WEB

FACEBOOK

YOUTUBE

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

TWITTER

TANJA BANKOVIĆ Editor in Chief tanja.bankovic@color.rs ILIJA PETROVIĆ INDIGOCHILD Art director indigochild.ilija@gmail.com 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 RANDJELOVIĆ 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 ROBERT ČOBAN Director robert.coban@color.rs

Photos GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ GETTY IMAGES Translation SNEŽANA BJELOTOMIĆ Print ZLATNA KNJIGA Jagodina Bagrdanski put bb

FOREWORD

ROBERT ČOBAN Director

opy-paste manner used by a good portion of the local media and the scandalously low level of knowledge even at a time when everything can be checked up on Google in matter of seconds, has led to a dozen Serbian websites re-

C

CONTENTS

04

FOR US, 2021 IS A VERY AMBITIOUS YEAR

06

IS THE YEAR OF HISTORICAL CHALLENGES AHEAD OF US? Conference, The Economist: The World in 2021

10

LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF SERBIA TOMISLAV MOMIROVIĆ

”Color Media Communications” LTD, 21132 Petrovaradin, Štrosmajerova 3 TIN 107871532 Matriculation number 20887303 Phone: +381 21 4897 100 Fax: +381 21 4897 126 Office: Vase Čarapića 3/IV/38, Belgrade Phone: 011 4044 960 CIP - Katalogizacija u publikaciji Biblioteke Matice Srpske, Novi Sad 33 Diplomacy & Commerce / glavni i odgovorni urednik Žikica Milošević, 2016, br. 1 (mart)-.Novi Sad: Color Media Communications, 2016 - , -33cm Mesečno.

ISSN 2466-3808 = Diplomacy & Commerce COBISS.SR-ID 303269895

Minister of Transport, Construction and Infrastructure

12

GLOBALIZATION IS NOT AN IDEOLOGY, IT IS A NECESSITY EVARIST BARTOLO Foreign and European Affairs Minister of the Republic of Malta

Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Serbia

20

I WILL FIGHT FOR THE INTERESTS OF ALL CITIZENS OF APATIN DUBRAVKA KORAĆ President of Municipality of Apatin

24

COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL REFORMS, THAT ARE MISSING, ARE MUST TO SPUR WEAK ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SERBIA PAVLE PETROVIĆ President of the Fiscal Council of the Republic of Serbia

62

WE BRING THE FOND MEMORIES TO FARAWAY PLACES!

67

A NEW LITERACY IN A NEW WORLD IS NEEDED DARKO SOKOVIĆ Managing Partner of Strategy and Development at Propulsion Media Initiatives and Partnerships Support Director

68

AS AN INSTITUTION, WE CAN PROMISE ETERNITY PROFESSOR KLAUS ALBRECHT SCHRÖDER PhD, Director General of the ALBERTINA Museum in Vienna

70

IN THE VALLEY OF ABANDONED CASTLES

VACCINE DIPLOMACY

ENDANGERED CULTURAL HERITAGE

Comment by Žikica Milošević

Reportage by Robert Čoban

3

COMMENT

For us, 2021 is a Very Ambitious Year We expect Serbia to bethe number 1 country in Europe in terms of GDP growth

ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ The President of the Republic of Serbia

he President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, opened the World in 2021 conference, organized by Color Media Communications and Diplomacy&Commerce magazine. On the occasion, president Vučić pointed out: „It seems to me that the consensus among people has never been this strong as they agree that the pandemic-induced crisis has marked not only 2020 but the entire decade because of the health problems it has caused, and as equally important, the problems it has caused to economies worldwide. This crisis has surpassed the Great Depression and the Great World Economic Crisis. Although we are a small country, we have done a few important things. Firstly, from the very beginning, we fought (the pandemic) with strong and razor-sharp measures to preserve the lives of our people and to preserve and build our health system.

We are one of the few countries, at the European level, that built new hospitals, thus predicting that the end of the first wave of the pandemic was nowhere near and demonstrated that we don't do things in spurts. Rather, we predict things that will happen in the future in a serious and trustworthy manner and act responsibly."

Speaking about the economy, the president pointed out that the state authorities understood the catastrophic consequences that the coronavirus has had on the economy and that they reacted promptly. "So far, we have invested more than six billion euro in our economy. Of that, about four billion is direct money from grants, and the rest are loans, to a lesser extent, which we made available through the Development Fund, worth more than 105 million euro. To a greater extent, we made these loans available through the so-called guarantee schemes where the state of Serbia subsidized the difference in interest rates to domestic commercial banks, which was of great im-

T

4

WE ARE ANTICIPATING SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS TO BE SPENT ON CAPITAL INVESTMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SERBIA 2020-2025 PROGRAMME portance primarily for large, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises," president Vučić underlined.

Speaking about the fluctuations of the domestic GDP, and the financial assistance given to the general population and businesses, the president said: " I am especially proud of the fact that the Republic of Serbia's public debt has recorded the lowest increase compared to other European countries. If we look at the most powerful countries in Europe, their public debt growth rate ranged from 10 and 12 per cent, even going up to 15.16 per cent, and in Serbia, it grew to only five per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.

We have also managed to devise a stronger support programme,

both for the general population and sectoral support to certain economic branches. Yesterday, we paid the last minimum wage to employees of travel agencies, hoteliers and travel workers, as well as caterers, and that is a huge amount of money. I believe that these people are satisfied with our reaction in that sector as well. " The president said the following about plans for the next year, referring to investments, and what will be the focus in 2021: "For us, 2021 is a very ambitious year. We are anticipating substantial funds to be spent on capital investments in accordance with the Serbia 2020-2025 programme.

This will significantly boost the growth of the Serbian gross domestic product which we expect

to be between 5.5 and 6 per cent next year, i.e. for Serbia to be, together or cumulatively, the number 1 country in Europe in terms of GDP growth.“ „We will also invest in the construction of sewage grids and atmospheric wastewater treatment plants, which will drastically and dramatically change the living standard of our citizens. We will invest in the further construction of motorways and railways in Serbia, which we are constructing faster, stronger and more intensively than ever before in the Serbian history. We are talking about a huge amount of money.

Secondly, we will increase personal consumption by raising pensions and civil servant salaries 5.9% and 5% respectively. Furthermore, we will increase the minimum wage by 6.65%, which will lead to higher salaries for workers. Even though that we worked less instead of more in 2020, we want to encourage personal consumption.

The third pillar on which we will base our GDP growth is intensive work on continuing to attract FDI, where Serbia was an overall champion not only of this region but, as the Financial Times reported, proportionally to the country's size, the champion of the whole of Europe. We will work on that because many countries today want to implement deindustrialization, and Serbia wants reindustrialization. I believe that this will bring results that will help us to return to the first pillar I spoke about earlier, which is the protection of people's lives, the improvement of our health system and securing a better living standard for our doctors and nurses.

We will continue to work very hard while insisting that Serbia performs important tasks regarding the rule of law and the EU accession. Of course, Serbia will continue to act in accordance with its best interests and implement its foreign policy by attracting investments from all parts world, as well as by strengthening its political and economic ties with other parts of the world" concluded Aleksandar Vučić in his address.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

5

CONFERENCE

by Nevena Kuveljić

Is the Year of Historical Challenges Ahead of us?

What the world will look like next year depends on the decisions we make today, and now, more than ever, we need international cooperation and solidarity, as well as resilience and inventiveness, it was said at this year's conference The Economist: The World in 2021

Serbia Was Ready to Respond to the Crisis IVICA DAČIĆ Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

he Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić, said at the opening of the conference: "The coronavirus pandemic is changing the world we knew until only a year ago, and we are all participating in that change. What the world will look like next year depends on the decisions we make today. Serbia was ready to respond to the crisis, and ready to preserve our health system, as well as our economy, social welfare, the living standard and the nor-

T

mal course of all democratic and political processes, precisely because, in the previous period, the country has achieved economic stability and steady growth. No matter how things develop in the time ahead, I am confident that we are moving towards the defeat and extermination of the crisis.

We can already sum up that Serbia and its citizens have overcome the greatest crisis of their time in an honourable way which future generations will be proud of."

Growth Will Ensue After 2021 ROBERT ČOBAN President of Color Media Communications

he publishers of the British magazine, The Economist, have put a slot machine on the magazine’s front page that gives different winning combinations, to symbolize that they did not want to risk a lot. China, in which the coronavirus outbreak started a year ago, will fair the best in all of this, that is, it will have the best GDP growth in the coming years. There has been a worldwide decline in 2020, and only after

"T

6

2021, will growth ensue. In the United States, the situation is similar but with projected slower growth in 2021. The European Union will be the biggest victim of the pandemic, and that is already visible. It will record the biggest decline in 2020 and very slow growth in 2021, which will only reach the 2019 level in 2022, "said Robert Čoban, the president of Color Media Communications, at the event’s opening.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

We Strive to Use More Green Energy ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy

he Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Zorana Mihajlović, stated: "The energy sector is going through perhaps the biggest changes in its history on a global scale, and Serbia must find its place in such a changed world and make plans for the future.

This means that we are moving in the direction in which the world is moving in 2021 and beyond,

T

and towards more efficient use of energy, towards green energy, towards better connecting with the region, and towards greater energy security that comes through diversification of sources and supply routes. Of course, all this requires reformed and efficient public companies, not only Srbijagas, but also EPS, which must change their way of functioning to really become the driving force behind the development of the energy sector."

The Pandemic has Accelerated the Digitization of Cultural Content MAJA GOJKOVIĆ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information

e have been facing a completely new threat, the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only brought new questions and uncertainties, but also seems to have deepened the existing challenges and problems that our world has. The question before all of us was whether the virus would infect culture as well. Although this segment has been really hit hard, it has obviously demonstrated a will to fight and adapt its content to the new situation in a very short time. The pandemic has indisputably accelerated the digitization of cultural content, of-

"W

ten without previous preparation. Our cultural institutions have managed to create specialized online content and repertoires in a really short amount of time. Culture must not be pushed aside in these difficult times.

One of the most tangible indicators of recognizing the importance of culture in our country is the fact that we have managed to increase the amount of state funds allocated to culture for next year, "said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Maja Gojković.

We are Implementing Measures for Economic Recovery PROFESSOR DARIJA KISIĆ TEPAVČEVIĆ, MD Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

t is our obligation, as government members, to implement measures aimed at the recovery of the economy in the future as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, in the days and months ahead, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs remains committed to the realization of priority tasks and goals. In order to make it easier for employers and workers in the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Work Health and Safety Directorate is preparing a

"I

guide for safe and healthy remote work. One of the goals is to successfully slow down the brain drain among the working-age population of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the attract foreigners of various educational profiles to work here, and increase youth employment. We are also committed to boosting efficiency in exercising the rights of social welfare recipients, "said the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran Affairs and Social Affairs, Professor Darija Kisić Tepavčević, MD.

7

The Balance Between Human Rights and a Sustainable Economy GORDANA ČOMIĆ Minister for Human Rights and Social Dialogue

he Minister of Human Rights and Social Dialogue, Gordana Čomić, stated: "The pandemic has caused a problem with trying to maintain a balance between human rights and saving the economy, and none of the offered spontaneously-created models gave results that could be assessed as elementary satisfactory in terms of culture of compromise. Without a planetary and domestic dialogue about what kind of

T

world we want to live in after the pandemic, inequality and neglect of human rights will certainly become more pronounced. No matter how difficult it will be to execute that, Serbia will continue to seek a balance between constitutionally-guaranteed human rights and the sustainable economy which new model we want to establish in an equal dialogue with the rest of the world and the European Union."

The Private Sector is a Priority DUBRAVKA NEGRE Head of the European Investment Bank Office for the Western Balkans

s the largest investor in the region, the EIB has invested over 8 billion euro in the past decade towards overhauling vital infrastructure and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2020, the EIB mobilized over a billion euro for the region to help fight the pandemic. In accordance with the new Economic and Investment Plan of the European Commission, we will support the green and digital transition and the creation of a common regional market through financial and technical assistance. Our priority will be the development of the private sector and for

"A

that purpose, we will continue to finance small and medium-sized enterprises under the best possible conditions. Under the new plan, the European Investment Fund, among other things, which is a new guarantee instrument for the Western Balkans, will provide guarantees that should mobilize up to 20 billion euro of investments. All these initiatives will contribute to the development of a sustainable, connected and competitive regional market with new job opportunities and development of innovations, "said Dubravka Negre, Head of the European Investment Bank's Office for the Western Balkans.

Everything Hinges on Inflation and Interest Rates in 2021 NEBOJŠA KATIĆ The Economist Intelligence Unit

ith the huge drop in the world's GDP, public debt is growing tremendously and countries are borrowing enormously, as do companies; individuals to a lesser extent. There is also an unprecedented printing of money which, surprisingly, has not led to inflation. The moment of truth is coming fast: countries will not be able to help their economies as they did in 2020. It is crucial to see if there will be inflation some say that inflation will grow immediately, while others say that that will not happen for a long time. If inflation does occur, interest rates will rise, which will lead to disaster.

Emerging countries have bought the story that investments are the most important thing for development, hence they have been doing everything in their power to attract them: low salaries, subsidies, exemption from paying taxes. Everything suits the rich countries and capital at the moment - if our salaries are low, they generate profit, and

W

8

if people in Serbia move to foreign countries, they get free experts and a rejuvenated society. Rightwing states are the best countries for big capital because they are the most corrupt.

Brussels will tolerate everything except gender and migrant policies. The social conservatism of the Poles did not bother the West when it was the main lever in the overthrow of socialism, and now it suddenly does. As far as Serbia is concerned, neutrality in the world of the strong is tolerated only by deeply western countries - Switzerland, Norway and Iceland are not neutral. Serbia is denied that, even though it is a good and reasonable idea, and hence the pressures. The EU does not give Serbia any advantages that the Member States have, nor does it allow the advantages of being a non-EU country - and that is a cynical policy. North Macedonia is an example of the humiliation you experience when you put all your eggs in one basket.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

9

INTERVIEW

by Nevena Kuveljić

Large Infrastructure Projects Will Change the Face of Serbia We have allocated 300 billion dinars for large-scale investment projects vestment projects, which is 5.5 percent of the national GDP. Aim and mission of this government is to elevate the quality of life for our citizens. Implementation of infrastructure projects is for sure on the top list of priorities. These are results of strong and necessary measures such as fiscal consolidation and reforms, which were initiated by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, during his term as the Prime Minister. All ongoing projects are crucial, because we promised to the Serbian citizens that they will be implemented - from the Belgrade-Subotica high-speed railroad to building apartments for members of the security forces. My expectation on the largest section of the Belgrade bypass to be finished next year. This is a project that has been talked about for decades,

TOMISLAV MOMIROVIĆ Minister of Transport, Construction and Infrastructure

im and mission of this government is to elevate the quality of life for our citizens. Implementation of infrastructure projects is for sure on the top list of priorities.

A

To what extent have the pandemic and the related crisis affected transport and infrastructure activities?

— The pandemic has affected and influenced the whole world followed by disbelief, shock and at the end fear. Many lives have been lost. The world has changed, people have changed, habits have changed, but over time we have learned to live with the virus, to keep faith and hope.

Life shall not stop and must not stop. Life will win. In order to maintain our activities and at the same time to keep health, we are very dedicated in protection of our workers engaged in infrastructure projects. I have recognized that up till now there were delays, but in this moment works are being performed within agreed deadlines. We have been using each single sunny day of this winter in order to keep up works progress and continuity.

I am pleased that all companies have responded very conscientiously, primarily respecting epidemiological measures, as human health always comes first.

How far have we come with the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects that have been announced, such as the Niš-Priština motorway, the Morava Corridor, and investments in water transport?

— Large infrastructure projects will change the face of Serbia and its road infrastructure, i.e. it will change the transport philosophy.

Within few years , when we take a speed rail to Subotica, or dock in new ports and wharves, we will realize how big and difficult the

10

READ THIS ON WEB

THE MORAVA CORRIDOR WILL BE A WORLD-CLASS MOTORWAY, STATEOF-THE-ART, THE FIRST DIGITAL MOTORWAY IN SERBIA. I EXPECT THE FIRST SECTIONS TO BE COMPLETED IN 2022 goals we set were. The Morava Corridor will be a world-class motorway, state-of-the-art, the first digital motorway in Serbia, and in line with the established work dynamics. After meeting with the contractor Bechtel-Enka, I expect that the first sections will be completed at the beginning of 2022.

We have great expectations from the cooperation with the Office of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, especially on the Niš-Merdare-Priština project, which will symbolically mark a new beginning and victory of the peace policy. Investors are always interested in the proximity of a motorway. This project will ensure a better connection between the Toplički region and Central Serbia, which is very important for the economy of this border area and the Serbian population, but also for the entire region of the Western Balkans.

How important is the construction of Trebinje airport for Serbia, but also the Western

Balkans?

— Once the airport is built, it will take you approximately 40 minutes to get from Belgrade to Trebinje. We are jointly implementing many projects, such as the construction of the Belgrade-Sarajevo motorway, across two routes from Kuzmin and Sremska Rača to Bijeljina and another from Požega to Kotroman. The construction of the airport in Trebinje is being realized jointly by Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, and it will start in the spring. We have allocated five billion dinars for this purpose in our 2021 budget. Relations between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska should serve as an example of how to have good cooperation, to preserve stability and peace, and to nurture the closest possible relations.

What will be the key projects in 2021 and what do you think of the budget for capital investments?

— A total of 330 billion dinars have been allocated for large in-

and we are now realizing it.

You left the business sector to work in the public sector. What are your priorities for the upcoming period?

— I strongly believe in President Vučić’s vision and I respect his determination. Our goals are big, but they are realistic and achievable.

Personally, I will try to ensure that all infrastructure projects develop according to the planned dynamics in the rather complex conditions of the epidemic and economic crisis. It will not be easy because we did not win over the pandemic, but we do not have time to lose, because the future of Serbia depends on those projects.

It is very important to provide vacancies for the domestic construction industry, either as the main participants in new projects or as subcontractors. We care about hiring our builders and fulfilling the set tasks. Serbia has chosen its future and after many years of carelessness and lagging, we are making great strides.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

CORPORATE

We Can do a Lot Together NIS' humanity at work during the pandemic action in 2020 too. NIS volunteers spent over 2,000 volunteer hours, and their actions were aimed at supporting the most vulnerable categories of the population, i.e. people over the age of 65, whom these charitable individuals helped with buying groceries, taking care of their pets and much more. Also, volunteers made cotton face masks, as well as visors for medical workers. To deliver the Jazak water to health institutions as soon as possible, volunteers were engaged in preparing packages with water. Members of the NIS fire brigade from Kikinda joined the campaign of disinfecting public areas in this town. Vol-

READ THIS ON WEB

he year behind us, although challenging in every way, showed us something beautiful and comforting - we are not alone even in the most difficult moments. In the fight against the pandemic that hit the whole world, we had, and still have heroes who take care of us, our medical workers. Apart from them, other people took care of the community in their own way, such as large companies that are aware that caring for the environment in which they operate is their duty, but also a privilege. One of those is certainly the company NIS, so it is worth mentioning some of the examples of assistance that our oil giant showed to everyone who needed it in the last year.

T

FUEL ASSISTANCE Reacting quickly at the onset of the pandemic, NIS provided 270 tonnes of aviation fuel to the national airline Air Serbia to deliver medical equipment and transport Serbian citizens who found themselves abroad during the state of emergency. In order for the heroes of today to work unhindered, Gazprom Neft, the majority shareholder of NIS, provided fuel for the needs of public services - ambulances, the Serbian Army, the police and firefighters.

NIS DONATED 500 SETS OF SURGICAL UNIFORMS, WHILE FOR SEVERAL OTHER COVID HOSPITALS, IN COOPERATION WITH UNICEF, NIS DONATED A TOTAL OF 56 OXYGEN FLOWMETERS pandemic in the Clinical Centre of Serbia and the new hospital in Batajnica, NIS donated 500 sets of surgical uniforms, while for several other COVID hospitals, in cooperation with UNICEF, NIS donated a total of 56 oxygen flowmeters. The Clinical Centre of Vojvodina and NIS assigned a passenger vehicle for the transport of mothers and babies to health care institutions. Furthermore, NIS donated non-carbonated water Jazak to patients and staff in the Clinical Centre of Serbia, KBC Zvezdara, KBC Bežanijska Kosa, the Dr Dragiša Mišović Hospital, Special Hospital for Lung Diseases Dr Vasa Savić from Zrenjanin and the makeshift COVID hospital

in Belgrade Arena. Even though this year the sole focus was on the fight against the pandemic, NIS thought of the children at shelters. This year, traditionally, the company provided personalized Christmas packages for children from shelters in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Kragujevac, as well as schools for children with developmental disabilities in Belgrade, Pančevo and Niš.

VOLUNTEER CAMPAIGNS NIS Volunteer Club, which has over 1,000 members who are actively involved in the planning, devising and implementing numerous volunteer campaigns, demonstrated its humanity in

unteer activities also took place inside the company to nurture mutual support and solidarity among NIS employees. Every NIS employee had the opportunity to contact members of the Volunteer Club via email, Skype or phone, and exchange knowledge, skills, recommendations and advice on activities during the curfew. Online acting classes and online salsa classes for beginners were held for the children of NIS employees.

NIS’ comprehensive assistance, from financial support to daily volunteer activities, has shown that in the time of the general crisis we are facing today, it is very important to be united and to be heroes who are guarding heroes.

ASSISTANCE TO HEALTH INSTITUTIONS AND CHILDREN SHELTERS As a sign of support for health workers who are fighting the

11

EXCLUSIVE

by Svetlana Nenadović-Glušac, D&C Austria

Globalization is Not an Ideology, it is a Necessity We have one of the most open economies in the world as our home market, with fewer than 500,000 people, is too small to generate wealth and support job creation

EVARIST BARTOLO Foreign and European Affairs Minister of the Republic of Malta

he Maltese Foreign Minister, H.E. Evarist Bartolo, was to pay an official visit to Austria in early November.

However, the unfavourable evolution of the pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus made this visit impossible and his visit was postponed indefinitely. For the Diplomacy&Commerce magazine in Austria, we made an exclusive interview with the respected minister Evarist Bartolo, which we also publish entirely in Serbian edition. He spoke about diplomacy in the era of Covid-19, terrorism, the so-called "golden passports", Malta's official position on the issue of the migration crisis, and whether pandemic has had a profound impact on the Maltese economy and thus tourism.

T

How does this pandemic situation affect the work in international relations?

— The inability to travel and meet face to face is a set back for diplomacy. Videoconferences are a poor substitute to meetings in person. Most of the videoconferences I have taken part in in the last 10 months have been a series of monologues, you do your bit and switch off and carry on with the work that you have even if you are still visible online. Physical meetings are important to build trust with a person to understand each other better and communicate beyond public and official positions, which are often sanitised, and more of the same.

I feel we need such meetings especially in this period where there is so much polarisation in the world and it is as if we have gone back to trench warfare of World War 1. It is as if we have lost the appetite for patient and persevering diplomacy where calls for dialogue, de-escalation and nego-

12

READ THIS ON WEB

tiation are interpreted as naïve.

I also think that defence ministries and the burgeoning presence of the military industrial complex, the most profitable economic sector in some countries are playing a disproportionate role in relations among states, seeking to increase arms exports rather than looking genuinely for compromise and conflict resolution, peace and stability.

to a further militarisation of life and of relations among states.

We must fight terrorism. As Che Guevara says: “terrorism … is generally ineffective and indiscriminate in its results, since it often makes victims of innocent people and destroys a large number of lives …”

We must also address the causes of terrorism: poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, in-

So political, social, economic and cultural measures are required to develop and implement a scorched earth policy around terrorist organizations. We must promote the dialogue of religions and the alliance of civilizations and must not fight religious fanaticism and fundamentalism with secular fanaticism. We need to promote the culture of the universal declaration of human rights

WE ARE ONE WORLD AND A COMMON HUMAN FAMILY. WE SHOULD FEEL THE PAIN AND SUFFERING OF EVERY PERSON, WHOEVER, WHEREVER THAT PERSON IS On the day you were supposed to arrive in Austria, there was a terrorist attack in Vienna. Should the issue of terrorism be part of the OSCE conference?

— Yes, I think that terrorism should be part of the OSCE conference. We should not consider terrorism just a security and law enforcement issue as this leads

justice, human rights abuses, brutal military conflicts that lead to failed states, the institutional repression of minorities … this does not mean that terrorists are always the victims of injustice but there is no doubt that terrorism thrives and provides recruits among persons who have nothing to lose.

that is needed today and tomorrow as much as it was needed 75 years ago. We must keep on making it clear that promoting a global human rights culture cannot be dismissed as interference in internal affairs. We are one world and a common human family. We should feel the pain and suffering of every person, whoever, wherev-

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

er that person is.

The best way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations is to commit ourselves to this declaration and work to make these human rights happen everywhere in today’s world.

Last month the EU Commission initiated infringement proceedings against Malta and Cyprus.

It is about the so-called “golden passports” for the issuance of citizenships against financial commitments, what is the official position of the Republic of Malta about this procedure?

— Small islands like Malta that are constrained by a lot of disadvantages and have a very limited range of economic sectors that they can develop, need schemes that attract investors which include granting them citizenship.

But in running these schemes we must take all the necessary measures not to let them be used for money laundering and to hide the proceeds of economic crimes committed in other countries.

We have taken new measures to tighten our scheme and will insist with the European Commission that the granting of citizenship is a national competence and we will not cede our sovereignty.

What is the official position of Malta on the issue of the migration crisis, particularly that from the Central Mediterranean route?

— We are the smallest and most densely populated country in the EU. We are also the most vulnerable as we are right in the middle of the Central Mediterranean migratory route where departures from Libya and Tunisia have more than trebled this year. We do not have the carrying capacity to take in more migrants that are irregular and becoming a migrant reception centre for Europe will destroy our economy and livelihood for our people.

Everyone tells us that we must not be allowed to carry our burden on our own. Yet this is what often happens. Relocation has helped a bit but has certainly not

solved our problems. In 15 years, our European Union partners took 8% only of our arrivals. The difficult times we are in, Covid-19 and suffering, anxiety and economic uncertainty it has brought with it and the prevailing mood of European voters are making it more difficult for our European partners to take their share of irregu-

come to Malta are not eligible for asylum.

While we need to have safe and regular migration, we must do all we can to stop irregular migration and send irregular migrants back to where they came from. And we need to help each other to do that as quickly as possible.

We know that the other side

Valletta / Photo: Malta Tourist Organization

problems: unemployment, wars, persecutions, corruption, illicit financial flows from Africa, bad governance, climate change, injustice … treating the symptom without addressing the causes is very short sighted and it is just like putting our finger in the dyke.

Malta not only attracts with its history, culture and nature, it is also an attractive year-round travel destination for continental Europeans. Has the pandemic reduced the number of visits to Malta this year and is Malta ready for a "new normal" in tourism?

— The pandemic has hurt us a lot as up to 30% of our economy is directly or indirectly related to tourism so our income from tourism this year will be down by around 75%. We have the economic sectors that are most exposed to the economic impact of the pandemic. This has not led to thousands of unemployed and families have

ISLANDS LIKE MALTA THAT HAVE A VERY LIMITED RANGE OF ECONOMIC SECTORS THEY CAN DEVELOP, NEED SCHEMES THAT ATTRACT INVESTORS WHICH INCLUDE GRANTING THEM CITIZENSHIP lar migrants that reach our shores.

As human traffickers continue to send more migrant boats from North Africa towards Europe, we are caught between two extremes, which we both reject: let them drown and let them all in. We do not want to do either. However, we have no alternative to cooperate with Libya to intercept and take back the boats of irregular migrants. This year we have had over two thousand irregular migrants coming to Malta. Proportionately, that is the equivalent of two million arriving in the European Union.

Without the help of Libya, over 9,000 would have arrived and it would be a huge crisis and emergency for us, which we cannot allow to happen. We understand that irregular migration is a complex problem and those who provide simple solutions are not realistic. First, half of those who

of irregular migration is joblessness. We need to engage economically with the countries of origin and have terms of trade that allows them to create wealth and jobs so that young people work in countries where they are born.

We must allow these countries of origin to move into manufacturing and services. We need to help transit countries manage their borders better to prevent the human traffickers from carrying out their criminal business. We need to take on and attack and bring to justice the human traffickers wherever they are. We must ensure that the centres where irregular migrants are kept till their applications are processed are centres where all the persons are treated humanely. Relocation remains essential for those who deserve protection and asylum.

People having to leave their country is a symptom of bigger

slipped into poverty because we have taken strong measures to subsidise wages and to transfer money to families to generate consumption and domestic trade.

We have one of the most open economies in the world as our domestic market of less than 500,000 people is too small to support wealth and job creation.

For us globalization is not an ideology, it is a necessity. We will only survive and thrive if we manage to sell out services and products to as many different countries as possible.

There are as many Maltese in the rest of the world as there are in Malta as thousands of Maltese had to emigrate to look for a job. This trend has been reversed. We have the lowest birth rate in Europe. We were creating 11,000 jobs a year of which the Maltese could fill only 4,000 while the remaining 7,000 had to come from overseas.

WORKING TOGETHER During your stay in Vienna you were going to deliver a lecture on the subject of "Being small in a big world.

Are we all small?" Will you let us know which thesis you intended to propose in your presentation?

— While Malta is a tiny dot in the Central Mediterranean, the world is a tiny blue dot in the universe. Most of the problems that we face cannot be addressed adequately by any one country alone: the climate emergency, pandemics, the debt crisis, Post-Covid economic recovery, international organized crime, terrorism, irregular migration, technological disruption, conflicts among neighbouring countries ... all countries are small when they are dealing with these big challenges and we must work together to face them successfully.

Valletta / Photo: Malta Tourist Organization

13

TEN YEARS AFTER THE ARAB SPRING

Why Democracy Failed in the Middle East And how it might, one day, succeed hat kind of repression do you imagine it takes for a young man to do this?” So asked Leila Bouazizi after her brother, Muhammad, set himself on fire ten years ago. Local officials in Tunisia had confiscated his fruit cart, ostensibly because he did not have a permit but really because they wanted to extort money from him. It was the final indignity for the young man.

“How do you expect me to make a living?” he shouted before dousing himself with petrol in front of the governor’s office.

His actions would resonate across the region, where millions of others had reached breaking-point, too. Their rage against oppressive leaders and corrupt states came bursting forth as the Arab spring. Uprisings toppled the dictators of four countries— Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen.

For a moment it seemed as if democracy had arrived in the Arab world at last.

A decade later, though, no celebrations are planned. Only one of those democratic experiments yielded a durable result—fittingly, in Bouazizi’s Tunisia. Egypt’s failed miserably, ending in a military coup. Libya, Yemen and, worst of all, Syria descended into bloody civil wars that drew in foreign powers. The Arab spring turned to bitter winter so quickly that many people now despair of the region.

Much has changed there since, but not for the better. The Arab world’s despots are far from secure. With oil prices low, even petro-potentates can no longer afford to buy their subjects off with fat subsidies and cushy government jobs. Many leaders have grown more paranoid and oppressive. Muhammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia locks up his own relatives. Egypt’s Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has stifled the press and crushed civil society. One lesson autocrats learned from the Arab spring is that any flicker of dissent must be snuffed out fast, lest it spread.

The region is less free than it was in 2010—and perhaps more

“W

14

READ THIS ON WEB

THE REGION IS LESS FREE THAN IT WAS IN 2010—AND PERHAPS MORE ANGRY angry. It has been shaken by wars, jihad, refugees and covid-19. Activists contend that Arabs are no longer willing to put up with the same old misery, and say they are more confident that they can bring about change. The Arab spring’s flame never completely went out, says one. No fancy name was given to the swathe of protests that engulfed Arab countries in 2019, yet they pushed out as many leaders as those of the Arab spring.

Unfortunately, the states that were jolted in 2019—Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan—are faring only a little better than those convulsed by the Arab spring. Could it be true, as some argue, that Arabs simply cannot abide democracy? Some lament that the region’s generals are too politically entrenched to allow a real opening. Others say that austere local strains of Islam are incompatible with pluralism. Is Tunisia, blessed with pragmatic Islamists and generals who have apparently learned

to obey elected politicians, the exception that proves the rule?

It is too early to say. The seeds of modern democracy have yet to be properly sown in the Arab world.

The thirst among Arab citizens to choose their own rulers is as strong as it is elsewhere. What they need most is for independent institutions—universities, the media, civic groups, above all the courts and the mosques—to evolve without being in thrall to government. Only then can space be found for an engaged and informed citizenry. Only then are people likely to accept that political disputes can be resolved peacefully.

It would help if Arabs had more freedom to debate. Schools in the region tend to emphasise rote learning over critical thinking.

The media and the mosques tend to parrot the government line. Autocrats seek to co-opt social media, too. All this breeds distrust in information itself. Conspiracy theories abound. Arabs tend to mistrust not only their governments

but also each other, thanks in part to a system that requires bribes and wasta, or connections, to accomplish even the most mundane tasks. Corruption undermines confidence in the state. Few expect it to provide for the common good. Despots encourage people to think of politics in zero-sum terms: if another group wins power, they will grab all the money and public jobs. Opponents are portrayed as extremists who wish their fellow countrymen dead.

In such parched soil, it is unsurprising that democracy failed to take root. But there are ways, in the long run, to fertilise it. Promoting education is vital. Democracies should welcome more Arab students. They should also speak up for Arab journalists, human-rights campaigners and NGOs. A culture of pluralism takes time to grow. But the status quo is unstable and unsustainable, as a frustrated fruit-seller tragically demonstrated.

From The Economist, published under licence.

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

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

CORPORATE

EPS Continues With “Green” Investments The implementation of desulphurization system on four TENT A units includes the construction of even 42 objects. The construction of TENT B FGD plant amounts to EUR 210 million, while approximately EUR 120 million of works shall be performed by the domestic companies lot of jobs have adopted to the new rules of life and work imposed by the Corona virus epidemics. The progress of investment projects in the “Electric Power Industry of Serbia” and ever growing number of open construction sites for new EPS plants prove that, despite everything, there has been no halt in the operation of the largest energy company in Serbia. The already initiated projects have been continued, and new investments are being initiated.

In the beginning of December, the foundation stone was placed for the desulphurization plant in EPS thermal power plant “Nikola Tesla B”. This shall be the third EPS FGD plant that will significantly improve environmental protection, and by approximately 20 times reduce the emission of sulfur dioxide.

Milorad Grčić, acting director of the “Electric Power Industry of Serbia” underlines that TENT B plant, the second in Obrenovac and third in Serbia constructed by EPS, would reduce the level of air pollution, but also improve the energy stability in the country.

- The value of the construction of TENT B plant amounts to EUR 210 million, and we are proud that approximately EUR 120 million of works shall be performed by the domestic companies. This is particularly important for the growth of domestic economy, since EPS directly affects the GDP growth, namely 3% annually and 3% more indirectly via construction and other activities. These projects guarantee the future of thermal power plants in Serbia and energy stability – said Grčić.

TENT A and TENT B thermal power plants in Obrenovac generate more than 50% of electricity in Serbia. The desulphurization project in TENT B shall reduce the sulfur dioxide emission levels from current 80,000 tons annually to 4,500 tons, which is approximately 20 times less. Deadline

complex projects.

EPS has completed the construction of one such plant in “Kostolac B” TPP, having the value of EUR 96 million, and guarantee measurements showed that SO2 emissions are significantly below the current European standard of 200 milligrams per cubic meter.

The most valuable project, currently being realized, has the value of EUR 217 million, and it will provide for the system for flue gas desulphurization for four TENT A units. This is one of the most significant investments in the region, owing to the amount of financial investments and positive ecological effects. The plan also exists for the remaining two TENT A units, as well as for the units in “Kostolac A” TPP and the new unit in “Kostolac B3, whose construction is currently ongoing.

How complex these projects are is also proven by the fact that the introduction of desulphur-

A

IN THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER, THE FOUNDATION STONE WAS PLACED FOR THE DESULPHURIZATION PLANT IN EPS THERMAL POWER PLANT “NIKOLA TESLA B” for the project completion and plant taking-over is envisaged for March 2024. Moreover, by commissioning this plant the level of particulate matter emission into the atmosphere is to be reduced from current 50 milligrams per cubic meter to below 10 milligrams per cubic meter. By con-

structing the plant for flue gas desulphurization, TENT B lifetime will be extended.

Systems for flue gas desulphurization contribute to reduction of sulfur dioxide emission and additional reduction of particulate matter. Those are the most expensive and technologically most

ization system in four TENT A units includes the construction of even 42 objects. The desulphurization projects at the locations of EPS thermal capacities which are planned or currently being realized are at the same time the largest individual ecological investments in Serbia.

FOR THE FUTURE Desulphurization projects and other measures for the reduction of particulate matter emission into air guarantee the endurance and survival of thermal power plants and complete energy system in Serbia since they provide the contemporary manner of thermal power plants operation, which produce approximately 70% of Serbian electricity. The economic aspect of such projects are also of importance for the citizens and the economy, since their realization provide for the future of EPS, and thereby the security and stability of our energy system.

15

INTERVIEW

by Svetlana Nenadović-Glušac, D&C Austria

We Ensure the Safety of Tourists During the Pandemic I am an active person with a positive attitude, but the key to our success lies in the team of people who accompany me. They are very capable and above all, committed professionals involved in creating our national brand, as well as adopting innovative public policies that will promote the sustainable growth of our economy through job creation, new direct investments and a significant increase in the number of tourists.

As part of this strategy, we envisage the development of a cultural policy that will contribute to the achievement of the country's goals abroad by highlighting the values and traditions that characterize Dominican society.

H.E. LOURDES VICTORIA-KRUSE Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Serbia

e spoke with H.E. Lourdes Victoria-Kruse, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Austria and accredited ambassador to Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary and Bulgaria. She is also a Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the international organizations in Vienna.

Ambassador Kruse talked about the election in the Dominican Republic, the plans of the new government and the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the economy as well as about the upcoming tourist season.

W

An election was held in the Dominican Republic in August 2020. How will the election result affect your country's foreign policy?

— On August 16, Luis Abinader Corona took over the presidency of the Dominican Republic and entrusted the leadership of Dominican foreign policy to the current Foreign Minister, Mr Roberto Álvarez. The new administration has devised an important plan titled "A Foreign Policy in the Government of Change", which aims to reorganize, professionalize and modernize the country's foreign policy. In this regard, this proposal is based on three main objectives: first, the protection of Dominican women and men abroad, second, boosting exports and attracting investments to create the 600,000 jobs as President Abinader had promised before the pandemic broke out and third, the promotion of democratic values and human rights enshrined in the Dominican constitution.

With this plan, we have reaffirmed our strong commitment to strengthening Dominican foreign policy. Concerning our relations with Europe, we endeav-

16

You gave a deeply emotional speech at the UN in Vienna about the Mirabal sisters, who became symbols of the rebellion. What is the position of women in today's society and is it difficult to be a woman, a mother and a diplomat at the same time?

— It was a very emotional moment indeed, as it should. The Mirabal Sisters are arguably one of the most significant symbols of popular and feminist resistance worldwide, and this makes all Dominican women proud.

In today's society, it is obvious that an increasing number of women are occupying management and decision-making po-

READ THIS ON WEB

WE INTEND TO DOUBLE OUR EFFORTS ON UTILIZING THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC'S PRIVILEGED GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION IN THE CENTRE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND THE AMERICAS our to boost our relations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs efficiently and transparently so that we can further promote the bilateral relations and trade agreements we have already concluded.

Europe continues to be one of the most important links for our country, given the relevance of the multiple contexts that bind us together - from the economic to trade, cooperation, culture, migration, politics, development and security. Therefore, from now on, we will permanently strive to create more security and trust for European investments in our coun-

try and to implement appropriate initiatives that effectively contribute to freeing the productive forces of the Dominican export sector.

The 2021Trade Promotion Plan was launched recently, which aims to optimize the trade promotion services and attract investments with the support of the country's diplomatic and consular corps accredited abroad.

We intend to double our efforts on utilizing the Dominican Republic's privileged geographic location in the centre of the Caribbean and the Americas, by working with all the authorities

sitions. We have integrated into our consciousness the values related to the new role that we have to play in society: involve ourselves into professional life, climb the hierarchical work structure, take on the responsibility of keeping household and raising our children without neglecting our well-being.

That brings me to the second part of your question. It is certainly a challenge to reconcile the roles of woman, mother and diplomat, but in my opinion, it is precisely this ability to multitask that allows us to structure prag-

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

matic and innovative solutions to the challenges of everyday life.

We are talking about a new generation of active and autonomous women who are exposed to very different realities depending on the culture, geographical area or social situation in which they find themselves. However, we must not forget that despite the progress we have made in decades of fighting for our rights, there is still a long way to go. We are still in a situation of inequality in areas such as politics, education and work.

In this regard, I fully identify with the statement made by Ursula Plannick, the former Austrian Foreign Minister, that we must continue to work actively to ensure that women in all areas have access to management positions so that they can fully exploit their potential and skills.

What is the current situation in the Dominican Republic in terms of the coronavirus epidemic, and will the consequences of the pandemic leave a deep mark?

— First and foremost, the Dominican Republic is committed to protecting the life and health of our citizens at home and abroad and has mitigated the economic impact with various initiatives.

We have set an example in the region in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Indeed, the WHO underlined that the country reflected the increased commitment to political leadership, collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors, with the emphasis of its actions on strengthening liaison identification, surveillance and prevention and containment of infection.

This background has led to a systematic reduction in the number of infections and to the preservation of our health system, which has never collapsed during these months. This helped us to come up with a plan to revitalize responsible tourism that will involve a large public investment.

Our authorities have always been adhering to the WHO’s guidelines and their Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan and have immediately integrated them into the national response plan. Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on all global economies, but I can

assure you that our authorities are working tirelessly to counter such effects and get back on the path of economic growth in the shortest possible time. Indeed, thanks to its diversification - tourism, remittances and free zones our economy has not suffered as much damage as others in countries similar to ours.

Tourism is one of the most developed industries in the Dominican Republic. What do Dominican experts think about the kind of effects that the pandemic will have on tourism?

in the Dominican Republic will be determined mainly by the global development of the pandemic and the availability of an effective vaccine against the coronavirus, as well as by the provisions of the September executive decree in combination with the reconstruction plan announced by the Tourism Council. These include implementing health security protocols in accommodation facilities, tax breaks, monetary and financial measures to make the growth of small and medium-sized tourism businesses viable, as well as implementing a temporary trav-

August concerning the same reference periods of 2019.

What are the plans regarding regulations and options for tourists in light of the pandemic situation?

— Our country has a plan to restore tourism with a focus on health security, as announced by His Excellency the President of the Dominican Republic, Mr Luis Abinader Corona. The plan came into effect on September 15th. The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs has this documentation.

This plan includes several measures and initiatives to address the challenges facing the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure that the Dominican Republic is a safe travel destination that further protects the health, well-being and safety of tourists to demand a sustainable revitalization of the tourism sector. These measures include new internationally certified health protocols and apply to the entire industry, including restaurants and bars. The measures include: performing rapid tests on randomly selected travelers upon arrival; social distancing

AN INCENTIVE PLAN FOR DOMESTIC TOURISM WILL STIMULATE THE LOCAL MARKET, WHICH INCLUDES DISCOUNTS OF 20% TO 50% IN MAJOR HOTEL CHAINS AND FINANCING OPTIONS OF 6 TO 12 MONTHS — The cumulative tourist flow for the period January-September 2020 was 1,743,480 non-resident visitors, i.e. 3,244,218 fewer travellers (-65.0%) than in the same period of the previous year. The significant decline in the accumulated influx of tourists in 2020 is explained by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated prevention and containment measures, which include border closings and restrictions on non-essential travel to the Dominican Republic and from the Dominican Republic to the most popular tourist destinations worldwide.

As for the expectations for the coming months, the arrival behaviour of non-resident passengers

el assistance plan with emergency health insurance, telemedicine, flight changes and extended stays in the event of COVID- 19 infection. An incentive plan for domestic tourism will stimulate the local market, which includes discounts of 20% to 50% in major hotel chains and financing options of 6 to 12 months.

It is important to highlight that the arrival of passengers shows an incipient bias towards recovery after the airports reopen, as the proportion of non-resident foreigners who visited the country in September was 18.7% of the total for the same month last year and was thus above the shares of 11.5% and 12.6% recorded in July and

and the use of masks will be mandatory during the stay; we will ensure that hotel workers stay in the facilities as long as possible. Facilities will implement effective health management with suppliers, contractors and employees.

The latter are tested periodically and follow a specific protocol for entering and exiting the facilities; the work regulations are adapted to minimize and reduce the risks for employees.

This protocol has been certified by the Bureau Veritas of the World Travel and Tourism Council and is in the process of being certified

by Safe Travels, both of the world's leading certification bodies in the sector.

RECOVERING TOURISM The aim is to minimize the impact of the pandemic and enable responsible recovery that puts health first, maximizes the potential for job creation and economic growth, and promotes greater sustainable development in the sector. We will also ensure that the Dominican Republic continues to be the number one destination in the region for international travellers, be it for vacation, business travel, investment opportunities or returning to a second home, to name a few.

17

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

H.E. URS SCHMID New Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Serbia Urs Schmid is a honoured diplomat who has been the ambassador of Switzerland in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan with residence in Nur-Sultan from August 2016 to August 2020. Previously he served as the Permanent Representative of Switzerland in the Conference on Disarmament and Deputy Head of Mission of the Permanent Representation of Switzerland in the UN Office of Geneva from 2012 to 2016.

Former duties included the

positions of Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in London (2009-2012) and Budapest (2005-2009). Prior to these assignments, he headed the International Security Section at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Berne (2001-2005). For 8 years, he contributed to the setting up of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague.

Before joining the diplomatic service of Switzerland, Urs Schmid worked as an asylum officer at the

Federal Department of Justice and Police (1987-1988), followed by an assignment as associate expert for UNHCR in Mexico (1989-1991).

Urs Schmid holds a M.A. in Cultural Anthropology of the University of Zurich. He is married to Luzia Sebesta Schmid and has three adult children, two sons and a daughter.

He has a keen interest on history and culture, including culinary art.

He further enjoys hiking, skiing and swimming and he also values the rare opportunities of dancing.

H.E. KATSUMATA TAKAHIKO New Ambassador of Japan Staring from December 2020, Katsumata Takahiko became the Ambassador of Japan in Serbia. From July 2016 he was the Ambassador of Japan in Turkmenistan. 2013- 2015 he was the Minister and Counsellor in the Embassy of Japan in Turkey.

In August 2011 he was the Director of Social Treaties Division in the

Treaties Bureau. In July of 2009 he became Assistant Chief Researcher on Office Security, and Bureau as well as Secretariat of the House of Representatives. In June of 2007 he was Director of WTO Dispute Settlement Division of Economic Affairs Bureau. In October 2005, he was Director in the Inspection Division in

the Minister’s Secretariat. September of 2004 he became Counsel for Treaties Negotiation in the Bureau.

In August of the same year, he was the Principal Deputy Director of Economic and Social Treaties Division in the Bureau. His professional career began in April 1982 when he entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

H.E. DEMETRIOS A. THEOPHYLACTOU New Ambassador of Cyprus to Serbia Before assuming his post in Belgrade, Demetrios A. Theophylactou was the Head of Development and Humanitarian Aid Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From 2015-2018, he served as High Commissioner in India and ASEF Governor for Cyprus. From 20142015, Mr Theophylactou served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Dep. Head of Department for Asia and Oceania. From 2011-2013, he served in the Division of European Affairs and was member of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in 2012. From 2006-2009, he was

appointed as Seconded National Expert for Social Affairs in the European Commission and also served in the Commission from 2010-2011 as International Coordination officer, Americas Desk. From 2004-2006, he served in the Permanent Representation of Cyprus (Political and Security Committee/Civilian Crisis Management and Development Cooperation Committee). At the start of his career, between 1994-2001, Mr Theophylactou was a member of the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the UN in New York, serving as Press Counsellor and Delegate in

the UN General Assembly, and from 2001-2002 he served in the Cyprus High Commission in Australia.

Mr Theophylactou was a visiting professor at Boston University. He has a PhD in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Communications from Washington State University. He is also a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Harvard University and Senior Associate Member at the University of Oxford. Mr Theophylactou is fluent in Greek, English, and French and has proficient knowledge of Italian, Spanish and Turkish.

VLADIMIR LUČIĆ New CEO of Telekom Vladimir Lučić, until now the coordinator for the internet and multimedia of Telekom Srbija Group, is the company’s new CEO. The appointment of Lučić was confirmed at the recent session of the Government of Serbia. Previously, the CEO of Telekom was Predrag Ćulibrk. Lučić was born in 1971 in Šabac. He grad-

uated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade in 1996. His official biography states that he has a BSc in Electrical Engineering and that he acquired his MBA under the program of the University Institute Kurt Bosch in Switzerland. He then moved from Telekom to Ericsson, and then from Sweden to Germany,

where he got a green card. Eventually, he returned to Telekom. At 32, in 2003, he became the CEO of MTS and in 2008 the commercial director of the entire Telekom.

His biography says that, with shorter breaks, he has been part of the Telekom Srbija team since its founding in 1997.

MIHAILO JANKOVIĆ New Chief Executive Officer of MK Group Mihailo Janković is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MK Group, one of the largest companies in the region that has been operating successfully for more than 35 years. Jankovic, together with the Vice President of MK Group Aleksandar Kostić and the top management of the Company, will work on defining and implementing the corporate strategy and investment policy. Jankovic will take

18

up the new function on 1 January 2021.

Mihailo Janković gained his rich leadership and managerial experience by working for leading multinational companies, as well as companies owned by private investment funds and private regional companies - British American Tobacco, The Coca-Cola Company, Knjaz Miloš a.d. and Nectar Group. He has extensive experience in the field of

business and strategic transformation of companies, which enables their sustainable growth and business development. During his career, he was also a member of the management boards of professional business associations and non-profit organizations in Serbia.

In 2019, he was named "Manager of the Year" by the Serbian Association of Managers.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

INTERESTING FACTS

NATIONAL DAYS

When Did Latin Branch Out Into Romance Languages? n its late phase, Latin was incomprehensible to people from the time before the new era, i.e. from the time of the creation of Rome. But, it was still a language with dialects (like Serbo-Croatian today, i.e. you could spot if someone was from Iberia, Gaul, Italy, Libya, etc. because of their accents and words they used). Following the Great Migration and the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the language began to rapidly change because the Barbarians could not pronounce Latin fluently. The result was a quick divergence into Romance languages.

The first language that broke off was the one that is still the most different from the others – Old French. As early as 842 CE,

I

READ THIS ON WEB

Old French became incomprehensible to other Romanian peoples, at least to those less educated.

The first document in the vernacular, "The Oaths of Strasbourg", was written in Old French. Romanian also subsequently broke off

because it absorbed 20% of Slavic words during the isolation. The languages that will remain intelligible to everyone for a long time until the end of the Middle Ages, and which will be the last to break off as separate languages, are Catalan and Provençal (Occitan), between Spanish, French and Italian. Here is a fragment: "Pro Deo amur et pro christian poblo et nostro commun salvament, d'ist di en avant, in quant Deus savir et podir me dunat, si salvarai eo, cist meon fradre Karlo, et in aiudha, et in cadhuna cosa , si cum om per dreit son fradra salvar dift, in o quid il mi altresi fazet, et ab Ludher nul plaid nunquam prindrai, qui meon vol cist meon fradre Karle in damno sit. " French? Latin? Neither of the two.

NEW CHAIRMAN OF PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL’S BOARD Long-standing Chairman of Philip Morris International’s Board Louis Camilleri retired, to be replaced by the current CEO, André Calantzopoulos

André Calantzopoulos

PMI’s current CEO André Calantzopoulos was appointed new Executive Chairman of the Board.

Lucio Noto will serve as interim Chairman until the succession of Calantzopoulos, whereas PMI’s current COO Jacek Olczak will

succeed Calantzopoulos as Chief Executive Officer of the company.

PMI announced that these changes will be effective as of May next year. “During my seven years as CEO, we have stepped in the future and offered better, science-based less harmful alternatives for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke traditional cigarettes. I am very pleased to hand over the CEO responsibility to Jacek, with whom I have worked closely for decades”, concluded Calantzopoulos. Jacek Olczak has enjoyed a long career with Philip Morris. He previously worked in finance and general management positions across Europe, including as Managing Director

Nuno Pinto Leite became the head of PepsiCo for the southern markets of Central Europe and the Baltic countries. This change is the result

01

CUBA

Liberation Day

01

SUDAN

Independence Day

01

SLOVAKIA

Independence Day

04

MYANMAR

Students’ Protest Day

22

UKRAINE

Day of Unity of Ukraine

24

ROMANIA

nification Day of U Wallachia and Moldavia

26

AUSTRALIA National Day

26

INDIA

Republic Day FEBRUARY

11

IRAN

Islamic Revolution Day

Jacek Olczak

of PMI’s markets in Poland and Germany and as President of the European Union Region before his appointment as CFO of PMI in 2012. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Lodz, Poland.

NUNO PINTO LEITE New Director of PepsiCo for southern markets of Central Europe and Baltic countries of PepsiCo's new organization and ambitious plans for the Western Balkans and Baltic markets. With its extremely rich professional and international experience, Pinto Leite will contribute to strengthening the company's leadership position and further business expansion. Nuno Pinto Leite joined PepsiCo in 2017, taking over a management position in the UK, and then joined the team in Central Europe as the leading man of one of the fastest growing businesses in Europe, Lithuania, Lat-

JANUARY

via and Estonia. He firmly believes that people are the main driver of any business, his focus will also be on advancing corporate culture through various segments such as employee development, new ways of and their well-being. He gained his many years of experience in managerial positions in the multinational companies L’Oreal, Bain & Company, Amazon UK. He is a lawyer by education, and holds an MBA from the prestigious London Business School.

11

VATICAN

oundation of Vatican F City

17

LIBYA

Revolution Day

23

JAPAN

ational Day N (Emperor's Birthday)

24

ESTONIA

Independence Day

25

KUWAIT

ational Day and N Liberation Day

28

EGYPT

Independence Day

19

INTERVIEW

by Nenad Meseldžija

I Will Fight for the Interests of All Citizens of Apatin In addition to developing existing economic capacities, we are working on attracting new investments. Apatin has an excellent location, is near the two EU borders (Croatia and Hungary) and has direct exit to the Danube tential. We are already using it in part, through the construction of cruise docks, one of the most modern marinas for boats and yachts in Serbia, and taking care of our beaches and other facilities that put Apatin on the tourist map of Serbia. A special nature reserve Gornje Podunavlje area has great potential, due to its incredible biodiversity, which we will promote more in the coming period. I believe that we must re-direct the entire town towards the Danube - both infrastructure-, transportand economy-wise.

DUBRAVKA KORAĆ President of Municipality of Apatin

n the coming years, I would like to focus more on the education system.

We have drafted a project for the renovation of the elementary school, which will become one of the most modern educational institutions in Serbia once the project is implemented. We are working on specialization in the Technical School for Education in Shipbuilding, as well as on introducing innovative directions in the Apatin Gymnasium.”

”I

You have been elected municipal president, you are also the first woman to head the municipality of Apatin, and one of the youngest mayors in Serbia. How many challenges and responsibilities does your position entail?

— Managing local government carries a great deal of responsibility regardless of age or gender.

However, when you are a young woman in this position, logically, there are higher expectations, and therefore incentives to prove yourself and work harder. I am lucky to have managed to gather a good team of young and educated people, with whom I can share challenges. By the way, most institutions and public companies in the municipality of Apatin are run by women, and I must say that that has been working out great.

In my experience, women bring strong communication and negotiation skills to politics, as well as excellent organizational skills.

However, I got the impression that the citizens evaluate us primarily based on the achieved results, and not according to personal characteristics. Such an approach suits me perfectly. It gives me an incentive to fight for the interests of all citizens of Apatin in the next four years.

What challenges is the municipality of Apatin facing today and

20

Thanks to your initiative and commitment, a Swiss company that produces bioethanol and electricity from bioethanol is coming to Apatin. What will this investment mean for the town and its citizens?

— After establishing initial contact, the company is now going through the first phase of the investment, i.e. building a bioethanol factory. This industry is very innovative and has the potential to grow, and in addition to cre-

READ THIS ON WEB

LAST YEAR, WE RECEIVED AN AWARD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY THE SWISS GOVERNMENT AS ONE OF THE BEST MUNICIPALITIES IN THE TAX ADMINISTRATION REFORM what will be the priorities and the most urgent projects on your agenda?

— The pandemic is the most urgent challenge we all face, not only in Serbia but all over the planet. Our main task is to enable the good functioning of the local health system, that the school year runs smoothly, and that, once the epidemiological situation allows, we slowly return the municipality to the normal course of social activities.

More broadly, the focus of my tenure will be on economic development and the potential of the Danube River. In the previous term, during which I performed the function of the deputy mayor, we have already had numerous

changes in those segments. After decades of being inactive, the Apatin Shipyard, once the largest river shipyard in the former Yugoslavia, began to stand on its own two feet. In recent years, several production plants have been opened in the footwear and clothing production segment. In these sectors, Apatin already had an inherited industrial base and trained workforce. Lidl also arrived here.

Furthermore, we have devised support programmes for small businesses to encourage the development of entrepreneurship.

The Danube is an important topic for us. Apatin is located right in the middle of the Danube‘s waterway and it is our greatest tourist and economic po-

ating new jobs, it will grow over time into electricity production and could, in the medium term, provide district heating for our town.

It is important that the investor has bought land in our Free Zone.

Buying land means that the investor trusts us to be an efficient local government unit and that they intend to stay here and expand their business.

In the previous tenure, you initiated several important endeavours, such as the renovation and construction of nurseries, health centres, etc. What support do you have for future projects and what is the most important thing to do now?

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

— Two years ago, as the deputy mayor, I launched a large-scale project called "Apatin - a municipality for all of us". The goal is to improve the quality of life in our municipality and to provide citizens with top-quality public services. In a short period, we have achieved enviable results. We built the first day nursery for toddlers, which now takes over 80 children. We have renovated two kindergartens, and the work on the third will begin soon, with the goal of creating top conditions for our children to live, play and learn. We are reconstructing the Apatin Health Centre in stages while transforming it into a modern health institution, not only in terms of equipment but also in terms of the general patient experience. We have launched projects to support pregnant women and mothers. We have just finished the construction of a sensory room and a speech therapy/special education office for children with disabilities.

We have been investing a lot in the utility infrastructure, first and foremost, in the traffic infrastructure, followed by the sewage and water supply grid in rural areas.

I know it sounds ridiculous that we have to solve such a rudimentary problem in the 21st century, but unfortunately, these are some remnants that we have been dealing with for decades and that have to be resolved at a certain point to move forward and fully focus on development projects.

Speaking of which, we are currently participating in two European IPA projects: one focused on employment and the other on tourism development. We see tourism as our great opportunity, considering the potential we have, such as the special nature reserve in the Gornje Podunavlje, the Junaković Spa and our municipality’s incredible multicultural historical heritage. That is why the local self-government has launched a large-scale project of opening a city museum. We bought an old villa for that purpose which we will preserve and breathe new life into it in this way.

In December, the municipality approved of a programme relating to the development of IT education, which means that the municipality will practically create its own IT accelerator. How important is this project for high school students and what makes it so unique?

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE POTENTIAL INVESTORS TO VISIT US, GET TO KNOW US AND THE OPPORTUNITIES WE OFFER AND WRITE THIS SUCCESS STORY TOGETHER WITH US — Thanks to the IT sector development strategy we have identified market needs, but also the interests of our schoolchildren, who are massively attracted towards that industry. The demand for this kind of education overwhelmingly exceeds the supply, and the school system cannot keep up with that. We, in the West Bačka District which has the population of 200,000, have only 3 or 4 IT courses in our high schools.

Hence, we decided to take matters into our own hands.

The plan is to create a facility for informal, i.e. parallel IT education for high school students, similar to the IT incubator model, which would start in September.

Here, students would get 2 years of training, followed by 2 years of internships on projects, through launching startups or working for companies involved with the programme. Our municipality currently has several smaller IT companies, but we intend to network numerous stakeholders in this endeavour – people who originate from Apatin but are working in the IT sector throughout Serbia and Europe, universities, IT companies from the region, professional associations, etc.

With this project, we want to

plant the seed of an IT ecosystem in our municipality and to slowly create and build up that community. Creative industries are catalysts for local development: they attract investments, talents and jobs, but also change the local culture. We are now at the very beginning of that development.

What are the other plans for the municipality's development in terms of the economy, and what kind of potential can you offer to investors in 2021?

— In addition to developing existing economic capacities, we are working on attracting new investments. Apatin has an excellent location, near the two EU borders (Croatia and Hungary), as well as a direct exit to the Danube River.

For us, the beginning of the implementation of the state project which entails building the Sombor – Kikinda road, which was initiated by President Vučić, will be of great importance.

The free zone in our municipality has two locations spanning a total of 90 hectares - one is intended for large production plants, and the other for small businesses. They are completely divided into land plots and have utilities, including access roads,

water supply, sewerage, electricity and gas infrastructure. There are already several production plants there. Investors in the Free Zone are offered a number of fiscal and customs benefits, from VAT exemptions to simplified custom clearance procedures. They also have at their disposal a one-stopshop that covers the entire administration, as well as logistics services at discounted prices.

Our local self-government is efficient and responsible. Last year, we received an award under the auspices of the project implemented by the Swiss government as one of the best municipalities in the tax administration reform. We offer numerous investment opportunities, both in terms of classic segments where we have an excellent industrial base, through to new industries and all the way to tourism and hospitality. When the pandemic subsides, we expect more focus in this area, through the construction of a wellness centre in the Junaković Spa and hotel facilities on the Danube.

I would like to invite potential investors to visit us, get to know us and the opportunities we offer and write this success story together with us.

21

CORPORATE

We Nurture a Vision of Humane and Better Banking Mobi Bank and Telenor are a perfect combination, not only as a product package but also as an example of a great partnership. This is the sixth year of the Bank's business in Serbia and its accelerated growth is a result of better cooperation with Telenor PAVEL MACO Chairman of Mobi Bank's Managing Board

avel Maco was recently appointed Chairman of the Managing Board of Mobi Bank in Serbia. In his interview for the World in 2021 issue, he talks about the current situation, further development of Mobi Bank, as well as projections for 2021. "I believe this is an exciting moment for Serbia which brings great opportunities and progress and which we, in the Czech Republic, have experienced too some time ago. The COVID-induced crisis is an obstacle that all countries and industries are dealing with it, but I believe that Serbia will recover and continue to grow. I also like is that people in Serbia and the Czech Republic have the same sense of humour and that we can easily understand each other, "concluded Mr Maco.

P

We recently saw on the news that, in terms of GDP per capita, the Czech Republic is now ahead of Spain. What is the Czech recipe for success that we could also apply in Serbia?

— We have done some important things in the right way in the Czech Republic. Our development has been stable over a long period, so I would say that stability is the best recipe. We have been focusing on developing industries like the automotive and we have liberalized all services. Virtually all banks are owned by large global stakeholders. Most importantly, we were not afraid of globalization, but we accepted it and utilized all its benefits. Our PPF Group is a great example of this we operate on three continents, in 24 countries, and have assets worth almost EUR 50 billion.

You have worked in important positions in India, Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic. What

22

READ THIS ON WEB

A LARGER SHARE OF E-COMMERCE REQUIRES MORE SPECIFIC DIGITAL BANKING SERVICES. THINGS WILL NOT RETURN TO THE PREVIOUS STATE, AND WE SEE SOME CHANGES THAT COULD LAST FOREVER are the similarities and differences in doing business in Asia compared to European markets, as well as in consumer habits?

— It is surprising to see that consumer habits are quite similar. The Asian economy has been growing very fast lately. Given that they have started building modern infrastructure only recently, their infrastructure is of much higher quality than what we have here in Europe. They use the latest technologies, while the infrastructure in Europe is made using technologies created decades ago.

We have a lot to learn from Asia.

Everything there is very simple because it is adapted to the preferences of local consumers. That is why our vision for Mobi Bank is to continue to innovate and transform banking so that it is mobile, direct and easy to work with.

How is Serbia progressing in this regard? How is digitalization progressing?

— It's getting better. I would say that Serbia has the same inherited problems as Europe, but that it also has an advantage in that

it is a combination of East and West. The infrastructure is modern and built with the use of the latest technologies, which is similar to Asia. As for Serbian banking, I have always believed in the idea of online banking. Today, transactions are mostly digitalized, and a big shift in digitalization of credit and deposit products is obvious.

We cannot claim to live in the 21st-century while, at the same time, waiting in queues in front of bank counters. We do not see citizens as "couriers" of the bank.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

People take out loans because they need money, and I think we are here to make people's lives easier, not harder. We talk about humane banking because we create our products and services with a person, a user and their needs in our mind.

The banking system seems to have successfully responded to all the challenges. What are the current trends in the global banking industry?

— General banking is becoming more digital, more so than other sectors. In Europe and the USA, we see banks being replaced by a form of various financial-technological companies (FinTech) which are very narrowly specialized, usually for payment services. However, in classical banking, innovations are banks that integrate with other types of companies. For example, telecommunications companies in India have started to open their banks and thus provide hundreds of millions of their customers with the option of transactional banking. In this way, they introduce services that are beneficial because of the synergy of telecommunications and banking, which is something we also do in Serbia, in close cooperation with Telenor.

How would you assess the regulatory framework for banks in Serbia?

— Governor Tabaković is a great leader and woman who manages to sail the ship that is the Serbian banking system through all storms. All of us in the Bank and the Group admire her for that.

From this perspective, I think that the regulations here have a good purpose and help stabilize the banking sector. For example, the NBS has a new regulation in place which simplifies approval of small loans, worth up to 90,000 dinars, and the only document a person need is a personal statement showing their income. This has a very good repercussion because this kind of loan is low risk, but also in the context of the crisis caused by COVID-19. This is a good demonstration of flexibility in the regulator's procedures.

Generally speaking, the NBS is an instigator of positive changes in Serbia and we welcome their innovations, such as the use of IPS QR code for payment of bills, which we will introduce by the year-end. You see, Mobi was founded as Telenor Bank, a dig-

ital bank, in 2014, which means that the problem was not in regulation, but in the lack of fresh ideas and innovations.

What challenges did Mobi Bank face in Serbia and how did you solve the problems caused by the pandemic?

— The good thing is that we are a completely digital bank, so we had no problems in providing our services. But, in addition to that, we are also an employer. In that sense, we had the same problems like any other company, but we also had one advantage. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the bank's team, our internal processes are digitalized, so it wasn't a big problem for us when our

uation has forced employers to test new approaches, for which they would not have the courage to implement in other circumstances. In the end, we discovered that we had nothing to fear.

Mobi Bank is the first mobile and internet bank in the country. What does the synergy between Mobi Bank and Telenor look like today?

— Mobi Bank and Telenor are a perfect combination, not only as a product package but also as an example of a great partnership.

This is the sixth year of the Bank's business in Serbia and its accelerated growth is a result of better cooperation with Telenor, with which, apart from the same vi-

ONLY TWO MONTHS AGO, THE BANK CELEBRATED ITS 500,000 USERS, AND TODAY OUR FAMILY HAS 50,000 MORE MEMBERS

employees started to work from home. Now. our offices are full to 25% of their capacity, and we recommend that our staff work from home. This change did not affect the productivity of our employees. The experience we have gained in the last few months has given us an insight into the potential of a different way of working in the future and we are now preparing for the revolution of 'office space'.

Employees are always looking for more flexibility, but this sit-

sion, the Bank also shares the same owner – PPF Group – one of the leading European investors in telecommunications and banking. We are now even more closely connected because we are part of the same family. At the same time, we are part of many families in Serbia and for all of them, our motto is - there is no stopping us in realizing the vision of humane and better banking.

There is a lot of synergy between Mobi Bank and Telenor – a huge customer base on Telenor's

side and specific services that can only Mobi Bank provide. There are also some benefits to sharing the cost base. For example, our customers can have the required physical interaction with the Bank in Telenor stores.

What are the bank’s plans for 2021 in terms of innovation? Do you think that the coronavirus might slow down or speed up the development of new ideas?

— Only two months ago, the bank celebrated its 500,000 users, and today our family has 50,000 more members. Partnership with Telenor is key to our growth strategy, but we can also envisage working with other retail companies. In building partnerships, we will provide services and make life easier for end-users. Integrating different types of services at different levels is a global trend, and it could be a good opportunity for us.

Another of our key goals is to offer more of our services to existing customers. We would like to focus on financing and retail transactions. We plan to introduce new ways of simplified transactions related to digital purchasing and financing that will be fast, fully electronic and very transparent. We will not only take care of the payment during the purchase but also the financing of that purchase for the user either through loans or credit cards. That will be our way forward.

23

INTERVIEW

by Tanja Banković

Comprehensive Social Reforms, that are Missing, are Must to Spur Weak Economic Growth in Serbia Due to the smaller decline in GDP, Serbia has a minimal drop of employment rate in this crisis and has managed to preserve macroeconomic stability, which is all really good. However, we missed the opportunity to make even better use of these circumstances nomic downturn in Serbia in 2020 did not result in better fiscal indicators at all.

PAVLE PETROVIĆ President of the Fiscal Council of the Republic of Serbia

n an interview for our first issue in 2021, Pavle Petrović, President of the Fiscal Council, talks about what Serbia needs to have rapid economic growth, the impact of pandemic on GDP and public finances, as well as what could have been done differently when planning the budget for next year.

I

In 2020, despite the pandemic, Serbia has recorded the smallest decline in the gross domestic product among European countries. What do you think of that?

— The final results for 2020 are not yet released, but we currently estimate that the decline in Serbia's GDP could be around 1.5%.

Since the average GDP decline in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe is expected to be around 5%, and in the entire EU around 7.5%, that means that Serbia will have one of the smallest, perhaps the smallest, GDP declines in Europe. The main reason for Serbia's good result is its specific economic structure. The Serbian economy relies much more than others on activities that did not suffer during the crisis (agriculture, food industry), and less on tourism, the automotive industry, and the production of industrial equipment, which were most affected by the crisis. Relying so much on the production of existential products is bad in normal times because it indicates the low development of the domestic economy, but in this situation has proven to be a happy circumstance.

What impact will this have on our economy and public finances?

24

READ THIS ON WEB

AS A RESULT OF A LOWER ECONOMIC DECLINE, BUDGET REVENUES IN SERBIA IN 2020 WERE NOT AS REDUCED AS IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES — Due to the smaller decline in GDP, Serbia has a minimal decline in employment rate in this crisis and has managed to preserve macroeconomic stability, which is all really good. However, we missed the opportunity to make even better use of these circumstances. Also, as a result of a lower economic decline, budget revenues in Serbia in 2020 were not as reduced as in other European countries. We should have utilized that better and end 2020 with a smaller budget deficit.

However, Serbia's deficit will be among the largest in the CEE. The reason for that is the one-off pay-

ment of 100 euro to all adult citizens of Serbia, which was neither socially nor economically justified, and has increased the state deficit by over 600 million euros (1.3% of GDP). No one else in the CEE has implemented such a measure.

Furthermore, in 2020, Serbia helped state-owned companies that encountered problems before the crisis like Air Serbia, and although several European countries, which are also in crisis, are helping their airlines, in Serbia that help is (relatively speaking) much higher. These are some of the reasons why the smaller eco-

What do you think of the recently adopted state budget for 2021?

— The proposed budget has both good and bad elements. The Fiscal Council's main objection is that the Government was not careful enough in planning it. Projections of budget revenues and expenditures are based on the optimistic assumption that GDP growth in 2021 will be 6%, which will be difficult to achieve. In the case of lower economic growth, public revenues will not be collected according to plan, so the deficit could be significantly higher than 3% of GDP as originally planned.

Besides, the government has not reserved funds in the budget for a new economic support package, and such a package may be needed because the epidemic is not over yet and some segments of the economy could experience liquidity problems. If the deficit is significantly higher than planned, and such a risk clearly exists, public debt would exceed 60% of GDP and would continue to grow relatively strongly in 2021 instead of slowing down. For a country like Serbia, such public debt is too high because the interest rates that Serbia pays on borrowing are twice as high as in developed European countries.

What should have been done differently?

— First of all, the government should have not approved a relatively high increase in public sector wages of almost 5%. Civil servant salaries have already been increased by 10% in 2020, and the economic growth, which funds these salaries, will not be nearly as high in 2020 and 2021. Also, the government should not have implemented numerous projects

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

that are not urgent in 2021. For example, the increased spending on the arms for the security sector and the construction of the airport in Trebinje are not projects that are important for the health of the population or effectively stimulate economic growth. Such projects should have been postponed for a better time. It is also a mistake that there are no sufficient budget allocations for the construction of communal infrastructure and environmental protection, which should be a priority because Serbia is one of the most environmentally polluted European countries.

However, the Fiscal Council had significant praise when assessing the 2021 state budget. We have noted its good sides such as a strong increase in investments in the construction of transport infrastructure. This contributes to a faster economic recovery of the country, and there is a need for that because the current condition of the basic infrastructure is very bad. During the 2008 crisis, one of the biggest mistakes made was that public investments were greatly reduced and that mistake has now been avoided.

To what extent did the Covid-19 pandemic affect the liquidity of state-owned enterprises and did it perhaps contribute to new problems emerging?

— The crisis has negatively affected the operations of these companies, but it is not the only or the main cause of their difficulties. The pandemic also exposed a number of structural problems that burdened their business before the current crisis. For example, in late 2019, we said that Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) should increase its investments to around 600 million euro a year in order to meet future demand for electricity and meet at least the minimum environmental standards. Funds for the necessary investments could be provided with a fundamental reform of the company, which, however, is still not implemented. Since there was no progress in the reform plan, a 40-million-euro subsidy was given to EPS from the state budget at the end of 2020.

The government has also decided to support Air Serbia with state funds both in 2020 and 2021.

Although the specific plans and amounts are still not completely known, our analyses have shown that the company will need

around 200 million euro by the end of 2021 and a less than half of these funds can be attributed to the impact of the pandemic.

What do you think are the biggest risks to the stability of public finances in the medium term?

— The biggest risks are unreformed public and state-owned companies and excessive salaries in the public sector. In terms of state-owned companies, their problems need to be solved the moment they appear, and not to be pushed under the carpet until that time when only the state's assistance can save them. The state has now decided to cover part of the liabilities of Air Serbia and EPS, while in recent years, it had

ically justified over the years. The public sector wage bill has been growing significantly faster than rate of economic growth since 2018, and this was especially pronounced during the crisis in 2020 and 2021.

Without a systemic solution that would anchor wage growth in the public sector, there is no guarantee that this practice will not continue in the future. The problem with civil servant salaries is not only that they are too big of a burden for public finances, but also that they are already about 20% higher than in the private sector. This is a huge difference even when corrected in terms of the educational structure of public sector employees.

the outflow of the top quality and most needed staff from the public sector and at the same time, reduce the excessive number of unnecessary workers who would be more productive in the private sector.

Pensions are a good example that the introduction of a good systemic solution is possible. The Swiss formula was again applied to the pension system of Serbia in 2019, which ensured that the annual increase in pensions was in line with clear parameters - the growth of average wages and inflation.

Regulating the salary system in the public sector is a much more professional task than regulating the pension system, but if most other CEE countries could deal with this problem, there is no justification for Serbia not to do the same.

What are the main problems of slow economic growth in Serbia, and can we expedite that growth?

— The Serbian economy is growing between 1.5 and 2 percentage points below its potential, i.e. on average about 3.5% instead of the potential 5 to 5.5%. The main reason for this lies in bad economic and social foundations: weak rule of law and high corruption, low investments and shortcomings in the education system. Pronounced corruption distorts equal market conditions and directs surplus funds created in the economy towards unproductive activities. Legal uncertainty discourages

PRONOUNCED CORRUPTION DISTORTS LEVEL PLAYING FIELD AND DIRECTS ENTREPRENEURS’ SCARE RESOURCES TOWARDS UNPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES, HENCE CURBING ECONOMIC GROWTH to pay the accumulated debts of Srbijagas and Petrohemija. Plus, every year state subsidies are given to the Resavica coal mine.

Since there are still no indications that the failed state-owned companies will be restructured, it will be again their turn to receive state aid in the years to come.

Another risk is excessive wage growth in the public sector. Wage management in Serbia is not systematically regulated, which leaves room for the government to determine increases in civil servant salaries in a discretionary manner, which is not good. The increase in public sector wages is a politically popular measure, so the government has been increasing that expenditure significantly more than it has been econom-

Are there ways to reduce/control unsustainable expenditures when it comes to public sector wages?

— Back in 2018, we gave detailed guidelines for regulating the salary system in the country, following the example European countries. First, a single pay grade system should be created that should include all segments of the public sector, and then the wage indexation should be linked to the growth of productivity. A comprehensive wage system would be based on objective job characteristics rather than political priorities.

This specifically means rewarding the most demanding and complex jobs in the country and reducing generous compensation for less demanding jobs. This would stop

domestic private companies from investing while unsuccessful public enterprises do not have sufficient funds for investing.

Finally, the performance of our education system is below the CEE average, which hampers labour productivity growth and hinders knowledge transfer and the application of new technologies.

Thus, the solution to the problem lies in comprehensive social reforms. Improving the rule of law, curbing corruption, restructuring public enterprises and reforming the education system are key levers for accelerating economic growth and catching up with comparable CEE countries, which have already advanced far in terms of faster economic growth in the previous decade.

25

CORPORATE

We are a Stable Partner to Our Clients Our high capitalization and liquidity, appropriate business model and excellent asset quality, as well as timely reactions to the negative consequences of the pandemic have proved that we are prepared to face the current situation SLAVKO CARIĆ Chairman of Erste Bank’s Executive Board

n an interview for the January issue of D&C magazine, Mr. Slavko Carić, Chairman of Erste Bank’s Executive Board, gives us an overview of the 2020 crisis and talks about challenges that await us in 2021.

He also says that the pandemic has expedited digitalization and e-commerce, and talks about how Erste Bank has been supporting its clients.

I

The crisis has affected the entire world and no one was prepared.

What consequences did the banking sector suffer from if you were to sum up the year 2020?

— We are at the end of 2020 and we can say that our forecasts from the beginning of the pandemic-induced crisis proved to be correct. Although the pandemic has been officially lasting less than a year, a lot has happened in economic terms in the last few months, and it has been empirically confirmed that the banking sector is prepared for crisis scenarios. Liquidity and capital adequacy ratios of banks remain at an enviable level.

Namely, after the 2008 crisis, the banks have been preparing for the potential new crisis, and therefore, they entered the new crisis well-prepared and with a better initial position regarding the active inclusion in the development and implementation of the state support measures.

All the above also applies to Erste Bank which is a systematically significant bank in Serbia, as well as to the Erste Group, as one of the leading financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. Our high capitalization and liquidity, appropriate business model and excellent asset quality, as well as timely reactions to the negative consequences of the pandemic have proved that we are prepared to face the current situation.

Another very important thing

26

READ THIS ON WEB

I AM REALLY PROUD OF ALL MY COLLEAGUES AND VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR DEDICATION, SOLIDARITY AND EFFORT TO SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE MANNER is that we have also proved that our clients can count on us as a stable partner who will provide them adequate support.

It seems that the crisis also has its benefits, as it has accelerated digitalization and e-commerce.

How did Erste Bank organize its business and how did you maintain business and communication with your clients while ensuring that their banking is simple and safe in the current situation?

— I will first focus on the aspect of digitalization, where we already had several key activities in March. We have already underlined the benefits of digital services even more to our clients, bearing in mind that they are a safer choice for their health. Very soon after the declaration of the state of emergency, we enabled the contracting and activation of the respective services without the need to visit the branch. This has

proved to be a good practice, bearing in mind the increase in the client’s activity through online channels, as well as that the number of users of our digital services has increased significantly- by a fifth at the end of the third quarter in comparison to the end of the last year.

On the other hand, we have strengthened our service center capacities, since the clients needed timely support and financial advice in the conditions of financial uncertainty. During the state of emergency, we organized the delivery of new payment cards by mail and adjusted our daily operations in similar ways as we went along.

I am really proud of all my colleagues and very grateful for their dedication, solidarity and effort to support our clients in the best possible manner.

The needs and habits of people have also changed in this sit-

uation, which has affected the economy as well. How did you support the economy during the pandemic?

— Our imperative during the entire period of the pandemic has been and remains the same - the preservation of business and jobs of our corporate clients, along with us, as an important support provider. From the very beginning of the crisis, we have constantly been communicating with them and we have been informed on their situation, whether they have new, different needs, and what challenges they are facing. We have been doing this to provide them adequate support.

In addition to the support under the auspices of the set of state measures, as well as everything included in the regular operation, we have decided to do something more for micro, small and social enterprises. Instead of advertising our own services and products, we have invested the funds

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

intended for that purpose to support domestic companies. During the summer, we created and carried out a TV and online advertising support campaign which lasted a month and a half, and helped the general public find out about the respective companies and what they create.

Owing to the campaign, the visibility of their products and brands has increased, their sales have improved, and they have expanded and preserved their business. I also believe that this has enabled us to initiate and start “spinning” the virtuous circle of solidarity with the economy, which was also our objective. In addition to the active cooperation with the state institutions, the initiatives that we have established with the international financial institutions are highly important to us.

With the EBRD, we launched new credit lines in June for financing a wide range of SME needs. I am also proud that we are the first bank in Serbia with which the European Investment Bank has launched an important recovery program for companies that operate in the sectors that are most affected by the pandemic, such as transport, hotels, service industry, or retail and wholesale.

Moreover, we have recognized the needs of clients at the height of the pandemic and offered digital solutions for e-commerce, as well as the latest services on our market for simple and secure exchange and management of electronic documents, which will enable faster collection and liquidity, as well lower operative costs.

Much has been said about Serbia’s good result in regard to the national GDP this year. What challenges await the banking market and all of us in 2021?

— The Serbian economy did show resilience, which mostly stems from its structure, as well as the high share that the industry of staple goods has in it. The record-breaking agricultural season has contributed as well, considering that agriculture accounts for almost eight percent of GDP, and support to the economy certainly comes from large investments in the public sector infrastructure, high lending growth, and the structure of the package of economic measures.

On the other hand, risks do exist and arise from the labour market, which depends on the state

subsidies, as well as the potential slower recovery in the eurozone, our key trade partner. Our analysts evaluate the risks as balanced at the moment, and they predict a one percent drop this year, or a five percent growth next year, but with increased uncertainty.

Of course, now is not the best moment to give forecasts, bearing in mind the respective uncertainty of the situation and the fact that we do not know how long the pandemic will last. However, the recent announcements regarding vaccines are certainly

— I like to emphasize a fact that is often overlooked, and it is that financial literacy is becoming an increasingly important part of the general literacy of each of us.

And this should be recognized as much as possible in every society. In many countries, it is gradually becoming a part of the educational system, which also proves its relevance.

In the current situation, it was important for many of us to make good financial decisions, since we have been planning and reconsidering finance management

our colleague Dragica Mujković, with the Bank supporting the book. The importance of the book was also recognized by the Ministry of Culture through its inclusion in the list of publications recommended to libraries in Serbia.

The reactions to the programme so far prove that we really are doing the right thing. We are actively working on innovating and expanding the programme, and you will learn more about it next year.

What innovations may be expected from Erste Bank in 2021?

— First and foremost, our focus will remain on providing support to the economy and population in the crisis period, which we all hope will end soon. Moreover, we are working intensively and investing significant funds within the process of digital transformation, with a view to transitioning to the new Bank IT system.

The state-of-the-art IT system will form an excellent basis for the development of even more modern and quality products and services.

However, in addition to innovations regarding even better, more innovative and flexible solutions for both the economy and population, in everything we do, we focus on the aspect that

BEFORE WE OFFER THEM ANYTHING FROM A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, WE ALWAYS FIRST PROPERLY CHECK - WHAT DO THE CLIENTS REALLY NEED encouraging.

Our economy’s recovery directly depends on the situation regarding the virus, the extent to which we will prevent its spread as a society, and whether the economy will have to be closed further. I believe in this important, yet simple correlation - observing the basic measures and wearing masks are really important for our faster economic recovery.

Erste Bank has been implementing a comprehensive financial education programme for over a year and a half. How important is our financial literacy, especially in the current situation? How do you educate clients?

and changed our habits, maybe even more often than usual.

We have also talked directly with the citizens about financial topics through a series of workshops, where we provided advice on important everyday issues, such as personal budget management and money management.

Education should begin at an early age. Special attention should be devoted to children, since the habits they acquire at an early age will help them make informed decisions for themselves and their family once they start earning and managing their money.

Guided precisely by this idea, Creative Centre published the book “Guardians of the Dragon's Treasure”, which was written by

does not concern the digitalization and modernization of products itself. This refers to our advisory approach to clients and the complete experience they have in working with the bank. Hence, before we offer them anything from a wide range of products and services, we always first properly check - what do they really need, what is the best answer to their needs and what exactly do they want to achieve?

We will continue the intensive further development of our advisory approach and improvement of client experience, since our first and foremost goal is to be a partner who helps them make the best possible decisions for themselves and their financial health.

#ERSTEZNALI In order to educate our clients, in March last year, we launched a comprehensive, free financial education programme called #ErsteZnali. The first activity was launching the ErsteZnali.rs online platform, which in one place, offers a carefully designed package of financial knowledge, entertaining texts on financial concepts, knowledge tests and business advice. We are constantly innovating and regularly adding new topics to the platform.

27

CORPORATE

Impact of 4th Industrial Revolution on Building Automation (BMS) Fifteen years of experience in the industry tell me that in near future software and, even more so, specialized technical engineering services will be much more important for achieving market power than hardware

MLADEN VUKANAC General Manager, Sauter Building Control Serbia

CLICK ON ICON 

WEBSITE

LINKEDIN

eriod of excess inertia in BMS field is over and Cloud services will be available for monitoring the operation of buildings and engineering. The BMS industry probably will increasingly look like the Network industry, where is competition for the market, but not in the market. The technical facility of the BMS system will no longer take place in the building itself, but online, i.e., through the platform on Cloud where every element of the system will be visible” said Mladen Vukanac, General Manager, Sauter Building Control Serbia in an article for January issue of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine.

Industry 4.0 is opening new horizons and setting new standards in the field of automation through digitalization - Cloud, IoT, ML and Artificial Intelligence.

I would say that period of excess inertia in BMS field is over and Cloud services will be available for monitoring the operation of buildings and engineering and lead to “carrying a building in your pocket”. How will all this affect BMS companies?

During the early 1980s BMS hardware used closed protocols.

That was a perfect entry barrier for competition and a situation where natural monopoly was possible. In the early 2000s there began appearing movements intent on setting the standard to use “open” communication systems such as the BACnet / IP communication protocol, which eventually became the industry open standard and led to industry-wide compatibility and the development of more competitive markets.

Fifteen years of experience in the industry tell me that in near future software and, even more so, specialized technical engi-

“P

28

READ THIS ON WEB

BMS FIRMS WILL CREATE VALUE THROUGH PLATFORMS WHERE GOOD NETWORK EXTERNALITIES WILL MULTIPLY BMS MAINTENANCE REVENUE AS A MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME neering services will be much more important for achieving market power than hardware. The presence of high technical spillover, weak appropriability regime and decreasing the expected marginal returns of innovative projects could reduce investment in hardware’s innovation. Instead, companies will build better absorption capacity. Multifunctional sensors will be considered as one of the primary hardware products of Industry 4.0. Besides, BMS providers will try to make long-term contracts with software developers to create entry barriers. The role of cybersecurity companies in BMS field will become very important. Building Automation will enter every home due to availability and lower investment costs, which could lead to the emergence of new

companies in the early stages of the 4th Industrial Revolution. A large number of new companies in the market will bring ex-ante information asymmetries and adverse-selection to consumers, so advertising as a signal will be important, as will brand reputation, company size and financial resources.

After that period, there could be a period of consolidation of companies through vertical integration and vertical foreclosure aimed at extending the market power. It is possible that Cloud operators will enter into a partnership with BMS companies or will make an acquisition, in order to obtain know-how. The BMS industry probably will increasingly look like the Network industry, where is competition for the market, but not in the market. The

technical facility of the BMS system will no longer take place in the building itself, but online, i.e., through the platform on Cloud where every element of the system will be visible. BMS firms will create value through platforms where good network externalities will multiply BMS maintenance revenue as a main source of income.

Energy savings and sustainable development will also significantly improve economics thanks to IoT BMS high energy efficiency due to the fast and effortless availability of a large amounts of energy consumption data on IoT building in the Cloud. Besides, predictively solving issues and continual optimization will reduce costs and environmental impact. In general, the BMS market will become more dynamic.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

France

D I P L OM AC Y

&

C OM M E RC E

P R E S E N T S

FOCUS ON

BOOKS AND NOBEL PRIZES

COSTLY WINE

France has more Nobel Prize winners in Literature than any other country, with 15 French individuals winning the prestigious award since 1901.

France produced the most expensive bottle of wine in the world, a 73-year-old bottle of French Burgundy, sold at an auction for$ 558,000.

NO KISSING ON THE PLATFORM CHEESE LOVER The French produce around 1.7 million tons of cheese per year in over 1,600 different varieties.

It is actually illegal to kiss while a train is on the platform. The law was introduced in 1910 to prevent the French from delaying the train departures.

TOUR DE FRANCE The world’s greatest cycle race, with around 198 cyclists racing some 3,200kms for 23 days was first held in 1903 in Paris.

FRANCE

In 2020, the Corona-crisis Didn’t Stop French-Serbian Relationship From Growing

READ THIS ON WEB

A WO R D F R O M

It is a pleasure to introduce this “In Focus” special edition on France. The eve of 2021 is the perfect moment to take a look at what 2020 brought to our French-Serbian bilateral relations irst of all, it seems impossible to speak about 2020 without mentioning the Covid-19 crisis, which was an unexpected blow for us all. If one lesson has to be learnt, it remains the value of multilateralism and international cooperation that France has been advocating for years: to keep people and goods flowing; to compensate,

F

30

SPECIAL EDITION

among EU countries, for the economic impact of the virus in a spirit of solidarity; to find scientific solutions, vaccines, against the epidemic; to make treatments available to all, in particular the poorest...

After a moment of shock when Europe was hit in March, a reflex of solidarity dominated in the EU and from the EU. The EU as well as individual

H.E. JEAN-LOUIS FALCONI Ambassador of France to Serbia

member-states sent medical help as soon as it was technically feasible. The EU alone granted 93M€ in 2020 to Serbia in order to face the short and medium-term consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic. This was a crises response which came in addition to the regular funds that are granted through the Instrument for pre-adhesion assistance, i.e. 200 to 300M€ per year in average.

Solidarity will also remain a key word in 2021: the European Union will continue to remain alongside Serbia to eradicate the SARS-COV-2 virus. Currently, Brussels and the EU-memberstates are working on a solution to ensure that Covid-19 vaccines that arrive

FRANCE

Photo: Predsedništvo Srbije / Dimitrije Goll

on our territory can also be available to the Western Balkans, in addition to the COVAX mechanism at a global level.

French-Serbian political relations remained very active during 2020, despite the lockdown. As an illustration of this goodwill at the political level, even in the midst of the sanitary crisis when borders were closed and flights suspended, let me remind that Serbian authorities and Air Serbia helped us organize several humanitarian flights from Belgrade to Paris. These gestures were unforgettable for those who safely reached their homes in these dire circumstances.

French-Serbian political relations remained at their highest level during all of this year, while both of our head of states were engaged in a fluid dialogue. President Aleksandar Vučić flew to Paris on 10-11 July 2020 in order to hold bilateral consultations with President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the first high level meeting on Kosovo in 18 months, in presence of all of the relevant stakeholders. Both heads of states also spoke several times on the phone since, in sign of solidarity and to comment on current developments on the world stage.

This privileged relationship contributes to a positive bilateral atmosphere.

Despite the worrying epidemiological situation in France and in Serbia, Franck Riester, Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness visited Belgrade on November 26 to sign an intergovernmental agreement on the development of strategic economic projects between our two countries. This document confirmed France’s commitment to financing projects in Serbia in the area of transports and energy in particular and endorsed Serbia’s choice of using French companies to carry out the first phase of the Belgrade metro project, as well as the automatic running of Serbia’s electricity distribution network.

This brings me to our cooperation in the field of economy. Beyond the important milestone which I just mentioned in the area of transports and energy, I am pleased to see that French companies remained committed to

their projects in Serbia in all circumstances. It is for example the case of Suez-Itochu, which is carrying out the Vinča waste management project, as well as Vinci, which is actively working on the modernization of the Nikola Tesla International Airport of Belgrade.

Broadly speaking, French companies are active or interested in developing their activities in Serbia. At this point in time, about 100 French companies are based here, employing about 12 000 workers. This being said, we are not sure yet how deeply the lockdown of the 1st semester impacted our bilateral trade. It was following, in 2019, a very positive trend, with over €1 billion-worth of trade. In the long run, I’m quite sure that the sanitary crisis will not impact this favorable tendency.

As a matter of fact, France should be more visible in Serbia, in the coming years, in the field of economy and sustainable development, thanks to new financing facilities brought upon, inter alia, by the French Agency of Development (AFD) which is based in Belgrade since September 2019 and active in the Western Balkans. AFD is particularly engaged in Serbia on environmental friendly projects, in the field of transport, energy efficiency and renewable. These projects, which we will most certainly promote next year, will pave the way for further EU-integration and compliance with its green agenda.

In the field of culture and cooperation, the pandemics forced us to switch

In 2021, we hope to remain as close as possible to all our friends and partners in Serbia who appreciate French culture, as well as the 100 000 children and adults who learn French

on line and to adapt to the difficult circumstances. Luckily, there was a short window of opportunity in September and October, where various French artistic companies took part in high profile cultural events in Serbia, such as the Belgrade Dance Festival or the Belgrade International Theatre Festival. The French Institute of Serbia is also supporting debates and discussions on topics which are dear to us, such as EU-integration, environment, gender policy, etc. In 2021, we hope to remain as close as possible to all our friends and partners in Serbia who appreciate French culture, as well as the 100 000 children and adults who learn French. Among many other things: in March, stay tuned for the “Month of Francophonie”; we will also support and accompany Novi Sad a European capital of Culture 2021. French films will be casted all year long in cultural centres across the country and we will continue to ensure a French artistic presence in most major festivals of Serbia, provided this is compatible with the sanitary measures in place.

I’ll finish by reminding that France cannot be separated from the European Union and, in this regard, my country highly supports the EU-integration of Serbia, including through project-financing, short and long term expertise. Many observers noted that the EU-integration of the country was currently not speedy enough. I would like, for my part, to insist on the fact that this is not a fatality – when there is a will, on both sides, there is a way. A new government is in office since the end of October and has expressed the will to speed up the reforms that were agreed upon, including in the sphere of rule of law, which is crucial for further integration. I have a personal experience of EU enlargement policies, saw its ups and downs. I firmly believe that 2021, with the implementation of the new methodology of the accession process and the commitment on both sides at the highest level, will bring further progress in the integration process of Serbia to the European Union, in line with European standards and values.

A fluid dialogue between France and Serbia French-Serbian political relations remained at their highest level during all of this year, while both of our head of states were engaged in a fluid dialogue.

President Aleksandar Vučić flew to Paris on 10-11 July 2020 in order to hold

32

SPECIAL EDITION

bilateral consultations with President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the first high level meeting on Kosovo in 18 months, in presence of all of the relevant stakeholders.

How an Ordinary Farmer’s Son Became Louis Vuitton

CLICK ON ICON 

Three secrets of success you can still apply today from the world's most valuable luxury brand COM M E N T

TONY LUX CEO of Tony Lux, Marketing Luxury Goods the French Way

READ THIS ON WEB

ouis Vuitton. It’s the brand with the Midas touch. $15 billion of revenue generated just last year. 30% of profits margin. And ranked 9th according to Forbes’ annual list of the World’s Most Valuable Brands - still winning during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Maybe this true story can teach us a few things about marketing success?

It may indeed contain proven knowledge that business men have been searching for since time began. And it all started in 1821. That year, in France, the young Louis was born an ordinary man. He grew up in a small village in eastern France. His dad was a farmer. Nothing yet would lead us to think that he would become so successful…

At the age of 13, shortly after his mother died, he made a decision which would change his life. He decided to move to Paris... by feet! He wanted like most people to be respected, successful, admired. But the young Louis was penniless. It took him two years and

L

countless temporary jobs to reach Paris. A few decades later on, the rest became history.

In my opinion, here are 3 factors which massively contributed to his success story: Turn your product into a symbol of status for the consumer. The French philosopher Pascal used to call this the libido dominandi. Wearing a Louis Vuitton purse is a way to dominate others. The more expensive it is, the harder it is to get, the higher the perceived domination will be. This was reinforced by their lifetime guarantee: You will never need another purse once you own a Louis Vuitton.

Why it still works today: This prestige effect is universal. It’s the same reason why some consumers choose to buy premium brands rather than colourless, flat, ordinary products. Starbucks is a good example of how even a mass market product can be branded using this technique. “My friends and I are always sitting in strategic plac-

A key moment of Louis' career was when he was asked to make a special order for a celebrity. This special buyer was Napoleon III’s wife

es, where we could be seen by others wearing our Starbucks cup” was quoted in a recent study done on millennials.

Price is a valuable position, so do not cheapen it. In others words, do not worry about the price, worry about the value of your brand instead. You can not really compete on price anyway because another competitor will always be able to charge less. Louis Vuitton handbags are waterproof and fireproof. This is part of why they are so expensive.

Why it still works today: Affluent buyers are willing to spend more if it means getting a proven, higher quality product. Today Rolls Royce deliver less cars but achieve more. Why? Because they offer tailor-made orders.

Turn ambassadors into promoters of your brand, for free. A key moment of Louis' career was when he was asked to make a special order for a celebrity. This special buyer was Napoleon III’s wife. It enabled him to attract elite and royal clientele.

Why it still works today: Oprah has been endorsing books in her latest club book. “East of Eden” is a novel from 1952 that used to sell 52 000 copies a year. After her recommendation, the book sold 1 million copies, just in the first week. From 50,000 to 1 million copies. That is the power of PR from a third, trusted party.

This article is written by the Parisian owner of the marketing agency Tony Lux, original inventor of Marketing Luxury Goods the French Way. Tony is teaching marketing secrets from brands like Dior, Chanel or Louis Vuitton… And how to make them work for your specific business, even if you are not in the fashion, food or luxury industry… For more information visit: www.tonylux.com

SPECIAL EDITION

33

FRANCE

It is Important to Save Both People and Businesses This crisis will pass. It is important to show that we are human, to take care of each other, to save businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and to keep everyone calm and level-headed READ THIS ON WEB

I N T E RV I E W

n his interview for the January issue of 'France in Focus', Dragoljub Damljanovic, President of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFS), points out that in the second half of the year, there was a noticeable growth of business activities in most sectors, and the economy began to gradually recover. In terms of next year, he says that the recovery of the Serbian economy will depend on the recovery of the economy in the European Union and foreign demand, which cannot be influenced by own economic policy instruments.

I

What results have your members achieved in the business year 2020? — Our members have faced a very difficult situation. As in many sectors, business activity was reduced to a minimum and it was difficult to maintain the business at all and not lay off employees. Fortunately, in the second half of the year, there was a noticeable growth of business activities in most sectors, and the economy began to gradually recover. On the other hand, some companies will need

34

SPECIAL EDITION

more time to make up for a lost time, because they could not start activities in the second half of this year, and it is questionable whether they will be able to do so before summer 2021, especially in the sectors of like culture, industry, catering, hotel, etc.

So far, the situation was such that companies with localized production have had a better chance than those with a globalized supply chain, but the vast majority of businesses have recorded significant changes in demand and business models themselves will continue to change more or less, with very few companies being in the nochange zone. However, and this something that we, in the Chamber, are constantly highlighting, the most important thing is that the business community makes an effort to help small and medium-sized enterprises, that large systems meet their payment deadlines, and banks offer more flexible terms and help with cash flow.

This crisis will pass. It is important to show that we are human, to take care of each other, to save businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and to keep everyone calm and level-headed.

DRAGOLJUB DAMLJANOVIĆ President of the FrenchSerbian Chamber of Commerce

The bright spot of the year 2020 is that the current largescale projects have been barely affected by the crisis

How would you assess the current measures devised by the Serbian government to help the economy? What is their general reach, and how have they affected your members? — I think that the measures to support the economy are satisfactory, but that their technical implementation and documents on how they should be applied were lacking. What is also lacking is greater flexibility in the Labour Law which should allow employees to work part-time or to be temporarily unemployed for a longer period without fear of being fired, thus increasing the percentage of job retention. Serbia faces both economic challenges and unresolved health problems, and it will take time for all of them to be regulated. However, we must take into account that the recovery of the Serbian economy will depend on the recovery of the economy in the European Union and foreign demand, which cannot be influenced by own economic policy instruments.

How did COVID affect the current and planned large-scale French investments in Serbia?

— The bright spot of the year 2020 is that the current large-scale projects have been barely affected by the crisis. The project to rehabilitate the landfill in Vinča and the construction of a new storage centre and incineration unit that will generate power and heat, which the Suez-Itochu consortium is working on as part of a public-private partnership, are running smoothly, while Belgrade Airport has started investing and infrastructure works. The decline in air traffic is drastic and will certainly affect the business of Vinci Airports, which is difficult to quantify for now. Financing of the smart grid project with EPS, which will enable significant savings in the power grid in Serbia, has been secured and it is expected to be launched. There is also the launch of the Belgrade subway project. France might finance the system part of the project, because the agreement between the two governments that stipulates funding from French sources for both projects was signed on November 26th this year.

What are the next important steps that the government could take? As a chamber of commerce, are you involved in consultations on these new measures?

— With the help of the above-mentioned particularly vulnerable sectors, we believe that the Government should also consider special incentives for export-oriented domestic producers, especially small and medium-sized domestic companies that have export potential and still do not export. They need assistance in finding clients, first in the region and then beyond, through subsidies for market research or employment of persons who would carry out that in companies that do not have an export sector yet. Now is the time to help small and medium-sized enterprises.

Also, the EU has prepared a serious programme of incentives to support economic growth, mostly focused on the environment, green economy and digitalization. The Serbian government should devise a plan on how to attract as much of that money as possible to jump-start these parts of the economy.

Bilateral chambers were not included in the consultations and we are sorry about that. At the very beginning of the pandemic, following the initiative of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, twelve bilateral chambers sent a letter to Minis-

ter Mali with proposals for aid measures for small and medium-sized enterprises. We are glad to see that most of those measures were implemented. We believe that bilateral chambers, along with a vision from their home countries, have unique expertise that could be of great use for establishing a dialogue with all economic actors and applying best practices.

It is believed that COVID-19, in addition to causing a big shock in the economy, will bring about a big jump in innovation. How ready is the Serbian economy for the post-COVID period?

— This situation certainly opens the way for various research and development programmes primarily in the field of digitalization, but also in other sectors. Serbia has all the necessary conditions, experts, good universities and places for research. I believe that the number of such places will only increase. This is evidenced by the opening of science and technology parks and implementing digital education. All this leads to Serbia becoming a country recognized for creating new technologies. Some of the government's measures that are applicable to the said sectors include reducing the rate of profit tax generated from the income coming from intellectual property that is developed or mostly developed in Serbia from 15 to 3 per cent. This measure is certainly one of the reasons why development companies are moving their development centres to Serbia.

Is it fair to say that the interest of

French investors in Serbia has been renewed and to what extent?

— The interest has grown in the last two years, but 2020 saw a pause in that sense too. We started receiving inquiries again only late this year, primarily owing to the incentive measures of the French government for export companies whose market research is co-financed by the French state. Also, inquiries regarding production in Serbia have been arriving gradually. Some of these inquiries give us the necessary dose of optimism with which we will start in 2021 because there is a possibility that we will welcome new, largescale French investments.

The year 2021 will start with a series of online events which we will try to make as interesting as possible because we are aware of how everyone is sick and tired of staring at screens

What will be the Chamber's key activities in 2021?

— The year 2021 will start with a series of online events which we will try to make as interesting as possible because we are aware of how everyone is sick and tired of staring at screens.

It is still difficult to plan some of our "standard" activities, but we are optimistic and believe that in 2021, we will manage to organize our 10 gala evenings, the French Week and Beaujolais Nouveau, our Event Booster fairs, Bonjour France, etc.

A regional conference on public-private partnerships, a visit to the MEDEF (the Movement of the Enterprises of France), as well as, for the first time, a large food event, which will surely be the talk of the town next year, have already been included in our programme. Also, we are ready to answer to all inquiries of new French companies, which, we hope, will grow.

SPECIAL EDITION

35

FRANCE

We are Entering 2021 With a Lot of Optimism I am proud of the countless CSR initiatives of our members who selflessly helped health care institutions and all vulnerable categories in Serbia, their care for others, solidarity and resilience

READ THIS ON WEB

I N T E RV I E W

nder the slogan "How can we help you?", during the pandemic, we have invested effort into organizing as many useful online conferences, webinars and club meetings as possible in order to overcome the new situation as easily as possible through joint campaigns, initiatives and solutions.

U

What does 2020 look like from your perspective and what expectations do you have for 2021?

— The year 2020 was particularly difficult in many respects - for our member companies, that have been facing unexpected and difficult challenges, and for the Chamber that lived through their challenges and tried to provide them with maximum support. We also had our own challenges that, in addition to the impossibility one part of our core business that is event organization functioning properly, were additionally complicated by the human resources challenges in the Chamber.

As of this year, and that is good news, we are coming out stronger with two more babies in the Chamber, and with

36

SPECIAL EDITION

SANJA IVANIĆ Director General of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

We had quite operational dialogues between members, the Customs Administration and the Tax Administration

the awareness that we are a fantastic team in crisis.

What are the Chamber’s most important successes in terms of supporting its members?

— I am especially satisfied with the speed of our reactions in a crisis. On the very first day of the state of emergency, after consulting our members from the ranks of small and medium-sized enterprises, we wrote to Minister Mali with a request for assistance measures for SMEs. Twelve other bilateral associations in Serbia joined our campaign of sending a request to the Minister of Finance in a short period, because they recognized the importance of that initiative.

Thanks to the fact that our chamber is a part of the large network of French chambers of commerce abroad, we have managed to organize regional webinars on the topic of agriculture, transport and logistics and energy, with French chambers of commerce in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Owing to these webinars, the chamber members could see how companies in the region were

dealing with the pandemic, compare experiences and hear the opinions of experts and representatives of institutions. Members must know that we are always there for them.

To what extent have the measures implemented so far benefited small and medium-sized enterprises, i.e. your members?

— Even before the implementation of the state of emergency in Serbia, we realized that the global health crisis will affect the business of our members and partners in Serbia. Therefore, we reacted very quickly and took certain actions like send requests to the Government and ministries to take into account the difficulties faced by companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs make up a large percentage of our members, they are the backbone of the Serbian economy and we need to fight for the support for these companies and help them overcome this difficult period.

I think that the measures to support businesses are satisfactory, but that, especially early on, their technical implementation was not clear enough.

We also need greater flexibility in the Labour Law, i.e. the possibility for employees to work part-time or to be temporarily unemployed for a longer period, without being fired, because that would increase the percentage of job preservation. Generally speaking, except for companies operating in particularly vulnerable sectors, such as our members from the hotel industry or event management, the Chamber members are still holding up well. We hope it stays that way.

How much did the know-up and exchange of experiences with your colleagues in other chambers help you with offering your members quality content in digital format?

— For several years now, digitalization has been a priority for French chambers of commerce abroad. The global platform that connects members was launched 2 years ago and an increasing number of members use it for contacts with companies worldwide. I am especially proud of the cooperation we have with colleagues from 6 other Central and Eastern European countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Croatia), with whom we set up a sort of crisis headquarters back in March, which meets every two weeks to exchange experiences and information. This initiative helps us to overcome this crisis year more easily, but also to lay the foundation for future business, because together we organized a large number of sectoral webinars for French companies to motivate them for nearshoring and choosing Eastern Europe as the best destination.

On the other hand, with colleagues from the German and Italian chambers, we continued the traditional organization of joint events, but we just broadcast them online. We had quite operational dialogues between members, the Customs Administration and the Tax Administration. These are institutions that hesitated a bit when we proposed this new way of functioning, but the results were such that we will continue to organize such events in this format. In 2021, we have more ideas for joint initiatives as our trio works great because our members share similar interests.

What questions do your members most often ask you today? What has changed since the start of the pandemic?

Except for companies operating in particularly vulnerable sectors, such as our members from the hotel industry or event management, the Chamber members are still holding up well

— During the strongest wave of the Covid-19 virus, at the end of March and during April, our members contacted us with various inquiries, most of which were related to imports and exports, border blockades, difficult customs procedures at the EU entrance and obtaining permits for their workers during the curfew. Fortunately, these difficulties are no more, so the inquiries are mainly related to the resumption

We plan to continue with hold webinars in the early 2021, considering that people are bit jaded when it comes to online events, hence we are going to try to make these events as attractive and useful as possible. And as soon as sanitary inspectors allow it, we are starting with our live events because we are craving socializing. We are going to start preparing for our Gala evening, the arrival of Beaujolais Nou-

of activities, opportunities to export to France and the EU, providing information regarding legislation regarding remote work, networking, as well as our plans for 2021. Business meetings and networking are also an important part of our activities and members contact us with initiatives for joint organization of webinars and workshops in the areas in which they specialize. I would say that all of us, both our members and we, in the Chamber, are in a combat regime and that we are actively working on the recovery of companies and the economy.

veau, our Event Booster fairs, Bonjour France, and certain novelties like a big food event.

On the other hand, one of our priorities is presenting Serbia and its economic potentials to French companies, which we have been successfully implementing through conferences and B2B meetings. We are planning to hold several conferences next year, including a regional one in Belgrade, on public-private partnerships. We hope that next year we will be able to continue our activities in France, especially organizing B2B meetings with companies. In the meantime, online activities will continue, as early as January 26. We are participating in the e-Business Booster Forum Europe, where we are animating the workshop called “Serbia, a new industrial hub in the heart of Europe”, and participating in B2B meetings.

What are the Chamber’s plans for 2021?

— 2019 was a great year for us. I believe that 2020 was just a short break, and that in 2021, all started projects will continue, and many more will be launched too.

SPECIAL EDITION

37

FRANCE

READ THIS ON WEB

Almost Two Decades at the Leadership Position The company stands as one of the largest French investments in Serbia

chneider Electric has more than 18 years of successful operation in the Serbian market. Together with its Development Center, which gathers energy and computer engineering experts developing the ADMS software, the most advanced solution for energy system management, leads the

S

38

SPECIAL EDITION

digital transformation of energy management and automation in homes, facilities, data centers, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

We talked with Ksenija Karić, Schneider Electric Serbia and Montenegro General Manager, about the company’s position in the local market, products and future plans.

C O R P O R AT E

KSENIJA KARIĆ General Manager of Schneider Electric in Serbia and Montenegro

Industrial software undergoes transformation that will change rules of the game, and Schneider Electric is one of the pioneers of that transformation

Schneider Electric is one of the most successful French companies in the country, which, despite challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, has additionally strengthened its positions. What are the foundations of your strategy?

— The current circumstances have forced companies to reconsider their business operations, and the pandemic has shown that those with a business model based on new technologies and innovation quickly adapted to the new situation and remained competitive.

Schneider Electric develops sophisticated technologies and solutions for energy management and processes in a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable manner, setting high quality standards, which we constantly upgrade. We work continuously on developing new solutions, because prompt reactions to market needs and projections of its needs are a key feature of the companies such as ours that have been operating for a long time and have many decades of tradition.

Industrial software undergoes transformation that will change rules of the game, and Schneider Electric is one of the pioneers of that transfor-

mation. Our solutions enable clients to operate better thanks to the predictive maintenance. It means that a client, based on an analysis of various parameters and data on business operations, receives information about the system status and thus projects potential delays. These solutions provide correct diagnostics, enabling preventive actions and also serving for business performance optimisation, brining huge cost-saving. In a word, Schneider Electric’s strategy is based on strengthening local competitiveness and industrial software solutions, helping clients to attain industry of the future.

City leaders around the globe have been seeking technology-enabled smart city solutions. For existing cities, going ‘smart’ can be difficult.

What is your response to that?

— Climate change cannot be solved without transforming cities and buildings, because they account for 70% of worldwide emissions. As defined by the Paris Agreement, all buildings must be net zero-carbon by 2050, and this process will be based on several critical patterns - buildings must become ultra-efficient, fully electric and systems will have to be ready to rely on renewable generation and work with flexible residential-owned energy sources, connected to modern and digitalized grids, to increase overall system resiliency.

Additionally, the combination of efficient, fully electric and digitalised distribution networks, distributed generation, energy storage and electric mo-

bility will help smooth and control energy demand, and full digitalisation of power grids will enhance cities’ overall resilience through automation and real-time information.

For example, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, utilizing Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure throughout the facility created total digital connectivity and continuous 24/7 control. In its first 12 months in operation, the facility saved 18% on their energy costs, representing the model in sustainability we should follow.

The ADMS software, developed and upgraded in the company’s Development Center in Serbia, is perceived as the most advanced solution for power grid management in the world. It largely affects Schneider Electric’s position in the local market.

— Schneider Electric Development Center is engaged in research, development and engineering of software in the area of power distribution system management. This center, unique in the world, gathers over 900 experts in power and computer engineering and has a long-term collaboration with universities, power utilities, manufacturers and IT integrators worldwide.

Its main product is ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System) software, the most advanced solution in the world for managing power distribution systems, as confirmed by US consultancy GARTNER as well, which has rewarded it as the best global software product seven times in a row. The software performs diverse analytical functions for calculating and optimising opera-

tions of power distribution companies and provides tools for efficient monitoring, design and optimisation of distribution systems. It significantly reduces operation costs, while increasing safety and sustainability of power systems. It is in operation in over 80 companies and around 170 Dispatching Control Centers worldwide, supplying a total of 400 million customers.

Schneider Electric’s strategy is based on strengthening local competitiveness and industrial software solutions, helping clients to attain industry of the future

Does the recent relocation of the company confirm its ambitious plans?

— Absolutely. Both ambitious and longterm ones. Schneider Electric and the Belgrade office of the Development Center are now under the same roof, at one of the most sophisticated locations in the capital - GTC Green Heart.

We implemented our solutions in the area of power distribution and Building Management System in the building, connecting various systems such as power distribution racks, access control, heating, air-conditioning, lighting, etc., into a unique, automated real-time monitoring and management system, accessible via an app when we are out of office as well. Such automated system contributed to the improvement of operation and energy efficiency, with significant overall cost reduction.

We have created a modern concept of work – ‘Workplace of the future’, and provided our employees with a convenient working environment and the most optimal working conditions, upon the highest global standards. We will strive to keep the leadership position we have held for almost two decades, while setting standards and delivering highest-quality products and services.

SPECIAL EDITION

39

FRANCE

France has Invested 1.2 Billion Euro in Serbia

In 2020, the total trade between the two countries amounted to 902 million euro; Serbia mostly exported frozen raspberries to France, and imported medication for retail sale

C O O P E R AT I O N

rading between Serbia and France has grown significantly in recent years. The total value of the trade in 2019 amounted to 1.2 billion euro, which is 11 per cent more than the year before. In 2019, Serbia exported 469.8 million euro worth of goods to France, and thus recorded an increase of 5 per cent compared to 2018, while the value of the goods imported from France amounted to 700.4 million euro. In 2019, according to the data collated by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia, 4,714 companies in Serbia did business with France.

T

CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The coronavirus pandemic affected all segments of society, and thus

40

SPECIAL EDITION

France occupies the 5th place among the countries with the largest net investments of non-residents in Serbia

the trade between Serbia and France, which in the first ten months of 2020, was lower by 8% compared to the same period in 2019. In the mentioned period, the value of the total trade stood at 902 million euro. Out of that, the total export in goods amounted to 385.9 million euro, while Serbia imported 516.1 million euro worth of goods from France.

During 2020, Serbia exported mostly frozen raspberries to France, followed by pneumatic tires for automobiles and motorcycles; propylene; DC motors with a power of up to 750W, and those with a power of up to 37.5W; paper, cardboard bags and sacks; upholstered seats with wooden skeletons; medicines for retail and plastic pipes and hoses.

In terms of imports, Serbia imported mostly medicines for retail sale from France, including those containing insulin; parts of liquid pumps, skin & body care and makeup products, followed by cars like used diesel-powered cars of up to 2,500 cubic metres of engine power, as well as new petrol-powered cars (up to 1,500 cubic metres).

THERE ARE 310 COMPANIES WITH MAJORITY FRENCH CAPITAL IN SERBIA

France occupies the 5th place among the countries with the largest net investments of non-residents in Serbia.

According to the data collated by the National Bank of Serbia, France made 1.2 billion euro worth of investments

in Serbia in the last ten years. Also, 310 companies with majority French capital operate in Serbia.

The two most important projects implemented by Serbia and France together are the Nikola Tesla Airport-Vinci Airports, as well as the Public-Private Partnership Agreement stipulating the construction of a municipal waste processing plant and regulation of the VinÄ?a landfill. The contract relating to the first project was signed in 2018, and is valid for 25 years. During the concession period, the contract stipulates the payment of an annual concession fee in the amount of EUR 220 million over 25 years, and the concessionaires have committed to invest EUR 732 million in the airport. The contract relating to the second project was signed in 2017, is also valid for 25 years, and stipulates investments worth 300 million euro.

So far, France and Serbia have signed six agreements, which cover economic cooperation between the two countries.

The potential for an even better cooperation between France and Serbia lies in the food and textile industries (both through the export of finished products and in production cooperatives and finishing work), as well as in the IT industry and the new technologies sector. Many French companies have also expressed interest in projects related to thermal power plants, the construction of mini-hydropower plants, as well as in investing in solar power plants and other renewable energy sources.

by MINA VUČIĆ

The Calm Before the Storm Unemployment reaching sky-high figures, as Covid-19 has no mercy

rance was always one of the leading European economies in the 21st century.

The country has a greatest value is in its exports of goods and services, showing significant rises in the past decade in manufacturing operations, food & beverage, machinery and equipment as well as chemicals.

Unfortunately, the nation is facing a major challenge of recession due to the consequences of the Corona pandemic. The whole production capability of the country slowed down as a result of the decreased global demand.

Furthermore, the manufacturing, constructions, and other industries in the country have temporarily shut down their industrial operations.

After a first country-wide lockdown in the spring of last year, France entered yet another closure this autumn due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, such restrictions had ground the entire economy to halt and led GDP to decrease by 5.9%. France has closed bars, cancelled trade fairs and imposed more rules on restaurants. The hospitality industry – already bruised by the lockdown earlier this year – is now facing new hurdles as they once again have to close doors to the public, with warnings that up to 15 percent of businesses in the sector could disappear by the end of 2020.

President Emmanuel Macron stated, “There is no such thing as a prosperous economy in a poor health situation, with a virus actively circulating.

I am telling you very clearly, no health care system can hold up if there is no strong economy to fund it. The economy must neither stop nor collapse. I therefore invite you, to the extent of each person’s possibilities, to participate in this effort by working, by sup-

F

porting companies which, near you, have innovated through remote orders, take out, or home delivery.”

Key companies operating in France whose business operations are significantly affected due to COVID-19 include AXA Group, Air France-KLM Group, Auchan Retail, Christian Dior SE, ENGIE Group, Total SA, Saint-Gobain S. A., Schneider Electric SE, Sanofi SA. The European Commission announced the approval of the France's plan to guarantee up to $350 billion in state aid to ease the economic burden due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, this investment for the support of the country's economy further provide the companies to overcome the economic effect of coronavirus. The nation’s challenge will be finding solutions that work not only for big firms but the more than 580,000 smaller businesses that have received loans.

Job losses are unfortunately accelerating. More than 35,000 lay-offs have been announced since the start of September, according to Trendeo, a Paris-based consultancy, while government figures show that average weekly lay-offs are some 80 per cent higher since September than from March to the end of August.

The crisis has thrown France into a serious period of unemployment.

Short-work and partial unemployment have allowed the country to stay afloat, but the numbers remain alarmingly high and new solutions need to be found. The government also expects unemployment to jump even further next year, as the jobless rate reached 9.7% this year, drifting away from French President Emmanuel Macron’s target of a 7% unemployment rate in 2022. It compares with an 8.1% unemployment rate in 2019.

READ THIS ON WEB

ECONOM Y

There is no such thing as a prosperous economy in a poor health situation, with a virus actively circulating

INSEE said that marked the single biggest quarterly increase on record going back to 1975, but it was largely because the rate had been skewed in the previous two quarters because people were not able to look for work due to a mid-March to mid-May coronavirus lockdown. The International Labor Organization doesn’t define being unemployed as “not working” but being available to work and actively seeking for a job - which was virtually impossible in many industries during lockdown.

There are certain measures France introduced to fight the growing unemployment. Long before the pandemic Macron undertook significant labor reforms which became known as the Macron Laws. The main advantage of these laws is the increase in flexibility and the quicker reaction time when it comes to tackling different kinds of challenges within companies and their employment. During the pandemic the laws increased, including giving their workers one week of annual leave during the crisis, encouraging labor lending as a way to avoid contract termination and strengthening social democracy.

SPECIAL EDITION

41

FRANCE

Activities of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce in 2020 With the aim of promoting the French-Serbian economic exchange and enable communication between member companies, CCIFS annually organizes close to forty different events

READ THIS ON WEB

AC T I V I T I E S

he leading French-Serbian business network, the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, is an institution that brings together French companies in Serbia as well as Serbian and other international companies that have trade relations with France or with French companies. The Chamber is also a reliable partner to all companies from France that want to obtain information or start a business in Serbia.

their business with their experience, contacts and ideas. Also, the winner acquires the right to membership in the Chamber which will provide higher visibility for the company and more business contacts.

T

„SKILLS OF THE FUTURE" PANEL DISCUSSION

STARTUP ACCELERATOR

For the third consecutive year, the Startup Accelerator competition was successfully realized. This is a programme that envisages free mentoring support for startups and companies founded no more than a year ago.

The winner was the startup company, White Lemur and its project SOMA, which deals with the production of biodegradable material from agricultural waste to replace polystyrene in industry. The winner will receive the support of the Chamber's Board of Directors, who will help this startup with

42

SPECIAL EDITION

The Chamber is a reliable partner to all companies from France that want to obtain information or start a business in Serbia

In cooperation with the Centre for Career Development of the University of Belgrade, a panel discussion for students titled "Skills of the Future" was held in the Ceremonial Hall of the University's Rectorate. Last year, CCIFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Belgrade and accordingly initiated a panel discussion for students, where panellists discussed ongoing topics related to employment, skills and abilities that facilitate youth employment, as well as global connectivity and the impact of new technologies on jobs in the future.

Rector of the University of Belgrade, Ivanka Popović, gave a welcome address and officially opened the event.

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

In early 2020, CCIFS organized a workshop on the French anti-corruption law, Sapin II, as well as a series of online training sessions under the auspices of the Training Centre. Faced with the new situation caused by the coronavirus, the event's format was changed and for the first time in 2020, CCIFS organized a series of webinars for its members. In cooperation with colleagues from 6 French chambers in the region, we held regional webinars too. Weekly newsletters were sent containing the most important general and economic information which a parallel between France and Serbia. Online meetings of CCIF's clubs (Transport and Logistics, Infrastructure and Construction, CFO, HR, Digital and CSR) continued unhindered, at which the Chamber's members exchanged experiences.

THE LAUNCH OF THE "HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?" CAMPAIGN

In the context of the ongoing crisis, CCIFS has launched the „How we can help you?“ campaign. During the

dividuals and companies become part of our business community and have access to a network of contacts, as well as numerous events that we organize.

state of emergency and after, the entire CCIFS team was available to the Chamber members at all times, intending to provide them with the best possible assistance and support during the crisis. CCIFS was the initiator a public request sent to the Minister of Economy, Siniša Mali, asking for the implementation of additional measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative was supported by 12 bilateral foreign chambers of commerce and organizations in Serbia. At the same time, and in agreement with member companies from the construction sector, CCIFS sent a letter to the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure with proposals to facilitate doing business amidst by COVID-19 pandemic. Also, a survey was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the operational and financial activities of the Chamber members in the Serbian market.

'HOSPITALS READY FOR THE FUTURE' PANEL DISCUSSION

On October 22, a panel discussion was held on the topic "Hospitals Ready for the Future", which aim was to present the expertise of French and local companies in the sector of building new and reconstructing old hospitals through the implementation of the most technologically advanced projects. Special focus was on energy ef-

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce has been continuously working to provide support to French companies that want to develop business activities in Serbia. We help companies from France in examining the market potential, finding clients and partners, opening a branch and expansion into the Serbian market in general. CCIFS is ranked in the third-highest category in the network of French chambers of commerce abroad because it provides a complete service to French companies interested in doing business on the Serbian market - from providing initial information about the market to opening and assisting in running a company. The Chamber has been operational for 8 years and since 2019, it has been an official partner of Business France, the state French export promotion agency.

As part of support to startups, we opened the LeBooster Business Centre in our premises in Belgrade that has offices, office spaces in the co-working space, virtual offices and conference rooms in a unique French touch environment. Companies can register their headquarters at our address, or rent a desk for a certain period with our Chamber providing the entire logistics, business and networking offer. By operating from our LeBooster Centre, in-

'WATER SECTOR SMART SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT' PANEL DISCUSSION

'Water Sector and Digitalization: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development' was the topic of a panel discussion held on December 22, 2020. The panel was held on the Zoom platform, and the participants included representatives of numerous municipalities from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. During the conference, state-of-the-art water management solutions were presented that enable sustainable community development

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FRENCH COMPANIES

LEBOOSTER – CCIFS BUSINESS CENTRE

institutions. Measures relating to taxpayers were presented, listing all possible channels for communication and access to information, as well as novelties regarding the protocol on cooperation with the Treasury. The Tax Administration also gave clarifications regarding the application of the Law on Corporate Income Tax and the Law on Personal Income Tax.

THE FRENCH WEEK

The CCIFS’ main role is to ensure that its members have access to the network of companies, exchange experiences and know-how

ficiency, digitalization and construction of new COVID hospitals and centres. The conference was attended by State Secretary from the Ministry of Health of Serbia, Mirsad Đerlek, representatives of exhibiting companies, the Chamber members, representatives of clinical and health centres of Serbia, directors of general and specialized hospitals, etc.

'DIALOGUE WITH THE TAX ADMINISTRATION' ONLINE CONFERENCE

On October 23, 2020, an online conference called "Dialogue with the Tax Administration" was held following a joint initiative of CCIFS, CCIS and AHK, with the view of continuing the dialogue between companies and state

This is one of the most important events, which promotes French products, expertise and culture, through a series of events that take place in several locations in the capital and other towns. The goal of the French Week is to promote historical, cultural and business ties between France and Serbia, while the period when it is held corresponds to a widely popular custom in France - the welcoming of the young French wine Beaujolais Nouveau. The French Week is known for its diverse and rich content and provides guests with the opportunity to participate in traditional events - to learn some of the secrets of French cuisine, taste good wine during the ceremony of welcoming Beaujolais Nouveau, and taste famous French cheeses and other delicious delicacies. This year's events were organized exclusively online, including the Online Job Fair, Skills Lab - an event for students, and webinars of member companies.

Also, an exclusive online meeting was organized with the director of CCIFS, Sanja Ivanić, and the head of the economic department of the French embassy, Fabrice Blazquez, for representatives of French companies interested in exporting to and opening companies in Serbia.

SPECIAL EDITION

43

FRANCE

by MINA VUČIĆ

READ THIS ON WEB

C U LT U R E

The Vanished Smile Mona Lisa's smile doesn't change, but your mindset does

er tricky smile and timeless allure have inspired academic study and artistic emulation for more than five centuries. The Mona Lisa-world’s most famous yet surely mystical painting has become France’s most valuable cultural heritage, but the story of Leonardo da Vinci's perplexing portrait is even richer than it looks.

Mona Lisa, also called Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, was painted sometime between 1503 and 1519, when Leonardo

H

44

SPECIAL EDITION

was living in Florence, and it now hangs in the Louvre Museum, Paris, where it remained an object of pilgrimage in the 21st century. The sitter’s mysterious smile and her unproven identity have made the painting a source of ongoing investigation and absolute fascination. The name Mona Lisa, or Monna Lisa, as the Italians prefer to spell it, roughly translates to "My Lady Lisa."

Leonardo da Vinci never completed the portrait though—when he died in 1519, it was one of many unfinished works left to his assistant.

The sensuous curves of Mona Lisa’s hair and clothing are echoed in the shapes of the rivers and valleys behind her

The painting presents a woman in a half-body portrait, which is surrounded by a distant landscape. However, this description is too simply described, when it comes to Leonardo’s composition. The three-quarter view, in which the woman’s position is mostly turned toward the viewer, broke the standard profile pose used in Italian art and quickly became the new trend for all portraits, still used today in the 21st century. The subject’s softly sculptural face shows Leonardo’s skillful handling of sfumato which is the use of fine shading, and reveals his understanding of the musculature and the skull beneath the skin. The delicately painted veil, the finely drawn tresses, and the careful rendering of folded fabric demonstrate Leonardo’s deep observations and inexhaustible patience.

Moreover, the sensuous curves of Mona

Lisa’s hair and clothing are echoed in the shapes of the rivers and valleys behind her. The sense of overall harmony achieved in the painting—especially apparent in the Lisa’s faint smile— reflects Leonardo’s idea of the cosmic link, connecting nature and humanity, making this painting an enduring record of Leonardo’s vision. Her eyebrows are a matter of debate; some claim the subject's lack of eyebrows is representative of high-class fashion of the time, others say her not present eyebrows, are proof, that Mona Lisa is an unfinished masterpiece.

The portrait has passed a long journey since its creation in the 16th century. French King Francis I acquired the artist’s work after his death and it became part of his royal collection.

For centuries the portrait was secluded in French palaces, until insurgents claimed the royal collection as the property of the people during the French Revolution. Napoleon, had Mona Lisa

hanging in his bedroom in the Tuileries Palace for about four years, beginning in 1800. It's said his fascination with the painting inspired his affection for a pretty Italian named Teresa Guadagni, who was actually a descendant of Lisa Gherardini. The painting was then installed in its current home – the Louvre Museum, at the turn of the 19th century. It was first placed into display in 1815, inspiring a series of mystical events and breaking a lot of hearts. Mona Lisa made men do strange things, there were more than one million artworks in the Louvre collection; she alone received her own mail, with daily love letters. In 1852, an artist named Luc Maspero supposedly threw himself from the fourth floor of a Parisian hotel, leaving a suicide note that read: "For years I have grappled desperately with her smile. I prefer to die." In 1910, a crazy lover came before her solely to shoot himself as he looked upon her, and for a long time

The sense of overall harmony achieved in the painting— especially apparent in Lisa’s faint smile—reflects Leonardo’s idea of the cosmic link, connecting nature and humanity

her fans were so ardent that she was placed under police protection.

On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre. Thousands of people stormed into the museum to stare in shock at the blank wall where she once hung and leave flowers, notes, and other remembrances. Because he'd been caught buying stolen Louvre pieces before, Pablo Picasso was brought in for questioning. But the true thief would not be caught until 1913.

Louvre employee Vincenzo Peruggia was a proud Italian nationalist who smuggled the painting out under his smock because he felt it belonged to his and da Vinci's homeland, not France.

After hiding it for two years, Peruggia was busted trying to sell Mona Lisa to a Florence art dealer.

Although the oil-on-wood panel painting measures just 77 by 53 cm, Mona Lisa's influence on French and world-wide art culture is massive, her value being absolutely priceless.

SPECIAL EDITION

45

FRANCE

by MINA VUČIĆ

Un Croissant, s'il Vous Plait The French symbolic pastry is nothing but pure crunchy heaven T R A DI T ION

hen you think about a fresh, flaky croissant, you probably conjure up images of Paris. A lazy morning on the Left Bank, a small round table, reading Le Journal with a steamy cup of café au lait, and of course, that croissant. That warm, buttery croissant.

Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, stuffed with whichever sweet or salty accessories you enjoydelicious on all sides and in every way imaginable. Now, ask yourself where it’s from. Go deep. Go beyond the simple answer of “the little bakery around the corner” and search for the origin, the true birthplace of that oh-so-famous French delicacy.

Did you know that the first production of croissant dates back to 1683?

Oh, and also, did you know that, the croissant you’re enjoying as you lovingly stare at the Eiffel Tower? It’s not French.

That year, Austria was under attack by the Turkish Empire. Outside of besieged Vienna, the Turkish assailant found that time was slipping past and decided to dig an underground tunnel to enter the city. The Vienna bakers, the majority of whom worked underground, heard noises and called in the army. The Turks were discovered and retreated.

The bakers were thanked and honored, and they decided to make bread in the shape of a crescent moon which is the symbol found on the Turkish flag.

And here is where ladies and gents, the croissant was born! One hundred years later, Marie Antoinette who was the Austrian Princess at the time, married Louis XVI and proudly introduced the croissant to the French aristocrats. It was only at the start of this century that the butter-puff

W

46

SPECIAL EDITION

Did you know that, the croissant you’re enjoying as you lovingly stare at the Eiffel Tower?

It’s not French

croissant was created. A bit later in the same century, a French Baker name Sylvain Claudius Goy wrote a recipe in 1915, that would cement the technique that remains at the heart of baking the modern croissant. His use of yeast differentiated his rolls from traditional puff pastry’s and gave birth to the croissant of present day-a national product of the French.

Enough of history, lets move on to the creation process. The ingredients of the famous crispy delicacy are quite basic; butter, flour, water, eggs, milk, yeast, sugar, and salt. However, laminating the created dough is what gives croissants its crispy, airy and crunchy layers. It’s the process of folding the dough several times with alternating layers of fat. Bakers in France usually use butter, oil or margarine before rolling and cutting the dough into triangles. This folding technique creates hundreds of paper-thin layers of butter trapped between hundreds of paper-thin layers of dough. When the laminated dough is baked in the oven at very high heat, the liquid trapped between the layers evaporates, and the steam puffs the individual layers. The number of layers in a croissant actually depends on the number of folds and can reach sky high numbers. It depends on the amount of turns the baker uses before rolling and cut-

ting the laminated croissant dough into triangles. So if a baker folds his dough 3 times each turn for a total of 3 turns, the resulting croissant dough will have 27 layers while 4 turns results in a croissant dough with 81 layers, crazy right!

Visiting France and trying this symbolic snack brought some controversy in the past century as industrialization of food took over. There’s a widespread belief, especially among tourists, that when you walk into a French boulangerie, you’re buying a superior quality croissant, which is freshly baked. Although this used to be true before the ’70s, unfortunately it is not the case anymore. It’s estimated that more than half of French bakeries buy pre-frozen industrial croissants made by machines who later bake them onsite and sell them to customers. The best way to try the home-made, freshly baked pastry is to go to patisserie that have the “Bulanger de France” label on them.

To finish on a delicious note, we will give you the go to spot in France to try the unforgettable pastry. A family business for more than 20 years, Maison Pichard is the ideal place to go for a traditional yet memorable croissant.

In 2011, owner and baker Frédéric Pichard won an award for best croissant in Paris, and a single bite into his perfectly flaky and airy creation will tell you just why. Enjoy!

by MINA VUČIĆ

READ THIS ON WEB

TOURISM

The Museum of Paris

Louvre is the book in which we learn to read or numerous years now, France wins the most visited tourist destination in the world, with numbers reaching 90 million per year. From the boulevards of Paris to the fashionable seaside resorts of the Côte d'Azur, the nation offers some of the most beautiful scenery one can see and the most delicious dishes one can taste, attracting these enormous amounts of visitors, who know what’s good. In this piece, we will focus on the great Lou-

F

The most recent estimation state that the Louvre currently is close to having 7500 paintings

vre Museum, which is a home to numerous priceless masterpieces and the nation’s cultural heritage, welcoming over 15,000 visitors per day, 70% of whom are foreign tourists.

Two centuries ago, the former residence of the kings of France was turned into one of the greatest museums in the world. Louvre has one of the riches collections with over 380,000 pieces of art, 35,000 of which are on display, spreading over 60,000 m2. Some of the most famous being the Mona Lisa, La Vénus de Milo, le Radeau de la Méduse, la Liberté guidant le people and many more… The Louvre Museum is an extraordinary place that must be visited during a stay in Paris.

We find the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, close to the les Halles district. It has won the award for most visited museum in the world for many consecutive years now, attracting close to 10 million visitors annually.

It is impossible, as a human being, to see the entire Louvre museum in just one day. In fact, even a month of exploring this space wouldn’t be enough, it would actually take you 100 days to see every piece of art in the Louvre, if

you spend 30 seconds at each piece, all day every day, without sleep, breaks or mealtimes. The Louvre was originally built as a grand fortress in Paris, and was later turned into a royal palace in the 16th century before becoming a museum in 1793.

The Mona Lisa artwork is responsible for a large portion of the visitors that make their way to this museum each day and year. So much so, that the painting is now kept behind a glass barrier, and there are barricades preventing anyone from getting too close to the famous diva. Apart from this popular, mystic master piece, the most recent estimation state that the Louvre currently is close to having 7500 paintings. Of this amount, over 66% are creations by artists who are French locals. The Louvre's collection of paintings dates back to the reign of Francis I of France, who sought to create a gallery of art in his château at Fontainebleau rivaling those of the great Italian palaces. He acquired masterpieces by leading Italian masters Michelangelo, Raphael and invited Italian artists to his court, some of which being Leonardo da Vinci, Rosso, and Primaticcio.

SPECIAL EDITION

47

FRANCE

Donors and art patrons have played a key role in the museum's history. Of these, the association known as the Société des Ams du Louvre (the Friends of the Louvre) is the most important.

Created one hundred years ago, it has purchased a considerable number of works from all periods and schools, many of exceptional artistic value.

Back in the 20th century, during the second world war, the Nazi’s raided businesses and homes across France and other European countries, and re-

48

SPECIAL EDITION

moved artworks at their discretion.

This stolen art was then kept in the museum as a store room. In 2018, the museum put on display all of the series of paintings that were once looted by the Nazis!

One can recognize the Louvre by the grand glass pyramid. The architectural piece in question was only added to the Louvre’s grounds very recently in the 1980s. Surprisingly, it was not a French architect who was selected for the job, but rather a Chinese man named I.M.

It would actually take you 100 days to see every piece of art in the Louvre

Pei. The main pyramid has become an important and recognizable part of the Parisian skyline, and there are three smaller versions of the structure in the surrounding courtyard.

Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Someday my paintings will be hanging in the Louvre.” The greatest museum of all time. filled with culture, history and heritage, where spending a day, maybe even a few, will leave any visitor enlightened and inspired to their deepest core.

49

CONFERENCE

by Mina Vučić

The World in 2021 "Challenges of Europe in lockdown", “Virus & Economy”, “Economy and challenges of digitalization”, “What were you doing during the pandemic, Dad?“, „If there is no culture, then why are we fighting“

he ninth conference "The Economist: The World in 2021" was held in the House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia on December 15th. Due to the epidemiological situation, the conference was organized in a hybrid format – the conference participants/ speakers were physically present at the official opening and in several panel discussions which were held in the House of the National Assembly, but without the audience, while some panels were held on the Zoom platform. The entire conference could be seen on Color Media Communications’ YouTube channel.

T

COVID-19 AS A BIG BLOW TO EUROPE The first panel at the World in 2021 conference, called "Challenges of Europe in lockdown", brought together ambassadors of European countries who talked about the situation in Europe and prospects for 2021. The panel concluded that the ongoing Cov-

50

id-19 pandemic was a major blow for Europe and all countries and that countries had to react quickly and make courageous decisions to maintain balance and, above all, to preserve the health of their population, as well as to preserve the economy at an optimal level.

H.E. Thomas Schieb, Ambassador of Germany, said the following during the panel discussion: „During the pandemic, it has been difficult to maintain a balance between protecting the pop-

H.E. Raul Bartolome Molina, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain said that Spain was one of the most successful countries in Europe, although at first, it was challenging to respond adequately to the pandemic-induced crisis. He stated that the people initially complained about the lack of cooperation, and that is why he believes that stronger communication is a priority in the future.

"The situation was very uncertain, and many required activities were not properly implemented.

the United Kingdom to Serbia, Rebecca Fabrizi, pointed out that the United Kingdom had a different reaction from the European Union, and added that the changes were huge, especially social and economic ones. She especially underlined that the vaccine will drastically change things around the world.

Director of UNICEF in Serbia, Deyana Kostadinova, pointed out the following during the panel discussion: "We have responded to the biggest crisis in the last 70

THE FIRST PANEL AT THE WORLD IN 2021 CONFERENCE, CALLED "CHALLENGES OF EUROPE IN LOCKDOWN", BROUGHT TOGETHER AMBASSADORS OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ulation and serious economic consequences. It is important to adhere to proportional measures, but still not adversely influence human freedom too much. Constant adaptation and digitization are needed. All in all, we passed the test pretty well. "

This crisis has prompted the European Union to provide a better response to future crises. Time will show what the future will look like ", stated the Ambassador of Finland to Serbia, H.E. Kimmo Lähdevirta.

The Deputy Ambassador of

years. UNICEF has helped manage and resolve every pandemic and conflict since World War II. However, this is probably the most complex crisis we have ever faced.

The virus affects everyone and requires international cooperation and solidarity, as well as re-

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

silience, inventiveness and kindness." She also added that there is a problem of the lost generation of children, which is much more dangerous than the economic situation.

ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE ECONOMIC CHAIN HAVE TURNED TO DIGITALIZATION During the second panel discussion called “Virus & Economy - Consequences of the pandemic and overcoming the crisis“, representatives of foreign and domestic chambers of commerce and companies talked about the consequences of the pandemic and overcoming the crisis.

Concern, but also a dose of optimism, was expressed by all interlocutors. Although a large number of companies and workers, especially in the tourism sector, are at risk, there are still positive things that should be highlighted, they said. Communication between the companies themselves, companies and the authorities and most importantly, within the companies has been greatly improved, all participants in the economic chain better understand each other and all have collectively turned to very much needed digitalization.

President of Confindustria Serbia, Patrizio dei Tos, said the following: "I am worried about economic problems because we have experienced two big blows, first health, then economic. We do

not have a complete lockdown in Italy, but this is still dangerous for the economy because 50% of people do not work. The tourism sector has been hit hard during the crisis and we run the risk of falling into a downward spiral, we need help to survive. “ Udo Eichlinger, President of the German Chamber in Serbia, said that despite all the negative influences we had experienced, we understand each other better today and that is a positive outcome. He added: "We went through this crisis for the first time in early March, which changed the way we act. Many events that took place before the

NALED, said that NALED to transform the way it communicated with its partners and encourage them to digitize in these challenging times. He also said: "I believe that our efficiency has increased and our colleagues are taking a step further and are very motivated by the severity of this situation.”

THERE IS NO BEST PRACTICE WE CAN APPLY DURING A PANDEMIC “Economy and the challenges of digitalization" was the topic of the third panel at which company representatives spoke about global experiences and local responses to the crisis.

In February, we set up a local crisis group in Belgrade, whose task was to implement all the measures that were adopted and proposed locally, but also to monitor developments in the countries around us. " Director-General of the Mozzart Company, Slobodan Prodanović, stated: “Even before the global contagion and the declaration of a pandemic, Mozzart devised an action plan according in which we tried to predict how we would react in the event of a crisis. In a very short time, we organized remote work for a number of our and provided the required equipment and

DURING THE SECOND PANEL DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS TALKED ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PANDEMIC AND OVERCOMING THE CRISIS crisis, and which were organized by the chamber, have now moved to online platforms."

President of FIC, Mike Michel, stated that the main goals during the pandemic are to preserve the health and safety of employees, and the second is to continue doing business and further adapt. He explained that some sectors were more resilient than others, adding that the Serbian economy proved to be more resilient than expected.

Dušan Vasiljević, the economic development advisor in

Stefan Lazarević, General Manager of NCR Serbia and Foreign Affairs Director of NCR Corporation for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the following:“ What characterizes this pandemic is that there is no best practice we can take advantage of and use.

I think that none of us has experience in managing such a global crisis. In January, NCR formed a global crisis group that followed the developments on the global pandemic and defined steps, strategies and measures primarily to preserve the health and safety of our employees, clients and maintaining business continuity.

logistical support. That was easy.

However, Mozzart has two other areas of business, both are retail, and one is related to our business in the field, so to speak. The business may have even profited from such a situation since our customers began to use our online platforms more. However, on the other hand, our other business segment suffered huge damages. In total, due to the cancellation of sports competitions, our turnover dropped by over 95%. We applied special measures at the points-of-sale, but even that was not enough, because our customers had no reason to come to our

51

facilities in person because there were no sports competitions. " "We are lucky that we are a global company and that we had had the experiences of our colleagues in China, so we were able to predict what would happen. For Mars, health and safety of all employees and associates was of utmost importance, while the remote work format has existed in our country for a long time", stated Predrag Milinčić, regional director at Mars.

Marija Popović, Chairwoman of Mobi Bank’s Executive Board, pointed out that since the bank’s establishment, the digital business was their strategic determination. “It was difficult to maintain this way of doing business because physical contact with customers is dominant in the banking market. Only now, during the pandemic, have we become aware of all the benefits of the digital business, in the sense that our customers have not even felt the crisis when it comes to the provision of our services, "she added.

After this panel discussion, we had a unique opportunity to hear a case study on the topic of social responsibility as a pillar of business from Aleksandra Lazarov Đurić, Corporate Communications Manager at Mozzart.

She said: "Mozzart is a Serbian company that was founded about 20 years ago. The company is recognized in three continents as it operates in the countries of the

52

European Union, Africa and South America. All ideas and all campaigns related to social responsibility that Mozzart realizes are devised by the company itself, i.e. by its employees. The idea of humanity is woven into all business processes, and we are always guided by the fact that we can significantly contribute to the resolution of problems in the community in which we operate. Mozzart has been continuously implementing four socially responsible campaigns - "100 pitches for one game", "New jerseys for new champions", "Humanitarian ticket at noon" and "Stop violence against women". This year, of

jević, acting director of Children and Youth Institution, Sremčica, Mikica Budimirović, acting director of the Hospice for Adults with Disabilities, Zemun, Jelica Sretenović, owner of the company for professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities BUDUĆNOST PET, Jagodina, Mihailo Gordić, Vice President, City Association of the Deaf in Belgrade, Member of the Executive Board of the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Serbia, and Marko Košutić, President of the Federation of Associations for Assistance to Mentally Disabled Persons in the AP Vojvodina, President of the Plava Pti-

money, we will pay out pensions, social benefits, urgent funds and funds for programme-related activities for people with disabilities, as well as funds for companies for professional rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities. " Biljana Barošević, Assistant Minister, Sector for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, added: "We have repeatedly appealed for the media content during the pandemic to be accessible to people with disabilities with an emphasis on translation

“ECONOMY AND THE CHALLENGES OF DIGITALIZATION" WAS THE TOPIC OF THE THIRD PANEL AT WHICH COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES SPOKE ABOUT GLOBAL EXPERIENCES AND LOCAL RESPONSES TO THE CRISIS course, we contributed the most in the fight against the coronavirus and we tried to help doctors and general medical staff as much as possible but also the state in overcoming all the challenges created by the pandemic. " PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - SILENT HEROES OF OUR SOCIETY Stana Božović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Biljana Barošević, Assistant Minister, Sector for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Marijana Vido-

ca Federation of Associations for Assistance Mentally Disabled Persons, the Municipality of Kula, participated in the panel discussion called „What were you doing in the pandemic, Dad? - The consequences of the crisis on vulnerable groups in society“.

Stana Božović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, said the following during the discussion:“ Regardless of the huge costs, the planned budget for 2021 is not smaller than the one for 2020.

The planned funds are over 140 billion dinars, and with that

from Serbian into sign language and thus ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people can also be properly informed. Also, Osi, the Ministry's Viber channel, is very important and we will continue to improve it to provide timely information about the Ministry's work. " Marijana Vidojević, acting director of Children and Youth Institution, Sremčica, stated the following: "The global pandemic has changed many priorities, while the priority for us, people working in social services, has remained the same, and that is taking care of our beneficiaries."

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Mikica Budimirović, acting director of the Hospice for Adults with Disabilities, Zemun, said the following during the discussion: “In cooperation with the line Ministry and the Social Services Sector, we came up with the idea of how best to involve our users to feel useful, because that is the only way to overcome these difficult times. Following that, we decorated our yard and created such an ambience that when they go out, they feel comfortable. Our goal was for them to start feeling better in the natural environment and to move them out of the closed space. " Jelica Sretenović, owner of the company for professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities BUDUĆNOST PET, Jagodina, stated: „People with disabilities have various difficulties, even if there were no pandemic, they are the silent heroes of our society. They demonstrated that in the early days of the pandemic by investing effort and working in a company that stopped its regular production of protective and work clothing and started producing free protective masks at the beginning of the pandemic. " Mihailo Gordić, Vice President, City Association of the Deaf in Belgrade, Member of the Executive Board of the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Serbia, said that

the pandemic has resulted in deaf and hard of hearing people having better access to information and communication.

Marko Košutić, President of the Federation of Associations for Assistance to Mentally Disabled Persons in the AP Vojvodina, President of the Plava Ptica Federation of Associations

Aleksandar Stankov, director of the Serbian National Theatre Opera, Svetislav Goncić, actor and Chairman of the Managing Board of the National Theatre, Peter Mraković, director of the City Museum in Sombor, actress Vjera Mujović, and Bojana Borić Brešković, Director of the National Museum in Belgrade, also participated in the panel.

in Belgrade, said that the website of the National Museum was visited by 220,000 times in the first ten months of this year, while the Facebook page of this institution was individually viewed more than 2 million times, and Instagram over 3 million times.

Peter Mraković, director of the City Museum in Sombor, pointed

IT IS QUITE CERTAIN THAT THE PANDEMIC, ITS CONSEQUENCES AND RECOVERY WILL BE THE FOCUS IN THE COMING PERIOD IN ALL ASPECTS, FROM HEALTH AND ECONOMY TO SOCIALLY VULNERABLE GROUPS AND CULTURE for Assistance Mentally Disabled Persons, the Municipality of Kula, outlined the following: „During the pandemic, it was important to learn how not to jeopardize human rights of anybody while also protecting them."

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO LOWER THE CRITERIA DURING THE PANDEMIC Radovan Jokić, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information, opened the last panel discussion “If there is no culture, then why are we fighting“and said the following: „The Government of the Republic of Serbia has made great efforts to protect cultural life by adopting a set of primarily financial measures, then supporting artists' presence in cultural institutions, online applications and other modules, which have contributed to minimizing the negative consequences."

Aleksandar Stankov, director of the Serbian National Theatre Opera, said the following: "In March, we cancelled our first performance and that was a big shock for us, artists. However, we did not sit idly and wait. We had that primordial need to do what we know best, in our case, that was music. That's why we quickly got together to record our first video "Ciao, bella" which had millions of views."

Svetislav Goncić, actor and Chairman of the Managing Board of the National Theatre, stated: „A lot of cultural content that the National Theatre had prepared could not be realized, but we believe that the doors of the theatre will reopen and that we will be able to stage it all again."

Bojana Borić Brešković, Director of the National Museum

out that during the pandemic, the number of visitors to the Museum decreased, also due to the lack of tourists in that city, but over time, people started coming to the Museum again, which showed that they were craving culture.

Actress Vjera Mujović underlined that it was very important to lower our criteria during the pandemic, i.e. the Serbian culture presented abroad has to maintain high quality.

Like every year, The World in 2021 conference opened many issues that will be relevant next year. It is quite certain that the pandemic, its consequences and recovery will be the focus in the coming period in all aspects, from health and economy to socially vulnerable groups and culture, because they are all affected. This was the overall conclusion of the conference.

53

GETTING GIRLHOOD RIGHT

Covid-19 Threatens Girls’ Gigantic Global Gains Countries must work harder to safeguard progress or much of human history and in many places, girls were considered property. Or, at best, subordinate people, required to obey their fathers until the day they had to start obeying their husbands. Few people thought it worthwhile to educate them. Even fewer imagined that a girl could grow up to govern Germany, run the IMF or invent a vaccine.

In most of the world that vision of girlhood now seems not merely old-fashioned but unimaginably remote. In much of the rich world parents now treat their daughters as well as they do their sons, and invest as much in their future. In field after field girls have caught up with boys. Globally, young women now outnumber young men at university. The speed of change has been blistering. Fifty years ago only 49% of primary-school-age girls in lower-middle-income countries were in school, compared with 71% of boys; today the share of both is about 90%. In 1998 only half the world’s secondary-school-age girls were enrolled; today twothirds are. Over the same period rates of illiteracy fell from one in five young women aged 15-24 to one in ten, bringing them roughly on a par with young men.

Girl babies are more wanted than ever before. Parents in some countries prefer them. Even in places, such as China, where the sex-selective abortion of girl fetuses has been rife, it is often becoming less so. Girls are also less likely to be married off in childhood.

In 1995 almost six in ten girls in South Asia were hitched before reaching 18; that ratio has fallen by half. Around the world, it has fallen from one in four to one in five.

Girls are healthier, too. Compared with the mid-1990s, they become sexually active later and are more likely to use contraception. Rates of teenage pregnancy have fallen by a quarter globally and by two-thirds in South Asia and North America. Girls are less likely to suffer female genital mutilation—and object to this horrif-

F

54

READ THIS ON WEB

STUDIES SUGGEST THAT IN THE NEXT DECADE 13M CHILD MARRIAGES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN AVERTED MAY GO AHEAD, AND AN EXTRA 2M GIRLS MAY HAVE THEIR GENITALS CUT, BECAUSE OF COVID-19 ic tradition more vocally. Whereas in 2000 just 27% of women and girls in the most-affected regions said it should be banned, today 54% do.

When societies handle girlhood well, the knock-on effects are astounding. A girl who finishes secondary school is less likely to become a child bride or a teenage mother. Education boosts earning power and widens choices, so she is less likely to be poor or to suffer domestic abuse. She will earn almost twice as much as a girl without schooling.

And she will pass on a smorgasbord of advantages to her offspring. She will have fewer children, and invest more in them.

They will be less likely to die in infancy, or to grow up stunted physically or mentally. She will read to them more, and help them with their homework. All this means they will learn more, and earn more as adults. A recent study by Citigroup and Plan International estimated that, if a group of emerging economies ensured that 100% of their girls completed secondary school, it could lead to a lasting boost to their GDP of 10% by 2030.

Because the benefits of nurtur-

ing girls are so large, it is a scandal that some countries have still failed to grasp them. Less than half the girls in South Asia, the Middle East or Africa have access to the contraception that they may want. Only one girl in three south of the Sahara finishes her secondary education. And although rates of child marriage have fallen by half in South Asia, they have fallen by less than that in Africa (which now has the highest rate in the world) and have remained stagnant in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The covid-19 pandemic could hobble progress for girls in poor countries, or even reverse it. During previous disasters, they have often suffered most. When Ebola forced west African schools to close in 2014, many girls dropped out, never went back and ended up pregnant or as child labourers. UNICEF warns that something similar could happen with covid-19—but on a larger scale. Studies suggest that in the next decade 13m child marriages that would have been averted may go ahead, and an extra 2m girls may have their genitals cut.

The risk of regression is real. So it is crucial that, even if govern-

ments of poor countries have to tighten their belts, they prioritise spending on education and girls.

Donors should help, too. And policies should be joined up. Persuading girls to stay in school longer is not only a way to teach them maths; it is also a chance to vaccinate them and teach them about birth control, consent and self-assertion. It can even be an opportunity to advise parents about the downsides of child marriage.

Adolescence is a crucial juncture for girls. It is when many health problems emerge or are averted; and many social ones, too, from truancy to self-harm.

Only recently has this phase been recognised as the most important for brain development after infancy. Get it right and billions of girls will have a better shot at fulfilling their potential. Get it wrong and they will live poorer, shorter lives, less able to stand up for themselves, more vulnerable to coercion, and more likely to pass these disadvantages on to the next generation. So, get girlhood right.

From The Economist, published under licence.

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

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

CORPORATE

How Did a Cambridge School Student From Serbia Enter the Top 1% of Students in the World?

”I’ve always wanted the best possible education for myself. Given that I’d known I would study abroad, I realised that the International School was the right choice for me.” This is how Elena Ćuća, who joined the top 1% of Cambridge students in the world, explains her choice of secondary school the world in the Owlypia competition in the Science and Technology category, which enabled me to qualify for the global round at Cambridge University.”

In the 21st century, the Cambridge education standard offers an ideal model for training students with high academic and professional aspirations. The International School provides a truly different education for truly different students. ”It suits me because for a long time I’ve known what field I want to pursue after secondary school, so I needn’t burden myself with things I won’t need.”

Elena Ćuća, a graduate who joined the top 1% of Cambridge students in the world

THE CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME IS THE PERFECT CHOICE The key to the students’ success at the International School is the fact that everyone at the school is committed to their full development. The teachers are dedicated mentors who closely follow the students’ psychological, social and academic development. ”During my four years at the International School, I realised that the Cambridge programme is perfect for me. Not only does the school offer fantastic academic opportunities enabling each student to enrich their portfolio, but it’s also a place full of positive energy thanks to the wonderful teachers who truly care about their students and strive to provide them with the best possible education.”

can enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, creative projects and workshops. ”I am happy to say that I participated in different extracurricular activities.

My biggest success is first place in

AN EXCELLENT ACADEMIC PROGRAMME AND AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO TEACHING Teaching at the International School is an ideal blend of practice and theory. The school offers your child cutting-edge technol-

ogy, interactive classrooms and the unique Distance Learning Platform.

The curriculum is fully adapted to the students’ needs and competencies. For proof that the International School offers a truly different education, look no further than the universities that have already accepted Elena. ”So far, I’ve been accepted at Jacobs University in Bremen, which offered me a fantastic grant covering 95% of the tuition fee for the Chemistry and Biotechnology programme. I will also apply to several universities in the UK, including the prestigious University of St Andrews.”

Elena’s choice of secondary school is proof that the International School is an ideal environment for young and ambitious students that offers an interactive approach to teaching, creative lessons, modern technology and a comprehensive academic programme.

IN ADDITION TO THE OFFICIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMME, THE STUDENTS CAN ENJOY A WIDE RANGE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CREATIVE PROJECTS AND WORKSHOPS

CREATIVE PROJECTS AND A COMPREHENSIVE EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMME In addition to the official academic programme, the students

55

CLICK ON ICON 

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

PEOPLE & EVENTS

14 DEC

THE ISRAELI AMBASSADOR LIGHTS A MENORAH ON HANUKKAH IN NOVI SAD

H.E. Yahel Vilan

15 DEC

LAVROV ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO SERBIA

On the occasion of Hanukkah, H.E. Mr Yahel Vilan, Israel's ambassador to Serbia, lit Menorah in the Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) in Novi Sad, to celebrate Hanukkah. Menorah is now traditionally lit in the Freedom Square every year during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, with one branch being lit every day. Apart from the Israeli Ambassador, who lit the Menorah, Mirko Štark, on behalf of the Jewish community of Novi Sad, and Robert Čoban, director of the Color Press Group, also attended this solemn event. Menorah is an eight-point-

Mirko Štark. H.E. Yahel Vilan and Robert Čoban

During his official visit to Serbia, the Russian Federation’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, met with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Serbian Foreign Minister, Nikola Selaković. On that occasion, they discussed bilateral relations, from energy to military and technical cooperation, economy, joint construction of infrastructure facilities that Russian companies that are engaged in construction

Sergey Lavrov and Aleksandar Vučić

17 DEC

NATIONAL DAY OF QATAR

H.E. Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar

56

ed candlestick whose candles are lit during the eight days of Hanukkah, a holiday of light and remembrance of a miracle from 164 B.C. when the candlelight in the Jerusalem Temple burned eight times longer than possible when it was most needed. During Hanukkah, which usually falls in December, one more branch of Menorah is lit in that honour of every night - one on the first day of the holiday, and eight candles on the last. The middle candle (ninth, central branch) is used only as an auxiliary candle to light the remaining eight.

activities in Serbia, as well as cooperation in the field of agriculture. Minister Lavrov said that he welcomed Serbia’s balanced foreign policy and its policy of military neutrality, which is of special importance for the region. During the visit, Minister Lavrov also visited the Memorial Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade, where the Eternal Fire was lit near the eponymous monument.

Goran Vesić, Deputy Mayor of Belgrade, Sergey Lavrov and Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić

The National Day of Qatar, also known as “the pearl of the Persian Gulf”, the host of the Soccer World Cup 2022 and the Asian Games 2030, is celebrated on December 18. Due to the epidemiological situation, the Embassy of the State of Qatar prepared a video for the friendly people of Serbia with greetings from the Ambassador of Qatar to Serbia, H.E. Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani. Ambassador Al Thani pointed out that Qatar supported the efforts of the international community in the fight against COVID-19 and provided assistance to more than 70 countries and international organizations, including Qatar’s friend - Serbia. He added that the State

of Qatar pays special attention to boosting bilateral cooperation with Serbia, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia. The ambassador also pointed out that the Republic of Serbia has managed to largely mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is confirmed by the forecast that Serbia would have the lowest GDP decline in Europe. He also concluded that Qatar's health system has shown complete readiness, thanks to which the country has remained the least affected by the pandemic in the world.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

PEOPLE & EVENTS

With the Synergy of the Economy and Institutions, We Can Overcome this Crisis e World in 2021” conference, organized by Color Media Communications, as the holder of the regional license, and the Livit Company as the representative for Croatia, was held in Zagreb. Croatian PM Andrej Plenković pointed out the global challenges that the world will face in the time after the pandemic, but also the reasons for optimism regarding a quick and strong recovery. He briefly presented the five basic components of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - the economy, public administration, the judiciary and state assets, education, science and research, the labour market and social protec-

tion, and health. "Together, we have shown a really high level of political responsibility as the Union in an unprecedented way," Mr Plenković said.

"Last year, when we held the World in 2020 conference at the Croatian National Bank. No one could have even dreamed what 2020 would really look like. For us, this is a year that everyone wants to forget, but we are also proud that, even in such conditions, we have managed to publish of the magazine The World in 2021, as well as hold a conference in accordance with epidemiological recommendations. I am confident that the development and

Robert Čoban, President of Color Media Communications

Tomislav Ćorić, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Gordan Grlić – Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Robert Čoban, CMC, Andrej Plenković, Croatian Prime Minister and Ivan Vrdoljak, Livit

”T

use of vaccines against the Covid-19 virus will be a light at the end of the tunnel, both for Croatia and the region, as well as for Europe and the world, and that 2021 will be a year of economic recovery and society as a whole,“ said President of CPG, Robert Čoban.

The Croatian partner of the conference and the director of the Livit Company, Ivan Vrdoljak said: " Next Generation EU' is the European Commission's financial instrument for the European Union's recovery from the crisis, and 'Next Generation HR' is a platform for reaching a consensus on what kind of Croatia and what kind of Croatian economy we want to have in the future.

The conference was also attended by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Tomislav Ćorić, Head of the EC Delegation to Croatia, Ognian Zlatev, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, Head of the EIB in Zagreb, Anton Kovačev, UK Ambassador H.E. Andrew Dalgleish, French Ambassador H.E. Gaël François Veyssiere. Davor Žmegač Petrokemija, Dajana Mrčela Saponia d.d. Osijek, Dalibor Gregani Profil Klett, Danijel Benussi Auto Benussi d.o.o., and Mirna Marović VentureXchange Ltd, also spoke about their expectations and how they see the recovery in 2021.

Andrej Plenković, Croatian Prime Minister

Boban Spasojević, Director of Diplomacy & Commerce Croatia and Robert Čoban

Ivan Vrdoljak, Andrej Plenković and Robert Čoban

Andrej Plenković

57

BUSINESS NEWS

03

01

I MMOFINANZ EXPANDS CRISISRESILIENT STOP SHOP PORTFOLIO BY EIGHT LOCATIONS TO 98 PROPERTIES

Acquisition of eight retail parks in Austria, Serbia, Czech Republic and Croatia. Position as leading retail park operator in Europe will be increased to roughly 140 locations with additional acquisitions and internal development projects IMMOFINANZ is continuing the expansion of its successful STOP SHOP retail park brand, as announced, and has added eight locations to the portfolio shortly before the end of the year. Six fully rented retail parks in Serbia and the Czech Republic with roughly 43,000 sqm were purchased from Mitiska REIM, a Belgian investor specialised in these types of commercial properties. In addition, IMMOFINANZ closed the purchase of a fully rented retail park (approx. 5,500 sqm) in Voitsberg, Austria, during the fourth quarter of 2020. The portfolio in Croatia will be increased by one property in the city of Ludbreg. The expected annual rental income from these recently acquired properties totals approximately EUR 5.7 million, and the gross return ranges up to 8.9% for example in Serbia. With a 7.7% gross return the average yield of the acquired retail parks is above the portfolio average of STOP SHOP yielding 7.4% as of Q3 2020.

The STOP SHOP portfolio now covers 98 locations in nine countries with nearly 720,000 sqm of rentable space and a carrying amount of approximately EUR 1 billion. Further acquisitions and internal development projects are currently in preparation.

02

ARLSBERG C AND DUNĐERSKI FOUNDATION

Traditionally, for the seventh year in a row, Carlsberg and Dunđerski Foundation has awarded another generation of future experts. Applications for the competition lasted from 16 to 30 November 2020, after which the Executive Board of the Foundation in cooperation with the faculties selected the 9 best students of the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, who will be awarded scholarships in the total amount of 900,000 dinars. Carlsberg and Dunđerski Foundation was founded with the aim of continuing charity tradition nurtured by Jakob K. Jakobsen, who

58

back in 1876 founded the Carlsberg Foundation and the famous Serbian businessman and philanthropist Lazar Dunđerski , the founder of the brewery in Čelarevo. Following their heritage, since its founding in 2015, foundation has awarded 73 scholarships and three one-time grants for PhD studies in the total value of 7,950,000 dinars.

ELTA HIRES 60 YOUNG D LEADERS

Delta Holding has completed the selection of candidates for the 9th generation of the Young Leaders programme. Sixty young people, all recent college graduates, who performed best in five rounds of testing, will begin a one-year paid training programme at the company in January.

After 12 months, the best participants will

04

OON: MIELE SHOWROOM S IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT

Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium household appliances, is opening the doors of a new Showroom after the New Year’s holidays. The third and largest Miele Showroom will be in Belgrade Waterfront, address: 17-18 Woodrow Wilson Boulevard. With the professional help of sales advisors, it will provide customers with the opportunity to choose the products that best suit their lifestyle and needs.

The Miele Showroom will cover more than 200 square meters, and thanks to the carefully designed positioning of the product, customers will be able to get acquainted with the widest range of devices in one location so far. Two kitchen blocks will also contribute to the shopping experience, within which those interested can be convinced of the innovation, quality and intuitive use of Miele appliances from

05

be offered a job with the company. Young Leaders is an employment and career development programme that Delta has been implementing since 2012. So far, a total of 23,000 people have applied for this programme, and the 235 best candidates have successfully completed one year of training. Today, more than 30 young leaders in Delta perform managerial duties.

Since the launch of the programme, Young Leaders have managed to retain a significant number of graduates in the country. The new 9th generation of programme participants consists of a large number of candidates who have returned to Serbia after completing their education abroad, at reputable foreign universities.

The next competition for the jubilee 10th generation of Delta Holding’s Young Leaders will take place in the autumn of 2021, the year in which Delta Holding celebrates its 30th anniversary.

ECOND CALL FOR ENTRY S UNDER THE NAME EVERY CHILD MATTERS

For the second time in a row, with the aim to support projects focusing on children needs and improvement of their lives, UniCredit foundation and UniCredit Bank Serbia open Call for entry under the name Every child matters. UniCredit foundation

this segment.

Miele positioned itself as a brand which brings innovation, quality and safety to its customers. This is confirmed by the excellent sales results, which are certainly contributed by the unique way of communication at the point of sale. Namely, all appliances in Miele showrooms are active and ready for on-site testing, and sales consultants have the answer to every question.

will financialy contribute with the amount of EUR 30, 000 for maximum three (3) projects that are to be implemented in Serbia by non profit organizations. The contribution made available by UniCredit Foundation, with the headquarter in Milan, for this initiative globally amounts to € 360,000, to be split among the banks of UniCredit Group in Europe.

This open call is just one of the initiatives that are implemented with the aim to support projects with the wider social impact in countries in which UniCredit operates. In this way company additionaly confirms its motto One Bank, one UniCredit and its principle when socialy responsible initiatives are concerned “In order to do well, we need to do good”.

Within the first edition NURDOR, Foundation Tijana Juric, Patria Association and Associations for Assistance to Mentally Underdeveloped Persons of Serbia were awarded with the grants.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

CORPORATE

Fight for Healthier Lifestyle in Times of Pandemic In anticipation of the vaccine, people turned to the mechanisms of protection against the infection with available means, and their homes became offices, gyms, cinemas

BURAK KIROGLU

READ THIS ON WEB

General director of Beko Balkans

he coronavirus pandemic has surprised the whole world, and the changes it brought will remain with us regardless of its duration. In anticipation of the vaccine, people turned to the mechanisms of protection against the infection with available means, and their homes became offices, gyms, cinemas.

Therefore, according to Burak Kiroglu, general manager of Beko Balkans, "Beko has introduced a new line of HygieneShield products, designed to already have disinfection programs built in to make the transition to the new normal safe and carefree for the modern consumer."

Beko is international home appliance brand that operates within the "Arcelik" group and has existed for more than 60 years, and is the leading European brand in the field of white goods. The company's headquarters for the Balkans have been located in Serbia since 2015, and until today, thanks primarily to its innovative technology and listening to market needs, the company's market share has increased from the initial 8% to 20% in 2020. "This growth speaks in favor of the fact that Beko is the fastest growing brand of white goods in Serbia, but also in Europe, and justifies its leadership position on a daily basis with global initiatives and involvement in locally relevant campaigns dedicated to maintaining health and promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as through relevant studies conducted in order to better understand the needs of consumers and create innovative solutions in the field of white goods", added Mr. Kiroglu.

An extensive study conducted for Beko by the marketing agency Gfk across 31 markets this year, showed the impact of the pandemic on people's everyday life - as many as 70% of respondents

T

PEOPLE HAVE TURNED TO THEIR HOMES AND IN THERE PRACTICE ACTIVITIES THAT USED TO BE EXCLUSIVELY RELATED TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD stopped going to the office and organized their workplace, including all accompanying activities, within their home, while 83% of them have changed their shopping habits. World trends that show that people, after the initial

surprise, turned to arranging their living space and raising the level of hygiene, have not bypassed Serbia either, and the same tendency is noticeable among Serbian consumers. People want to cook, clean and exercise at home, and

generally live healthier, and to use professional devices for that purpose, with which they will achieve the best effects.

Burak Kiroglu: HygieneShield as innovative technology on the market.

"This year, challenging in many ways, we managed to justify the trust of our consumers as well and maintain growth of over 10%.

In addition, we conducted a series of studies and based on these insights developed a pioneering technology and provided our users with hygienic protection, which became imperative during the pandemic. People have turned to their homes and in there practice activities that used to be exclusively related to the outside world. That is why Beko sought inspiration in nature and applied its solutions to its products, so that the everyday activities of consumers exude safety, while top quality remains unchanged, "said Burak Kiroglu, general manager of Beko Balkans.

By recognizing the needs of its customers and using innovative technology of proven quality, Beko has developed HygieneShield, the first line of products that includes disinfection programs, which work on the principle of heat, thermal steam and UV rays. Inspired by the healing properties of the nature, the devices remove more than 99% of bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus, providing users with the effects of professional hygiene maintenance at home, while also using appliances of the most modern design and functionality. This series contains seven lines of white goods, and also include refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and dryers.

Beko continues to set trends in the field of technology for white goods and according to the needs of its customers, by providing solutions that will make the everyday living environment in the new normal, but also in the period after it, pleasant, comfortable and healthy.

59

CORPORATE

How Will an FDA Decision Lead to Many E-cigarettes Vaping Out?

t is estimated that about 14,000 manufacturers of electronic devices will be forced to close their business in 2021. The reason for that the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordering all manufacturers of electronic devices based on nicotine liquids or tobacco alternatives to submit a request for the commercialization of their device (Pre Market Tobacco Authorization - PMTA). Unofficially, 2,000 applications have been received. The companies that failed to do that are obligated to withdraw from the market .

But newer generation devices have been receiving a new validation. Last week alone, the US Food and Drug Administration agreed that IQOS 3, a device manufactured by Philip Morris International, could be sold on the US market. This is a device from a newer generation of IQOS, which the FDA confirmed last year that

I

60

it complies with the public health principles and that it can be sold on this market. According to US regulators, Philip Morris' approach was „a textbook example“, which means that so far the company has collected all the required documentation and scientific evidence that, in the case of IQOS shows that this is a device where exposure to harmful substances is

Day D for applying to the FDA for authorization of electronic and other tobacco products for many manufacturers of electronic and nicotine devices are already visible - the businesses of small manufacturers of e-cigarettes and other, so-called vaping products are inevitably shutting down. Still, the market for alternative products had to be regulated, because,

CLOSE TO 16.4 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE USE IQOS CURRENTLY significantly reduced in relation to smoking traditional cigarettes.

IQOS is currently available in Atlanta and North Carolina, but also in more than 60 markets worldwide. Besides, the company's data for the third quarter of 2020 indicate that about 16.4 million people worldwide use this tobacco heating system.

However, the consequences of

in the past years, the product has fallen into the hands of diverse users, mostly teenagers, and even vapers, who handled the device incorrectly.

All manufacturers whose nicotine- and tobacco-based devices were launched on the US market after August 2016 were obliged to submit this request.

As Mitch Zeller, Director of

FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, explains, everything changed with FDA’s historic “Deeming Rule” that helps implement the Tobacco Control Act and allows FDA to protect the public health and protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco use.

PMTA authorization is only the first step towards ensuring the survival of these products in the US market. Manufacturers must also demonstrate that their product ensures reduced exposure to harmful substances compared to traditional cigarettes (MRTP). So far, only Philip Morris has such authorization for IQOS. This device is the first and only electronic product that uses nicotine which the FDA has put in the modified risk products category.

Without this authorization, as Bloomberg reported, no manufacturer will be able to claim that its product emits less harmful substances than cigarettes.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

61

COMMENT

by Žikica Milošević

Vaccine Diplomacy The offensives of charm t's been a long time since our planet has been hit with so many problems which solutions caused so many divisions. Firstly, like never before, there are conspiracy theories that have been evolving along with the pandemic develops – initially, they said that the virus was linked to the 5G network, that the curfew was a cover for migrants to set up 5G and settle in Serbia, or elsewhere, etc. Of course, there were also bigger and more "exotic“conspiracy theories.

easier to believe in it.“ This is a vaccine that is based on the chemically inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus which triggers the body's immune response.

Some examples of vaccines that contain inactivated viruses are polio and the flu vaccine. The Chinese don't need that many vaccines because the epidemic is under control, so they can send them abroad. Some of their clients include Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia, Russia and Turkey. China has promised that 6 million doses of CoronaWac, made by the biotechnology company Sinovac, will reach Brazil by January, where they are eagerly awaited. If you don't have money, the Chinese will give them to you "on the tab" - a loan of one billion dollars will be approved to the Latin American and Caribbean countries. A healthy

I

CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND ANTI-VAXXERS To remind about an incessant mention of „chips“ which cannot remain in the bloodstream if they are solid (they would be expelled from the body very quickly) and they do not exist in a liquid state.

Now, the latest theory spread by anti-vaxxers is that the "chip" is actually altered or inserted RNA. Imagination does run wild which exposes a sad truth, and that is 1) people are uneducated 2) people do not trust states and elites.

These are two problems, in fact, and the second is much bigger.

RACE FOR THE VACCINE Finally, when the vaccine was developed, we had to deal with a triple problem: 1) convincing people to get vaccinated because if we don't vaccinate 67-70% of the population, there is no "collective immunity", and the virus cannot disappear – so, instead of in March, the epidemic will disappear in August, where collective vaccination does not take place, 2) some believe in one vaccine, not in others, 3) some believe in every vaccine but cannot get it because rich countries have reserved all the doses produced from Western sources. But, fortunately, the vaccine comes from various sources.

Great Britain was the first country to start vaccinating with the US vaccines which annoyed the Americans who approved it at a later date. The Russians came right after them. The bidding with percentages started too – the Russian vaccine, Sputnik V, is 95% efficient, some say that other vaccines are from 92% and onwards

62

READ THIS ON WEB

AND THE ONE WHO PROVIDES THE VACCINES, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND AT A GOOD PRICE, WILL BE CELEBRATED AS A SAVIOUR. IN THE "GLOBAL SOUTH", RUSSIA AND CHINA, TO A GREAT EXTENT, WILL REIGN efficient... That's all great, but what ensued was the slander.

Westerners have not mentioned the Russian vaccine at all, while certain countries don't even want to receive the American one. And yet, 50 countries have immediately ordered the Russian vaccine, including the biggest ones - India, Brazil, China and South Korea.

Hungary asked the EU countries for a Russian vaccine, and 92% of Serbian citizens said that they had confidence in the Russian vaccine, which is the highest percentage of trust among all vaccines.

However, the Russians will simultaneously vaccinate their citizens in December, and only in January, will they dispatch the vaccines abroad. They must not be flippant about it either - if they send too many vaccines abroad, the citizens of Russia will feel betrayed. If they do not send them until they vaccinate the Russians, the world will lose the will to wait for them.

WHO WILL BE THE FIRST WHERE? The first part of the pandemic

seriously shook the West because after the initial rage against the Chinese for "causing the pandemic by eating bats", they were grateful to China for sending masks and ventilators all over the world, even to Europe. Together with its Western allies, the United States is focusing on having enough vaccines for the "Western world" from Alaska to Australia to the EU. And they will succeed in that.

But they will not be able to supply the whole world fast enough and that's where the Russians and the Chinese emerge - the Chinese, with their Silk Road, and the Russians, with wherever they can and should – the BRICS countries, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South America. After that, comes a series of surprises. Sudden "pacts" are formed just like in the board game Risico. Here are some of the headlines: "The UAE has approved the vaccine against COVID-19 produced by Sinopharm / CNBG, the state-owned pharmaceutical company from China", „It is 86% effective and uses the old school methods so people find it

person has 1,000 wishes, while a sick person has only one. China has two more vaccines in the final phase and is preparing to produce 3 billion doses in 2021, which could immunize 1.5 billion people – some in China, some elsewhere.

It's all a matter of prestige - it's called the Silk Health Road.

While waiting for the story to end, the whole world will look like Africa in 1912. At that time, there was ‘The Scramble for Africa’, where European colonial powers seized all countries except Ethiopia and Liberia. Now, the whole world will be a testing ground for influence. And the one who provides the vaccines, as soon as possible and at a good price, will be celebrated as a saviour. In the ‘Global South’, Russia and China, to a great extent, will reign. The global shifts in power and reputation due to the coronavirus will be greater than the economic ones, thanks to which China has already taken an unexpected step ahead of everyone. In bookmakers' world, this is called "from 2 to 1" - from defeat to victory.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

DIPLOMACY

by Žikica Milošević

We Bring the Fond Memories to Faraway Places! iplomacy & Commerce magazine, in each issue, among other things, represents the diplomatic corps, as well as everything that happens in the diplomatic community in Serbia. Now we also want to show our readers where the former ambassadors work and

D

01.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE YOU LEFT BELGRADE?

02.

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT SERBIA?

what they do. In this issue, we present the ambassadors of two countries: Croatia and Germany. We asked them what they did after leaving Belgrade, what they miss the most from Serbia and how much the pandemic has changed diplomacy and the daily life of a diplomat.

03.

HOW MUCH HAS DIPLOMACY CHANGED IN THE CONDITIONS OF A PANDEMIC AND AS WELL AS THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF A DIPLOMAT?

The Friendships Remained Constant preparations for the Croatian EU Presidency in Serbia in December 2019. It was definitely a very demanding and dynamic period of my life. My duties in 2020 were completely focused on the Croatian EU Presidency in the first half and then on the German EU Presidency in the second.

H.E. GORDAN BAKOTA Ambassador of Croatia to Germany

lin, as I was appointed ambassador to 01.

Germany. Since Croatia took over the EU Presi-

I directly moved from Belgrade to Ber-

dency 1 January 2020, I had to change files quickly from Serbian agenda to the German one. Nevertheless, I still managed to finish the

to invest efforts in providing support for the Croatian community in Serbia. I am satisfied to have seen progress in this regard.

The pandemic had made a revolution 03. in diplomacy. We have definitely changed the way we do our business, our customs and habits. Videoconferences and virtual gatherings have become a new normal and a necessity. Diplomacy is a lot about socializing and personal contacts, and under the current circumstances, it is extremely difficult and complicated to foster personal and human contact through video or hybrid forms of communicating. I really miss physical contacts, meetings and gatherings. Nevertheless, in every crisis there is also an opportunity, and I am sure that we will come stronger after the COVID-19 pandemic will be over.

02.

During all of my previous postings, the most important, and therefore the most difficult to part from were dear friends and colleagues. I have gained many friends in Belgrade, and it was not easy for me to leave. Still, our unique friendships have remained constant, and we remained in contact.

The most precious that I took with me from Belgrade are nice memories of places and people. I also miss diverse and rich cultural and social activities. It was very important for me

Rakija, art, football derby...

I miss the most!

H.E. GIUSEPPE MANZO Ambassador of Italy to Argentina

I love. From Belgrade I went straight 01. to Buenos Aires, where I am currently serving

I am lucky. I got to keep doing the job

as Italian Ambassador to the country which hosts the biggest Italian community in the world, with more than 1 million Italian residents and half of the population with Italian ancestors. It’s a unique feeling: I feel at home even 12.000 km away from home!

02.

64

I miss my friends. Diplomats have different ways to judge the places

they lived. Professional achievements, intense social activity and natural beauty are the most common ones. For me and for my family it has always been about friends. In Serbia, I left many friends but I keep the moments we shared: a rakija by the Sava, Zvezda-Partizan at Hala Pionir, visiting brick factories turned art galleries. And of course, Serbia - its European path and its special ties with Italy - was a constant source of new professional relationships that in time became personal ones.

03.

By definition, a diplomat’s job is to handle change, to respond to new challenges. Of course, those we face today are historic and unprecedented challenges. Con-

fronted by the negative effects this global tragedy has on the traditional ways diplomacy works, I think we are all called upon to develop new and effective tools to improve it. As Winston Churchill said, “Never let a crisis go to waste”.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

EVENTS

Family Companies - a Pillar of the Development of the Serbian Economy lthough family businesses are a pillar of economic development, there is still no developed awareness of their importance. This was one of the conclusions of an online conference dedicated to start-ups, which was held with the support of Erste Bank. Representatives of successful family-run companies in Serbia talked about decision making, keeping business afloat, and devising marketing activities. The conference was opened by Minister Tomislav Momirović, who pointed out that every period generates different opportunities, and that business must be based on clean and precise relations. Dubravka Negre, Head of EIB’s office in Serbia, pointed out that support for small businesses will continue to be one of the EIB’s priorities.

Vladimir Jovanović, a social banking expert at Erste Bank said " The key challenge, regardless of the sector and the size of the company was to preserve busi-

A

ness and employees. During the pandemic crisis, Erste Bank implemented the project "We believe in real support" in which we redirected funds intended for advertising our products to TV and online advertising campaigns through which we presented the products and services of our clients and made them more visible throughout Serbia". He further discussed this subject in the panel "The importance of family businesses and SMEs for the Serbian economy" with Veljko Radovanović, director of the Logik Company, and Vladimir Nikolić, one of the founders of Limundo. On the second panel "Family businesses in the age of the Covid-19 - How to make extraordinary decisions in a state of emergency?" spoke Dubravka Popović, director of RTV Santos, Milica Čalija, co-founder and director of Andjeli, Milorad Cilić, from Gazdinstvo Cilić and Ana Dolovac, founder of the family company Dolovac Organic.

The Culture in the Time of Pandemic Conference eputy PM and Minister of Culture and Information, Maja Gojković, opened the conference "Culture in the Time of Pandemic", emphasizing the need to establish a specific cultural platform for regional cooperation, in order to overcome the consequences of the pandemic in culture. Representatives of the ministries of culture of Albania, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Meri Kumbe, Krešimir Partl, Dr. Ignacija Fridl Jarc, and Suvad Džafić respectively, also spoke at the conference. Everyone agreed that the state’s importance is enormous in difficult times and that only government measures and financial aid could preserve the entire cultural system in each country. After introductory speeches,

D

given by the regional ministers, through examples of good practice, the ambassadors of France, Egypt, Austria, Germany, Morocco, Finland, the Sovereign Order of Malta, India, Indonesia, Bulgaria, as well as H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, Peter Brown, Director of the British Council for Serbia and the WB, Joachim Waern, Deputy Ambassador of Sweden and Paola Cordone, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Belgrade, talked about the experiences of their countries in terms of the impact of the pandemic on culture. In their addresses, the ambassadors drew attention to several issues and gave exceptional guidelines for future cultural projects that can be implemented in Serbia and the region.

Plenary Session of the National Convention on the EU Held he National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) held its regular Plenary Session online, during which it reviewed the main findings of the European Commission's Annual Progress Report on Serbia. On the occasion, Serbian PM, Ana Brnabić, underlined that the rule of law was the number one priority, as well as that the Serbian government submitted an initiative to the National Assembly to change the Constitution in the segment of justice. Also, she informed that a task force for the safety of journalists was formed.

A NCEU coordinator, Nataša Dragojlović, pointed out that the Convention advocates that Serbia should open all accession chapters at once, and that

T

the rule of law is not the only reason why the chapters have not been opened already. The head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, H.E. Sem Fabrizi, said that Serbia had accomplished many things on its way to the EU this year, but that certain things had not been done completely. German Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Thomas Schieb, noted that the formation of a new government in Serbia has instigated a new wave of reforms and that in 2021, nothing should prevent the opening of new accession chapters.

Serbian Minister for European Integration, Jadranka Joksimović, stated that Serbia is closer to joining the EU because it has shown speed, efficiency, economic strength, solidarity and care for its citizens.

65

DAILY CHART

The World Will Soon Have Covid-19 Vaccines. Will People Have the Jabs?

Many are worried about side-effects, and that clinical trials have been conducted too quickly fter months of dark headlines about the coronavirus pandemic, at last there is hope on the horizon. Last week Pfizer and BioNTech, two pharmaceutical firms, unveiled early data showing that their experimental vaccine is 90% effective in preventing covid-19. On November 16th Moderna, another pharma company, reported that its jab is nearly 95% effective. Financial markets cheered: on both days the S&P 500, America’s main stockmarket index, set record highs. More vaccines are probably on the way.

But there are still hurdles to overcome. Both vaccines must undergo further testing. Vaccines have to be manufactured in huge quantities and distributed effectively. And people must be willing to have the jabs. This may prove surprisingly problematic.

According to a recent poll by Ipsos-MORI, less than three-quarters of adults say they are keen to get vaccinated for covid-19.

The poll, which was conducted between October 8th and October 13th, asked 18,000 adults in 15 countries whether they would get a vaccine. Just 73% said they would, down from 77% in August. Only in three countries— Mexico, Germany, and South Africa—were people more eager to get vaccinated in October than they had been two months earlier. France remained the most reluctant country overall (see chart).

Why the hesitation? The most

A

66

READ THIS ON WEB

MOST MODELS SUGGEST THAT, EVEN IF THE VACCINES UNDER DEVELOPMENT PROVE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING COVID-19, AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS OF THE POPULATION WILL HAVE TO BE VACCINATED TO QUASH FUTURE OUTBREAKS commonly cited reason was worry about side effects (34%), followed by concerns that clinical trials had

moved too quickly (33%). Around one in ten respondents said they are against vaccines altogether.

But such “anti-vax” sentiment is not common. Respondents were more likely to say they would get the vaccine, but not right away. Indeed just 52% said they would accept one within the first three months of its availability; 12% said they would wait at least a year to get inoculated. Some demographic groups are especially suspicious: those with less education in Australia; those on lower incomes in France; and the unemployed and African-Americans in the United States.

Such scepticism could prolong the pandemic, and it is worrying

that it appeared to be mounting in the autumn—perhaps because of suspicions that vaccines were being rushed through. Public-health authorities will hope that this week’s news might reverse that trend. Most models suggest that, even if the vaccines under development prove highly effective at preventing covid-19, at least twothirds of the population will have to be vaccinated to quash future outbreaks. Failure to address the public’s fears soon could disrupt even the best-laid plans.

From The Economist, published under licence.

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

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

INTERVIEW

by Maja Mišković

A New Literacy in a New World is Needed We boost critical thinking, problem-solving, digital and media literacy and other crucial communication skills and programs in an ever-shifting world DARKO SOKOVIĆ

ing and media and information literacy in parents, teachers, public servants, influencers, and business leaders alike by tailoring custom-made manuals, pieces of training, and campaigns. These will be systematically embedded in the existing systems and curricula, while new approaches will be created, too. In 2021, the program will support more than 750 schools to strengthen their digital capacities, while also connecting the students with some of the trailblazing companies and their leaders. It is important that our youth sees the future that is actually happening today in Serbia, in school and outside of it so that they are ready for everything this century will bring.

Managing Partner of Strategy and Development at Propulsion Media Initiatives and Partnerships Support Director

igital media, fast-paced lifestyle, speed and a large amount of information placement affect how we will consume, use, but also what decisions we will make. Therefore, modern lifestyles and new digital media require us to be digitally and media literate. We talked about this with Darko Sokovic Managing Partner of Strategy and Development at Propulsion.

D

What is the new literacy?

— We are acutely aware that the new reality emerges: studies show that the “new norm” in reading is skimming, where the brain spots individual words and browses through the text, samples the first line, and then word-spot through the rest of the text. While this unique shift in literacy is taking place, we live in a more and more diffused world, with information scattered all over the place, narratives created and spread by different actors from different sides—the media, politicians, corporations, marketers, bloggers, influencers.

Couple this with the unprecedented times we live in due to the pandemic, and we’ve got a global context within which no one— our youth, media, businesses, schools, public administration, every single one of us—is fully able to comprehend the complexity of it, let alone find their full meaning and purpose. A new literacy in a new world is needed.

What the Propulsion organization does?

— That is the reason we started Propulsion back in 2011 in Belgrade and Sarajevo. As a full-service communication organization, we specialize in social impact campaigns and projects.

Today we are the leading supplier

READ THIS ON WEB

SERBIAN SOCIETY SHOULD REMAIN OPEN, COMMITTED TO UNDERSTAND, PRODUCE, AND SEEK ACCURATE, TIMELY, AND VERIFIED INFORMATION of social impact communications in the Adria region and wider, working with brands, developmental actors, and governments on transformative campaigns worth more than 1 million dollars a year. We boost critical thinking, problem-solving, digital and media literacy, preventing radicalization, and other crucial communication skills and programs in an ever-shifting world.

The pinnacle of our efforts is the program “Media Initiatives and Partnerships Support”, where we partner with the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Ministry of Culture and Information, CeSID, Digital Serbia Initiative, and others.

What does program “Media In-

itiatives and Partnerships Support“ mean?

— The program relies on a new, yet so logical reality that we resolutely introduce: we invest huge effort and resources in understanding the people we address, their habits, needs, ideas, values, how they get informed, how they mourn, and how they celebrate.

To that end, we constantly conduct a series of comprehensive research on which we base all of our programmatic decisions. The results are also regularly published at novapismenost.rs because we believe that verified information on the basis of which the right decisions are made must be available to everyone.

In the next four years, we will support boosting critical think-

Do you have any other partners you cooperate with?

— Our partners from the Government are committed to helping make these topics mainstream.

We are proud of the fact that the Serbian vice-Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture and Information Maja Gojkovic and His Excellency the U.S. Ambassador Anthony Godfrey have recently stressed the importance of this initiative not only for the cooperation of the two countries but also for the transformative potential it has. Serbian society should remain open, committed to understand, produce, and seek accurate, timely, and verified information. Our partners understand and cheersih this.

And a great deal hangs on our adopting of this “new literacy”: the ability of citizens in a vibrant democracy to try on other perspectives and discern the truth; the capacity of our children to appreciate and create beauty; and the ability in ourselves to go beyond our present glut of information to reach the knowledge and wisdom necessary to sustain a good society.

Propulsion’s purpose is to design impact, and that is one of the hardest endeavors.

67

INTERVIEW

by Svetlana Nenadović-Glušac, D&C Austria

As an Institution, We Can Promise Eternity Some collectors see works of art as an object of speculation while some share their wealth with the world through works of art

PhD, Director General of the ALBERTINA Museum in Vienna

he pandemic caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus has affected the global economy, leaving its mark on every industry and, above all, negatively affecting the arts sector. All the governments of the world are struggling to have as few human casualties as possible, save the domestic economy, provide medical care, and protect their citizens as best they can, and in this struggle, the arts are almost marginalized.

All branches of art are feeling the crisis, and among them, museums are the ones which were hardest hit.

In an exclusive interview with Professor Klaus Albrecht Schröder, PhD, Director General the ALBERTINA Museum, we will find out how the pandemic-induced crisis has affected museums.

T

The pandemic emerged shortly before the opening of the Albertina Modern, which was planned for March 2020, and was followed by a lockdown. As a result, both Albertina museums had to close. To what extent did the lockdown affect Albertina's financial year?

— Due to the repeated closure, I cannot precisely quantify the loss of income, but we anticipate the loss to be around 12 million euro.

Shorter opening hours brought around 900,000 euro, we received 2.8 million euro from the corona fund and we were also able to save over 6 million euro through cancellations and postponements.

Normally, we have over 1 million visitors a year, but this year, we will have a maximum of 300,000. However, in the eight days before the closure alone, the two Albertina locations had 15,000 visitors, as both the opening show in the Albertina Modern and “Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse. The Hah-

68

nloser Collection” were nearing their end. My heart is bleeding that these exhibitions will be closed until the end of the term. Due to the lockdown, we now expect higher costs in paying 70 international loans. The rush of visitors over the past few days has shown the population's vital need to take part in an extraordinary cultural experience which is a necessary outlet in these difficult times.

READ THIS ON WEB

Many museums around the world offered virtual tours during the lockdown. Do you think there is potential for future museum business as a result?

— We are currently working hard on new formats for mediation and are testing online tours, digital exhibition tours and expanding our range of videos. The online collections were re-launched in the spring. We have a very good range of social media services and are well-positioned internationally. All of this is important to stay relevant, but for me, it cannot replace the encounter with the original work of art.

Photo: Christopher Mavric © Albertina, Wien

PROFESSOR KLAUS ALBRECHT SCHRÖDER

How does the “new normal” affect the business of the Albertina museums, since museums are no longer allowed to be open to the public as part of pandemic measures?

— I am disappointed and saddened that, contrary to the draft laws, the museums must now be closed. Nobody tried to have a different view of the requirements.

HOWEVER, IN THE EIGHT DAYS BEFORE THE CLOSURE ALONE, 15,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE TWO ALBERTINA LOCATIONS The museums in particular have behaved in an exemplary manner in recent months. Without any legal requirements, the Albertina introduced a mandatory mask requirement in July for low-level infections and was able to guarantee the minimum physical distance of one metre.

These measures were very well received by the public in the summer. Besides, it was not taken into account that our ventilation and air conditioning systems completely replace the oxygen in a gallery every 5 to 10 minutes. However, a museum is more than just its exhibition business. There is

ongoing research and we are already working on setting up the follow-up exhibitions and catalogues for 2021.

The pandemic has caused an almost unbelievable turnaround in terms of museums in countries that have so-called liberal cultural policies. In the United States, museums are allowed to trade in artwork from their collections. What is your opinion about this type of business?

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Photo: Harald Eisenberger © Albertina, Wien

— There was and still is a full consensus that the money generated for sales should be used for repurchases. I'm the last one to throw stones now. This happened out of great need, I understand that. We are in the middle of a health crisis that will result in an economic crisis.

Recently, the Brooklyn Museum of Art sold nine of the ten works auctioned by New York's Christie's, including “Lucrezia”, a 16th-century masterpiece by Lucas Cranach Sr. that raised $ 6.6 million for the museum. Can you imagine something like that happening in Austria?

— Fortunately, we don't have to ask ourselves this question. That’s unthinkable in Europe today. Until the 1960s, however, thousands of pieces of art from our collection were sold. This was legal as the owner of the museum, the Finance Ministry, can in principle sell works from the federal government. And we could just as well sell works that we as a scientific institution under public law received or acquired as gifts after 1999. However, we are not even remotely faced with this question.

It was announced at an auction at Sotheby's in New York that works by Monet, Degas, Miró, Mathis and several other famous artists from the museum's collection would soon be on offer for sale. Do you think that this type of fundraising takes valuable and important works of art away from the general public forever, hiding them from the eyes of mankind and thus reducing the business of museums in the future?

— Some collectors see works of art as an object of speculation while some share their wealth with the world through works of art. Today, you have to have collectors because the prices of contemporary art have risen so im-

WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING HARD ON NEW FORMATS FOR MEDIATION AND ARE TESTING ONLINE TOURS, DIGITAL EXHIBITION TOURS AND EXPANDING OUR RANGE OF VIDEOS measurably that a purchase of first-class works for a museum is only affordable in the rarest of cases. We receive donations from famous artists because, as an institution, we can promise eternity.

Private collections, such as Batliner, Essl or, most recently, Jablonka, are closely linked to our establishment and have made it possible for millions of visitors to encounter outstanding works of modernity and the present. But don't be mistaken when it comes to hiding. As a museum, we are primarily a store of knowledge and only regularly show a small

part of our collection that numbers 1.1 million pieces of art.

What are your plans for the Albertina?

— The Albertina Modern has been very well received by the Viennese public in recent months. I would be delighted if the follow-up exhibitions also generate a positive response internationally. I'm in the middle of the preparations for "The Essl Collection" and other exhibitions, together with the new chief curator Angela Stief. I want to get both establishments safely through the crisis and continue to

stage top-class exhibitions.

How are the preparations for the long-awaited Modigliani exhibition going?

— Unfortunately, the exhibition had to be postponed to autumn 2021. All lenders were very understanding and cooperative. I think a pioneer like Amedeo Modigliani deserves to be accessible to a large audience, but this is not possible for the time being due to travel restrictions. The exhibition “Munch and the Consequences” is also being rescheduled and will now take place in 2022 instead of spring 2021.

PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR What can art and Albertina fans expect in 2021?

— In the spring, we will present retrospectives by the two important contemporary artists Michela Ghisetti and Xenia Hausner. In the field of photography, we will showcase masterpieces by Lerski and Sander from the interwar period with “Faces” and, in the summer, we will present the Japanese photographer Araki. In terms of our collections, there will be spectacular presentations based on Schiele and Michelangelo as we are currently still working on the programme.

Photo: Jeanne und Donald Kahn Galleries © Albertina, Wien

69

ENDANGERED CULTURAL HERITAGE

by Robert Čoban

In the Valley of Abandoned Castles The problem of dozens of abandoned and devastated castles should be solved by the Republic of Serbia or the Province of Vojvodina making a clear decision to give all these neglected beauties a new purpose after restoration because local governments usually have neither the will nor the means to solve complicated legal and property issues that are in the background of almost every case he raft that transports passengers from Futog to Beočin docks on the Srem side of the Danube and in front of us is a town that cries out for a Truman Capote-like description.

From the devastated buildings in the port, the road leads me to the centre of the place. On the right side there is a cement factory which has several buildings of valuable historical heritage, also neglected. Through the tall vegetation, I enter the former Post Office building, a ruined Art Nouveau beauty that today stands empty with documents scattered on the floor from several decades ago when telegrams and letters were still sorted out here. On the left is a typical working class neighbourhood, next to the one in Vrdnik, which was built for miners - one of the most valuable examples of the architecture of organized workers' housing from the early 20th century.

120 years ago, the owners of the Vrdnik mine and the Beočin cement plant paid more attention to the housing style of their workers than rich entrepreneurs and the transition winners do in their mansions today. The goal of the bicycle tour to Beočin was to see the famous Spitzer Castle, built in 1898 for a family of rich German landowners who were one of the owners of the Beočin Cement Plant. The building was designed in the eclectic style by the architect Imre Steindl (also the designer of the famous Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest), and the castle has noticeable elements of both the old styles (such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque) and a modern one, Art Nouveau. The castle’s interior reflects the spirit of the variant of the Hungarian secession and was designed a little later.

The central hall is the most valuable segment of the interior. At the same time when the castle was built, a large park was also built around it.

The Spitzer family left Beočin before the beginning of the Sec-

T

70

READ THIS ON WEB

IN A FORGOTTEN VILLA: Room in the former Post Office in Beočin

ond World War, and during the war, the castle was used as a building of the German military command, only to be nationalized after the war ended. After that, it was used as a town library, a culture centre, the headquarters of the handball club, a radio station, a home for disabled persons

then. Our famous poet Mika Antić used a part of the castle as his painting studio. Today, almost all the windows on it are broken, and due to heavy rainfall in the winter of 2011, part of the entrance porch collapsed. By the way, the building was declared a cultural monument in 1997.

el ban. The biggest impression I got from these short trips was that, according to some unwritten rule, the most beautiful houses, palaces, summer houses and castles everywhere I went were in the worst possible condition.

The extent of negligence towards some of the most valuable objects of cultural and industrial heritage in our country is almost striking. While visiting other parts of Serbia I saw that the same attitude towards heritage prevailed in the entire country. In mid-September, we opened the Facebook page "Heritage without Protection" and invited people in Serbia to send examples of neglected heritage from their communities. So far, we have received more than 100 photo albums of facilities from all over the country that are in a state of partial or complete devastation.

The problem these castles should be solved by the Republic of Serbia or the Province of Vojvodina making a clear decision to give all these neglected beauties a new purpose after restoration because local governments usually have neither the will nor the means to solve complicated legal and property issues that are in the background of almost every case.

In addition to the Spitzer Castle described above, I had the opportunity to see the Karácsonyi Castle in Novi Miloševo, the largest in Vojvodina, which a colleague of mine Zlatko Crnogorac wrote about in this weekly a few months ago, after I drew his attention to this unutilized resource.

Another ruined castle is located in the village of Jarkovac in

THE BIGGEST IMPRESSION I GOT FROM THESE SHORT TRIPS WAS THAT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOUSES, PALACES, SUMMER HOUSES AND CASTLES EVERYWHERE I WENT WERE IN THE WORST POSSIBLE CONDITION and finally, an exclusive restaurant with accommodation. After the privatization of the Podunavlje Company, which was in charge of the castle’s management, the building was abandoned and has been quickly deteriorating since

"HERITAGE WITHOUT PROTECTION" – THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY I went on a series of bicycle tours in Vojvodina in the spring to compensate for the foreign trav-

Srem. This summer house was built in the second half of the 19th century, when the Ruma manor was managed by Count Petar Pejačević and his son Adolf. The manor house was built on a hill with a beautiful view of the sur-

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Photo credits: Mladen Sekulić and Robert Čoban RUIN IN THE CITY CENTRE: Pin’s Villa in Zrenjanin

GERMAN HERITAGE: One of the two abandoned Art Nouveau villas in Savino Selo

rounding area. After the post-war nationalization, it was used as a local elementary school and nursery. Today it is almost completely devastated.

The castle of the Dundjerski family in Čelarevo, built in 1837, was the biggest landmark in the area before the Second World War. According to the list of confiscated property, the Dundjerski heirs did not ask for the castle to be returned to them. Gideon, the son of Lazar Dundjerski, wanted to give the castle and all its artwork to the people and to turn this architecturally significant building into a museum. That happened in 1968 and the castle now belongs to the Museum of Vojvodina. In the meantime, the facade was restored by the Carlsberg brewery, which has its headquarters in Čelarevo, but the castle is still empty and abandoned and the walls are covered in graffiti.

Destruction in the Villa.

Not far from the Danube bank in Sremska Kamenica lies a castle that was originally owned by the Marczibanyi family. It was built in the late 18th and early 19th century. The castle was extended and reconstructed thanks to the new owners, the Karácsonyi family, in the middle of the 19th century. The building is a representative of the Classicist style, with

PIN’S VILLA – “THE MUSEUM OF DESTRUCTION” In the very heart of Zrenjanin, stands once the magnificent Pin's Villa, which was designed in the style of romanticism in 1894 by the architect Laszlo Gyalus for Leon Stegelwald, and two years later by Ferenc Daniel, who owned it until 1919. Paja Pin, a surveyor by profession, became its new owner in 1928. Although the villa has changed hundreds of tenants since 1943, when the Germans evicted the Pins, it is still remembered as the property of the Pin family.

The villa has been abandoned for decades and is in critical condition. It was conceived as a residential building with a clear division into a larger, residential part and service space, which are

clearly recognizable both in appearance and interior. The interior, which used to speak about the high social status of its first owner considering the building materials used and the details, has been completely destroyed today.

The lavish wooden steps that led from the spacious entrance hall to the first floor of the villa no longer exist. The parquet floor was destroyed, as well as other details of

Up until 1918, the wealthy the Karácsonyi family held balls and receptions in their castle. However, after the war, this magnificent building was nationalized and used for various purposes. Today, the castle is owned by the City of Novi Sad, and it houses two offices of the public enterprise Vode Vojvodine, and, except for graffiti and sculptures in the park, which were mostly destroyed and bro-

IN THE VERY HEART OF ZRENJANIN, STANDS ONCE THE MAGNIFICENT PIN'S VILLA, WHICH WAS DESIGNED IN THE STYLE OF ROMANTICISM IN 1894 BY THE ARCHITECT LASZLO GYALUS FOR LEON STEGELWALD the interior, among them monuments to the craftsmen of that time. The project stipulating renovation of the facade of Pin's Villa was drafted by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments from Zrenjanin back in 2005.

To this day, and despite several announcements, nothing has happened. As a sign of protest, local artists set up the Museum of

colonnades of Doric pillars and wrought iron ornaments. The entire facility consists of four buildings, and is surrounded by an English landscape garden, originally decorated with exotic trees from around the world and sculptures of sphinxes and lions. The park had hiking and riding trails and a stocked lake. The remains of sculptures and the former garden are still there today.

KARASCONYI CASTLE IN NOVO MILOŠEVO: First a count's palace, then a school, a chemical factory and an abandoned ruin in the end

ken, it is solidly preserved. The Kamenica Park itself was renovated a year ago, and new benches, gazebos, training grounds, hiking and cycling trails, children's game rooms and solar power lighting were added.

RUSSIAN PRINCE’S SUMMER HOUSE NEAR KIKINDA Only two kilometres away from the famous Fantast castle, near Topolski Road, abandoned and left to the ravages of time, in the middle of a fertile plain, stands the Gombos family summer house. The owner of the estate, Deze Gombos, a lawyer from a noble family dating back to the 13th century, left for Hungary with his wife Zsuzsanna Galambos in 1944.

The house, located in the centre of Bečej, is today used by the Automobile and Motor Association of Serbia, the afore-mentioned summer house, the land and the abundant collection of books written in five languages, which for the most part was not preserved and which remnant is in the National Library of Bečej, was left behind by the couple who spent their last

71

OVERGROWN WITH VEGETATION: Bisinger Castle in Vlajkovac

days in Budapest. After the death of her husband in 1950, Zsuzsanna Galambos made living from manual labour. They left no heirs behind. Little is known about Deze and Zsuzsanna, but the photographs testify that they were important public figures in Bečej.

It is interesting to note that this aristocrat is also the founder of the first tennis club in Bečej, one of the oldest in this area.

The magnificent building in the heart of Vojvodina, in which people from Bečej are becoming increasingly interested thanks to the enthusiasts who discovered this neglected gem, served as a home for the elderly from 1950 to 1960. Surrounded by ivy, near the fountain in the shape of a bust of a young woman, looking at its façade, this neglected building could, providing effort and money is invested, become unique tourist potential of the municipality of Bečej. By the way, the portrait of Deza Gombos, painted in the 1930s, now hangs on a wall of the ceremonial hall in the municipal building. The painting’s author is unknown, but it is assumed that it was a court painter from the Netherlands who stayed in Bečej for several years, on the Gombos family's property, on Topolski Road.

There is a long list of castles in Vojvodina that are in this kind of or even worse condition. One of them is the Mavrokordato summer house near Kikinda, of which only a few pillars remain. It was

"LIFE IN VOJVODINA USED TO BE BEAUTIFUL": Baba Puszta Castle, Aleksa Šantić

built by a Russian prince of Greek origin, Georgije Dimitrijević Mavrokordato, who was born in Odessa in 1881, in a wealthy and infamous Mavrokordato family. His house, which I wrote about in my travelogue from Odessa for Vreme weekly in June last year, is known as the building with the longest balcony in the world.

There is also the Castle of Gedeon Rohonczy on the Pearl

"LIFE IN VOJVODINA USED TO BE BEAUTIFUL": Baba Puszta Castle, Aleksa Šantić

which were deliberately neglected in order to be stripped off their protection status. Later, they were demolished and the controversial real estate developer, Galens, built there a residential quarter called Kraljev Park. There are many examples in Central Serbia too, such as the Čavić House in the centre of Novi Pazar or the Town Hall in Valjevo, but we’ll talk about them on a different occasion.

remains one of the most powerful-looking castles.

During the 1990, the cooperative collapsed and the building was left to ruin. It became a gathering place for drug addicts and overgrown with vegetation. Back in 2009 and 2011, reports show a castle that had no roof, but it is clearly visible. Today, it is not visible from the overgrown bushes, the chapel with frescoes was de-

ONLY TWO KILOMETRES AWAY FROM THE FAMOUS FANTAST CASTLE, NEAR TOPOLSKI ROAD, ABANDONED AND LEFT TO THE RAVAGES OF TIME, IN THE MIDDLE OF A FERTILE PLAIN, STANDS THE GOMBOS FAMILY SUMMER HOUSE Island on the Tisza River; the Bisinger Castle in Vlajkovac in Banat; the Hristić-Fritz Castle in Bačko Novo Selo, two Art Nouveau palaces in Savino Selo and hundreds of castles, palaces, windmills, old factories, birthplaces of celebrities but also ordinary houses of great architectural value that are only on paper under state protection but in reality, they are not. Ruined Protestant and Catholic churches in places where Germans lived until 1944 are a special topic. Except for a handful of cases (in Apatin, Odžaci, etc.), these are ghostly buildings that stand in town and village centres. Nobody is willing to renovate or demolish them.

In April 2016, I wrote an article for Vreme weekly about the thatched roof houses in Novi Sad's neighbourhood of Rotkvarija,

BABA PUSZTA – “THE ANGKOR WAT OF VOJVODINA" Finally, here’s the story about one of the most picturesque castles in our country - the summer house Baba Puszta, once owned by the nobleman Karoly Fernbach.

The castle is located 9 kilometres from the village of Aleksa Šantić (Šari), in Bačka district, not far from the border with Hungary and out of all the summer houses and palaces in Vojvodina, it perhaps reminds the most of the Transylvania castles. It was built in 1907 and designed by the Hungarian architect Rezső Hikisch.

It was, after Fantast, the most impressive castle in Vojvodina, but after the Second World War, it was the seat of the Aleksa Šantić agricultural cooperative. Although it served other purposes it

stroyed, the frescoes were torn down, and the marble altar was broken into two parts by hooligans because they were told that there was gold under it. There was no gold, of course.

While putting together the edition "Hello! Travel: Sombor and Apatin", our journalist Žikica Milošević visited Baba Puszta and shared his impressions: “The castle today looks like from an Indiana Jones movie. In just 10 years, the vegetation has swallowed the castle, so it's no wonder they've never found lost Latin American cities like Eldorado. The scene is more reminiscent of Angkor Wat or Palenque.”

Several people live in close proximity to the castle. Szandor, once employed in the castle, says in nostalgic voice: "Life in Vojvodina used to be beautiful".

A JOINT COMMISSION OF THE TWO MINISTRIES Following the initiative of Robert Čoban, the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure launched an initiative to establish a joint commission whose members, in addition to representatives of the two ministries, would be the representatives of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Serbia, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments

72

of Vojvodina and the Foundation for Cultural and Industrial Heritage.

The goal of this commission is to make a list of castles, summer houses and villas of cultural and historical significance on the territory of the Republic of Serbia and to investigate who owns them. After that, the castles will be renovated and will be used as tourist attractions and locations for the film industry.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

CORPORATE

Sixth multi-congress Serbian Visions 2021 The sixth multi-congress "Serbian Visions" organized by the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, will be held online from February 1st to 5th 2021 his traditional event represents a specific concept of gathering civil society organizations and the economy in one place, where they present their ideas, engagements and solutions on how to make the economy more efficient, the civil sector stronger, and the overall development of Serbia faster.

The five-day multi-congress

T

will include more than 30 events aimed at exchanging experiences, discussions, workshops, seminars on human rights, economy, education, culture, health, environmental protection, European integration, security, innovation and other topics important for the vision of a better Serbia.

All interested organizations, associations, foundations, institu-

tions and companies that want to share their ideas, projects and other contents with a large audience are invited to apply via email info@serbian-visions.rs. Every non-profit organization has the opportunity to apply, and the selected ones get an appointment within the Serbian Visions multicongress completely free of charge.

Profitable organizations and repre-

sentatives of the economy can get their term within the multicongress as sponsors of the event.

Every year, the Serbian Visions team awards plaques for the best vision and the best social engagement. Be a part of Serbian visions for a better future!

Please visit www.serbian-visions.rs for further information.

73

CULTURE NEWS

Colours Of Africa – Creative Workshops and Exhibition

KOLARAC

Programme

Winter Holidays at the MAA: Free Creative Workshops for Teenagers

During the winter holidays the Museum of African Art, with the support of the Secretariat for Sports and Youth, is organizing free educational workshops for teenagers entitled Colors of Africa – Creative Workshops and Exhibition.

Interested teens can choose between two courses: • ceramics workshops, from January 4–9th (Group 1) • graphics workshops, from January 11–15th (Group 2) The COLOURS OF AFRICA creative workshops start with an introductory lecture followed by practical work with different materials

74

and techniques (ceramics or graphics). The themes of the workshops are based on traditional West African motifs.

The COLOURS OF AFRICA creative workshops are organized over five consecutive days (from January 4 – 9th for Group 1* and from January 11–15th for Group 2) in four-hour timeslots (from 10 am to 2 pm). The workshops are concluded by setting up an exhibition of all of the participants’ artworks (on Saturday, January 16th) and an exhibition opening on Sunday, 17th, from 2 pm. On the special opening, certificates and awards will be given to the best artworks.

The COLOURS OF AFRICA creative workshops are conceptualized and led by MAA staff: Marija Miloš, senior curator, Milica Naumov, curator and Milica Josimov, sculptor/ conservator.

Registration for the COLOURS OF AFRICA creative workshops is mandatory. Please send us an email to kontakt@mau.rs with the following information: name, surname, year of birth, contact phone number and selected course (CERAMICS or GRAPHICS) Sign up on time – the number of participants is limited!

January 3rd, 2021 at 12am ARTLINK AWARD FOR THE MOST PROMISING YOUNG ARTIST IN 2020

Dunja Kalamir, violin, Uki Ovaskainen, piano, Program: Paganini, Brahms, Sarasate, Tchaikowsky.

CLICK TO GO  www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

75