Dušan Borovčanin
RESTORATION OF NOTRE DAME Maryvonne de Saint Pulgent EXPO
AN ISLAND TRADING NATION WITH GLOBAL INTERESTS
H.E. EDWARD FERGUSON British Ambassador to Serbia
H.E. CHRISTIAN EBNER Ambassador of Austria in Serbia FREEDOM IS TAKEN,
Journalist
H.E. MR. MOHAMED O. A. GHALBOUN Ambassador of Libya to
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable is a 2007 book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The book focuses on the extreme impact of rare and unpredictable outlier events — and the human tendency to find simplistic explanations for these events, retrospectively. Taleb calls this the Black Swan theory.
That Friday, 1st November, I appeared on the Morning Programme on TV Prva. Since the TV station’s driver was waiting for me at the Novi Beograd Railway Station, I locked my bicycle under the shelter at the Novi Sad Railway Station, where I always leave it. I made sure it was close to the CCTV cameras, as one of my bikes had been stolen there a year ago.
I returned, unlocked my bike, and rode to the centre of Novi Sad for my scheduled meetings. Just before noon, news arrived that the shelter had collapsed. Knowing how crowded that area always is, I remarked that the death toll would likely be significant.
From that day until the moment I am writing this editorial at Basel airport, Serbia has been caught in the vortex of a crisis that the government seems unable to address adequately. “You’ll see, some tragedy will happen, a viaduct will collapse, and it will change people’s mindset!” a journalist friend of mine, an opposition supporter, told me two years ago. Then, on 3rd May, the tragedy at the “Vladislav Ribnikar”
Primary School occurred, and many believed that this was the so-called “Black Swan.” Protests led by opposition leaders lasted for weeks, but as summer arrived, attendance dwindled, and eventually, the demonstrations ceased altogether.
The ruling party called elections, and the opposition agreed to participate, even though their conditions had not been met. They believed the “Black Swan” effect from May would be strong enough to overthrow the SNS. That did not happen. Vučić’s party, along with its coalition partners, won in December 2023 and again half a year later in the local elections in June 2024.
Soon after, protests against the planned exploitation of lithium broke out across the country. The visit of German Chancellor Scholz, who supported the Serbian government’s plans to open a lithium mine, only added fuel to the fire. But these protests also gradually subsided.
Then came 1st November, All Saints’ Day according to the Gregorian calendar. From that moment, the Serbian government has been desperately trying to navigate its way out of the crisis, making one misstep after another. Through a series of clumsy moves—primarily by sending hooligans disguised as “random bystanders” to confront students and high
schoolers—the authorities have managed to bring Generation Z, historically considered entirely apolitical in Serbia, onto the streets.
As I write this, the student protests have garnered the support of Novak Djokovic. Foreign diplomats remain silent, observing the situation and reporting back to their capitals. The business community is also silent and watching. The only business figure openly supporting the students is entrepreneur Nenad Milanović, owner of the billion-dollar company Cake.com, headquartered in San Francisco. Milanović has previously participated in various activist campaigns, from LGBT rights to fighting violence against women. Other business leaders are staying quiet, waiting to see what unfolds.
Actors have overwhelmingly supported the students, while musicians and athletes—aside from a few exceptions—have not. It remains to be seen what impact Djokovic’s statement will have. Within the ruling party, there is a palpable sense of unease. Ministers and party officials are reluctant to publicly defend the government’s stance, a point President Vučić recently criticised during his “visit” to a Serbian government session.
Much of Serbia remains caught between two popular sayings: “I don’t want to join the Chetniks in April 1945” and “I don’t want to be the rooster who crows first and ends up in the pot.”
Robert Čoban
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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW
AN ISLAND TRADING NATION WITH GLOBAL INTERESTS
H.E. EDWARD FERGUSON
British Ambassador to Serbia
AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW FROM SHARED HISTORY TO A SHARED FUTURE
H.E. CHRISTIAN EBNER Ambassador of Austria in Serbia 14
FEATURED INTERVIEW SERBIA AND ITS GLOBAL FAMILY ĐORĐE MILIĆEVIĆ Minister without portfolio for diaspora
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 2025 MIHAILO VESOVIĆ The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS)
EMBRACING CHALLENGES, BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IVICA DAČIĆ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
BUILDING A RESILIENT SPORTS SYSTEM ZORAN GAJIĆ Minister of Sport
GENDER EQUALITY AS A PILLAR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY UN WOMEN SERBIA
TASTE AWARDS 2024
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GLOBAL POLITICS FRENCH QUARTET AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TWO PIANOS BY LJILJA VUJIĆ
40 CULTURAL INTERVIEW RESTORATION OF NOTRE DAME AS A SYMBOL OF EUROPE'S CULTURAL UNITY MARYVONNE DE SAINT PULGENT French Essayist, Musicologist
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TRAVELOGUE THE BELLS OF ‘SOFT POWER’ RING AGAIN OVER THE ROOFTOPS OF PARISMARYVONNE DE BY ROBERT ČOBAN
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MEDIA INTERVIEW FREEDOM IS TAKEN, NOT GIVEN! ANA LALIĆ HEGEDIŠ
Journalist
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EXPO 2027 INTERVIEW A VISION FOR SERBIA’S FUTURE DUŠAN BOROVČANIN CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade PHOTO DUŠAN BOROVČANIN
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SCIENCE INTERVIEW BUILDING A SMARTER WORLD WITH AIINNOVATION DR MILICA ĐURIĆ JOVIČIĆ Innovation Center, School of Electrical Engineering
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BUSINESS INTERVIEW AVIATION’S PATH FORWARD AMID GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND REGIONAL GROWTH KURT HOFMANN Aviation expert and journalist
We have prepared a special edition of InFocus Libya in collaboration with the Embassy of Libya in Serbia on the occasion of Libya’s Independence Day on 24th December 2024.
Featured countries in this edition: ALGERIA / AUSTRIA / BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA / FINLAND / FRANCE / JAPAN / LIBYA / NORTH MACEDONIA / QATAR / ROMANIA / SERBIA / THAILAND / UAE / UNITED KINGDOM
H.E. EDWARD FERGUSON
British Ambassador to Serbia
The British Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson, and his wife Caroline, always smiling on their faces, have quickly become favourites among Belgrade’s diplomatic corps members. Observant chroniclers noted that he is the first British
SERBIA HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL AND AN EXCITING FUTURE TO EMBRACE
ambassador in Belgrade in the past 12 years to have Aleksandar Vučić attend the reception for the British monarch’s birthday. Although he came to our country as the repre-
sentative of a nation no longer part of the EU, he has been highly active in various areas of Serbian society – from culture to conferences on digital communications.
I spoke with Ambassador Ferguson ahead of Christmas at his residence in Belgrade. As is customary, I sent the questions to the embassy in advance to allow the interviewee to prepare. He agreed to answer all my questions, and readers who listen to the interview on the magazine’s YouTube channel can hear him answer two questions in Serbian, a language he speaks very well.
First, thank you for this preChristmas interview at the end of this year. Since you arrived in Belgrade a year and a half ago, have you gotten an impression of Serbian society? What do you value most in Serbian citizens, and what should we change in our habits if we want to progress and be part of the European family of nations?
Well, yes, I mean, I’ve been in Serbia for about a year and a half now. And most of the time, most days, we feel very, very lucky and very, very happy to be here. As you may know, we lived in BosniaHerzegovina for four years. So this is our second time in this part of the world.
This is how you learned so good Serbian?
Our daughter was born in Sarajevo, and we love people in this part of the world. People are so warm, welcoming, generous, and hospitable. That’s really what brought us back to the region. We loved having the chance to travel all over the country, from Novi Sad to Niš to Tara. And wherever we’ve been, people have been amazing. So it’s a pleasure to be here. Your more complex question is, what would you change? When I was preparing for this job in London and Washington, D.C., much of what one hears about Serbia is not very optimistic. You hear about all the tensions with the neighbours. You hear about arguments about the past. Only when I arrived here, did I find so many good stories. There are so many exciting things happening. There’s so much potential here. And so I think I think, you know, obviously one can’t forget about the past, but I would love to see people feeling a bit less about the past and a bit more about the future because I think there’s a fantastic future to be had.
Do you think we are often too oriented to events from the 1990s or the First or Second World Wars?
That, yeah, there is. People spend much time thinking about the past. I think our countries—and this is not just a Serbian problem. I believe Britain also thinks of Serbia sometimes through the lens of the 1990s. And we need to move into today and think about tomorrow. Because, you know, if you look back at our history, we’ve been very good friends for most of the last 200 years. So, we must
WE MUST FOCUS LESS ON THE PAST AND MORE ON BUILDING A SHARED FUTURE
understand, remember, and learn from the past but think about the future.
More than eight years after the Brexit referendum, where do you think the UK is today? What is the role in turbulent world turmoil today on the political and economic level?
It is a turbulent world at the moment. I feel nervous every morning when I wake up before I open the news.
Especially in the last couple of months, it’s been accelerating. Exactly. And, you know, all countries are grappling with real challenges, whether geopolitical, economic, or the more significant challenges around climate change, such as energy security. If I think about the UK itself, we are where we have been in many ways. I mean, we’re still a topsix global economy. We’re still a member of the UN Security Council. We’re still a leading member of NATO, the G7, and the G20, which I think gives us an essential voice in the world. We try to use that
voice for good and, you know, to advance our values. In recent months and years, we’ve shown a real leadership role in Ukraine, standing up to Russian aggression and helping Ukraine defend itself. We’ve also shown real leadership on climate, recently becoming the first G7 nation to stop using coal for electricity production. We just had a very ambitious target of 81% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. We’re trying to see where we can use our position for good to help achieve positive change. We must keep working with partners. And, you know, you mentioned Brexit. Our relationship with Europe and the European Union is different from the outside. However, many problematic issues immediately after Brexit have been resolved, including those around the Northern Ireland border. And in Northern Ireland, we must take that seriously. We have a new government now, which has been very clear. It wants to reset our relations with the European Union and with all of Europe, including non-EU countries like Serbia.
And globally, what do you think is the UK’s focus now, globally, after officially leaving the EU? Well, we’re an island trading nation. So we have interests around...
You have the Commonwealth, your former “Empire where the sun never sets.” You still have some overseas territories and many interests worldwide. Exactly that. Yes, well said. We do. And, you know, we depend on maritime trading routes remaining open from the South China Sea to the Suez Channel. So we have global interests. But right now, the security and stability of our continent is our priority. If you look at what’s been happening in Ukraine with Russia attacking its neighbour, you know, essentially trying to recreate a world where might is right and the strong can do what they want and ignore. This is a dangerous state of affairs.
What is the position of Great Britain as a member of NATO when it comes to Russian aggression against Ukraine and President Zelensky’s initiative to have his country accepted as an official member of NATO? Well, we have an apparent position on this. We cannot accept a
world in which strong countries can attack their weaker neighbours. We know what that can lead to. We saw it in the last century with the world wars, and we do not want more world wars on our continent. So we are very, very clear that this is entirely unacceptable. We are working very closely with Ukraine to support them in defending themselves, which is their right under the UN Charter. We have trained 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the UK. We provided three billion pounds of military support this year and will continue to offer it as long as they need it. We’re helping them with their air defence to defend against these appalling Russian missile and air attacks; you name it. I mean civilian infrastructure, cities, energy systems, churches. So we’re trying to give them all the help we can get. We’re also trying to work closely with our partners worldwide to ensure that the whole world is taking this position and standing up for Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign, independent state and choose its friendships and alliances.
When I was in London last year in December, I saw both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters on the streets. How does Great Britain, home to many Muslims from all over the world, who mostly sympathise, of course, with the Palestinians but also home to many Jews, manage to find balance when it comes to the current crisis in the Middle East?
Well, yes, we’ve been talking about the challenges we face, and this is one of the most challenging, of course. And the situation in the Middle East is very, very worrisome. And, of course, we’ve recently seen the situation in Syria, which is still very uncertain.
Fall of Damascus in seven days... Exactly. As far as the situation between Israel and Palestine, we are very clear that Israel has a right to defend itself. And the hostages who’ve been held in appalling conditions for over a year need to be released straight away. But we also need to see an immediate ceasefire. The conditions that civilians in Gaza are experiencing are entirely unacceptable. And we need to see significant improvement. We need to see civilians safe. We need to see more humanitarian aid getting in. And that is our focus.
THE UK REMAINS A TOP-SIX GLOBAL ECONOMY WITH A STRONG VOICE FOR POSITIVE
This summer, I noticed that President Vučić attended a reception for the birthday of the British monarch for the first time since 2012 when he was in power. Is this a sign of better relations between Serbia and the UK, or is it just a symbolic gesture that is a consequence of the personal relationship President Vučić established with you?
Well, I hope it’s both. (laugh) Most importantly, it’s a sign that President Vučić, like Britain, wants better relations between Britain and Serbia. And I think that’s a good thing. I was delighted he came to our King’s birthday party, and just a couple of weeks ago, he opened the first UK-Western Balkan Trade Conference, which we held here in Belgrade. We had 250 delegates from over 150 companies talk about partnerships in infrastructure, renewable energy, tech, a fast-growing part of our trade relationship, and agri-food. I think there’s enormous potential there. The President said there that he wants a closer relationship
with Britain. So, I guess I’m excited about the possibility. You might see my job as ambassador here as trying to build the most modern, upbeat, forward-looking relationship with Serbia possible.
You were, until recently, the ambassador of the UK in Sarajevo. How do you see the situation in BosniaHerzegovina? When he was my guest on the show Sve U 16 on K1 Television, your fellow ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia, Aleksandar Vranješ, told me that none of the inhabitants of that country want war, although politicians often exchange harsh words.
Well, I think I agree with Aleksandar Vranješ. No one in their right mind should want war.
I mean, Bosnia-Herzegovina sadly knows all too well what war means and how brutal and pointless it is. And I think this region has seen far too much war and needs to think more about building peaceful, cooperative econo-
mies. He is also correct that the political leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina exchange harsh words, which I believe is more than necessary. And I would like to see them collaborate much more closely. That was my sense when I was ambassador there for four years, and you know, it’s a country I really love. And, you know, it didn’t matter whether I was drinking “Nectar” or “Sarajevsko” beer... Whether I was with the Croats, Bosniaks, or Serbs. They were the same warm, generous people who wanted to build a better life for themselves, their families, and their children.
And then you read newspapers and got the impression that tomorrow we’ll start a new war. So it’s frustrating. When I was ambassador there, we tried to get political leaders to focus on specific, concrete socio-economic reforms that would improve life and create opportunities, particularly for young people who were leaving Bosnia-Herzegovina in huge numbers. Unfortunately, some were more interested in developing artificial political crises and deepening divisions. So, you know, we have always tried to bring people together. We’ve always tried to put constructive ideas on the table. I would love to see political leaders of all options
in Bosnia-Herzegovina thinking again much more about the future and less about the past.
How do you view the opposing narratives in the media in Serbia, as well as among some intellectuals, claiming that the English are always to blame for everything, from the coup on March 27th, 1941, to the present day?
Well, that’s a fascinating and complex question. I was recently in London with the Patriarch of Porfirije. The Patriarch received a book as a gift from the Archbishop of Canterbury, written by Nikolaj Velimirović when he was in England in 1915. He signed it. What fascinated me was that he dedicated this book to all the brave English doctors, medical nurses, soldiers, and monks who sacrificed their lives for Serbia. He also described Serbia as Britain’s most loyal friend. And 110 years ago, these were powerful words, but today, they are even more surprising. Unfortunately, we have lost much of that instinctive respect, understanding, and solidarity. I see my role as an ambassador changing to build more modern, positive relations with Serbia and focus more on the future. But I have to admit that it’s not always easy. You said there is much ordinary stupidity, but it’s not always easy. There are many stupid theories about Britain and the British. You mentioned the Coup on the 27th of March. Most modern historians agree that it was a domestic event. Of course, the British greeted him at that time. But I’ve been thinking about
it since I arrived here a year and a half ago. I’ve read many similar stories. A few months ago, there was a story about the United Kingdom financing farmers’ protests in Vojvodina. I posted a picture of James Bond on Twitter on a tractor because sometimes the only honest answer to these stupidities is jocking.
The situation in Kosovo is again at the centre of attention after the recent incidents. In your opinion, what are the prospects for this frozen conflict to stop murdering the relations between Serbia and Western countries that recognise Kosovo’s independence?
WHENEVER THE BRITISH AND SERBS MEET, THEY DISCOVER MUCH IN COMMON
It’s interesting that since the 1990s, especially since the bombing in 1999, the West has had a negative narrative. However, even the Germans, who were on the opposing side in both world wars, haven’t been treated in that way for the past 15 or more years like the British. It’s as if there is an endless production of these theories within some intellectual elite. Well, it’s not always like that. I don’t understand why we are often the subject of these stories. Of course, I know people were disappointed by the bombings during the 1990s. But it is a little frustrating because these days, we are working on so many good things with Serbia. We are currently sitting in a British residence called L.C. Inglis. She was the leader of the Scottish hospitals during the First World War. They renovated 14 hospitals all over Serbia and saved thousands of lives during the war and the typhus epidemic.
Serbia and Kosovo must find ways to address the open issues between them. Britain and Serbia start from a different position because we recognise Kosovo as a sovereign independent state. But what’s important is what we can agree on. And what we can agree on is most things. I agree that all communities must be protected and able to live safely, grow their businesses, and raise their families. The Kosovo Serb community, for example, in northern Kosovo, is no exception. They need particular support, and we are very involved in trying to help them where we can. Serbia needs to fulfil that potential we’ve been discussing to resolve open issues with many of its neighbours. It’s not just Kosovo with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, etc. And that’s really about political leadership. It’s about open dialogue and a willingness to hear the other side. Next year is going to be a year of anniversaries. There will be some significant.
There are three anniversaries: 30 years after Dayton, 30 years after Srebrenica, and 80 years after Jasenovac. The risk for the region is that, once again, it gets pulled back into arguments about the past rather than focussing on what I think most citizens want to see, which is the future.
When summer comes, in “normal countries”, people go on holidays and vacations. When summer comes in our region, in July every year is the anniversary of Srebrenica, and in August every year is the anniversary of Oluja. And we have big tensions every summer. And it’s essential that you know I’ve lived in Bosnia; I know how painful these memories are for people. But what’s important is that people need to talk to each other and find a common language that allows them to come to terms with the past, learn from it, and then discuss building a shared future as neighbours. You can keep your geography the same. People are going nowhere. And so, it’s essential to improve the political foundations to build a better future for people, particularly young people, who want to see a positive future.
In your opinion, in which spheres is cooperation between Serbia and the United Kingdom at a satisfactory level, and which are the areas where there is still room for improvement?
I’m very ambitious, so I’m never delighted. But I’m glad I can say that we have many positive stories and achieved some results, especially in the field of trade, for example. This year, for the first time, we exceeded the annual trade value between Serbia and the United Kingdom by a billion pounds. What I find interesting and exciting is that the biggest growth is in the most modern sectors – new technologies, the digital sector, renewable energy, and so on. We agreed on some arrangements with the Ministry of Trade here and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which means that now I think we don’t have many problems with trade. And I believe that the future is very bright in this field. I would like to see a little more of the relationship between our people. In my experience, whenever the British and Serbs meet, they find out they have much in common. And that gives me much optimism for the future.
H.E. CHRISTIAN EBNER
Ambassador of Austria in Serbia
Austria and Serbia share a rich history and a dynamic partnership, with close cooperation in economics, culture, and Serbia’s EU integration. Ambassador Christian Ebner reflects on these ties and the vision for a stronger future.
How would you describe the current state of relations between Austria and Serbia, and what are the key areas of cooperation?
As Austrian Ambassador to Serbia, it is always a great pleasure
to start an interview with this question, because it is no secret that our two countries enjoy longstanding and close relations built upon a rich and eventful common history, mutual respect and excellent people-to-people contacts due to a strong Serb community that is well integrated in the Austrian society. This is a solid basis for our fruit-
ful cooperation in many areas, be it our support for Serbia´s accession to the European Union or our bilateral economic relations, where we are proud to be one of the top foreign investors in Serbia. In addition, our cooperation also extends to lesser-known areas, such as social and health insurance, judicial reform, and agriculture.
Austria is one of the largest investors in Serbia. What are the main drivers of Austrian investments here, and what sectors hold the most growth potential?
Our bilateral foreign trade has been developing well for decades, and in 2022 and 2023, the EUR 1 billion threshold could be exceeded. The market recovered very quickly after the coronavirus crisis, and in 2022, there was export growth from Austria to Serbia of 27% in 2022, but this could not be duplicated in 2023 and was lower than forecast at 4.5 %. Nevertheless, Austria was one of the few countries to increase its exports to Serbia in 2023, securing Serbia 30th place among Austria’s most important export markets. The half-year figures for 2024 show a slight weakening of this trend, so exports fell slightly by 2.6% compared to the first half of 2023. Whether this is also reflected in the full-year statistics remains to be seen. The traditionally strongest export goods to Serbia have changed slightly. These are machinery, electrical equipment, boilers, pharmaceutical products, tractors, plastics, and glassware. Austria mainly purchases electronic equipment and machinery, beds and lighting fixtures from Serbia, boilers, glass and glassware, soap, detergents and lubricants. Austria holds a good position in Serbia, as the country is the third largest foreign investor behind the Netherlands and China in terms of investment volume since 2000, with an investment volume of EUR 3.4 billion (as of 2023).
How does the Austrian Embassy support cultural and educational exchanges between our two countries, especially considering that a large number of Serbs live in Austria?
OUR TWO COUNTRIES ENJOY LONGSTANDING AND CLOSE RELATIONS BUILT UPON A RICH AND EVENTFUL COMMON HISTORY, MUTUAL RESPECT, AND EXCELLENT PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS
As you can imagine, Austrian foreign policy generally puts a strong focus on cultural diplomacy. The Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade was founded in 2001 as the Cultural Department of the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade. The Cultural Forum coordinates and implements Austrian cultural work in Serbia with the Austrian Institute, the Austrian Libraries and the university lecturers of the OeAD. It presents the creative aspects of Austria, whose achievements in art, culture, and science are built on tradition and continue to create innovations. At the same time, the Cultural Forum
supports the exchange and networking of Austrian and Serbian creative artists, connects Serbian and Austrian scientists and academics, and assists in improving and expanding interinstitutional relations. In 2024, the Cultural Forum supported 61 cultural projects with a total of 145 events in Serbia in the fields of visual arts, music, literature, theatre, film, architecture, dance, new media and science as well as numerous digital formats. We are also proud of the significant number of Serb students in Austrian universities and faculties, and we see many of them becoming future leaders in responsible positions not only in Austria but also in Serbia and other places.
Serbia’s EU accession process is ongoing. From Austria’s perspective, what are the most significant milestones Serbia needs to achieve to accelerate this journey?
Let me answer this question by first recalling that Serbia is part of Europe, geographically surrounded by EU Member States and EU candidate countries. We share a common history and a future defined by the opportunities and challenges we face together. This European perspective has already helped Serbia to achieve many political and economic reforms. In recent radical changes in the global geopolitical scene, we see a new dynamism in the enlargement process. The new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans will provide Serbia and the other Western Balkans partners with financial help to accelerate its socio-economic convergence with the EU, based on National Reform Agendas approved by the European Commission. We can encourage Serbia to follow its reform agenda and offer any help needed closely. At the same time, Austria fully supports the European Commission’s proposal to open Cluster 3 of the enlargement process. It is time to move ahead and allow for a new dynamism in other chapters and clusters while fully respecting the requirements of the so-called Fundamentals on the Rule of Law and the functioning of democratic institutions. With the announcement of President Vucic that Serbia has the strategic goal to fulfil all the criteria for EU membership by the end of 2026, we hope that even more progress can be achieved soon.
THE EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE HAS ALREADY HELPED SERBIA ACHIEVE MANY POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS
Gender equality is a cornerstone of EU values. In your view, how well do Serbian laws and societal practices align with EU regulations on gender equality, and where do you see room for improvement?
Equality between women and men is a common value of the European Union enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. The EU has adopted significant legislation in gender equality, and Member States are obliged to implement these directives. Consequently, it is also an important responsibility of all candidate countries
and is assessed by the European Commission in the yearly Country Reports. It says that the Law on gender equality and the Law on the prohibition of discrimination were aligned with the EU acquis in 2021 but need to be further aligned with European standards. In this regard, we very much value the work of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and are proud partners in many projects. Protection against discrimination is an ongoing task and benchmark for our societies that goes beyond the issue of EU membership.
How can Austria and Serbia collaborate more effectively in the context of global challenges such as climate change and migration?
Illegal migration remains one of the biggest challenges for the European Union. Our trilateral cooperation between Austria, Serbia and Hungary has already shown some success. However, we are still affected by illegal migration via the routes through the Western Balkans. Our close cooperation, therefore, needs to be continued as the migration challenge can’t be addressed by any country alone. We appreciate the cooperation with Serbia in border management and the ongoing harmonisation of its visa regime with the EU acquis. Consequently, significant decreases in asylum applications from certain countries have been observed. Concerning climate change, I am proud to say that we are engaged in various projects financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation in the region. The most recent project under the title Greening the Western Balkans aims to improve the status of threatened biodiversity in the Western Balkans through enhanced planning, financing, implementation, and monitoring of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans biodiversity pillar.
What has been your most rewarding experience during your tenure as the Austrian Ambassador to Serbia?
I am currently in the midterm of my mandate and grateful for many things I could work on. I very much appreciate the cooperation of the Austrian Embassy with the Red Cross of Serbia, especially in the field of the challenges regarding long-term care of elderly people. Healthcare workers and family caregivers need support to do this difficult job. At the same time, patients need instruments to remain independent for longer. For that, we need to connect the public and private sectors and utilise the advantages of modern technologies. We participated in conferences organised by the Serbian Red Cross to share and discuss experiences with innovative companies that provide new technological solutions for the long-term care of patients.
What is your vision for the Austria-Serbia partnership over the next decade?
Sitting together at the same table as Member States of the European Union.
Ex-Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Serbia
In this heartfelt chat, H.E. Yahel Vilan, former Israeli ambassador to Serbia, reflects on his time in Belgrade, from snowy winters and scenic landscapes to thrilling EuroLeague nights. Now embarking on a new adventure as Israel’s Commissioner General for Expo 2025 in Osaka, he shares his fond memories, family milestones, and excitement for the road ahead. A diplomat’s journey from Serbia’s charm to Japan’s grandeur!
What have you been doing since you left Belgrade?
As we all know, we moved back to a country in the midst of its longest war since the War of Independence in 1948, so in every aspect of our lives, this was the most drastic change we have witnessed. Running with our kids to the safety room four or five times in the first few months of our return is as far as one can imagine from the peaceful environment of Belgrade.
Furthermore, our family was reunited with our two boys who served in the military. While in my posting in Belgrade, this last year was challenging for all of us, so this change was very positive.
All in all, after four rather hectic years in which work was my utmost priority, these four months since we moved back have undoubtedly shifted my priorities towards my family and personal goals. Professionally, I was recently appointed as Israel’s new Commissioner General for the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka. One of the best parts of this profession of diplomacy is its variety, and indeed, I’ll need to readjust my focus and diplomatic skills into a new field as well as a new destination. I’m very excited and looking forward to representing my country in this important global event in Japan, which I have adored for many years. Doing it in such
challenging times makes it all the more meaningful for us.
But of course, when I took this job, I couldn’t help but wonder which city will host the next Expo in 2027.
What (and who) do you miss the most from Serbia?
Serbia, in general, and Belgrade, in particular, are not the ones that stun you with one major attraction, like the Eiffel Tower or such. Nevertheless, one of my favourite things, both professionally and personally, was to tour this beautiful country and explore everything she had to offer. We loved touring the incredible forests of Tara and Fruška Gora, Kopaonik and Stara Planina mountains, and the amazing landscapes of Divcibare and the Danube, with
all its beautiful castles. In addition to all these natural beauties, we loved travelling in Belgrade, where the green forestry of Hyde Park near our residence, Kossutnjak and Ada, were my favourites. Strolling through Kalamegdan and Zemun was also high on my list. Last but not least, I can’t leave out Pionir Hall, which became my second home in the past year, as well as the unbelievable experience of watching Crvena Zvezda and Partizan on EuroLeague nights at Stark Arena. Belgrade is a Mecca for those like me whose sport is their religion.
But you rightly asked not only what but also who we miss because there’s no doubt that Serbia’s leading strength and beauty (in all aspects) shines through its amazing people. So, I won’t mention names because you won’t have enough space and also not to forget anyone.
Still, I miss many real friends I had the pleasure of meeting from a wide range of lives: from Sport to Academia, from Politics to Media, from Culture to Economy.
I miss the wonderful Jewish Communities and the amazing non-Jewish friends of Israel, whom I met in every corner of the country. They are not only the bonds between our countries but also true personal friends of my family and me.
Oh, one last thing: we miss some snow from the 25 degrees of Israel in mid-December...
14 NOVEMBER 2024
H.E. RASHID HASSANPOR BAEI
Outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Serbia
H.E. Mr. Rashid Hassan Pour Baei is the outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Serbia. He was born on the 30th April 1960 in Babol, and finished MA in Regional Studies, at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran. During 2009 – 2010 he was Charge d’Affaires e.p. at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Prague, 2010 – 2014 Deputy Head of Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing, 2014 – 2017 Head of Department for North and East Europe – Foreign Affairs Ministry and from 2017 to December 2019: Head of Departmentfor North Europe – Foreing Affairs Ministry. On the 12th May 2020 he became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenitpotentiary to the Republic of Serbia. He speaks English, German and French.
10 DECEMBER 2024
RADE BOŠKOVIĆ
Namibia’s Honorary Consul
The Acting Assistant Minister for Consular Affairs, Nataša Rašević, presented the exequatur today to the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Namibia in the Republic of Serbia, Rade “Jimmy” Bošković. The Consulate of the Republic of Namibia is based in Belgrade, with consular jurisdiction covering the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia. Rašević emphasised that with the appointment of the new Honorary Consul of Namibia in Serbia, the 22-year tradition since the opening of the Namibian Consulate in Belgrade will continue. She added that this will provide further impetus to deepening not only consular relations but also overall bilateral relations.
STUDENT PROTESTS 2024
For nearly a month, student protests and university blockades have been taking place across Serbia after regime provocateurs attacked a student from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade during a peaceful protest commemorating the victims of the shelter collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station on 1 November 2024.
Students are demanding full responsibility for the tragedy as well as for the physical violence inflicted upon them by the authorities, while state institutions remain silent. The wave of protests has spread nationwide, with increasing support from professors, joined by high school students, farmers, lawyers, and public figures.
Belgrade,December2024
WindowoftheGalleryoftheFacultyofFine ArtsinKnezMihailovaStreetinBelgrade
Photo:DraganNikolić
ĐORĐE MILIĆEVIĆ
Minister without portfolio in charge of coordinating activities and measures in the field of relations with the diaspora
Minister Đorđe Milićević shares insights on the role of the Serbian diaspora, their impact on the country’s future, and the efforts to strengthen connections across borders.
In recent decades, the “identity card” of the Serbian diaspora has changed. After the refugee wave of the 1990s, a new period of emigration from Serbia began, characterised by economic reasons and the
departure of highly educated individuals. How do you assess this trend, and has it slowed down at least somewhat in recent years?
Migration has always been a part of human history. Still, in the past 20 years, with new technologies, globalisation, and job opportunities, migration has become much more intense than ever before.
People now have more opportunities to live and build their careers beyond their home country’s borders, seeking new conditions and professional opportunities worldwide. This mobility is a natural part of modern civilisation, but it also poses a challenge for countries like Serbia, which
The example of the EXPO event and Serbia’s entire developmental cycle reflects precisely this approach. Bringing the world to Serbia and connecting Serbia with the world allows citizens to gain international experience while staying at home. Serbia is becoming increasingly integrated with global trends and opportunities by strengthening infrastructure, digitalisation, and creating a modern business environment.
OUR DIASPORA IS AN IMMENSE HUMAN CAPITAL, A BRIDGE TO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
There is increasing talk about people returning from the diaspora. What draws them back, and how does your department support this? We must understand that when our people spend years, or even decades, abroad, their daily lives become deeply tied to the country where they live and work. Their professional, social, and family connections strengthen in those environments, deciding to return more challenging. This is precisely why our role is so significant – through various activities and events, we maintain ties with our diaspora, nurture unity, and inform them about Serbia’s dynamic changes and progress. We aim to ensure that Serbia remains a viable option in their lives and plans, whether for continuing their careers, living, or spending part of their time.
are experiencing the departure of their citizens.
Faced with these global trends, we have recognised this issue as a priority and taken several steps to adapt to the new circumstances. It is important to understand that the task of every responsible state is not to prevent people from leaving but to create an environment where they feel connected to the world while remaining in their own country. People who go often seek better connections with international companies, advanced educational systems, global markets, and diverse cultures. We aim for Serbia to be a place where all these connections are present and easily accessible.
Our mission is to make the return to Serbia as natural and smooth as possible. Encouraging return is one of the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and such an endeavour cannot be the responsibility of just one ministry—it is a collective task for all of us. That is why a range of government programmes is focused on engaging with associations and individuals in the diaspora, building bridges that connect people to their homeland.
It is imperative to highlight positive examples of successful individuals who have returned to Serbia. These people have achieved significant careers abroad and have decided to invest their knowledge, experience, and energy into Serbia’s development. Their stories inspire and prove
that a successful future can be built in Serbia. The most important thing is maintaining constant contact with our diaspora –through information sharing, support, and involvement in development projects. This way, we build trust and strengthen the sense of belonging, creating a foundation for successful returns and shared progress.
How significant is the diaspora for the Serbian economy and gross domestic product? Do you have data on the share of remittances in the GDP?
Our diaspora plays an exceptionally important role in Serbia’s development and economy. Remittances from abroad are estimated to contribute around 10% of the GDP, making them a significant source of income for our country. However, we must not view our diaspora solely through the lens of remittances. They represent a vast human capital connected to global markets, investors, and business networks. Our people in the diaspora are, in effect, economic ambassadors of Serbia. Many of them are successful entrepreneurs and investors in their respective communities. Their role in connecting Serbia with the world, creating new business opportunities, and attracting investments is invaluable. We must continue to develop this potential so that our diaspora becomes one of the key drivers of Serbia’s economic growth.
How does our country maintain contact with the diaspora and help emigrants preserve their national and cultural identity far from their homeland?
Serbia maintains strong ties with our people worldwide through embassies, consulates, cultural centres, and numerous associations. Our programmes aim to preserve the Serbian language, culture, and traditions among our diaspora. One of the key pillars of these efforts is organising Serbian language education, as it is vital for children born abroad to have the opportunity to learn their parent’s native language.
In the past two years, special attention has been given to organising camps in Serbia, where thousands of children from the diaspora and neighbouring countries have had the chance to visit their homeland. For many children, this was their first encounter with Serbia—an opportunity to taste traditional dishes, hear our songs, and learn more about our
culture and history. These camps are invaluable for strengthening their sense of belonging and connection with their homeland.
The Office of the Minister for the Diaspora, as well as the entire Government of the Republic of Serbia, is responsible for continually listening to the needs of our compatriots. We strive to address these needs through new programmes and constantly connect with our people worldwide.
What is the significance of the Serbian Orthodox Church for the diaspora, and do you cooperate with the Church regarding the homeland’s relationship with the diaspora?
For nearly ten centuries, the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) has been a gathering place for the Serbian people. This was true during difficult times, and it remains so today. The Church is essential in preserving national identity and connecting our compatriots worldwide. The SPC nurtures the Serbian language, culture, traditions, and sense of belonging through church communities, parish activities, and religious institutions.
Because of this vital role, we work closely with the Serbian Orthodox Church, supporting and complementing each other through various programmes aimed at our diaspora. Our goal is
to help our people and facilitate the preservation of their identity, wherever they may be, through joint initiatives.
There is much speculation about the number of our emigrants. Some say Vienna is the largest “Serbian” city after Belgrade, referring to many of our people living there. What does the “top list” of such cities look like today? Where does Chicago rank, for example?
Vienna is undoubtedly one of the cities with the largest Serbian community, home to hundreds of thousands of our compatriots. On the other hand, Chicago has a long tradition of Serbian diaspora and boasts large communities of Serbs and people of Serbian origin. Besides Vienna and Chicago, significant Serbian communities can be found in cities such as Düsseldorf, Paris, Toronto, Sydney, and Moscow.
The history of migration has led to Serbs being present on every continent. Serbian communities exist everywhere in southern Africa, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Russia. This represents immense human capital, a responsibility, and a tremendous opportunity for Serbia. Our task is to nurture and use this potential to strengthen ties with the world and contribute to our country’s development.
SERBIA MUST BE A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE REALISE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND STAY CONNECTED TO THE WORLD
During Yugoslavia, our diaspora was part of a broader group of emigrants from all the republics of the former state. Do you have any information on the relationship between these communities in third countries today? Is there any form of cooperation or mutual support among them?
During Yugoslavia’s era, a Yugoslav diaspora brought together people from all the nations of the former state. However, even then, specific forms of organisation were based on the countries and nationalities that made up Yugoslavia. The Serbian diaspora nurtured its identity values, just as those who emigrated from Croatia, Bosnia, or other former republics did.
Today, our primary focus is on strengthening the connections among our compatriots, regardless of whether they emigrated from Serbia or other parts of the former Yugoslavia. It is important to us that all Serbs, wherever they may be, remain united and support one another through joint initiatives and programmes. We believe the prosperity of the entire region lies in fostering connections and resolving open issues. This can contribute to better understanding and cooperation between our people and diaspora members from other countries. However, our priority remains strengthening the connection between the Serbian diaspora and Serbia, as this bond is the foundation of our shared identity and future development.
Do you believe that the migration balance could at least stabilise, if not reverse, in the coming period?
I do! I wouldn’t be doing this work if I didn’t believe it. I am confident that my colleagues in the Government of the Republic of Serbia share my optimism. Our priority is to improve life in Serbia, strengthen our connections with the world, and make Serbia a place where people stay and realise their full potential as individuals and as a nation. We believe that we can do a lot to encourage our people to return through dedicated work and showcasing Serbia’s progress. Our goal is for everyone living in Serbia today to find everything they seek elsewhere—to experience full recognition and success that will contribute to our shared progress. So, I repeat the message: we will have a successful Serbia if we remain united, no matter where we are.
The Citizens’ Association Petrovaradin Media, in collaboration with Color Media Publishing and with financial support from the City Administration for Culture of Novi Sad, together with the magazine Diplomacy&Commerce, organised an event titled “Walking Dinner in Novi Sad” on 18 December.
As part of the concept “Walking Dinner in Novi Sad,” ambassadors, representatives of international organisations, and cultural institution representatives first visited the Museum of Vojvodina, where they attended a classical music concert performed by József Ritter (piano) and Andrujana Rajić (violin). Alongside renditions of some of the most beautiful classical and film music pieces, the repertoire also featured Strauss’s most famous compositions. Guests then toured the current exhibition Alexander I Karađorđević - From Cetinje to Marseille, curated by Veselinka Marković, Suzana Milovanović, and Aleksandar Petijević. The exhibition chronicles the life of the Serbian king and features items displayed to the public for the first time.
The visit to Novi Sad continued with a walk to “Lazin Salaš,” where guests were introduced to the rich history of Novi Sad by Biljana Milošević, a tour guide. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Serbian and Vojvodina cuisine.
YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE UNIFORMS
Minister Aleksandar Vulin at Bosnia and Herzegovina Army Day Reception, November 27th SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME
US Ambassador Christopher Hill and US President Joe Biden at the White House Reception, November 27th
Ambassadors of Slovenia, Finland and EU at Romanian National Day Reception, November 27th SHE IS REAL!
Ivan Zeko-Pivac, deputy Head of Mission of Republic of Croatia and minister Tomislav Zigmanov
Zagorka Dolovac, the Prosecutor General and Cathy Buggenhout, Belgian Ambassador to Serbia at Day of the Kingdom of Belgium Reception, Belgian Residence, November 20th SHOULD I STAY, OR SHOULD I GO
12-14 NOVEMBER 2024
From November 12th to 14th, the Yugoslav Film Archive hosted the “Days of Algerian Film” to mark the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution. The festival opened with a screening of Djaffar Gacem’s film Heliopolis(2021). Ksenija Zelenović, Deputy Director of the Film Archive, and the Ambassador of Algeria to Serbia, H.E. Fatah Mahraz, welcomed guests and the audience. Among the attendees was
28 NOVEMBER 2024
Stanko Blagojević, Assistant Minister of Culture of Serbia for International Relations and European Integration in Culture.
The programme featured films by Algerian filmmakers, including Yahia Mouzahem’s LallaZbida(2016),AmarSifodil’sWolf’sBlood (2019),andBelkacemHadjadj’sFadhma N’Soumer(2016).Italsofeatured the classic TheBattleofAlgiers(1966), a co-production with Italy directed by Gillo Pontecorvo..
20 NOVEMBER 2024
The 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution was Marked with an Exhibition in the Archive of Vojvodina.
On the occasion of seven decades since the Algerian Revolution, which was not only a struggle for independence but also a symbol of resistance to colonialism in general, an exhibition was officially opened in the Archives of Vojvodina, where archival documents and photographs from the Archives of Yugoslavia were displayed and part of the rich history of diplomatic relations between that African country and the former Yugoslavia, which, in addition to providing wholehearted humanitarian aid to the
Algerian Revolution Collection in Adligat
The Algerian Revolution Collection has been placed in the Association for Culture, Art and International Cooperation “Adligat”—the unique Museum of Books and Travels in Banjica.
This corner was opened by the Ambassador of Algeria to Serbia, H.E. Fatah Mahraz, who emphasised that Algeria remains committed to the ideals and principles on which the Algerian struggle was based. The honorary president of “Adligat”, Viktor Lazić, and the president of the Society of Friends of Algeria, Marko Jelić, also spoke at the ceremony.
Algerians in those difficult years, was also the first European country to recognise the provisional government of the newly declared country. That strongly forged friendship still today inextricably binds our two peoples.
“The help of the former Yugoslavia remained deeply engraved in the memory and that generosity, which is an indelible part of the memory of all Algerians for that precious help that was provided to the people of Algeria,” said H.E. Fatah Mahraz, ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Serbia.
29 NOVEMBER 2024
Organised by the Historical Archive of Užice and the Institute for Contemporary History from Belgrade and within the “Era of Culture” program, the scientific conference “Res public, the Užice region in the war 1941-1945 - New research” was held. In addition to the scientific gathering, also organised by the Historical Archive of Užice, a student exhibition dedicated to the Algerian Revolution was opened in the Club of the City Cultural Center, and a concert was held, “Music of Algeria - a journey through the regions”, by an Algerian orchestra, which was attended by the Algerian ambassador H.E. Fatah Mahraz.
23 NOVEMBER 2024
The Finest – North Macedonian Wine
At the premises of the Hotel Hyatt in Belgrade, an evening with the best wines, food and music was held, organised by the North Macedonian Embassy in Serbia,
Various guests enjoyed the festive atmosphere, an impressive array of foods and drinks, and cheerful music.
The event was attended by the Ambassador of North Macedonia to Serbia, H.E. Nikola Tupančeski, Serbian government representatives, the diplomatic corps in the Republic of Serbia, and the President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski.
27 NOVEMBER 2024
BiH Embassy in Serbia Marks Armed Forces Day
The reception, organised by the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Serbia, H.E. Aleksandar Vranješ, and the military attaché at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republic of Serbia, was held in Belgrade on November 27, 2024, to celebrate the 19th anniversary and Day of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The reception was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including ministers and state secretaries in the Government
of the Republic of Serbia, ambassadors, chargé d’affaires, military attachés accredited in the Republic of Serbia, members of the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Army, well-known figures from public life, cadets from Bosnia and Herzegovina who are studying at the Military Academy and the Military Medical Academy, as well as members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina who are on career training courses at the University of Defense in Belgrade.
28 NOVEMBER 2024
On November 28, the Embassy of Romania to Serbia celebrated Romania’s National Day with a reception at the residence of the Royal House in Belgrade, Beli Dvor.
This reception was attended by Serbian officials, including Marina Raguš, vice-president of the National Assembly; Stanislava Janošević, president of the Romania-Serbia Friendship Group in the Serbian legislature; Dubravka Đedović Handanović, minister of mining and energy, as well as foreign diplomats accredited in the Serbian capital, representatives of civil society, environmentalists r culturally, educational and economic, as well as members of the historical community.
On this occasion and in the context of the 35th anniversary of the fall of communism in 2024, the Ambassador of Romania to Belgrade, H.E. Silvia Davidoiu, referred to our country’s journey towards free-
dom and development, which secured our place in the Euro-Atlantic community based on democratic values, through EU membership and NATO. At the same time, he mentioned the good-neighbourhood relations and the secular Romanian-Serbian friendship placed, through the latest diplomatic contacts at the level, on new coordinated dynamism and collaboration objectives (realisation of common projects such as the Timisoara-Pancevo highway and the support of Serbia’s accession to the EU).
The exhibitions “35 Years since the Fall of Communism in Romania” and “Via Transilvanica”, the latter presented by experts of the promoting associations, offered the public the image of the most important historical episode in recent Romanian history and landmarks of Romania today with its natural and cultural beauties and richness in one attractive tourist offer.
29 NOVEMBER 2024
The Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia (JBAS) received the prestigious recognition of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan for 2024 for improving economic relations between Serbia and Japan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan recognises individuals and groups annually for outstanding achievements in interna-
tional relations. This recognition highlights their contribution to promoting friendship between Japan and other countries and improves the Japanese public’s understanding and support of prominent organisations and institutions.
H. E. Ambassador Akira Imamura presented the award during the award ceremony on behalf of the Government of Japan.
02 DECEMBER 2024
The traditional 11th Japan-Serbia Film Festival (JSFF) was held from 2 to 6 December 2024, bringing together two cultures in search of new trends in cinematography. This year’s program included premieres of films from Japan and awardwinning titles by talented Serbian authors in the feature and short film categories.
The festival was officially opened at the Yugoslav Film Archive, Uzun Mirkova 1, on 2 December. For five days, visitors enjoyed
a rich program, with the presence of numerous guests from Japan and the world. Among them were Toru Kizu, a famous actor and producer and one of the leading actors of last year’s Japanese winner “December,” artist Raura Suzuki, director Yuju Yamaguchi, and many others.
This year’s film program explored innovative Japanese trends and provided insight into the sociological circumstances of the Land of the Rising Sun. Among the most
notable titles was the award-winning documentary “Johatsu: Into Thin Air” by directors Andreas Hartmann and Arata Mori, which follows the work of a company specialising in enabling people to “delete” their identities in search of a new start. Another interesting title is the film “Matter of Sharing,” which features the actress from the movie “Minamata” (starring Johnny Depp) and explores the noble side of collective housing and overcoming life’s difficulties together.
01 DECEMBER 2024
At the premises of the Hyatt Regency Belgrade, the IWC held its traditional Charity Bazaar in the presence of over 25 embassies and organisations with their country stands, international food courts and a vibrant cultural program of performances from all over the world.
DECEMBER 2024
As it’s a charity event, every ticket sold, every raffle ticket purchased, and every item bought goes directly to support selected Serbian NGOs focused on empowering vulnerable women.
H.E. Ahmed Hatim Almenhali and the Embassy of UAE celebrated 53 years of UAE in the presence of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
H.E. Ahmed Hatim Almenhali expressed his satisfaction that they can jointly celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the state’s establishment in Belgrade in a friendly country.
The ambassador of UAE in Serbia recalled that this year, high-ranking officials from
DECEMBER 2024
both countries visited, which resulted in improved cooperation, mutual consultations, and the exchange of experiences in various sectors, including agriculture, justice, defence, logistics, telecommunications, and wastewater treatment.
The reception, organised by the UAE Embassy and attended by Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić, began with the singing of the two countries’ national anthems. The ceremony at the St Regis Hotel was attended
This year, over €34,000 was raised on the bazaar’s day. Many embassies, Serbian government officials, and other esteemed guests attended the event, creating a big crowd of peers who turned this day into a celebration of solidarity.
by members of the Serbian Government and Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps and religious communities, and figures from Serbian public life.
Among those present were Ministers Slavica Đukić Dejanović, Usame Zukorlić, Husein Memić, Zoran Gajić, Jelena Begović, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, as well as the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia and, among others, the ambassadors of Great Britain, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Russia, Ukraine.
H.E. Niklas Lindqvist and Mrs. Tracy Dolan hosted a reception at the residence on Finnish Independence Day.
The Embassy of Finland in Belgrade and colleagues, friends and partners celebrated
107 years of Finnish independence with good food, music and socialising.
This day is a national public holiday in Finland. On 6 December, a flag-flying day celebrated Finland’s declaration of independ-
ence from Russia after the Bolsheviks took power in late 1917. Official Independence Day festivities usually involve raising the Finnish flag on Tähtitorninmäki (“Observatory Hill”) in Helsinki.
09 DECEMBER 2024
H.E. Ambassador Christian Ebner and Mrs. Viktoria Ebner from the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade organised a gettogether on December 9th at the Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade to welcome the winter season.
11 DECEMBER 2024
This event was attended by officials, members of the diplomatic core, and other guests as friends of the Austrian embassy. The evening went by in a pleasant atmosphere with mulled wine, punch, hot choco-
late, and other seasonal delights. The guests were entertained by live music.
A Gift from the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand to the National Library of Serbia
On Wednesday, 11 December, the honorary consul of the Kingdom of Thailand in the Republic of Serbia, Mr Zoran Đukanović, presented, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in Athens, and the Consulate of the Kingdom of Thailand in
16 DECEMBER 2024
Belgrade, a selection of books of special significance to the Thai people to the director of the National Library of Serbia, Mr Vladimir Pištalo.
The books include “6th Cycle Year of the Dragon,” a biography of His Royal Highness, King Rama X, and “The Principles of Thai Cookery,” a unique encyclopedia of Thai cuisine.
Through this symbolic gesture, the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand demonstrates its commitment to deepening the friendship between the two nations and fostering greater mutual understanding between their peoples.
Al-Yawm al-Watani li-Qatar – Embassy of Qatar in Belgrade Celebrates National Day
On the 16th of December, at the St. Regis Hotel in the wonderful Astor Ballroom, the Embassy of Qatar in Serbia celebrated the National Day of Qatar.
Qatar National Day commemorates Qatar’s unification in 1878. It is celebrated all over Qatar with fireworks, Festivities, National Day parades, and many other activities.
At the event, various guests were present, including Serbian government officials, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic core and other guests as friends of the Qatar embassy.
BOBAN KRSMANOVIĆ
Director and Owner, Diplomatic Shop
Diplomatic Shop stands as a symbol of trust, quality, and exclusivity, serving the unique needs of the diplomatic community. Known for its curated offerings and seamless experience, the shop is a testament to the values it upholds. In this interview, Boban Krsmanović, Director and Owner, delves into the shop’s mission, partnerships, and aspirations.
Could you introduce Diplomatic Shop to our readers?
Diplomatic Shop is more than just a retail outlet; it is a hub for diplomats and international organiza-
tions seeking premium goods and a personalized shopping experience. Our mission is to provide top-quality products while building strong relationships within the diplomatic community.
Together, we have cultivated a strong partnership through our core business—shipchandling— where we are leaders in Serbia.
With Weitnauer’s 160 years of expertise in supplying Duty Free
DIPLOMATIC SHOP IS MORE THAN JUST A RETAIL OUTLET; IT IS A HUB FOR DIPLOMATS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SEEKING PREMIUM GOODS AND A PERSONALIZED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The idea for establishing Diplomatic Shop stemmed from our collaboration with Weitnauer, our long-term exclusive supplier.
channels, we ventured into this new distribution model, creating a concept tailored for the diplomatic community.
What makes Diplomatic Shop unique?
The uniqueness of our concept lies in the privileges afforded to members of the diplomatic community. Our customers can purchase a wide range of products at the most competitive prices, in the shortest time, and with the simplest procedures.
With the necessary documentation, they can buy goods exempt from excise duties, customs fees, and VAT, making our prices unparalleled not only in Serbia but in the wider region.
Furthermore, our partnerships with multinational companies such as Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco International, Imperial Tobacco, and leading brands in
spirits, accessories (Samsonite & PiQuadro), perfumes, and toiletries ensure a premium selection for our diplomatic clients.
What values drive your business and define your interactions with the community?
At Diplomatic Shop, we are driven by values of trust, integrity, and innovation. We prioritize building meaningful connections with our customers and creating an environment where they feel valued and supported.
Moreover, our commitment to sustainability and respect for diverse cultural perspectives ensures that we remain aligned with the values of the diplomatic community.
How does the position of Belgrade contribute to Diplomatic Shop’s success?
Belgrade, as the modern metropolis and capital of the Western Balkans, plays a pivotal role in our success. Its unique position has attracted embassies from all over the world, establishing a vibrant diplomatic community.
The city’s rapid growth and development have restored Belgrade to its rightful place among key global diplomatic hubs. This resurgence has further strengthened its leadership position in the region, making it the ideal location for a concept like Diplomatic Shop. We are proud to be part of this dynamic transformation and to serve as a trusted partner for the diplomatic community in Belgrade.
Additionally, our proximity to the Customs Administration greatly simplifies the administrative requirements for purchases, making the entire process seamless for our customers. This
BELGRADE, AS THE MODERN METROPOLIS AND CAPITAL OF THE WESTERN BALKANS, PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN OUR SUCCESS. ITS UNIQUE POSITION HAS ATTRACTED EMBASSIES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, ESTABLISHING A VIBRANT DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY
strategic advantage allows us to provide an unparalleled level of convenience, ensuring that our clients can complete their transactions efficiently and without complications.
Why is advertising in Diplomatic Magazine important to your business?
Advertising in Diplomatic Magazine allows us to directly
reach our target audience. The magazine’s reputation among key figures in the diplomatic community enhances our visibility and credibility.
This partnership enables us to showcase our dedication to quality and trust, further solidifying our position as a reliable partner for diplomats and international organizations.
What are your aspirations for the future of Diplomatic Shop?
Our vision is to continue growing while maintaining our commitment to excellence and service. We aim to expand our product offerings, strengthen our partnerships, and further streamline our processes to enhance the customer experience.
Ultimately, our goal is to remain a trusted partner for the diplomatic community, fostering connections that go beyond commerce and reflect the values of unity and collaboration.
Diplomatic Shop is not just a business; it is a bridge connecting cultures and fostering relationships within the diplomatic world. Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and trust, the shop continues to redefine the standard for service in the diplomatic sector.
Leading voices from government, business, and culture discuss global trends, economic resilience, and sustainable development
In Belgrade, the “World in 2025” conference was held, marking its 12th consecutive year of tradition in concluding the current year with reflections on Serbia’s political, business, and social environment while opening discussions on key issues for the coming year.
Color Media Events, a member of the Color Press Group, organised the conference, which took place in the Grand Hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia on Monday, 9 December 2024.
This year, through panels and case studies, participants sought to address challenges the world will face in the year ahead, the issues confronting the global economy, and how culture has responded to the past year’s challenges.
On behalf of the host, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Mihailo Vesović, opened the conference, welcoming the participants. “I hope this
day will help us better understand the world we live in today and the world we will live in tomorrow,” Vesović stated at the conference’s opening, adding moderately optimistic economic forecasts for the coming year, primarily due to the unstable geopolitical situation globally.
Representatives delivered the Serbian government’s introductory remarks. Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs stated in his speech that Serbia in 2025 will be a country with an even brighter future. Opening remarks were also delivered by Tanja Miščević, Minister for European Integration; Nemanja Starović, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs; Zoran Gajić, Minister of Sports; Dejan Ristić, Minister of Information and Telecommunications; Đorđe Milićević, Minister without Portfolio for Diaspora Relations; and Tatjana Macura, Minister without Portfolio responsible
face additional challenges in striving for their place in the economy,” Macura said, emphasising that “our goal is to create a society of equal opportunities where every woman has the chance to realise her potential.”
The first panel, “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off,” featured Serbia ambassadors discussing today’s challenges. Moderated by Žikica Milošević, participants included H.E. Avivit Bar-Lilan, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia; H.E. An LugonMoulin, Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia; H.E. Aleksandar Vranješ, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia; and H.E. Carlos Félix Corona, Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia.
The second panel focused on business under “Money Never Sleeps.” Skillfully moderated by Žikica Milošević of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, the panel explored contemporary capitalism with contributions from Pavel Erankevich, General Manager of Carlsberg Serbia; Erich P. Cossutta, General Manager of Dragon Maritime Group; Nebojša Matić, General Manager of Mikroelektronika; and Bojan Stanić from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The programme continued in the afternoon with two highly engaging panels:
for gender equality, preventing violence against women, and the economic and political empowerment of women.
Minister Tatjana Macura discussed how profit overshadows ethical values in the modern world. “In such a system, women
“Gender Equality as a Sustainable Development Issue,” organised by UN Women Serbia, and “Can Beauty Save the World? Culture, Against All Odds,” moderated by Robert Čoban, with cultural professionals as participants.
The annual business conference “World in 2025” all-day programme concluded with the second annual Taste Awards 2025, honouring domestic restaurateurs, winemakers, brewers, and the food industry.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analyses, Services, and Internationalization
Mihailo Vesović, a key figure at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, opened the World in 2025 conference, organised by Color Media Events, with an insightful reflection on the economic landscape of 2024 and expectations for 2025. His remarks set the tone for a day of discussions, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“I believe it’s important to begin this gathering with a review of how 2024 unfolded and what we can anticipate economically in 2025. While this past year has been extraordinarily complex and marked by significant uncertainties, particularly in economic terms, I would not harbour excessively pessimistic predictions,” Vesović stated.
Reflecting on the positives of 2024, he highlighted Serbia’s stable growth trajectory despite the global challenges. “What stands out as a success is the stable growth we achieved. One of the main hurdles for Serbia, however, was inflation. Fortunately, it is gradually returning to acceptable levels, and we expect it to settle between 1.5% and 3% over the next year.”
Vesović highlighted several significant milestones for Serbia in 2024. Last year saw a credit rating upgrade, which is crucial for attracting investors. Investments reached 4.5 billion euros, and it is expected that the upcoming year will achieve at least the same amount, if not more. Serbia’s GDP growth rate is projected at 3.8% for 2024, with an optimistic forecast of 4.5% for 2025. Unemployment dropped below 9% this year, with expectations for this trend to continue into 2025.
balancing Growth and risks: Serbia’s economic Outlook for 2025
Despite these achievements, Vesović warned of significant risks that could impact the economy. He emphasized the need for caution regarding several factors. Fluctuations in energy costs pose ongoing challenges. Issues surrounding food availability and pricing remain critical. Geopolitical risks continue to escalate daily, adding layers of uncertainty to the global economic landscape. Vesović noted that while business leaders surveyed by the Chamber maintain moderately positive expecta-
As he concluded his opening remarks, Vesović extended a warm welcome to all attendees. “Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. I hope that today’s discussions will help us better understand the world we live in today and the world we will live in tomorrow. Thank you,” he stated.
Vesović’s optimism, balanced with a pragmatic recognition of challenges, set an encouraging
DESPITE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, SERBIA’S STABLE GROWTH TRAJECTORY IN 2024 HIGHLIGHTS ITS RESILIENCE, WITH INFLATION EXPECTED TO RETURN TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS BETWEEN 1.5% AND 3% IN THE COMING YEAR
tions, these risks necessitate a careful approach. Such uncertainties naturally influence the economy and highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience, he said.
foundation for the conference’s agenda, focusing on collaborative efforts to navigate the complexities of the coming year.
The Great Hall of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Belgrade set the stage for an extraordinary event on 9 December 2024: the World in 2025 Conference, organised by Color Media Events, a part of the esteemed Color Press Group. The conference brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to reflect on the challenges and opportunities awaiting Serbia and the global community in the near future.
Amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and intellectual exchange, Ivica Dačić, Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with the audience. Tackling subjects ranging from global crises to the role of technology and Serbia’s aspira-
tions for 2025, Dačić set a compelling vision for the country’s future. His insights into security, crisis management, and the evolving global landscape provided a roadmap for navigating an unpredictable yet opportunity-filled world.
During his address at a significant gathering, Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
THE WORLD IN 2025 WILL BE CHALLENGING BUT FULL OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES. SERBIA HAS A CLEAR VISION FOR ITS FUTURE AND THE STRENGTH TO BUILD A SECURE, STABLE, AND JUST SOCIETY READY FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD
This gathering of minds and ideas underscored Serbia’s commitment to actively shaping its future and contributing to global solutions, offering a fascinating glimpse into what lies ahead.
presented a comprehensive analysis of global and domestic challenges, reflecting on the upcoming period leading up to 2025. He began his speech by emphasising the unpredictability of the future.
“It is entirely ungrateful to discuss what might be expected in 2025, as it is an equation with many unknowns. Anyone claiming to know exactly what will happen cannot be speaking the truth. I believe even many leaders of the world’s largest countries are unsure,” Dačić stated, setting the tone for his remarks.
Dačić expressed his honour at having the opportunity to speak at such an important event while highlighting Serbia’s place in global affairs. “The world’s future would not interest me as much if Serbia were not a part of it. We stand at an important crossroads, not only as a nation grappling with numerous challenges but also as a country with a clear vision of a better and safer future. The undeniable fact is that Serbia is on the right path and ready to harness all its potential to build a better future for all its citizens,” he emphasised.
One of the central themes of Dačić’s speech was security, which he described as the fundamental pillar of stability and peace. “The modern world is subject to constant changes, but security remains the foundation upon which stability and peace are built. It is the basis for progress in all other areas—economy, healthcare, and every other aspect vital to the well-being of citizens,” he emphasised.
According to Dačić, increasing global crises demands an integrated approach. He highlighted challenges such as climate change, migration, cyberattacks, terrorism, and crime that exploit modern technologies.
“As security is my responsibility, think of the films where artificial intelligence turns against humans and kills them. Is anyone thinking about that? I’m telling you, we are not even aware of what will become a part of our daily lives in 20 years and in which areas security might be threatened,” Dačić warned.
He stressed that Serbia must not only remain geographically connected with its surroundings but must actively work on building and strengthening new and existing international relationships of cooperation and security. “I am confident that Serbia will continue to strengthen its position in 2025, not only within the region but also globally,” he concluded.
Discussing the challenges posed by modern technologies, Dačić highlighted how traditional forms of crime increasingly merge with new digital threats, necessitating innovative solutions and approaches. “The Ministry of Interior is already at a high level of readiness to tackle the most complex security challenges. Whether it concerns cyber threats, organised crime, or other forms of violent extremism, we are not only capable of responding to any threat. Still, we are also continuously strengthening our capacities in terms of personnel and technology,” he stated.
He added that the Ministry invests in new resources to face future challenges more effectively. “We are ready to confront the toughest challenges, fully aware that the future will not be easier and that the challenges will grow. However, we also know we have the capacity, strength, and commitment to build a secure society that will allow all of us to progress,” the minister concluded.
Dačić shed light on the broader perspective of the global situation, reflecting on the continuous crises that, as he stated, have become a constant. “For decades now, gatherings like this have been held worldwide to contemplate the future. If someone were to review the conclusions of these meetings, they would see that not much has changed. Back then, as now, it was acknowledged that the world faces significant challenges. Our primary responsibility is to learn how to manage crises, not to fear them,” he said.
He shared a personal example from 2015, when, as Minister of
THE CRISIS IS A CONSTANT, BUT KNOWING HOW TO MANAGE IT IS KEY. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO LEARN AND ADAPT, NOT TO FEAR THE UNKNOWN
Foreign Affairs, he chaired the OSCE. “The Ministry’s staff prepared Tito’s speech from 1975 when the OSCE was established in Helsinki. I could have delivered that speech with minor adjustments; no one would have noticed the difference. The crisis is a constant, but the key is knowing how to manage it,” he emphasised.
In closing, Dačić expressed optimism about Serbia’s future. “The world in 2025 will be challenging but full of new opportunities. Increasing efforts will be made to ensure the stability, safety, and security of all segments of society. The Republic of Serbia is aware of its strengths, dem-
onstrates its capabilities, and has a clear vision for its future. I am confident that Serbia will be a country capable of creating a secure, stable, and just society, ready to face all future challenges and seize every opportunity they present,” he stated.
Concluding his address, Dačić added: “Serbia will not be a country that merely waits for change but will actively work to become part of the solution to global challenges. I believe that in 2025, we will be proud of our progress, citizens, and achievements. Serbia is a country that looks to the future with pride, optimism, and confidence.”
ZORAN GAJIĆ
Minister
of Sport, The
Government of the Republic of Serbia
The current economic crisis is likely the worst in the past few decades. It seems to me that what is happening globally right now might even be worse than everything that occurred during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Global economic conditions have always directly influenced relationships within the sports system worldwide.
If we analyse the available data, the global economic crisis has not significantly impacted the organisation of major sporting events such as the Olympic Games or Formula 1 races. For example, it is expected that the Super Bowl (American football) will kick off 2025 with record-breaking advertising space sales. Additionally, 2025 will be a preparatory year for organising the Winter Olympic Games, which will be held in Milan, Italy, in February 2026.
Analyses and data suggest that sports with large followings outside the United States, such as football (soccer) and Formula 1 racing, will attract more attention and advertising money in 2025. Football in the US is expected to
ing that a Formula 1 race will also be held there in April 2025. All this data confirms the claim I have already made: the economic crisis has not and will not significantly affect the organisation of major sporting events.
THE NEW STRATEGY FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AIMS TO ENHANCE PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, FOCUSING ON CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHILE INTEGRATING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES LIKE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND BIOMECHANICS
grow significantly, particularly due to the move of perhaps the world’s greatest football star, Lionel Messi, to Miami and the upcoming organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the Americas (Canada, USA, Mexico). Speaking of Miami, it is worth not-
On the other hand, the global economic crisis has impacted sports on a fundamental level, as it has primarily affected grassroots sports. The impoverishment of ordinary people may reduce the willingness of individuals engaged in sports to pay for sporting goods
and services. This could also lead to a decrease in the contributions of volunteers working in sports. This means that sports clubs, as the fundamental units of any sports system worldwide, including ours, are under threat. The challenges of finding the right model for financing sports clubs will be one of the central topics of the future Sports Development Strategy, which the Ministry of Sports is preparing for the 2025–2035 period, along with the corresponding Action Plan.
After 124 years, the Paris Olympic Games featured an equal number of male and female participants. Notably, at the second modern Olympic Games in Paris in 1900, women competed in only five disciplines. We anticipate that the global popularity of women’s sports will continue to grow, making the development and improvement of women’s sports one of the priority topics in the process of drafting our strategy. I believe that in our sports system, there should be significantly more women involved not only as athletes but also in the organisation and management of sports. Global experts estimate that sports betting will see growth worldwide during this decade. As this practice expands, regulators and the sports betting industry are expected to continue managing the evolution of legal sports betting in 2025. The integrity of sports faces various challenges, with one of the greatest being match-fixing and illegal betting.
At the proposal of the Ministry of Sports, members of the National Assembly adopted the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, also known as the Macolin Convention, about ten days ago. With this initiative, we have joined the ranks of European countries that will systematically combat the violation and protection of sports integrity, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other key stakeholders. This reflects our commitment to upholding sports integrity as one of the core values established by the European Sports Charter.
During the process of drafting the new Strategy for Sports
Development in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2025–2035, we held numerous panel discussions addressing the challenges and perspectives of Serbian sports. However, one word seemed to unite all these discussions: education.
Today, Serbia, which was once an “exporter” of coaching methodology and expertise, has become a country that “imports” specialists from abroad. What is happening to our sports profession, and why is it in crisis?
I discussed this topic with representatives of relevant National Sports Federations, local government units, territorial sports associations, and state and private higher education institutions in the field of sports. One of the greatest challenges in this regard will certainly be improving teaching, curricula, and the continuous education of coaches, incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and innovations into sports practice.
I believe that artificial intelligence will become a crucial segment in advancing, progressing, and practically applying sports science in the coming years. For this reason, as the Minister of Sports, I initiated the establishment of a sector for biomechanics and biomechanical analysis within the BIO4 campus. Connecting science and sports is, in my view, a key factor in improving professional work in sports.
Additionally, I initiated a proposal for the Republic Institute for Sports and Sports Medicine to evolve into a fully-fledged sports institute. Thanks to the support of President Aleksandar Vučić, Serbian sports today boast a training centre at Košutnjak, a sector for diagnostics in sports, and a sports medicine sector that could rival
DESPITE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, SERBIA CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN ITS SPORTS SYSTEM, WITH INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND UNIFIED EFFORTS TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY IN SPORTS, PARTICULARLY IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
those in much more economically developed countries. New stadiums have been built, an Aquatic Centre and National Volleyball Centre are under construction. The development of sports infrastructure significantly increases sports capacity, making it vital to continue such investments in the coming years.
I must highlight that Serbia today has one of the best-organised anti-doping agencies in Europe, perhaps even globally. Therefore,
the integration of all stakeholders into a unified sports system is a necessary prerequisite for establishing a high-quality and sustainable sports system in the Republic of Serbia.
Another priority of our Ministry is increasing the number of children who regularly engage in physical activities. In this regard, the new Strategy will include specifically developed measures and activities to enable a greater
number of children and young people to participate more regularly in organised physical exercise, both within physical education classes and extracurricular sports activities. We will work on better connecting sports clubs, National Sports Federations, schools, and universities.
Finally, I must address what may be the greatest challenge in 2025—the position of our people, and consequently our sports, in Kosovo and Metohija. The Kurti regime has issued a decision banning all sports activities not organised by the so-called Olympic Committee of Kosovo for all sports federations and clubs not registered under the so-called Kosovo system.
On Friday, 6 December 2024, the Ministry of Sports held a meeting with representatives of the relevant National Sports Federations, during which, with the agreement of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, we presented seven recommendations to the federations to improve conditions for sports activities in Kosovo and Metohija. These recommendations include waiving all types of fees for clubs from Kosovo and Metohija, improving education, rewarding athletes and sports professionals, organising free training camps, and providing scholarships for the best performers.
On the same day, the Board of Directors of the Basketball Federation of Serbia adopted all the Ministry’s recommendations to support athletes and sports professionals in Kosovo and Metohija who conduct their activities within the sports system of the Republic of Serbia.
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This panel, moderated by Ljiljana Lončar of UN Women Serbia, brings together distinguished speakers to explore gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Panelists include Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia; H.E. Anke Konrad, Ambassador of Germany to Serbia; Snežana Paunović, Vice President of the Serbian Parliament; and Smiljka Jovanović, Provincial Secretary for Finance of Vojvodina. Organised by Color Media Events, this discussion took place during the World in 2025 Conference.
As the world inches closer to 2025, significant milestones in the journey toward gender equality beckon us to reflect on the progress and challenges that remain. This pivotal year marks a decade since the adoption of the UN AgendaforSustainableDevelopment 2030, which prioritises gender
“GENDER EQUALITY IS NOT JUST A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE; IT’S AN ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE THAT CAN UNLOCK SOCIETY’S FULL POTENTIAL.” – SMILJKA JOVANOVIĆ
equality as a standalone goal under Sustainable Development Goal 5. It also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the BeijingDecla-
ration and Platform for Action, a transformative global framework for advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
Lončar noted that despite its importance, progress in this area remains frustratingly slow. This was underscored during ongoing global consultations, which have brought together government representatives, civil society, academics, youth leaders, and UN officials to evaluate advancements toward gender equality. While these conversations have highlighted notable efforts, they also reveal persistent barriers hindering comprehensive change.
EU’S COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUALITY
Plamena Halachova, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, delivered a powerful address ahead of the Gender Equality Forum, emphasising the European Union’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality. The forum’s timing—on International Human Rights Day and the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against
Gender-Based Violence—served as a poignant reminder of the challenges that remain, particularly in combating gender-based violence, which she identified as the most pervasive human rights violation globally.
Halachova traced the EU’s dedication to gender equality to the Treaty of Rome in 1957, highlighting the significant progress. The Gender Equality Index, with an average score of over 70 out of 100 for EU member states, and the EU’s strong presence in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, where 7 of the top 10 countries are European, showcase the strides made. Sweden’s near-equality score of over 80% is an inspiring example.
The EU’s achievements are based on legislative and policy advancements, gender mainstreaming, and financial support. Notable milestones include the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention, the adoption of the Women on Board Directive, and the first EU-wide legislation to combat domestic violence. However, Halachova stressed that the challenge now lies in ensuring these frameworks are effectively implemented across all member states.
Gender mainstreaming—integrating a gender perspective into all policies—is another cornerstone of the EU’s approach, applied within member states and in cooperation with partner countries like Serbia. Financially, the EU is intensifying its support, with 80% of its assistance to third countries incorporating a gender perspective. Allocations for gender-related policies surged from €9 billion in 2021 to €13 billion in 2022.
Specific to Serbia, the EU has provided €4 million through its partnership with UN Women to enhance the country’s strategic and policy frameworks while supporting grassroots initiatives. Halachova highlighted the importance of specialised services for victims of sexual violence, such as the dedicated hospital wing in Vrbas, calling for similar facilities throughout Serbia.
Halachova concluded by calling for collective action and awareness to ensure gender equality becomes a reality. “We all must work together to make specialised services and broader gender equality a priority,” she said, underscoring the EU’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.
Anke Konrad, the German Ambassador to Serbia, brought a unique perspective to the discussion on gender equality at the World in 2025 Conference. She framed Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5)—achieving gender equality—as a “double challenge.” On the one hand, Germany continues its internal efforts to address gender imbalances, particularly by encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in the MINT sectors (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology). Konrad noted that women remain underrepresented in these fields despite equal academic performance.
On the other hand, Germany is equally committed to supporting gender equality globally, including in partner countries like Serbia. Konrad highlighted a long-standing partnership between Germany and Serbia in the energy sector, where significant investments—exceeding €1 billion over the past 15 years— have primarily involved male-dominated workplaces. Recognising this imbalance, Germany initiated a project to increase women’s participation in the energy sector, focusing on green energy and the transition.
The initiative, now in its third year, began by reviving a dormant network of women in the energy sector in Serbia. This network is a hub for women interested in engaging at various levels, whether in local governance, national politics, or technical and managerial roles within the energy transition. To further support this effort, the program introduced an annual award to recognise the achievements of women in the sector.
A new project phase is now underway, with a pilot initiative in Novi Sad. This program provides specialised training for women aspiring to work in the renewable energy sector, such as photovoltaic technology, or as consultants managing green transition projects. Despite progress, Konrad acknowledged the persistent societal challenges. She stressed that even with the best resources and training, the success of these initiatives depends on broader societal acceptance of women in roles traditionally dominated by men. Without this cultural shift, the project risks falling short of its goals.
“We can double, triple, or even multiply by ten our project resources, but as long as society is not ready to support women in these roles, the project will not succeed,” Konrad remarked. The initiative also focuses on community outreach to foster an environment where women’s participation in the energy sector is accepted and encouraged.
tics. However, she noted a persistent challenge: while women are included on candidate lists, they often relinquish their mandates, which are then filled by male counterparts.
Paunović emphasised the need for systemic recognition of women’s capabilities across all aspects of society and life. Despite progress, a significant goal remains unfulfilled— establishing a women’s parliamentary network, which could further enhance collaboration and support for gender equality initiatives within Serbia’s political landscape.
Snežana Paunović, Vice President of the Serbian Parliament, highlighted Serbia’s progress in promoting gender equality through legislative measures to increase women’s political participation. The introduction of gender quotas requires that at least 40% of candidates on electoral lists belong to the underrepresented gender—currently women.
Paunović remarked on an intriguing demographic trend: with women comprising 52% of Serbia’s population, there is a statistical possibility that men may eventually become the less represented gender in poli-
“WE CAN MULTIPLY OUR RESOURCES, BUT WITHOUT SOCIETAL READINESS TO ACCEPT WOMEN IN TRADITIONALLY MALE-DOMINATED ROLES, PROGRESS WILL BE LIMITED.”
– H.E. ANKE KONRAD
At the Worldin2025Conference, Smiljka Jovanović, Secretary for Finance of the Vojvodina Autonomous Province, highlighted the critical role of gender equality not only as a fundamental human right and a driver of economic and social development. Jovanović underscored the importance of gender-responsive budgeting as a powerful tool for promoting gender equality. As the primary mechanism for distributing state funds, the budget offers an opportunity to strengthen gender components across all sectors of society. These components, she explained, extend beyond male and female representation to include vulnerable and minority groups, ensuring an inclusive approach to policy and development.
Various institutions have supported the process, notably the United Nations Agency for Gender Equality, which provided technical assistance and expertise. This collaboration has helped Vojvodina integrate gender considerations into its financial framework, ensuring that public spending aligns to advance equality. Jovanović’s remarks highlighted the broader implications of gender-responsive budgeting, framing it as a mechanism for achieving equality and a catalyst for economic growth and societal progress. By leveraging this approach, Vojvodina demonstrates how financial policy can serve as a foundation for creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
Honouring the best in Food and beverage across 22 c ategories in b elgrade
TASTE AWARDS 2024 - national awards for quality in the field of food – were awarded for the second time in Belgrade on December 9th, at the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, organised by Color Media Communications Publishing, along with METRO Cash&Carry Serbia as the general patron of this event,
Prizes were awarded in 22 categories, and the laureates were decided by an eminent jury, with the following composition: Duška Jovanić, journalist and columnist; Svetislav Stojanović, editor-inchief of “Cafe, Bar & Restaurant” magazine; Dimitrije Acevski, chef; Goran Kovačević, chef; Maja Petrović, “Vitki gurman”; Igor Luković, wine expert and journalist; Marija Tikvicki Radulović, Croatian Chamber of Commerce in Belgrade; Dr Jelena Đorđević, Institute for the Study of Cultural Development; Nada Filipović, Serbian Breweries Association; Irena Brajović, Confindustria.
After the official awards ceremony, in a festive atmosphere, all of the laureates enjoyed the „After Work Cocktail, “ which included wines, food, and products from this year’s Taste Awards winners.
The Taste Awards jury members had the opportunity to conduct a wine tasting and evaluate wines on 3 December 2024 at the Decanter wine cellar, located at Hercegovačka 17 in Belgrade, to select the laureates in this wine category.
The award in the category “Best restaurant” (Fine dining) was won by the restaurant „Jasmina A Maslina“ from Novi Sad; Jasmina Vukašinović, the owner of the restaurant, received the award. Dr Jelena Đorđević, a member of this year’s jury, presented her and her team with the award at the ceremony.
The award in the category „Best Restaurant (Street Food) went to the hands of the restaurant „Pretop“from Belgrade, and its staff members received it. Duška Jovanić, jury member, journalist and columnist, presented the award to them.
Valjevska Pivara won the „Best Product“ (Industrial Beer) award for its product, Valjevsko pivo 0.33l, nefiltrirano. Siniša Krzman, CEO of Valjevska Pivara, received the prize delivered by Marija Matić, Direct Media.
The award in the category “Best Restaurant” (International Cuisine) went to the restaurant “L’Adresse” from Belgrade. It was received by the staff of the Saint Ten Hotel, which the restaurant is a part of. The award was presented at the award ceremony by Veljko Mijušković, gastro-expert.
The award in the category „Best Restaurant“ (Club or Cabaret) was won by the restaurant „Dorćoleta“, and Mia Medaković Topalović presented it from the RYL Magazin.
, Croatian Chamber of Commerce in Belgrade and jury member.
The category “Best Product“ (Craft Beer) award went to Dogma Brewery for their product Hoptopod. Zoran Stojković received the award presented to him by Nenad Novak Stefanović, a writer.
The restaurant „Kod Bore” from Valjevo won the award in the category „Best Restaurant“ (Serbian national cuisine). Marko Obradović, the restaurant’s owner, received the award. Predrag Matović, owner of „Kafana kod Mira“ and last year’s laureate, presented the award.
The award for the category „Best Chef“ was won by Nikola Stojaković, „Fleur de Sel“, Winery „Šapat“. Jovana Antović, Head of Public Policy and Corporate Communications at METRO Cash&Carry Serbia, presented the award.
The award for the category „Best Product“ (Spices) went to Aleva’s hands for their product Aleva paprika - slatka Natali Mićović received the award, and it was presented to them by Davorka Velecki Čičak, deputy ambassador of Croatia to Serbia.
Lakićević
Nani, received the award, which Dejan Veljin, Executive Pastry Chef, presented.
The „Best Chef Under 30“award
The award for the category
0,5l, and it was received by Aleksandra Dogandžić, PR manager of VODA VODA The award was presented to them by Prof. Nikola Božić, Faculty of Applied Ecology “Futura”.
The “World in 2025” Award recognizes companies that have excelled in their efforts to contribute to economic and industrial development, improve business processes, advance social responsibility, and implement practices supporting sustainability.
Carlsberg Serbia was awarded the “World in 2025” award for its contribution to the local community and sustainable development. Pavel Erankevich, the company’s general manager, received the award on behalf of the company.
Carlsberg Serbia has been operating in the Serbian market for over two decades, and since its arrival, investing in the local community has been a core part of the company’s strategy.
These investments primarily focus on education, culture, sports, and infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of the local community in Čelarevo.
A recent example of the company’s donations includes saplings for reforesting green areas in Čelarevo, damaged during last year’s weather disasters. In addition to the donation, Carlsberg
employees actively participate in the reforestation efforts, setting an example of the importance of caring for the environment in which the company operates.
Alongside its donation projects, the Čelarevo brewery continuously invests in implementing energy-efficient solutions to minimise environmental impact. Among its largest investments are a CO2 station, a wastewater treatment plant, a biomass boiler, and numerous other initiatives to achieve Carlsberg’s sustainability programme, ‘Together Towards ZERO.’
Galenika, a pharmaceutical company, received the “World in 2025” award for contributions to health and prevention from Nenad Burazor, Director of Sales and Marketing at Galenika.
Dedicated to people and committed to health, Galenika has been a long-standing leader in promoting health and prevention. It contributes through the exceptional quality of its modern and effective pharmaceutical products and numerous socially responsible projects of national significance.
One of these is the “Panthenol Pink October” initiative, which has, for five consecutive years, focused on raising awareness about the fight against breast cancer. Global statistics show that early diagnosis and treatment success rates depend on public awareness. The judging panel recognised Galenika’s “Panthenol Pink October” project as highly impactful, as it informs and fosters solidarity in combating breast cancer. This fight, as the jury emphasised, can only be won together.
For four years, Galenika has also implemented the socially responsible project “Healthy Twenties”, aimed at individuals in their twenties. This initiative provides accurate and reliable health information, helping young people find answers to pressing questions. Since physical and mental health are the foundations of personal well-being, the jury believes that prevention is not merely a personal matter but a broader societal issue. It creates a ripple effect that promotes society’s overall health and welfare. Galenika’s “Healthy Twenties” project embodies this ethos, making it a cornerstone of its commitment to health and prevention.
UniCredit Bank Serbia received the “World in 2025” award for contributions to the development of the economy and financial sector. Stefan Golubović, Head of International Customers, received the award on behalf of the company.
UniCredit Bank Serbia is a leader in the domestic banking market and part of the Italian UniCredit Group, which operates across 13 markets. The bank is a reliable partner for companies in Serbia, with a strong focus on the quality of its credit portfolio and green financing.
UniCredit Bank’s participation in financing green investments surpasses its overall market share, with notable support for renewable energy projects. The bank is financing five of the eight operational wind farms in Serbia, three of which it finances independently.
With a robust local presence and a broad base of global investors, UniCredit Bank is positioned as a leader in the primary and secondary bond markets. As Serbia’s largest custodian bank, it enables numerous renowned global investors to access the Serbian capital market. The bank also maintains a dominant position in the secondary securities market, accounting for over 43% of all transactions.
UniCredit Bank is a steadfast supporter and trusted partner to 80 of Serbia’s 100 largest companies, reinforcing its pivotal role in the country’s economic and financial development.
making a meaningful impact along the patient journey through innovative diagnostics
BY IVANA KAŠANSKI BRAJKOVIĆ Ecosystem Partner Roche Diagnostics
With an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, driven by rising chronic disease burdens, changing demographics and ever-stricter regulatory policies, it is imperative that healthcare ecosystems evolve in tandem.
As the population ages, their health and wellness also needs change.
On the other hand, millions of people still do not get the healthcare they need. According to the Lancet Commission, 47% of the global population (and much more in low-and middle-income countries) lack access to life-saving diagnostics.
The fact is, that whether addressing conditions or illnesses, the search for better solutions to healthcare challenges begins with and is driven by, the power of diagnostics.
Diagnostic area where the impact of innovation is particularly clear is in the role of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) in clinical decision-making. Although IVD represents a small portion of overall healthcare spending, it has a massive impact on patient outcomes.
By enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, IVD contribute to better decision-making, more targeted and personalized treatments and better health outcomes overall.
In cardiology, oncology, neurology or sepsis, early diagnostics is essential for guiding treatment decisions and can be life-saving.
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic medical condition that leads to increasingly severe memory impairment and behavior and social challenges. It’s not a part of normal ageing and is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time. By 2050, the number of people affected by dementia is expected to triple and reach 152 million worldwide. The disease eventually takes away a person’s ability to live independently, requiring family and friends to provide increasing levels of care, while medical costs also increase. Biomarkers support early and accurate diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, even decades
prior to symptom onset. Acting early in Alzheimer’s is going to have the greatest impact on society. It will help people living with Alzheimer’s today receive better care and tomorrow’s people living with Alzheimer’s receive effective treatments, to help retain their independence for longer.
Diagnostic tests, instruments, and digital solutions have the power to transform healthcare for people around the globe, and it does so in a quiet but certain pace. Digital algorithms are evidence-based decision-making tools, used by clinicians in the diagnosis, personalized treatment and monitoring of patients to increase early diagnosis and adhere to guidelines. According to Forbes, 97% of data generated in healthcare institutions remains unused after initial creation. At the onset
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, INSTRUMENTS, AND DIGITAL SOLUTIONS HAVE THE POWER TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE, AND IT DOES SO IN A QUIET BUT CERTAIN PACE
of digital era, we can definitely use more out of digital data to make healthcare system faster and closer to patients.
For the healthcare systems of tomorrow to be truly resilient, they must be built upon a foundation of innovation, equity and access.
For each of us, depending on the role in the system, innovation has different meaning. But at some stage we are all healthcare system users.
As a user- to have access to all meaningful innovative tests, tools and therapies is of paramount importance.
As Healthcare Ecosystem Partners, we are dedicated to enabling access to all impactful innovations in the field of diagnostic solutions and biomarkers, opening the door to the new therapies and treatments.
Photo: Victor Velter / Shutterstock
The troubles in France and Germany, the economic and political pillars of europe, are unfolding just as Donald Trump prepares for a return to the White House and amidst geopolitical challenges that demand a stable and united europe
Aseries of waltzes, partitas, and sonatas, along with compositions titled “Carnival in Parliament,” “Government Collapse,” and “Let’s Rebuild France,” form the repertoire for two pianos “authored” by Emmanuel Macron, Michel Barnier, Marine Le Pen, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The French “quartet” has delivered an exceptional and unusual programme that resonates across Europe. While “Let’s Rebuild France” did not make much of an impact, the piano duet of Le Pen and Mélenchon with their “Government Collapse” has shaken the public.
The fall of the government occurred in Paris, one of Europe’s key pillars, after more than
THE EXTREME LEFT AND RIGHT UNITED TO MAKE BARNIER THE SHORTESTSERVING PM IN FIFTH REPUBLIC HISTORY
ald Trump waltzes on, military marches echo across the Middle East, and a “spring sonata” is being prepared for Ukraine.
It is unsettling to hear that the EU’s power players appear powerless to resolve issues in their own backyards at a time when geopolitical challenges demand a strong Europe. Instead, we can expect the “malfunction of the locomotive” to drag down a series of other problems, starting with Brussels, where the European Commission, as the executive arm, will be unable to make any significant decisions until stable governments are formed in Paris and Berlin. France cannot hold elections before July. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dissolved his coalition government, with elections scheduled for February. A new government in Berlin is expected to take office by June, likely refraining from bold political moves until then.
How Did France End Up in This Situation?
We won’t delve into the deeper causes that led to the collapse of credibility for traditional parties, the Socialists and Republicans, which strengthened the far-right and, as its antithesis, brought Macron to power. Instead, let’s recall the recent events: in early December, the French parliament voted no confidence in Prime Minister Michel Barnier after he proposed reforms to the budget and social security aimed at reducing public debt. This resulted in the fall of the government—which lasted only three months—a development unprecedented since World War II.
Macron had appointed Barnier in September to end months of political uncertainty caused by his decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call snap parliamentary elections in June. These elections left the Assembly divided into three blocs, none of which were strong enough to govern alone. While forming a minority government was far from ideal, it was less desperate than the position Macron would have found himself in had he not dissolved the Assembly and called for elections. This move, described as reckless in public discourse, was both bold and calculated—it thwarted the far-right, which had previously performed remarkably well in the European Parliament elections.
In those elections, Macron’s bloc achieved a historically poor result, securing just 15% of the vote. The far-right party led by Marine Le Pen emerged victorious with around 32%, marking the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that the far-right climbed so high. In such a short span, France— a country with a history built on liberal principles—experienced several historical milestones.
60 years and just three months after the cabinet was formed. This “performance” reverberated widely, not least because of its timing— when Berlin, another economic and political pillar, is presenting a similar “piece,” while Don-
What is a setback for one is an opportunity for others. Some European member states, long in the shadow of France and Germany, are now seizing the moment. There’s renewed enthusiasm for a potential power shift centred on the Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as Poland and other Eastern European nations, who, with Trump’s support, may play a more prominent role. Polish media have noted that the EU, built on the handshake between Berlin and Paris, no longer has the same strength. Other outlets are also expressing concern
about Macron’s position, mentioning the most dreaded word among leaders: resignation.
Doubts are growing about the EU’s ability to handle the Ukrainian war and the challenges posed by a new American administration amidst the crisis of the Berlin-Paris axis.
“We must rebuild France,” said Emmanuel Macron after the government fell. For those who heard his speech when he first became president, these words are all too familiar. Back then, he pledged to create a new France— stronger and more united than ever. He promised to strengthen the European family, with Paris taking on a new driving force.
Today, analysts and “influencers” who once praised the young centrist are now repeatedly saying, almost like a mantra, that “Paris is losing its influence.” Perhaps it could be said that Macron is shooting blanks and that scaring voters with the threat of the far-right no longer yields the desired results. The European Parliament elections have clearly demonstrated how policies in Europe will be shaped going forward. They were a “trend showcase” for the next political season. In this context, the formation of new governments—or coalitions—and the 2027 presidential elections will certainly be worth watching.
That said, there’s no need for exaggeration, especially not apocalyptic predictions. Mechanisms within French legislation are designed to ensure what is now a priority: passing the budget without causing a crisis like the one Greece experienced a few years ago. Instability exists, but not to the extent that it threatens the entire system. For the French, nothing truly derails their institutional continuity.
It’s worth recalling Charles de Gaulle, who, six decades ago, drafted the constitution of the Fifth Republic based on his “republican principles of a monarchical type.” He granted the president authority in defense, foreign policy, ensuring “the regular functioning of public authorities,” and “state continuity,” as well as guaranteeing “national independence, territorial integrity, and treaty adherence.” The president was also given the power to block government decisions and, in exceptional circumstances, enact laws by decree.
This “rule by decree,” under the famous Paragraph 3 of Article 49 of the Constitution, was intended to prevent scenes of deadlock between the government and parliament, which were common during the Fourth Republic. Historically, these special powers have been used on average twice a year—until Macron. At his request, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has used these special powers 19 times in 22 months.
What unites the French far-left and far-right?
Beyond their thirst for power, it’s their shared antipathy toward Michel Barnier. It will go down in history that the extreme left and extreme right joined forces to make him the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic. They toppled his government, something that hasn’t happened since
NOTRE-DAME’S REOPENING SHOWCASED RENEWED FRANCO-AMERICAN TIES
1962, during the cabinet of Georges Pompidou. This lack of sympathy for the “flash prime minister” aligns with the personal ambitions of far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who sees this as his last chance (at over 70 years old) to fulfil his lifelong dream of moving into the Élysée Palace. Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces a potential legal ruling that could ultimately prevent her from running in the next election.
“ITALIAN SYNDROME”
The symptoms displayed by Western governments suggest they might be suffering from “Italian syndrome.” Italians, long accustomed to frequent changes in government, are more shaken by a loss in football than by the replacement of a prime minister. This phenomenon has already spread to the United Kingdom, where the recent spate of Conservative government turnovers (once unimaginable there) has paved the way for Labour’s return to power after a long hiatus. Since Brexit, the UK has already cycled through five prime ministers. Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill would hardly believe their eyes.
By calling snap parliamentary elections, Macron managed to push the far-right bloc from the expected first place to third, while elevating his coalition from third to second place. However, the fall of the government signals that Barnier’s successor, François Bayrou—or any future appointee—will face ongoing battles for parliamentary support. The left has already announced that with prime ministers changing every three months, Macron won’t be able to hold on until 2027.
The story of the fall of the French government would be incomplete without mentioning Trump—a fact underscored by the unprecedented honours extended to the newly elected but not yet inaugurated American president during the reopening ceremony of NotreDame. Seated in the front row, between President Macron and his wife, Trump eclipsed the presence of the still-incumbent First Lady, Jill Biden, and her husband, President Joe Biden. Macron’s joy was unmistakable, as if this weren’t the same Trump from his first term.
Trump was met with similar enthusiasm by Britain’s Prince William, who engaged in a charming handshake and a 40-minute conversation with him. William was simply doing his job—just as Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, Princess Margaret, once charmed Lyndon B. Johnson in a pivotal moment to secure a substantial loan. The other attendees played their roles too, and Notre-Dame, the Gothic jewel, served as the backdrop to this grand occasion. For Macron, it was more than a celebration of the cathedral’s restoration after the fire; it was an opportunity to highlight the renewal of Franco-American relations, which remain the oldest alliance— stretching back to France’s support during the American Civil War and liberation from British colonialism.
France’s new prime minister, François Bayrou, is described as a seasoned politician known for his “art of compromise.” A political heavyweight from the southwest, Bayrou calls himself “a man from the countryside, a democrat, a Clintonian, a man of the third way.” Liberals see him as “the embodiment of Macronism,” while Socialists view him as a harbinger of deeper institutional and political crisis.
It’s fair to say he’s not universally liked. His mission is to navigate divisions, pass the budget, and—above all—remain in office longer than his predecessor.
notre Dame’s restoration is not just about preserving a monument—it embodies a shared european heritage and highlights the importance of cultural unity through collaboration and exchange.
MARYVONNE DE SAINT PULGENT
French Essayist, Musicologist
Maryvonne de Saint Pulgent, a renowned expert in cultural heritage and former director for heritage in France, recently visited Serbia as a guest of the Institut Français. Her visit marked the occasion of the ongoing restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, a project that has become a global symbol of resilience and cultural unity. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on the significance of Notre Dame as a
cornerstone of European heritage, the challenges of preserving cultural monuments, and the opportunities for more profound cultural exchanges between France and Serbia. Through her insights, Maryvonne highlights the importance of shared history, collaboration, and the role of art and architecture in bridging nations.
Notre Dame is often seen as a symbol of Western Christianity. How do you perceive its cultural and artistic significance?
I believe Notre Dame is a monument to Western Christianity, closely tied to Northern art. While
invented Gothic art. When Germany was established as a nation during that period, it adopted the unfinished Cologne Cathedral to symbolise its Germanic identity, completing it in the Gothic style. Gothic art became a cornerstone of the cultural identity of the Germanic peoples, as the Franks themselves were a Germanic tribe.
NOTRE DAME IS NOT JUST A MONUMENT BUT A TIMELESS SYMBOL OF GOTHIC CULTURE AND INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENT
What role does Notre Dame play in this context?
Notre Dame Cathedral is the one of the earliest and most significant monuments of Gothic art. During the Middle Ages, it was a masterpiece of architecture and an important intellectual centre, home to a renowned school where Pierre Abélard, one of the first major philosophers of the time, taught in the 12th century. It is considered the mother of the University of Paris, known today as the Sorbonne, one of the oldest European universities after Bologna. While Bologna is historically associated with the study of law, Notre Dame and the University of Paris were central to the liberal arts and intellectual life. Thus, the cathedral represents a dual symbol of Gothic culture and scholarly achievement.
Do you see a connection between Serbia’s cultural identity and this broader European heritage?
Serbia belongs to the South, Northern art—later referred to by Italians as Gothic art, as opposed to the Romanesque art of the South—spread across much of Europe after its emergence in the 12th and 13th centuries. It originated in Île-deFrance and was known in the Middle Ages as OpusFrancigenum.
How did this Gothic art influence Europe’s broader cultural identity?
Having occupied a significant part of Europe, the Franks introduced this art form beyond its original Frankish boundaries. In the 19th century, Germans claimed to have
I believe that Serbia is part of this cultural circle. Recently, Notre Dame has become a symbol of Paris—Europe’s artistic and cultural capital and one of its most important political centres. Naturally, it has long attracted the attention of artists and writers and has been one of the first major tourist destinations in history. Before the fire, Notre Dame was the most visited monument in Europe, with 12 million visitors annually. Its global fame was further solidified through animated films and musical adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which brought to life the iconic bells of the cathedral and the tragic story of the bohemian Esmeralda. Notre
Dame embodies architecture, intellectual life, and art, seamlessly uniting these elements into a symbol of European heritage.
France has a distinct approach to heritage preservation. Could you elaborate on this?
France’s approach to historical religious monuments has been unique since Napoleon’s Concordat. Cathedrals belong to the state, which is responsible for their maintenance and care. As the director for Heritage, I oversaw Notre Dame Cathedral. At the time, we were working on restoring its façade. Interestingly, for that particular restoration, the state didn’t contribute financially; the project was entirely funded thanks to the incredible generosity of donors worldwide, including Serbia, which donated one million euros.
This restoration effort was genuinely extraordinary and without precedent. The state’s role was limited to managing and allocating the incoming funds. Restoration principles in France adhere to well-established national standards that are also internationally recognised. However, the relationship between the state and historical monuments often depends on practical realities, such as financial constraints. When there isn’t enough money, everything progresses more slowly.
France’s heritage preservation policy is a long-standing tradition, firmly established and widely supported by public opinion. It benefits from the expertise of architects, specialised companies, and artists dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. The main challenge, however, lies in insufficient funding. France has many religious monuments and cultural heritage sites, far exceeding the available financial resources. This raises the question of whether some sites are deteriorating simply due to lack of funds and whether investments are being made in all monuments that require restoration, many of which remain neglected.
Tourism is a significant driver of France’s economy. How does it tie into cultural preservation?
Tourism, one of France’s leading industries, is crucial to this equation. Tourists visit France primarily because of its cultural heritage. When considering the revenue tourism generates for the country versus the amount reinvested in preserving this heritage, many—including myself—believe
SERBIA STANDS AT THE CROSSROADS OF EASTERN AND WESTERN EUROPE, OFFERING A UNIQUE POTENTIAL TO BRIDGE AND FOSTER DIALOGUE BETWEEN THESE TWO CULTURAL SPHERES
that more could and should be allocated to this purpose.
How do you view cultural exchanges between France and Serbia?
France doesn’t fully appreciate Serbia’s cultural richness, which is worth mentioning. I’m not sure how much Serbians know about France, but I intuitively feel that we are the ones who need to learn more about Serbian culture.
Yesterday, I heard traditional Serbian songs during the Heritage Heroine Award ceremony, where Svetlana Spajić was honoured. I listened to her perform polyphonic a cappella singing, reminding me of similar Corsica traditions. This musical and cultural heritage is vibrant and important, and I believe there is significant potential for greater cultural exchange in this area.
There are indeed common threads connecting European cul-
tures. Of course, each has unique traits, but these shared elements could serve as a foundation for jointly building a European cultural heritage. Unfortunately, the European Union still shows some weakness in this area.
Language is often central to cultural identity. What role does the French play today?
The French language has been crucial to shaping French identity. French was established as the official state language, even though there have always been significant regional differences. For instance, I am Breton, and my paternal grandmother neither spoke nor understood French. My father’s native language was Breton.
French has long been the language of administration, diplomacy, literature, and culture. However, we must acknowledge that it is no longer a dominant global cultural language. Despite this, alongside English, French remains one of the few languages spoken on five continents. Yet, it can no longer compete with English regarding global influence.
Some might even see this as a blessing. International English is often criticised—even by the British—for its simplicity and lack of nuance. This global version of English is more American than British, reflecting American culture’s dominance and world vision. Language is a vessel for culture; what America exports is its language, worldview, and values.
Unfortunately, France has stopped exporting its vision of the world. However, we shouldn’t dwell on this. Our focus and hope should lie in Europe. What matters to us now is Europe’s cultural heritage— its diversity, richness, and shared values. This is the great cause we must champion together through our cultural legacy.
Finally, is there a place for Serbia in Europe’s future?
Of course. Serbia’s history is deeply complex, challenging, and often tragic. It has frequently been caught between competing empires and annexed by cultures that were not its own. However, Serbia should shape the European concept we strive to build—one still in its infancy.
It’s also important to recognise that two Europes—Eastern and Western—must engage in dialogue. Serbia finds itself in an exciting position, standing at the crossroads of these two Europes. As such, Serbia has the potential to serve as a point of dialogue—a bridge between Europe divided by political history.
This interview was conducted with the support of Institut Français in Belgrade.
The day after the reopening of Notre Dame, the French press—and media worldwide—focused more on who Donald Trump warmly greeted (or didn’t) and which leaders attended in person versus who sent a representative rather than analysing the craftsmanship in stone wood, and glass within the cathedral itself. Even fairly convincing AI-generated “footage” of a brawl between Donald Trump and Jill Biden in the front row of Notre Dame made its way onto social media. But perhaps this reflects the spirit of the times we live in, a world significantly different even from that of 2019 when the cathedral burned.
I was in Libya when the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited me to participate in a seven-day programme on the protection of cultural heritage. The highlight of the carefully crafted programme for me and three other colleagues (from Argentina, Germany, and the
USA) was the official reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral. I was tired from my travels, but such an invitation was impossible to refuse.
IT TOOK OVER 200 YEARS TO BUILD, ONLY A FEW HOURS TO BURN, AND FIVE YEARS TO RESTORE
During that week, the French aimed to demonstrate how we might transfer their approach to our societies—the meticulous and precise manner in which they employ culture as a cornerstone of their “soft power.” By culture, I mean the broadest interpretation of the term: from the spectacular opening of
the Summer Olympics in July this year to the celebration of wine at the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, the world’s largest interactive wine museum. This invitation came as a result of my longstanding work on the project “Castles of Serbia: Protecting Cultural Heritage,” as well as my public engagements and writings on the topic.
Emmanuel Etienne, Assistant Director for Heritage and Architecture at the Ministry of Culture, explained how the state oversees architectural heritage not only in mainland France but also in its overseas departments— from French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and Martinique in Latin America to Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean, and French Polynesia (Tahiti) and New Caledonia in the Pacific. When considering the geographic distribution and size of some of its overseas territories, France could still carry the nickname once associated with the British Empire.
What sets France apart in the preservation of architectural heritage—and is key to understanding Notre Dame itself—is the fact that Catholic churches within its territory, as a result of revolutionary achievements, are state-owned! Local authorities manage smaller ones, while the larger and more significant ones are under the care of the Fifth Republic.
Valérie Brisset, Deputy Director for Cultural, Educational, and Academic Diplomacy at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke to us about the network of French Institutes worldwide—present in 110 countries and employing as many as 5,000 people. In China, where she previously worked, the French Institute employs over 400 individuals dedicated to promoting their country’s “soft power.” A key focus of their efforts is the process of restitution—the return of artworks taken to French museums during the colonial period. This programme, launched by President Macron in 2017, is being gradually and carefully implemented through numerous bilateral agreements, with artworks primarily being returned to African and Asian countries once part of the French colonial empire. In the opposite direction, France provides safe storage for artworks from war-affected countries, recently receiving many valuable Ukrainian icons. France also funds many archaeological missions worldwide, currently totalling 160.
The Salon de l’Horloge, a room within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holds historical significance as the place where, on June 20, 1950, French Minister Robert Schuman announced the implementation of the Schuman Plan, marking the beginning of the European Union as we know it today. He proposed placing the coal and steel production of France and West Germany under a single authority, which would later be open to other European states. The ultimate aim was to ease tensions between France and West Germany through gradual political integration based on shared interests. “To create a community of nations, it is essential to eliminate the centuries-old enmity between France and Germany,” he said. At the entrance, the walls feature photographs of all former Foreign Ministers,
including Louis Barthou, who was assassinated alongside King Alexander in Marseille in 1934.
In one of the adjacent rooms, we were served lunch hosted by Christophe Lemoine, the spokesperson and director for media and communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delicious early lunch at 12:30, accompanied by generous servings of red wine (Chateau le Crock, 2016), evolved into an open exchange of views on France’s “soft power” strategy, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s political crisis (the Prime Minister lost his majority in Parliament during our visit). Perhaps the most significant insight we gained from nearly all our interlocutors was their acknowledgement that the budget and concept of France’s “soft power” remain consistent regardless of changes in leadership or government—a stark contrast to our practices.
That afternoon, we visited Versailles, the palace of French kings, where Marie Antoinette was taken before being guillotined, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, and where director Peter Brook wasn’t allowed to film Alexander of Yugoslavia. Walking through the bedrooms and halls of Versailles, alongside invaluable works of art, I reflected on how, throughout the past two and a half centuries of kingdoms, two empires, five republics, and even two German occupations, the French have never allowed “greater interests” to overshadow their dedication to cultural heritage—churches, palaces, paintings, sculptures, and even furniture and garments.
On that note, we also visited Le Mobilier National, an institution dedicated to restoring and maintaining historically significant furniture owned by the state. It was astonishing to witness the meticulous care with which experts worldwide work on restoring these valuable pieces, often dedicating more than a year of daily effort to a single item.
A similar mission, though broader in scope, is carried out by the Institut National du Patrimoine (National Institute of Heritage). At their facility, housed in a former matchstick factory, we were greeted by the director, Charles Personnaz,
who patiently guided us through various departments—painting, wood, photography, graphic art, and metal—where we engaged with young experts working on conserving individual artefacts. Among them, we met a young woman born in France but of Serbian origin, who is likely to become the kind of specialist our country desperately needs. If only someone from Serbia could extend an invitation to her.
On our final day, we had the privilege of visiting another significant institution of French culture, the Institut de France. This esteemed body encompasses five academies: the French Academy (L’Académie française), the Academy of Sciences (Académie des sciences), the Academy of Humanities (Académie des inscriptions et belles-lettres), the Academy of Fine Arts (Académie des Beaux-Arts), and the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences (Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques). Established in 1795, the Institute was founded to unite the scientific, literary, and artistic elite, promote advancements in science and art, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities, all on a non-profit basis. The Institute operates under the patronage of the President of the French Republic, and its current Secretary, elected for a three-year term, is Xavier Darcos.
We toured the hall where academics meet— each academy holds its sessions on different days of the week—and the library. I proudly mentioned that Vladimir Veličković, the renowned Serbian painter and French academician, once sat here; he was the father of artist Vuk Vidor. Interestingly, the French academies only began admitting women after the 1970s, and today, women make up less than 10% of their membership. This year, the French Academy published the 9th edition of the Dictionary of the French Language, launched on November 14 by President Macron. The previous edition, the 8th, was published in 1935, while the very first—Le Dictionnaire de l’Académie françoise—was a preedition printed in Frankfurt in 1687.
Saturday, December 7, finally arrived—the day of the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Weather forecasts predicted rain, so the organisers decided to avoid a repeat of the misfortune that plagued the Summer Olympics opening ceremony in July, moving the event indoors under the cathedral’s vaults at the last moment.
It took over 200 years to build, only a few hours to burn, and five years to restore. The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has once again opened
THE RESTORATION OF THIS AWE-INSPIRING CHURCH WILL SERVE AS A PROPHETIC SIGN OF THE RENEWAL OF THE CHURCH IN FRANCE
its doors—marking its first public event since the devastating 2019 fire that nearly destroyed this symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most famous churches in the world. The word merci (“thank you”) was projected onto the cathedral’s façade, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to restoring this 860-year-old landmark, heavily damaged in the catastrophic blaze five years ago.
Unlike the excellent seven-day cultural heritage tour organised by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the four journalists from around the world (Argentina, Germany, the USA, and Serbia), the Élysée Palace, responsible for the Notre Dame reopening ceremony, fell far short of expectations.
We had been having lunch in the Latin Quarter, just a five-minute walk from the cathedral. At the designated time, I headed to the security checkpoints, confident that the wristband I had received the day before and my press accredita-
tion, complete with an assigned seating area, would be sufficient for smooth entry. However, crossing the Seine from the southern part of the city to the event location proved impossible. We were sent from one bridge to another, with police officers who didn’t speak English and no organisers around to assist. Everyone shook their heads, and neither my valid accreditation nor wristband seemed to matter.
After an hour of walking from Pont SaintMichel to Pont Neuf and then to Petit Pont Cardinal Lustiger (at least I learned the names of the bridges), a sympathetic policewoman finally allowed me to cross to the island housing the iconic cathedral.
I made my way to the journalists’ section, which was overseen by “monitors” who were quick to remind us not to stand (even when everyone else in the church was standing) or not to film (while everyone else was recording). Naturally, before the official ceremony began at 7:00 p.m., I left this “restricted area” and ventured to the seating reserved for Macron, Trump, Prince William, and other dignitaries.
The firefighters who helped save the masterpiece of Gothic architecture, along with those who worked on its restoration, received a standing ovation from attendees after the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, ceremonially struck the doors of Notre Dame three times with his staff to officially reopen the cathedral. “On behalf of the French nation, I express our gratitude to all who saved and rebuilt this cathedral,” said French President Emmanuel Macron in his brief speech. “Tonight, we can share joy and pride. Long live Notre Dame of Paris, long live the Republic, and long live France!”
Macron greeted guests in front of the cathedral, including newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended without his wife Melania. Similarly, Prince William came without Princess Kate. French journalists around me made sarcastic remarks about Trump’s expressions as he viewed the interior of the cathedral, and they were even more amused by Elon Musk, who was also in attendance and frequently appeared on the screens lining the cathedral walls.
Pope Francis called it a day of “joy, celebration, and praise.” In a message read aloud during the ceremony, the Pope expressed hope that “the restoration of this awe-inspiring church will serve as a prophetic sign of the renewal of the Church in France.” Notably, France is among the European countries with the highest percentage of atheists, with 51% of the population identifying as unaffili-
is currently facing a political crisis at home after Parliament voted to impeach his Prime Minister.
OVER €840 MILLION WAS RAISED FOR THE RESTORATION—THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT EVER COLLECTED TO PRESERVE A CULTURAL MONUMENT
ated with any religion, 29% identifying as Catholic, and 10% as Muslim.
Apart from the firefighters, the loudest applause was reserved for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Bringing Trump and Zelensky together at the reopening and organising a meeting at the Élysée Palace before the ceremony was a major diplomatic success for Macron, who
Among the guests were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former French presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. Representing Serbia, which donated €1 million for the restoration of Notre Dame immediately after the fire, was Prime Minister Miloš Vučević. Croatia was represented by Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek, although President Zoran Milanović had initially been expected to attend. In addition to Trump, the United States was represented by First Lady Jill Biden. In total, slightly over 1,500 people were present in the iconic Parisian cathedral that evening.
The first stone of Notre Dame was laid in 1163, and construction continued through much of the following century, with significant renovations and additions made in the 17th and 18th centuries. After the fire, donations poured in from around the world, with over €840 million raised for the restoration—the most significant amount ever collected to preserve a cultural monument. The cathedral’s organ, with 8,000 pipes, was meticulously restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust during the restoration. At the reopening ceremony, four organists filled the sacred space with music that inspired awe and reverence.
The following day, Archbishop Ulrich led the first mass in the restored cathedral and consecrated a new altar designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one destroyed in the fire. Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad attended the mass, along with priests from all 113 parishes of the Archdiocese of Paris.
The day after the ceremony, the French and international media focused more on whom Trump greeted warmly (or not) and which heads of state attended versus who sent substitutes rather than on the craftsmanship of the cathedral’s stone, wood, and glass. Social media even saw the circulation of surprisingly convincing AI-generated videos depicting a supposed fight between Donald Trump and Jill Biden in the front row of Notre Dame. This reflects the spirit of our times, which is markedly different from the world of 2019 when the cathedral burned.
On Sunday, news broke that Assad’s regime in Syria, a former French colony, had fallen. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, bells, and bell ringers returned to where they had always belonged—in travel guides, films, and books—likely a more comfortable place for them than front-page headlines or viral social media stories.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 10th anniversary of the “I Belong” campaign, the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) organized a conference titled “What We Have Achieved and What the Future Holds”. The event took place at the National Assembly and highlighted Serbia’s progress in addressing the
SERBIA WAS COMMENDED FOR ITS EXEMPLARY PRACTICES IN RESOLVING LEGAL INVISIBILITY AND MITIGATING STATELESSNESS
risk of statelessness, as well as future actions to tackle this issue.
Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia, hosted the conference and pointed out that “every individual deserves to belong, to have their identity recognized, and to enjoy the rights that come with citizenship.”
The conference noted that while tens of thousands of people in Serbia were at risk of statelessness at the beginning of the process, such cases are now con-
siderably rare. This is achieved through the Operational Group established under the Memorandum of Understanding, which includes the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, the Protector of Citizens, UNHCR, and representatives of other ministries: the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and
Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, among others.
Serbia was commended as an example of good practice in addressing legal invisibility and eliminating the risk of statelessness. Participants emphasized that, while much progress has been made, Serbia continues to monitor the situation and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
Key speakers included the Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Jelena Žarić Kovačević, the UNHCR Representative in Serbia, Soufiane Adjali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Ivica Dačić, Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Tomislav Žigmanov, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Jovan Janjić, Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, Acting Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Cooperation, Katarina Lalić Smajević, and the Executive Director of the NGO “Praxis”.
“The right to nationality is one of the fundamental human rights. We are on the path to reducing the issue of statelessness in Serbia to isolated cases. In Serbia, you will have a partner in solving this issue,” said Ivica Dačić, Minister of Internal Affairs, at the opening.
Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Tomislav Žigmanov, said: “Statelessness is an ongoing challenge. More than 700 people still lack personal documents. As a state and society, we must strive to resolve this issue in Serbia.”
Attendees were moved by the testimony of Ersen Tafa, a fellow citizen registered in the birth register during the ‘I Belong’ campaign. “After my mother received the documents, I was assigned a personal name and received a birth certificate and citizen-
AFTER MY MOTHER RECEIVED THE DOCUMENTS, I WAS ASSIGNED A PERSONAL NAME AND RECEIVED A BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND CITIZENSHIP. NOW I CAN WORK, GET TREATMENT, LIVE – ERSEN TAFA
ship. Now I can work, get treatment, live,” said Ersen.
Assistant UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, addressed the participants via video message.
“The #IBelong Campaign, which we launched 10 years ago, has been a powerful force in advancing our collective efforts towards the eradication of statelessness around the world.
Since its launch, we’ve seen remarkable progress, including in Europe,” was the message from Menikdiwela.
Adopted in September 1954 in New York and ratified by the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1959, the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons remains a cornerstone in protecting the rights of stateless individuals.
The event on November 20th marked Serbia’s ongoing commitment and successful initiatives in tackling statelessness, setting a positive example for the international community.
This article was produced within the project “EU Support to Migration Management: Fostering the Integration of Refugees and Migrants”, implemented by UNHCR Serbia in partnership with IOM Serbia and SCRM with the support of the European Union. The article’s author is solely responsible for content that does not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union.
ANA LALIĆ HEGEDIŠ Journalist
Ana Lalić Hegediš is a journalist whose unwavering commitment to truth has made her a defining voice in Serbian media. Known for her courageous reporting and refusal to bow to censorship, she became a symbol of resistance when she was arrested during the pandemic for exposing failings in the healthcare system— an act that resonated far beyond Serbia’s borders. In this interview, she reflects on the tragedy that broke the media blockade, the fight for accountability, and the role of free journalism in reclaiming justice and dignity for the people. This introduction highlights Ana’s fearless professional journey while setting the stage for the interview’s themes of truth, justice, and resistance.
The collapse of the canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad has triggered a wave of discontent and raised numerous questions about government responsibility. It has also sparked a full-blown media war waged by pro-regime outlets against the truth. How do you assess the media’s response to this tragic event?
The reaction of the pro-regime media has been shameful, unscrupulous, and utterly inhumane. Unlike professional media, who from the very first day – with the utmost respect for the families of the victims – raised the crucial question of who is responsible for the deaths of 15 people and the serious injuries of two more, pro-regime media have focused on covering up and spinning the narrative. While professional media insist on answers to this and other questions raised by the tragedy, pro-regime mouthpieces are attempting to remove the story from public focus. However, the collapse of the canopy has remained the main topic for 45 days because the only news in Serbia today is, and must be, the Novi Sad tragedy and the demand for accountability.
Unfortunately, this is not the first incident with casualties caused by the government and systemic corruption. Let us recall the helicopter crash, the Obrenovac floods, the toll booth accident, and many others. What links all these tragic events?
Incompetence, theft, arrogance, spin, lies, and evasion of respon-
citizens rise as truth breaks through media silence
THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, FOR THE DIGNITY OF EVERY CITIZEN, FOR THE IMPRISONMENT OF THE GUILTY, AND FREEDOM FOR THE PEOPLE MUST NOT STOP
sibility. Their incompetence and disorganisation in Obrenovac cost Serbia 65 lives. The helicopter crash, which should never have taken off in extremely poor weather conditions, was used to shift the blame onto Major Omer Mehić, an experienced pilot with an impeccable career, whom the authorities later called a “drunkard.” Seven people, including one baby, lost their lives because officials wanted to exploit the “successful rescue” of the sick baby from Novi Pazar for propaganda purposes and photo opportunities. Proof that lives were abused and lost for the sake of scoring political points lies in the premature news report broadcast on RTS that evening, which stated that the “helicopter had landed successfully” and that “numerous officials were present at Nikola Tesla Airport to greet the sick baby.”
For the same reason, the Novi Sad railway station was opened prematurely, before all works were completed, to serve as a backdrop for the political campaign of Aleksandar Vučić, Goran Vesić, Miloš Vučević, and other officials, who ceremoniously opened it three times in front of the cameras of their propaganda media outlets.
Do free media today, after the Novi Sad tragedy, have a greater impact on the public?
The reactions are now different because the Novi Sad tragedy deeply shook the entire region, including SNS supporters. It was impossible to hide hundreds of tonnes of concrete, steel, and the bodies of the victims, no matter how powerful the government’s propaganda machinery might be. No morning show on Happy, Pink, Kurir, Informer, or any other pro-regime media outlet could convincingly justify this crime. No one failed to imagine that their own child could have ended up under that rubble.
The Novi Sad tragedy broke through the media blockade primarily thanks to social media, which cannot be censored. The truth and facts travel faster and farther, reaching even those parts of Serbia where citizens have been systematically stupefied, deceived, and lied to for the past 12 years.
How has the lack of media freedom contributed to the current state of society?
Drastically. Almost two-thirds of Serbia is subjected to daily anaesthetisation and one-sided, mostly inaccurate reporting. People out-
side Novi Sad, Belgrade, and a few other larger cities are in media darkness, where some obscure human and moral caricatures peddle absurd news stories created in Nemanjina 11. They are systematically convinced that they live in Eldorado while being fed tales about poor Germans who allegedly “cannot afford soap” and “share one sausage among four children.”
Every time Aleksandar Vučić addresses the public through these media, he humiliates and underestimates his own citizens, treating them as mentally impaired people from whom he expects joy over cheap luncheon meat and wartime reserves of peas and rice. If his goal was to create a stupefied, uneducated, uninformed, and impoverished population, then he has succeeded – precisely through silencing free speech and suppressing media freedoms. Sadly, that was his only goal.
Elections for new REM members have been announced. Does this indicate preparations for early elections, and has the government been forced into this due to the evident public dissatisfaction, which is taking on the characteristics of a serious social revolt?
THROUGH NUMEROUS DEMONSTRATIONS AND ACTS OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, THE CITIZENS OF SERBIA ARE SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
The unrest is already here. This is no longer a matter of the government or the opposition but of the citizens. Through numerous demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience, the citizens of Serbia are sending a clear message: enough is enough. The opposition is there to articulate through institutions what the people are voicing on the streets, in blocked universities, and in schools.
What lessons should society, on the one hand, and the media, on the other, learn from this tragedy?
The lesson is clear: the fight for justice, for the dignity of every citizen, for the imprisonment of the guilty, and freedom for the people must not stop. The media are there to report on that struggle because their fundamental duty is to work in the public interest and serve as a corrective force in society.
Can a society be free without media freedom, and can this be achieved in Serbia soon?
It cannot. However, with more than 40 universities blocked and a growing number of people on the streets and at protests, it seems we are on the right path to reclaim our freedom. Freedom is taken –not given!
And just like that, Donald Trump won again, this time convincingly. This time, he is no longer an underdog but has the entire Trumpism movement behind him, along with his successor, a young intellectual. And just like that, a BRICS summit was held in Kazan, giving momentum to an organisation shaken by Argentina’s refusal to join and Saudi Arabia’s hesitation. And just like that, China and India reconciled over their border dispute. And just like that, the German government fell – and the entire country became a victim of geopolitics.
BRICS + STRAIGHT OUTTA KAZAN
Kazan Means the Same in Serbian, Tatar, and Russian – “Cauldron”. In this “cauldron”, Putin hosted the BRICS+ summit, a deliberate signal that BRICS+ is a synthesis of the West and the East. This symbolism is reflected in Kazan’s population, roughly equal to Russians and Tatars, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims. The members of this club are highly diverse, united by a shared aspiration for a new system—not an “anti-Western system” but simply a “nonWestern system.”
While some members aim to dethrone America’s global leadership (Russia, Iran), others are building a counterweight to Western economies and politics (China). Still, others position themselves lucratively in a “middle ground.” These nations recognise that the future lies in Asia and Africa and aim to maintain excellent relations with the West, capitalising on “alternative globalisation” (India, UAE).
One of the main tools to achieve these goals is de-dollarisation and bypassing SWIFT. Is it working? Partially. Cross-border banking claims denominated in USD among member states have reduced from 66% in 2020 to 55% in 2024. The share of international debt securities in dollars also dropped from 83% to 75% during the same period. External debts denominated in USD fell sharply from 59% in 2012 to 46% in 2024.
The BRICS Clear mechanism shows promise in replacing SWIFT and bypassing restrictions and sanctions. It facilitates clearing between countries that wish to avoid using the US dollar as the settlement currency, akin to SWIFT. As Goran Nikolić astutely analyses, the “Clear System,” with the BRICS accounting unit (dubbed Stablecoin) managed by the NDB, elegantly addresses the main challenge. It integrates bilateral trade among BRICS+ members into a unified and cohesive financial system for multilateral trade.
The BRICS Stablecoin is a sophisticated digital solution for tracking international trade. Transactions are converted not into dollars but into a digital unit pegged to gold or a weighted basket of BRICS currencies, with no privileged settlement currency. Countries trading through this system bypass the dollar and Western banks as intermediaries. Payments are settled in local currencies, avoiding the creation of a new currency like the euro, bypassing supranational banks, and operating outside the watchful eyes of SWIFT and Western institutions. The system is both practical and innovative.
Questions remain about Saudi Arabia’s potential full membership, the number of BRICS
partners, and how nations like Türkiye and Kazakhstan will balance their positions. What will happen with Algeria and other aspirants? These developments will unfold over time in this fast-changing world.
Behind the scenes, however, one significant development is the occurrence of another “great reconciliation” not mediated by Western powers. While Trump and his allies significantly eased Middle East tensions through the Abraham Accords, China brokered reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Now, Russia has mediated the resolution of border tensions between China and India—a historic achievement.
THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED, AND THE OLD GERMAN MODEL IS NO LONGER VIABLE. GERMANY COULD BECOME THE FIRST MAJOR CASUALTY OF THE BRAVE NEW WORLD
For BRICS and the non-Western world to genuinely create a viable alternative to the West, China and India must reconcile and work in the same direction. When that happens, the world could change profoundly. These steps, though significant, are still insufficient, but they are steps in the right direction.
GERMANY AS THE VICTIM OF A NEW WORLD
From the outset, it was clear that forming the “Traffic Light Coalition” would be no easy task, but no coalition has been more ill-fated than this one. Almost immediately after its formation, chaos ensued: the disruption of Russian gas supplies via sabotage of Nord Stream, the invasion and war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, and American pressure on Western allies to distance themselves from China. The core elements that once strengthened Germany’s economy—cheap Russian energy, a robust industrial base, and access to the Chinese market—have crumbled. Today, economic growth is negligible, energy is expensive, industry is in crisis, and China’s market is increasingly closed and selfsufficient. Germany’s auto industry faces significant challenges, with some predicting Volkswagen could suffer the same fate as Kodak.
While the Greens, particularly Annalena Baerbock, have been the most visible in destabilising the coalition’s balance, it was Christian Lindner of the Liberals (yellow) who ultimately pulled the rug from under it. He issued an 18-page ultimatum, demanding that the €12 billion budget shortfall not be addressed by lifting the “debt brake” (an idea proposed by the Social Democrats, or red) but by cutting social benefits (unacceptable to the SPD) and green transition funding (unacceptable to the Greens). Further, his pro-business
stance called for corporate tax reductions to boost German companies’ competitiveness in the absence of Russian gas and Chinese markets. These three conflicting positions miraculously held together for three years, in retrospect.
The coalition’s fate was effectively sealed a year ago by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that €60 billion “leftover” from the COVID-19 budget could not be redirected to other projects. With those funds, 400,000 budgeted apartments could have been built, pensions and social benefits increased, and the green transition supported—all while keeping the budget balanced enough to satisfy the Liberals. Instead, the budget hole remained, and the additional aid cost to Ukraine exacerbated the situation. Lindner brought down the coalition paving the way for a new coalition after elections on 23 February, ideally with the CDU-CSU as more suitable allies for his agenda.
However, given their support for even more significant aid to Ukraine and the fact that China’s superior technology is rapidly capturing the electric vehicle market (and possibly others), At the same time, German companies relocating to the US, it is uncertain whether Germany will fare any better under a new government. The times have changed, and the German model is no longer viable. With Trump likely to escalate tensions with China further, unless a new Schröder emerges to say “Nein!” as in 2003 with Iraq, or a new Merkel arises to balance priorities skilfully, Germany could become the first major casualty of the Brave New World. This would likely be exploited by Sarah Wagenknecht and the AfD in upcoming elections, creating even greater turmoil.
Meanwhile, the same happened to France. It means that the EU has lost two of the most important member states' governments in just a few weeks. France was also left without the next year's budget. These two nations, after all, are Europe’s two strongest economies.
ELON MUSK’S VISION FOR AMERICA’S PROGRESS DIFFERS GREATLY FROM CHINA’S. HIS VISION MIGHT SOON BECOME A REALITY, BUT CHINA’S APPROACH SEEMS MORE “DOWN-TOEARTH,” UNDERSTANDABLE, AND GLOBALLY ACCEPTABLE. FOR NOW. BY NEXT DECEMBER, WE MAY BE SPEAKING ABOUT SOMETHING ENTIRELY ENTIRELY DIFFERENT IN THE EMERGING NEW WORLD
Even before assuming power, Trump has shifted many global balances. His “Trifecta”—holding the presidency, the House, and Congress— represents a position of unparalleled power for the next two years. The German government fell the day after the US elections. With a likely hardline stance towards China and Europe (as well as Canada and Mexico) and potential warming towards Russia, the world in 2025 looks significantly transformed.
With its massive state investments in renewable energy, China has become a global leader in producing electric vehicles and solar panels. Once the world’s largest polluter, China is on track to “win” the green transition. Moreover, it is preparing to dominate the next frontier—green hydrogen. These changes are occurring so rapidly that other nations scarcely notice. Simultaneously, China’s heavy funding of chip research brings it closer to self-sufficiency, rendering US sanctions increasingly irrelevant. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, pressured by the US to forgo collaboration with China to prevent technological leakage, may soon be free of such conditions. The wave of innovation China drives is poised to become a new global force by 2030.
On the other hand, many nations will have to reconsider their alignments. Countries benefiting from “the best of both worlds,” such as Vietnam or Mexico, might be pushed closer to China under Trump’s policies. There are indications that Trump’s return to power could strengthen America, weaken Europe, and grant China dominance over more than half the world. This trend was apparent even during Democratic administrations but is now accelerating.
The emerging world of trade wars, barriers, and divergent standards is upon us. Elon Musk envisions a future for America vastly different from China’s path. While Musk’s vision might soon materialise, China’s approach appears more grounded and globally appealing. By next December, we might find ourselves speaking about an entirely different reality in this New World rapidly taking shape.
DUŠAN BOROVČANIN
CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade
Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, shares insights into the vision, challenges, and legacy of Serbia’s first global event of this scale, highlighting its transformative potential for the region and beyond.
What inspired Belgrade to apply for EXPO 2027, and how does this event align with the city’s long-term development goals? Serbia has 140 years of experience participating in international exhibitions, yet it has never hosted one as well as the rest of the Western Balkans. The candidacy of our capital to host the Specialised Expo is primarily based on the belief that Serbia can organise such a significant event, as well as the potential to make a difference and contribute to shaping Belgrade’s image as a hub of innovation, culture, diplomacy, and economy. Accordingly, it is natural to believe that EXPO 2027 will pave the way for a new direction in the development of Belgrade, Serbia, and the entire region, fostering various forms of cooperation with other countries, attracting new investments, and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
As the director, what are your key priorities in organising EXPO 2027, and how do you envision its legacy for Serbia and the region? We have an ambitious plan—to break all records for Specialised
c onnecting Innovation, culture, and Diplomacy on a Global Stage
Expos by attracting over 4 million visitors from more than 120 countries to Serbia during the threemonth event. They will enjoy unforgettable experiences and take home lasting memories. A highquality programme from us as hosts and participating countries will be the key to achieving this.
Could you share insights into the theme of EXPO 2027 and how it reflects global challenges or opportunities?
I must point out that the theme was conceived during a period marked by significant challenges for modern society—ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic
Expo unites people from diverse nations, fostering innovation, education, and business connections while offering a rich experience for thousands involved in its preparation and delivery. It also brings a sense of pride and redefines our country’s position globally. This event will have long-term effects on the region and international collaboration.
Expos always leave a lasting infrastructural mark, from the Eiffel Tower to the Space Needle. Our Expo will create remarkable structures to attract tourists, improve citizens’ quality of life, and develop new skills and knowledge. After the event, the site will host the Belgrade Fair headquarters, an Expo Museum, and a Centre for Music Skills and Innovation. Belgrade will be among the few cities to prioritise legacy, ensuring its citizens fully utilise the space.
and energy crises to supply chain disruptions, various conflicts, and overwhelming uncertainty about what the future holds. For me, the theme “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All” profoundly impacts two major areas. Firstly, it focuses on social cohesion, community empowerment, and collaboration. Sport and music are universal elements that unite people, transcending origins and differences. Secondly, it highlights the creative economy and the broader creative industries, providing new sources of growth and fostering a transition from traditional models to a knowledgebased economy. Through this theme, we aim to address global challenges and unlock opportunities by leveraging the unifying power of sport and music to inspire innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
What infrastructure development projects and urban planning initiatives are underway to prepare for the event? Is there a concern about the future usability of many structures that will be built? Every aspect of this project has been planned with its legacy in mind, setting us apart from competitors and even some past mega-events. We’ve dedicated considerable attention to this, earning commendations from member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). EXPO 2027, spanning on approximately 25 hectares, will include thematic pavilions, an auditorium, a forum, and sports grounds, which will remain a hub of activity after 2027. The central site, hosting temporary pavilions for participating countries, will be transformed into the new Belgrade Fair. Another section will be repurposed into three schools, three kindergartens, a park, and a boulevard. This thoughtful planning ensures the infrastructure serves the event and provides lasting benefits for the city and its residents.
How do you plan to ensure sustainability and environmental friendliness in executing EXPO 2027? EXPO 2027 Belgrade will be a sustainability model that will raise environmental awareness in Belgrade and Serbia. From urban planning to introducing indigenous plant species requiring no irrigation, the project contributes to environmental protection. The
Expo complex will act as a natural filter, processing over 80% of rainwater and channelling it into underground streams supplying Belgrade. Solar panels will meet 50% of electricity needs during the event and 100% post-event for buildings and spaces. Eco-friendly, non-polluting transport systems will also be introduced. Every aspect of sustainability, including economic and social dimensions, has been carefully considered. The spaces will be used purposefully after the Expo ends, ensuring long-term value and impact.
What measures are being taken to involve local businesses, artists, and communities in the event?
We are one of the rare, if not the only, countries to have gone through the recognition process relying solely on our people’s talent and expertise. While we will certainly leverage the knowledge and experience of international experts, we plan to fully exploit Serbia’s potential. In this regard, the programmes and content at EXPO 2027, for which we are responsible, will primarily feature our artists, athletes, musicians, scientists, and businesses. As has been the case thus far, the implementation of the event will predominantly involve local companies. Furthermore, through various initiatives and activities leading up to 2027, we will engage local businesses and include local artists. I believe it is fair to say that in 2027, the entire country—and even the region—will benefit from our Expo.
How is EXPO 2027 expected to impact Serbia’s international status and position in the global business and diplomatic community?
EXPO 2027 will solidify Serbia’s position as a modern, dynamic country committed to develop-
EVERY ASPECT OF THE PROJECT IS PLANNED WITH LEGACY IN MIND, ENSURING LASTING BENEFITS FOR THE CITY AND ITS CITIZENS
ment and innovation. The exhibition will serve as an opportunity to connect with the world, strengthen international relations, and enhance our country’s global image. Beyond their role as exhibitions, Expos are also significant diplomatic opportunities for the host nation—not only during the event but also throughout the preparation period. To illustrate this, consider Dubai, where the diplomatic activity during the World Expo was equivalent to what would have taken 40 years to achieve under normal circumstances. At EXPO 2027, a National Day for a participating country will be held every day, and sometimes twice a day, accompanied
event—an inherently demanding task—while simultaneously preparing the entire project and coordinating all stakeholders (national and local institutions, businesses, and citizens). That said, we are not alone in this endeavour. In addition to the support of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), we have access to colleagues from previous host countries who are more than willing to share their experiences and assist us. Let’s also not forget that the World Expo in Osaka held before 2027 will provide an excellent opportunity to refine our risk analyses, anticipate potential obstacles more effectively, and prepare for the successful execution of EXPO 2027.
Switzerland is the first country to confirm its participation in EXPO 2027. What can we expect?
by visits from high-ranking officials. This represents a historic opportunity for Serbia to deepen diplomatic ties and strengthen its global presence in business and diplomatic communities.
What challenges do you foresee in organising an event of this scale, and how are you preparing to overcome them?
Serbia is the first country in the Western Balkans to host a global event of this duration with this many visitors. I am confident that challenges will arise in many areas. Still, currently, the most significant ones include establishing the organisational structure for executing the
Switzerland traditionally participates first in Expo events, as it is the case this time. The Swiss Ambassador and her team, who were involved in preparing their pavilion’s content and design, recently visited our organisation, reflecting their eagerness to start preparations and deliver an outstanding presentation. I am confident the Swiss pavilion will be a popular attraction, especially given EXPO 2027’s theme. Switzerland has a lot of cultural wealth and sporting achievements to showcase, from skiing, ice hockey, and bobsleigh to unique traditions like Swiss wrestling (Schwingen), stone throwing (Steinstossen), and farmer’s golf (Hornussen). Many also know the Alphorn, the Alpine wooden instrument whose sounds we’ll hear in Belgrade. This kind of cultural diversity inspired the theme “Play for Humanity,” and we are excited to see how countries will interpret the power of play in this global celebration.
In light of the infrastructural boom happening in India, the rapid development of railways in China (both metro and high-speed rail), the frequent (and often fruitless) debates about high-speed rail in the UK and the US, and the increasing (primarily Chinese) investments in metro systems (railway and tram, or rail-based) in Belt and Road Initiative countries, the concept of a “greener mode of transport” is on everyone’s mind. And what could be greener than rail transport, particularly metro systems in large cities? None of the countries from the former Yugoslavia have a metro system, which is one of the biggest obstacles to better urban development (especially in Belgrade and Zagreb). Let’s take a look at who has been more successful than us in building metro systems.
Unsurprisingly, China takes the top spot, which isn’t shocking given its enormous population, vast cities, and centrally planned organisation that does not allow endless debates. This has resulted in 34 metro systems, most built in the 21st century. Beijing alone has an impressive 460 stations. The figure becomes even more remarkable by adding Taiwan with five systems, Hong Kong, and the light metro in Macau. India, with 15 metro systems, proudly takes second place. Beyond its largest cities
like Delhi and Mumbai, metros can be found in Chennai (2015), Kolkata (1984), Hyderabad (2017), Kochi (2017), Nagpur (2019), Lucknow (2017), Noida (2019), Bangalore (2011), Gurgaon (2013), Jaipur (2015), Ahmedabad (2019), Kanpur (2021), and Pune (2022). As we can see, massive infrastructure investment during Narendra Modi’s tenure significantly reshaped India’s image.
Brazil boasts as many as nine metro systems, located in cities such as Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Recife, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Teresina, and newer ones in the Northeast, such as Fortaleza (2012) and Salvador (2014). The US lags with only seven metro systems, most of which are elevated “light” metros. In contrast, “heavyweight” systems like those in Russia are deeply underground in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, and Samara, with a light metro in Volgograd. Heavy metro systems are under construction in Chelyabinsk and Krasnoyarsk, which will soon bring Russia’s total to 10 systems. This is a product of Soviet planning, where the metro construction would begin as quickly as a city’s population reached 900,000, ensuring the metro was operational when the city surpassed one million residents. Consequently, almost all (sufficiently large) capitals of the former USSR
have metro systems—Kyiv, Minsk, Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Tashkent, etc.
Iran is surprisingly high on the list, with six metro systems: Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Karaj. During Hugo Chávez’s presidency, Venezuela managed to establish metro systems in Los Teques and Maracaibo (2006) and Valencia (2007) during the era of high oil prices and without sanctions. These supplemented the Caracas Metro, with an additional metro system in Guarenas still under construction due to sanctions and the ongoing crisis, awaiting better days.
In Europe, Spain boasts eight metro systems in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Palma, Málaga, Seville, and Valencia, making it one of the best-equipped countries on the continent in terms of metro systems, alongside its excellent broader infrastructure. France has six metro systems, and Turkey is making rapid progress with five operational systems and three under construction. Germany also has six systems, while Italy has seven. Outside of Europe, notable new systems include those in Doha, Dubai, and Algiers, which successfully launched its metro in 2011. A country desperately in need of a metro system is Bangladesh, with Dhaka finally inaugurating its metro in 2022.
marera Properties Transforms the belgrade Palace for a new e ra
The iconic landmark of the Serbian capital – Beograđanka (The Belgrade Palace), marks half a century of existence this year, standing as an integral part of the city’s urban landscape. The renowned architect Branko Pešić, who meticulously designed every detail, led the project for this imposing structure, which was constructed between 1969 and 1974. At the time, it was regarded as the first “smart” building in the Balkans, featuring computercontrolled heating, cooling, and window systems. It housed many prominent companies, and every morning, listeners were greeted from the building’s 23rd floor by Duško Radović, a celebrated poet, writer, and journalist.
Over the years, this monumental edifice struggled to resist the passage of time, and the onceglorious shine it had gradually began to fade. It became clear that this famed symbol of Belgrade needed comprehensive revitalisation to regain its deserved place of prominence.
Recognising its significance and rich history, this iconic building entered a new phase in 2020, thanks to Marera Properties. After purchasing the property, the company invested over eight million euros in its restoration and reconstruction, marking the largest investment in the Belgrade Palace since its original construction.
The restoration project involved a carefully planned approach to preserve the building’s original architectural value and identity while meeting the modern functional and comfort requirements of contemporary business needs. The exterior was enhanced and preserved in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of the City of Belgrade for structures of cultural and historical significance. The interior was completely renovated and upgraded, the facade was restored, the piazza in front of the entrance was landscaped, glass panes were replaced, and exterior lighting was installed, resulting in nearly 20,000 m² of Class A office space. Furthermore, stateof-the-art lifts were installed, all installations were replaced, a natural ventilation system was implemented, and a smart management system was introduced, significantly improving the building’s energy efficiency.
TODAY, THE BELGRADE PALACE IS A MODERN, MULTIFUNCTIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE AND HOME TO NUMEROUS DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES THAT RECOGNISE ITS VALUE AND HAVE CHOSEN TO ESTABLISH THEIR OPERATIONS IN THIS REDEFINED SPACE, CREATING NEW VALUE FOR BUSINESS
The addition of new “green oases” on the fifth and sixth-floor terraces further enhances the building’s quality and sustainability. These spaces provide tenants with areas for socialising, relaxation, and a break from work obligations. Designed following global trends, the lush greenery helps reduce urban noise and pollution effects. Additionally, the Belgrade Palace is powered by renewable energy sources, aligning with the portfolio-wide sustainability strategy of Marera Properties to reduce CO2 emissions and environmental impact.
The interiors are designed in a modern style, reflecting the distinctive spirit of Marera Properties. The lobby of the Belgrade Palace also functions as an exhibition space, showcasing original artworks specifically created for the building.
Today, the Belgrade Palace is a modern, multifunctional business centre and home to numerous domestic and international companies that recognise its value and have chosen to establish their operations in this redefined space, creating new value for business. As the most prominent building in the city centre, it reaffirms its status as a symbol of the capital – a place where tradition merges with innovation, and inspiration transforms into success.
BOBAN ĐUROVIĆ
The Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia’s renowned spa town, has become a prime example of successful tourism development, blending natural beauty with innovative infrastructure. Boban Đurović, the mayor of Vrnjačka Banja, has played a pivotal role in leading this transformation. In this interview, Mayor Đurović shares insights into the strategies, landmark projects, and future plans that have posi-
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE, HISTORICAL REVITALIZATION, AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS HAVE TRANSFORMED VRNJAČKA BANJA INTO ONE OF SERBIA’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER TOURIST DESTINATIONS, CATERING TO A DIVERSE RANGE OF VISITORS.
tioned Vrnjačka Banja as one of Serbia’s most attractive destinations for visitors from around the world.
Vrnjačka Banja has become one of Serbia’s most attractive tourist destinations. Can you tell us about the development
strategy that led to this success?
Our development strategy focuses on consistent investments to keep pace with European tourism trends. These investments prioritise creating tourist attractions that influence visitors’ decisions to choose our destination. Additionally, we’ve placed significant emphasis on enhancing our hospitality infrastructure, with constant renovations and the construction of new hotels to cater to all categories of tourists. For instance, over the past year, we’ve made
substantial investments in the town’s centre, particularly the pedestrian zone called Crkveno Brdo. This area now features new walking paths leading to Vrnjačka Banja’s first glass observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the area. Since its opening, it has become a must-visit attraction for residents and tourists.
What are some of the historical projects currently being revitalised for tourism?
One notable project is revitalising the Ler Tunnel, a historical structure from World War II that served as a German army base. We’ve completed the first phase, which involved reconstructing the tunnel’s walls and creating six rooms along its 160-meter length. The second phase will include multimedia exhibits showcasing Vrnjačka Banja’s history, allowing visitors to explore this historical space and exit directly onto Serbia’s longest promenade.
Sports tourism has gained prominence in Vrnjačka Banja. What developments have been made in this sector?
Sports tourism is indeed a significant component of our strategy. Recently, we completed two major projects: a football field with artificial turf and a multifunctional balloon hall. These facilities cater to professional teams and local youth leagues, providing a complete environment for training and competitions. Our existing sports infrastructure includes four indoor arenas, which have already hosted numerous domestic and international teams. With our favourable climate and hotel accommodations, Vrnjačka Banja is becoming a preferred destination for sports preparations.
Private investment plays a crucial role in Vrnjačka Banja’s growth. Could you elaborate on this?
Absolutely. Our favourable investment climate has attracted significant private initiatives, including new hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. A highlight is the recently completed Hotel Kocka, a four-star establishment offering spacious rooms with individual wellness amenities. We also anticipate the opening of Merkur Palace, a five-star hotel designed to enhance luxury and health tourism. This project aligns with our aim to attract high-income visitors and business travellers.
WITH PROJECTS LIKE THE 7.1 KM GONDOLA TO GOČ MOUNTAIN AND COLLABORATIONS ON EU-FUNDED INITIATIVES, VRNJAČKA BANJA IS POISED TO STRENGTHEN ITS REGIONAL PROMINENCE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH.
How has Vrnjačka Banja leveraged its natural beauty for tourism development?
Leveraging our natural resources is integral to our approach. One of our most ambitious projects is the construction of a 7.1 km gondola connecting the town centre to the Goč Mountain peak. This gondola, featuring 112 cabins, will provide breathtaking views and link visitors to hiking trails, biking paths, and pristine forests. We are also developing a comprehensive plan for Goč, which includes playgrounds, a zoo of native animals, and weekend retreats while preserving its natural environment.
How does Vrnjačka Banja compare with other renowned European spa towns?
To identify similarities and opportunities, we’ve studied leading European spa towns such as Vichy, Karlovy Vary, and BadenBaden. While these towns benefit from centuries-old architecture, we excel in modern infrastructure and well-maintained parks. Our competitive edge lies in offering high-quality services at more affordable prices. Moreover, as Serbia progresses toward EU integration, we’re utilising EU funds to modernise public facilities and enhance energy efficiency.
What role does regional and international collaboration play in your strategy?
Collaboration is key. We’ve established partnerships with towns in Slovenia, Montenegro, and France, among others, to apply for joint EU projects. These collaborations have enabled us to fund public building renovations and energyefficient infrastructure. Recently, we initiated discussions with Hungary to strengthen our network further. We aim to achieve sustainable growth for the entire region by pooling resources.
What can we expect in the coming years from Vrnjačka Banja?
The future looks bright. With the Morava Corridor Highway nearing completion, Vrnjačka Banja will gain direct access to major transportation routes, facilitating tourism and industrial investments. We’re also exploring projects like an indoor water park and mini eco-friendly factories along the highway. By maintaining our focus on strategic planning and sustainability, we aim to remain one of Serbia’s premier tourist destinations.
Real estate remains a reliable and safe haven for investors in an unstable financial world where markets fluctuate and inflation erodes savings. Investing in property offers all this and more, whether you’re seeking steady income, long-term value growth, or capital security. If you’re considering starting or expanding your investment portfolio, discover why real estate remains one of the most profitable options.
WHY INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
For decades, real estate has been synonymous with security
INVESTING IN NATURE-BASED REAL ESTATE TODAY ISN’T JUST A SMART FINANCIAL MOVE— IT’S A STEP TOWARD A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AND PRESERVING THE PLANET
and profitability, with property prices showing continuous growth that shows no signs of slowing down.
Unlike stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, which can instantly lose value, real estate provides stability. Its value has grown over the years, even in turbulent economic
times. Property prices in attractive locations— urban centres or natural destinations—demonstrate consistent growth.
Investing in nature-based real estate today isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s a step toward a better quality of life and preserving the planet. Increas-
ingly, people choose to escape the urban hustle, seeking peace, fresh air, and authentic connections with nature. This return to nature isn’t just a trend but a reflection of a desire for a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Properties nestled in untouched nature offer much more than walls and roofs—they are sanctuaries that blend the comfort of modern living with environmental harmony. At the same time, eco-friendly projects provide an opportunity to invest in the future—yours, your loved ones, and the planet’s— while enjoying the security of investments that cater to growing demand.
Investing in Lotus Garden is not just about acquiring property; it’s about securing the future. In a prime location with unique features, this modern ethno-complex offers a perfect opportunity for any investor due to its comprehensive offering.
Among the sea of investment opportunities, the Lotus Garden complex NEAR Mount Cer stands out with its uniqueness and potential. Covering nearly 1,000 square meters and nestled in the heart of pristine nature, it perfectly combines authenticity, practicality, and comfort—just an hour’s drive from Belgrade and Novi Sad.
WHAT MAKES LOTUS GARDEN AN ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT?
Diverse Amenities
The complex is designed to meet the needs of the modern guest, further enhancing its investment appeal. From cosy bungalows and mountain homes to pools, saunas, and spa zones, every element is carefully crafted to provide a premium experience for every visitor.
Prime Location
Mount Cer is a natural treasure. Its proximity to Šabac and rich natural resources make it an ideal spot for relaxation, adventure, or life in a pleasant environment. Additionally, Cer boasts cultural and historical landmarks that attract tourists year-round.
THE LOTUS GARDEN COMPLEX NEAR MOUNT CER STANDS OUT WITH ITS UNIQUENESS AND POTENTIAL, COMBINING PRISTINE NATURE, MODERN AMENITIES, AND A STRATEGIC LOCATION JUST AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM BELGRADE AND NOVI SAD
Lotus Garden provides features unavailable elsewhere:
• A mini zoo for families with children.
• Specialised spaces for yoga, workshops, and team-building activities.
• Authentic kitchens and spaces for tasting local delicacies.
Thanks to its attractive concept and excellent location, Lotus Garden is perfect for both short-term and long-term rentals. The complex appeals to guests seeking a peaceful escape from the city and a unique experience, guaranteeing high occupancy rates and a quick return on investment.
Ethno + Contemporary = Winning Combination
By combining natural beauty with modern amenities, Lotus Garden represents a way of life, offering the opportunity to create unforgettable family memories. A stay in this complex allows you to escape urban chaos, while its amenities and offerings make it the perfect choice for those who value stability, quality, and comfort.
Interested investors can obtain detailed information from Scordia International Properties, a company distinguished by its extensive theoretical and practical expertise in real estate. Their carefully crafted approach covers all investment phases, from strategic planning and location selection to creating topnotch interior design solutions.
DR MILICA ĐURIĆ JOVIČIĆ
Director, Innovation Center, School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade
Dr Milica Đurić Jovičić, Director of the Innovation Center at the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, shares her insights on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. In this interview, she discusses how AI is re shaping industries, enhancing innovation, and driving a future where technology and creativ ity converge to address global challenges.
Within your position on the Governing Board of the Science Europe, you have been following development of AI globally and different national strategies. As an introduction from an expert, could you summarize current challenges and opportunities, as observed from the European angle?
Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of science and innovations, mak ing it essential to address challenges and op portunities at a systemic level. At the recent event organized in Budapest (as the Hungary took over the EU presidency), Science Europe organized High Level Workshop on European Research Area with a dedicated topic “Explor ing the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Science Policy to Strengthen European R&I”. With high level representatives from nearly all European countries, as well as invited guests from different continents, we discussed press ing challenges like global access to AI models, infrastructure, funding, capacity building, and the need for European strategic autonomy in AI, also showcasing successful initiatives from different countries. To fully harness AI’s potential, European countries must strengthen international and regional collaboration, join resources, make responsible investments in AI infrastructure, and develop tailored training programs to address skills gaps.
What challenges do European countries, especially smaller ones, face regarding access to leading AI models and platforms?
Many research organizations rely on thirdparty proprietary AI platforms or models developed outside Europe. With the current state of global tensions around the world, access to AI models can be restricted by export controls and sanctions. Major AI-developing nations can limit the availability of state-of-the-art tools and hinder collaboration with global partners.
As nations prioritize their local AI systems, there is an increased risk of region-specific biases in AI models, which may not align with European research values or standards. Furthermore, this trend undermines Europe’s ability to maintain strategic autonomy in AI research and applications.
Driving Progress with a I - Insights from an Industry Pioneer
EUROPEAN COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT ARE VITAL TO HARNESS AI’S POTENTIAL FULLY
Research organizations must advocate for stable and diversified funding mechanisms, reducing reliance on resources that are vulnerable to geopolitical dynamics. Together, we need to build a resilient AI ecosystem that aligns with its scientific and ethical principles.
AI-powered research and innovations require new collaborations and creating interdisciplinary teams (researchers, AI scientists, and engineers who can focus together on identified challenges and create new AI models). Collaborations between academia, industry, and policymakers are essential to align AI innovations with real-world needs.
To those who did not study engineering or mathematics, AI may seem too advanced technology, beyond their skills. Some may feer of using it in an inadequate way, and responsibility for that. How can we develop needed skills which are fit to our area of work? How can organizations train their employees to exploit the capabilities of AI models and potentials?
In general, despite many available AI tools, their full potential is not being used as many organizations are still facing several barriers, including skills gap, and limited resources, especially for smaller organizations. In parallel with mastering the technological aspects, ethical and legal concerns must also be taken with care To overcome these barriers, research organizations and also high education institutions can design and organize modular training programs and mentorship programs, which would be tailored to the technical education and capabilities of the researchers from that institution and domain-specific applications.
Innovation Center of the School of Electrical Engineering has a dedicated life-long learning laboratory with a number of courses designed for other research organizations or partners from industry. This is designed based on a recognized need from our partners to follow up with the latest technologies, organize data, select optimal algorithms for their problem or area of application, and verify the results.
Designing a specialized hubs within research organization, or cluster of organizations with similar domain can also be a practical way to combine resources and provide access to skills and needed computational resources.
How can we trust AI when it comes to sensitive areas of applications? How can we know is it safe to exploit the AI results?
AI obtained results must be tested. This was also one of the topics I presented at the Science Europe event. To validate AI tools effectively, we must invest in testbeds and pilots within real research environments, allowing these tools to be refined and adapted for practical use.
If not developed properly, either due to wrong selection of algorithms, data, or many other reasons, AI tools can produce biased results, make incorrect predictions, or even cause harm in sensitive areas of applications like healthcare, finance, or autonomous systems. Verification ensures that the AI system functions as needed, aligns with regulations and can be trusted by users.
To benefit from AI-results across areas, sectors, and countries/nations, Europe should also have standardization for developed AI tools (as part of their verification process before receiving certification for that standard, AI tools
BELGRADE’S SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING HAS PIONEERED AI SINCE THE 1960S
should prove ethics, performance, precision/ accuracy, and other key aspects). Together, we can create a resilient AI ecosystem that aligns with Europe’s scientific and ethical values.
What are the potentials of high education, science and innovation in Serbia to follow the progress of AI? Is there an interest from foreign research organizations or industries to collaborate with Serbian organizations in AI projects?
Serbia has significant potential to follow and contribute to the progress of AI. Our academic institutions, particularly those with a legacy of excellence in engineering and computer science, have produced skilled professionals who are now active in cutting-edge AI research and development globally. Serbia has highly skilled and educated workforce in electrical and software engineering and AI related fields. As an example, during my recent visit to some of the best French universities, institutes, and deep tech companies, I received confirmation of the excellent reputation of our students and engineers for their education and work ethics, followed by a strong interest in future collaboration with us. The focus of my visit included development of partnership in AI related topics, so it was exceptionally important to match our expertise and identify future possibilities for collaboration.
However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, we must address key challenges. In-
vestments in infrastructure, interdisciplinary research, and partnerships with international organizations are crucial. Strengthening collaboration between academia and industry can accelerate the application of AI solutions across sectors. Furthermore, nurturing talent through tailored AI programs and initiatives will help bridge the skills gap, enabling Serbia to play a significant role in the global AI landscape while driving innovation locally.
Your faculty has a long history of innovations in AI, dating back to mid 20th century. How has this legacy shaped your current approach to integrate AI into research and education?
As one of the pioneers in AI in this part of Europe, School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade has been shaping the field since 1960s, with advancements in robotics, automatic control for manufacturing processes, and expert systems for power engineering. Today, nearly all departments at our faculty actively incorporate AI into their research and teaching, ensuring that future generations of engineers are equipped to drive progress responsibly.
Innovation Center has dedicated laboratory for Software Engineering and AI, but AI is also a crucial part of some other laboratories such as eHealth and Biomedical Engineering, or Internet of Everything. AI is used in our research and development projects, including projects with different industries. As our engineering legacy, while we push the boundaries of technology, we must ensure AI serves the greater good, upholds ethical standards, and contribute to humanity’s well being. For this reason, we select our topics and partners carefully, and commit to creating AI solutions that are driving positive change across industries, communities, individuals and environment.
Serbia committed to green transition: 45% of energy from renewable sources by 2030
Energy transition, use of renewable energy sources and encouragement of innovation and investment in sustainable technologies are key initiatives for achieving environmental goals and competitiveness of our region, is the conclusion of the third regional CORE Days conference – Response to ESG challenges, which was organised by NALED, with the support of the Swedish and German Governments in cooperation with the Partnership for a more competitive region
In Serbia, we are not only aware of the importance of ESG principles but also committed to their integration into our policies and practices. Serbia submitted an initiative to the United Nations for the adoption of the Resolution on the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development to solve global challenges, such as climate change, energy transition and the preservation of resources for future generations – said the Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begović at the opening of the conference.
To help this process, the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade, in cooperation with NALED, will work over the next three years to encourage the sustainability of supply chains and their compliance with EU environmental, social, and management standards so that domestic companies are more competitive on the market.
ENERGY TRANSITION IS KEY TO ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND COMPETITIVENESS
– The inclusion of the private sector is therefore very important. Namely, supply chains often rely on practices that can harm human rights and the environment. Implementing the new EU regulation is an opportunity to respond to existing challenges and promote sustainable policies. Companies should conduct a “deep analysis” and map the risks related to applying ESG standards to improve their operations in terms of sustainability –said the head of the Department for Develop-
ment Cooperation at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ann-Charlotte Malm.
Great Britain’s Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Edward Ferguson, welcomed the development of the debate on climate change and highlighted as a particularly important initiative the Government of Serbia’s decision to adopt the Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate, which foresees that by 2030, 45% of electricity will be obtained from renewable sources. He added that Great Britain will support the Western Balkans with 15 billion pounds to finance exports.
In accordance with the goals of sustainable development, the fourth edition of the Certification of Municipalities with a Favorable Business Environment in Southeast Europe (BFC SEE) program is also in place. Thus, the focus is now on digitisation, environmental protection, innovation, and EU integration at the local level.
– As many as 53 local governments from the entire region joined the process, and the BFC program became a tool for identifying best practices in implementing reforms. Thus, Serbia and Albania introduced electronic building permits following the example of North Macedonia, and now the economies of the region are taking over from Serbia the solution for online registration of seasonal workers – announced the executive director of NALED, Violeta Jovanović.
In 2022, with the support of the German Development Cooperation and more than 20 institutional partners from seven economies, NALED established the Partnership for a Competitive Region (CORE Partnership) to improve and harmonise business conditions in the Western Balkans. As a platform for dialogue and exchange of the best reform solutions, the Partnership implements the BFC SEE certification program and organises the CORE Days conference, where topics of importance for the future of the region are raised every year.
c onference on Innovations in Sustainable e nergy in the e ra of Decarbonisation and Green Hydrogen
Held in novi Sad
On December 3rd, 2024, a conference on innovations in sustainable energy in the era of decarbonisation and green hydrogen was held at the Amphitheatre of the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad.
The event was organised by Color Media Events in cooperation with the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia. The conference was moderated by Žikica Milošević from Color Media Events, who opened the event and introduced the panel participants to the audience.
The opening speeches were delivered by Boris Novaković, Vice President of the Assembly of Vojvodina, who emphasised that the future of environmental protection depends on upcoming generations. “It is essential that everyone,fromlocalauthoritiestointernational partners,workstogetheronsustainableenergy solutions. Through international cooperation, wecanachievelong-termgoalsinenergyefficiency and make Vojvodina an environmentally renowned region,” Novaković stated.
“Thoseinvolvedintourismcanapplyfor upto2,5mil.dinarsingrantsforpurchasing electricorhybridvehicles.Theideaistosupportindividualswishingtoembracealternativeenergysources,suchassolarenergy,with thefullbackingoftheprovincialgovernment,” Ivanišević said.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Serbia, H.E. Charlote Sammelin, addressed the attendees, discussing the importance of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Sweden and international cooperation in sustainable energy between the two nations. “I would liketosayafewwordsaboutSwedenandSerbia. In three years, we will celebrate 110 years ofdiplomaticrelations,reflectingalongand friendlyrelationshipevidentintheSerbian diaspora in Sweden, where around 1,080 Serbs reside. It is also important to highlight the significanceofeconomiccooperation,aswe have about 200 companies in Serbia that bring innovations, create sustainable practices, and focus on local economic development,” stated Ambassador Sammelin.
Jasmina Grbović Novaković from the Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča” was particularly active on this topic. “Overthepasttwoto threeyears,intensivegeologicalresearchhas shownthatcertaingeologicalformationscan producehydrogenenergy.InSerbia,the‘Vinča’ Institute,incollaborationwiththeFacultyof Geology,agreedayearagothatourgoalistoexplorethepotentialforwhitehydrogeninSerbia. Thekeyfeatureofwhitehydrogenisthatthere isnoneedtoproduceit—itisnaturallyavailable,” explained Grbović Novaković INNOVATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in sustainable energy, including: Jasmina Grbović Novaković, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy and Renewable Energy Sources at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča”, Slobodan Cvetković, Head of the Centre for Ecology and Techno-Economics at the Institute for Chemistry, Technology, and Metallurgy, Ivan Pantelić, Director of the Novi Sad City Energy Agency, Miljan Radunović, Solution Engineer at the Centre of Competence for Industrial Solutions, Siemens Energy, Bojan Erak, Intesa Leasing, Filip Marković, KfW Development Bank. The panel discussion, led by moderator Žikica Milošević, focused on the importance and extraction of white hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
Dr Nenad Ivanišević, Provincial Secretary for Economy and Tourism of Vojvodina, welcomed the guests and panellists, announcing that Vojvodina will become the first region in the Balkans to provide non-refundable grants of one mil. dinars for purchasing electric or hybrid cars following the adoption of the provincial budget on 17 December.
Venture capital investor specialised in blockchain
In this interview, Rebecca Jovicevic, a venture capital investor specializing in blockchain, shares her insights on the transformative power of blockchain technology, its diverse applications, and future potential. She also discusses strategies for fostering innovation in Serbia’s tech ecosystem, the importance of global perspectives, and her experience navigating the maledominated tech industry.
Rebecca, you are a senior member of a $2B venture fund headquartered in NY at age 25 and have experience sitting on boards of tech companies. How did that come about?
I knew I wanted to be part of an environment centered around innovation and open to new ideas and change—qualities that define the US tech ecosystem. It’s also where meritocracy takes center stage, and young people are given opportunities to prove themselves. That’s exactly what happened to me. Coming from Europe, my reasoning for joining a venture firm was to gain a bird’s-eye view of the ecosystem and rewire my thinking by surrounding myself with brilliant founders.
Your fund focuses on blockchain technology. Can you give us an overview of how the technology works? What is blockchain technology used for today? Where will we see it applied in the future? Blockchain technology is essentially a decentralized digital ledger that publicly records transactions across a network of computers to ensure transparency and immutability. Unlike traditional databases managed by a central authority, a blockchain distributes data
across multiple nodes, making it resistant to modification or fraud. Each block in the chain contains a set of transactions, and once validated and added, it becomes a permanent part of the ledger that cannot be altered retroactively without consensus from the network.
Think of each block as a cup into which you can place any data—from records of real-world assets to digital versions of the dollar. Once the data is securely placed inside the cup, it becomes part of an immutable chain that everyone can see, but no one can alter. The asset being on the chain makes it tradable, which makes it liquid. Blockchain unlocks copious amounts of liquidity in the market, especially through the tokenization of real-world assets.
Today, blockchain can be applied across almost every industry. Technically, it has the potential to be used in areas like supply chain management for tracking goods or in healthcare for securing medical records. However, where technology truly found its footing is in financial services. Stablecoins are a prime
creating more accessible markets. At the same time, advancements at the intersection of AI and blockchain are laying the groundwork for entirely new value transfer and governance systems.
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY’S ABILITY TO TOKENIZE REAL-WORLD ASSETS IS PIVOTAL IN UNLOCKING MARKET LIQUIDITY AND ADVANCING FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY WORLDWIDE
example: they now account for nearly 30% of global remittances, and their transaction volumes are approaching the scale of Visa. The acquisition of Bridge by Stripe strongly indicates how mainstream this technology is becoming. Blockchain’s ability to tokenize real-world assets will be pivotal in unlocking liquidity and
How can blockchain technology be implemented in Serbia, for example?
Just to name a few, blockchain technology could be used to securely record every individual’s vote, ensuring anonymity while preventing fraud during election season. It could also be employed to track agricultural products from
farm to table, bolstering Serbia’s reputation in European markets and instilling confidence among international trade partners in the quality and authenticity of Serbian exports.
Another use case could be the introduction of a national stablecoin that would streamline crossborder transactions, particularly remittances sent home by Serbia’s diaspora. This would deliver faster, more affordable transfers and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Taking it a step further with a yield-bearing stablecoin could put Serbia ahead of the curve, embracing a trend set to have mass adoption.
How are the US and European labour markets different in your view?
On a conceptual level, I think the key difference lies in the approach to growth. Europe tends to focus on growth through repetition and refinement of existing
models, while the U.S. prioritizes growth through innovation. This cultural distinction trickles down into the labor markets. Europe often operates with a mindset of scarcity, maintaining the status quo, whereas a mindset of abundance and opportunity drives the U.S..
One of the biggest challenges in Europe is the prevalence of ageism. Professional growth is often tied to a rigid hierarchy based on time and seniority—the belief that the older and more experienced you are, the better you are at your job. In the U.S., especially in the tech industry, there’s a willingness to take a chance on young talent, which creates a much more dynamic environment.
Another major difference is how job security is handled. In Europe, the difficulty of firing someone can lead to complacency in the workplace, as there’s less pressure to perform or adapt. It also makes it harder for new talent to enter the workforce.
What role can government policy play in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem in Serbia?
A stable legal environment with efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, open data initiatives, and regulatory sandboxes coupled with an easy and affordable process for setting up a business is the foundation for setting up a thriving tech ecosystem in Serbia.
Serbia could take it a step further and allocate a small portion of its budget to establish a national venture capital fund —similar to Enterprise Ireland— that not only provides financing and grants for startups but also acts as a centralized hub connecting businesses with government resources such as funding, loans, and expert advice.
The government could also facilitate partnerships between leading universities such as Stanford or incubation hubs, bringing their standards and networks to the country.
What advice would you give to Serbian founders looking to break into the global tech scene?
My advice is to seek perspective. Gaining perspective always has a net positive impact on decisionmaking—it can either confirm your thesis or prompt you to adjust your course. Either way, it provides a fuller picture, enabling better decision-making and often uncovering new frameworks for thinking about things.
SERBIA’S TECH ECOSYSTEM COULD THRIVE WITH STRATEGIC POLICIES, INCLUDING REGULATORY SANDBOXES, NATIONAL VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDS, AND STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH THE DIASPORA
Seeking perspective outside of Serbia is also essential for practical reasons. Serbia’s relatively uniform society can create confirmation bias, particularly for consumer-facing products, limiting your ability to validate your ideas objectively. Additionally, if you’re aiming to raise venture funding, achieving scale is essential—and scaling is achieved by tapping into larger markets.
My advice is also to constantly question the status quo, not accept things as they are, and push to find better ways of doing things. Along the way, build or join communities, whether online or in person. At the end of the day, tech is a relatively small ecosystem of people who value collaboration, and the compounding network effects cannot be overstated.
Also, don’t be afraid to share your ideas. The belief in Eastern Europe that someone will steal your idea if you share it is a misconception—the feedback you receive from sharing is far more valuable than “secrecy.”
Find ways to showcase your abilities, participate in hackathons that put you on a global stage, and always be prepared for opportunities by having your travel documents in order. Finally, start. Everything takes longer than you expect.
How can we best leverage the diaspora today - what relationship should we have with them?
The best way to leverage the diaspora is to tap into their global perspective. Take the best practices they see abroad and find ways to bring them back to Serbia.
At the same time, it’s crucial to build a strong sense of community and connection for them while they’re living abroad through bilateral organizations, agencies, and consulates. Equally important is creating an environment back in Serbia that welcomes change and new ideas, so if members of the diaspora choose to return, their possible contributions will be met with openness and support, ultimately resulting in the country’s growth.
Tech is a male-dominated industry - how do you navigate it? What steps can be taken to encourage more women to pursue tech and venture capital careers? While it’s true that tech remains male-dominated, it’s also fundamentally meritocratic and results-driven. It moves fast, and outcomes measure success. Did your venture firm deliver strong returns? Has your company found product-market fit? Results speak louder than pre-conceived notions, and over time, quality of thought and execution naturally override any gender biases.
My advice to women—or anyone—who wants to enter the industry is to start young, find people within the industry you admire, go to them with specific questions, be infinitely curious and humble, have opinions, even if contrarian ones, but always be prepared to back them up with facts.
When deciding whether to pursue a path as an investor or an operator, take the time to break down what you’re optimizing for granularly. Consider the hours you’re willing to work, the kind of people you want to surround yourself with, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking. Map out the possible outcomes based on these answers. Most importantly, don’t get caught up chasing external validation. It’s far better to be directionally correct with a long-term perspective than to jump on whatever trend or advice is popular.
e xpert a nalysis on Post-Pandemic recovery, Geopolitical Impacts, and a ir Serbia’s Strategic Growth
KURT HOFMANN
aviation expert and journalist
Kurt Hofmann, a renowned aviation expert and journalist with nearly three decades of experience, shares his insights into the rapidly evolving aviation landscape. In this interview, Hofmann discusses the lingering effects of the pandemic on air traffic, the geopolitical challenges of reshaping flight routes, and the strategic positioning of airlines in the Western Balkans. With a focus on Air Ser-
bia’s intercontinental expansion, Tirana Airport’s growth, and the region’s untapped potential, Hofmann offers a compelling analysis of how the industry adapts to global challenges and seizes emerging opportunities.
Although several years have passed since the coronavirus pandemic, air traffic still seems to be experiencing some lingering effects. What has changed compared to the prepandemic period?
Some regions in the world reached pre-COVID levels earlier, and some are still behind this capacity, like Germany. The traffic there is still lower. We see that more aircraft are needed. This is related to the GTF engine problem of the A320neo fleet worldwide and to 787s or aircraft delivery delays, related to supply chain problems, strikes at Boeing, and so many other factors. Another challenge is worldwide geopolitical problems, such as those in Israel, Sudan, and Russia.
The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted air traffic. Who has been most affected by the interruption of the shortest route between Europe, China, and the Far East?
Of course, Finnair, because the former model to offer the shortest flight from Europe to Asia doesn’t work any more. So they have to find a new strategy. Many European carriers face high overfly costs, compared to the Chinese carriers, which use Russian airspace to Europe, and the European airlines regarding the sanction they have to detour. That‘s why Lufthansa shut down Frankfurt - Beijing services, as they are no longer profitable. The closed airspace occurred ten years earlier, and detours without aircraft types like Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 would be economically impossible.
You are highly knowledgeable about aviation in Serbia and the region. How do you view the current situation in the Western Balkans?
Many airlines in Europe have yet to realise what opportunities are available in this region. Air Serbia makes the most of it, even though Belgrade airport‘s capacity issues sometimes challenge them, or insufficient aircraft are available.
What are your thoughts on Air Serbia’s strategy and expansion into the intercontinental market, especially toward China? Has the Serbian national airline seized the right moment?
AIR SERBIA USES ITS OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL, MAKING THE MOST OF ITS ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER EUROPEAN CARRIERS BY EXPANDING ITS NETWORK TO CHINA
Air Serbia uses its opportunities and its potential. Given Serbia‘s geographic position in southeastern Europe, the airline can make the most of its economic advantages over other European carriers by expanding its network to China. As mentioned, Since the closure of Russian airspace, flights to China have become challenging for European airlines as longer flying times increase
operating costs. Meanwhile, Chinese carriers benefit from short flight times as they still overfly Russia. While Air Serbia circumvents Russia, Belgrade is positioned closer to China than most European capitals, making it relatively cheaper for Air Serbia to operate long-haul flights in East Asia. Diplomatic relations between China and Serbia have warmed considerably over the past 12 years since the SNS party was in power in Belgrade. China sees Serbia as one of its two most important European partners alongside Hungary. A free trade agreement and several other pacts between China and Serbia came into effect in July.
Tirana Airport has become the busiest in the Western Balkans. How do you explain this, and what are the expectations for further traffic growth?
I‘m surprised that the airport was not busier earlier. Albania will definitely see much more growth in the future. I‘m not so involved in their strategy, but they have been selling themselves below their value for a long time.
What are the prospects for Belgrade Airport? Is it developing appropriately, and could it be a significant hub in Europe?
It is good to see all the improvements which have been already made. But there are still many things to do. A total of 120 destinations are now offered from Belgrade. In the last two years, Air Serbia has opened 43 new destinations. In comparison, the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air does not provide a single additional destination from Belgrade, only those where another operator already flies. This, in turn, shows that an airline which concentrates on point-to-point traffic finds it
more difficult to open new destinations than, for example, the hub carrier with 80 destinations, and this generates transfer traffic. But we must also be critical of the airport operator Vinci. Air Serbia must constantly tell the airport to concentrate on expanding transfers over the next five years. This
Kurt Hofmann is an Austrian aviation journalist with nearly 30 years of experience covering the global airline industry. He serves as a correspondent for Air Transport World and Aero International, and his work is featured in publications such as Aviation Week Network and The Travelers Club. Hofmann frequently discusses commercial aviation topics on Austrian, Swiss, and German television and radio channels. His extensive experience and insightful analyses have established him as a leading voice in aviation journalism.
is because 35 per cent of all Air Serbia passengers change in Belgrade. Air Serbia is now focusing on increasing frequencies. They are waiting for approval to build a new lounge and premium checkin. There is excellent potential to increase Belgrade‘s regional hub role further.
What topics will aviation journalists around the world be covering in the near future? Do you foresee any interesting developments?
Geopolitical challenges will have quite some impact on the daily airline business. The airlines have to become even more flexible, and we follow this. We follow the problems at Boeing, the late deliveries for 777X, and so on. We see the challenges if Airbus can deliver on time, what is going on in the cabin for passengers, the latest innovations, etc. In some parts of the world, airlines are expanding like crazy, for example, in India. Besides Latin America, Africa will become a huge market when the middle class increases.
What is life like as an aviation journalist? Do you enjoy frequent travel and have a passion for flying?
I‘ve been doing this for 29 years and still enjoy travelling around the world, doing between 40 and 50 airline CEO interviews every year, visiting Airbus, Embraer, or sometimes Boeing, and much more. The aviation business is different every day. The ongoing changes are permanent. And for sure, I love flying.
The Story of Swedish match and Their nicotine Pouches
PATRIK HILDINGSSON
Vice President for communications and public affairs of Swedish Match
As part of the “ReThink: Let’s learn from Sweden” conference that was held in Belgrade, we had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Patrik Hildingsson, the Vice President for communications and public affairs of Swedish Match, about their innovative nicotine pouches and its success, the Swedish model in tobacco harm reduction and what could Serbia learn from it, as well as many other important topics.
Sweden’s success in tobacco harm reduction is well known. Could you please explain to us what sets the Swedish model apart and what Serbia could potentially learn from its approach in terms of harm reduction?
I think there are a few key elements in the Swedish model. First of all, there’s been a situation, a regulatory opportunity for companies to innovate in the alternative nicotine market. At Swedish Match we have innovated the traditional snus over the years. When we
THE SWEDISH MODEL IN TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF INNOVATION AND REGULATION WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE QUALITY ALTERNATIVES, SIGNIFICANTLY ACCELERATING THE DECLINE IN SMOKING RATES.
came with the tobacco pouches, snus, it really started to take on and it started to grow at the expense of cigarette smoking. Then, with the product improvements over the years and finally with the nicotine pouches, which are not based on tobacco, it has expanded the target audience among all adult smokers.
So my message here is that I don’t think one product can fit all adult smokers.
You need to have a palette of different types of products and I think that is the key. The other piece into the equation is really regulation.
If you have a situation where alternative products and innovation in that category work alongside with regulation, that actually benefits the alternatives, you can accelerate the smoking decline significantly. I think these are the two main components into the equation.
I’m glad that you mentioned the health aspect of it, because Sweden is known to have one of the lowest rates of smoking related cancers in Europe. To what extent can these statistics be linked to the widespread use of oral nicotine products and could Serbia as well expect similar public health benefits by adopting these harm reduction approaches? You can look at it from two ways. The reason why tobacco related diseases and mortality is declining and why it’s very low, among the lowest in the Western world, in Sweden, is because we don’t smoke. That’s the key reason.
So the statistics came to be like that by having people leave cigarettes. Either with that, or if they choose not to leave smoking, by choosing a far better alternative. That is really the reason for this.
I would argue then on top of that that we have had snus and now the nicotine pouches for over 200 years in Sweden. There are about more than 300 scientific independent studies that have sliced and diced the science over decades in Sweden.
The US FDA has given Swedish snus from Swedish Match a certain status where we can do certain health related claims. On top of that, the most important part is that we have the outcome, we have the end results and that is the public health statistics. So I think the case is very, very strong.
And what can Serbia learn from it?
Well, I think, first of all, the Serbian policymakers ought to really dig into Sweden and the Swedish experience and try to pick what’s
good in the Swedish model and adjust it and adopt it to Serbian policymaking. Because what I know is that all countries have still quite a high smoking prevalence and in Serbia it is really high.
SERBIA COULD BENEFIT FROM ADOPTING SWEDEN’S APPROACH BY TAILORING
REGULATIONS TO RELATIVE RISKS AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILES, WHILE FOSTERING INNOVATION TO OFFER BETTER SOLUTIONS FOR ADULT SMOKERS.
So I think a combination of regulation that is based on the relative risks and the toxicological profile of the product, while allowing innovation and quality alternatives to be sold to people, is the best solution.
Swedish tradition is to use oral nicotine products. On the other hand, we can say that Serbian tradition is cigarette smoking. Sincerely speaking, how optimistic can you be about the success and acceptance of these products among smoker countries such as Serbia?
I think when it comes to tobacco consumption in any country, cigarettes were the culture. If you go back to the 70s or to the 80s, every
country using tobacco did choose the cigarette. So cigarettes were part of culture in Sweden as well, back then.
With that experience and knowledge, I’m absolutely sure that alternative products like pouches, but also other smokeless products, will play a role in the future, because at some point in time, the regulator will have emptied all the tools in the box and the problem of smoking will not be solved .
I mean, regulation is good, we want regulation, but you also need to give the smokers other incentives, other solutions, and therefore I’m very optimistic.
For the last question, which is something that probably concerns the public the most, it’s the appeal of nicotine pouches to young people. What is the Swedish experience regarding these issues?
I’m myself a father of four, so I know parenthood and all the concerns I have for my kids. But I come back again to two things. One is that , you need to have regulation and you need to enforce the regulation. Which in this case means that you need to have age restrictions and you need to follow up on these ones.
Secondly, it’s unfortunate that there are unserious companies in any category in any field, and there is a concern of illicit trade, of course, but again, that comes back to enforcement and making a market legal rather than the opposite, stimulating black markets. So we are working very hard with our customers to ensure that our products are reaching the right audiences.
The conference brings together domestic and international leaders in the Fight for Gender equality
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the “Equal, Safe, Empowered” conference was held on 25 November 2024 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Belgrade. Organised by the Office of the Minister without Portfolio in charge of gender equality, the event gathered leading domestic and international officials, experts, and civil society representatives. Color Media Events also participated in organising the conference.
In her opening address, Tatjana Macura emphasised that building a society free from violence is a primary goal and announced a series of panel discussions focusing on how system institutions directly support victims of violence.
In addition to Minister Tatjana Macura, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Elvira Kovač, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, opened the conference. In their speeches, they both highlighted the importance of the fight for equal opportunities and women’s empowerment.
President Vučić stated, “Current data indicates less violence than in previous years, but discussing it as much as possible is crucial. It is essential to publicly address every act of
BUILDING A SOCIETY FREE FROM VIOLENCE ISA PRIMARY GOAL
violence and ensure that institutions respond immediately,” he stressed, urging the Serbian government to enforce zero tolerance for violence against women.
The program included three thematic panels discussing how system institutions directly support victims of violence.
“Equal” — Moderated by Borka Jeremić, Head of the UNFPA Office in Serbia, this panel focused on the role of international cooperation in advancing equality. Panellists, including Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, and H.E. Charlotte Semelin, Swedish Ambassador to Serbia, stressed that legislative reforms and effective mechanisms for protection against discrimination are essential steps toward achieving equality.
“Safe” — This panel explored measures to prevent violence against women and improve support systems for victims. It was moderated by Tatjana Macura and included participants
such as Ivica Dačić, Minister of the Interior; Maja Popović, Minister of Justice; Nemanja Starović, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs; and Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue. The discussion introduced new initiatives to combat violence, including strengthening safe houses and adopting new legal frameworks.
“Empowered” — Dedicated to women’s economic and political empowerment, this panel was moderated by Ljupka Mihajlovska, Special Advisor to the Minister without Portfolio. Participants included Brankica Janković, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality; Aleksandar Marković, Chair of the Human and Minority Rights and Gender Equality Committee; Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment; Darko Trajković, Public Prosecutor of the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Niš; and Jelena Hrnjak from NGO Atina. The panel emphasised that investments in women’s entrepreneurship, digitalisation, and education are fundamental for long-term change, with special attention to the role of local communities and NGOs.
The conference featured a performance by the ethno group “Zlatnik,” which performed traditional Serbian songs, symbolically linking tradition with modern values. In closing remarks, the organisers thanked all participants and announced new initiatives in the fight for equal opportunities and the protection of women.
The “Equal, Safe, Empowered” conference marks a significant step in the fight for gender equality, demonstrating Serbia’s readiness to collaborate with international partners in building a society where women are safe and empowered. Organisers called on citizens, institutions, and organisations to join this cause.
The SemPL conference, the leading platform for media and communication trends in the adriatic region, hosted over 800 experts from the media and marketing industries in Portorož.
The SEMPL Conference programme was packed with star speakers from across Europe who impressed attendees with insights into the latest trends shaping the future of media, advertising, and communications.
This year’s conference featured numerous notable performances:
Sasha Savić, a renowned director and consultant in the advertising industry with three decades of experience in the US and leadership of the media agency MediaCom, spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on transforming agency models and media campaign planning. He offered participants several practical tips for achieving success: „You must surround yourself with the right people. Find talented individuals with a broad range of skills and abilities. The right people create innovative and transformative ideas that make clients want to work with your agency. When you have such transformative ideas, it’s also the best way to achieve transformative results. So, don’t wait too long and ensure the best people around
you can deliver great, surprising, and transformative ideas leading to transformative results.“
Richard Colwell, CEO of the Irish research company RED C Research, presented groundbreaking research proving that television remains the most powerful medium for capturing and retaining people‘s attention.
Also on stage were Robert Čoban, co-founder and president of Color Press Group, and Branimir Brkljač, a Slovenian expert in direct marketing. They discussed transformations in communication over the past four decades, the impact of artificial intelligence, and how traditional media and marketing models can survive in a „brave new world.“
Gizem Ozturk, Global Director at TBWA\Worldwide, shared innovative methods for strengthening global agency connectivity within the network through tailored training programmes.
„When designing our programmes in different cities or countries, we ensure that the unique elements of each culture are integrated into the learning process. I believe in creating programmes that offer unique, comprehensive experiences, allowing participants to fully engage with the learning content
revealed behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this global phenomenon and the collaboration with various brands.
Maja Kremić, Director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, spoke on a panel moderated by Ana Radišić. She highlighted the foundation‘s belief that every child deserves a happy and enriching childhood, as early experiences shape them into responsible and empowered adults.
Melissa Duhalde, a French beauty marketing expert, concluded SEMPL with a talk on the importance of diversity and inclusion in modern advertising campaigns. Drawing on her experience with companies like L’Oréal and Shiseido, she stressed the necessity of embracing these values in today’s marketing strategies.
In addition to inspiring lectures, SEMPL offered a range of practical workshops in which participants explored new approaches to campaign planning and strategies and the impact of information overload on society and cognitive processes.
and the culture around them,“ she emphasised.
Nebojša Mandrapa, a personal branding expert, presented strategies for developing Novak Djokovic‘s personal brand, including crisis management and charitable initiatives.
„A successful brand is always evolving; it‘s not something set in stone, so it’s no surprise if it changes its roles in the community,“ he summarised.
Among the more intriguing guests was Angelina Komarova, producer of seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix‘s Emily in Paris. In conversation with actor Domen Valič, she
Unforgettable gatherings and parties created the perfect atmosphere for networking and exchanging ideas. The event‘s highlight was the Sempler Awards ceremony, celebrating the best media strategies in the region. The grand prize was awarded to the project „Poli 50 - I Was There,“ created by the Futura DDB agency for Perutnina Ptuj, marking the 50th anniversary of the Poli brand. SEMPL once again confirmed its reputation as the central event in the region for media and marketing. Organisers are already anticipating even more top-tier content next year. The dates for the next SEMPL are already set: 27th and 28th November 2025.
From the very outset Volvo c ars has been a brand for people who care about the world we live in and the people around us. Volvo has made it‘s mission to make life easier, better and safer for everyone. For a better future. Volvo wants to provide you with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.Subtitle
Founded in the distant year 1927, Volvo Cars has built a strong reputation over the years as a world leader in quality, design and safety. Especially in this last area, the Swedish brand has held a downright legendary status for many decades now – due to its many breakthrough achievements, which raised the level and changed our perception of automotive safety.
Because of so many positive features, proven reliability and a luxurious yet reserved Scandinavian style, Volvo soon became a popular choice among diplomats, too. As a matter of fact, Volvo Cars has been serving the diplomat community already since 1956, today offering one of the most comprehensive diplomat sales programs on the market.
EACH VOLVO – AS THE BRAND ITSELF SAYS – IS DESIGNED AROUND PEOPLE
The fact is that the advantage of Volvos is not only in what they offer in general, but primarily in how much they manage to adapt to the wishes and needs of individuals. Each Volvo – as the brand itself says – is designed around people.
Let‘s illustrate this: a Volvo Diplomat customer, for example, is able to order a new Volvo, tailored to her or his unique requirements, with a premium level of service and exclusivity guaranteed. Choice can be made between a wide selection of cars and various possibilities, and there is also the option of designing a desired car in the configurator on Volvo website and using Volvo consultants to help make the right decision.
And while every single car from special Volvo Diplomatic Sales program is tailored to unique wishes of diplomats, there are some Volvo models that are becoming more and more desirable among the community, with growing popularity. These are the XC models, a line of exceptional SUVs that represent an alternative to more classical diplomatic cars and offer plenty advantages.
For example, the Volvo XC40 excels in driving experience and cutting-edge technology and brings lightness to journeys, while its somewhat bigger brother Volvo XC60 impresses with perfect technology, highest comfort and equipment adjusted to the lives of diplomats. Finally, there is the Volvo XC90, the most sophisticated Volvo to date that brings refined power and impeccable comfort to diplomatic travel.
In the current special offer, prepared exclusively for members of diplomatic community, all three XC models are available under particularly favorable conditions:
• XC40 B3 FWD petrol 163hp CORE DCT starting from 28.470€
• XC60 B5 AWD petrol 250hp CORE starting from 33.990€
• XC90 B5 AWD diesel 250hp CORE starting from 49.709 €
What has also always been the nature of thinking at Volvo are the cars that carefully look after environment. Just as diplomatic travels are often long, it is important in the long run to know how to preserve natural world.
Volvo Cars is on the journey towards becoming a climate neutral business by 2040. All of us need to act to make sure the future is more sustainable, and Volvo Cars is proud to help lead the way. The time for an electrified vehicles is now.
Therefore, Volvo Diplomatic offer also always includes cars that are very protective to nature. Today, these are plug-in hybrids XC60 and XC90 Recharge that provide more power
and less impact on the environment. As every Volvo, of course, they offer all the elegance and comfort on diplomatic travels. In the special offer created exclusively for diplomats these cars are available:
• XC60 T6 TwE 350hp Core starting from 45.900€
Our new fully electric Volvo EX30 is designed to be as safe as you’d expect from us. It is designed to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date, and to make people’s
lives safer, more convenient and more enjoyable through cutting-edge technology and Scandinavian design.
Finally, if performance is your priority, pick the Twin Motor Performance variant in which we pair the NMC battery with an additional second e-motor. This all-wheel drive variant of the EX30 provides 315kW (428hp) and takes you from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds – it’s officially our fastest-accelerating car ever!
Another thing the EX30 does fast is charging. The extended-range Twin Motor variant has a charging capacity of up to 153kW, while the standard-range car has a capacity of 134kW. That means you can charge your battery from 10 to 80 per cent in a little over 25 minutes.
• EX30 51 kWh Single Core
However, the SUV selection is far from everything – as already mentioned, Volvo offers diplomats the widest possible selection of its vehicles with always the best terms of purchase.
VCAG as Volvo Car Corporation authorized importer for Adria Region, provided for You “concierge” service where in direct contact with our Fleet Manager (Mr. Matija Bilic / matija.bilic@vcag.net ) you will be guided through whole sales process and all assistance needed and possible will be provided. Please do not hesitate to ask any question you feel need clearance, all in purpose making your purchase as lean as possible.
You can read more about all the Volvo cars and the Volvo Cars Diplomatic Sales service on the website volvocars.hr, or if you prefer to contact Volvo directly, write to diplomatic.sales@vcag.net Bon voyage diplomatique!
PIERRE TOSSUT CEO of Puratos Group
Puratos, a company with over 100 years of existence in the global market and a leader in the food industry, has set new standards in its business domain, with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and health and well-being. We spoke with Pierre Tossut, CEO of Puratos Group, about the key factors for the company’s success, its significance in the domestic market, and future plans that will shape the food industry.
OUR GROWTH IN SERBIA OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS HAS BEEN REMARKABLE. THIS SUCCESS IS BUILT ON TRUST, COLLABORATION, AND A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF LOCAL MARKET NEEDS
Your visit to Serbia and the opening of a new factory emphasizes the importance of Puratos business in the domestic market. Given that you have been present here for more than 30 years, first as a distributor
standing of local market needs. We have evolved from a distributor to a significant manufacturer in the region, thanks to our strong relationships and commitment to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
The recent opening of our new factory in Kragujevac is a significant milestone. This modern facility enhances our production capabilities and allows us to better serve our customers with high-quality, innovative solutions. It also supports economic development in Kragujevac and the surrounding region, positioning us as a key player in the Western Balkans.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. This new factory exemplifies our dedication to responsible growth. By expanding our production capacities, we are not only meeting more customers’ needs but also ensuring that our operations are environmentally sustainable. This facility reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, driving us towards a more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, we aim to solidify our position as a global leader while staying true to our core values of innovation, sustainability, health and well-being, and customer focus. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to driving success for our customers, partners, and the communities we serve in Serbia.
How will the new factory in Kragujevac enhance product quality and business performance in Serbia?
The construction of the new factory in Kragujevac marks a significant turning point for our business. This facility will enhance product quality and business performance in several key ways.
and later as a manufacturer, how do you see the success of Puratos in our country?
Our growth in Serbia over the past 30 years has been remarkable. This success is built on trust, collaboration, and a deep under-
Firstly, the launch of production will bring numerous benefits to our employees and the local community. By creating new jobs and employing local residents, we are contributing to the economic development of Kragujevac and the surrounding region. This new production facility will positively impact the prosperity of the local market and domestic production in general.
Secondly, by expanding our production capacity and implementing the highest manufacturing standards, we are strengthening our presence not only in Serbia but also in the Western
Balkans. The fully automated margarine production line and a storage space that is four times larger, elevates our production performance. This allows us to meet the growing demands of our customers and partners in Serbia more effectively.
What are the key factors that have contributed to the longterm success of Puratos?
The long-term success of Puratos can be attributed to several key factors, all centered around our commitment to our customers and continuous innovation.
Customer-Centric Approach: At Puratos, we place our customers at the heart of everything we do. By understanding their needs and anticipating market trends, we are able to provide solutions that help them succeed. Our Taste Tomorrow initiative, for example, offers valuable consumer insights that guide our customers in staying ahead of trends.
Innovation: Innovation is the driving force behind our growth. Our dedicated team of 1252 R&D researchers and technical advisors work tirelessly to develop products that not only meet but exceed
market expectations. We prioritize innovations that bring value to our customers, the planet, and consumers. Recent innovations, such as our plant-based and gut health products, demonstrate our commitment to leading the market with cutting-edge solutions.
Sustainability: Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our success. We strive to offer healthier and more sustainable solutions, and our new factory in Kragujevac is a testament to this dedication. By focusing on responsible growth and environmental stewardship, we ensure that our operations positively impact the communities we serve.
Collaborative Partnerships: Building strong relationships with
our customers and partners has been crucial. By working closely with them, we are able to co-create solutions that address specific market demands and drive mutual success.
Global Expertise with Local Understanding: While we leverage our global expertise, we also invest in understanding and meeting local market needs. This dual approach allows us to deliver high-quality products that cater to regional preferences, ensuring our relevance and success in diverse markets.
Puratos has recently undergone rebranding. The new slogan is “Food Innovation for Good.” Can you tell us what it represents?
THIS NEW FACTORY EXEMPLIFIES OUR DEDICATION TO RESPONSIBLE GROWTH. BY EXPANDING OUR PRODUCTION CAPACITIES, WE ARE NOT ONLY MEETING MORE CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS BUT ALSO ENSURING THAT OUR OPERATIONS ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE
At Puratos, our purpose is to move the planet forward by creating innovative food solutions that promote the health and well-being of people everywhere. Sustainability, health and well-being, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We differentiate ourselves through our unwavering dedication to these pillars and ultimately to ‘food innovation for good’. Our sustainability efforts ensure that we are responsible stewards of the environment, while our focus on health and well-being guarantees that our products contribute positively to consumers’ lives. Innovation is the engine that powers our progress, enabling us to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the market. By staying true to our purpose and continuously pushing the boundaries of food innovation, we provide our customers with the products, tools and insights they need to stay ahead of trends and succeed in their businesses. This holistic approach not only sets us apart from our competitors but also ensures that we are making a meaningful impact on the world.
e leven c ompanies awarded for Outstanding c ontributions to
The “Champions of Sustainability” accolades were awarded for the fourth time to companies that, with their operations and projects, directly contribute to the sustainable development goals defined in the 2030 Agenda
The recognition award was organized as part of this year’s CSR&ESG Forum, which brought together experts for sustainable development and socially responsible business to present current solutions and trends in these areas, while the emphasis of the conference was on inclusion, as well as on environmental standards and social and management issues. (ESG) and sustainable development goals.
The award “Champions of Sustainability”, awarded by the Responsible Business Forum, aims to recognize and promote projects that respond to global challenges and offer concrete solutions. This year, awards were given to the following companies for the mentioned projects:
• Atlantic Grupa, “Smoki project”, for contribution to sub-goal 12.2 – Sustainable management of natural resources.
• Coca-Cola HBC Srbija, project “An Ad Without Prejudice”, for contribution to sub-goal 5.1 – Gender equality and elimination of discrimination.
• Delhaize Serbia, project “MAXI educational school caravan “Healthy food every day”, for contribution to sub-goal 4.7 – Education for sustainable development.
• ERSTE Bank, project “Action against climate change and its consequences”, for contribution to sub-goal 13.1 – Reducing the risk of climate disasters.
THESE RECOGNITIONS ARE A CONFIRMATION OF THE COMPANIES’ COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR ROLE IN CREATING A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL
• Heineken Srbija, “Reservoir” project, for contribution to sub-goal 6.4 – Efficient use of water in industry.
• LIDL Srbija, project “Food for a better tomorrow”, for contribution to sub-goal 12.8 – Sustainable lifestyle and information.
• NELT Co, project “Strategic partnership with UNICEF to empower children and youth in the 21st century”, for contribution to subgoal 4.4 – Skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
• Nestlé Adriatic S, project “Implementation of regenerative agriculture at domestic suppliers”, for contribution to sub-goal 2.4 –Sustainable food production systems.
• NLB Komercijalna banka, “NLB Organic competition” project, for contribution to subgoal 12.6 – Promotion of sustainable business practices.
• OTP Banka Srbija, “OTP Village” project, for contribution to sub-goal 13.3 – Education, awareness and capacities to combat climate change.
• Telekom Srbija, “Children’s world bigger than the screen” project, for contribution to sub-goal 4.2 – Early childhood education.
These recognitions are a confirmation of the companies’ commitment to sustainable development and their role in creating a better future for all.
One of the plenary sessions of the conference was dedicated to ESG factors in business, offering insight into the latest trends, opportunities and obligations for companies. Round tables dedicated to the goals of sustainable development from the perspective of different sectors were also held within the conference.
The CSR&ESG Forum, which is organized by the Responsible Business Forum and the Smart Kolektiv, was realized as part of the “Job Fit: Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Youth with Disabilities Forum.
Other partners in the project are Caritas of Serbia, Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, Smart Kolektiv and the Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities of Serbia. The conference is further supported by the “Sustainable Development for All” platform supported by the Governments of Switzerland and Germany, and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as part of the Public Finance Reform Project – Agenda 2030.
Friends of the conference are Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, Elixir Group and Maxi, while media partners are BizLife, Održi me, Nova ekonomija, Diplomacy & Commerce, Bonitet, In Store and Daily Green.
DRAGOLJUB RAŠA TODOSIJEVIĆ (1945
The renowned artist Dragoljub Raša Todosijević, a pioneer of conceptual art in Europe and one of the most celebrated figures in Belgrade, Serbia, and Yugoslavia, passed away on 3 December at the age of 79, embarking on the “eternal hunting grounds”—as he might have put it. He would probably have been surprised by the hundreds of reactions on social media and the news of his death in global media outlets. However, he surely would not have been astonished by the lack of even brief condolences from officials in his hometown and the country he represented in prestigious global institutions, including the 54th Venice Biennale in 2009, where he won the Unicredit Venice Award for the best exhibition among Eastern European pavilions with The Light and Darkness of the Symbol. Knowing him, he would have been least surprised by the absence of any mention of a potential burial in the Alley of Distinguished Citizens. “Thank you, Raša Todosijević. A grateful Serbia. Perhaps...” said Una Popović, art historian and senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade, during his cremation. The museum hosted Todosijević’s first major retrospective, ‘Thank You, Raša Todosijević’, in 2002.
Despite hundreds of professional analyses of his artistic practice—which encompassed drawings, paintings, graphics, collages, sculptures, objects, installations, performances, video works, posters, programmatic texts, and stories—Todosijević, as Una Popović noted, had the best ability to explain his work himself:
“If I had to describe myself— which is truly an ungrateful task—I would say that I am, above all, a European artist whose work consists of hard, mining-like digging into the consciousness and subconsciousness, but also the conscience of our ruthless civilisation.”
Starting in the early 1970s at the Student Cultural Centre (SKC) in Belgrade, alongside other members of the informal Group of Six Artists (Zoran Popović, Marina Abramović, Neša Paripović, Era Milivojević, and Gergelj Urkom), Todosijević built a career that earned him international acclaim. He won the most prestigious domestic awards (Ivan Tabaković Foundation Award of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2023; ULUS Lifetime Achievement Award, 2024; 50th October Salon Award, 2009; Nadežda Petrović Memorial Award, 1998; Sava Šumanović Award, 2008) and several renowned international honours (Stockholm Museum of Modern Art Award, IASPIS Residential
Award, 2001; ArtsLink Award, 2004; and Emily Harvey Foundation Award in New York, 2006).
According to Todosijević, the SKC was one of the centres in former Yugoslavia where “young people, far beyond cultural, police, or political control, were doing some form of art.”
Although the freedom and working conditions institutionally afforded to his generation might seem like a dream to young artists today, the first few decades of his career, as he stated in an interview with SEEcult.org, were not “beautiful or pleasant times.” He considered his only illusion as a young artist to be the belief that enduring unpleasant and hostile circumstances would be short-lived and people would eventually recognise the value of his art. Unfortunately, that never happened, even after 40 or 50 years, and the same stigma towards “new artistic practice” persisted for over five decades.
Todosijević waited thirty years for a studio because “they thought he was involved in nonsense.” Later, in 2015, just before his 70th birthday, he lost his workspace because he refused to accept a 20-square-metre former grocery store in New Belgrade offered by the Poslovni prostor instead of his atelier in the Old Fairground area.
Todosijević advised young artists to flee Serbia. “An artist shouldn’t sit here and complain, deal with incompetent professors who know nothing, and seek happiness in a place without any money, wandering around, exhibiting in the provinces, and spending life in boundless greyness and animosity towards culture—not to mention modern art. We no longer even have art magazines. Why does the government not need culture or a cultural layer after all? Because it’s a numerically small population. What kind of voting machine are they? None. They need to nurture fools because they are the majority, and that’s that.”
His artistic practice, characterised by constant questioning, analytical depth, and direct politicisation as both a method and purpose of creative expression, is best summed up by one of his often-quoted statements: “The way an artist raises a question about art is, in itself, a work of art.”
D& c c hristmas Tree Gathers e steemed Guests for a noble c ause
In partnership with the NORBS Plus Foundation, on December 1st, the Diplomacy & Commerce team presented its own Christmas Tree at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the presence of embassies, partners, famous Serbian fashion designers, and representatives from Serbian museums and theatres!
All of the proceeds from the participation fees were donated
to the NORBS Plus Foundation, which will use the money to purchase necessary medical and technical aids for people suffering from rare diseases which do not cover the cost of health insurance.
All participants had the opportunity to decorate the D&C Christmas Tree in their own style, using decorations representing their embassy, company, brand or cultural institution.
The guests that attended this event were the embassies of Cyprus, Italy, H.E. Luca GORI, Malta and Congo, and H.E. Joseph Kalala Mulamba. As for our guests from the fashion industry, we were accompanied by Igor Jagych, Verica Rakočević, Suzana Perić, Vukosava Scekic Jelisavac, Bata Spasojević, Vesna Mandić, and from the cultural institutions there were representatives of Etno
Mreža, Muzej savremene umetnosti, Muzej Vojvodine, Muzej grada Beograda, Kuća legata and Spomen Zbirka Pavla Beljanskog.
The evening went by positively, celebrating and preparing for the upcoming winter holiday. After decorating the tree and marking this occasion with an important cause, the guests and the D&C team joined the ending of the IWC Bazaar at the “Crystal Hall” for a cocktail.
21 DECEMBER – 21 JANUARY
Belgrade, Serbia
The Christmas and New Year’s festival with its diverse program completes the festive atmosphere enjoyed by the people of Belgrade and their guests alike. Embassies will take part in sharing their nations culture wihth the public, children’s choirs will perform Christmas and New Year’s songs, kids theaters will perform their shows, children will have the opportunity to play in hay and take pictures with lambs, guided tours „Belgrade for beginners“ will be organised and many other activities that will take place during this period. In festively decorated wooden houses, visitors can buy a variety of holiday handicrafts, jewelry, sweet and savory delicacies, as well as mulled wine and tea, which are an indispensable part of the winter festival. The event will be held at the Tašmajdan park in Belgrade.
26 DECEMBER
Belgrade, Serbia
The Belgrade Night Market will take place on Friday, December 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Skadarlija market. The Belgrade Night Market will present a large number of old and new exhibitors, will offer a good time and many beautiful trentaks “seasoned” with delicious sweet and salty treats. Agricultural producers, as well as small family workshops prepare a rich offer of local traditional products and specialties. Shopping lovers can expect a diverse assortment of unique artisan products - handbags, jewelry, natural cosmetics, clothing. Entrance is free.
1 JANUARY
Belgrade, Serbia
The event is a tourist and artistic event established in 1988 and has since entered the calendar of the most important events in Belgrade. It is held every year on January 1st in Svetogorska Street and is of a humanitarian nature, where money is donated to humanitarian causes through the purchase of postcards and souvenirs. The event is the central New Year’s event in the city center and attracts a large number of both the local population and guests from the region and abroad who visit Belgrade during the New Year holidays.
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