D&C 61

March 2021 | ISSUE No. 61 | Price 350 RSD

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CONTENTS

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WB6 SHOULD FOLLOW THE STEPS OF THE VISEGRÁD GROUP H.E. TOMÁŠ KUCHTA Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Serbia

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WE WILL ENRICH THE TOURIST OFFER WITH INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES NENAD IVANIŠEVIĆ Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism of the AP Vojvodina

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NEXT CHAPTER Diplomacy&Commerce 5th anniversary

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HOW DOES MINDSET INFLUENCE EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCES? ”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

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TIJANA POLAK

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THE NLB GROUP WILL BECOME ONE OF THE LEADING BANKS

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BRANKO GREGANOVIĆ

CHANGE YOURSELF, CHANGE THE WORLD, CHANGE AWARENESS

CEO of NLB Banka Beograd

SLAVEN RISTIĆ Managing Director of Tehnički Remont Bratunac (TRB)

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MOBI BANKA - FULLY DIGITAL APPROACH WITH THE HUMAN TOUCH ALEKSANDAR BOGDANOVIĆ

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WE INVEST IN OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE AND KNOWLEDGE DR MILICA ĐURIĆ-JOVIČIĆ

Sales Director of Mobi Banka

Acting Director of Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia

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DELTA HOUSE WILL BE THE STATE-OF-THE-ART BUILDING IN BELGRADE ANGELINA NEKIĆ CEO of the Delta Real Estate Group

OUR COMPANY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY ATHANASIOS GIANNAROS Commercial Director, ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY A.D.

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DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER FEZA TAN

SLOW DENTISTRY - MORE THAN A SMILE DR IGOR RISTIĆ

CEO of UniCredit Bank Serbia

Dental prosthetics specialist from the Centre for Dental Aesthetics and Implantology (CDEI)

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ROSANDA MILATOVIĆ SKORIĆ

RADOŠ DJORDJEVIĆ

IT Talent Acquisition Manager, ManpowerGroup Serbia

SAS IS A PRECURSOR TO AND A LEADER IN MODERN AI General Manager SAS Adriatic

WE ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE Managing Director of MK Mountain Resort d.o.o.

THE CULTURE OF LIVING IN THE YEAR OF THE CORONAVIRUS ZLATKO CRNOGORAC Ex Art Producer

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FOREWORD

The Best of All Possible Worlds to solve the problem of evil.

If we were to survey Europe’s population, they would certainly say that, in 2020, they lived in "the worst of all possible worlds".

However, despite the pandemic, closed bars, restaurants and shops, the facts still say the opposite. Except in regard to environmental protection, the planet Earth is today in the best

condition ever – we have the lowest number of people dying in wars, the lowest number of terrorist attacks and the lowest number of people who are hungry and poor.

So, take a look at these maps every time you overindulgently and ungratefully think - "It's never been worse! I can't drink my espresso in my favourite café like I'm used to."

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ROBERT ČOBAN Director

ome people have criticized me for being overly pessimistic in my op-ed piece - "The Worst Is Yet To Come" – and for being in complete contrast to the expectations of the entire planet that the "good old world" from 2019 would return after vaccination.

This time around, I will try to use "lighter tones".

A few days ago, I saw a life expectancy map for 1800, 1950, and 2015. From an average of 29 years of age, on the global level, in 1800 (Europe 34, America 35, Africa 26, Asia 28, Oceania 35), through to the global average of 46 years of age in 1950, to as many as 71 years of age as the average in 2015 - the civilization’s progress has been enormous. These maps also show the progress of medicine, the reduction of poverty and the declining number of deaths as a result of wars and revolutions.

Do we really live in "the best of all possible worlds"? This is quite the opposite of what the main characters in Woody Allen's film "Midnight in Paris" think, who are constantly returning to the past, believing that that era was the best.

The phrase "the best of all possible worlds" (in French: “le meilleur des mondes possible”; in German: “Die beste aller möglichen Welten”) was coined by the German polymath Gottfried Leibniz in his 1710 work Essais de Théodicée sur la bonté de Dieu, la liberté de l'homme et l'origine du mal (Essays of Theodicy on the Goodness of God, the Freedom of Man and the Origin of Evil). The claim that the actual world is the best of all possible worlds is the central argument in Leibniz's theodicy, or his attempt

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PREMIUM NEWS FACTORY 8

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NO TIME FOR FOOT-DRAGHING

Mario Draghi is Set to Become Italy’s Next Prime Minister He will have to move fast to overcome Italy’s deep-seated problems as there ever a luckier prime minister than Mario Draghi? Or an unluckier one? He is set to come into office with around €200bn from the EU’s recovery funds to spend.

But he will also take over Europe’s worst-performing economy in a pandemic and with a parliamentary majority hard put to agree on anything, let alone on controversial structural reforms the European Commission wants to see implemented as the largesse is disbursed.

By February 12th, as he prepared to announce a cabinet featuring a mixture of politicians and technocrats, only the farright Brothers of Italy party had declined the chance to climb aboard the “Super Mario” bandwagon. The ideologically variegated Five Star Movement (M5S), the biggest group in parliament, gave its approval following an online ballot of members (with a lukewarm 59% voting in favour of Mr Draghi). Even the hardright Northern League hastily renounced its Euroscepticism to book a place in Italy’s next parliamentary majority, and perhaps its cabinet.

The former president of the European Central Bank faces both a daunting challenge and a unique opportunity. The challenge is to cope with the effects of covid-19 in a country hard hit by the virus; Italy is fourth in the EU in terms of deaths relative to population.

Its economy shrank by 8.8% last year, compared with 5% in Germany. If a ban on sackings is lifted at the end of March, an estimated 250,000 more people will be dumped onto the labour market.

Mr Draghi’s opportunity, though, is to use the recovery funds to start reversing two decades of economic decline. Even before the pandemic, Italians’ real GDP per person was lower than at the start of the century. Behind that woeful performance lies an array of obstacles to growth, held firmly in place by vested interests.

In consultations with the various parties, Mr Draghi has hint-

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MARIO DRAGHI IS SET TO COME INTO OFFICE WITH AROUND €200BN FROM THE EU’S RECOVERY FUNDS TO SPEND ed at how he intends to deal with both the challenge and the opportunity. The priority areas he indicated were health (a central aim must be to speed up vaccination); education (he has suggested that the school year be extended to allow students to catch up); the protection of individuals and enterprises from the effects of the pandemic; and, less obviously, the environment (which squares with the priorities of the commission and the M5S). The prime minister-designate’s targets for reform are said to include Italy’s tax regime, its stultifying bureaucracy and a slow, unpredictable civil-justice system that discourages both domestic enterprise and foreign investment.

But these are tasks for a period of years, so the first question that arises is how Mr Draghi’s long-term aims can be reconciled with the EU’s exacting deadlines and—a point largely overlooked

in the euphoria surrounding his appointment—the short life expectancy of his government.

Contracts for 70% of the recovery funds must be awarded and signed by the end of 2022 and the remainder committed within the following year. In the meantime, a general election must be held by early 2023. But, given the parties’ aversion to winter campaigning, it is more likely in the first half of next year. Mr Draghi may want to step down even sooner if he is to run for president in a separate election due in February 2022. “I think he’ll set a working method for the next government,” says Veronica De Romanis, who teaches European economics at LUISS, a university in Rome.

A second question is how much unpopularity Mr Draghi is prepared to risk. When the outgoing government suggested a longer school year, it prompted an outcry from the unions. Tax re-

form usually favours some parts of society at the expense of others. And Mr Draghi’s approach to safeguarding enterprises may also prove controversial. Last year he co-chaired a working group of the Group of Thirty, an informal body of bankers and officials, that looked at restoring the corporate sector after the pandemic. It concluded that governments should focus on supporting viable firms and managing the pace of what his co-chair called “the needed creative destruction”.

Mr Draghi is popular. But Italy’s electorate and parliament are notoriously fickle. “If he starts immediately with these reforms we have been speaking about for 20 years, he will have a chance of success,” says Giuliano Noci, professor of strategy and marketing at Milan’s Politecnico University. “But if he waits for more than a month, the sentiment will change.”

From The Economist, published under licence.

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

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INTERESTING FACTS

NATIONAL DAYS

Europe in 2024 he IMF has given a growth forecast by the year 2024, and we can see a few interesting things in the forecast.

Serbia will catch up with Montenegro in terms of growth, but it will not catch up with Belarus, which will slow down a bit. Serbia will also not be able to catch up to two neighbouring countries - Romania and Bulgaria. Romania will soon catch up with Greece and overtake Turkey, which growth has been slowing down. Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as Turkey, are still far ahead of Serbia.

The Czech Republic’s growth will exceed not only Greece and Portugal’s, but also Italy’s, which will no longer be able to justifiably be a part of the G-7 most developed countries in the world, because it will also lag behind Spain. Italy will be overtaken by Lithuania (as well as Spain), but also by Slovakia. Italy is the biggest loser in the adoption of the euro too. Ukraine, Moldova and Kosovo will slide into even greater poverty. Ireland will be almost twice as rich as the once much richer United Kingdom since it seceded in 1922. All Eastern EU countries, except Bulgaria, will be wealthier than Croa-

MARCH

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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

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roclamation of P Independence 1992

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BULGARIA Liberation Day

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HUNGARY 1848 Revolution Day

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IRELAND St. Patrick's Day

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TUNISIA

tia, which is a giant step back for the country considering that, in 1991, it was the second richest country in Eastern Europe after Slovenia. The decline will be even greater in other republics of the former Yugoslavia, as a result of the 1991-2001 wars. The Czech Republic and Lithuania will overtake Slovenia, and thus Slovenia will no longer be the wealthiest country in Eastern Europe. The countries and territories affected by

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

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NAMIBIA Independence Day

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GREECE Independence Day

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MALTA Freedom Day

APRIL

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H.E. GILES NORMAN New Ambassador Of Canada To Serbia, Montenegro And North Macedonia Giles Norman (BA Hons, Lancaster University, 1990; LLB, Queen’s University, 1996) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1999 after being called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario in 1998.

His overseas assignments include political officer in Ankara (2001 to 2004), political and trade counsellor in Colombo (2007 to 2009) and first-ever director of the Canadian International Centre for the Arctic Region in Oslo (2009 to 2012), where he also served as chargé

Independence Day

the wars (from 1992 to date), like Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia, will be at the level of African countries in terms of economic growth while the countries of southern Europe, that have adopted the euro as their national currency, such as Greece, Portugal and Italy, are falling behind in regard to wealth. The Eurozone is beneficial only to budget savers, not spenders.

GUINEA Independence Day

d’affaires for 9 months. After Oslo, he was posted to New York City until 2016 as the counsellor (legal, human rights, humanitarian) and legal counsel at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations. At Headquarters, he has held a series of posts in the Legal Bureau and was deputy director of the Maghreb and Persian Gulf Division (2004 to 2007). Most recently, he was executive director of the Defence and Security Relations Division.

Giles Norman became Ambassador to Serbia in February 2021.

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SYRIA National Day

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NETHERLANDS ational Day N (King’s Day)

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SOUTH AFRICA Freedom Day

H.E. SILVIA DAVIDOIU New Ambassador Of Romania To Serbia Silvia Davidoiu studied economics. After graduating, she studied political science for two years at the Faculty of Trade Relations of the Bucharest Economic Academy . From 1989 to 1990 she worked for the mineral trading company ICSM in Sinaia , and from 1990 to 1992 she completed a master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Limerick in Ireland. In the Romanian Foreign Ministry, she was Attachée

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and Third Secretary in the Department for North America from 1992 , then from 1995 to 1997 Second Secretary in the Department for Western Europe. Her first assignment abroad was from 1997 to 2001, first and then second secretary in the Romanian embassy in Bonn, when she was moving to Berlin.

From 2001 to 2002 she was Counselor and Head of Department in the Department for Western Europe

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest and from 2002 to 2004 Counselor, Envoy and Director General in the Directorate General Europe and Directorate General Extended Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2004 she was appointed Romanian Ambassador to Ireland. Since January 12, 2009, she has been Andrei Corbea-Hoisie’s ambassador to Vienna. She is married and has a daughter.

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13

INTERVIEW

by Žikica Milošević

WB6 Should Follow the Steps of the Visegrád Group Czech and Serbs will always be brothers

H.E. TOMÁŠ KUCHTA Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Serbia

zechoslovakia and Yugoslavia were born together, but they died differently - Yugoslavia in blood and Czechoslovakia following a peaceful divorce. We talked with the Czech Ambassador to Serbia, H. E. Tomáš Kuchta, about the past and future of our two countries.

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It seems that we have been heading in different directions lately.

How much of the old "love" that existed prior to 1991 is left?

— Our bilateral relations have always been very intense in every respect, while friendly feelings of the Czechs towards the Serbs are firmly rooted in our emotional setup. The Czechs will never forget the support they got from the Serbs after the invasion of the Five Armies of the Warsaw Pact in August 1968. I don't think that we are heading in different directions.

On contrary, our bilateral contacts on all levels had been very intense before the coronavirus pandemic. I hope that the visit of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on February 10 started a new wave of fruitful meetings of the Czech and Serbian officials. We will form an intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation, which has the task to move forward our bilateral economic relations. I hope this will take place during President Aleksandar Vučić's official visit to Prague, planned for April or early May, depending on the situation with the pandemic. We have always been the strongest supporters of the EU enlargement, consider Serbia a key country for the whole region and favour its accession to the EU. We have been committed to assisting Serbia in the fight against illegal migration and helping to improve border protection and National Immigration and asylum system in the last several years. Serbia has already received technical finan-

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cial assistance from the Czech Interior Ministry, amounting to 2.5 million euro. A number of the Czech police officers in 28 contingents have been deployed for additional protection of Serbian borders over the last several years. We

relations between our two countries have never been as intense and good as they are today.

What can Serbia learn from Czechia, as its 'older sibling, about the EU accession process?

CZECHIA BECAME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FOREIGN INVESTORS IN SERBIA are willing to support your efforts farther. The plan is for our Foreign Minister to visit Serbia in late March. He will be accompanied by a delegation of businesspeople if the pandemic allows. We are also planning for your Telecommunications Minister to come to the Czech Republic also in the second half of March. There are plenty of other activities that we have in mind. All in all, I think that the

— Adapting the country's legislation is a key component and must be understood as a vital interest of all citizens of any candidate country. You have to see EU membership as a big opportunity. Serbia is a country with great potential.

It has well-educated, hard-working people. So, there is no reason to think that future membership could be somehow some kind of a second-category membership.

You have all the prerequisites to become a full fledged member of the EU. This is the opportunity to achieve a higher living standard thanks to the influx of foreign investments and attractive jobs all over the EU. This could be a good motivation for Serbia to integrate. Czechia, especially in the years following our accession and during the first 15 years of our EU membership, i.e. between 2004 and 2018, received net financial assistance from the EU funds of nearly 29 billion euro. We have never been as wealthy as we are today. But that's not the only change caused by the EU membership - we have managed to get rid of the greatest part of our unpleasant communist burden. The rule of law is comparatively better and the human rights of every citizen are protected by functioning laws,

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court rulings are rooted firmly in relevant laws, media are free, etc.

Also, bilateral relations with our neighbours have never been better. Twenty-five years ago, Czechia and other Visegrád countries were in a similar situation as Serbia and other Western Balkan countries today, eager to join the European family of prosperous, peaceful and democratic states. Since our principal goals were the same, we decided to team up together and form the Visegrád Group, a quite successful regional initiative that marks its 30th anniversary. While the political dimension of the Visegrád Group has allowed us to jointly lobby for our goals in Brussels, and the activities of the International Visegrád Fund, set up in 2000, solidify the cooperation between our countries in the areas like education, culture and civil society, thus helping overcome stereotypes and possible historical burdens. We are convinced that the experience with social-economic transition and regional cooperation is transferable and applicable also to Serbia and WB6. The establishment of the Western Balkan Fund can be considered as a valuable contribution to the region's path to EU membership. The Fund can become a powerful tool in promoting cohesion and restoring the social fabric damaged by the developments in the region in the 1990s.

We are trying to actively help Serbia, especially through bilateral development and transformation cooperation projects, as well as European instruments, such as twinning projects. Specialized cooperation programmes are managed by the Czech Ministry of Interior. These programmes relate to so-called security cooperation. Our Ministry of Industry and Trade also has its programme, while the Ministry of Finance has a technical assistance programme.

Students from Serbia and other regional countries can benefit from the scholarship programme of the Czech government, which helps university students to study and get their degree for free at several Czech public universities. We also have economic diplomacy projects, co-financed by several Czech ministries. At the moment, we don't have a Czech Cultural Centre but we are working on it.

A small part of our assistance to Serbia is also aimed at supporting the activities of the Czech national minority that we consider to be

an important bridge between our countries. We appreciate the support of the Serbian state to this community. I do not doubt that the accession of Serbia and other countries of the Western Balkans to the EU will continue. It is based on pronounced aspirations and efforts by the regional countries, as well as on already adopted EU policy frameworks. So, let's continue in the same direction.

I'm very optimistic that one day we will find ourselves as members of one EU family.

Czech culture was very popular and influential in former Yugoslavia (Kundera, Hrabal, Forman,

to open a school for film technicians and studio staff. We have the same experience in Czechia and our film studios have attracted numerous foreigner filmmakers, not only from the United States but also from South Korea and Japan. These are small but very important steps. I am very happy to be able to help and promote this kind of cooperation aimed at making the Yugoslav film great again and to explore new possibilities together.

vestment is probably the acquisition of Telenor, the largest mobile phone operator in Serbia, which also formed the first fully mobile commercial bank, Telenor Bank. I would also like to mention the Mattoni 1873 Company, which acquired the leading Serbian producer of mineral waters and soft drinks Knjaz Miloš. Some of the latest investments include the opening of Dr Max pharmacy chain, which has a strong market share.

How would you rate the economic cooperation between the two countries?

— I see several options that can

How can we enrich and boost the brand of Czechia in Serbia and vice versa?

— Traditionally, Czechs always go

THE VISEGRÁD GROUP HAS ALLOWED US TO JOINTLY LOBBY FOR OUR GOALS IN BRUSSELS AND BOOST THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE V4 COUNTRIES Menzl). Many contemporary filmmakers and writers were directly inspired by their Czech counterparts. However, now, it seems that we have drifted apart a bit. How can we enhance cultural cooperation?

— We have a really good plan to do that. A Czech company is preparing a project to modernize the Avala film studios. This comprehensive project does not cover only the studios but also the surrounding buildings and through it, the Czech company wants to bring back the art of filming with the Czech flavour. Czechs want

be beneficial for entrepreneurs and companies in both countries.

External trade statistics show that bilateral trade between Czechia and Serbia has had an upward trend in recent years. Total turnover increased by 185% since 2010, of which exports from Czechia by more than 140% while import from Serbia went up by 260%. We expect this development to continue in the coming year. Serbia is a very attractive investment destination for our companies. I'm proud to say that Czechia is one of the most important foreign investors in Serbia. Our biggest in-

to Croatia for the holidays because of the seaside. However, an increasing number of tourists want to explore the very pristine nature, forests, thermal springs and all natural attractions in Serbia.

There are also organized cycling tours for tourists who come to Vojvodina, for instance, and want to visit our Czech minority here. We want to inform the Czech tourists of all the opportunities regarding vacationing in Serbia. Three weeks ago, I visited Tara National Park which I see as a big tourist opportunity. Still, a lot of work needs to be done.

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INTERVIEW

We Will Enrich the Tourist Offer With Innovative Activities We will invest in capital projects to improve the tourist potentials of Vojvodina NENAD IVANIŠEVIĆ

ting their information about the quality of the tourist offer by not searching social networks and online reviews. Project documentation for the construction of a bicycle path from Novi Sad to Belgrade has been drafted and this is a capital project. This path is one segment of our vision because it could become a lifeline of a special type of tourism, given that it can be used to build the ancillary tourist infrastructure. Finally, it is important to support hunting tourism, which is a very significant tourist resource that could be much better organized through local tourism boards. The fact that not all local governments in Vojvodina have tourist boards is unacceptable. Our idea is to resolve that problem in the coming years.

Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism of the AP Vojvodina

he coronavirus pandemic has caused a social and economic crisis in a number of economic sectors. This unpredictable time requires wise and responsible thinking from people who make decisions and manage budgets. One of them is the new Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Nenad Ivanišević, who came to this position during the period of the greatest crisis that has especially affected the areas he is in charge of. We wanted to find out more about his plans and priorities related to the economy and tourism in the coming period.

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What are your immediate goals in 2021, and what are your longterm plans?

— The Provincial Government, led by President Igor Mirović, has recognized the important role that the Provincial Secretariat for Economy and Tourism has in these unpredictable times. Compared to the previous period, the Secretariat’s budget has been increased by almost 66 percent, which is a significant step forward in creating new concepts of incentive funds that will be focused on key, strategic projects, which, this time around, will include more local self-governments, and through them, local tourist boards, innovative, creative economy, women's entrepreneurship, construction industry, production and export programmes and domestic production.

We are going to invest much more in new tourism and capital projects, while some projects will be revitalized, such as assigning the Best of Vojvodina label, which guarantees product quality and which we will extend to include the service sector. With these measures and investments in the procurement of machinery, equipment, software, raw materials, women's and social entrepre-

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OUR IDEA IS FOR LOCAL TOURIST BOARDS TO BE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND LOCAL TOURISM neurship, creative, innovative and construction industries and, for the first time, in startups, as well as in capital tourism projects, I am confident that we will see the end of the pandemic and be ready for all future challenges.

The budget of the Provincial Secretariat for Economy has been significantly increased this year.

Which projects will be the priority in terms of financing?

— Our goal is for small tourist potentials to get funds and infrastructure, but also to be given the opportunity to apply for funds. Our goal is to invest in capital projects to improve the tourist potentials of the AP Vojvodina.

One of the priorities was to establish and boost the network of social partners in order to help the economy in the best and most efficient way. Furthermore, the Secretariat wants to be more actively involved in the latest trends re-

garding the use of digital technologies. For example, the Secretariat has opened a free telephone line called Free Call via Telekom Srbija's public telephone network.

This phone line facilitates better two-way communication with businesses and individuals. In March, we are also going to present a mobile application for Android and IOS platforms that will make the Secretariat more accessible to the public.

Will the Secretariat dare to implement new projects and undertake new endeavours, especially in tourism?

— We will strive to enrich the tourist offer with innovative activities. We need to add digital marketing to marketing activities, considering its increasing presence, because we are living in a time of information and communication technologies. It is impossible to imagine a modern guest not get-

You said that the Secretariat will revitalize the project of assigning the Best of Vojvodina quality product label, but that this time around, in addition to products, it will also include services.

— By assigning this label, we identify top-notch products from Vojvodina. All products, that have been assigned this label, meet European product quality standards - they have a HACCP certificate and an ISO standard. The label is used to mark natural, agricultural, artisan, industrial and homemade products. The label confirms that the product is of top quality and that stringent quality control was carried out. Now, the label will be extended to include services. I believe that this would encourage tourism workers to raise the quality of their services to a higher level. The Secretariat has already taken certain steps in cooperation with the European Affairs Fund of the AP Vojvodina and Jugoinspekt. We will monitor the production chain, environmental protection, the employer’s attitude towards workers and gender equality.

Apart from funds, what else the Provincial Secretariat plans to do to encourage the development of

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the economy and tourism? Are you going to adopt new strategic documents or measures?

— Each branch of tourism should have its own strategic document.

The Law on Planning System, which is valid on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, implies the adoption of three-year-strategies. Together, we have promoted the Strategy for the Development of Viticulture and Enology, which covers a longer period, and clearly defines where we are today, and where we want to be after the end of the defined period that has been determined in the document. The plan is for the Secretariat to allocate significant funds intended for marketing activities of local tourism boards by the end of the current year.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit micro and small businesses and producers the hardest, including women entrepreneurs.

What do you plan to do in terms of female entrepreneurship in the coming period?

— Generally speaking, we can see how underappreciated is women's work in the Balkans. The Secretariat has a special focus on

THE SECRETARIAT’S BUDGET HAS BEEN INCREASED BY ALMOST 66 PERCENT women's entrepreneurship. Nothing would make me happier than seeing that gender equality is no longer an issue. However, there is so much work still to do to get to that point. The Secretariat has allocated funds for supporting com-

panies owned by women, while companies, where women make the majority workforce, will also be considered. It is important that women have an income and earn money, both for themselves and for obtaining equal status.

Overall, how would you characterize the past year in terms of the economy and tourism?

— The coronavirus pandemic certainly marked last year. This is evident especially in tourism, which recorded a significant decline in overnight stays of foreign tourists, who used to generate significant financial revenue. On the other hand, we have successfully developed domestic tourist destinations, so despite losing a significant part of the income, tourism still generated revenue from domestic tourists. That is why our idea is for local tourist boards to be the driving force behind local tourism, and in cooperation with the Tourist Board of Vojvodina, as an umbrella organization, and the line Secretariat, to invest in micro destination tourism, which, as an integral part of the tourism network in Vojvodina, will become a strong tool for attracting both foreign and domestic tourists. We are talking to both businesses and tourism workers, as well as with all relevant institutions and organizations, we listen to what is going on in the field and the real needs, all with the goal of finding the right answer.

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5th ANNIVERSARY

Next Chapter What we can all do together to make Serbia a better place to live hen we stepped onto the Serbian media scene five years ago, we created and designed Diplomacy&Commerce magazine to be the premier current affairs magazine, providing high-quality coverage and analysis of news and events in Serbia and the region. According to the reactions of all the people with whom we have been cooperating, we think that we have succeeded in that, and that blazes our future trail.

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POLITICS

The year behind us was marked by the greatest global challenge that our generation has seen. The Covid-19 pandemic has viciously demonstrated how vulnerable we are, what the limits of the state’s ability are and the limits of people’s trust and fear. It seems that times have never been tougher. This March, Diplomacy&Commerce is entering into its sixth year of existence and celebrates its fifth birthday. We have tried to become and remain everything we

wanted to be from the first day - a reliable platform for communication between our partners, that is embassies, business associations, institutions, companies, civil society organizations, media representatives, cultural, artistic and public scene of Serbia.

In this birthday issue, we bring you stories, opinions, analyses and forecasts from the Serbian authorities, diplomatic corps, international institutions, business associations, media and many

We entered the New Year with an extended reach of the COVID-19 pandemic that is still ongoing. What are your ministry’s plans in 2021? Do you think that Serbia will manage to cope with the crisis this year and what results is it going to achieve in terms of GDP and economic growth?

others. We spoke with them about important topics: how well Serbia has been coping with the crisis when the pandemic ends one day, reforms and improving the economic environment, as well as attracting more foreign direct investments, further development of Serbia on its road to the EU, bilateral and economic cooperation, investments in society, culture and media and what we can all do together to make Serbia a better place to live.

Given that the continuation of the process of opening chapters during the European accession process has been announced, what awaits Serbia on its path to the EU membership and what reforms should the country implement this year (i.e. which segments are priorities)?

PREMIUM NEWS FACTORY

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We Expect to See New Investments in Mining Sector ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ Deputy PM and Minister of Mining and Energy

The year 2020 was probably the most challenging year in our recent memory, not only in Serbia but the world too. Just like in the rest of the world, the main task of our state was, on the one hand, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to preserve the health and lives of our citizens, and on the other, to save our economy. That fight is not over, neither in the health, nor in the economic sense, because we are still recovering from all the consequences of the pandemic, which will be neither easy nor simple. How long the recovery will last depends only on us, on our work, energy, courage and commitment, and above all, on implementing reforms and creating an environment for new investments, while accelerating existing ones.

Accordingly, the activities of the Ministry of Mining and Energy are moving in three main directions: preparing a new legal framework, reforming public companies and creating conditions for increasing investments in the energy sector. These activities will be our focus this year.

We have also prepared amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological Research, aiming at having faster and more efficient procedures, better protection of mineral raw materials and generating higher revenues for the state. Thanks to these changes, we expect to see new investments in mining and increase the share of this sector in the national GDP from the current 1.9% to between 3.5 and 4% in three years.

We are changing the energy law as an umbrella law and introducing electronic procedures for issuing acts which come under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. With the new law on energy efficiency, we

want to raise this segment to the level of a national project, and establish the Energy Efficiency Directorate which will finance both individuals and companies that want to reduce energy consumption. For the first time, we are passing a special law on renewable energy sources which introduces auctions as a model of incentives, and through boosting competition between producers, we will reduce the burden on our citizens and businesses.

Furthermore, we will be introducing the concept of buyer-producer for the first time because we want to see solar panels on the roofs of houses, buildings and production halls throughout Serbia, which individuals and companies will use to produce electricity for themselves, and thus achieve savings or return excess energy to suppliers. The drafted laws will enable energy and mining permits to be issued digitally, i.e. we are introducing e-mining and e-energy, following the example of e-permits in construction.

Our priority in 2021 will also be reforming public companies, namely implementing reorganization plans in public enterprises Srbijagas and Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), which the Government has adopted, the implementation of which will enable transparent and much more efficient operation of these companies. Following the government decrees from December 2020, the real and formal complete separation of Elektroprivreda Srbije and the distribution system operator was carried out, while at Srbijagas, a complete separation of the dependent companies of Srbijagas, which are engaged in gas transport and distribution, has yet to be implemented.

With the new legal framework, we expect to see more investments in the energy sector very soon. New investments are need-

ed in the field of renewable energy sources (RES), but much more investments are needed in the electricity and gas sectors.

Total investments in the segment of energy, both current and planned, amount to more than 10 billion euro. Faster realization of investments and regional energy connections are important for us in order to be energy safe and for Serbia to be able to use its potential as a transit energy corridor as it is already in traffic.

Everything that the Ministry of Mining and Energy has done so far - from drafting new laws that are harmonized with European directives, through better and more transparent functioning of the energy sector and to building energy infrastructure to better connect with the neighboring countries has been done keeping in mind our obligations as members of the Energy Community and our country’s road to the EU membership.

The laws we have prepared are not only an improvement over the existing legal solutions, but will also lay the foundation for a new energy policy, fitting Serbia’s expectations, and that is increasing energy security through greater investments in energy efficiency and RES, namely the diversification of directions and sources of gas supply, but also energy transition and turning to climate-neutral development and having a much greater concern for environmental protection.

In terms of electricity production, the Trans-Balkan Electricity Transmission Corridor is currently being built as a project of regional importance, significant for the energy market of the entire region. In the gas sector, this year we will begin the construction of the Niš-Dimitrovgrad gas interconnection, which will enable not only the diversification of routes, but also the diversification of natural gas suppliers.

Also, with the adoption of the reorganization plan for Srbijagas, we started to eliminate the current problem in the gas sector whereby Serbia has not been fulfilling its international obligations to the Energy Community due to the arbitrariness of individuals in Srbijagas, which is the main obstacle to opening Chapter 15 in the EU accession negotiations.

As a result of everything that the Ministry is doing, I expect that the Serbian energy sector and the overall direction of Serbian energy will be much more in line with the key changes taking place in the EU, concerning decarbonization, climate neutral development and green energy as the backbone of Serbia's energy security in the future. All these goals will be specified in the 2030 National Plan for Energy and Climate, as well as in the new 2050 Energy Strategy, with the vision that, by 2050, Serbia would have generated at least 50 percent of energy from renewable sources.

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POLITICS

We entered the New Year with an extended reach of the COVID-19 pandemic that is still ongoing. What are your ministry’s plans in 2021? Do you think that Serbia will manage to cope with the crisis this year and what results is it going to achieve in terms of GDP and economic growth?

Given that the continuation of the process of opening chapters during the European accession process has been announced, what awaits Serbia on its path to the EU membership and what reforms should the country implement this year (i.e. which segments are priorities)?

This Year We Have a Bigger Culture Budget

MAJA GOJKOVIĆ Minister of Culture and Information Government of the Republic of Serbia

Our country has reacted very well in the face of the pandemic, and the vaccination process is progressing extremely good, putting Serbia among the most successful countries in Europe and the world in regard to inoculation.

This is quite encouraging given that, thanks to vaccination, we will be able to successfully deal with the coronavirus and that our economy will continue to grow stronger, as will all segments of our society, including those most affected. Culture has been one of the biggest victims of the pandemic in our country, as well as worldwide. We should note that, as soon as the first prerequisites were met, the anti-pandemic measures pertaining to cultural institutions were relaxed. We gave stage artists and artists who work indoors to have a priority status during vaccination, and we hope that this will help culture to return to normal in the foreseeable

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future. This year we have a bigger culture budget. I would especially like to single out the project called "Cities in Focus", for which we have allocated 349.5 million dinars, the biggest amount a project got since the launch of the competition and which is three times more money than last year. We will try to help build infrastructure in cities and municipalities, and those are some of our activities on decentralizing culture. To that end, we are launching a completely new project, “Capital of Culture of Serbia”, following the example of the European Capital of Culture.

We will launch a competition in which all cities can participate except Belgrade and Novi Sad, and by the end of this year, we will have chosen a town that will take this title in 2023. Next year, we will invest substantial funds in the construction of cultural facilities in that town. At the same time, we identified 20 points that are our strategic priority and marked them as very important in order to improve the state of culture in Serbia. We are going to focus on large infrastructure in-

vestments. We have also signed an agreement with Council of Europe Development Bank, which will help with the launch of largescale infrastructure projects. This includes, among other things, the relocation of the Nikola Tesla Museum to the building that used to house the Power and Light thermal power plant. This will be a big project in the future. The relocation of the History Museum of Serbia to the building that housed the Central Railway Station on Savski Square is underway. After 57 years, that is, since its founding, the Museum will finally have an adequate space in which to store and exhibit artwork and historical artifacts that are important for our history.

The European integration process is Serbia’s foreign policy priority which our country is dedicated to. This has been validated in the context of recent crises, such as the migrant crisis and the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serbia has shown responsibility, seriousness and the ability to make a full contribution to overcoming these problems. At

the same time, in terms of economic development and reforms, Serbia has been seriously continuing its activities in these segments, even at a time when the entire continent is facing serious consequences caused by the pandemic. I would also like to underline that we are implementing development and reform processes not only to join the European Union, but above all in the best interest of our society and its strengthening, as well as for the purpose raising the living standard of our population and protecting their best interests. Serbia is determined to improve all areas of our society on its path to EU membership, and the very dynamics of that path does not depend exclusively on us and our readiness, but also on our European partners to a large extent.

In regard to culture, we will continue to work on improving all of its segments through improved laws that we have been working on. We have already drafted the Law on Museum Activities, which will soon be discussed by the MPs in the National Assembly. For the first time, this area is regulated in a more detailed way via a special law. The Draft Law on Inspection Supervision has also been completed, as well as amendments to the Law on Culture. In terms of the information segment, through implementing an Action Plan on the realization of the Media Strategy, we will work on amending the law that will further improve this area. At the same time, the Working Group for Safety and Protection of Journalists will work on improving the safety of journalists by ensuring an even more efficient reaction of the authorities in case of security threats. As for the other activities of the Working Group, I would like to single out the launch an emergency phone line to which journalists can report threats made to their security.

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POLITICS

We entered the New Year with an extended reach of the COVID-19 pandemic that is still ongoing. What are your ministry’s plans in 2021? Do you think that Serbia will manage to cope with the crisis this year and what results is it going to achieve in terms of GDP and economic growth?

Given that the continuation of the process of opening chapters during the European accession process has been announced, what awaits Serbia on its path to the EU membership and what reforms should the country implement this year (i.e. which segments are priorities)?

Our Goal is to Expedite the Process of European Integration JADRANKA JOKSIMOVIĆ Serbian Minister for European Integration

First and foremost, we are waiting for the European Commission to present a detailed plan for the implementation of the new methodology for EU accession negotiations by early March.

We are working on its content with European partners because it is in the common interest for the new form of negotiations to become an effective EU instrument for monitoring the implementation of reforms in our country, but

also for expediting the process of European integration.

In terms of EU grants, we are in a very dynamic period. In parallel with the preparation of proposals for financing projects from IPA III funds, we have prepared and nominated proposals for infrastructure projects to be financed from the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, in order to provide non-refundable support from the EU and other development partners amounting to over 300 million euro. The majority of the projects - seven of the proposed twelve - were assessed

The new format of accession negotiations implies negotiations of 6 clusters within which related chapters are grouped. Serbia is already heavily involved in cluster reform processes, because our regulations have been harmonized with the EU Acquis for years

in all the areas covered. The content of the cluster is mutually important for both Serbia and the EU, because it refers to the implementation of economic and infrastructural reforms following the highest European standards, as well as the implementation of the investment plan for the Western Balkans. The first cluster of fundamental rights is especially important - primarily the rule of law - which progress will be a key measure for the dynamics of the entire membership negotiations.

Another important novelty is additionally accentuated political responsibility of both sides (Serbia and the EU), in the negotiations with the view of making this harmonization faster and complete, and for the EU to credibly valorize progress through stronger dynamics of the accession process.

that will contribute to ensuring a ‘sustainable future’ at an incredibly large scale. In the agenda of the President Vučić and the current government, one of the main places is given to the massive project of construction of utility infrastructure and waste disposal infrastructure, included in the program Serbia 2020-2025. In order to finally solve accumulat-

ed problems in this sector, we signed a contract with the Chinese construction corporation CRBC, which enabled the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants, sewerage network and pumping stations in 65 local self-government units at 73 locations, as well as rehabilitation or construction of regional landfills at six locations.

as mature and strategically relevant, and thus ready for funding.

The goal is to finance sustainable economic development in Serbia from these funds, primarily projects pertaining to railway development, sustainable supply and transmission of electricity, environmental protection by improving the wastewater and solid waste management system, as well as the competitiveness of the economy, small and medium-sized enterprises and their inclusion in international economic flows.

We are in Charge of Numerous Capital Infrastructure Projects TOMISLAV MOMIROVIĆ Minister of Transport, Construction and Infrastructure

1. We are in charge of numerous capital infrastructure projects, from the realization of the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway, a dozen highways and highspeed roads throughout Serbia, through the construction of a sewerage network and wastewater treatment plants, to the beginning of the Belgrade Metro project. We have huge tasks ahead of us, the realization of which is crucial in ensuring stable GDP growth and positive balance of our economy.

Serbian Government has achieved

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historic results in the fight against COVID pandemic and made it possible for the citizens of Serbia to have access to as many as four vaccines, which is one of the best examples of responsible state administration in Europe and worldwide.

Reforms in the area of the rule of law are of crucial importance, and I think that the Government of Serbia has shown through its cooperation with the EU institutions that it is on a good path to continue improving in this area.

In addition to the rule of law, there are the areas of economy and environmental protection, where we have launched projects

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Serbian Government Will Continue to Focus on Comprehensive Reforms

NIKOLA SELAKOVIĆ Foreign Minister

I can confidently say that Serbia has faced its health challenges better than many wealthier and more developed countries in Europe and the world. In addition to investing in health care infrastructure and opening COVID hospitals, the Serbian government has implemented a number of economic measures. Serbia has been vaccinating its population in the fight against COVID-19 for

over a month, and according to the number of vaccinations per million inhabitants, our country ranks second in Europe while according to the number of revaccinations per million inhabitants, we rank first in Europe, as well as fifth in the world in terms of the number of vaccinated people per 100,000 inhabitants. Our health workers have never left our focus, and only in the last year, their salaries have been increased by about 30 percent. Also, starting with January 1 this year, health workers will receive another sala-

ry increase of five percent. Despite great challenges, Serbia recorded a GDP decline of only one percent in 2020, which was the best economic result in Europe. I should also mention that the Government of Serbia has recently adopted a new, third package of economic aid measures worth 249 billion dinars, whereas the total value of all three aid packages is 953 billion dinars, or approximately 8 billion euro. Our country has received praise from the IMF, World Bank and other institutions for the current economic measures to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19, all of which has demonstrated that we are a strong and stable state and that citizens and businesses can count on us in the most difficult moments.

Serbian government will con-

tinue to focus on comprehensive reforms, although the achieved progress has not been accompanied by the appropriate dynamics of opening new accession chapters.

As you know, Serbia is currently ready to open five chapters for which it has submitted negotiating positions, and in order to improve and expedite the accession process, Serbia has accepted the new methodology. We are also grateful to the EU for the support in the field of structural reforms and economic measures, as well as for the investments. We would like to call on the EU to continue implementing the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which will encourage further economic growth. We will do everything in our power to speed up our activities relating to the EU membership, but not everything depends only on us.

ers and users will be able to get all necessary information to launch and provide certain services and complete all procedures online.

Concerning consumer protection, Serbia has already made a huge step forward, and the passing of a new law is expected in the

coming period, which will facilitate significant progress, especially in the segment of out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes.

An Action Plan has been prepared for Chapter 30 and is expected to be harmonized with the EU by the end of this year or early next year.

Popularizing Domestic Tourism TATJANA MATIĆ Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications

In 2020, Serbia was one of the countries that responded best to the crisis. We expect that, first of all, health, and then the economic situation this year will be much better, and that Serbia will succeed in achieving sustainable growth of economic activity. The key reason for optimism lies in the fact that Serbia, thanks to the adopted measures of the government, managed to preserve production capacities and jobs. In terms of economic growth, the retail sales must return to the pre-crisis level last year. The tourism sector will try to minimize

the damage through having a significant number of domestic tourists this year too, so our Ministry’s activities will be primarily aimed at popularizing domestic tourism among Serbian tourists, building tourist infrastructure and preparing for foreign guests when all the relevant conditions are met.

Serbia is strongly committed to the European integration process and our Ministry has been working hard on opening negotiation chapters that come under our jurisdiction. This year, we need to adopt the Law on Services.

One of the most important provisions of this law is the establishment of a single contact point, a place where all service provid-

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OFFICIALS

What consequences will the pandemic have on the society as a whole, especially on the poorest segments and vulnerable groups in the society?

What should we do to make our planet a better and more humane place to live?

The Biggest Reason for Hope are the Children

DEYANA KOSTADINOVA UNICEF Representative in Serbia

This is a universal crisis and, for some children, the impact will

be lifelong. Children are not the face of this pandemic but they risk being among its biggest victims, as children’s lives are being changed in profound ways. They are being affected, in particular by the socio-economic impacts. The

harmful effects of this pandemic will not be distributed equally.

They are expected to be most damaging for children from the poorest families.

This crisis has also created an opportunity for transformative thinking about investments in children. Timely, quality and context-specific assessments are critical to understand the scale and scope of the crisis. Based on this, national policies and programmes are needed to safeguard and expand social spending for children to ensure inclusive social service delivery, especially for vulnerable children.

As we kick off UNICEF’s 75th anniversary, we are reminded that the biggest reason for hope are the children and young people of today. They are taking the lead on demanding urgent action and empowering themselves to learn about and shape the world around them.

They are taking a stand and we need to listen to them. We must work together with them to find the solutions they need to tackle the challenges of today, to build better futures for themselves and the world they will inherit. What we do for, together with and on behalf of children and young people now will shape their fate for years to come.

environment. We should build on these learnings to make lasting change and progress towards the SDGs. The immediate priorities are to increase our health security, improve well-being and equality for all, and ensure stronger resilience of society and the economy to future shocks. But perhaps the greatest and most pressing challenge is to protect our planet for fu-

ture generations, and tackle climate change. As the latest UNDP’s Human Development Report showed, the economy can no longer keep growing at the expense of the planet. Investments in digitalization and green economy that include vulnerable and poor populations have the potential to accelerate the development trajectory the world was on before the pandemic.

Investments in Digitalization and Green Economy FRANCINE PICKUP UNDP Serbia Resident Representative

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the whole world and had far reaching negative consequences on our health, economy, education, and environment. Despite a temporary decline caused by the lockdown, greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels and continue to increase. The crisis is threatening to increase poverty and inequalities at a global scale. A UNDP study found that 44 million people might be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030.

In Serbia it is the informal workers, small farmers, the elderly, and Roma population, who are par-

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ticularly vulnerable to this crisis. Also, because of depopulation some local communities lacked capacities to respond effectively to the crisis.

Women are disproportionally affected, as 76% of health care workers and the majority in the informal economy and labour-intensive manufacturing sectors.

With lockdowns in place, they are also at higher risk of violence at home.

COVID also brought unprecedented innovation and digital transformation, solidarity within and across societies as well as recognition of the importance of health services and the dangers of over-exploitation of the

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In Serbia, There Was an Immense Effort of Solidarity

FRANÇOISE JACOB UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia

The pandemic was a wake up all for the whole humanity, and we are still struggling to regain our balance. We experienced deep collective suffering, albeit in many different ways. But this global suffering should not make us forget that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, such as older people, people with disabilities, poor households in neglected settle-

OFFICIALS

ments, workers in the informal sector. While the UN supported the response to the crisis extensively, our action was very clearly focusing on these more vulnerable segments, with the ultimate objective to uphold rights, and mitigate the impact of the restrictive measures, such as the loss of jobs and revenues, the absence of basic water and electricity infrastructure, the drop in protection services, etc... We put a lot of efforts to ensure that children from all communities could continue to access education, which was extremely complicated in many households where space, infrastructure, and capacities did not exist to support remote education.

On the positive side, I must say that in Serbia, there was an immense effort of solidarity within and between communities, and I believe this really contributed to

keeping the country out of woods for most of the crisis. And we also saw the blossoming of many initiatives from the private sector to address new challenges. And finally, the crisis has also put the green agenda back at the top of our development priorities. Very clearly, a sustainable recovery will be built on the multiple opportunities provided by the energy transition, shaping a cleaner and healthier environment for our life and that of future generations.

In time of crises or transformational changes that impact a community or the whole society, we have a duty, as individuals, to act responsively and contribute positively to the common good.

The COVID pandemic has generated both good and bad, with misinformation being used as a weapon to exacerbate tensions of all kinds. The pandemic is teaching

What will be the pandemic’s overall impact on the various economies and how long is it going to take for the economies and companies around the world to recover?

us that more than ever, we need to embrace uncertainty as part of our life, and we must continue to fight ignorance and cynicism with education, ethics, collaboration and optimism. It is teaching us that solidarity, empathy, committed action based on facts and science, are the greatest tools to address inequalities.

This is what the unique principle of Leave No One Behind in Agenda 2030 is about, promoting equality and non-discrimination. We will reach our common global goals only if we are able to create equal opportunities for all, and consider the planet and our minds as our biggest, most bountiful assets to nurture and expand now and in the future. From now onwards, every investment in Serbia, by Serbia, should ensure that the social, economic and environmental impacts are considered in the best interests of all.

What will be the focus in the coming years regarding to sustainable business, especially in the segment of small and medium-sized enterprises?

To Ensure Less Unequal and Resilient Societies SEBASTIAN SOSA IMF Resident Representative For Serbia

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on households and communities across the world.

And while it poses a threat to people everywhere, some will clearly bear the worst brunt of its impact.

There is major risk that low-income countries will languish for years to come. According to IMF estimates, by the end of 2022, their cumulative per capita income will be 22 percent below pre-crisis projections—compared with 13 percent for advanced economies. The pandemic impact has been uneven also with-

in countries, with the young, the low-skilled, women, and informal workers disproportionally affected by job losses. Millions of jobs have already been lost, and an estimated additional 100 million people will be living in extreme poverty worldwide if the crisis persists. And millions of children are still facing disruptions to education. For girls in poorer countries, school closures could signal the end of their school careers altogether. These are grim facts that highlight the enormous challenges and human suffering caused by the pandemic.

The pandemic has reminded us how interdependent we are.

Global interconnectedness has created huge economic and social benefits for decades, but also facilitated the rapid spread of the pandemic. The global health crisis also reminds us that problems affecting humanity must be addressed by all of us. Governments, businesses, and the civil society should all focus on and demand policies to build back better from this crisis—that is, to ensure less unequal, more inclusive, and resilient societies.

Building back better and making the world a more humane place to live in depends heavily on strong international cooperation. Since the pandemic will not be over anywhere until it is

over everywhere, stronger international collaboration is needed to accelerate the vaccine rollout in poorer countries. Given their limited resources, many poor nations also need debt burden relief to be able to tackle the health crisis and meet peoples’ basic needs. And strong international cooperation is needed to timely and effectively address the planet’s environmental challenges.

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SOCIETY

What do you think of the political New elections await us in a year. Are the government and the opposition closer to scene in Serbia in the past year? dialogue or is that gap now much bigger compared to the period before last year's elections?

Serbia is in a Limited Pluralism Phase

BOJAN KLAČAR Executive Director of the Centre for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID)

In terms of politics, the year 2020 was one-of-a-kind in the short history of the Serbian multi-party system. Undoubtedly, the June 21st parliamentary election was the key political event. In the year behind us, the election process was interrupted and resumed (due to the coronavirus pandemic) for the first time in 30 years of

multi-party system. Also for the first time, we had an election campaign without big rallies, forums and conventions. For the first time since 1997, part of the opposition boycotted the elections. Domestic politics was marked by high tensions, emotional narrative and an atmosphere that was always on the verge of an incident. The new parliamentary convocation is virtually without opposition, which means that Serbia has entered the limited pluralism phase. Although the new Serbian government has set high goals for itself, its work (as well as the work of the Parliament) is limited to the pre-announced elections, which will be held in the spring of 2022 at the latest. In fact, the key political institutions will be of a transitional character, and the informal start of the campaign will take place in the second half of 2021. The ruling party has stabilized support, while "the opposition’s boycott“ has received a slight wind in the back after the political parties that did

not boycott the elections recorded poor election results. However, fragmentation in the opposition along with ideological differences and misunderstanding of its leaders did not lead to significant changes in the balance of power between political leaders.

The elections will be preceded by an inter-party dialogue between the authorities and the opposition on election conditions.

That will be the central theme in the first half of 2021. The dialogue will not be easy and will look more like difficult political negotiations, instead of the usual political communication. Since Serbia is expecting elections to take place at three levels - early parliamentary and regular presidential and Belgrade elections - it will not come as a surprise if some of these elections are held in 2021 as well. This will be influenced by the political assessment of the ruling party and the outcome of the dialogue, which we cannot predict at this moment. Whenever

the elections take place, they will be very important for the internal political processes in Serbia, because what ensues after them is a full mandate of the executive powers, a five-year presidential mandate and a full mandate of the Belgrade government. The possibility of major political changes at the national level is not great, but in case the entire opposition participates in the election, the political scene will be significantly reconfigured - the opposition will increase its political power, which is not great at the moment, the possibility of their action through institutional channels will be boosted and they will gain (at least ) basic financial stability. The changes are more realistic (under certain conditions) in the election for the Belgrade government and this election will be in the opposition’s focus. The ruling party will try to "neutralize" the opposition strategy in Belgrade by cooperating with Aleksandar Šapić, who will become the new regular partner of the SNS in the years ahead.

MILAN ANTONIJEVIĆ Lawyer

The political scene can hardly be separated from the word ‘COVID’, which has been permeating our lives for the past twelve months. Apart from COVID, there was no other ‘earthquake’ that would get us out of the dead-end and save the political scene out of deep trenches and lethargy, where everyone is so relaxed that only one delivery service delivers ‘food’ and ‘supplies’ to everyone on that front, from either side of the trench.

Consolidation, as a process vital for any divided community, did not happen, the political scene remained in small feuds, and seemingly large political structures got their small feudal lords, who these days fill the front pages of some newspapers and go to war just to pass time, the

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only resource that none of us has in unlimited quantities, without making essential changes. But, as dynamics often outweigh statics, people in Serbia should know that the political scene, although seemingly unchanging, is in the turmoil that will become visible when COVID diminishes and when we get close to elections.

I am sorry to say that, eighteen months after the dialogue that we started at the Faculty of Political Sciences, with several monthslong preparations beforehand, we are today again in the same place, discussing the same topics with the same domestic stakeholders and asking ourselves the same question, namely if there is political will to implement the agreed changes. The European Parliament has taken on the role of negotiator, and the Speaker of the National Assembly also has a clear role to play, which, along with the strange speeches of MPs who like

to attack people who are not present in the Assembly, makes this dialogue very murky. What we still don’t know is whether everyone who is involved in politics recognizes that our society is rife with problems, which is the first step in solving them.

It is interesting to note that there is a lot more talk about the dialogue. It was also said that other areas will be covered by the dialogue too, not only the election conditions, which somehow take up the biggest space in the media.

Speaking about other segments of our society, aside from this political pre-election segment, we see the need for dialogue in other important parts of society. In his interview for Radio and Television of Serbia, the newly elected patriarch of Porfirije spoke about the necessity of having a dialogue in society, which is the good wind in sails, with the president of the SANU, academic Kostić, saying the same earlier. When the Patriarch

Photo: Vladimir Zivojinovic

Dynamics Often Outweigh Statics

was asked by the presenter whether he would mediate in the inter-party dialogue, his answer was clear: "I never thought about it".

It remains to be seen what we, as a society, have never thought about, as only a small number of people on the public stage talk about overcoming that gap and are working on overcoming it.

There is still a clear division between "us" and "them". The renaissance, that both Serbia and the entire region need, is not yet in sight.

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DIPLOMACY

Your country supports Serbia on its road to the EU membership. How would you rate the reforms in Serbia and what should be the Serbian government’s priorities in the coming period?

Bilateral relations between our two countries are good. Where do you see the potential for improving the cooperation between Serbia and your country?

I See Great Potential in Our Economic and Trade Relations H.E. HIDAJET BIŠČEVIĆ Croatian Ambassador to Serbia

It is a quite known that Croatia, I would say, truly and deeply supports Serbia on its European path.

"Truly" because, regardless of the overall history of our relations, we want a neighbor who will be part of the European family and thus share the same values, standards and principles. "Deeply" because that is in Croatia's strategic interest in terms of regional security and stability, especially in these times of deep and potentially far-reaching geostrategic turmoil and even competition on the European continent. We support the reform efforts of the Serbian government and we expected and advocated the opening of new nego-

tiation chapters, as a validation of the general political commitment expressed at the Zagreb EU-Western Balkans Summit, among other things. Unfortunately, this did not happen, mainly due to the European Commission's progress assessments but also due to the rather widespread views on the general political profile of the country. As the Ambassador of Croatia to Serbia, I cannot talk about the justification or validity of such assessments in the context of the real state of social and political life in Serbia, but I would venture to say that this confirms that choosing the European path can be a powerful, if not the most powerful tool to overcome visible and even historically inherited political dichotomies in the very fabric of society and political choices.

Although they are not yet, as you say, quite "good", at least they are stable. On a daily basis we are faced with phenomena that not only do not serve to improve these relations but sometimes simply do not belong to a historical moment, i.e. the 21st century, as they are persistently recycling the paradigms of the past.

That is why the aforementioned European path is so important. I would dare to say there is still a lack of awareness that the world is not reduced to Serbo-Croatian relations and that Croatia or Serbia cannot be an alibi to blow off steam for all dissatisfactions and shortcomings. At the same time, it is inadequately recognized that such approaches mainly serve to perpetuate old stereotypes in order to strengthen political positions on domestic political scenes - so renewing old idioms about Croatia is not necessarily an in-

strument for destroying bilateral relations, but also a means of suppressing some new idioms in Serbia. I agree with President Vučić, who recently stated that we should work on establishing "normal" relations, without radicalism in the sense of hatred or love. This can only be achieved through persistent work, a kind of silent diplomacy that will overcome both inherited issues and domestic obstacles to achieve such normalization of relations. In such a perspective, I see great potential in our economic and trade relations, in cooperation in infrastructure, in eliminating the "chains" of the past as quickly as possible by resolving inherited issues from the 1990s and, let's not forget, the statements of solidarity which showed and validated that the majority of the society wants a step towards normal, stable, and good neighborly relations.

Bilateral relations are good.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic has partially stopped the direct dynamics of political cooperation, but I am sure that after the situation improves, we will make up for everything we’ve lost. The potential for improving cooperation always exist, espe-

cially in the field of economy, but also in culture, science and other segments. Slovenia is always ready to help Serbia on its path to the EU, as a partner with knowledge and experience. We are available, and it depends on Serbia how much help it wants to accept from our side.

It is Important that the Region Remains Stable and Secure H.E. DAMJAN BERGANT Slovenian Ambassador to Serbia

The region of Southeast Europe is very important for Slovenia due to political, economic, security and other elements.

Slovenia and Serbia traditionally have good mutual relations, just as Slovenia has good relations with other countries in the region.

The market of Southeast Europe is very important for the Slovenian economy, so it is important for us

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that the region remains stable and secure, because declining security has an indirect impact on Slovenia as a neighbouring country.

Slovenia supports the EU enlargement to include the region and thus Serbia on its path to EU membership. Accession is a twoway process, meaning that both sides have to fulfil their tasks. The priorities of the Serbian government are focusing on reforms, and if the government is successful, I am confident that results will ensue.

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We Shall Remain Supportive of Serbian EU Integration

H.E. JAN LUNDIN Swedish Ambassador to Serbia

In terms of economic development, the Serbian record speaks

for itself. During my recent, nearly five years in Serbia I have seen swift development in terms of both, infrastructure and foreign investment, including Swedish companies such as IKEA. At the same time, the internal political situation is complicated, as seen by the boycott of a large part of the opposition at the parliamentary elections last summer. The political problems, including a sometimes difficult dialogue between civil society and the government, have not been conducive to swift development of Rule of Law, an area crucial for EU enlargement.

We are still waiting for constitutional reforms, and there are some puzzling cases, which puts a question mark as to the track record in terms of fighting corruption, in particular at a high level.

As a consequence, the pace of progress in EU integration has been slower than expected when I arrived.

Now that the pandemic is about to recede thanks to emerging vaccines, we can look forward to a re-animated exchange of visits and travelers, which I believe is a pre-requisite for expanding coop-

eration. I expect several high-level visits from Sweden to Serbia already this year, and would hope that similar visits from Serbia to Sweden also occur. There is a lot to talk about, not least further Swedish investment in Serbia in sectors such as internet and communications, industrial production, environmental technology etc. Swedish support to Serbian reforms will continue to be some 12 mil. euros a year, in addition to the much larger support provided by Sweden via the EU. We shall remain supportive of Serbian EU integration for as long as it takes.

Promoting Circular Boosting Bilateral Economy Model Cooperation plementation. Establishing conditions for free and fair elections and for independent judiciary are of key importance.

H.E. KIMMO LÄHDEVIRTA Finnish Ambassador to Serbia

Finland has always been a strong supporter of the enlargement policy, since we have witnessed its benefits not only in Finland, but also in our neighborhood. We are always ready to share our know-how in this respect, and part of it is that the rule of law comes first. Serbia has made important steps on the European path, particularly in the economic sector, but it needs to invest more efforts in rule of law reforms and especially their im-

As you said, the relations between Finland and Serbia are very good, without any problems or open issues. However, the trade between the countries is still on a relatively low level, although it has been increasing from year to year.

During the past few years, several Finnish companies have entered the Serbian market, either as investors or technology and service providers, especially in the clean technologies sector. The growing confidence in the stability of the Serbian market is based on ongoing reforms and EU integration process. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, especially in the fields such as enforcement of contracts, transparency and tendering processes.

The Embassy of Finland, together with other Nordic Embassies and local partners, has been investing efforts in promoting circular economy model in Serbia. Economic growth needs to be designed as environmentally friendly because otherwise it will not be cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. The situation with Covid-19 showed us pretty well that there are issues we need to think of far ahead and work together

H.E. URS SCHMID Swiss Ambassador to Serbia

The road towards European integration has had for a long time a positive effect on the reform agenda. Democratic reforms contribute to the resilience of state and society. Economic reforms foster the development of private entrepreneurship and create jobs. A well-functioning judicial system and the rule of law are important preconditions to sustain a strong economic performance. Good and friendly relations of Serbia with its neighbors, including normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, will contribute to stability and prosperity of the whole region. These are important reasons for Switzerland to support Serbia on the path to EU integration, including through its development cooperation, which has amounted to around 400 Mio EUR over the past 30 years. The objective of this support is a sustainable, inclusive and innovative economy, an efficient and transparent public sector and a vibrant civil society.

Indeed, Serbia and Switzerland enjoy very good bilateral relations

that have intensified over the last years, reflecting the diversity and richness of our bilateral cooperation in several areas. The economic development of Serbia offers an increasing potential for Swiss investments as well as for the expansion of trade in goods and services and my first objective is therefore to support the growing economic ties between our two countries.

Secondly, I would like to see an increase in people to people contacts at all levels between our two countries to further underpin the good political and economic, bilateral relationship.

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ECONOMY

What impact will the crisis have on the economy this year and what do you think of the measures implemented so far and the new ones, announced for 2021?

What can Serbia do to improve its environment for doing business and make it even more appealing to investors?

Progress of Institutional Reforms Required

ZORAN PETROVIĆ President of AmCham Serbia

Thanks to its timely and extensive set of measures, the state impacted last year’s economic results which were not as bad as they could have been. The sectoral structure of our economy also helped (agriculture, the processing sector, the low share of tourism). However, the epidemic is far from over, and it will be the biggest business obstacle for most AmCham members this year as well. Successful implementation of mass vaccination will be of key importance for all economies, including ours, because it will reduce the risks of lockdown.

It is extraordinary to see how our country has efficiently started the robust process of the population’s inoculation and that we are at the very top in Europe in that sense.

Of course, we, as a small and open economy, also depend on the level of business activity in the EU. The continuation of the expansionary monetary policy in the EU and the USA will help us this year as well. The data from our latest survey (Eighth Transition Time) are encouraging - 56% of our members expect growth in 2021, while 67% will continue with planned investments, which speaks of long-term commitment and expectation of a quick recovery after the pandemic subsides.

Although less than half of AmCham's members used state aid in 2020, as many as 82% of compa-

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nies believe that it will be needed this year as well. The biggest risk would be for the state to prematurely pull ‘the carpet underneath their feet’. The good news is that the government has come out with a new aid package. AmCham members believe that aid should be targeted at the most affected sectors of the economy and at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Research has shown that the most effective help would be to reduce payroll tax and contributions or compensate for part of wages, as well as reduce other tax and non-tax levies. Direct assistance to citizens would be justified only for the most vulnerable population categories.

As in previous years, the most important growth prerequisites pertaining to required reforms, are the progress in institutional reforms, namely further improvement of the rule of law, better judicial efficiency and the fight against corruption. In addition to these demanding reforms, AmCham sees room for improving the efficiency of public administration by enabling electronic communication with all authorities, optimizing procedures, their digitalization, but also in improving tax, customs and procedures related to foreign exchange operations and health care. Combating illegal online trade, improving environmental laws and the Labour Law remain high on the list of priority reforms for creating a better economic environment.

We Must Increase Productivity and Sustainable Investments MIKE MICHEL FIC President and Telenor CEO

COVID-19 pandemic may have strong long-run effects, unless actions that comprise smart investments in economic and societal resilience are taken, as recently published by The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021. In 2020, world output shrank by 4.3 per cent, over three times more than during the global financial crisis of 2009, while the recovery of 4.7 per cent is expected in 2021. If we look specifically at South-Eastern Europe, the main destination for its export and source of investments is European Union. That is why Serbia’s long-term recovery will for sure depend on the recovery of the EU, which has been experiencing an economic crisis of historic proportions. That is why FIC has been and will be insisting on the harmonization of domestic regulations with EU standards. As for the measures, both implemented and announced, we see them as adequate, in line with the measures taken in most other countries. The Government has focused on helping those who

have been hit the hardest, the SMEs, entrepreneurs, tourism or transport, but also offered support to medium and large companies. Also, a good job has been done with vaccination. However, we must increase the productivity and sustainable investments that stimulate economic growth to overcome the significant rise in debt.

The country must continue working on further acceleration of reforms and negotiations with the EU, sustainable fiscal consolidation and the better implementation of what has been prescribed in laws and regulations.

By securing a stable and predictable business environment the Government will protect the economy, always. The key for positive shifts is the way companies plan their investments. We have learnt a lot about customers’ habits during the crisis and we see investments in innovation, which is good. Governments of countries that lead innovations made three times more investment in it during recession, for example. So, innovations and learning, adapting to customers’ needs and further digitalization are the way to go.

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CORPORATE

How Does Mindset Influence Employees’ Performances?

Mindset determines how a person as an individual is dealing with problems and situations around itself.

But it also has a huge impact on one’s performance in the business environment TIJANA POLAK IT Talent Acquisition Manager, ManpowerGroup Serbia

n the past few years, the Mindset has become a number one topic. Many relevant institutions and magazines are sharing insights on this.

The truth is that it is an old story but in a modern context.

Today, we discuss about Mindset and its role in a corporative environment and how a mindset of a leader can increase productivity and profitability. Mindset determines how a person as an individual is dealing with problems and situations around itself. But it also has a huge impact on one’s performance in the business environment. If a person has a negative perception of himself or a low level of self-esteem, it is more likely that his performance is going to reflect that. Persons that believe in themselves show far better results in all stages of life (children in school, students at universities, and employees). Old news. But the big question here is how to impact someone’s mindset to make him more self-confident and to consequently improve his performance.

Leadership has a substantial role in this. If your manager is a person that believes in his team, you will feel empowered and supported, which is crucial for your performance. In that sense, we can say that a Mindset of a Leader can influence the performance of his team. Few leaders have that Mindset as a natural way of thinking, others must at first train themselves (yes, it is trainable) so they can be able to motivate their team and enable them to do their best.

Therefore, the first step in increasing performance of a company is to set up a proper management team or to train the existing one.

We can say that there are few factors that are proven to have a positive impact on people and their Mindset. This is where the old story gets its modern twist.

LEADERS SHOULD LISTEN – Every person is unique. There-

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THE LEADER IS NOT ONLY A MANAGER, BUT ALSO A COACH, A ROLE MODEL, AND A SAFETY NET FOR HIS TEAM fore, a good leader should be able to recognize one’s specific needs, fears, and desires, so he can approach them and give his teammate the support he needs. Person that feels supported is loyal and determined to succeed.

LEADERS SHOULD CONNECT – Team is always stronger than its

individuals. Leaders should know the strengths of their team and he is the one that should use them to create a stronger bond. It is not only important to have proper communication, but also to have an emotional bond between teammates.

LEADERS SHOULD COACH – Have a Growth Mindset. It is es-

sential that leaders believe in one’s ability to achieve goals and to give them proper tools to grow.

He is a gardener responsible for watering and nourishing the flowers. His positive mind and ability to recognize potential in people, even when they do not see it, and to coach them how to change their own Mindset, is reflected in people’s performance. The Leader is not only a manager, but also a coach, a role model, and a safety net for his team.

LEADERS SHOULD LEAD – Success is hard work. Leaders should always have a focus on the final goal and the obstacles on the journey of achieving them and navigate the team to success. He must create a strong relation between success and hard work, in opposition to relation success-talent (inborn ability). If a person believes that he will succeed only if he possesses certain characteristics, then he will not put any additional effort into achieving his goals.

We must embrace these insights and start acting accordingly if we want to use the full potential of this simple, and yet powerful tool.

Luckily, companies recognized the importance and the impact of Grow Mindset, so we hope that market and leaders will continue to follow this phenomenon.

By Tijana Polak

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ECONOMY

What impact will the crisis have on the economy this year and what do you think of the measures implemented so far and the new ones, announced for 2021?

What can Serbia do to improve its environment for doing business and make it even more appealing to investors?

Greater Flexibility in the Labour Law Still Needed

DRAGOLJUB DAMLJANOVIĆ President of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

1. Some sectors will need more time to make up for a lost time, and it is questionable whether they will be able to do so before the summer of 2021. I’m referring here especially to the

sectors of culture, event organization and catering. It became evident so far that companies with localized production have better chances of surviving than those with a globalized supply chain, but the vast majority of businesses have seen significant changes in demand, while business models themselves will continue to change more or less, and very few companies will not undergo changes. State aid measures for businesses last year were satisfactory, but their technical implementation and documents explaining the way they should be implemented were lacking. It is great that the aid measures continue this year too and that

there are special measures for the sectors that are most at risk.

We believe that technical implementation will now go faster.

What is still missing is greater flexibility in the Labour Law to allow employees to work parttime or to engage in temporary unemployment for a longer period, without being fired, because that would increase the percentage of job preservation.

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 economy itself will depend on the recovery of

the economy in the European Union and the recovery of foreign demand, which we cannot influence with our own economic policy instruments. We believe that the Government should also consider granting special incentives for export-oriented domestic producers, especially small and medium-sized domestic companies that have export potential but still do not export. They can also be helped with finding clients, first in the region and then beyond, through subsidies for market research or engagement of persons who would deal with this in companies that do not yet have an export sector. Now is the time to help small and medium-sized enterprises.

Reform Pace Should Be It is Important to Much Faster Stimulate the Business Environment

DJORDJE PETROVIĆ Executive Director of HSPA

1. Although, at first glance, it may seem that the previous year was catastrophic for all companies due to the coronavirus pandemic, that is far from the truth.

Through speaking with companies, I had the opportunity to see that for many of them, the previous year was quite good and for some even the best so far. What is surprising to many is that these companies are not exclusively from the IT sector, as many think, but are also come from other industries. Of course, certain sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, have suffered serious

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consequences and their future remains uncertain. I expect that, despite everything, this year will be good and successful for the greater part of the Serbian economy, because vaccination will also contribute to things slowly returning to the pre-pandemic state. Also, I think that the announced aid will be of great importance for the Serbian economy and that for many, it will mean the difference between surviving or disappearing altogether.

tutions have to work on creating a more transparent and efficient business environment in Serbia, under the auspices of continued European integration and active dialogue with all economic actors.

It is also important to increase the efficiency of administrative procedures and establish a regulatory framework that will stimulate the business environment.

As far as the economic environment is concerned, there are shifts in the right direction and that is encouraging, but I also think that the pace of reforms should be much faster. From a business point of view, there is a lot of space to improve the business climate, which would make it easier for all companies operating in Serbia, both domestic and foreign, to do and improve their business. Some of these steps should be reducing taxes and payroll contributions, simplification of bureaucratic procedures, as well as additional cooperation with institutions in terms of them listening intently to the needs of businesses and taking subsequent action in accordance with those needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the global economy to the toughest test, and its consequences will leave a mark in 2021. The service sector, particularly catering, hospitality and passenger transport, has suffered the biggest blow, and if we take into account that new vaccines are not yet available globally, their recovery will have to continue this year too. In terms of Serbia, the measures devised by the government in 2020 are properly aimed at preserving jobs and increasing the liquidity of companies. The state must continue helping citizens and businesses with its measures.

Globally speaking, today's economic recovery policies will shape the geopolitical, economic and social system in the coming decades.

STYLIANOS ZAKOF President of the HBA Serbia

1. Serbia has been successfully working on creating a stimulating investment environment over the last few years, and the new government must continue with this positive trend. Favourable geographical position, low tax rates, educated workforce and state subsidies make Serbia a very attractive investment destination. However, the challenges that both Greek and other investors are facing pertain to the EU integration process, complex licensing procedures and import-export procedures. In this sense, all state insti-

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Bureaucracy is a Big Obstacle to Investments

VIOLETA JOVANOVIĆ Executive Director of NALED

Measures implemented by Serbian Government in 2020 have

helped preserve economic activity and jobs, especially bearing in mind that the suggestions made by various business associations, including NALED and our members, have been accepted. In addition to the 10 priority measures, we also suggested a number of sectoral ones pertaining to the most important or sectors that are most at risk, such as health care, agriculture, construction and transport. We still think the money could have been directed more efficiently to the sectors that are most at risk, but such measures are important which is why it’s good that the Government of Ser-

Transparency is the Most Effective Anticorruption Tool

bia is planning an additional 2.5 billion euro in aid this year. If it turns out that, we ended 2020 with an economic decline of only 1%, which is, according to OECD data, the best result in Europe, where the average decline was between 5 and 6%, and even up to 11%.

The reason why the decline was so low was lies in the fact that our economy is not that sophisticated which is why it is necessary to focus more on innovation and technology development. Together with the PMI Company, we have launched the StarTech project, which aims to help business

To Further Improve the Legal and Tax Framework omy will decline moderately this year thanks to the relatively short duration of the strictest lockdown measures due to the coronavirus epidemic and significant support for businesses from the Serbian government to mitigate the crisis, including a third private sector liquidity package adopted in mid-February.

living organism, the economy also needs movement. In that sense, the measures that the Government of Serbia has devised and is currently implementing to overcome this situation have largely proved to be effective and efficient. The balance between the limiting factors on the one hand, and the activities necessary to sustain the economic activity, is quite stable.

The Serbian economy could not have survived otherwise.

DANIJELA FIŠAKOV President of the Slovenian Business Club (SBC)

We started both this and last year on a hopeful note. Unlike last year, which we entered with great enthusiasm and hope that it will be more prosperous than the previous one, this year, our hope is that we will be or stay healthy. Although there are economic sectors and companies that benefit from this situation, there is no dilemma about the global impact of the pandemic on the economy, but we still cannot estimate the amount of damage it will cause to the economy. We all hope for the imminent and final end of this plague, and the economy wants is exceptionally keen to start thinking about ways to recover. Like any complex

Serbia is already an attractive destination for investments and its business environment is improving. It is important now for all state levels not to stop with the ongoing reforms, but also to continue with their practical implementation. The problems that befell it due to the pandemic are not local and specific but global and cannot be used as an excuse to stop. The imperative of Serbian state economic policy must be focused on simplifying tax procedures in order to reduce the burden on businesses, downsize the bureaucracy and increase the efficiency of public administration, along with intensive digitalization. Transparency is the most effective anti-corruption tool. The government must be constantly "online" with businesses, to participate in the dialogue with them and to respect their needs and peculiarities.

people raise their businesses to a higher level through innovation and thus contribute to stronger economic development through grants and mentoring support. We also have to work relentlessly to reduce bureaucracy, which is a significant obstacle to investments.

In late February, NALED presented the 13th edition of the Gray Book with 100 recommendations for improving administrative procedures. The number of recommendations that require the digitalization of procedures as a solution is growing and has reached almost half, which clearly suggests in which direction we must go.

GIORGIO AMBROGIO MARCHEGIANI President of the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

Anxiety and hope are probably the most fitting words that describe the current state of not only the world economy but also humanity as a whole at the beginning of 2021. However, we should be careful given the unavailability of vaccines in the world and the estimates that we are going to acquire herd immunity later than predicted by the first analyses. The economy adapted relatively quickly to the pandemic. Employers and businesses who could do so started to engage in remote work or had teams working in shifts, while services have been adapted and innovated. As for Serbia, its econ-

Since the beginning of economic reforms, Serbia has become one of the most attractive investment destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks to various programmes for attracting investments, the Government of the Republic of Serbia continues to work towards Serbia maintaining its position on the investment map as one of the leading countries in terms of the number of vacancies created by foreign direct investment projects per capita.

However, the country’s legal and tax framework should be improved. This is extremely important in planning because only by doing that it will be possible to predict business operations for several years in advance. Efficient courts and public administration, predictability of levies, equal treatment before the law and in public procurements, transparency, resolved property relations, planning documents, etc., provide legal security for investments.

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What impact will the crisis have on the economy this year and what do you think of the measures implemented so far and the new ones, announced for 2021?

ECONOMY

What can Serbia do to improve its environment for doing business and make it even more appealing to investors?

There Was Positive Added Value in Many Sectors

HUGO VAN VEGHEL President of the Belgian-Serbian Business Association (BSBA)

Serbia was the country least affected by the corona crisis in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe, mainly due to the lower dependence of the economy on the tourism industry.

Within the members of the BSBA we saw the use of different gov-

ernmental measures and did not see redundancies below the management level. However, larger international groups went through some reorganisation.

Despite the overall decline in the economy in 2020, there was positive value-add in agriculture, ICT, financial services and construction. The European Commission expects a full recovery to the pre-crisis level in 2021. The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

expects a robust economic growth of 5% in 2021.

However, this positive outlook remains very uncertain due to the unpredictable course of the epidemic and related economic disruptions in Serbia and its trading partners.

The in February 2021 adopted Program on Direct Aid to Private Sector Entities to Mitigate the Economic Impact of COVID-19 (“Regulation”), will be welcomed by the private sector, but it is a question if this direct aid will be a „saviour “.

Further improvement of the business environment is a longterm necessity. Institutional changes must allow structural changes in the economy and

better effects of fiscal and monetary measures to emerge from the recession. Improvements are urgently needed in the areas of personal data protection, trade, central records of beneficial owners, mortgages and public procurement. It is interesting to note that the tax sector has lower priorities for change. In tax policy, the most significant problems are not in regulations and institutions, but in fiscal policy. (FIC-White Book 2020). Overcoming the stalemate in the EU accession process, urgently, would have a positive effect on the willingness to invest by foreign investors, as well as on the improvement of the general business climate. (FIC-White Book 2020).

crucial: a) For smaller businesses or start-ups with innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit, but a lack of financial resources, access to credit makes the main difference between business expansion and stagnation. Communication channels should be opened and support should be given to various successful clusters of ICT businesses that are growing in number in Serbia; b) creating a supportive business environment. Entrepreneurial spirit, financial resources and qualified workforce in Serbia do not mean much if they are not raised

to a higher level and if the overall business environment is not improved. Increasing the transparency of administrative procedures, simplifying overly complex laws, improving the management of large systems and combating corruption are some of the most important issues; c) fostering competition. Competition policy should include not only the suppression of practices that distort competition in the private sector but also an even more comprehensive reduction of the state measures that restrict market freedoms.

It is Important to Focus on SME MAJO MIĆOVIĆ President of the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

The declaration of pandemic early last year indicated a significant impact on economic trends and developments, primarily through the possible occurrence of an economic recession that would be global and different from previous ones due to the unusual factor that generates it. As the pandemic continues in 2021 and is unlikely to leave us by the year-end, the cause-and-effect relationship with the economic situation is clear and predictable.

The state has prescribed measures to optimally cope with the decline of the market economy. They are timely and stimulating and create conditions for a moderate recovery of the economy in the period during and after the epidemic. It is important that their focus remains on small and medium-sized enterprises, which are

34

most affected by this crisis, but also on people who have lost their jobs. The pace of vaccination also has an impact and it is important that the positive trend, as it is currently, continue. It remains to be seen what result it will bring. IMF has positively assessed the adopted measures, so I believe that the Serbian government will continue to support the economic recovery and further protect people in Serbia to the extent possible.

In my opinion, the more innovative motivation of foreign investors and a more focused attitude towards domestic investment programmes are the key to continuing the otherwise quite successful recovery from the pandemic-induced crisis. In order to reach the European level of prosperity, Serbia should accept a more ambitious programme, economic and general social reforms following the EU recommendations. The following items are

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Serbia Can Always Do More and Better

MARIJA RADULOVIĆ President of the Croatian Business Club

Having in mind the global epidemiological situation and the lockdown in which we found ourselves, each country was forced deal with that in its own way. In

this context, the Serbian government has implemented the economic support measures with the best intentions. Given that Serbia is not an EU member, it could not count on greater financial support from the EU, but rather had to act alone. The pandemic affected small and medium-sized enter-

prises and companies differently, so the measures had to be different, but their contribution to sustaining the economy was important. This is supported by the fact that trade between Serbia and Croatia did not drop significantly during the pandemic. If the pandemic subsides in 2021 and if there is bigger circulation of people between countries, this will contribute to the development of the economies of both countries and increase interstate cooperation.

Although Serbia has already done a lot in attracting foreign investments, it can always do more and better. A significant contri-

bution could be made if administrative procedures for hiring and registering foreign nationals are simplified. Although this was stipulated in the new law, it wasn’t applied in practice. When starting a business, first thing that many companies do is to bring their staff from abroad to work here until the business picks up.

Our members are also committed to improving the way customs authorities operate, that is, sanitary and phytopathological offices, to facilitate the flow of goods.

Getting the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia involved, which now has new public jurisdictions, can greatly contribute to this.

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The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has left a deep trace on all segments of the society. How much has it affected the media and which segment of the media scene suffered the most damage?

MEDIA

What do you think of the current situation in the Serbian media and do media reports represent the true state of the society in which we live?

A Big Challenge for Media in Terms of Content

SLOBODAN GEORGIEV Programme Director of Newsmax Adria TV

It seems that the press, which had already been in the toughest situation prior, was hit the hardest. All other platforms had much

more space because people in quarantine were forced, perhaps reluctantly, to "follow the news" to find out what was happening. My impression is that a pandemic, like a war or global crisis, is a great challenge for the media in terms of content, and in this case,

everything was further aggravated by competition in the form of social networks which are an ideal place for spreading fake news. So, to sum it up, the crisis only validated those who were good even before it, while those media which offered bad content only intensified their activity. I firmly believe that the audience will choose those media who are trying to do the right thing.

On several occasions, the situation in Serbia has been assessed by relevant international organizations and institutions and none of these assessments was positive. During the pandemic, the re-

pression of the authorities over media which had been trying to work professionally only intensified, but also towards those media which serve as a tool, meaning all TV stations which use the national frequency and most of the daily press and "big" news sites. Furthermore, the state fills the media space with a growing number of new TV stations, so as I am answering your questions, at least 4 new TV stations are being set up in Belgrade, which additionally serves to further exasperates the audience and, essentially, ruin the public space. Everyone who cares about democracy in Serbia should stand up against this.

We'll Have to Compute in a Few Years VELJKO LALIĆ Editor-in-Chief of Nedeljnik magazine

1. I don't think we can estimate that yet, as the economic crisis that will follow the pandemic may badly affect the media to an even greater extent. We, who remember the year 2008, can only feel fear.

During the pandemic, the media received more clicks and had higher circulation figures, but I think that the real blow – the one to marketing - is yet to come. We will have to do some serious computing in a few years.

If, however, we look at other industries - catering, tourism and the like- I think this was not a media crisis. Moreover, quality information has never been sought

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more than it is now, which has benefited the mainstream media.

We, for example, had the largest increase in the digital edition, and at the beginning of the pandemic, our circulation figures also went up. The New York Times and the Guardian have definitely become the most important sources of information, while the professional media that we had never before heard of, such as the Lancet, have emerged. The New York Times has the largest growth in digital subscriptions ever, and that is something that our paper has reoriented to, practically compensating for all marketing losses, and even increasing revenues. I am convinced that this is the future of the media, and that we will all soon have to reorient

ourselves to various paywalls and similar things.

An interesting time is coming.

Let's hope for a quick end to the pandemic.

The main role of the media is to inform the public. It is also their Constitutional duty. If a toxic cloud is approaching, media must report about it. I think that

our media are increasingly misinforming instead of informing the public, which is why there is so little trust in the media. This is a very dangerous thing that awaits us as a society - the misinformed population - which is currently in a phase of "internal emigration", just like back in the USSR. We, in the Balkans, have witnessed how dangerous that can be.

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Weak Media Have Become Even Weaker

BRANKO ČEČEN Director of the Centre for Investigative Reporting in Serbia (CINS)

During the pandemic-induced crisis, the media in Serbia re-

ceived a clear message that the government would not hesitate to exercise censorship, i.e. the real, state-imposed censorship, if it felt threatened And that sent shivers down the spine of every journalist, especially Ana Lalić, who was arrested for doing her job and informing people about the facts important for their health and existence. Financially speaking, the already weak media have become even weaker due to the economic crisis, which is also reflected in advertising, which is an important source of income for commercial media. So, weakened be-

cause of the pressure exerted by the government and big business, bad and dependent media will become even worse and more dependent on any source of money that can save their jobs.

There are very few countries in Europe that have sunk lower than Serbia, in the media sense.

Conducted research speaks of the threat to freedom of expression and the media freedom, including the reports of the European Commission. People are not aware that we are one of the worst countries in Europe in terms of pover-

ty, sharing the place with Moldova. No major corruption scandal was revealed by the most important media. This means that they do not actually exist to inform, but quite the opposite - to deceive.

Such a situation is unsustainable and always ends badly, because unknown problems cannot be resolved - they just accumulate and worsen and in the end, someone always pays the price for that. A society with so many unresolved huge problems, stratified and driven to insanity, would have to be extremely lucky to avoid something radical happening to it.

Trusting Media is Crucial, Not Only in These But Also in All Other Times JASMINA KOPRIVICA Head of Digital Euronews Serbia

The global media picture has changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic. The changes that have been taking place in media consumption for a decade and a half, where digital media have been growing unstoppably, have been given additional impetus by the beginning of isolation due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Online media consumption doubled in the spring of 2020, from an average of three hours and 17 minutes to almost seven hours. Even after the first shocks caused by the so-called new reality subsided and we began to go about our lives, access to online content stills stayed high. Thus, the number of views of video content on the YouTube platform jumped by 43 percent in the previous ten months while Tik Tok recorded the biggest growth in the crisis in the younger population (from 18 to 24 years of age). In addition to digital me-

dia, TV and streaming platforms had a large increase in viewership, and this trend will continue in the coming period, also because most of our activities, including work, now take place at home. The media have been facing many challenges in the era of the epidemic - priority reporting on the virus and pandemic, organizing the work of newsrooms from home, reducing the level of field reporting, difficult access to information sources, etc. The changing nature of the virus and many unknowns about it posed a challenge to journalists who must search daily for the most reliable information to give to the public. What shocked the media industry the most was the drop in advertising budgets, which was especially felt in the first six months after the outbreak of the epidemic. A large number of media companies are struggling to meet their financial goals this year as well; many advertisers have reduced their budgets and are now focused more on digital platforms such as Google and Facebook, so they have reor-

ganized media appearances, especially those related to sports and music events as they gathered a large number of people and have not been taking place for months.

The print media is a segment that was the most affected by the pandemic as their circulation figures declined sharply at the onset of the crisis, which eased over time but left mark on the industry and raised additional questions about the sustainability of the print media in low mobility circumstances and reduced shopping habits.

In times like these, media are gaining great importance and they have a great responsibility in broadcasting verified, credible and reliable information. It is up to us to report not only the numbers of patients and the recommendations of the Crisis Task Force, but also to provide a range of information that will be useful to people in everyday life, in exceptionally uncertain circumstances in which we currently live. Trusting media is crucial, not only in these but also in all other

times, and we, the creators of content, must work on that first and foremost. Editors and journalists need to pay extra attention when selecting content and defending against fake news and unverified information posted on social networks. Our environment is specific in terms of the number of media outlets as we have more than 2,500 registered media outlets, which puts us among the countries with an extremely high number of media outlets in relation to the number of inhabitants. The fact that there are a lot of them is not a sign of quality reporting. I think that investing in premium content, with original stories and a clear approach to the audience is a good path to having a successful medium.

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MEDIA

The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has left a deep trace on all segments of the society. How much has it affected the media and which segment of the media scene suffered the most damage?

What do you think of the current situation in the Serbian media and do media reports represent the true state of the society in which we live?

Being Wiser After the Event is a Big Problem in Serbia

MILAN ĆULIBRK Editor-in-Chief of NIN

Many people believed that even without COVID-19, the press would soon become extinct, just as dinosaurs back in the day.

While we were waiting for that dark future to come, the coronavirus further embittered our present and now the main question is not how to survive in the long run, but in the medium and even short term, because the pandemic has

negatively affected everyone, including the media and has significantly reduced sales revenue, particularly from advertising. It’s a well-known fact that all companies, in anticipation of the recession, had dramatically cut their advertising budgets, some even by 50 percent, and directed a relatively larger part of those reduced budgets to electronic media, television and websites, leaving the press to fend for itself.

If it wants to survive, not only COVID-19, but also the increasingly strong competition, including social networks, which many already treat as a legitimate source of information, the press will have to transform and adapt to the new needs of readers. The daily newspapers have encountered the biggest problems, but, as luck would have it, newspapers did not experience a decline at the same pace during the pandemic. As far as I know, the tabloids have ‘fall-

en’ the most, but I'm not afraid for them because they will always find financiers - the more fake news they publish on the front pages, the more taxpayers’ money ends up in their accounts. That is why the professional media are in a much bigger problem because they are critical of every government and no government likes them. Until they fall from power and admit that it was their fault that they didn't take criticisms seriously. Being wiser after the event is a big problem in Serbia.

As my colleague, Anica Telesković said nicely recently – “start ‘punishing’ the media when they start to resemble their bosses”.

A large number of media outlets in Serbia have forgotten the purpose of their existence, and that is to protect the general or public interest. Instead, many care only about the interests of their real or hidden owners or the

ruling political party. The government’s accusations against some media, including NIN, which ownership structure can be easily checked with the Business Registers Agency, seem all the more schizophrenic. Of course, everyone knows the truth, but many care about the truth as they care for last year's snow. Just look at the front pages of the tabloids in late February. If someone returned to Serbia today after a long stay abroad, they would not be able to tell if it was the year 2021 or 1941. Of course, it is not only the owners of the tabloids who are to blame for that. They wouldn't be doing that if the authorities found them unacceptable. As long as that is the case, the society will be divided, and only a small number of professional media outlets will be concerned with the public interest, with little chance of succeeding in tilting at the windmills.

There is No Light at the end of the Tunnel MILORAD IVANOVIĆ Editor-in-Chief of BIRN Serbia

Over the past year, I have not bought a single copy of any print media - neither a daily newspaper nor a weekly or monthly. When I was in the U.S. in 2008, the then editor-in-chief of The New York Times told me that his daughter, who was a student at the time, had never bought a printed copy of the paper her father edited, or any other for that matter. "That is the future that awaits us," he said.

I didn't believe him and only until a year ago, I firmly believed that print media could survive by applying certain innovative methods. Today, a year into the corona-

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virus pandemic, I think we can say goodbye to print media.

Another thing that proved to be very important in the world is the excessive overload of people with negative stories. Today, people want to hear something positive. Some media outlets, such as The Guardian, have set up special newsrooms that report only on positive things. At the moment, these are their most popular articles. Other media have begun to pay attention to "constructive journalism" which report about problems in society but also give solutions so that readers do not feel helpless.

Traditional media have never been in such a deep crisis as today, which has been best used

by social networks that have become a hotbed of conspiracy theories, primarily in connection with the coronavirus. Unfortunately, I know a lot of very smart, educated people, even from my immediate surroundings, who believe that the virus does not exist but that somebody is poisoning us with toxins, that Bill Gates is to blame for everything and that we are being chipped so ‘they’ can control us. I have not yet mustered the courage to tell them that I have been vaccinated with the Chinese vaccine.

And that lately I've been eating hot and sour Chinese chicken with bamboo shoots and peanuts.

Your editor told me that my answers should not exceed 1,500

characters. My answer to your first question is quite long because the answer to this question is going to be very short. The situation has never been worse. Bear in mind that I have been a journalist since 1997. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. The train has stopped in the middle of the darkness and has no intention of moving forward.

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CORPORATE

SAS is a Precursor to and a Leader in Modern AI The power of SAS lies in our global presence, which means if the customer in Serbia was facing the same issues as the customer in Latvia, we could pull the resources and knowledge and help our customer in Serbia much faster ROSANDA MILATOVIĆ SKORIĆ General Manager SAS Adriatic

t all started 40 years ago at North Carolina University. The technology created to improve crop yields evolved into sophisticated data analytics software. Now, it covers all industries where analytic can be applied – from governments and financial services to tourism, manufacturing, health.

I

How much of SAS's services are used in Serbia and where should analytics be applied, so that life would be better and jobs more successful?

— SAS has officially opened its office in Serbia in 2007, but it has been present for much longer, cooperating with the public institutions for decades before. Today, our customers are the biggest financial institutions, telco companies but we are expanding our cooperation in public sector and the growing industries such as retail.

Analytics can be applied anywhere where is a significant pool of good data. It can help companies streamline their activities across the organization, allowing for greater efficiency, better products, and better offers for its clients. In the banking example, it can mean a relevant, personalized offer - at the right time for the customer. What we usually see these days are generic offers targeted to a wide pull of bank customers based only on data from the bank where the customer has an account. But this is fragmented view of the customer. I can have three bank accounts, for example, with one account serving only for online transactions, keeping relatively small amounts of money on that particular account. The offers I receive from that bank are irrelevant for me, I'm offered credit that I don't need, which causes the bank to waste money and

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THE TEAM FROM NIŠ IS NOW WORKING WITH THE GLOBAL TEAM ON CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR CLOUD time. With proper analytics, by using for example Open Bank Data among other parameters of interest, banks can achieve a holistic approach to the customer and offer meaningful products.

What is AI and how it differs from analytics?

— Analytics, in the traditional sense, is analyzing vast amounts of data providing patterns, finding relationships between variables, and giving the probabilities that certain event will happen, but it doesn’t provide final conclusions; humans are still responsible for that. The analysis relies on past events, and itis not capable to adapt easily to the changes. The recent pandemic is a proof - companies using traditional analytics were not fast enough, as historical data became completely irrelevant for decisioning.

AI has evolved in a way that mimics the way the human brain operates. With Machine Learning

or Deep Learning focusing on delivering predictions, it becomes a powerful tool for business. It helps identify what’s working and where adjustments are needed. It simply provides stronger ground for company leadership to make more intelligent decisions.

Has the crisis caused by the corona contributed to making the data analytics industry even more necessary in everyday work?

— With one year into the pandemic, we can state with absolute certainty that the pandemic accelerated digitalization to the extent we could not imagine before. Two-year plans were executed in a matter of months. And it made analytics indispensable for organizations.

But, it did not all go smooth for companies using predictive models. As I mentioned, data used in the past, became obsolete. How can you assess the credit risk for

the client who is working in an industry hard hit by the pandemic? Completely new models had to be produced, and we worked hand in hand with our customers to help them overcome the initial hit and enable them to thrive in the future.

The power of SAS lies in our global presence. We formed Incident Command System Team with the mandate to provide and share best practices across SAS ecosystem. This means if the customer in Serbia was facing the same issues as the customer in Latvia, we could pull the resources and knowledge and help our customer in Serbia much faster. Of course, we are aware that each country has very specific needs and regulations, that is why we rely on our local professional services delivery teams who are in close contact with customers, to find the solution which is the best fit.

What are the further plans for the expansion of SAS into the region and in Serbia?

— Throughout history, Serbia has been perceived as a hub, due to its geostrategic position. It is also true in business. We see investments that are coming, and we are interested in leveraging our experience to continue the country's digitalization agenda.

Even more important is our commitment to building a stronger data science community in Serbia. In January, we acquired Boemska – a small, UK-based technology company with an R&D center in Niš. The company is a well-established SAS technology partner whose global customers include SAS customers in financial services, health care, and travel. The team from Niš is now working with the Global team on cutting-edge technology solutions for Cloud, which will enable customers to have less robust infrastructure, more agility, and flexibility.

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CULTURE

For more than a year, we have been living and creating in difficult conditions. In this situation, how difficult is it to develop the cultural scene and create new quality projects?

How can we increase investments and revenues in culture in the current conditions?

We have Intensified the Production of Virtual Content BOJANA BORIĆ BREŠKOVIĆ Director of the National Museum

Despite a significantly reduced number of visitors due to the pandemic, the National Museum in Belgrade has managed to use the situation to find new ways of communicating and intensifying the production of virtual content.

Our primary goal was to remain present in the lives of our visitors and admirers of cultural heritage

immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic and the closure of cultural institutions by sharing interesting and valuable content to make everyday life more meaningful and enjoyable.

Over the past year, we have recorded and broadcast more than 100 videos and put together a total of 6 virtual exhibitions, which has resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of our followers, specifically a 65% increase on Instagram. When it

comes to the offer for the very important population of students, who are used to coming in organized visits, we have created the programme called ‘The National Museum in Class’, which enables students and teachers to visit the National Museum via the Zoom application to communicate with the curators. Although some of our exhibitions were stopped or postponed due to the pandemic, we staged three thematic exhibitions in the exhibition space of the National Museum and had almost a third of the exhibits in the ‘Vlaho Bukovac - Painting of Imperishable Beauty’ exhibition in the SANU Gallery.

Higher investments in culture could be achieved through forging strategic partnerships between the private and public sectors and pooling resources to improve the quality of life of all members of our society. Finding common ground and interest in pairing IT, marketing, production, design and other companies with cultural institutions, would ensure the creation of even better and more meaningful content. In terms of revenues directed to their own capacities, museums could increase them in the usual ways and also by providing specialist services that result from expertise, knowledge and skills.

By fostering creativity and innovation and by providing services to the audiences that they need in these changed circumstances that make their lives more beautiful. The Matica Srpska Gallery has launched a whole series of new programmes, published a large number of various museum editions, devised new lecturing formats and new type

of communication with the audience, and finally launched new series of souvenirs featuring the artwork from our collection. All this has resulted in a very strong media presence, which makes it easier for us to find a model to increase investments, because positive energy always opens doors to potential financiers and partners.

We Turned a Crisis Into an Opportunity TIJANA PALKOVLJEVIĆ BUGARSKI Director of the Matica Srpska Gallery

1. It is not difficult but challenging because, in order to work successfully in the "new normal", we need to transform our programmes. We, at the Matica Srpska Gallery, have collectively decided that the coronavirus would not stop us, but prompt us to change.

Believing that the museum, with the implementation of all prescribed measures, can become the safest place for consuming culture, we adapted to the moment by introducing new programmes.

We have transformed our children's programmes into family

40

ones and created an opportunity for parents to spend quality and fun time in the gallery with their children. We renamed the classic interpretations into the ‘Eye to Eye with Art’ programme and organized guided tours for up to five visitors at one time. We opened the ‘Indulge in Art’ room and provided our audience with a unique experience of enjoying works of art in a fitting atmosphere. At the same time, we launched a series of online programmes and activated virtual tours and interactive programmes for people who decided to stay at home. In other words, we turned a crisis into an opportunity and added a new quality to our activities.

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We are Trying to Be Creative

JELENA MEDAKOVIĆ Director of the Museum of the City of Belgrade

The whole unpleasant situation imposed a new perspective and I do not mean only the digital presentation of museum content but the entire atmosphere in which we present art to the public. Art has a place in society which has been validated countless times throughout history. With programmes that are not pretentious and are well thought out both in terms of content and aesthetics, we have adapted our content to the circumstances. An individual must be resourceful and to be resourceful means to be creative. It is a great success to achieve the maximum with the minimum means availa-

ble and for art, which has been suffering since ancient times to be victorious again and survive. I think we have succeeded in doing that.

At the very beginning of the epidemic, investments increased although it seemed impossible.

Decision-makers have recognized the possibilities and potential that culture has even in this difficult situation. Although I am inclined to claim that cultural programmes and museum content must be self-sustaining to a great extent, I’m referring here to the time when the state authorities reacted. They gave their support

to art and artists because they recognized how important art is for society’s culture and identity. The museum has been prudently focusing on spending its own revenue on smaller, more dynamic exhibitions and on creating an atmosphere in which museums, at least the institutions operating under the Museum of the City of Belgrade, will be a gathering place.

In the current period, art must be encouraging and remind all of us how special and creative we all are, how important it is to persevere in everything, and that art, in addition to the basic needs of life, is a medicine for the soul.

Additional State Aid Would Be of Crucial Importance IVAN MEDENICA Artistic Director of BITEF

It’s incomprehensibly difficult.

Regular forms of production and distribution must constantly adapt to new circumstances, which we often cannot even imagine, because all of us together, all of humanity, have encountered an experience that even the oldest of us have never had. Theatre plays are made with long recesses, and when the rehearsal process is finally over, they are "locked-in", waiting for the most favourable circumstances to have a premiere and to be further ‘exploited’. The art form must, more or less, adapt to the new conditions. For instance, in performing arts, projects with fewer performers and not many words are

"more sustainable" from the point of view of anti-pandemic measures, while, for example, elaborate operas and musicals carry the greatest risks and are most difficult to stage. The good thing is that artists are looking for creative forms in order to overcome these objective challenges. I recently watched "The Cherry Orchard" (“Višnjik“) by Croatian director Bobo Jelčić, based on the eponymous play by Chekhov, which was very cleverly conceptually adapted to the form of an online Zoom conference.

Even in countries that do not have state subsidies for culture, such as Great Britain, it is clear that culture, and especially contemporary, will find it difficult to survive the pandemic-induced crisis with-

out significant help in the shape of state financial aid. Many segments of contemporary art, especially "the living art", all kinds of instrumental and vocal music, theatre, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, etc., are human activities that have been most at risk during the pandemic. I think that additional state aid would be of crucial importance in our country as well. In other to have this kind of support, but also to motivate sponsors and philanthropic organizations and individuals, the most important thing in the society is to develop awareness, primarily through the media, that culture and art are not "non-essential activities", but rather the opposite. The experience in the past year demonstrated that the pandemic and related long-term quarantines and

other forms of self-isolation were not only a challenge for people's physical health and the economy but also our mental health. I don't think there is a single person on the planet who, in the age of self-isolation, did not maintain their mental health by practising or consuming some kind of art. Such content did not come out of nowhere – someone had to create it and that, among other things, costs money.

We Always Swam the Only Way We Could

AJA JUNG Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival (BDF)

This situation is terrible for the entire European and global cultural scene, especially if we are talking about performing arts and especially when it comes to ballet and contemporary dance. In many countries, artists have been forced to change their professions and relocate from the cities in which they had been creating and performing until last year, in order to be able to earn basic livelihood. Many dance troupes will not survive the virus,

many private theatres will disappear, just like many events will too.

In environments where art was not part of tradition or a regular habit, there is a justified fear that the audience will be lost, i.e. that the habit of frequenting theatres, museums and galleries will disappear.

I really don’t how to answer that question, because it is evident that revenues cannot increase in a situation where sponsors have aban-

doned all cultural events and initiatives, and theatres are doomed to work at a quarter of their full capacity. At the same time, in Serbia, we have been mum about the fact that ski resorts are packed full of guests, that parties are taking place in Belgrade and that shopping malls are full of shoppers. Art is simply not important to us. As far as investments are concerned, there has never been any serious plan. We always swam the only way we could.

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ECONOMY

How Rising Inflation Could Disrupt the world’s Economic Policies The debate is hotting up he debate about whether high inflation will emerge out of the pandemic is becoming more pressing. In January underlying prices in the euro zone rose at their fastest pace for five years. In America some economists fear that President Joe Biden’s planned $1.9trn stimulus, which includes $1,400 cheques for most Americans, may overheat the economy once vaccines allow service industries to reopen fully.

Emerging bottlenecks threaten to raise the price of goods. Space on container ships costs 180% more than a year ago and a shortage of semiconductors caused by this year’s boom in demand for tech equipment is disrupting the production of cars, computers and smartphones.

Headline statistics on price rises will soon contribute to the sense that an inflationary dawn is breaking. They will go up automatically as the collapse in commodities prices early in the pandemic falls out of comparisons with a year earlier, and the recent rise in the oil price begins to bite—on February 8th Brent crude rose above $60 a barrel for the first time in more than a year. In Germany the reversal of a temporary cut in VAT has already helped year-on-year inflation rise from -0.7% to 1.6% in a month.

For most of the past decade the world economy’s problem, judged by central banks’ targets, has been too little inflation, not too much.

As a result it is easy to view the coming acceleration in prices as welcome. In fact, it is worth worrying about, for several reasons.

One is that it weakens the hand of those arguing for more fiscal stimulus in places that need it.

There is little prospect of the euro zone sustaining higher inflation, for example. Its main rate of interest has not been cut during the pandemic and its deficit spending remains inadequate given its economic outlook and lack of monetary firepower. Much as the European Central Bank mistakenly raised rates in response to a temporary burst of inflation in 2011,

T

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FOR MOST OF THE PAST DECADE THE WORLD ECONOMY’S PROBLEM, JUDGED BY CENTRAL BANKS’ TARGETS, HAS BEEN TOO LITTLE INFLATION, NOT TOO MUCH the danger this time is that a temporary acceleration in prices emboldens fiscal hawks who are complacent about the dangers of a depressed economy. The same danger lurks in Japan, the archetypal low-inflation economy. Its prices started falling during the pandemic. Japan will probably escape deflation this year, but beyond that it looks destined to remain in a low-inflation trap, having seemingly given up on its brief attempt to spring out of it in the mid-2010s.

Higher inflation could also cause gyrations in monetary policy in America, where rising inflation expectations and a faster rebound mean price rises are more likely to prove persistent. Financial markets imply a one-in-five chance that consumer prices will grow by at least 3% per year on average over the next five years. The Federal Reserve has promised to

keep interest rates low and to keep buying bonds because it wants inflation to overshoot its 2% target, in order to make up for today’s shortfalls. But its new “average inflation targeting” regime does not allow for an enduring or large overshoot. Eventually the central bank will want to raise interest rates to bring inflation back down.

The faster prices rise this year, the sooner that tightening could come. Richard Clarida, the Fed’s vice-chairman, has said that the central bank will make up only for inflation shortfalls that have occurred over the preceding year, meaning the point at which catchup is complete could come surprisingly quickly. On February 7th Janet Yellen, the Treasury secretary, tried to reassure critics of Mr Biden’s stimulus by saying that America has the tools to deal with inflation. But higher rates are not without consequence, and if the

Fed finds itself pouring cold water on an overheating economy, the risks of another recession will rise.

Higher rates also hold deep implications for markets. Almost everything about today’s financial landscape is premised on central banks keeping interest rates low for a long time. Cheap money lies behind the idea that the government can spend however much it likes—including, say, on Mr Biden’s planned infrastructure bill— and underpins today’s sky-high stockmarket values and abundant credit. An abrupt change in the interest-rate outlook would be painful, as it was in 2013 when the Fed’s hawkish comments led to what became known as the “taper tantrum”.

On Wall Street higher rates would be a shock. In emerging markets they would be agonising. Many have been experimenting with unconventional monetary policy and bigger budget deficits, following the rich world.

But their efforts assume that global financial conditions will stay loose. Higher interest rates in America to see off inflation would mean a stronger dollar and capital outflows from emerging economies, as in 2013. This would imperil their finances and make it harder for them to fight the effects of the pandemic. There is a lot to like about the idea of escaping the low-inflation, low-rate paradigm of the past decade. But higher inflation will expose the world economy and financial markets to a bumpy ride.

From The Economist, published under licence.

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

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CORPORATE

The NLB Group Will Become One of the Leading Banks By acquiring Komercijalna Banka, the NLB Group has significantly boosted its presence in Serbia BRANKO GREGANOVIĆ

clients for all situations in which they need support to realize their personal and business plans. Digitalization will play the most important role because we want to enable clients to cooperate with the bank in a way they will not waste their time by coming to one of our branches.

CEO of NLB Banka Beograd

LB Bank is a reliable partner in personal and business plans of its clients, offering a wide range of banking products and services, tailored to their customers' lifestyle, personal and professional needs. We talked with the CEO of NLB Banka Beograd, Branko Greganović, about new, customized services and the way of doing business during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as about other changes.

N

When you look back on last year, what would you single out when it comes to the business operations of NLB Banka?

— In 2020, we all had to quickly adapt to a situation that brought a lot of uncertainties. Of course, in that situation, preserving the health of our employees, clients and our families was the most important imperative. On the other hand, we had to maintain business activities so that our clients could complete all their bank operations in the best possible way and have access to the funds in their accounts at all times. That was not always easy, especially during the state of emergency and for certain segments of clients, but from this perspective, I can say that I am extremely satisfied with the way not only NLB Banka, but the entire banking system responded to these challenges.

The increased use of digital services and contactless payments is certainly something that marked last year. In conditions of limited mobility and the need to reduce the number of physical contacts with other people, a number of clients have decided to use electronic and mobile banking. Contactless payment has become much more important because, in addition to its efficiency and simplicity, making payment in this way was safe health-wise.

In order to this kind of payment, we ensured that our clients could

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OUR CLIENTS CAN ACTIVATE MOBILE BANKING SERVICES WITHOUT PHYSICALLY GOING TO A BRANCH activate mobile banking services without physically going to a branch. We also provided new services, NLB Pay digital wallet and instant QR code payment, as well as the new ATMs that are used without inserting the card into the reader.

Finally, for us, from NLB Banka and the entire NLB Group, the acquisition of Komercijalna Banka by our parent company from Ljubljana at the end of the year is certainly very important, because, thanks to the acquisition, the NLB Group has significantly boosted its presence in Serbia, where it will have a market share of more than 12%. In this way, the NLB Group will become one of the leading banks in all countries in which it operates, which is a truly unique position in this region.

What can NLB Banka and Komercijalna Banka's clients expect in the coming period?

— Until the integration process is completed, which is planned for April next year, we will operate as two separate banks within the NLB Group. However, during this period, clients will have the opportunity to use some benefits already, and the first of them is withdrawing money at ATMs of both banks without commission in all countries in which we operate. We are also preparing a welcome package with a number of benefits for both new and existing clients.

In the coming period, we will continue to improve products and services in accordance with our Group’s standards, creating simple and efficient solutions to our

What would you single out when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility last year?

— Like the other companies, we have also supported the fight against COVID-19 with donations for the purchase of medical equipment, test materials and protective equipment, in order to help those medical workers on the front line to protect themselves.

Furthermore, we realized that part of the economy was seriously affected by the consequences of the pandemic, so we decided, at the Group level, to support small businesses. We launched the #HelpFrame Project, through which we created a valuable package of advertising space for small businesses in order to help them reach as many customers as possible and thus recover from the effects of the pandemic. In this way, we have provided support for 280 small businesses from the region, 30 of which are from Serbia, and this year, owing to a great interest, we will implement this project again.

Finally, I would like to single out our NLB Organic competition, during which, conclusive with 2020, 501 projects of organic producers were submitted. This year, NLB Organic will mark its significant jubilee - a decade of supporting healthy ideas. As a part of a group that strives to be an ambassador of sustainability in this region, we are extremely proud that an increasing number of organic producers are applying to participate in the NLB Organic competition every year because organic production not only represents a great opportunity for individual producers and Serbian agriculture as a whole, but it is an excellent example of sustainable production.

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Mobi Banka - Fully Digital Approach With the Human Touch Mobi Banka forms a network of banking advisors in more than 20 locations

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ALEKSANDAR BOGDANOVIĆ Sales Director of Mobi Banka

n customer request and with the aim of becoming more accessible, Mobi Banka has formed a network of banking advisors. In selected Telenor shops, in more than 20 locations across Serbia, customers have the opportunity to directly contact the bank’s representatives.

Mobi Banka is the first bank in the region where banking is done differently – it is fully mobile. After the banking revolution that started in 2014 when the first digital bank opened in Serbia, then under the name of Telenor Banka, a new era with a personalized and human approach is underway.

Users have a bank in their pocket - they can pay bills, send money in the country and abroad, or even take out a loan in only a few clicks. However, whenever a customer needs advice, has questions about the services, or wants to find out which loan or account is best– Mobi Banka advisor is waiting in selected Telenor shops.

The health and safety of our customers and employees always comes first, Mobi Banka says and adds that’s why all Telenor shops can take a limited number of customers. “Wearing masks is mandatory and customers have to keep the commended 2-metre-distance and adhere to safety

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measures”, they underlined.

Following the launch of the banking advisor network, we talked with Aleksandar Bogdanović, Sales Director of Mobi Banka.

“One of the main goals of establishing this sales and service channel is to get closer to the customers, who have suggested to

period until 2025. He also says that he is confient that the banking advisors will be the generators of even better results in the future.

“Maybe one of the most important aspects of this is education.

Our advisors are trained educators that will transfer knowledge to clients who have lesser digital skills and will help them to make new digital habits and open for new things because when you use the app the Bank is always with you and you have more time to enjoy and spend quality time with you loved ones, instead of waiting in lines,” he adds.

Also, the additional value of this network is creation of new jobs which are very much needed in the Serbian economy that had recorded substantial growth before the pandemic.

“I am also new to the Mobi Banka team and I already feel very proud. This is not only a compa-

MOBI BANKA IS THE FIRST BANK IN THE REGION WHERE BANKING IS DONE DIFFERENTLY FULLY MOBILE us that they would like to have the option of direct interaction with the Bank. As we are a fully digital bank, our advisors will also educate, assist and inform our customers about the benefits of online banking”, said Mr Bogdanović.

Sales Director of Mobi Banka adds that that is just the beginning of the journey in line with the new company strategy for the

ny but a family with great working conditions. When the coronavirus pandemic started, we immediately saw the benefits of being a fully digital bank and so we didn’t face problems in terms of providing our services. Our internal processes are digitalized as well, so moving people to a home office setup was no big issue for us”.

Talking about the synergy between Mobi Banka and Telenor,

Mr Bogdanović says that Mobi Banka and Telenor are the perfect match, not only on implementing the credit-without-interest-rate project for mobile devices and are also an example of a great partnership.

“The accelerated growth of our Bank in the sixth year of our operations comes as a result of the partnership with Telenor under the common vision of the shared owner – PPF Group, one of the leading European investors in telecommunications and banking. We are now even more closely connected being a part of the same family. Also, there are additional advantages, such as sharing the cost base. For example, our customers can have the required physical interaction with the bank in Telenor shops,” Mr Bogdanović adds.

Mr Bogdanović reiterates that “Mobi Banka doesn’t see people as ‘couriers’ for banks” and said that they are here to make people's lives easier, not harder and adds: “As our Chairman of the Board said for your magazine – we are talking about humane banking because, in creating our products and services, our starting point is the person, the customer, and their needs”.

“Happy birthday, Diplomacy& Commerce! We recently celebrated our 6th birthday with the half millionth user and we wish you the same expedited growth in the upcoming year, and in the first place, good health for you and your families”, Sales Director of Mobi Banka concluded.

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Delta House Will be the State-of-the-art Building in Belgrade Delta Real Estate plans to spend around half a billion euro on real estate development

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collected water is later used as technical water.

Interior comfort is at the highest level, and we paid special attention to lighting and air quality, because this is an environment in which people will spend their entire working day. Bipolar ionizers are placed on the air conditioning chambers, which are an additional means of providing healthier and cleaner air, devoid of viruses and bacteria. The facility is fully automated, which allows monitoring of all important parameters, such as brightness, air quality and others.

Construction work is going at the planned pace, despite taking place during the pandemic. Delta House will be officially opened in the second quarter of this year.

CEO of the Delta Real Estate Group

elta Real Estate Group is a leading company in the real estate segment that operates in the wider region with a focus on Serbia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Its portfolio includes shopping malls, retail parks, hotels as well as retail, office and residential spaces. We talked to Angelina Nekić, who was appointed the CEO of the Delta Real Estate Group in 2021, about the consequences that the coronavirus has had on business, but also about the company’s future goals.

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Delta Real Estate operates across the region in the real estate segment. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the business and what results did you achieve in 2020?

— The Covid-19 pandemic has seriously shaken the global real estate market, especially the hotel industry, so in that sense, Delta Real Estate was not an exception.

However, thanks to portfolio diversification and good management during the crisis, we ended 2020 with a profit. In the hotel segment, we recorded a significant loss for understandable reasons. For example, the InterContinental Hotel in Ljubljana was closed due to measures implemented by the Slovenian government. We closed HolidayInn in Belgrade ourselves in order to reduce costs. Only the Crowne Plaza Hotel Belgrade was open all the time, but with a rather modest occupancy. The situation has been better in our shopping mall segment - Delta Planet Banja Luka quickly returned to the level before the lockdown, and Delta Planet Varna is following suit but at a slightly slower pace. The crisis has had the least impact on our office premises business. It has been proven time and time again that people are social beings and that, despite all the new tools that allow remote work, there is a need

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DELTA HOUSE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR for teams to come together and work together.

The pandemic has changed the way we work in many areas of society and has created new trends. How did it affect your industry and business?

— The pandemic has forced us to be much more flexible, to make faster decisions and to think about further portfolio diversification. Very few people could have imagined a phenomenon that would affect certain branches of business in this way as the SARS-COV2 virus did. That is why all our projects that started before the pandemic underwent certain changes and received the seal of the coronavirus, so to speak.

The new Delta House office building is designed in line with the latest global standards and principles of green construction.

Could you elaborate on that?

— Delta House, the future headquarters of Delta Holding, will be the state-of-the-art building in Belgrade in terms of its technological solutions, environmental progress, but above all, in the way it treats its tenants.

Delta House is designed following the principles of green construction and will be LEED certified. Hollow slabs filled with recycled plastic balls were used in the construction, which contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The building also has rainwater collection tanks, and the

You have been recently appointed the CEO of Delta Real Estate, one of the leading regional real estate companies. What are your plans for the company’s further development?

— The plans are very ambitious, because Delta Real Estate plans to spend around half a billion euro in real estate development in the next few years. This makes us one of the largest, if not the largest investor in this part of Europe.

I look forward to the challenge of coordinating such demanding projects, not only in terms of finances, but also in terms of organization, planning and human resources.

During this investment cycle, we plan to build an InterContinental Hotel in Novi Beograd with two office buildings, then a building in downtown Belgrade (in Despot Stefan Street), as well as a shopping mall on Autokomanda.

We are planning further regional expansion by opening another hotel in Ljubljana and a retail concept store in Sarajevo. We are also interested in the markets of Croatia, Macedonia and Albania.

We have been observing and analyzing opportunities and it won’t come as a surprise if we enter a new market soon.

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CORPORATE

Differences Make Us Stronger We are constantly investing in diversity and gender equality through various initiatives

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two years, we have been implementing the Women Empowered programme which actively contributes to the empowerment of women in the development of their careers. Talent, strength, empathy, and self-confidence are just some of the characteristics that adorn our community of Courageous Women. We are proud that, after maternity leave, mothers can work 4 hours a day to make their separation from the child as painless as possible, that parents get a day off when their child starts the first grade at school, that we have created conditions for remote work, allowed flexible working hours and thus enabled our employees to achieve work/life balance.

Equality makes a world better place, because balance is the key to every progress, not only of the individual, but of the whole society.

UniCredit is proud to be included for the second time in Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index – GEI. The GEI brings transparency to gender-related practices and policies at publicly listed companies increasing the breadth of environmental, social and governance (ESG) data available to investors. The comprehensive,

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FEZA TAN CEO of UniCredit Bank Serbia

omen's Day is celebrated on March 8, but at UniCredit Bank, we are committed to equality and ensuring equal opportunities and empowerment of talents of our colleagues 365 days a year. In May 2013, the Gender Equality Policy was published in the entire UniCredit Group, and a joint set of indicators for monitoring important data on equality was introduced.

UniCredit Bank Serbia has appointed its local Diversity Manager. This policy is a way to continue facilitating a fair approach by ensuring a fair and respectful work environment, in which women and men have equal opportunities and rights, and whose work is valued based on personal merit and potential, regardless of gender

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EQUALITY MAKES A WORLD BETTER PLACE, BECAUSE BALANCE IS THE KEY TO EVERY PROGRESS, NOT ONLY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, BUT OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY and other personal characteristics, respecting the diversity of each individual in the organization, thus strengthening the sense of belonging to the UniCredit Group, encouraging personal and professional development and creating competitive advantages.

Our commitment and strong responsibility are extremely important for creating a positive work environment and changing the way of thinking to a real cultural change. Accordingly, we have devised special training for all employees in managerial positions called Unconscious Bias, because bias can limit us in our daily work and prevent us from fully appreciating the people in our environment. Wider awareness and un-

derstanding of this phenomenon makes our work environment more inclusive, because during this training we learn how not to judge according to our own and others' prejudices, on any grounds. When we are aware that we may be unconsciously biased, it can become our strength.

Thanks to our strategic approach, I can proudly say that women make almost 65% of the total number of employees in our bank, and more importantly, the percentage of women in managerial positions is above 50%. We strive to become the best employer in Serbia, and that is why we are constantly investing in diversity and gender equality through various initiatives. For the last

transparent GEI scoring methodology allows investors to assess company performance and compare across industry peer groups.

The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. GEI demonstrates our commitment to gender equality and inclusion by providing equal opportunities in the business environment which further encourages collaboration between employees who have different experiences and views on the future to improve the well-being of each of us and make our strategies more sustainable.

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We Are Optimistic About the Future Last year was rife with challenges for us, both operationally and financially

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ures significantly affected the hotel's business. At the very beginning of the pandemic, the hotel, like many others, was closed, after which we started to prepare for the summer season. As it turns out, Kopaonik proved to be a very attracting summer destination too, with a wide selection of ancillary facilities, which directly affected results achieved in the individual tourism segment.

Such a growing trend also happened in the autumn months of September and October which indicates the even stronger potential of this segment. We have entered the new winter season completely ready and experienced in terms of doing business in the circumstances of a pandemic. The very beginning of the season was extremely unpredictable, due to the weather conditions, which by default, have a great impact on the prospects of guest visits in December, and the fact that we had to deal with the strongest tide of the pandemic in Serbia in late autumn.

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RADOŠ DJORDJEVIĆ Managing Director of MK Mountain Resort d.o.o.

he previous year was very challenging for the tourism sector, and these challenges spilt over into 2021 as well. We talked with the Managing Director of MK Mountain Resort, Radoš Djordjević, about the hotel’s plans for this year, the development of Kopaonik as a tourist destination and donations. "This year will definitely be marked by a new investment phase and extensive renovation for the Grand Hotel, as one of the most valuable pieces of the domestic tourism heritage, to embark on the new

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season with improved offer and amenities in every segment," Mr. Djordjević says.

How would you rate the hotel’s operations last year, considering that after a good start to the year, the pandemic emerged, followed

in the world and I think the main lesson this year is that we have all demonstrated global strength and ability to quickly and intelligently adapt to new business conditions in each segment. In our case, we have swiftly and strategically re-focused on individu-

Could you compare the first quarter of last year and this year?

What happened that this year was better? To what extent has the crisis contributed to boosting service quality?

— If we compare the first quarter of this and last year, we generated the same good results in terms of the number of overnight stays and guests. On the other hand, as a direct impact of the prescribed measures, we had much worse results in the food and beverage sector, given that working hours and capacities were limited throughout the season. Furthermore, we had much higher operating costs this year, as a result of addition-

IF WE COMPARE THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS AND LAST YEAR, WE GENERATED THE SAME GOOD RESULTS IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT STAYS AND GUESTS by the state of emergency, then easing of measures and rather uncertain autumn?

— Adapting to new, hitherto unknown circumstances has been a great challenge for all hoteliers

al tourism and the domestic market, which proved to be a correct and successful decision, especially during the summer and autumn. The pandemic’s course and the implementation of new meas-

al investments in hotel maintenance and providing the required safeguards. Along with the change in standards and priorities in the new circumstances, hotel operating costs have increased pro-

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portionately. As for the services, nowadays the global perception of guests in relation to the service provided by hoteliers has changed. Hygiene is recognized as a crucial parameter in measuring the quality of service, with both employees and guests adhering to the prescribed measures.

In that sense, our biggest challenge was to adapt and encourage all guests to respect the prescribed measures, which have been very clearly communicated. In relation to the subjective attitude of an individual regarding this issue, unfortunately, some guests did not see adherence to this kind of standard as a good service. Considering all the circumstances, at the end of the season, we are still very satisfied with the achieved results and our own effort to preserve health and safety.

During winter, 272 employees of the Grand Hotel successfully carried the most challenging season so far on their shoulders which is a real proof for us that we did a great job while respecting the measures and procedures devised by the management.

What do you think about the further development of Kopaonik as a tourist destination? What can Serbia and hoteliers do to attract as many tourists as possible?

— We are witnessing the accelerated development of Kopaonik in the segment of hotel services, on which the Grand Hotel has been working for years while setting trends. Some projections indicate

that Kopaonik will reach a truly luxurious level in terms of its tourist offers and services in this segment, which is also a prerequisite for expanding to other markets. As for the destination itself, I see huge potential in the further development of summer tourism, bearing in mind that Kopaonik is still perceived as a wild mountain, but with so many natural values, potentials, attractions and interesting sites that it can successfully compete with developed European mountain resorts all year

free holiday for doctors and other medical staff. How important is it to participate in such endeavours, especially during difficult times?

— We are really proud of the fact that we are part of the MK Group system, which in 2020, spent substantial funds on fighting against COVID-19 and implemented socially responsible projects such as "For Our Regional Heroes".

Also, we were very pleased to see that the feedback we got from the medical staff was great. This is

tivities and raising collective environmental awareness.

What are your plans for this year and can you plan long-term, given the uncertainty that will definitely mark this 2021 as well?

— In 2020, we entered the winter season with a new project, showing courage and determination to invest in the current circumstances and open a new, demanding outlet that is the first fine dine & drink restaurant on Kopaonik, at the Grand Hotel. The restaurant

WE ARE WITNESSING THE ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT OF KOPAONIK IN THE SEGMENT OF HOTEL SERVICES, ON WHICH THE GRAND HOTEL HAS BEEN WORKING FOR YEARS WHILE SETTING TRENDS round. On the one hand, there is a huge natural potential, but we need to quickly solve basic problems such as utility issues, i.e. waste management, cleaning and developing hiking trails, etc.…

Besides, it is very important to recognize the significance of protecting the natural environment from the impact of business factors such as hoteliers, caterers and public companies, and promote a common goal of developing tourism in a responsible business and sustainable manner in accordance with nature conservation so the future generation can enjoy Kopaonik too.

You have very successfully implemented a large regional project which entailed providing a

what made the project even more successful and purposeful since we had offered something that was perhaps most needed in these circumstances - rest and relaxation for the health professionals who have contributed the most to the community in a difficult time.

Do you plan new socially responsible projects?

— Our parent company is already recognized as a leader in socially responsible business. MK Resort is no different as we stood out as a true partner to the community in which we operate, in these challenging times. Looking very much forward to the next period, we are preparing projects whose goal is to preserve Kopaonik’s environment by initiating numerous ac-

called ‘Bacco’ is definitely the biggest surprise of this season and is just a precursor of the new image of our hotel that will be unveiled the next winter season. We are launching the 2021 projects with the same power, enthusiasm and great ambitions.

As for the economic uncertainty, globally speaking, 2021 is also considered unfavourable in terms of the recovery of tourism and hotel business. Nevertheless, we have high hopes from the inoculation, which, during the second stage of the pandemic, will dictate the very speed of the recovery of tourism both in the world and Serbia. We are optimistic and believe the first domestic and then foreign tourism becoming more stable in the near future.

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Change Yourself, Change the World, Change Awareness The results of the Ventilator for Srpska charity campaign, which we launched, are unprecedented both in the Balkans and the region

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Slaven Ristić, TRB General Director, Nebojša Stefanović, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Serbia and Zoran Rajić, Head of Organizational Development

SLAVEN RISTIĆ Managing Director of Tehnički Remont Bratunac (TRB)

he success of Tehnički Remont Bratunac Company (TRB) is based on many years of experience and a strong legacy. The company has perfected its wide range of products and services thanks to decades of experience and continuous research and development. We spoke with Slaven Ristić, Managing Director of TRB, about how the company coped during the pandemic, its results, plans for the next period as well as many other topics.

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The coronaravirus pandemic and full lockdown in certain countries have affected many segments of the business. How did all of that affect the operations of

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Tehnički Remont Bratunac?

— A very unpredictable and turbulent year is behind us all. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a dominant effect on the activities in the TRB Company. At the beginning of the year, as a team, we engaged all our human and material resources to help the state and

the consequences of the pandemic and despite all the negative changes and consequences caused by the pandemic globally, we have managed to maintain consistency and deliver the agreed quantities of Despot vehicles and RS9 pistols to the Interior Ministry of the Republic of

THE FUTURE IS NEW PEOPLE WHO WILL RECOGNIZE THEMSELVES IN OUR STORY the population. The results of the Ventilator for Srpska charity campaign, which we launched, are unprecedented both in the Balkans and the region.

However, despite this scourge, we managed to achieve enviable business results in 2020. In addition to all the mentioned social engagements in mitigating

Srpska and lighters for military use to Egypt. We have also started working on new products and are continuing to improve the existing ones.

In March last year, our team launched the Ventilator for Srpska charity campaign to animate the business community, public institutions and all people who could

help with their donation towards purchasing ventilators and other emergency and consumable medical equipment for hospitals and the general population.

Additionally, we bought 10,000 bottles of ready-made disinfectant solution, which were distributed to the population, and procured medical isolation kits worth 18,000 euro for the health care system in the Republic of Srpska, which were necessary for testing for the COVID-19 virus. TRB’s employees also donated part of their income to the Red Cross and thus showed their support for the campaign.

During the Ventilator for Srpska campaign, a total of 2,649,876.01 KM was raised. The ventilators (AVENTA-M - 50 pieces) were bought JSC UIEP Company, based in Russia, for 2,305,080

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KM (95,000,000.00 RUB) or 46,101.60 KM a piece.

In 2013, you bought TRB, which was bankrupt at the time, and which destiny hung in the balance. Today, this is one of the most respectable companies which has clients worldwide.

What is the secret and the principles of your success which make the foundation of your company? What results are you most proud of?

— Vision and people are the main principles of our success. We have managed to make the vision I had when starting the company a common one. Today, all our employees share the company’s vision and it is our guideline. I am the proudest of the fact that, throughout all these years and the challenges we had to overcome, our team has remained loyal to this day.

Which product or service would you like to single out as the most successful from the wide range of your products and services?

— It is, without a doubt, DESPOT, an armoured, multifunctional offroad vehicle with 4x4 drive and carefully selected, manufactured and connected components. This vehicle is made by TRB and the entire region is proud of it, not just the Republic of Srpska. DESPOT is the result of experience, passion and teamwork.

DESPOT is a contemporary armoured vehicle that can perform a very wide range of missions for police and armed forces. The central concept of the vehicle is based on a multi-purpose chassis made of modern power drives and power transmission, and an independent suspension system that allows a high degree of mobility in all terrain and weather conditions.

We, at TRB, have no intention of stopping at this but are continuing full steam ahead, to new victories with new and improved products.

The military industry, especially in our part of the world, has a bad reputation and there are many prejudices about it. How do you do business in such an environment? How transparent is your work?

— We are respectable company with a tradition that spans almost 70 years. We transparently do business and we are not arms traders or dealers. Tehnički Remont Bratunac was established

in 1955 as a state-owned company with a focus on maintenance, repair and overhaul of motor vehicles and weapons, but today we have adapted our business to the modern world and the way of doing business. Following that, we have used modern ways of communication and we try to be as transparent as possible in business and in addressing our clients, business associates and colleagues in everyday communication.

This is supported by the fact that, from the very beginning of our business, we have communicated transparently regarding our products which we are extreme-

ly proud of: • DESPOT- an armoured, multifunctional off-road vehicle; • RS9 Vampire - 9mm semi-automatic pistol; • Demining machine MH-17; • Production line for the ammunition up to 12.7 mm calibre; • Lighters for military use; • Radar systems; • Mobile protection systems.

I agree with you that the military industry itself, and especially in our region, operated under a veil of secrecy, and I think we should stop mythologizing this since people today are faced with much graver global challenges than the military industry itself.

Slaven Ristić, TRB General Director, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khaled al Hamed

WE GET EXTRA WIND IN OUR SAILS AND THE INSPIRATION FOR NEW VENTURES WHEN WE SEE HOW MEMBERS OF THE TRB TEAM SHARE THE SAME VISION FOR THE COMPANY

TRB is considered a socially responsible company in the region. How do you contribute to the community in which you operate?

— From the very beginning, we have defined that our mission is, among other things, to operate as a socially responsible company and to help and support when, where and how much we are able to do so. We help sports, culture and art, and we also provide support in emergencies that both individuals and the population find themselves in. One of the campaigns that we have launched and that we are all especially proud of is the Ventilator for Srpska humanitarian campaign.

A very challenging year is behind us. What do you expect from 2021 and what are the company’s plans?

— TRB's plans for 2021 include participation and presentation at three international trade fairs, in Abu Dhabi, Belgrade and Cairo.

We have just returned from Abu Dhabi where our company has very successfully presented its products at the IDEX Trade Fair (THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE) for the third consecutive year. TRB was one of 1,300 companies there that came from over 60 countries.

Next, we are going to exhibit the Partner 2021 International Fair of Arms and Military Equipment in Belgrade in June and at EDEX 2021 (EGYPT DEFENCE EXPO) in Cairo just before the end of the year.

Also, our plan for 2021 includes innovations and working on improving existing products, but also boosting our human resources by investing in new staff and team building for existing employees. Our employees are our strength. We get extra wind in our sails and the inspiration for new ventures when we see how members of the TRB team share the same vision for the company. At that point, a synergistic effect occurs and then we all know that we can achieve everything we want, and even more.

We want 2021 to be a year in which we will solidify our position and our material and human capacities, and be ready to sail into new challenges and conquer new markets. The future lies in the development and new challenges. The future is also new people who will recognize themselves in our story.

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Elnos Serbia - Two Decades of Excellence Elnos Serbia has built its enviable standing among expert companies by implementing numerous projects of reconstruction, modernization and construction of facilities up to 400 kV in the segment of transmission lines, substations, power plants and infrastructure

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nergy in Serbia can be most aptly described as an old lady with modern views. With a tradition of development spanning over 130 years, with the passing of each new decade, this branch of the economy is increasingly striving to meet contemporary requirements and apply new engineering solutions.

However, the number of companies in the Serbian market that today boasts of using the highest level of modern engineering in the field of electricity is not so big.

Several of the most zealous companies make the small group

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of the best electricity companies which includes Elnos Serbia, a company that is celebrating two decades of successful operations this year.

As part of the Elnos Group, which operates in 13 European countries, from its inception until today, the company has been focusing on excellence in engineering and creating long-term growth and development opportunities.

This is exactly why Elnos Serbia has always managed to achieve great results.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (RES) AS THE COMPANY’S TRADEMARK Recognizing that the transition to renewable energy sources is still one of the biggest challenges of today, Elnos Serbia has made one of its greatest strides in this

RECOGNIZING THAT THE TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IS STILL ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF TODAY

area in recent years.

By implementing projects from various segments of RES, this company has very successfully validated its abundant expertise in a very short period. As an important part of the so-called green projects, Elnos Serbia’s teams have been collaborating with global leaders and thus contributed to the implementation of the latest technical solutions and innovations in Serbia. Below, we will list only a handful of RES projects for which our teams are known for.

In the field of hydropower, Elnos Serbia has implemented a

WE HAVE PUSHED THE BOUNDARIES "By building electric power elements, we have pushed the boundaries of our previous project management. This was a major undertaking in which Elnos Group, as a partner of the American company General Electric, had the task of building a 35/400 kV substation as well as a 2 × 400 kV two-system transmission line, the essential elements that are the backbone of this wind farm. This is a project that I will certainly go down in the company's history as a pioneering project in connecting such facilities to the EMS grid," said Lazar Petrović, the company's technical director.

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large-scale project that entailed modernizing the Zvornik hydroelectric power plant, which is six decades old. Thanks to this, the plant began to break production records last year. Elnos Serbia went full steam ahead by implementing the challenging project of revitalization of seven small hydroelectric power plants in Western Serbia, true gems of electrification in Serbia, in which our teams installed completely new and modern equipment.

Concerning thermal energy, our teams made a huge step forward as part of the first green project in the Serbian mining sector that is the construction of Odlagač 12,000. This is a modern mining machine that improves the homogeneity of the ore and coal exploitation is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The crowning achievement of Elnos Serbia in the OIE segment is the company’s participation in the construction of the biggest wind farm in the Balkans – Čibuk 1 – of 158 MW power.

The company sees the tasks of creating energy-sustainable conditions to be their true calling, and they are especially proud of the fact that they were one of the pioneers in the implementation of the Smart City project in Novi Sad. In cooperation with Schneider Electric, Elnos Serbia integrated the technology of management, storage and control of electricity consumption and created all the prerequisites for the electromobility of the city.

A DREAM TEAM FOR CONTACT NETWORKS The company's special feature is the engineering department which specializes in the construction and reconstruction of contact networks. The best evidence of the expediency of Elnos' engineering team lies in the fact that, even during the strictest pandemic conditions last year, they continued the implementation of all the extremely important projects entrusted to them. One of them is the ongoing revitalization of the

Jajinci-Mala Krsna railroad, which is part of the internationally important railway Corridor 10 which runs through Serbia, as well as the reconstruction of the tram contact network on Savski Trg and Zeleni Bulevar in Belgrade.

The Elnos Serbia teams have implemented dozens of projects in this segment, including the

The company’s factory that produced Biosco CS substations 10 (20) /0.4 kV with power up to 1000 kVA has been successfully operating for eight years. Elnos Serbia is the only licensed partner of Schneider Electric in the region for this kind of work.

An electrical installation workshop (EMR) has been established

the boundaries of modern energy.

With their flexibility and dedication, they often created real magic in the field by which the company is recognized today.

"I think that the formation of a base of young engineers who will continue to be the driving force behind the company's development is one of the biggest suc-

THE CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT OF ELNOS SERBIA IN THE OIE SEGMENT IS THE COMPANY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BIGGEST WIND FARM IN THE BALKANS – ČIBUK 1 – OF 158 MW POWER large-scale project of reconstruction and modernization of the Gilje-Ćuprija-Paraćin section, on the Belgrade-Niš line, then the reconstruction of tram and trolleybus contact network on Slavija Square in Belgrade and many others.

It is important to point out that Elnos Serbia is one of the few companies in the region that can implement projects in the segment of contact networks on a turnkey basis.

PRODUCTION IN RESPONSE TO CHALLENGES Guided by the idea that the company’s business development mustn’t stop and that its operations need to be harmonized with the increasingly complex market requirements and new needs of investors, Elnos Serbia has rounded off its operations in production too.

in the company’s facility in Batajnica, which has been very successful in designing, assembling and installing various types of relay protection and control cabinets, as well as distribution cabinets.

Last but not least, we should also mention universal plastic seals Uniplom, otherwise a patent and product of Elnos BL, and one of the company’s brightest examples in terms of continuous production growth.

PEOPLE AS THE COMPANY’S GREATEST VALUE Going back to the very beginning of this story, Elnos Serbia would not continue to exist without high-quality, hardworking and experienced people who are members of a wide range of teams in the company and who have always been ready to push

cesses of the company so far. It takes a lot of effort, patience, understanding and desire to get to the position where we are today and we can be proud of all the people who have invested a lot of work and expertise to be where we are today," Mr Petrović adds.

Today, Elnos Serbia employs 147 workers. The company is keen to point out that the workers are responsible for Elnos Serbia being one of the leading electricity companies thanks to their selfless work and commitment and that together with their employees, the company is ready to overcome all the energy challenges in the future. One of such challenges is the current project of building a 400 kV Kragujevac-Kraljevo transmission line, which is part of the first phase of the construction of the Trans-Balkan Power Corridor in Serbia.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE If you are committed to being a top performer, there is no obstacle to success, Elnos Serbia points out. "The key to the success and continuity of Elnos Serbia lies in the expertise, responsibility, perseverance and credibility in our approach to work, and its strength lies largely in the management's business policy and assertive communication with national and international partners. Our company cares a lot about meeting the highest criteria of service quality and is always willing to adopt new technologies which is why we will continue to reside at the very top in the coming decades, a position that rightfully belongs to us," says Vladimir Nikolić, a member of the Board of Directors of Elnos Group.

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We Invest in Our Country’s Future and Knowledge The vision of Science Fund is to promote the social, technological, cultural, and economic development of Serbia

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Dr MILICA ĐURIĆ-JOVIČIĆ Acting Director of Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia

cience Fund of the Republic of Serbia is a public organization that supports scientific and research activities.

It was established in March 2019, with the aim of providing funds and conditions for development of scientific and research activities in the Republic of Serbia, as necessary for the advancement of a knowledge-based society. We talked with the Acting Director of Science Fund, Dr Milica Đurić-Jovićić about the current programs, international cooperation, as well as plans for 2021.

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Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia as a young institution has already opened five programs for research funding. What is the SF development strategy?

— The programs of the Science Fund are driven by the scientific excellence and quality. They are implemented through thematic highly competitive public calls for project proposals.

The projects are expected to provide high-level research, innovative results, competitiveness at international level, and relevance to society in general. The vision of Science Fund is to promote the social, technological, cultural, and economic development of the Republic of Serbia by financing scientific and R&D projects. Through our programs, we are making investment in our country’s future and knowledge. Discoveries of our researchers will have many applications and create valuable impact.

How does Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia compare to other international science foundations? What the Science Fund does to ensure international cooperation?

— Science Fund is young institution which has been highly motivated since its start to develop programs and procedures which

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are comparable to similar institutions in EU. Our goals are to provide high quality programs and support for scientific excellence, but also to develop internationally recognised principles and procedures which will foster new partnership and the base for international funding.

pean Commission for Horizon programs. In this way, we indirectly wanted to build capacities of our researchers to apply for EU funds and bring them closer to that point.

SF procedures are based on the best practices from foreign national funds and research agen-

OUR GOALS ARE TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT FOR SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE The Science Fund has been developing very fast. Since our establishment in March 2019, our progress was also monitored and supported by the World Bank and EU delegation in Serbia. Programs were carefully designed and very much aligned with procedures and forms designed by the Euro-

cies, dominantly from EU countries. We had excellent support from our colleagues abroad who recognized our enthusiasm and motivation, and were always ready to support us.

Based on these principles, besides national funding from the State budget, our programs will be

also supported through the World Bank (project SAIGE), and EU (IPA program).

How do you choose projects and what are the evaluation criteria?

— Our program calls attract many research groups, and in the past two years, the success rate has been 10-20% which is highly competitive for researchers.

The programs are designed by our Scientific Council and approved by the Management Board and the Government. The selection process is external and international. Our database now includes more than 1300 international peer reviewers from over 60 countries. Foreign experts participate in both stages of the evaluation process that is based on the three pillars: scientific excellence, impact, and implementation.

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Although only top ranked can get funding, all applicants receive feedback from international experts which can be used for future improvement of the proposal and further quest for funding.

The pilot program of the Science Fund was dedicated to young researchers. Please, tell us something more about it.

— We are very proud of our pilot program PROMIS, which is being implemented through 59 projects. This program was designed to support postdocs and young researchers, and help them become project managers, independent researchers who choose their teams but also take responsibility for project management and finances. They got the opportunity to create new partnerships, develop innovative ideas, products, patents, publications, as well as to develop skills and concepts for applying for future project-based funding under national and foreign funds. Some of our PROMIS researchers have already got projects within Horizon 2020, NATO, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie programs.

What is the contribution of the Science Fund to research discovery in the field of AI? — The Science Fund supports 12 research projects within the Program for Development of Projects in the Field of Artificial Intelligence, that was created in accordance with the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2020-2025 and the Strategy of Scientific and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.

This Program aims to support the application of scientific results and technological innovations, increase Serbia’s competitiveness, enhance the development of human resources, as well as promote the international cooperation in the domain of science and innovations.

The basic thematic areas are:

In 2021, Serbian Science and Diaspora Collaboration Program will be implemented in 22 countries all around the world through 92 projects, covering natural sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences

DISCOVERIES OF OUR RESEARCHERS WILL HAVE MANY APPLICATIONS AND CREATE VALUABLE IMPACT General artificial intelligence, Machine learning, Natural language processing, Planning, Knowledge reasoning, Computer vision and speech communication and Intelligent systems.

The funded scientific projects are aiming for the results that will be applicable in the fields of ecology, environmental protection, industry, technology, agriculture, and communications. In the next two years, as the results of this projects we will have analytical tools that will be beneficial in various fields - electrical savings, more complex digital assistants, reliable blockchain technologies, and other useful purposes.

One of your programs aims to strengthen the cooperation between scientists from Serbia, and Serbian scientists from diaspora. What is your strategy for this international cooperation?

— Serbia is proud to have

many distinguished scientists around the world who represent us in the best possible way. Science Fund aims to enable formal cooperation with them by introducing collaboration programs for knowledge exchange and joint research.

We are currently implementing the first mobility collaboration program - Serbian Science and Diaspora Collaboration Program - which is focused on short term visits of researchers from the Republic of Serbia to researchers from the diaspora. Through this program we wanted to help them establish or improve scientific cooperation with the diaspora, exchange of knowledge, cooperation on scientific and research problems and challenges, publication of papers and creation of patents, development of commercial products, joint application for project funding.

This program is implemented

through 92 funded projects with participation of researchers from diaspora based in European countries (60 projects), North America (23 projects), Australia (4 projects), Asia (4 projects) and South America (1 project).

At a time when the world is primarily focused on fight against the pandemic, Serbian scientists also work on projects within the Science Fund Special research program on COVID-19.

What are the scientific topics of these projects, and how will they minimize the consequences of Coronavirus?

— Within the open public call for Special research program on COVID-19, the Science Fund supports 14 projects. Our scientists are investigating innovative methods for detecting coronavirus, exploring drug repurposing for COVID-19, while trying to answer numerous important questions - how to protect people's mental health, how to deal with consequences of the pandemic at micro and macroeconomic level, as well as other important topics.

PLANS What are the plans of the Science Fund for 2021?

— Science and innovation must drive our aspiration for sustainable development. We are preparing new program for young researchers which would be focused on best students who are considering leaving the country and to offer attractive conditions for them to stay in Serbia. There will also be new program for science and industry collaboration, and special programs with research topics of strategic importance as identified by the government, science, and industry. We are also working on establishing new partnerships with research agencies in different countries. When it comes to excellence of science and research teams, there are many opportunities for collaboration, and it is our goal to identify them and make them visible to all hardworking, enthusiastic researchers who are willing to push scientific or technological boundaries beyond current limits.

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Mercedes-Benz Offer for Your Business Constant effort to meet all customers’ demands and to ensure premium service is our top priority CLICK ON ICON 

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inding the right vehicle for your business is not an easy job. Regardless if you are an entrepreneur, lawyer or small business owner, the doubt is always the same – to optimize your costs but also to find a vehicle that will adequately represent your company as a serious, trustworthy partner. We understand that your business is unique and has its own necessities, which is why we have designed Business Solutions with you and your business in mind.

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DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF MERCEDES-BENZ FLEET CARS Business Solutions is an attractive offer for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, specially created and developed for companies. Our vehicles are renowned for their exceptional performance, luxury specification and style. However, choosing quality vehicles for your business should not mean that you compromise on finding a great deal.

That's why we offer a range of finance options specifically for the business user, in order to meet your budget and find best-optimized choice.

TAILOR-MADE OFFER FOR YOUR BUSINESS There are many aspects to consider when choosing the right fleet – that is why we offer you a selection of top-performance fleet solutions, with great advantages to everyday business. You choose the vehicle; we offer you attractive leasing options. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your business.

BUSINESS USER LEASING Instead of owning a car, you can lease it for a fixed period at a fixed monthly rental. Only a proportion of the vehicle’s value is repaid which improves your business cash flow and avoids a large initial outlay. At the end of the agreement, your car is returned and there are no additional costs, if subject to return conditions being met and the agreed mileage

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not being exceeded. This kind of lease offer has been created in cooperation with ALD Automotive in which the instalment includes, lease of desired vehicle, registration and insurance.

are very important aspects for every company doing any kind of business today. If you want to be completely stress-free, we offer you an option to include all future costs in a monthly instalment.

COMFORT, QUALITY AND SAFETY IN THE C-CLASS WILL MEET EXPECTATIONS OF ALL PROFESSIONAL NEEDS PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR BUDGET Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive range of vehicles to suit all requirements and budgets. In this regard, well-equipped Business Solution A-Class is available for 618 EUR monthly for immediate delivery. The modern C-Class brings the best combination of elegant and modern design, which makes it the best buy solution for business purposes. Comfort, quality and safety in the C-Class will meet expectations of all professional needs. Currently we offer very attractive deal for C-Class – C 180 d with Automatic Transmission for 645 EUR monthly. On the other hand, if you are looking for SUV model, new GLA can be your next car – now available for 829 EUR monthly.

COST BENEFITS AND EFFICIENCY The estimations of future costs

Regular maintenance at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for up to 4 years or 120,000 km (whichever comes first) and extended warranty for up to 4 years or 120,000 km (whichever comes first) can be incorporated. The monthly instalment, which includes all costs (financing, maintenance, warranty, insurance, sets of winter and summer tires), makes the customer completely carefree during the duration of the lease.

ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE Constant effort to meet all customers’ demands and to ensure premium service is our top priority. Sales staff in authorized dealerships in Serbia will provide all support and professional assistance throughout the entire purchase process, following clients’ needs and inputs. Sales Consultants are there to understand your individual requirements and to

provide the highest quality service and professional consultation.

Furthermore, our sales team will be on your disposal for any questions or doubts during the entire duration of the lease.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE As a Mercedes-Benz Business Solutions customer, you will also receive comprehensive After Sales support. This includes the assurance that servicing repairs and maintenance are carried out to Mercedes-Benz standards, a full warranty, and Roadside Assistance in case you ever run into a problem on your journey.

OUR VEHICLE IS YOUR INVESTMENT Purchasing a Mercedes-Benz is not just about the transaction – we see it as an investment in providing a reliable, versatile and respectable vehicle to you and your employees. As a manufacturer of premium automobiles, Mercedes-Benz places the highest demands on the quality of our products. This also means offering exceptionally safe, fuel-efficient, and low-emission vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz fleet offers you and your company maximum peace of mind, thanks to their outstanding and innovative safety systems.

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Our Company is Synonymous With Quality We can supply both the Serbian and surrounding markets in the best possible way and I believe that we will maintain that momentum in the future too

ATHANASIOS GIANNAROS Commercial Director, ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY A.D

ed by greater needs for jobs, entertainment, shopping and so on.

Fulfilling the needs imposed by the modern lifestyle has massive growth potential, and Alumil, as a local producer with fully integrated production, certified systems and strong logistical support, is perfectly positioned to satisfy those needs. Our experiences thus far have shown that we can supply both the Serbian and surrounding markets in the best possible way and I believe that we will maintain that momentum in the future.

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n an interview for the birthday issue of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, we spoke with Mr. Athanasios Giannaros, Commercial Director of ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY about the company's results, his expectations of the Serbian and regional market, as well as about the company's plans for this year.

“We are focused on expanding our capacities, and our vision is to continue to be the leading company in the development and production of aluminium systems for architectural and industrial application,” says Mr. Giannaros.

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What results did your company achieve in 2020 and what lessons did you learn last year?

— Solid and healthy relations that we nurture both internally and externally have contributed to us overcoming the challenges that the past year put before us all and to conclude the year the way we intended. I believe that, once again, the value of interpersonal relationships was re-validated, as was the importance of trust which, at times of need, contributes to the feeling of safety we all want to have. By implementing additional elements of health precaution, we were able to proceed with our projects and I am proud of what we have achieved, both in terms of production, export and retail, as well as our involvement in capital projects such as Parkview and Vista buildings in the Belgrade Waterfront complex, the Park 11 residential-business complex and new building of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Niš, to name just a few.

Furthermore, as a socially responsible company, we made several health-centred donations as a way to support the healthcare system.

Finally, the fact that crises can sometimes lead to non-traditional

AS A SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMPANY, WE MADE SEVERAL HEALTH-CENTRED DONATIONS AS A WAY TO SUPPORT THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ways of thinking and innovative solutions is proven by our new product, Smart Gate, which measures the bodily temperature of people entering an indoor space in a fast, contactless and highly-precise manner. Smart Gates have already been installed at several facilities within the Medigroup healthcare system, and its features make it ideal for large venues such as concert halls, stadiums and similar. This solution plays a significant preventive role in maintaining people’s health.

What are your expectations from the Serbian and surrounding markets in the coming period?

— Our local markets follow the global urbanization trend. The UN estimates that 70% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050, and this growing trend is already felt in the construction industry. In parallel with the greater number of investments in residential complexes, more and more is invested in business spaces and industrial facilities because urban mobility is complement-

After the challenging 2020, what are your company's goals for the year ahead?

— Our goals, just like our vision and strategy, have been clearly defined for 30 years. The current situation is but a circumstance we analyse, accept and to which we adapt, but our objectives have not changed. We are bound by the quality which is synonymous with our company and which makes us the leaders on the ex-Yugoslav markets, as evident in our market share, the support we provide to our clients, architects and project managers, as well as by the excellent cooperation we have been developing with construction companies and real estate developers. Moreover, we are leaders in terms of our innovations and investments we plan to implement in the foreseeable future. We are focused on expanding our capacities – currently, our annual capacities are at 12,000 tonnes, whereas the planned developments will take us to 20,000 tonnes per year. Additionally, we are planning to install a new eloxal facility which will ensure faster and more competitive services of even higher quality in compliance with the Qualanod standards. All these elements are parts of our vision to continue to be the leading company in the development and production of aluminium systems for architectural and industrial application.

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True Escape to Dramatically Beautiful Nature One of the nicest fjords in the world, Kotor Bay in Montenegro, with the remarkable wild nature, breathtaking views, peaceful sounds and natural scents, is a promised land. It’s also home to one of the best new resorts in this region, which opened its doors on 15th July last year- Blue Kotor Bay Premium Spa Resort lue Kotor Bay Premium Spa Resort is the result of transforming one most recognizable and iconic respiratory health facility into the first, premium, real five-star hotel. This is a true haven for travellers, located in a superb beachfront location, in the most beautiful, secluded part of Montenegro. The old town of Kotor, another beautiful historical venue, is just 7km away from the resort. There is easy access to the airports in Montenegro and Croatia too. There are so many things to visit while staying at the resort. You can explore it by car, boat or on foot.

Blue Kotor Bay perfectly blends into its natural environment, as it is nestled in the preserved area spanning 30.000 sqm which is under UNESCO protection. With its

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beachfront location, surrounded by high green mountains and architecturally designed not to disturb the natural settings, Blue Kotor Bay is a good example of sustainable development and plans to become an eco-tourism leader in the area.

service, highest quality bed linen, JBL sound system, smart TV system, bathrobes with 2 faces suitable for both winter and summer, a sustainable smart room system, and balconies and terraces with mesmerizing views over the Kotor Bay. Special deluxe rooms feature

on sunbeds and soaking up the sun while getting lost in the serendipity. Private marina is a perfect solution for all nautical lovers to stop by while they are sailing around the area, and to spend an amazing day with us filled with beautiful colours, scents, cool

BLUE KOTOR BAY PERFECTLY BLENDS INTO ITS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, AS IT IS NESTLED IN THE PRESERVED AREA SPANNING 30.000 SQM WHICH IS UNDER UNESCO PROTECTION The resort has 106 rooms, modernly designed for absolute comfort. The rooms range in categories - from standard to executive suites with panoramic terraces and feature premium 5-star-amenities like coffee and tea machines, homemade sweets in the minibar, 24-hour room service, turn-down

a private pool or hot tubs on the balcony, which are in the immediate vicinity of the sea.

The beach with natural pebbles is aptly named the Bliss Beach and it stretches along 500 metres of the completely renovated promenade, which perfect for floating into the crystal blue sea, or lying

new flavours, and superb service in premium facilities.

Blue Kotor Bay is the perfect location to reflect on your thoughts. To provide guests with all the needed resources, the Spa Soul wellness and spa centre offers unique spa treatments, starting from the panoramic sauna,

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the heated pool with the view of the Bay, the steam room and the unique Turkish hammam, to rejuvenate you and increase your energy levels.

Montenegro is also known for its gastronomic offer, with a focus on local autochthonic dishes. A lot of home-made ingredients are incorporated into the international menu of our à-la-carte restaurant Lighthouse, which is the pure definition of cuisine fusion.

Blue Kotor Bay Premium Spa Resort is not just another seasonal hotel. Our aim is to represent the potential of around-the-year tourism in Kotor and Montenegro.

To achieve this, the Health Centre, which operates within Blue

Kotor Bay, is focused on lifestyle medicine, prevention, wellbeing, and respiratory revitalization, for which this location is recognized.

As the perfect getaway, Blue Kotor Bay includes a multitude of

health walks on the Hill, which is perfect for the treatment of respiratory ailments.

Our resort is the perfect combination of heritage and charm with untamed natural beauty. The so-

portfolio and solidify our presence in this market by continuing with the 2nd phase, which will elevate the resort to a whole new level, adding completely new 130 accommodation units, 16 private

OUR MISSION IS TO CONTINUE ELEVATING THE GUEST EXPERIENCES AND TO ENHANCE OUR PRODUCT OFFERING, AFFIRMING OUR PASSIONATE DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE IN THE INDUSTRY other amenities - special food and beverage offers, a well-balanced diet created by our gastronomic department, packages like Quick Immune Boost, New Life Energy and the Deep Sleep Programme, the beds with the most comfortable bed linen, breakfast in bed and

called wind rose, a natural phenomenon when different winds are mixing up and pumping mineralized irons into the air, so your body immediately gets an energy boost, is especially effective from October to April.

We will continue to grow our

villas located right on the seaside, a conference room that can take to 500 people, infinity pool and tennis courts, and all this with certified quality checks while adhering to the standards associated with a UNESCO World Heritage location.

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Slow Dentistry - More Than a Smile Our ultimate goal is to perform dental services focused not only on the esthetics of a smile but also on the overall physical health and patients’ wellbeing CLICK ON ICON 

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provide this! Making sure that

Dental prosthetics specialist from the Centre for Dental Aesthetics and Implantology (CDEI)

your every next trip to our office is a pleasant and unique experience.

Our ultimate goal is to perform dental services focused not only on the esthetics of a smile but also on the overall physical health and patients’ wellbeing.

The use of the latest digital technologies and proven clinical concepts and protocols allow us to be precise and minimally invasive in numerous treatment options from preventive, interceptive or orthodontics to complex functional and esthetic rehabilitation, involving implants and bone grafting procedures.

Therefore, if you have one or several teeth missing or you are dissatisfied with your oral health or just find the esthetics of your smile inappropriate, please know that the latest developments in dentistry have little in common with those from decades before.

Today’s treatments are more efficient, patient-centric and individualized and contribute to a higher quality of life through the patient feeling healthier and more secure in social contacts,” Dr Ristić concludes.

our oral health is more important than you might realize. We are going to tell you how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.

Did you know that your oral health could affect the rest of your physical and overall health? Learning more about the connection between your oral and general health could spare you from serious unwanted health issues. Like other areas of the body, your mouth is filled with bacteria, which are, for the most part, harmless. However, the mouth is the access point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause some diseases.

In general, the body's natural defences and good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control.

However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, certain therapies, which include antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants, can reduce saliva flow.

Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acidic elements produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease.

Studies have shown that oral bacteria and the inflammation

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LIKE OTHER AREAS OF THE BODY, YOUR MOUTH IS FILLED WITH BACTERIA, WHICH ARE, FOR THE MOST PART, HARMLESS associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases. Numerous studies support the link between oral health and endocarditis, infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium), and other cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy and birth complications. Thus, visiting the dental office for appropriate solutions should be the first step in your agenda in order to prevent some bigger problems.

Dr Igor Ristić, a dental prosthetics specialist from the Centre for Dental Aesthetics and Implantology (CDEI), says the following: “At CDEI (www.drristic.com),

our patients have a long and comprehensive initial consultation.

Being first in the region clinic certified by the Slow dentistry protocol (www.slowdentistry.com) meant establishing a connection with like-minded clinics around the world,” Dr Ristić points out.

What does this mean to our patients?

— ”This is a recognition that, in our dental office, you will receive safe, ethical and pain-free dentistry, making quality priority, having enough time to connect with patients and understand their substantial needs. Squeezed and rushed appointments could not

Centre for Dental Aesthetics and Implantology (CDEI) 38, Cvijićeva Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: +381 11 2759289 and +381 60 3368478 Mail: dentist@iristic.com Modern dental treatmant workflow video available on this scan code.

www.drristic.com

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

15 FEB

Speaking at a state ceremony marking the Serbian StateSERBIAN STATEHOOD hood Day in Orašac, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stated that DAY MARKED the spirit of Serbia from the time of Sretenje was guiding

the country even today, when Serbia is a strong and modern state that values its history and tradition and takes care of its citizens, its national interests and the economy. Brnabić added that the Serbian Statehood Day was marked in a global situation that we could not have imagined one year

Prime Minister Ana Brnabić

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ago, in a world faced with the biggest crisis since World War II, when, due to the pandemic, everything changed overnight and people have been facing unparalleled challenges.

Inspired by the spirit of Sretenje, Serbia has become a world leader in the fight against COVID while helping other countries in the region to do the same thing, the Prime Minister said and pointed out that the voice and opinion of such a Serbia was respected in the international arena too.

Laying wreaths at the monument to Karadjordje

NALED PRESENTED THE GREY BOOK

At online conference, NALED presented the 13th edition of the Grey Book, and together with the government officials and the representatives of the international community, discussed the reform priorities and measures to support the economy in the pandemic. On this occasion, individuals and teams from state

Dejan Djokić, President of the Executive Board of NALED

25 FEB

CBC ASSEMBLY MEETING

In accordance with the health situation, the Croatian Business Club (CBC) held this year's Assembly meeting at the Amsterdam Hotel. While respecting the adequate physical distance, the meeting was attended by about 30 representatives of companies, members of the CBC. On the occasion, the report on the CBC’s operations in 2020 and an action plan for the current

institutions that partnered with NALED were commended who, despite last year's challenges, made a significant contribution towards improving the business environment and overcoming the crisis through providing efficient public services to individuals and businesses.

Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister

year were adopted. A novelty is that the CBC will organize online workshops for employees and members of other chambers and business clubs on cybersecurity, customs regulations and sales formats adapted to the changed work circumstances during the pandemic.

Five new members of the club were also presented at the assembly meeting.

Marija Radulović,President of the Board of the Croatian Business Club and Stanko Krstin, Vice Members of the CBC President of the Board of the Croatian Business Club

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COMMENT

The Culture of Living in the Year of the Coronavirus The only good thing that happened during the quarantine was that everyone started reading more again ZLATKO CRNOGORAC Ex Art Producer

ne of the most overused paraphrases of the past year „The culture of living in the year of the coronavirus“ was coined in parallel to "Love at the Time of Cholera”. So, exactly one year after the beginning of this continuous quarantine marked by limited freedom of movement, if we were to sum up everything and draw the line in the sand about the vice versa art of survival, it would go something like this…

Through the climax of emotions and impressions, we will remember 2020 and 2021 for the very recent event - the passing of Djordje Balašević – who was not only a mere singer-songwriter but a boundary stone of a former country and its uninterrupted cultural duration and linguistic space. Symbolically speaking, he was the last and the grandest of artists to die in a series of deaths during the ugliest possible time to die which started with the death of Neda Arnerić, followed by the passing of Mira Furlan, Goran Paskaljević, Vojkan Borisavljević, Dušan Jovanović and Igor Vuk Torbica, novelist Branimir Šćepanović and poet Milutin Petrović, as well as famous musicians Rajko Dujmić, Kićo Slabinac and Džej, and the ex-Yugoslav acting bards from Croatia, Mustafa Nadarević, Špiro Guberina and Pero Kvrgić.

So on and so forth, all the way to the pre-clinical death of the music club scene, especially the most fragile music genre - jazz. From the small and big concerts to the 20th jubilee EXIT festival which we missed out on last year.

The theatre did not fare any better as the last bastion of living culture that successfully resisted its migration to the online space of Tik Tok, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Netflix and HBO. If anything permanently changes theatre as a form as such, it will be the coordination that will adapt the repertoire

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THE INITIAL ENTHUSIASM OF THE MUSEUM REAFFIRMATION THROUGH THE NEW/ OLD NATIONAL MUSEUM AND MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IS HIBERNATING AGAIN of the capital city's theatre scene to Telekom's hyper-production of TV feature series in the post-pandemic period. They are really one of the two positive things that have happened, with a regenerated standard and content throughout all of their main episodes.

From „Ubice Mog Oca“ („My Father's Killers“) and „Službenik“ („The Civil Servant“) through to „Tajkun“ („The Tycoon“), Croatian series “Novine“ („The Newspaper“) and „Močvara“ („The Swamp) to „12 Reči“ („12 Words“), „Mama i Tata se Igraju Rata“ („Mum and Dad are Playing War“) and „Kosti“ („Bones“). Not to mention the phenomenon that is the high ratings of the genre that is new telenovelas such as „Igre Sudbine“ („The Games of Destiny“) and „Tajne Vinove Loze“ („The Vine Secrets“).

Yet, what is so obvious is a new transparent cultural paradigm that is embodied in two

large-scale state projects - the Stefan Nemanja monument and the film „Dara from Jasenovac“. But instead of becoming elements of national cohesion, they seem to have become a point of typical pro et contra division of public opinion. Moreover, the reasons for this are not ideological in nature, but an aesthetic dispute over artistic or urban achievements and postulates. That’s a pity because the first staff and organizational changes made by the new Culture Minister, Maja Gojković (the appointment of the famous, reputable writer Vladimir Pištalo as the general manager of the National Library of Serbia and Marijana Kolarić, the curator of the most referential private gallery „Novembar“, as the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art) really instil hope.

Another promising initiative also comes from that milieu, i.e. from the publisher of Diploma-

cy&Commerce magazine, Robert Čoban, and that is for the Serbian state authorities to begin fostering an infrastructurally organized approach and start to take care of Serbia’s cultural heritage after 75 years of its devastation and decay.

The renovation of castles in Vojvodina, as immovable goods, is a Sisyphean task that does not bring instant political points. But a new beginning of the revitalization of the oversized agenda is possible, where the so-called archaeology of two centuries of industrial construction, which suffered the most in the two-decade-long uninterrupted transition, has been put on hold. The initial enthusiasm of the museum reaffirmation through the new/old National Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art is hibernating again. In the middle of the pandemic, the rediscovered Serbian province opened our eyes and we saw that our best collections are not stored away in depots, but are actually displayed in smaller towns.

In fact, the biggest job of the new cultural policy should be to completely reform the national museum concept and transform factory architecture into new spaces not only meant for exhibition purposes, but also for the vitality of institutions. Thus, for the time being, the only valuable mention is the retrospective of Vlaho Bukovac's paintings at the SANU gallery, and the obvious deficit of capacity to mark the 100th anniversary of the domestic avant-garde in a dignified way, that is Ljubomir Micić's movement and the magazine Zenit. In such a context, Novi Sad, as the European capital of culture, gained an additional year. As I noted before, the city only now realizes the magnitude of loss following the departure of Djordje Balašević. Finally, the second good thing that happened during the coronavirus-induced quarantine was that everyone started reading more again, so the cancelled ‘Book Fair’ became our permanent psychotherapy.

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BELGRADE DIPLOMATIC RESIDENCES & BUILDINGS

by H.E. Jean -Louis Falconi

The French Embassy Is among the most beautiful and best-preserved art deco palaces in the world

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ow fortunate you are to live and work in such a beautiful place”. This is what I am told by almost everyone who visits the French embassy in Belgrade.

Indeed, I am. The French embassy is Serbia is not only one of the most beautiful embassies in Belgrade, but is among the most beautiful and best-preserved art deco palaces in the world. It has miraculously survived not only tumultuous historical events and

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ART DECO IS ALL ABOUT BEAUTY IN EVERY DETAIL BUT ALSO – AND IMPORTANTLY – FUNCTIONALITY natural decay but also new fashion trends in design and changes in ways people live and work.

The embassy is one of very rare examples when the French government decided to buy a land unit and construct an entirely new building to host its diplomatic mission and its residence in-

stead of renting existing houses. It was a political decision.

The construction of the embassy was a strong symbol, a deliberate act to acknowledge the friendship and the alliance forged in the Great War, when Serbian soldiers fought with the French on the battlefields of the Oriental front.

Through its beauty, grandeur and realisation, it reflected the importance given to the relation between the two countries. It was also meant to show the world the exquisiteness of French design, craftsmanship and modernity.

Its construction and decoration took seven years, between 1928 and 1935. On the construction site, an army of French and domestic builders, artists and craftsmen worked under the supervision of the architect Roger Henri

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Expert, a master of art deco style.

He managed to bring the finest French designers of furniture, textile, carpets, tapestries, lamps like Devèche, Ruhlmann, Leleu, manufactories like Sèvres, Aubusson, Gobelin, Bagues…

I am very proud to say that most of their original furniture is still here and that I am living and working in a kind of a museum where every object has its place and function, but is also extremely sophisticated and beautiful.

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CULTURAL HERITAGE IN FRANCE IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF As you may know, Cultural heritage in France is well taken care of. Both the government and the public opinions consider that our cultural heritage is very important and worth every effort. The Embassy is continuously renovated, while pieces of furniture are meticulously restored in Paris and sent back to Belgrade. In

this regard, we recently got back a piece of nice floral carpet, Leleu chairs and an original piano stool, next to which we exposed an 80 years old photograph from the thirties where you can see them in situ.

The five-story building, in white marble from the Vencac quarry, with a protruding rotun-

da and a large terrace, decorated with allegoric motives and bas-reliefs which highlight major French history events. The facade is topped by a 2m80 bronze sculpture of three women symbolizing Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the French national motto. The sculpture, as well as the majority of the bas-reliefs inside the residence, are the work of Carlo Sarrabezolles, whose taste for classicism marvellously complemented art deco.

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Inside the residence, you will find spacious reception halls, dining rooms, several salons, many guest rooms, all furnished with the same sophistication and attention to detail. The furniture is all made of precious materials dear to Art Deco: mahogany, elm burl, black pear, rosewood…

The major reception hall is very spacious, separated by three pairs of imposing marble columns which can be found in many designs of Roger Henri Expert, like on the famous transatlantic liner “Normandie” which was inaugurated the same year as the Embassy. On the upper walls, four stucco medallions represent French rivers, the Loire, the Garonne, the Seine, the Rhine and the Rhône.

Beneath and all around the room,

large mirrors, covering doors or mouned on mantlepieces are reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Towards the Kalemegdan Park, the 11-meter-high rotunda is decorated with an elaborated stucco “carved tapestry”, as Expert had called it. Among a multitude of symbols of France, we can see the flying carriage of the goddess of Victory, as well as 1789, the year of the French Revolution.

The dome ceiling, decorated with symbols of the four elements, hosts an imposing chandelier in bronze and crystal of

Baguès. It’s important to note that Art Deco is all about beauty in every detail but also – and importantly – functionality. The maintenance of this huge chandelier was made easier by a clever crank system which brings it to ground level, still in use and dating from the 1930s.

In order to combine new technologies and advantages of modern times with aesthetics, Expert applied a series of very ingenious solutions throughout the building. For example, it has central heating, but without radia-

THE EMBASSY IS CONTINUOUSLY RENOVATED, WHILE PIECES OF FURNITURE ARE METICULOUSLY RESTORED IN PARIS AND SENT BACK TO BELGRADE

tors, considered ugly at the time.

There are also seven fireplaces, all in function and all different. The largest one, in the rotunda, has zodiac sign ornaments on it.

Expert, who designed luxurious transatlantic liners, such as the Normandie, mastered the art of bringing natural light and ventilation to every space. Therefore, the residence has many round windows and a lounge called "Paquebot" (Steamer) with zenithal lighting through glass boxes ceilings, a technique frequently used to bring light to lower decks.

The residence has two gardens and a lovely view, on one side on Saborna crkva and on the other, on Kalemegdan park, Sava and the Danube, especially beautiful at sunset.

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PORTRAIT

Čedomilj Mijatović is Back Among the Serbs Again Čedomilj Mijatović occupies a special place in the history of Serbian-English cultural and diplomatic ties here are very few brilliant careers with such a stellar rise in a person’s youth, such as that of Čedomilj Mijatović (1842-1932). The breadth of his interests, diverse roles and the indelible mark he left in each of them are the main characteristics of his productive life. It is difficult to define in which area he left the strongest impression, but his unequivocal view of the West and the support and promotion of Serbia are certainly among the most important directions of his life.

Mijatović's life in Serbia was also marked by his political work in two segments - foreign affairs and economics. He started his career as a professor of politics, economics and finance at the Belgrade-based Velika Škola (the Higher School). At a later date, he was Foreign Minister on three separate occasions and Finance Minister six times. Mijatović was also one of the founders of the Progressive Party, which was close to the then prince and later king Milan Obrenović. He was a diplomat for more than 30 years. King Milan called him a Victorian among Serbs and a Byzantine diplomat.

He is credited with building institutions and modernizing Serbia. Mijatović also participated in the implementation of the project that entailed building the Belgrade-Niš railway, which was rife with corruption scandals, but he emerged incorruptible and untainted.

He is one of the founders of the National Bank of Serbia. His bust is still at the entrance to the ceremonial hall of the NBS, while the hall itself is adorned with a framed founding document with Mijatović's signature. Economists also remember him for the introduction of the metric system and the dinar as the national currency. Čedomilj Mijatović is one of the first 16 academics of the Serbian Royal Academy and its second president.

In terms of foreign policy, he took part in the biggest peace conference in Bucharest after the Ser-

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ČEDOMILJ MIJATOVIĆ IS ONE OF THE FIRST 16 ACADEMICS OF THE SERBIAN ROYAL ACADEMY AND ITS SECOND PRESIDENT bian-Bulgarian war of 1885. It was the shortest peace agreement ever signed, containing just one sentence - "Peace is re-established between Serbia and Bulgaria".

Thanks to Mijatović, Serbia did not have to pay 25 million francs to Bulgaria in war reparations.

Despite pressure, Mijatović managed to end the war without territorial encroachments and war reparations. History remembers him as a signatory to a secret convention with Austro-Hungarian Empire, which is why some considered him a traitor. He did admit that he made several mis-

takes in his life, but that he did not view signing the secret convention as one of them. Following the signing, Serbia undertook not to have any claims against Bosnia and Herzegovina and not to conclude agreements with other countries without the approval of Austro-Hungarian authorities. The context of this signature was of great importance considering that 90% of the then Serbia’s export was closely tied to Austria-Hungary, an empire that imposed economic sanctions on Serbia as many as 30 times during the 19th century and had elaborate

plans for its occupation at that time. Geostrategically speaking, this was also Serbia’s clear deviation from the East, i.e. Russia, and its getting closer to the West.

Although educated in the German-speaking area - in Munich, Leipzig, Zurich and Vienna - he was one of the greatest Serbian Anglophiles. Together with his wife Elodie Lawton, an Englishwoman, he laid the foundation for the presentation of Serbian history in the UK. “The first Serbian historian”, it is written about Elodie on the plaque on the house in Knez Miloš Street in Belgrade where they lived. She wrote “The History of Modern Serbia” in English, which broadened the knowledge that the British people had of Serbia. Elodie also tried to trans-

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late the Kosovo Epic, a translation that was the most important testimony to this historical period and folk songs in the UK for over 30 years.

Since 1889, Čedomilj Mijatović lived and worked in Great Britain, of which three times as an envoy to the St James Court. He said that he knew England better than Serbia. He wrote and translated from English, was a journalist and wrote articles about economics. "Čedomilj Mijatović occupies a special place in the history of Serbian-English cultural and diplomatic ties. He had a more prominent role than any previous person engaged in these activities," wrote the historian Slobodan G. Marković, the writer of the only biography of Čedomilj Mijatović, in one of his texts.

He was the most quoted Serb in the London Times. His every step was carefully observed in London.

He was the epitome of a real connection between not only Serbia but the entire Balkans and the UK. “About Serbs and Serbia” is the title of one of his historical books in the English language. Mijatović's contributions were also published in the Encyclopedia Britannica. In this prestigious edition, he was the author of all the determinants about Serbia. Historian Čedomir Antić believes that, except for Pupin, we have not had a more influential Serb in the world. He was also the first Serb to be elected a member of the Royal Historical Society in London.

After the assassination of King Aleksandar Obrenović and Queen Draga in 1903, he strongly condemned this event and resigned as a Serbian emissary in London. He complained at the time that the UK would not take him and that they called him ‘a so-called emissary’. He demanded that the conspirators who committed the mur-

ALTHOUGH EDUCATED IN THE GERMAN-SPEAKING AREA - IN MUNICH, LEIPZIG, ZURICH AND VIENNA - HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST SERBIAN ANGLOPHILES der be punished. Britain and the Netherlands have severed diplomatic relations with Serbia on this occasion. As a private person, he worked on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United Kingdom, in which he succeeded in 1906.

As a great Orthodox believer, in 1914, King Petar I and Prime Minister Pašić offered him the posi-

tion of the head of the Serbian Church, namely the first patriarch of the renewed Serbian Church.

He did not succumb to the temptation and declined the offer.

During the First World War, he led a diplomatic and humanitarian mission to collect aid for Serbia and the Serbian people. On the same mission, he travels with suffragettes across America and Can-

ada, introducing thousands of listeners to Serbia and its suffering.

In addition to relations with the UK, Mijatović greatly contributed to the development of relations with the United States. He signed the trade agreement with the U.S. in 1881 which is considered the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Washington.

ABOUT THE PORTRAIT The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in London has recently received a magnificent portrait of Čedomilj Mijatović, as one of the few surviving testimonies from his life that has survived the ravages of time.

The portrait was in the possession of Michael Tavenor, the Dean of the cathedral in Hereford, for decades. He received the painting from Čedomilj Mijatović's daughter, Milica Prior, whom he had with his second wife Ada Prior. She lived modestly in the suburbs of London and occasionally received help from a priest at the local Anglican Church in Ealing, Michael Tavenor. In return, she gave him a portrait of her father in 1912, which he then sent to be restored. After

retiring, he decided to sell the portrait, and he wanted the painting to end up in Serbia.

As part of a wider concern for Serbia's historical heritage, which is one of the priorities of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Serbian diplomatic worldwide network, I considered it historically important to buy the painting, for the painting to become the property of the Republic of Serbia and to keep it on display at the Embassy. I turned to a prominent British lawyer of Serbian origin, Petar Orlić, for help, who bought the portrait and donated it to the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in London, for which I am sincerely grateful.

The portrait is almost life-size and is the

work of the Indian artist Dzehangir Ardesir Lalkaka (1884-1967), who was very popular in Indian aristocratic circles. His portrait of King George V from 1929 still hangs in the Buckingham Palace today.

The urn with Čedomilj Mijatović’s ashes (who died in 1932) ended up in the Embassy of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in London during the Second World War, but was subsequently lost.

Mijatović's very valuable archive also burned down in a fire in London before the First World War. The portrait’s return was an occasion to pay homage to his character and work. Čedomilj Mijatović is back among the Serbs again.

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by Žikica Milošević

DIPLOMACY

Vibrant Capital Still in Our Hearts From rich cultural life to EU diplomacy and EU affairs 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

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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 Romania. 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?

Very Exciting Times to Be in Montenegro, after Serbia!

H.E. OANA CRISTINA POPA EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Podgorica

01. years in Serbia, last September I embarked on a new pro-

After spending four great

fessional adventure, taking up the position of EU Ambassador to Montenegro. In Montenegro, just like when I first came to work in Serbia, I was immediately charmed by the warm, welcoming people and the gorgeous landscapes. I’ve also grown to appreciate Montenegro beyond this surface – this is not

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only a country of rich European heritage, but also a forward-looking society capable of doing what it takes to realize its EU future. Professionally speaking, it has been a challenging, but rewarding first six months into my new role. My team at the EU Delegation in Podgorica and I are very much looking forward to working together with the authorities and people in Montenegro to help the country move forward on its EU path. many wonderful people 02. who truly enriched my life and who Most of all, I miss the

I am now privileged to call my

friends. Their friendship will always hold a special place in my heart.

The COVID-19 crisis has 03. changed our lives in ways previously thought unimaginable. This holds true for any profession and especially so for diplomacy, which has always relied on handshakes and personal contacts as one of its main tools in building bridges among peoples and nations. The global pandemic has not only dramatically affected our professional and social interactions, it has also put our core values to the test. I’m glad that the European Union has

risen to this challenge. In these extremely difficult times, when many EU member states are struggling to cope with the unprecedented health and economic crisis, EU citizens have not failed to show their solidarity and extend substantial support to their fellow Europeans in the Western Balkans. However challenging, this is also a very exciting time to be in Montenegro. I really look forward to seeing all political and social stakeholders in the Montenegrin society working together, beyond all the diversities and differences, to make their shared European vision a reality.

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I miss Belgrade Theatres and Cuisine

H. E. GORDAN MARKOTIĆ Coordinator for Organisation and Logistics of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU

greb I was appointed as 01. the Coordinator for Organisation

After my returning to Za-

and Logistics of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Although the Presidency was a great honour for Croatia it was also a huge task as well . More than 170 different meetings were planned to be held in Croatia with around 20.000 delegates and more than 1.000 persons were involved in organisation of the events.

Therefore we took more than two years for very intensive preparations and we started our Presidency as of January 1, 2020.

Until March 15, 2020 everything

CORPORATE

Sales Growth Despite the Crisis GEBERIT GROUP

he leading European sanitary products company, Geberit Group, which operates worldwide, has been successful despite the crisis. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative currency affected the

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went as it was planned. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 crises and lockdown all over the Europe we had to stop with meetings in person and we switched into online meetings. Until the end of the Croatian Presidency on June 30 we held more than 100 video conferences.

After the Presidency was closed on June 30, 2020, I was appointed as the Adviser of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and I am still in the Minister's Office.

02.

I will always remember a years spent in Serbia as a very interesting in my career but also quite dynamic and intense. I established excellent professional relations with many Serbian officials, as well as with fellow Ambassadors in Belgrade and friendly relations with a lot of people out of politics. That is exactly what I

company’s sales. In the second quarter, restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant decline in sales in individual markets, which was offset in the second half of the year.

While Geberit Group net sales fell 3.1% to 2,986 million Swiss francs, a 1.3% growth was achieved after currency adjustments. As a result, the company increased sales despite the crisis, as well as gained a bigger market share.

These favourable results were due to a strong market position,

missed the most: opportunity to meet daily new people and to establish with them professional or friendly relations. Of course I would like to add rich culture life in Belgrade which I was trying to follow as much as possible by frequently visiting the Opera House and many Belgrade theatres and different festivals. Last but not least I miss also an excellent Serbian Cuisine and Specialities although I struggled often with a quantity of food.

As I already mentioned 03. we witnessed during the Croatian Presidency how the classic form of the planned meetings was changed into a web format. It is truth that even before we used to have sometimes video conferences but on exceptional bases. However since a pandemic of COVID-19 virus appeared and spread all over the world, video conferences have

become a dominant way of the meetings and today we cannot imagine how to organise meetings without using video applications.

On the other hand we do not travel anymore as we used to do, we do not held receptions and diplomatic dinners so one could conclude that social life of diplomats does not or hardly exists. The same happens in our private life: we do not see our friends, we do not have big family gatherings, we do not go to the restaurants... But we are perhaps more focused on ourselves and our close relatives: spouse, children, parents especially if we live together with them and that is certainly benefit of a pandemic. But since everything in life has its beginning and its end I am looking forward to a future without COVID-19 and to going back to our old reality as it used to be before pandemic.

smart crisis management and a conscious decision not to lay off employees, plus maintaining contact with customers during the lockdown period.

Net sales in the fourth quarter amounted to 724 million Swiss francs, equivalent to an increase of 3.2% in Swiss francs and an increase in the adjusted currency of 6.8%. This follows from a slight 1.5% increase in the first quarter, a 10.7% decline in the second quarter and an 8.5% growth of in the third quarter, in local currencies.

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CORPORATE

Safe snd Sustainable Development of the Project We have been working on this for several years, one step at the time, making sure that everything we do is with the future in mind

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VESNA PRODANOVIĆ General Manager of Rio Sava Exploration doo

erbia is rich with mineral resources and has a long tradition of mining. The mining sector in Serbia is experiencing a revival and I am thrilled that we are part of it, says Vesna Prodanović, General Manager of Rio Sava Exploration doo for Diplomacy&Commerce magazine.

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The total investment of “Rio Tinto” in the research and development of the “Jadar” project exceeds $450 million. What does this mean for the company and for Serbia and the local community?

— The investment of $450 million speaks about the significance of the Jadar project and its magnitude, complexity and potential.

It’s also important to note that this investment is only for the prefeasibility phase and the current feasibility phase of the project. We are currently in the Feasibility Study phase which is expected to complete by the end of 2021, following which we will seek investment approval for development. If we obtain necessary approval, construction can commence in early 2022 and will take up to four years.

Jadar represents a strategic development opportunity for Serbia and it will contribute to the development of the mining and industrial sector. It can also be a catalyst for Serbia as an investment destination for the green economy supply chain, a key future industry.

When do you expect to complete explorations and what is needed for Jadar to become a long-term and sustainable investment?

— We always take a long-term perspective, and sustainability has been a key focus on our pathway to develop the Jadar project.

We have been working on this for

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WHEN DEVELOPED, JADAR WILL MAKE SERBIA AN INVESTMENT DESTINATION FOR THE GREEN ECONOMY several years, one step at the time, making sure that everything we do is with the future in mind. The goal of all our exploration and study activities is the safe and sustainable development of the project in a manner that will benefit all stakeholders.

We have now completed all geological exploration activity and are busy with the Feasibility Phase, where we complete all necessary analyses that are an integral part of the environmental impact assessment study and preparing the necessary design and technical documentation for the future underground mine, processing plant and associated infrastructure.

This complex and comprehensive documentation will support our applications for the necessary permits at the end of the Feasibility phase.

How do you assess the mining sector in Serbia and what should be Serbia`s priorities to improve this sector and attract more investors?

— The mining sector in Serbia is experiencing a revival and I am thrilled that we are part of it. Serbia is rich with mineral resources and has a long tradition of mining. A growing number of companies conducting research in Serbia. The fact that the mining sector increased production by 3.8% in the first six months of 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, tell us that mining is one of the most dynamic parts of the Serbian economy.

Our company, as one the global leaders in terms of mining and related health, safety and environmental standards, is well positioned to contribute to the Serbian mining sector. Together with the

Government of Serbia and other industry players, we remain dedicated to changing the image of mining in Serbia and are proud to contribute to Serbia’s ambitious reform agenda.

What will be the overall impact of this project on the development of a green economy in Serbia?

— When developed, Jadar will make Serbia an investment destination for the green economy.

With the global focus on sustainable technologies, and a particular focus on emissions reduction –electric vehicles will be a major part of the solution. Here, lithium will play a key role – not just in batteries for cars, but also in large scale utility applications like energy storage for wind and solar power generations systems. Lithium is increasingly recognized as critical to the future, with the EU in 2020 placing lithium on a list of 30 critical minerals that are crucial for the sustainable development of the European economy.

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CORPORATE

Lithium, and Why it is Necessary Lithium and its various applications have a key part to play in the green solutions that we need for a sustainable world hese days, environmentally conscious investments and investment criteria are gaining importance, and many industries must find alternatives to their previous practices, material usage being one of them. Enter Lithium, an element capable of making a lot of our day-to-day necessities "greener". But lithium is rare, and to completely understand how privileged we are to have what we have in Loznica, we must first understand a few scientific terms. Let’s start with Clarke. So, what is a Clarke? Clarke is a unit that de-

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notes the relative abundance of a chemical element in our case in Earth’s crust in percentage terms.

To put into perspective how rare lithium is, the Clarke number for Oxygen is ≈47%, and for Silicon ≈25%. In comparison, lithium’s Clarke number is 0.0018%. To put into perspective just how much Lithium Serbia has – the Jadar de-

posit alone has the potential to meet about 10% of current global demand for this element. It is also worth noting that since September last year, Lithium has a place on the list of 30 mineral materials crucial for sustainable planning of EU's economy.

And what do we need lithium for, anyway? What are the uses of

SINCE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, LITHIUM HAS A PLACE ON THE LIST OF 30 MINERAL MATERIALS CRUCIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE PLANNING OF EU'S ECONOMY

this element? It finds use in many industries and applications including medicine, metallurgy, ceramics and many more. But perhaps the most talked about role of Lithium today is its use in batteries, for example in electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries have caused a revolution of sorts, even the Nobel prize for chemistry in 2019 was awarded for the development of lithium-ion batteries.

And why? Because Lithium and its various applications have a key part to play in the green solutions that we need for a sustainable world.

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FOOD PLANET

by Vanja Kovačev

All You Need to Know About Norwegian and Swedish Easter Food Traditions Mini Guide Spring 2021 brings hope of going back to normal and Easter 2021 brings, more than ever, joy of rebirth and a new life id you know that Norwegians eat four oranges per person during Easter or 20 000 in total and that they spend Easter in mountain cabins with their family and friends?

Cross-country skiing with Kvikk Lunsj chocolate and oranges in backpacks and grilling sausages in the snow is also very popular.

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Easter is the time for ski jump competitions and skiing races with neighboring cabins with fun prizes. Norwegian Easter tradition are also so-called book or TV “Whodunnits” - stories or plays about a murder in which the identity of the murderer is not revealed until the end as well as Easter quizzes.

A RECIPE FOR NORWEGIAN TRADITIONAL EASTER MEAL

Easter Lamb

Lamb is a traditional dish on the Norwegian dinner table during Easter. The secret to achieving a delicious and tender roasted lamb is to use the right temperature and cooking time. Low heat for hours, if you use a cooking thermometer you will be in full control. Serves 6-8.

INGREDIENTS

EASTER IN NORWAY

Our Religion is Nature TRINE DITLEVSEN Spouse of Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway

D&C had the pleasure to talk about Easter in Norway to the spouse of Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro Jørn Gjelstad, Mrs. Trine Ditlevsen.

What is the traditional meal and sweet Norwegians like making for Easter?

— The traditional meal for Easter in Norway is roast leg of lamb.

Caramel custard pudding is a popular dessert. For sweets we like easter bunnies and chicks in marzipan and chocolate.

What are the symbols and traditional activities for Easter in Norway?

— Most Norwegians celebrate Easter at their cabins in the mountains, for those who have one! Easter is at that time of year when the snow is about to melt and disappear so skiing is essential before Spring sets in. Since we have been through a cold and dark winter we appreciate longer, lighter and warmer days. We try to go outside as much as we can, either for walks or enjoy a beer at an outdoor café for those who stay in the city. Egg hunts for children is a must on Easter Sunday. Some people go to church, but not many.

Our religion is nature.

How will you spend your Easter 2021? In Belgrade or in Scandinavia?

— This year the whole family will spend Easter in Serbia and enjoy your traditional food and activities.

• 1 leg of lamb – ca 2,5 – 3,5kg • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon pepper • 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary • 2-3 cloves garlic • 1 onion • 2-3 carrots • ¾ liter water

SAUCE • Ca 1 liter of dripping or broth • 5 tablespoons fine flour, stirred in some cold water • 1 tablespoon red wine, or blackcurrant juice • 1 teaspoon soy sauce • Salt and pepper Rub the lamb leg with spices.

Make small incisions in the meat for the garlic.

Clean the onions and carrots,

part the onions and carrots and put it in a roasting pan or baking dish with the water. Lay the roast on top and insert the cooking thermometer in the fleshiest part (not against the bone).

Bake at 125 degrees Celsius for 2-3 hours. When the cooking thermometer shows 70 degrees Celsius, the meat will be pink. 76 degrees Celsius will give you a roast lamb that is well done.

When the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes. Make the sauce in the meantime. Add all the ingredients and let it simmer for a couple of minutes while you stir well.

Serve with potatoes, peas, mushroom and chopped parsley.

Recipe courtesy: matoppskrift.no

Picture of Norwegian Ambassador Jørn Gjelstad from Easter 1999, skiing with couple’s eldest son in a «pulk». Norwegians use this to transport babies and little kids when skiin

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A RECIPE FOR THE SWEDISH EASTER MEAL

EASTER IN SWEDEN

Our Family Celebrates Two Easters

Skagenröra in Baked Potatoes Skagenröra is a salad based on shrimp and may be served as a separate dish, on a soft or crunchy bread, or inside an unpeeled potato which has been previously packed in foil and baked in the oven. This mix of shrimp (prawns) and mayo was invented by Swedish chef Tore Wretman in the 1950s and it was named after the northern Danish city of Skagen. Skagen salad is funnily enough almost completely unknown in Denmark, whereas in Sweden it has remained one of the most popular appetizers.

Spouse of Ambassador of Sweden

Prior to this year’s Swedish Easter DC was delighted to also talk to Milica Lundin, spouse of Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia Jan Lundin.

What are the symbols and traditional activities for Easter in Sweden?

— Swedish little girls in witch costumes go for Swedish-type trick-ortreating during Easter holiday. Little boys disguise in witches as well, in order to get some candy too. The costumes are cute: there should be a head scarf, an apron, rug-like skirt and clumsy shoes. Make-up is included (cheek blush and freckles) a broom, a basket for spoils and maybe a mom as an entourage -bodyguard.

Being a mother of two now adorable ladies, I used to enjoy these parades in the past very much. Swedish Easter should be all in yellow and green, and it really marks the beginning of the spring. There are bunnies and birds everywhere. First branches of yellow bushes, tulips and narcissus should be constantly on the table during Easter week. Our family celebrates two Easters: I also make a traditional Easter lunch with colourful eggs and lamb meat on the Orthodox Easter Sunday. Swedes usually use Easter holidays to meet with their relatives. It is not unusual to choose to go with relatives skiing during Easter.

Since my husband's family originates from far north, we like to take that opportunity to make a long trip to go to see them. Skiing in far north is not too pleasant during Christmas, because of hard frost and long nights. Easter time is the sunny part of the year in the north, and there is still snow in abundance. Our relatives organize scoot-

er tours in the wild with splendid picnics in the snow, meals around huge fireplace with seats covered with reindeer pelts.

What are the traditional Easter meals you prepare in Serbia too?

— The main meal is planned for Easter Sunday and it should be a buffet. Before that we eat fish, if we are to respect the custom of fasting: marinated or fried salmon and herring file, freshwater trout and bass and shrimp from Northern sea. Of course, fasting is optional and depends on family tradition. Janssons frestelse (Jansson's Temptation) is a popular choice, since it is based on potato with anchovy filets. Easter Sunday buffet includes all of this plus some meat. In our family there should be a big bird on the table, usually a turkey.

When it comes to drinks, beer is more popular than wine though it might have changed in recent decades.

Children and some adults are fond of Påskmus, a cola-like soda based on caramelized malt with an extract of hop plant. It tastes a lot like a root beer. Boiled eggs are served as well, but there is no egg cracking-contest as done in Serbia. Eggs may or may not be coloured, usually with brush strokes or markers and it is traditionally the job of children to decorate them.

How will you spend your Easter 2021?

In Belgrade or in Scandinavia?

— My husband may travel to see his father who lives in central Sweden and is now quite old and not that eager to travel north. My older daughter might follow him from Stockholm, and I will probably stay here in Belgrade with my younger daughter. I will invite a few of my closest friends and relatives to have lunch with me, if the Covid measures allow. It will probably be a mixture of Scandinavian and Serbian cuisine.

INGREDIENTS • 400 g cooked prawn (boiled baby shrimp) tails, shelled • 100–200 ml mayonnaise, it needs to be very thick (if making it from scratch see recipe below) • 1 bunch dill, leaves picked fine and stems cut fine • salt and white pepper, to taste • grated horseradish, to taste

MAYONNAISE • 2egg yolks • 1 tbsp dijon mustard • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 250 ml neutral oil • salt and white pepper, to taste Coarsely chop half the prawn (shrimp) tails and place them in a bowl with the remaining tails.

Add enough mayo to properly coat all of the

shrimp and make the mix creamy. Be careful though not to add too much as this will turn everything into more of a sauce, which is not the idea.

Add the dill, salt and pepper and some grated horseradish if you like it. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes or so in the fridge. Stir again, adjust the texture with more mayo if necessary and once again adjust the seasoning.

Serve the salad with a wedge of lemon on the side.

If you're making your own mayonnaise, put the egg yolks in a bowl. Whisk in the mustard and vinegar then season with a pinch of salt and a little white pepper.

Add the oil, a drop at a time, beating slowly but constantly, until no oil remains and the mayo is nice and thick. Season to taste.

Recipe from The Nordic Cookbook by Magnus Nilsson, with photography by Erik Olsson

Photo: Lena Granefelt/imagebank.sweden.se

MILICA LUNDIN

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY IN ZVEZDARA

by Robert Čoban

E Pur Si Muove While in Serbia, 134 years since the founding of the first observatory and almost four centuries since Galileo Galilei’s famous sentence, many people, even some public figures, believe that the Earth is flat, the astronomical observatory complex in Zvezdara, a masterpiece of modernity, cries out for detailed rehabilitation

large painting called "Corona 61" sits behind the desk of Gojko Djurađević, director of the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade. In astronomy, corona is the outer shell of the Sun and other stars. The painting from 1998 is the work of Petar Kubičela, a Serbian painter and amateur astronomer who invented several telescopes with his brother Aleksandar.

Gojko was born in Cetinje but speaks with a strong Hungarian accent. I ask him how come he says that he adopted the accent from his older colleague Istvan Vince, a Hungarian from Bogojevo who ran the Astronomical Observatory in Zvezdara from 1990 to 1993. Istvan is retired today and his son Oliver runs the observatory on Vidojevica near Prokuplje.

In the company of Nikola Božić, Petnica’s programme director, I visit the facilities of the observatory in Zvezdara. A small schnauzer called, Roger, who is the keeper of the property, runs around us. The sign "Omnia in numero et mensura" ("All things in measure and number”) stands at the entrance to the administra-

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tion building and clearly warns you that you will be dealing with a special type of people here.

We start at a large library similar to the one from Harry Potter movies, containing 5,000 books, 100,000 copies of specialized periodicals and numerous astronomical clocks and other instruments.

Viewers of the TV series ‘Senke Nad Balkanom’ (‘Shadows over the

rehabilitation.

FROM THE SORBONNE TO CORFU Milan Nedeljković’s name stands out from the names of the observatory’s directors in the past century which are inscribed on the board in the hallway. Nedeljković is the founder of astronomy, meteorology and seismography

duffel producer Gligorij Nedeljković and his wife Aleksandra.

He graduated from all-boys high school as the best student.

He also graduated with great success and an award for his work in physics from the Higher School (Velika Škola), the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Following graduation, he was immediately accepted as a train-

MILAN NEDELJKOVIĆ’S NAME STANDS OUT FROM THE NAMES OF THE OBSERVATORY’S DIRECTORS IN THE PAST CENTURY WHICH ARE INSCRIBED ON THE BOARD IN THE HALLWAY Balkans’) will recognize the surroundings in which the Croatian actor Goran Bogdan, in the role of Mustafa Golubić, does his illegal activities between the two wars.

With the money received from the filmmakers for using this location to film, as well as the funds from the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, a partial renovation of several buildings in the complex was done, although the entire observatory, a modern masterpiece with valuable rare astronomical instruments, is crying out for detailed

in Serbs. Gojko Djurašević speaks about him with almost religious respect and dedication. According to him, Nedeljković is one in a long line of famous Serbs that his compatriots and his country did wrong to.

If someone asks you to name one native citizen of Belgrade, mention Nedeljković. He was born in 1857 in Kraljica Natalija Street, which was back then called Abadžijska, as the first of eight children (Milan, Djordje, Nikola, Emilijan, Vojislav, Ljubomir, Kosara and Spasenija) of the wealthy

ee lecturer in physics and mathematics at the same school. However, at the suggestion of Josif Pančić, he received a scholarship to continue his education in Paris. He enrolled in mathematics at the Sorbonne and studied physics part-time at the Collège de France.

After five years of studying in Paris, he returned to Belgrade with degrees in mathematics, physics, astronomy, meteorology, precision mechanics and seismology.

Milan then opened the Department of Astronomy and Meteorology at the Higher School and

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immediately asked the Government of the Kingdom of Serbia to help him to build an observatory that would be the central weather station.

On the basis of Nedeljković's written request, the Minister of Education, Milan Kujundžić Aberdar (one of the Belgrade streets – Aberdareva – was named after him) passed a decree on March 26, 1887, on the establishment of the Provisional Observatory in the privately-owned rented house of entrepreneur and merchant Ernest Geisler in Mali Vračar. The new observatory building was built, also thanks to Nedeljković's efforts, in 1891. The building was designed by the architect Dimitrije T. Leko.

Before the fall of Belgrade in the Great War, Milan Nedeljković left the Observatory on September 25, 1915, and arrived in Corfu with his wife Tomanija in early 1916.

The Belgrade Observatory was used by the occupying army for meteorological purposes and was managed by Viktor Konrad. After their defeat of the Macedonian Front, the occupying army stole the observatory’s instruments during their withdrawal in October 1918. Professor Nedeljković returned to the observatory on February 24, 1919.

WAR REPARATIONS After the First World War, Milan managed to complete the

"Corona 61": Painting by Petar Kubičela from 1997

procurement of astronomical, meteorological and other geophysical instruments and accessories through personal connections, which a decade later, in 1932, became the Astronomical Observatory in Veliki Vračar, today's Zvezdara. Telescopes worth 2,990,000 gold marks (660,000 dollars in today’s currency) were procured in 1922 and delivered from Jena to Belgrade as war reparations from Germany in the First World War. Revolted by the unjust early retirement, Nedeljković never stepped into the observatory in Zvezdara again.

Milan Nedeljković had a great helper when it came to his scientific work - his wealthy and educated wife Tomanija Radaković (1866-1959), at that time one of the richest women in Belgrade. They set aside personal funds for scientific projects all their lives.

Milan Nedeljković died in 1950 at the age of 93, twenty-six years after his retirement.

Gojko Djurašević says that the Milutin Milanković Park, which is located in front of the former building of the Observatory in Vračar, today the Meteorological Institute, should bear Nedeljković's name because that lo-

THE RENOWNED MILUTIN MILANKOVIĆ WAS THE HEAD OF THE OBSERVATORY TWICE - FROM 1925 TO 1926 AND AFTER THE WAR FROM 1948 TO 1951

cation has nothing to do with Milanković.

Nedeljković was replaced by Vojislav V. Mišković, who, with the instruments that his predecessor received through war reparations from Germany, set out to build an observatory on Veliki Vračar, a bare hill that would later be named Zvezdara precisely because of the observatory.

The building was designed by the Czech architect Ian Dubovi, who graduated architecture in Prague, and came to Belgrade after the Great War. Dubovi was inspired by the ideas of PanSlavism, and the reason why he came to Belgrade was the invitation of his colleague and compatriot Matej Blecha, who founded an architectural bureau in Belgrade. The observatory complex on Zvezdarsko Brdo (Zvezdara Hill) is his best work. Dubovi also participated in the design of the Professors' Colony. Ian Dubovi was the most radical among Belgrade modernists which ultimately helped him land the job of designing the observatory complex.

Perhaps, the fact that he was very active in his profession – as he was the head of the Department for the General Planning of the Municipality of Belgrade and regularly wrote for Belgrade newspapers about architectural topics – led to his appointment as the chief designer. The Belgrade Observatory project was presented at

90 years later: Astronomical Observatory in the early 1930s and today

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5,000 books and 100,000 specialized periodicals: Library at the Astronomical Observatory

exhibitions in Prague and Sofia, and Dubovi did his doctoral thesis in Prague on the topic of his observatory.

The renowned Milutin Milanković was the head of the observatory twice - from 1925 to 1926 and after the war - from 1948 to 1951.

During the Second World War, the Germans used the facilities for military purposes, as an artillery stronghold and turned the library into an officer's canteen. Some of the instruments were taken to Germany, and the rest were saved at the end of the war by warden Mišković, who convinced the German commander that "there is no point in leaving this part of the Third Reich without an observatory", because, of course, the Nazis will again strike gold later on.

LIGHT POLLUTION OVER BELGRADE Djurašević tells me how, in the late 20th century, light "pollution" made scientific observations more difficult as a consequence of the expansion of urban settlements. That is why a new astronomical station was built on

the top of Beli Kamen, at 1,155 metres altitude, on the Vidojevica mountain near Prokuplje, which is considered "a dark area" when it comes to light pollution. When it gets dark there, it's really dark.

The Milanković telescope, with a diameter of the main mirror of 1.40m, produced by the ASA Company from Austria, was mounted on April 29, 2016, in a temporary

building with office space, a library and an 8-metre-deep basement; the Large Refractor Pavillion with a movable roof and the Zeiss star observer; the Small Zeiss Refractor Pavillion; the Pavilion with a small Zeiss astrograph; the Pavilion with two small passage instruments; the main entrance with two apartments for workers; the pavilion with apart-

THE RELIEFS IN THE ART DECO STYLE AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE PAVILIONS WERE MADE BY THE PAINTER AND SCULPTOR BRANKO KRSTIĆ pavilion at the Vidojevica observation station. The telescope was procured with the funds of the European Commission and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.

At the same time, the Zvezdara Observatory gradually began to be transformed into a museum, and in 2001, by the decision of the Government of Serbia, it was declared a cultural monument.

The complex contains eight buildings: an administrative

History: Board with the names of the observatory’s directors

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A Montenegrin with a Hungarian accent: The Observatory’s director, Gojko Djurašević in his office

ments for astronomers and the building with a mechanic and carpenter's workshop.

The reliefs in the Art Deco style at the entrances to the pavilions were made by the painter and sculptor Branko Krstić.

In 1936, the then observatory’s director, Vojislav Mišković, began publishing a bulletin in the French language under the name "Bulletin de l'Observatorie Astronomique de Belgrade", which was renamed in 1992 to "Bulletin Astronomique de Belgrade". It has

been published under the current name "The Serbian Astronomical Journal" since 1998. Today, the Astronomical Observatory operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science and has 58 employees, of which 43 are research astronomers (20 doctors of science and 23 holders of master’s degree).

When Djurašević told me that today's telescopes "reach" galaxies that are 9 billion light-years away from the Earth (for example, sunlight reaches us in 7 minutes), my last question tied in nicely. I was interested in how he and his colleagues commented on certain people in Serbia, even some public figures, claiming that the Earth is flat, exactly 134 years since Nedeljković founded the first observatory in Belgrade and almost four centuries since Galileo famously exclaimed "E pur si muove!" (in 1633).

Little Schnauzer Roger growled and Gojko just waved his hand away, paused for a few seconds as if carefully choosing his words and said: "Fools!"

Father of Serbian astronomy and meteorology: Milan Nedeljković with his wife and son

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SECRET FORMULA OF EDUCATION IN SERBIA The

2021

THE SECRET

FORMULA OF EDUCATION IN SERBIA

EDUCATION SYSTEM IS THE PILLAR OF THE STATE Continued investment in education and science infrastructure

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BRANKO RUŽIĆ First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development READ THIS ON WEB

ducation is one of the key development resources. It lowers poverty, and enhances economic potenial of a country. It also increases the quality of life of an individual, and empowers them to be an independent and active participant in social life. We talked with the new Education Minister Branko Ružić about education during the pandemic-induced crisis, the Ministry's future plans, as well as his personal vision of of education and scieence in Serbia.

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During the COVID pandemic, education faced many challenges. How did the Ministry respond to these challenges?

— I became minister less than three months ago. Although, this is not the best time to provide an unbiased evaluation of the education system, I can confidently say that we faced many challenges and responded to all of them completely and successfully.

Today, almost all aspects of the education process have been digitalized in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of digital technologies in education became a necessity and a new reality. Both teachers and students successfully adapted to changes

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and proved quite capable of using the new technology and a range of electronic devices that came with it. The Serbian education system embraced permanent training as a way of enhancing the professional capacity and skills of teaching staff in all fields, including digital competencies. Back in March 2020, following the sudden lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development managed to organize an orderly transition to online teaching / classes in matter of days. Those extraordinary efforts were successful due to teachers training system already being in place. Additionally, the state secured free access to Microsoft platform TEAMS for the entire education system, as well as access to national TV systems (RTS Planet), class scheduling and my school platforms via the Internet. An agreement was reached with mobile operators to provide free mobile internet for educational purposes. Recording online classes proved to be a major challenge for the education system, particularly regarding vocational schools and schools with a dual education system which combines academic learning with handson instructions in participating com-

The objective is to ensure full access to education for every child and reduced attrition (especially from vulnerable social groups)

panies. In other words, these efforts enabled students from vocational schools to acquire both academic and applied skills through online education. This academic year, the situation is different since the lower pandemic risks allowed face-to-face practical training albeit in small groups in adequately equipped teaching cabinets and workshops. These methods were used in many relevant industrial sectors (textile, leather goods, metal processing) and, to a lesser extent, in the provision of health care services.

Will the experience gained with online (distance) learning be utilized in preparing the new Education Strategy?

— Extensive data and feedback received from schools on regarding their experience in the area of distance/online learning thus far indicate that this mode of learning secured adequate student motivation and academic achievement in all those cases where pre-defined models of online learning were followed. Naturally, digital education and learning hold a prominent place in the new Education Strategy both regarding the teaching process and the use of “integrated information system in education” which will enable even more efficient management of that system in the future.

How far have you come in drafting the new Education Strategy?

— The new Education Strategy is an attempt to create a systemic basis for improved education and learning in the Republic of Serbia until 2030.

Presently, a draft Strategy is undergoing a standard public debate, including a more specific Action Plan for 2021 through to 2023. In addition to updat-

ing and enhancing the thematic coverage at all levels of education, the new Strategy will focus on the core competencies of teachers and students, boosting human resource development in the education system, and modernizing teaching methods and learning in general, including creating the necessary prerequisites for effective learning. The Draft Strategy envisages, among other things, greater coverage of pre-school education, pre-school prep programs, elementary and high school education, as well as higher enrollment rates in adult education and learning. The objectives of the strategy also include improved student achievements at high shool graduate level, and reduced attrition in elementary and high schools. The Sstrategy also seeks to update and modernize higher and university educationm, as well as introduce effective monitorring and evaluation systems for higher and university education.

In advanced societies, education is one of most important resources of development. If we look at the salaries in education, it appears that there is a gap between the declared and actual importance, i.e. education is undervalued or even degraded. What can your Ministry do to change that?

— Education is not degraded in Serbia. We continuously strive to elevate respect for professors and teachers.

This effort is very important since education represents the central pillar of every state. Clearly, we must invest in education system. Raising salaries in the education sector in recent years has shown a more positive and supportive stance. I believe that social dialogue in this area is very important, as well as continuous communication with labor unions in the education sector. This will enhance our ability to identify all issues and challenges, and find solutions going forward. The promised reform of public sector wages and the introduction of clearly defined pay-grades will enable a more transparent and just remuneration system in education. The Government of Serbia is presently evaluating the possibility of introducing a new public sector pay scale system starting in 2022.

Which priorities would you single out in the context of the education budget?

— Securing good work and learning conditions is among one of the top priorities of the Ministry. We continue to invest in education and science infrastructure, including preschool facilities, schools, student dorms, science

and technology parks, centers of excellence, and research institutes. We envisage strengthening leading education and science institutions to reach recognition at the regional and European level. We plan to invest in and support individual development, especially young scientists. The Strategy also envisages a range of measures to secure a dynamic development of science, research, and innovations. The objective is to advance the development of science, technology and innovation systems, expand their share in the European research space and, most importantly, strengthen the basis for economic development of Serbia.

In addition to poor people and those in unfavorable social and economic situation, young talent, scientists and researchers also deserve help. How will the Ministry support young talented people who are critical for advances in education, science and innovation, as well as the best ambassadors of Serbia in the world?

— Strategic orientation of the Government of Serbia and the Ministry is to improve conditions for promotion and career development of young talented people and their work in Serbia. We continue to offer scholarships to students, scientists and young talent and, by doing so, we are sending out a message that the state supports them and values the “power of knowledge”. This is the slogan of the new 2021 – 2025 Science Strategy. In addition to education scholarships and grants, the state also provides scholarships and financial support to graduate students at Master’s and PhD level, as well as individual researchers and research institutions. In our budget

This year, the budget will support young scientists and researchers with almost 7 million Euros

for 2021, close to 7 million Euros has been allocated for education and research support. One example of support for graduate students includes matching grants for participation in international conferences, research in qualified institutions, and costs of writing a PhD thesis and post-doc specializations. Many other activities of the Ministry are aimed at creating better conditions for science, research and innovations in Serbia.

As a new minister, what is your vision of education and science in Serbia and what are your priorities during your term in the office?

— Serbia has a well-recognized tradition in the broad area of education and science. Our scientists and researchers are globally renowned.

We strive to develop a modern system of education and science which will be able to deliver quality education, academic excellence, research and innovation on par with the best European and world institutions. In the first place, our objective is to increase enrollment at all levels of education, minimize attrition and secure quality education for every child and young person. In terms of outcomes, the objective is to secure better achievements, quality education, training and research programs, and a better social status and financial support for teachers. Overall, we would like to implement quality education policy, facilitate a widespread use of modern teaching and learning techniques and tools, and have a better and more meaningful connection between education and research and the market expectations.

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FORMULA OF EDUCATION IN SERBIA

WE HAVE MANAGED TO SUSTAIN THE SYSTEM IN VERY DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

Higher education institutions play an important role in creating a professional workforce, although they have to face the challenge of some high-school graduates not being sufficiently prepared for independent work at the university

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vanka Popović has been the chancellor of the University of Belgrade since October 2018. We talked to Ms Popović about the education system in our country, online teaching in Serbia and how well it is organized, improvements and elevating the University of Belgrade's position on the so-called the Shanghai List of the best universities in the world. "I would like to single out two challenges that am facing as the university chancellor - restoring trust in the University of Belgrade as an institution and improving and implementing procedures related to academic integrity. I believe that we have made progress in both,“ says Chancellor Popović.

I

The research conducted by the Centre for Public Policy shows that 71.9% of students believe that online teaching is not an adequate substitute for regular classes, and 76.1% think that it has reduced the quality of higher education, but also have a very positive attitude towards online exams.

In your opinion, how did the pandemic affect student education?

— No-one wanted to replace regular with online classes. This decision was imposed by the pandemic. I think that the faculties in Serbia have made a huge effort to switch not only to online teaching but also to online busi-

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ness practically overnight. The change was not easy for students and workers alike. Whenever the conditions during the pandemic permitted, classes were held live, primarily for freshmen. Education is a two-way process so the success of such an endeavour depends on all participants. Taking exams outside the institution in which one's studies, i.e. taking online exams, is not allowed according to the current Higher Education Law. The University of Belgrade faculties have invested enormous effort and substantial material resources to create optimal conditions for teaching and taking exams during the pandemic. If we compare the exam results at the University of Belgrade from June to October 2019 to the same period in 2020, we can see that, in 2020, the pass rate was 8% higher than in 2019. This is an exceptional result which shows that we have managed to sustain the system in very difficult conditions.

How will the experience of working at the faculty and studying during the pandemic affect the future of higher education in Serbia? Will there be any longer-term changes? What did we learn during this pandemic?

— The acquired experiences will certainly affect the way of teaching at the faculties in the future. Combined teaching is imposed as a model that

IVANKA POPOVIĆ Chancellor of the University of Belgrade

My priority is to continuously improve the quality of all aspects of the University of Belgrade's operations

gives maximum effects. Online teaching can contribute to theoretical teaching, while the time that students spend live with teachers and teaching associates should be used to discuss the material covered. The Conference of Serbian Universities and the National Accreditation Body of Serbia are closely cooperating to adopt standards that will regulate the combined model of teaching at faculties.

What are the University's role and position in a country that has been in transition for many years where many human values have been degraded?

— Higher education institutions play an important role in creating a professional workforce, although they have to face the challenge of some highschool graduates not being sufficiently prepared for independent work at the university. In addition to acquiring professional knowledge, universities offer students the opportunity to acquire other, so-called soft skills that can boost their competitiveness in the labour market. During their studies, students can also learn about entrepreneurship, which creates opportunities for launching an independent business. Higher education can reduce brain drain in conjunction with other measures at the national level.

The University of Belgrade first appeared on the Shanghai List of the world's best universities in 2012, ranking between the 400th and 500th place. In the next six years, the ranking was improved and the University jumped to the 302nd position, only to fall again in early 2019. How do you interpret that?

— I believe that the fact that the University of Belgrade found itself in the company of the 500 best universities in the world is an extraordinary success. Having in mind the previous period during which science in Serbia was allocated very modest funds, the University's rank is an even more valuable result. The institution's scientific activity is the key factor affecting the University's place on the Shanghai List. At a time when, around the world, more and more funds are being spent on science, it is not at all easy to maintain a position on the list.

That is why I would like to underline once again that the overall ranking of the University of Belgrade and all our faculties and institutes deserves great respect.

Are you satisfied with how much money has been invested in science?

What successes would you highlight in that segment?

— It remains to be seen if the intentions to boost domestic science through the implementation of the Science and Research Law and the Science Fund Law will yield the desired results. Our goal is no longer only to increase the number of published

scientific papers, but also their quality and impact on the global scientific community. This is possible only in science receives stable financing and if there is a gradual increase in state budget allocations for science to 1%. The countries that have made the biggest progress in science invest as much as 3% of the state budget in this area. Our researchers have been successful in applying for and getting funding for projects from the European Commission programme. Here, I would especially like to mention the Horizon 2020 programme from the previous financing framework and Horizon Europe in the current financing framework.

The University of Belgrade has made a significant step forward by becoming a member of the 'Circle U' European University Alliance

One of your goals is for the University of Belgrade to be better positioned and more visible internationally than it was in the previous period. How will you achieve that and have you made any progress already?

— The University of Belgrade has made a significant step forward by becoming a member of the 'Circle U' European University Alliance, where it works closely with the six renowned European universities – the University of Paris, the Catholic University of Leuven, King's College London, Aarhus University, the University of Oslo and Humboldt University of Berlin. As the name of our alliance suggests, we are creating a circle of knowledge that connects education, research and innovation, all in the service of social progress. We are proud to have included Serbia in the group of countries with

universities that are the higher education leaders in Europe.

You are only the second woman chancellor in the long history of the University of Belgrade. In 2019, the University Senate adopted the Gender Equality Plan of the University of Belgrade. Some progress has been made in this area but what more could be done to have more women in science, especially in the natural sciences?

— At our University, female students are sufficiently represented or even make the majority in both natural and other sciences. About 60% of students at the University of Belgrade are women. We have also noticed that women are more interested in information and communication technology studies. We have equal representation among assistant professors and associate professors, while 40% of full-time professors are women. Our priority is to raise awareness of gender equality and gender stereotypes, especially regarding the representation of women in administrative positions. By developing an equal opportunity policy, we want to contribute to the well-being of all members of the university community.

What goals have you set for yourself for the next period?

— The pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. The main goal is to gradually return to normal work. My priority is to continuously improve the quality of all aspects of the University of Belgrade's operations.

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WHAT IF? THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

How many times have you heard someone say that education is outdated and schools are not preparing children for the reality of their present, let alone their future? So, why are schools like this?

Why are they not changing, and what if they could change READ THIS ON WEB

C O R P O R AT E

e all know that the system of schooling was created to support the needs of the industrial revolution, yet the system is still fundamentally the same today.

A few thoughts to consider: • 65% of children in Primary School will enter a job that does not currently exist (World Economic Forum) • It is likely that Primary children will never need to drive a car as an adult • Children currently in school will probably never see a check-out person in a supermarket.

• Already today, the average adult goes 41 days without writing by hand • The Gig Economy is the fastest growing industry sector So what should the purpose of school be today? Surely education has to be very different from schools of 50, or even 10 years ago. This is supported by the fact that we now know far more about brain research and how children actually learn. Unsurprisingly, the most powerful learning does not come from remembering facts and then regurgitating them for a test. This traditional model is ‘passive learning’ where education is done ‘at the learner’. All of the research points to the fact that a more active model of education, where students take responsibility and ownership of their own learning, is far more powerful.

I have had the privilege of helping many schools around the world redesign their learning. When I ask teachers, students or parents what they believe are the most important skills, attributes or values students need to learn, everyone says similar things:

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ANDREW DERRY Director, International School of Belgrade

If education is about lighting fires... It’s about time we got out the matches

• Leadership skills, especially ethical and service leadership • Entrepreneurial skills, especially the importance of learning to fail and being resilient • Critical Thinking • Creativity • Collaborating, locally and globally • Communications skills • International Understanding, an ability to work on a global stage.

Interestingly, no one has ever said that the Aztecs or Quadratic Equations are the most important things to learn.

In fact, can you remember the last time you used quadratic equations?

Of course, this doesn't mean that some of the traditional elements are not important, But, according to David Perkins (Harvard), it does mean we should be extending our students beyond: • B eyond basic skills - 21st century skills, concepts, values • Beyond traditional disciplines - hybrid, new areas • Beyond discrete subjects - interdisciplinary, real-life • B eyond the classroom - local and global perspectives • Beyond content - Big Ideas. Using content as a lens to think about big ideas • B e y o n d p r e s c r i b e d c o n t e n t - personalised • Beyond school - partnering with industry to solve real-life problems Here at the International School of Belgrade, we will always focus on high standards and examination results at all levels. But, at the same time….

We have a duty to prepare our students for their fast-changing, globally connected, technology-rich future.

We must help our children develop the contemporary Values, Attitudes and Attributes that prepare them to be successful in their world….. …..to be the leaders in our future world To be globally good not just locally good To be able to create a job not just get a job To have the capacity to learn, unlearn and relearn To focus on human centric abilities, social and ethical values.

As an example of what this might look like, imagine a class of 7 year old students working on a unit of study in which they have to design and build something new and of use to the medical industry. Industry experts come into school to work with, and guide the students. They focus on design skills, entrepreneurship, and especially failure. Every first idea has either already been invented, or will not work, so inevitably, the students fail to start with.

This is vital, because it teaches students about the importance of failure, failing forwards and pivoting their ideas.

In addition to their design models, often 3D printed, students also need to create a financial plan, a marketing plan and an executive brief, ensuring that the traditional Math and English elements are covered. The results are always astonishing.

If we can do this successfully with 7 year olds, imagine what real-life learning could look like for High School students.

Website: www.isb.rs Admissions: admissions@isb.rs Phone: +381 11 206 9999

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READY FOR THE FUTURE WITH DIGITAL INJECTION Education as core business during COVID-19 - challenges and solutions?

FERDINAND AYEN Klett EDU CEO Stuttgart

orldwide, the Corona crisis is intensifying many existing trends. One of these trends is obviously digitalization. Industry, services as well as the demands on education are changing at an unprecedented speed.

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Especially for Serbia and its region, this change comes on top of existing developments such as a difficult demography and an ever-increasing lack of skilled workforce in both industry and the service sector. Klett EDU already meets this demand with 3-month and 1-year education programmes that offer effective, well-proven didactics and learning processes as well as top-notch teachers.

Now, and piloting with Pepsi, we want to go to the next level: We have the goal to increase our own effectiveness and the scalability of our programmes by establishing genuinely digital tools and channels.

While we will never abandon the basic ideas of dual education such as “learning by doing”,

we have recently asked some questions, such as: — Why does a group of participants from, let’s say the Maglić plant, should come to Belgrade every time there is a training?

— What can you do with a broadband internet connection, a 360-degree camera and some not-anymore-beta VR-goggles?

— Have customers already invested in such a technology, but never had a real use-case for it?

— How can the classroom teaching and virtual / distance teaching become complementary to each other?

Without a doubt, the possibilities are all there. With a digital injection like the one we are developing, not only companies in Serbia, but also employees can be ready for the future.

PROVIDING PRACTICAL AND APPLICABLE KNOWLEDGE

In-class and digital education - what happens when merged?

lett EDU‘s concept of education is based on providing practical and applicable knowledge to our clients, both companies and individuals.

Industrial Mechatronics is the flagship of our portfolio and we are very proud to share that as of 2019, almost 100 employees from various production companies in Serbia successfully completed Mechatronics program in our specially equipped Klett EDU training center.

We are firmly holding to our Teach & Practice principle however, COVID-19 situation showed us that the way we achieve this goal can change. Example of our cooperation with PepsiCo has proven many times to be the best practice. From the very first meeting couple of years ago with Luka Ljubicic, HR Business Partner Supply Chain PepsiCo, there was a clear

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mutual understanding on objectives, delivery and shared commitments to achieve the best results. Luka is a great representative of his company – committed to continuous organization development, supporting innovation and striving for excellence in delivery. As per PepsiCo COVID-19 policy, the request as of this year was to conduct Mechatronics program online. Klett EDU experts’ team and PepsiCo partners diligently adapted the Maintenance of Mechatronics System program to the digital way of education. The lecturer teaches online, explains and shows practical examples and sets assignments. Participants prepare the equipment for learning situations in front of them so they can actively participate in practical work.

In order to be innovative, VR learning method is included in several segments, which has

OLIVERA GVOZDENOV Klett EDU Director

proven to be a great solution for mechatronics programs – easy, structured, understandable, appealing and fun!

Education is a continuous process, both for educators and learners. Together with PepsiCo, we have combined what we call “analogue and digital” in the best possible way, which is why we look forward to share it and scale it with other markets.

MORE ENGAGING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE VR and AR in corporate training industry?

ith all the horrors a global pandemic brought into our lives, there still was a silver lining. Research shows the key driver behind digital transformation that exploded last year were neither the CEO nor the CTO, but COVID-19. We have all witnessed years and years of philosophical discussions on the possible future applications of cutting edge technology in business, but until last year no substantial steps were taken to leverage the existing tech and digitize our work. We in PepsiCo have gladly embraced the change and are already

W

TIJANA TADIĆ South-Central Europe & Baltics and CE Franchise HR Sr. Manager, PepsiCo, Inc.

working on several projects that will bring massive improvements in training and culture. Virtual reality, for example, enables us to ensure absolute consistency of quality of trainings delivered, as well as significant savings in the time allocation our subject matter experts historically had to put in training preparation and delivery. Not only is VR bringing us a qualitative boost and economies of scale, it’s also providing a more engaging and memorable employee experience critical for our desired positioning as a modern, tech savvy, fun employer.

WE ARE FOCUSED ON MODERNISATION

Why is mechatronics a perfect topic for the first VR PepsiCo professional training? veryday challenges and work with the most modern equipment and machines in our factory, requires continuous extension of technical knowledge and specialized skills of our technical staff. Our operators and technitians at PepsiCo production sites need to adopt a combination of different knowledge and skills in order to be able to properly operate and maintain various equipments and systems. No matter how skilled our workforce is, there is a constant need to continue to invest in their knowledge, just as we are focused on modernisation of our manufacturing sites.

Adopting a huge amount of knowledge and practice can take a long time, but if we put the relevant information in the right context,

E

then it directly gives the best possible result.

Our great collaboration with Klett EDU began with the impementation of Mechatronic System Maintenance program in our production plant in Maglić. The whole situation with COVID-19 has led to many challenges that we want to turn into advantages.

Thanks to our partnership with Klett EDU, we have identified an opportunity to take professional education to the next level by taking advantage of digitized platforms and the virtual environment. Virtual reality as an innovative method of teaching and learning is a great solution to ensure continuous improvement of knowledge even for front line employees - we are really proud to have successfully developed a solution even for specialized technical skills, such as mechatronics.

ROBERT BAKA Plant Manager PepsiCo Serbia

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INSPIRING EDUCATION IN AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

With over 40 different nationalities of students, Chartwell is a world of its own, that celebrates cultural diversity. The unifying factor is its accreditation from Cambridge University CLICK ON ICON 

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hartwell International School, which is situated in a beautiful, quiet, residential area of Belgrade, has spacious, brightly- lit classrooms, with park like gardens and many sports fields. Chartwell has been providing education to kids from the ages of two to 18 in seven spacious premises for more than 20 years, guiding its students in their aspirations to become global citizens by immersing them in a world of multiple languages and cultures, inspiring them to learn through inquiry.

With over 40 different nationalities of students, Chartwell is a world of its own. In a tightknit establishment that celebrates cultural diversity, the unifying factor is its accreditation from Cambridge University, which recognises Chartwell as an international school, and its registration with the Serbian Ministry of Education.

Academic standards are keenly monitored at Chartwell International School, with class sizes that are small

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enough, with a ratio of as little as 1 to 3, tailored to suit the academic needs, interests and potential of each child, including additional personalised tuition if needed.

A wide range of subjects is offered throughout the school – from foundation to secondary level, designed to stretch and challenge each individual, providing everyone with the opportunity to discover and examine their own particular interests and talents.

Contemporary teaching methods are applied with an interdisciplinary approach to subjects.

Although the Chartwell management team (Owner, Heads of Schools, Coordinators, finance officers etc.) lead the way, the success and heart of the school are the Chartwell teachers. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have various experiences, but what they all have in common is a love of teaching, empathy for their students and a commitment to their education.

All are well qualified for the role they play. Encouragement and motivation

CHARTWELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Chartwell fosters a strong family atmosphere and is not governed by rules, rather by respect for others and common sense

are keywords in Chartwell’s teaching philosophy.

Lessons are taught in English at Chartwell International School, but a variety of world languages are offered alongside. Cultural diversity is very important at Chartwell. The school traditionally celebrates UN Day, promoting tolerance and respect. Evenings of poetry and music are organised, at which children recite poems and sing in their mother tongues and the languages taught at the school.

British traditions are respected, celebrating Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas, while Chartwell is the only school in Belgrade to celebrate Bonfire Night.

Chartwell fosters a strong family atmosphere and is not governed by rules, rather by respect for others and common sense. This is a place where students come for more than just study – Chartwell is a home away from home.

This is what makes the school a unique, tension free environment, where students and teachers chat during breaks, play sports together, resolve problems and participate together in various projects. Regardless of their many cultural differences, students and teachers respect each other and work closely to achieve the best possible results.

Realising that education encompasses much more than the academic programme, great emphasis is placed on that extracurricular activities that are offered on a daily basis and range from sports to fencing, dance, drama and languages, while Chartwell students are also involved in the life of the community.

“Our goal is to provide our teachers and students with conditions in which each will be able to attain best results. We will continue to optimize class sizes to be able to tailor the curriculum to suit individual student’s needs. Likewise, we have implemented the latest air purification technologies in our new buildings, using HEPA filters and UV lights, which provide fresh air for better efficiency and concentration of our students and staff.

In addition, our own catering service provides healthy meals for our students and staff.

C H A RT W E L L -

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Towards

• British curriculum based international school • Accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education • Accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia

S C H O O L

-

Excellence

•A ccredited by Council of British International Schools •S tudents representing over 40 nationalities • 20 years of experience •W ide range of daily after school activities

• 7 languages taught • Monthly outings to the theater/museums • 2 residential trips per year •T he only international school with its own catering • Involved in community service projects

Enrolling

NOW!

for the 2021/22 school year

+381 11 2661 858 •

+381 69 3675 340 •

enrolment@chartwell.edu.rs •

www.chartwell.edu.rs

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DUAL EDUCATION EDUCATION TAILORED TO THE ECONOMY

About 3,000 students completed dual education, and about 70% found jobs that they were educated for

he incorporation of dual education in the education system of the Republic of Serbia was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) at the request of the country’s business sector to harmonize education with the needs of the labour market and reduce youth unemployment. We talked with Mirjana Kovačević, Head of the Centre for Education, Dual Education and Education Policies and Director of the CCIS Business Academy, about the initial results and the further development of the dual education system.

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The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has initiated the implementation of a dual model of education over five years ago. Who were all your partners along the way?

— Partners from Germany (through the GIZ project "Vocational Education Reform") were among the first to support secondary vocational schools in establishing and improving cooperation with companies and continued, during the process of developing dual education in Serbia, to boost the capacity of secondary vocational schools.

Partners from Austria provided expert (Austrian Chamber of Commerce and IBW Institute for Educational Development) and financial support (Austrian Development Agency) to building the capacity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. As for Switzerland, it contributed to the development of dual education in Serbia through the implementation of

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the Master Plan, an act for management and coordination of the entire reform process. The Master Plan was developed by the Swiss Economic Institute KOF, under the leadership of expert Ursula Renold, and for Serbia, it was made in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Center for Educational Policies (COP).

By coordinating the project activities of donors, first by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and then through constructive cooperation with the line ministry, we set a common goal, that is the incorporation of a dual model in the education system of Serbia.

The result of this cooperation is the Law on Dual Education, which was passed in 2017, and has been in force since the academic year 2019/2020.

This law meets all 14 criteria from the recommendations of the European Council for quality and effective learning through work.

In which way does the dual education model benefit young people and in which was the economy?

— The goals of dual education are to create prerequisites for the acquisition and development of competencies following the needs of the labour market, to contribute to boosting the competitiveness of the Serbian economy, as well as to provide employment after graduation.

Employers, who take on students

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MIRJANA KOVAČEVIĆ Head of the Centre for Education, Dual Education and Education Policies and Director of the CCIS Business Academy

35% of students continued working in the companies in which they did learning through work

in dual education, will not need to allocate significant funds for their additional training when hiring new workers, because they can choose their future employees among students who have already acquired the necessary work knowledge and skills by learning through work in their facilities.

In that way, they shorten the time of introducing a new worker to the job.

Also, by the more active engagement of employers in drafting job descriptions as the first steps in the preparation of new qualification standards, given inputs contribute to harmonizing curricula with business & technological processes, and the education process is put in the function of economic growth and development.

As for the young people (students), the advantages are quick and easy integration into the job after graduation, as well as having more options in career development, namely to work immediately after graduation or to continue education, often with the support of the same companies in which they studied through work.

How many students and companies have applied so far? Which job profiles are most in demand?

— The first significant steps in the de-

velopment of this model were made in 2013, and in the period until 2016, we already had 400 students who were educated for one of the three job profiles in 16 schools and 40 companies. In the current school year, about 6,900 high school students are learning through work in almost 900 companies, for one of the 47 educational profiles.

The number of students, schools and companies involved in the dual education system has grown yearon-year, and today, dual education accounts for 10% of all vocational education in high schools, the share of dual education profiles is 16% in relation to the total number of profiles for which high school students in Serbia are studying for, and almost a fifth (18%) of schools have dual profiles in their offer.

For the academic year 2021/2022, 51 dual educational profiles have been prepared. Jobs like locksmith-welder, industrial mechanic and machining operator have traditionally been in demand for years. Also, companies need sales staff and catering staff (cooks and waiters). Motor vehicle mechanics are also in demand, especially by small service stations. At the same time, inclusion in dual education is a bigger challenge for them, because a micro or small company can rarely independently achieve all the outcomes defined by the curriculum, so it is necessary to form training alliances between companies.

In previous years, the demand for textile industry jobs was higher. This year, furniture companies are more active. The needs of businesses for certain kinds of workers are changing, and dual education is just that education tailored to the economy.

This year, there was less demand for a technician for computerized control of CNC machines.

Diplomacy&Commerce magazine is also read by the business community. How can they apply to participate in this programme?

— Businesses can apply to participate in dual education throughout the year, but the applications are done mostly in the second half of the year. The CCIS has launched a special web portal - http://portal.dualnoobrazovanje. rs/ - where interested employers can obtain more information and create a profile and in a simple way, in only three steps, submit an application for inclusion in the dual education system.

When applying, employers have to submit a Statement of Readiness for Inclusion in Dual Education and a request for accreditation. The documentation for accreditation should

be submitted by employers no later than 10 days from the date of submission of the statement and request, electronically, to the e-mail address: obrazovanje@pks.rs or the postal address of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, 13-15 Resavska Street, Belgrade.

Did you receive feedback from students? What are the first visible results of the programme?

— Students who were among the first to attend dual education were usually schooled for production occupations such as industrial technicians, machinists-welders and electricians.

These students saw for themselves that engaging in a productive occupation does not mean doing hard physical work. Modern production is based on a high degree of automation and safety standards and working conditions are significantly different than they used to be.

The students also point out that they socialized quickly, i.e. got accustomed to the industrial culture, gained self-confidence, were able to propose some improvements and changes in the production process, and thought it was good that older colleagues took their suggestions seriously. By being in a real work environment, they learned responsibilities and teamwork and realized that due to their lack of commitment or poor work, other members of the team can be badly affected.

Just over 3,000 students already completed dual education. Research on the selected sample showed that about 70% of these students, after completing their education, got a job for work they were educated for and that close to 35% of them continued working in the companies in which they did learning through work.

Employers can submit an application for inclusion in the dual education system in only three steps

— What else needs to be done to further develop the dual education model?

— Although we can say that we are satisfied with the accomplishments so far, as well as the fact that the dual model of vocational education in Serbia is no longer viewed met with prejudice, but rather as a way to build a

competitive economy, there are still many challenges to overcome. First of all, we need to have a larger number of micro and small business entities involved (which is why we are now working on the development of training alliance concepts). Due to demographic changes, we need to create classes with less than 30 students (for example 10 to 15). Also, if businesses in a certain area need a certain job profile we have to facilitate a better selection of students by companies. Plus, we need to carry out the digitization of educational profiles and ensure health and safety in the workplace, which, in certain cases, should be addressed by introducing virtual classes.

For teachers and professors to be able to adequately prepare students to continue their studies in companies, they need to be trained on modern technical and technological solutions in companies. It’s not good if students know more about new production technologies than their teachers.

Also, the success of dual education requires good cooperation between schools and companies, not only in education but also in the promotion of dual educational profiles, which should begin with activities during the professional orientation that is carried out in primary schools.

YEAR

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

NUMBER OF COMPANIES

NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROFILES

NUMBER OF HIGH SCHOOLS

2013-2016

400

40

3

16

2016-2017

1000

60

5

19

2017-2018

3000

200

19

60

2018-2019

4500

600

33

80

2019-2020

6100

800

35

72

2020-2021

6900

900

47

74

Source: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, September 2020

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WE VISITED A UNIQUE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL – THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Now we know why its motto is Truly Different

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C O R P O R AT E

ocation at the very heart of the city, smart classrooms, Cambridge programme, STEAM subjects, numerous extracurricular activities and a gateway to the best universities and colleges around the world – all of this is synonymous with the International School, a unique Cambridge secondary school in Serbia.

We decided to pay them a visit to see the environment in which future ‘ambassadors’ of our country are growing up.

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AN OASIS OF LEARNING AND FRIENDSHIP IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

If you head from Saint Sava Church along Vračar’s cosmopolitan streets, the road will take you to the cosy Šumatovačka Street where you will see a prestigious secondary school in which students are preparing for the best universities around the world.

After Zorana Živanović welcomed us on behalf of the staff, we went on a tour of the school. It was immediately evident that each classroom tells a story and that together they are a staple of a 21st-century school.

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It was immediately evident that each classroom tells a story and that together they are a staple of a 21st-century school

“This is our Study Hub, i.e. the intelligent classroom equipped with state-of-the-art educational technology”, explained Zorana while presenting the creative ways in which the students use the interactive whiteboard, laptops, tablets, the 3D printer, 3D pens, the 3D scanner, and other teaching gadgets.

According to Zorana, the Learning Centre is the students’ favourite nook. Here they rest, play the guitar or the piano, play table football, and build up energy for new challenges. Although we wanted to stay a little longer, we couldn’t resist the mouth-watering aroma coming from the school canteen which provides students with well-balanced meals every day. This is where we continued our conversation.

A MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT

Lunch break was underway and for a moment we forgot which country we were in, as all around we could hear perfect English.

“Lessons in our school are exclusively in English”, proudly said Zora-

na, adding: “Owing to a holistic education and two Cambridge programmes (IGCSE and A-Levels) which yield two international Cambridge diplomas (ICE and AICE), the students have no problem enrolling at the best universities around the world”.

The reason behind the students’ accomplishments and the school’s prestige is precisely this blend of top-quality teaching, Cambridge programmes, dedicated teachers and comprehensive extracurricular activities. It was clear to us that the International School is an open and cosmopolitan school that respects diversity and fosters a sense of togetherness.

FUTURE INTERNATIONAL LEADERS EARNING AN EDUCATION IN SERBIA

Our visit to the International School confirmed that Serbia is providing children with internationally recognised skills and expertise necessary for success in the 21st century.

If you would like to see what modern education looks like, go to www.international-school.edu.rs or visit the school in person.

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THE WINNING FORMULA LIES IN THE APPLIED KNOWLEDGE The Swiss educational group winsedswiss (World Institute of Service Education) is one of the pioneers of lifelong learning and the dual education model. Located in Switzerland, Romania, Cyprus, and Serbia, the group provides a unique concept of education through all phases of life – from kindergartens to universities, and training for all profiles of employed professionals ur group represents a bridge between the needs of the market and the demand for qualified staff by offering our students solutions and answers that enable them to achieve high pro-

"O

fessional goals. Partnerships with the world's most recognized educational institutions allow us to provide our students with the highest quality education, licensed by the world's leading schools with internationally recognized

diplomas, so they can match their peers from foreign universities and build their careers in Serbia or anywhere around the world” – Uroš Urošević, CEO of winsedswiss in Serbia.

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LIFELONG LEARNING IS THE KEY TO CAREER SUCCESS Traditional concepts of education around the world are increasingly giving way to ‘lifelong learning’ as a model that provides professional development and acquisition of skills needed in the labor market of the future. Dual ed-

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ucation, as well as applied knowledge are becoming a comparative advantage and a key link in the career development of professionals who are valued and sought after by all industries. Starting from the goal of ed-

ucation tailored to today, Swiss educational group winsedswiss (World Institute of Service Education), brings to our market such an approach to education.

ERI by winsedswiss FINNISH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN BECAUSE EDUCATION BEGINS AT THE EARLIEST AGE The concept of lifelong education at winsedswiss begins with the program of the first Finnish extended daycare in Belgrade, intended for children from 7 to 11 years. This educational center brings a Finnish teaching methodology based on interactive, experiential work with children through activities that in a fun way contribute

to the cognitive development of the child, development of critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.

The program is designed to support the education that children receive in the family and to complete their formal education by learning through play, exploration, socializing and fun.

Assistance with homework, corrective learning, practical exercises, monitoring the individual progress, as well as highly qualified staff, make ERI Education Center unique in our market.

Eri Education Center Matije Gupca 38, Belgrade, Serbia +381 62 803 1244 • eriboravak@winsed.swiss

Performance and Customer Experience (pCX) POSTGRADUATE STUDIES winsedswiss focuses on providing quality services where the key to success is a direct collaboration with the client and where the client’s experience is as important as the product and service they receive. Postgraduate studies in the field of Customer Experience Management are intended for all those professionals who want to improve their knowledge and skills through mastering trends and best practices

in the service industries.

The studies are applicable to professionals and managers working on Customer Experience, call center managers, executive directors, and senior management, professionals in the field of marketing and human resources, as well as business owners. All of which have a common focus - a great user experience and repeat buyers.

The program is divided into 15 modules, lasting seven months with over 200 hours of training, after which participants will earn a professional diploma issued by winsedswiss Education Group and EHL Advisory Services, a branch of École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). www.winsed.swiss/en/postgraduate-performace-andcustomer-experience

ohma by winsedswiss EDUCATION ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMS FROM THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOLS FOR HOSPITALITY AND CATERING ohma by winsedswiss, Educational Academy for Management in Hospitality accepted its first generation of students, who will acquire knowledge and skills over the next 18 months according to an exclusive Swiss dual model of education. For the first time in Serbia, the future professionals will study according to the programs designed by the most prestigious hospitality education institution in the world, the famous - École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

In addition to the training model that guarantees education in accordance with the highest global standards in this industry, at the end of the program graduates of ohma Academy will

obtain the prestigious VET by EHL professional diploma, which will enable them to open doors to the local and global hotel industry.

A perfect balance of theory and practice in the real work environment awaits them at their future workplaces. Internship programs at the best hotels and hospitality companies in Serbia and the region will enable participants to acquire the necessary competencies during their studies. This will give graduates a comparative advantage in the labor market.

Four study programs are available - Culinary, Room division, Hotel administration and Food & Beverage services, after which attend-

ees will obtain internationally recognized diplomas. Divided into three levels - each program lasts 6 months. Upon completion of 18 months of intensive theoretical and practical training, all those who successfully complete these programs will have the necessary competencies for a professional position in hospitality industry, not only in Serbia but anywhere in the world. ohma Belgrade belgrade@ohma.swiss www.ohma.swiss/sr/

winsedswiss Talent REGIONAL HUB FOR HUMAN CAPITAL SOLUTIONS Knowledge and professional skills are the most important resource and comparative advantage in the labor market, but winsedswiss goes further - in addition to educational centers and paid internship programs, we provide young people with the opportunity to become part of our Talent Hub and connect with employers in the hospitality and other target industries that are searching for highly qualified candidates.

The Talent Hub is a niche recruitment platform that offers a wide range of career development opportunities both at home and abroad.

In addition to providing job seekers with the

opportunity to present their competencies to reputable companies in the field of hospitality and retail, winsedswiss Talent provides young people and all those who want to advance their careers with a unique experience of additional training through webinars and mentorship programs led by proven professionals, as well as counseling, career guidance and professional retraining services. Through professional guidance throughout the entire application process, our candidates acquire the necessary skills to present themselves to future employers in the right way.

Additionally, for companies looking for the most qualified staff on the market, winsedswiss Talent provides professional recruitment and support services for finding the right candidates and professional staff. Our team of experts, as well as a wide base of talent, provides employers with the most precise connection with the candidates they need. winsedswiss Talent Adria talentadria@winsed.swiss

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THE SECRET

CLICK ON ICON 

FORMULA OF EDUCATION IN SERBIA

PRINTED TEXTBOOKS WILL REMAIN THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE One of the certainties in the future is that, in addition to printed textbooks, support in digital format should be developed and harmonized with technological innovations. But I am confident that printed textbooks will remain a basic and irreplaceable source of knowledge for students in the future too

READ THIS ON WEB

C O R P O R AT E

oday, generations are growing up with mobile phones and tablets in their hands with almost all information and knowledge available to them through multimedia and interactive platforms. As BIGZ Školstvo monitors and adapts to innovations, we talked with Marija Živković, the company’s Editor-in-Chief, about digitalization, the quality of textbook authors and textbooks, as well as the future of this segment of publishing.

T

How much have the significance, role and content of textbooks changed in the 21st century in terms of the development and application of new technologies?

— Printed textbooks are certainly an irreplaceable teaching tool. However, having in mind that the educational system should be developed in accordance with technological innovations and adapt to them, our company provides students with that kind of support. All textbooks of BIGZ Školstvo publishing company have been digitized and uploaded on two interactive platforms. In this way, we have combined traditional and contemporary, so that learning is supported by the use of digital devices, which have become an indispensable feature of everyday life, even in the teaching process. For students, it is a kind of challenge to acquire knowledge in a digital environment, which is extremely close to the younger generations.

Even material they are not initially interested in can become very interesting when presented through 3D

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SPECIAL EDITION

MARIJA ŽIVKOVIĆ Editor-in-Chief of BIGZ Školstvo

What sets our company apart from others is consistency in quality and our continuous support to teachers and students

animations, recorded experiments, virtual walks or educational games.

Many publishing companies on the Serbian market create textbooks.

What sets BIGZ Školstvo apart from these companies?

— We are very proud of our teams of authors, who are made of the most renowned experts from our country (methodologists, practitioners, scientists) and who have woven their knowledge and experience into textbooks.

What sets our company apart from others is consistency in quality and our continuous support to teachers and students. This was especially evident in 2020, when we all had to adapt to the pandemic. We demonstrated that teachers and students could rely on our constant support in the teaching process. Our abundant digital base has realized its full potential in terms of application during the state of emergency, when the teaching process was completely transferred to the digital environment. Also, we have shown efficiency in adapting teaching materials, so that teachers and students could use them most optimally in the changed circumstances of the teaching process.

To what extent do your textbooks encourage children's independence, critical thinking as well as their social skills, and do you ever consult students about the textbooks you publish?

— Of course, they encourage and enable independent work and learning.

Our textbooks have abundant content that facilitates connection between

everyday life and scientific concepts, while the methods and didactic procedures are in line with the theory and practice of active learning. Ways of learning are planned and designed from the point of view of the learner, i.e. with full respect for the teaching process as a partner, but at the same time, they underline the educational needs of students. In the end, the students themselves are the best "reviewers" of textbooks. Their opinion is an important indicator for us whether the textbook is good and applicable. For this reason, we do evaluations and surveys when creating textbooks, to ensure that feedback. It is wonderful when you hear from a parent that their child easily learns by using our textbooks and that the child is satisfied. That is our greatest satisfaction.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost all areas of society. Has it perhaps imposed new trends in publishing? What do you think the future of textbooks will look like?

— This pandemic has shown the importance of online support in the form of digital textbooks and multimedia materials. Even before the pandemic, BIGZ Školstvo had been engaged in digital sphere for years, so we were ready when this unpleasant situation emerged. One of the certainties in the future is that, in addition to printed textbooks, support in digital format should be developed and harmonized with technological innovations. But I am confident that printed textbooks will remain a basic and irreplaceable source of knowledge for students in the future too.

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

International conference “Education 4.0” pertaining the new model of education introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic was held jointly by Petnica Science Center, Color Media Communications, and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

C O R P O R AT E

ain conclusion from the Conference was that Serbia need to be a learning nation and to foster online and traditional methods of education to be complementary. It is important for educational system to be elastic, not just to adapt to the extreme extraordinary circumstances.

A 21st century educational system should be able to hold up to a rapidly changing world.

Key note speakers at the conference were Mr. Branko Ružić, Serbian Minister of Education and Science; Mrs. Dejana Kostadinova, Head of the UNICEF country office in Serbia; and Mr. Alessandro Bragonzi, Head of the European Investment Bank office in Serbia.

The conference covered numerous topics and various aspects of the online and hybrid education. The first panel discussion tackled important policy issues „(Not just) another brick in the wall?“. The second panel discussion focused on the real-life experiences „Classroom view: A new Models of Education from the perspective of the teachers, parents and students“. And finally, the third panel discussion deal with the topic of “Education from the perspective of the business”.

The last twelve months have brought us unexpected challenges and one big educational experiment along with all other aspects of the „new normal“.

M

NIKOLA BOŽIĆ Program Director, Petnica Science Center

We should all use an (temporary) exit into the online world to understand that the school of the future is shifting to a new direction

We should learn from that experience and acknowledge effects of the experiment. The digital transformation of education requires a complete change in the way we think about education, and not only the technological transition to distance learning. Thus, we embarked on the effort to bring together all the stakeholders to discuss how we utilize this experience and lessons learned to move forward.

Distance learning was rarely presented in our system. This is evidenced by isolated cases such as few colleges or schools with expert lectures occasionally organized via Internet platforms. In just a few days during the lockdown, everything has changed.

Everyone has adapted to the new circumstances - students and their parents, teachers and education in general. However, in the long run, it has been shown that understanding of technologies and familiarity with software is not enough to make a complete digital transformation of the educational process.

For a successful transition to distance learning it is important to think outside the box. The paradigms of education of the twentieth century should be abandoned. We should all use an (temporary) exit into the online world to understand that the school of the future is shifting to a new direction.

The “new” school should not be aimed to solely teach a large number of facts.

Anyhow, we have access to information and our common knowledge is multiplying every day. Hence, the school of the future (not exclusively online) need to prepare students to be independent, able to adapt and capable to respond to all future challenges.

The new technologies are of great benefit to the development of (non-formal) education. They allow us to easily reach to long distances, visit large

laboratories, science centers, museums, galleries, entire cities just by sitting in front of our computer. Current mobile phones allow us to make use of all sources of information, resources, and educational materials, despite our location. Innovations and new solutions have made education accessible to everyone. However, technologies cannot affect whether we will devote time and energy to learning and exploring new ideas. It can not affect our dedication or motivation to continue with the learning process. For that we need a mentors and teachers who represent indispensable segment in every educational system.

The most important question we are facing right now - In what direction should we lead our educational system in order to create the school of the future?

The fundamental role of the schools should not be transformed but should explore an effective method to teach the new generations about the phenomena, processes, and mutual interactions between them as well as to teach the basic facts about the world around us, nature, society, and technologies. But without a doubt, the modern school must incorporate in its curricula methods and programs to introduce students to critical thinking, problem solving, interdisciplinary relationship among different scientific fields, modern excellence, skills of cooperation (teamwork) and communication.

The school of the future should teach the pupils and students how to learn. Teachers have the crucial role in this development. Not to just serve as a source of information and symbolize authority of knowledge, but to be the mentors in a cognitive and social development of their students, the future of our society.

SPECIAL EDITION

97

CULTURE NEWS

KOLARAC

Programme

Monday, 1st at 19.00 Concert Hall VLADA DIVLJAN TRIBUTE KONCERT Production: Muzikon

Sunday, 7th at 11.00 Concert Hall CONCERT/BELGRADE PROMS Danica Dujaković, piano Bojan Krtinić, clarinet Porgramme: A. Berg, C. Debussy, M. Pozajić, P. Hindemith Production: Music Centre

Sunday, 7th at 19.00 Concert Hall CHOIR FENEČKI BISERI

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Wednesday, 10th at 19.00 Concert Hall Nikolai Luganski, piano From Russia with Love Nikolai Lugansky, piano Pavel Gomziakov, cello Program: Rachmaninoff, Schostakovich, Debussy

Sunday, 14th at 11.00 Concert Hall CONCERT/BELGRADE PROMS Classica Aeterna Mina Mendelson, violin Dejan Mitrović, cello Marija Đukić, piano

Wednesday, 17th at 19.00 Concert Hall „EUROPA 2021“ Holland Baroque & Belgrade Baroque Programme: Mundus inversus – Italian Baroque Concertos Production: CEBEF

Saturday, 20th at 19.00 Concert Hall STUDENT CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT / FACULTY OF MUSIC Production: Music Centre

Sunday, 21st at 11.00 Concert Hall BELGRADE WIND ORCHESTRA

Nevenka Tatić, Vladimir Vasiljević, violins, Ivana Galdović Erčić, viola, Dušan Stojanović, cello Programme: P. Konjović, A. Dvorak, D. Despić, A. Borodin, Branka Popović, B. Bartok Production: Music Centre

Friday, 26th at 18.00 Music Gallery Lana Zorjan, violin Milena Buča Milošević, piano

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