#95 Diplomacy&Commerce magazine / Maj-June 2024

NEBOJŠA BABIĆ

EVERY SHOOT IS A NEW LIFE FOR ME

Photographer

AFRICA DAY

SERBIA AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER

H.E. LUCA GORI

REFUGEE STORIES

SOUFIANE ADJALI

MOVIDA MADRILEÑA – RETURN TO FREEDOM by Dragan Nikolić

DEMOGRAPHIC ISSUE

NEMANJA STAROVIĆ

Minister for Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

UNHCR Representative TRAVELOGUE

TV Prva EVENTS 24 MAY 2024

Ambassador of Italy to Serbia

INTERVIEW

H.E. YAHEL VILAN

Ambassador of Israel to Serbia

BEING YOURSELF DOESN’T MEAN NOT HAVING AN ATTITUDE

MARIJA SAVIĆ STAMENIĆ

INTERVIEW

H.E. SILVIA DAVIDOIU Ambassador of Romania to Serbia

THE CRISIS IS A STATE OF MIND DUŠAN UZELAC Entrepreneur

FOLLOW

Director ROBERT ČOBAN robert.coban@color.rs

Editor

DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ dragan.nikolic@color.rs

Journalists MIJAT KONTIĆ ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ

Advertising DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ dragan.nikolic@color.rs

DRAGAN VUČEVIĆ dragan.vucevic@color.rs

marketing@color.rs

Photos GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ NEBOJŠA BABIĆ MARIJA PIROŠKI

IGOR MARIĆ GORAN JANKULOSKI SHUTTERSTOCK

Translation COLOR MEDIA EVENTS

Prepress VLADIMIR DUDAŠ C e n t r o b i r o

Contributors ROBERT ČOBAN DUŠKA JOVANIĆ LIVIJA LAZIĆ – KARAKAŠ LJILJANA VUJIĆ

Print COLOR PRINT Novi Sad

Distribution PRETPLATA D.O.O. office@pretplata.rs +381 11 314 99 21

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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW SERBIA AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER H.E. LUCA GORI

The Ambassador of Italia to Serbia

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FEATURED INTERVIEW THE DEMOGRAPHIC ISSUE AS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE NEMANJA STAROVIĆ

Minister for Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

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NEW SERIAL IN COOPERATION WITH UNHCR REFUGEE STORIES FAIR INCLUSION AND INTEGRATION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES IN SERBIA SOUFIANE ADJALI

UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Serbia

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW THE CRISIS IS A STATE OF MIND DUŠAN UZELAC

Entrepreneur, founder, and director of the Kamatica portal

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MEDIA INTERVIEW BEING YOURSELF DOESN’T MEAN NOT HAVING AN ATTITUDE

MARIJA SAVIĆ STAMENIĆ

Host of the morning program on TV Prva

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CULTURAL INTERVIEW EVERY SHOOT IS A NEW LIFE FOR ME NEBOJŠA BABIĆ

Photographer

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TRAVELOGUE MOVIDA MADRILEÑA - RETURN TO FREEDOM by Dragan Nikolić

ROMANIA

Everything Will Be Fine

Demetrios came to Belgrade as the Cypriot ambassador in 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. When he left last summer, he was remembered as one of the most active in the diplomatic corps of the Serbian capital.

I contacted him upon landing in Cyprus, and here we are a day later, drinking beer in the garden of our hotel in Limassol. He talks to me about the challenges his country is facing, primarily due to the large number of migrants arriving in Cyprus by boats from Lebanon and Syria, or crossing the dividing line from Northern Cyprus after arriving there from Turkey. In July, the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the northern part of the island will be commemorated, after which Cyprus has remained divided to this day.

“Everything will be fine” (Всё будет хорошо) is the slogan of a Russian-language radio station that broadcasts on the 105.7 frequency in Cyprus. In Limassol, a city of 240,000 residents, there are now as many as 50,000 Russians, one in five. They started arriving at the beginning of the collapse of the USSR in the late eighties, but their number particularly increased after 2014 and especially after 2022 with the Russian aggression on Ukraine. In the suburbs of Limassol, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas was opened in 2019.

Besides this Russian church, the city has a large number of Greek Orthodox churches, as well as several Roman Catholic and Anglican places of worship, two mosques, and one synagogue. In the suburb of Ipsonas, there is also the Church of St. Sava, which belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church.

This kind of religious diversity, which just a century ago was a hallmark of the entire Mediterranean, is today, aside from Cyprus, present only in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on Moroccan soil, and to some extent in Lebanon (but without synagogues). The rest of the Mediterranean has, unfortunately, become mostly religiously and ethnically exclusive and “pure” over the past hundred years.

I reflect on this in the context of the events of the past few weeks, the adoption of the Resolution on the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Genocide in Srebrenica, and everything that this act has triggered in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the rest of the region. Why can’t we be like Cyprus, prosperous in our diversity and even in our division?

Robert Čoban

Serbia as a Strategic Partner

Italy today plays a pivotal role in defending freedom and democracy and addressing shared global challenges

H.E. LUCA GORI

The Ambassador of Italia to Serbia

On the occasion of Italy’s national holiday, we spoke with H.E. Luca Gori, the ambassador of this country to Serbia, who emphasized Italy’s pivotal role in defending democracy and highlighted Italy’s firm position regarding Serbia’s accelerated accession to the EU.

The National Day of Italy, known as “Festa della Repubblica” (Republic Day), is celebrated on June 2nd each year. This day commemorates the institutional referendum held in 1946, in which Italian citizens voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic in its place. Where is Italy today, and how does your country face major global challenges?

The 2nd of June is the National Day of the Italians, the anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic. Since the historical step taken by the Italian people in the 1946 referendum, decades have passed and Italy today plays a pivotal role in defending freedom and democracy and addressing shared global challenges. We have currently the Presidency of the G7. We remain engaged, as funding member, in shaping the future of the EU. We are an important secutiry provider in the context of the Atlantic Alliance.

Looking at the economic sector, Italy plays a pivotal role in global trade with “Made in Italy” exports hitting the record amount of 420 billion euros last year only, surpassing South Korea as the world’s fifth-largest exporter. Italy is also committed in combining economic growth with environmental protection towards a

greener economy and ranked first in the EU for an innovative circular economy system.

ITALY IS CURRENTLY THE THIRD COMMERCIAL PARTNER OF SERBIA

What are the key areas of cooperation between Italy and Serbia, and how do you envision strengthening these ties in the coming years?

Italy has always looked at Serbia as a strategic partner and our bilateral relations are excellent. Furthermore, this year we will strengthen our ties celebrating some significant anniversaries: 145 years from the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations;

15 years since the signature of the Strategic Partnership; and 100 years since the construction of the Italian Embassy in Belgrade.

Together with Belgrade, Rome can handle some crucial challenges. Peace and stability in the region, migration flows, growth and the economic development, technological innovations: these are the fields where Italy and Serbia are cooperating. There is an ongoing high-level political dialogue between our countries, which also led to the official visit of the Italian Prime Minister Meloni last December in Belgrade.

Looking at the economic sector, Italy is currently the third commercial partner of Serbia (with 4,4 billion euro of bilateral trade in 2023) and one of the main investors in the country (the second one, according to RAS, from 2007, according both to the number of the projects and to the values of

the FDIs). Nevertheless, we think it is time to renew our economic cooperation by focusing on different sectors, in particular green and energy transition, agri-tech, infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, last year we reinforced our institutional presence in Serbia with the establishment of SIMEST, SACE and CDP representative offices in Belgrade, which add to the locally rooted system of Italian actors the so-called “Sistema Italia”.

Italy has been a vocal supporter of Serbia’s European integration process. What role do you see Italy playing in facilitating Serbia’s path towards EU accession, particularly regarding reforms and regional stability?

Italy continues to be a staunch supporter of the European path of Serbia. Today EU enlargement, has returned to be a priority on the European Union political agenda. It is time for a deep acceleration in the integration process of Serbia and the Western Balkans into the EU.

Italy understands the frustration of the Serbian public opinion towards the length of the EU integration process and is committed to speed it up. Serbia, on the other hand, has to seize the regained momentum and implement all the steps required to take advantage of the tools made available by the EU, starting with the Growth Plan. The Growth Plan can be a real booster in this phase, since it aims for the gradual economic integration of the region into the Single Market and can provide funding for up to 6 billion euros to the Western Balkans’ countries. Italy is confident that Serbia will be able to fulfil what is required by the EU to make substantial progress in its accession process. We are in favour of opening cluster 3 as soon as possible.

Cultural exchange is often a significant aspect of diplomatic relations. How do you promote Italian culture and language in Serbia, and vice versa?

Cultural diplomacy is very important to us. This year, together with the Italian Cultural Institute, we organized numerous events, screenings, exhibitions, and concerts, featuring renowned Italian artists such as Michelangelo Pistoletto and Stefano Bollani. Furthermore, few weeks ago we successfully launched the second edition of IFIB – Italian Fashion in Belgrade, a series of

TODAY EU ENLARGEMENT, HAS RETURNED TO BE A PRIORITY ON THE EUROPEAN UNION POLITICAL AGENDA

initiatives dedicated to Italian fashion. We also inaugurated “Bircaninova@100,” an umbrella event sponsored by Banca Intesa and Unicredit, commemorating the centenary of the laying of the first stone of the historic Residence of the Italian Embassy. Construction of the building began in 1924, at the behest of Queen Consort Elena of Montenegro.

In the next future we will have several concerts to pay tribute to the renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini on the 100th anniversary of his death. Then, in September, we will have also the Italian Serbian Film Festival.

Additionally, we will continue to promote traditional appointments, including Italian Design Day, Made in Italy Day, the Week of the Italian Language in the World, Italian Cuisine Week, and more.

The Italian language promotion has a key role in our cultural activities. Last September we organized the first Gala dedicated to

last year. It saw an extraordinary participation of the two economic ecosystems: almost 150 companies from Italy and 250 from Serbia, over 450 B2B and 13 signed agreements. Given its success, the second edition of the Forum was organized a few days ago, on May 24th, in Trieste, with around 400 Italian companies and 5 agreements signed.

Serbia is the only Country with which Italy has organized two economic forums in just oneyear period. But Italy was also the Country Partner of the International Agricoltural Fair in Novi Sad last year with around 25 companies and we took part in the “Wine Vision” Fair with almost 50 companies.

On the other hand, the launch of significant financial tools by our three major national financial institutions.Indeed, Cassa Depositi and Prestiti, SACE and SIMEST , have signed substantial agreements with Serbian counterparts to to boost Italian investments in Serbia, as well as to support Serbian energy transition, for a total amount of almost 500 million euros.

We want to continue working in this direction by leveraging the very positive momentum.

our mother tongue, hosting a lot of Serbian friends that are also Italian speakers: from artists to actors from singers to sportspersons. We firmly believe that this kind of occasions together with our rich calendar of cultural events serves as a tool for promoting the Italian language and enticing individuals to explore the wide array of Italian language courses offered by the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade.

Economic cooperation between Italy and Serbia has seen significant growth in recent years. What initiatives or strategies are being implemented to further enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two countries? We are following two main strategies:

On the one hand, the organization of big bilateral events to put in contact the mutual business communities. The first one was the Business and Science Forum held in Belgrade in March

The Western Balkans region has faced various challenges, including political instability and unresolved conflicts. What role does Italy play in promoting peace and stability in the region, and how can Serbia contribute to these efforts?

The Western Balkans have always had strategic importance for Italy. Our country is aware of its responsibility towards the area and works to preserve its stability and create a peaceful future. Italy is the first European contributor to the security of the region with the KFOR and EUFOR Althea missions and intends to continue in this direction with the utmost determination. We strongly support the European integration of the Western Balkans and, with such aim, we created together with other EU Member States the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group, which strongly supports EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and calls for speeding up the process. Within this initiative, last February we hosted in Rome a Ministerial meeting attended by the Foreign Ministers of the region. Pursuing of regional integration within the Western Balkans is paramount

and Serbia has an important role to play. Belgrade constructively contributes to all regional cooperation initiatives and we are confident that such commitment will allow Serbia to benefit of the EU’s Growth Plan, in order to strengthen the integration within the region and accelerate its integration into the EU.

Italy is renowned for its expertise in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and cultural heritage preservation. How do you see these areas of expertise being leveraged to benefit Serbia’s development goals and enhance bilateral cooperation?

Italy has long been a champion of sustainable practices, recognizing that economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection and social responsibility.

As I said, we are leaders in Europe for circular economy: our total recycling rate – both of urban and special waste – reached 83.4% in 2022: significantly higher than that of all major European economies. Italy is also a champion in efficiency: with a score of 274 out of 300, Italy leads Europe in resource efficiency index, which measures the ability

ITALY UNDERSTANDS THE FRUSTRATION OF THE SERBIAN PUBLIC OPINION TOWARDS THE LENGTH OF THE EU INTEGRATION PROCESS AND IS COMMITTED TO SPEED IT UP

to produce goods while reducing the use of raw materials, water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.

We believe that our experience in these sectors could definitely help Serbia in its path to the UN SDGs and at the same time create business opportunity for our companies. Circular economy and sustainability were indeed at the core of the two Business Forums that we have organized. Morever, SIMEST, SACE and CDP have tailor-made tools on sustainable investments and decarbonization in Serbia.

Confindustria Serbia has recently launched its ESG lab to advance the sustainability agenda for businesses, while the ItalianSerbian Chamber of Commerce has established an “Ekonsortium”, open to the participation of both Italian and Serbian companies, to promote the recycling of industrial waste, in particular textile.

Regarding the conservation of the cultural heritage, Italy, of course, being the country with the largest UNESCO cultural heritage in the world, attach a great importance to such activity and has carried out different initiatives in the past in Serbia. We would like to revive the bilateral cooperation also in this sector.

The Demographic Issue as the Greatest Challenge

The key measure of success for all of us will be to what extent we can slow down negative demographic trends

NEMANJA STAROVIĆ

Minister for Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

The new Minister for Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs, Nemanja Starović, is an experienced politician whose motivation to change society has never wavered. Within his ministry, the minister speaks to D&C magazine about the greatest challenges, especially demographic ones.

Your name isn’t particularly well-known in Serbia’s political scene despite your rich political biography. Is that because you’re not from Belgrade? How difficult is it to succeed in Serbia in any field if you’re not from the capital?

When it comes to advancing in the political world, as well as success in the business world more broadly, being born in Belgrade brings numerous advantages, especially when it comes to the initial steps in one’s career. Here, the institutions of state power are concen-

trated, as well as the headquarters of the largest companies, both public and private, the most influential media, and so on. The possibility of engagement and work in such places, without the high costs of accommodation or transportation, represents a significant initial advantage for young people from our capital compared to those with somewhat more distant residence. However, there is also another side to the coin. Belgrade reminds me of a big carousel that offers opportunities for dizzying ascents, often using various shortcuts, but also for steep descents. Those who build their careers elsewhere typically do so in a much more thorough manner, with more investment in their own education, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, which makes progress much slower but certainly more sustainable and enduring.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IS ALWAYS THE ONE YOU ARE CURRENTLY FACING

How would you briefly describe your political career?

Given that I’ve been actively involved in political life and work for a full 26 years, it’s not easy to summarize all the experiences in a few sentences, nor would it make much sense to simply list the party and public positions I’ve held. I became politically active at the young age of 16, driven by strong ideals, and that kind of motivation has never left me. I initially gained experience in political work at the local level in my hometown of Novi Sad, where I still live, and later enriched them with work in the City Assembly and City Council. However, parallel to that, I, along with a group of people with similar interests, developed a non-governmental organization that organized numerous forums and produced hundreds of informative and educational programs. Later, I launched my own authored program, which I hosted for a full five years on the First Channel of RTV Vojvodina. All of this was eventually recognized and valued, leading to the invitation to take on the role of State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Second government of Ana Brnabić. In the previous term, at the invitation of Miloš Vučević, I moved to an identical position in the Ministry of Defense. I consider the opportunity to lead the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs in the new Government of Serbia a great honor, but I am also aware of the significant responsibility that comes with this position.

What has been your most challenging and demanding engagement so far, including journalism?

This may sound like a cliché, but I truly believe that every job comes with specific challenges that are difficult to compare. As a rule, the biggest challenge is always the one you are currently facing. However, looking back, I would say that I particularly considered my engagement in the Novi Sad City Assembly as a significant challenge. When I first sat in the

council chambers at the age of 26, it was not easy to earn respect, equal treatment, and then one of the leading roles within that body, in an environment of much older and more experienced colleagues, both from the ruling party and the opposition. As for the feeling of responsibility, I consider my involvement in the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Defense, to be a great and valuable experience. When you represent your country abroad, you must be aware at all times that your word binds the state, even during less formal encounters. This is especially true during bilateral and multilateral negotiations, and I still remember certain occasions when negotiations would stretch well into the night, as you cannot give up on any word, as it can have direct consequences for the people and the country you represent and love.

As the Minister for Labor, Employment, Veterans’ and Social Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, you will surely have your hands full. What are the top three issues in Serbia that you see as priorities for resolution from the position of executive power?

It is indeed difficult to narrow down to just three key tasks that I plan to tackle with the team of collaborators, considering the truly large and complex portfolio I have been given the opportunity to lead, as well as the need for interdepartmental solutions to some major issues. However, I would highlight the issue of demography, on which we will work diligently with colleagues from the Ministry for Family Care, the Ministry of Finance, and other departments. Alongside all the economic achievements we will accomplish during the mandate following the ‘Leap into the Future - Serbia 2027’ program, I believe the crucial measure of success for all of us will be our ability to slow down negative demographic trends, both in terms of at least a slight increase in the birth rate and in balancing the migration balance. Social policy measures, as well as those in the field of labor and employment, will be an important part of the extensive work ahead of us. Another prominent issue is undoubtedly population aging, which necessitates the development of various programs focused on active aging, as well as on the so-called ‘silver economy,’ which entails a system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services tailored to the needs of people in the third age. Finally, given that an important part of the department I lead involves preserving the traditions of liberation wars, I will pay great attention to the project of building a memorial center dedicated to the victims of genocide in the Independent State of Croatia, which will be constructed through the joint efforts of the Government of Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Srpska at two locations, in Donja Gradina and in Belgrade.

Why are citizens of Serbia massively emigrating abroad? Our country is becoming empty, and we no longer have anyone to heal us, drive us, fix our breakdowns, or build. The list of deficit occupations is growing larger and quite alarming. How to stop this trend?

THE EFFECT OF THE SO-CALLED “BRAIN DRAIN” HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED BECAUSE MORE PEOPLE WITH UNIVERSITY DEGREES ARE COMING TO OUR COUNTRY EACH YEAR THAN LEAVING IT

There are numerous reasons for the emergence of negative migratory trends characteristic of the entire Eastern and Southeastern Europe, but it is always good to start with the economy and the standard of living of the population. The experiences of Central European countries, which joined the European Union in 2004, indicate that these negative trends were halted when they reached the level of earnings equivalent to the EU average. I believe that by implementing the ambitious yet achievable plan set by the Government, which envisages reaching an average salary of 1,400 euros in the next three years, we will move closer to that result. Already today, for every 100 people leaving Serbia, we have 80 who are coming to Serbia or returning. In terms of educational structure, the effect of the so-called ‘brain drain’ has been neutralized because more people with university degrees come to our country every year than leave it. However, when it comes to craftsmen and technicians of various professions, the negative migratory balance is still present.

Why is old age in Serbia so frightening and harsh? We see retirees in the West enjoying life, which is not at all luxurious. Why is old age not so carefree here?

The answer to this question largely lies in economic indicators, namely that average pensions still do not meet all the needs of our elderly, although they have been increased faster than ever in the last three decades, with periodic one-time assistance payments according to budgetary possibilities. However, we must also consider the circumstances of modern

life that have led to the dissolution of multigenerational family communities and social support networks they entailed, as well as the constant trend of migration from rural areas to cities, which often leaves elderly households isolated in remote rural areas. These are trends that cannot be reversed, but what we can and must do is to express a higher level of social solidarity, which we will do through social policy measures in the coming period.

There’s talk of raising the retirement age again, even though our average life expectancy is getting shorter. According to official statistics, the average citizen of Serbia will pass away several years before reaching retirement. How do you comment on and justify such an idea?

I wouldn’t entirely agree with the statement contained in the question. Namely, life expectancy in Serbia is shorter, observed on the so-called short scale, as it is throughout Europe, and this is a direct effect of the coronavirus pandemic that we have all endured. Viewed on a longer scale, there is undoubtedly a constant trend of life expectancy extension in Serbia. As for raising the retirement age, there are no immediate plans for such a thing. However, it is a fact that this is happening in many European countries, due to demographic trends to which we are all equally exposed. If this issue comes up for discussion in Serbia at some point, it will certainly be carefully considered, both in terms of the necessary dialogue with social partners and in terms of a broader and more comprehensive public debate.

Commissioner at the session of the UN Commission on Population and Development in New York

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, attended the 57th session of the UN Commission on Population and Development, which was held from April 29 to May 3 in New York, as a member of the official delegation of the Republic of Serbia.

The session’s topic was the assessment of the status of the implementation of the Action Program of the International Conference on Population and Development ICPD, 30 years after its adoption, and its contribution to the monitoring and revision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development during the decade of action and realization of sustainable development.

During her presentation, the Commissioner pointed out that the Commissioner undertakes various activities following the crucial messages from the UN Secretary General’s report regarding the progress of ICPD implementation, as well as that the Republic of Serbia, through the Institution’s activities, is committed to protecting the fundamental human rights of particularly sensitive social groups. She said that after submitting a special report of the CPE on discrimination of the elderly

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade

Carmallia Budiaty Che Embi joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia in 2010 and has gained extensive experience across various divisions within the ministry, including the Human Rights & Social Affairs Division, Americas Division, and Southeast Asia Centre for Counter-Terrorism. She notably served for four and a half years at the Permanent

and discrimination of children to the National Assembly, the issues of the rights of the elderly and children were put in the focus of public policies. The Commissioner also reminded of the regional Call for action to stop discrimination based on age sent three years ago from Belgrade at the regional conference.

Carmallia holds a degree in International Affairs Management (Hons) from Universiti Utara Malaysia and a First Class Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

3 JUNE 2024

Secretary-General appoints Matilde Mordt of Sweden as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia

United Nations Secretary-General

António Guterres has appointed Matilde Mordt of Sweden as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, with the host Government’s approval, starting on 1 June.

Ms. Mordt brings more than 30 years of experience and technical knowledge on the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, environment and climate change, governance issues, social policy, and disaster risk reduction.

Previously she served as UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ecuador; as team leader for the sustainable development group at UNDP´s regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama; and in different capacities with UNDP in Nicaragua, Paraguay, Argentina and at headquarters in NY, as well as for UN agencies, cooperation agencies and IFIs. She has conducted research, published, and lectured on international politics of sustainable develop-

ment, resilience, and climate change, amongst others.

Ms. Mordt holds a PhD in Human and Economic Geography with a specialization on livelihoods and sustainability, a master’s degree in international economics and business administration, and a Bachelor’s in social studies from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Major Shift in the Diplomatic Corps in Belgrade

According to information obtained by “Diplomacy & Commerce” from reliable sources, significant changes are underway in the ambassadorial corps in Belgrade this spring and summer.

After four years of service, Yahel Vilan, the Ambassador of Israel, Rafal Perl, the Ambassador of Poland, and Urs Schmid, the Ambassador of Switzerland, are all leaving their posts.

Additionally, after six years, Tomas Kuchta, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, is concluding his mandate, while Annika Ben David, the Ambassador of Sweden, and Joost Reintjes, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, are also completing their terms after three years.

These changes are expected to have a considerable impact on the diplomatic scene in Belgrade, with the arrival of new ambassadors bringing fresh perspectives and dynamics to the relationships between these countries and Serbia. The new appointments are anticipated to be closely watched and of significant interest both within diplomatic circles and among the public.

While we were finalizing this issue, we received information that the mandate in Serbia is ending for Canadian Ambassador Norman Giles, as well as Francoise Jacob (UN).

Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta.

Mrs. Carmallia Budiaty Che Embi, MALAYSIA

See you Serbia Again, After Ukraine’s victory!

Oleksandr Aleksandrovych, who served as the Ukrainian ambassador to Serbia from June 2015 until April 2022, is now the Ambassadorat-Large at the Foreign Ministry for the Study of International Experience in Economic Transformation.

H.E. OLEKSANDR ALEKSANDROVYCH

ex Ukrainian ambassador in Serbia

Upon returning to Ukraine, he continued his mission of fostering closer ties between the two nations and gave numerous interviews highlighting Serbia’s support for Ukraine. He has not forgotten Belgrade or the friends he made during his time in Serbia, and he has sent us a postcard to convey his warm greetings to everyone.

What have you been doing since you left Belgrade?

I continue my professional diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine as Ambassador-at-large studying international experience of economic transformation. That means in practice mapping out a long-term strategy for Ukraine (until 2050 and beyond), as well as helping individual government agencies to learn about and implement best foreign scientific and expert knowledge in their respective fields (ranging from

energy to industry, agriculture, transport, healthcare and many others). This is a very interesting and exciting experience to prepare Ukraine for post-war development after we defeat the russian aggressor.

What (and who) do you miss the most from Serbia?

I miss my Serbian friends, nature and food. I miss talking to your people in Banjicka pijaca, in Svrljig, Bavaniste or Bajina Basta. I miss Belgrade, because it looks a lot like Kyiv with its big river, hills,

many parks and churches. I loved to visit Djavolja Varos, Majdanpek wild meadows, Veliki Buk waterfall or Ovcar Banja. Of course, I miss the Ukrainian community in Vojvodina who contribute to Serbia’s ethnic and language diversity. I would be happy to taste once again your delicious meat dishes and the unforgettable rakija. I am happy that Ukraine and Serbia have a lot in common or quite similar, including early history, culture and language. Looking forward to visit Serbia again after Ukraine’s victory.

Photo: Private Archive

Italian Fashion Dresses Artistic Play

Afashion show titled “Italian Fashion Dresses Artistic Play” was held yesterday at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Belgrade. Clothing from the famous atelier “Bencivenga Alta Sartoria,” an exclusive family tailoring workshop that has brought Neapolitan craftsmanship to fashion shows around the world during its 70 years of existence, was combined with the inspiration of maestro Antonio Colandrea, who took care of the artistic part of the event. Play, music, and fashion provided a vision of tailoring artistry that finds creative ideas, seeks refinement and glamour, and

then merges them with the movements of artistic play.

The event is an integral part of the second “IFIB – Italian Fashion in Belgrade” event, dedicated to promoting Italian fashion in Serbia, designed and implemented by the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Serbia. Additionally, this event is part of the celebration of the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Embassy building in Birčaninova Street, the seat of the diplomatic mission, which the Embassy is marking through the “Birčaninova@100” project, cre-

ated with the contribution of sponsors UniCredit and Banca Intesa.

“IFIB promotes Italian fashion in Serbia, presenting it in various forms. Among them is play, which is one of our most significant artistic traditions and among the most appreciated in Serbia,” stated the Italian Ambassador to Serbia, Luca Gori. “Costume and movement are part of a joint act, and that is why tonight we wanted to highlight the mysterious connection that often forms between choreographer and stylist, as a blend in which the tradition of Made in Italy fashion intertwines with artistic play,” added Gori.

The Council of European Business Associations and Chambers in Serbia (CEBAC) was established in Belgrade

The Council of European Business Associations and Chambers in Serbia (CEBAC) was established on May 14th through the signing of a Memorandum of Establishment by 13 European business organizations in Serbia. CEBAC will advocate for the further development and support of the improvement of the legal, institutional, and competitive business framework for the successful operation of all enterprises operating in Serbia – both those with international capital and those with local capital. It will also strive to further enhance trade

relations between European countries and Serbia, with the aim of mutual prosperity, and will advocate for the implementation of measures that would strengthen cooperation between the Serbian market and other European markets.

The European business organizations that signed the memorandum are: the BelgianSerbian Business Association, the BritishSerbian Chamber of Commerce, the FrenchSerbian Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, the DutchSerbian Business Association, the Croatian

Business Club, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Nordic Business Alliance, the Polish-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Slovenian Business Club, the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Italian Industrialists Confindustria Serbia.

On this occasion, a European Networking Cocktail was organized on May 14th at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade hotel. The event brought together more than 200 members from the 13 bilateral business associations that signed the Memorandum.

10 MAY 2024

Stefano Benazzo and Tonino Marizi exhibit their works in Belgrade

The Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, opened an exhibition of works by Stefano Benazzo and Tonino Marizi yesterday at the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, titled: “The Duty of Memory: Architectural Models; Stranded Wrecks: Photographs and Paintings.” The exhibition, organized by the IIC, presents to the public architectural models made by Stefano Benazzo, as well as pairs of photographs and paintings dedicated to stranded wrecks. The 21 models made by Benazzo, in various scales, depict religious and secular buildings from all eras, including the Temple of Saint Sava and the Millennium Tower in Belgrade. In this dual exhibition, the two artists engage in a dialogue about the remnants of maritime history through 23 photographs of wrecks that Benazzo has taken over years of travel and 23 paintings of the same wrecks, created by maestro Marizi, inspired by Benazzo’s photographs.

“It is a true pleasure to have the opportunity to host the works of Stefano Benazzo and Tonino Marizi in Belgrade. This exhibition celebrates different forms of art: on one

side, architecture through models of various scales and exceptional detail; and on the other, paintings thanks to particularly evocative photographs and artistic paintings,” stated Ambassador Gori. “The reconstruction of the Temple of Saint Sava and the Millennium Tower are also remarkable tributes to the friendship between Italy and Serbia,” added Gori.

15 MAY 2024

Turkish Cuisine Week dinner

Shaped by more than a thousand years of cultures and traditions, social heritage and stories, Turkish cuisine presents its distinctive and diverse flavours to the world during Turkish Cuisine Week, 21-27 May. In its third year, Turkish Cuisine Week introduces Türkiye’s rich gastronomic

culture to a broad audience at home and abroad through the official events of the Republic of Türkiye.

On the occasion of Turkish Cuisine Week, the Turkish Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Hami Aksoy and his wife Mrs. Canan Aksoy organized a dinner for selected guests.

16 MAY 2024

Jožef Plečnik Exhibition in Belgrade: Building Bridges Through Culture

An exhibition of photographs of works by the famous Slovenian architect Jožef Plečnik, titled “Building Bridges Through Culture,” will open on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the picturesque and historic Kalemegdan in Belgrade on the Sava Promenade.

The exhibition is a joint project of EUNIC (the European Union National Institutes for Culture) that highlights the architectural connection between our countries. The em-

bassies of Slovenia and the Czech Republic in Belgrade, as well as the Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade, are showcasing six of Plečnik’s works from Ljubljana, Vienna, and Prague, along with his work in Belgrade. Additionally, on the same day at 6:00 PM, a panel discussion will be held at the Museum of Applied Arts in Belgrade, featuring experts from Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Serbia. This project once again emphasizes the slogan “Europe is our home.”

16 MAY 2024

Dia Mundial da Língua Portuguesa

The Embassy of Portugal, in collaboration with the Embassies of Angola and Brazil, organized a cultural program to mark the World Portuguese Language Day on Thursday, May 16th, at the Cultural Center Grad.

World Portuguese Language Day is officially celebrated on May 5th each year, as established by the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, which consists of nine

countries: Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.

During the celebration in Belgrade, the ambassadors of the host countries addressed the audience, followed by a gathering featuring a rich cultural program including music, poetry, language cafes, and the taste of Lusophone specialties.

17 MAY 2024

Syttende mai reception

On the occasion of the Constitution Day of the Kingdom of Norway, the Embassy of Norway to Serbia organized a reception on 17th May at the residence of the Ambassador of Norway, H.E. Mrs. Kristin Melsom, who welcomed distinguished guests of the Serbian diplomatic coprs and society. Constitution Day is known as Syttende mai (17th May) as it is celebrated on this day. It is very popular national holiday in Norway, celebrated with big parades, and special dresses.

24 MAY 2024

Africa Day at the Palace of Serbia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and The African Group jointly celebrated Africa Day on 24 May.

Africa Day, is celebrated annually on May 25th. This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union (AU) in 2002. Africa Day is a symbol of unity among African countries and celebrates the continent’s diverse cultures, rich heritage, and progress towards unity and development.

During the celebration that held at Palace of Serbia many guests were welcomed by ambassadors of eight African countries: H.E. Fatah Mahraz (Algeria), Mrs. Tiete H. Tazi Inglês, Second Secretary (Angola), Mr. Joseph Mulamba Kalala (DR Congo), H.E. Mr. Bassel Salah Mustafa Ahmed (Egypt), H.E. Mr. Mohamed O. A. Ghalboun (Libya), H.E. Mr. Mohammed Amine Belhaj (Morocco), H. E. Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed (Somalia), and Mr. Foued Abdelkarim, Minister Plenipotentiary Deputy Head of Mission (Tunisia).

Fair Inclusion and Integration of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Serbia

Most refugees hope for the restoration of the rule of law in their own countries, to be able to return home one day in safety and dignity

SOUFIANE ADJALI

UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Serbia

As part of our new series Refugee Stories, we are publishing an interview with the UNHCR Representative for Serbia, Mr. Soufiane Adjali, in which you will learn about the current situation of refugees in our country and how UNHCR helps refugees through its mechanisms.

You’ve worked in many parts of the world, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, and Europe, in particular the Balkans. What would you say is the

common denominator from the aspect of refugee movements?

The common denominator for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is that people who are on the

ONE CAN’T FORGET THE WELCOMING POLICY THAT THE SERBIAN PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT HAD DURING THE CRISIS IN 2015

move are human beings, each one of them with their own personal story who deserve full respect for their human rights and dignity. There are those who have left their home and family out of a personal decision to emigrate, and so they have the option to return home. And there are those, refugees, who have left their home, land, family, friends, country to protect themselves from persecution, war, conflict, violence, or

human rights violations and who seek safety in another country. Most refugees hope for the restoration of the rule of law in their own countries, to be able to return home one day in safety and dignity. When considering asylum and refugee movements, it is important to try to imagine yourself in such a situation, as it is possible for anyone to find themselves forced to flee their homes and in need of international protection in other countries.

What is the current situation in Serbia?

I would say that a lot is being done and one can’t forget the welcoming policy that the Serbian people and government had during the crisis in 2015.

However, with time different approaches are needed. Against this backdrop, as well as capitalizing on the tradition of hosting forcibly displaced people, UNHCR’s strategy aims to support the strengthening of national asylum systems and related processes in the Western Balkans to provide protection and viable solutions to refugees and asylum- seekers. In coordination with all concerned partners, UNHCR is focusing on improving protection and response capacity, and creating conditions for solutions for refugees.

Since 2008 when the Law on Asylum – the first ever in Serbia – came into effect, more than 1,500 people applied for asylum in Serbia. Many have abandoned the asylum procedure and their cases were closed, while others were found not to be in need of international protection. Currently, there are only 248 refugees from outside the region in Serbia. Over the past 10 years, the highest number of people granted refugee status was in 2016 – just 42 people; in 2019 only 35 and in 2022 just 30 people. In 2024 so far, only one person has been granted international protection. However, it is laudable that Serbia, following in the footsteps of the EU, granted temporary protection to 2,664 refugees from Ukraine.

UNHCR Serbia will continue to work with the Government and will seek for a strengthened and well-functioning asylum system. UNHCR hopes to see increased capacities and field presence of the Asylum Office and an increasing number of people referred to asylum procedures and receiving international protection, as well as improved quality of documents provided to asylum-seekers and

refugees to ease their everyday life and access to services.

UNHCR very much welcomes the fact that Serbia has started issuing travel documents to refugees, which is a significant step in furthering the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, in particular freedom of movement for refugees for reasons such as education and professional purposes.

How does UNHCR support integration of refugees and asylumseekers in Serbia? What is being done in terms of support for their pursuits in education?

The relatively small number of people claiming asylum and who are granted international protection in Serbia makes it possible to explore innovative and individualized approaches to inclusion and integration, taking into consideration specific situations, needs and individual skill sets. Moreover, the significant emigration of nationals from the Western Balkans to the EU has increased the demand for labour in certain localities, which provides opportunities to support refugees if they are willing to remain and access labour markets.

Providing fair inclusion and integration opportunities is of paramount importance – it underpins refugees’ rights and responsibili-

ties as well as impacts on their self-reliance and ability to contribute to the Serbian society with their skills, talents and knowledge.

In Serbia, this endeavor entails UNHCR’s close collaboration with the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, relevant ministries, academia, development agencies and, increasingly, the private sector.

Education and employment are the key pillars in this regard. In cooperation with the Qualifications Agency and the Commissariat, formalized through an agreement, UNHCR supports diploma recognition for refugees in Serbia and their inclusion into the education system, as well as life-long learning and career guidance.

Moreover, for people who do not have their diplomas due to circumstances surrounding their forced displacement, UNHCR collaborates with the Ministry of Education to support Serbia’s participation in the Education Qualification Passport for Refugees initiative. It allows refugees to validate their educational qualifications, even in the absence of formal documentation. This facilitates their access to education and employment.

Additionally, UNHCR brought the DAFI scholarship program to Serbia in 2021, enabling the first

UNHCR VERY MUCH WELCOMES THE FACT THAT SERBIA HAS STARTED ISSUING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO REFUGEES

refugees here to access public tertiary education. UNHCR is proud of the five university students who are currently successfully studying in Serbian.

They are pursuing education at the Faculty of Applied Arts, specializing in applied painting and contemporary clothing, the Faculty of Chemistry focusing on biochemistry, and the College of Health Sciences aspiring to become professional occupational therapists and dental prosthetists. They are already taking a very active role in their communities, together with their faculties and peers. But more needs to be done to make them self-sustainable… it requires attention from all the civil society players.

Engaging in educational initiatives requires collaboration with educational institutions. How does UNHCR’s collaboration with academia underscore its commitment to supporting refugee education?

The faculties already mentioned should be commended for the meaningful partnerships, where refugee students enjoy full support of their professors and fellow students.

UNHCR’s joint work with academia is also focused on creating avenues for young Serbian citizens to understand better the situation and rights of refugees, as well as to meet their peers from diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.

For example, almost 100 seniors of the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade have completed a course on cultural mediation, which UNHCR established in cooperation with the Faculty and another partner, the Crisis Response and Policy Centre.

For students, this presents a new opportunity, offering diverse possibilities that ignite their eagerness to learn. UNHCR is now working on including cultural mediation in refugee contexts as an accredited subject.

Students of law in Belgrade and Novi Sad have been immersed in the fundamentals of refugee law for more than 18 years through the legal clinics that UNHCR engages with. Professor Ivana Krstic from the Belgrade Law Faculty became a member of the De Mello Chair initiative - an important international network of universities and faculties with a strong commitment to support refugees and advocate for their rights. These are just a few of the partnerships and agreements that UNHCE has established with academia.

Illustraton: Marko Somborac UNHCR

You’ve highlighted employment as another key pillar of successful integration. How important is refugee employment to the forcibly displaced persons, but also for the labor market in Serbia?

The prospect of dignified employment is of far-reaching significance for refugees, extending beyond mere economic considerations. It allows refugees to forge closer bonds with the local community, enrich the fabric of the society and contribute to the economy.

On the other hand, there are some gaps in the Serbian labour market that may be bridged with refugee employment, particularly given the recent legislative amendments. Notably, refugees and asylum-seekers are now exempt from the requirement to obtain work permits, which greatly facilitates their access to jobs and helps them contribute to the local economy more efficiently.

UNHCR LAUNCHED THE #FORREFUGEES PRIVATE SECTOR NETWORK WHOSE MEMBERS - BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AND COMPANIESSUPPORT REFUGEES THROUGH EMPLOYMENT AND INTERNSHIPS, EDUCATION AND TRAININGS, PRODUCT AND EXPERT TIME DONATIONS, ADVOCACY AND OTHER MEANS

To streamline this process, UNHCR works in synergy with the National Employment Service, as well as the private sector. UNHCR collaborates on a daily basis with close to 50 employers, who are open for providing decent employment opportunities to refugees.

Additionally, UNHCR provides vocational trainings to refugees, tools and equipment for income generation, as well as Serbian language classes, and other support for inclusion and integration.

product and expert time donations, advocacy and other means.

Engagement within the network offers benefits to refugees as well as to its members, facilitating enhanced operations, a deeper commitment to local communities, fostering diversity and inclusion, and advancing the attainment of the sustainable development goals. Those forced to flee their homelands are starting their lives from scratch in Serbia and deserve the support of the entire society. The private sector has significant potential to play a pivotal role in creating a brighter future for them. Conversely, refugees can bolster the private sector, leveraging their skills, talents, diverse knowledge and experiences.

As part of these endeavors, UNHCR is currently planning a conference aimed at amplifying the understanding of and awareness regarding the prospects within the #ForRefugees private sector network. This event will also serve as a platform to connect refugees and the private sector directly, presenting refugees’ input on how businesses can contribute to and assist with their well-being and integration.

UNHCR is extremely grateful to all the business actors who have recognized refugees as one of the most vulnerable groups and opened doors to support their new beginnings.

Your organisation is active in local communities beyond reception and asylum centres. What does UNHCR see as an added value in such intervention?

#ForRefugees initiative was launched last year, gathering socially responsible businesses in supporting refugees for the first time in Serbia. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

In June 2023, together with our partners IKEA, UNHCR launched the #ForRefugees private sector network whose current 11 members - business associations and companies - support refugees through employment and internships, education and trainings,

Direct and continued exchange with local communities is important to enhance understanding and trust between them, supports inclusion and maximizes the human capital of refugees. The citizens of Serbia have been hosting refugees and other forcibly displaced people for decades. Recognizing knowledge, experience and the expertise of both refugee and host communities, UNHCR Serbia and its partners systematically reach out to, consult with, and mobilize all parties across the country.

Inclusion of refugees in host communities includes strengthening the dialogue between them and the local population; boosting self-esteem, independence, and social-economic skills of members of all affected communities; raising awareness about the challenges and sensitizing the communities on all the available and potential opportunities.

REFUGEE

The Dying out Countries

It’s an old story that poor people have more children but can’t afford to raise them, while those accustomed to a high standard of living develop greater demands and end up having fewer children, even though they can afford to raise them. Some countries are net exporters of children, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while others lack a workforce and are literally dying out. Let’s look at which countries are in danger and threatened with extinction by their birth rate (the birth rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 people for a given period divided by the length of the period in years). The CIA World Factbook states that two super-rich European countries are dying out the fastest: Monaco (6.61 children) and Andorra (6.87), but we don’t have much to worry about there, as they are so wealthy that they always attract new people, whether workers or rich people who want to settle there.

More at risk is third-placed Japan, which is literally dying out, with an increasing number of empty houses in the country, measured in the millions. Their birth rate is 6.90, closely followed by South Korea, which also struggles with a declining youth population at 6.95. Given that these countries do not have a tradition of immigration, nor are they culturally inclined towards easy immigration and assimilation, this could pose a significant problem in the future. Or soon. We discussed this in the text “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom.” Italy, Spain, and Greece were once countries of net emigration with large families, but now they

hold the ignoble 5th, 6th, and 7th places in terms of population decline: Italy with 7.00, Spain with 7.12, and Greece with 7.53 births. If we consider Taiwan as a separate territory, it would complete the demographic collapse of the “Asian Tigers” because the Taiwanese, although part of China, demographically behave like Japan or South Korea – their score is 7.33. Perhaps the escape from the poverty of their ancestors and conservative families led to this in the three Mediterranean countries, but the demographic transition has destroyed the countries from the 8th to the 22nd place, and they are in order: Bulgaria (7.97), Portugal (an exception, in 9th place, with 7.99), Slovenia (8.12), Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland (8.31), Czech Republic (8.48), Estonia (8.53), Latvia (8.50), Hungary (8.58), Croatia (8.60), Romania (8.63), Slovakia (8.78), Ukraine (8.87), Belarus (8.79), and Serbia (8.87). Of course, there are also two Chinese territories: Macau (8.82) and Hong Kong (7.75). Poor projections for the Far East, the Mediterranean of Europe, and Eastern Europe. China has a birth rate of 9.70, which is concerning compared to the USA (12.21) and Australia (12.23), but better than Russia (9.22).

At the other end of the spectrum are overpopulated countries like Niger (46.86) with the highest birth rate, and at the top are African countries (Sub-Saharan Africa) with 41 out of 45 countries with the highest birth rates! Therefore, the demographic future of the world is in Africa – and considering it is the continent of resources, it is likely the continent of the future.

Photo: Riccardo Mayer / Shutterstock

by Ljiljana Vujić

Countdown for Modi

The power struggle currently underway in India will shape not only the world’s largest democracy and its economic course but will also have effects of planetary proportions.”

Indian elections, due to their scale, will be called historic on June 4th. This description will be justified not only because the electoral process from April 19 to June 1 is the largest, most populous, and most challenging the country has ever experienced. India is often spoken of in superlatives from various aspects, the most important being the path of the world’s fastest-growing economy India has embarked on, which will become irreversible if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins a third term. Confirmation of the status quo through his re-election will bring enormous changes to India. In a year that began with crucial elections in Taiwan in January and will end with the U.S. presidential election in November, with several significant votes for Europe, such as those for the Euro-

INDIA IS ON THE VERGE OF ACHIEVING THE TITLE OF THE THIRD-LARGEST WORLD ECONOMY

pean Parliament, in the meantime, the current voting in India is of global importance. Why? Because it involves determining the future Indian government’s alignment between China and the USA, between the “East” and the “West.” India is on the verge of achieving the title of the third-largest world economy, and in this regard, Modi’s likely triumph will be crucial. Therefore, his defeat would also be historic, although it seems almost impossible despite the main strong opposition coalition of as many as 28 parties.

Even though Modi has not fulfilled some promises during his previous two terms, including tackling unemployment, the results of the world’s largest and most expensive elections will show that he remains undeniably the most dominant figure on the local political scene, whose position has not been undermined even by Rahul Gandhi and his Indian National Congress. This party and its leader, a descendant of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, carry the strength of historical context but insufficient to defeat Modi and his political course.

Let us recall that Rahul’s greatgrandfather Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Indian prime minister after gaining independence in 1947, his grandmother Indira was a prime minister, and then his father Rajiv, while the Indian National Congress governed the country for most of the independence period. Nevertheless, it seems that the son of a tea seller from a humble family will hold the reins of the country for the next five years, just as he has for the past ten, determined to create an economic tiger. Forecasts suggest that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, along with regional allies, could achieve a more convincing victory than in 2019. Thus, on June 4th, when the results are announced, it will become clear that Rahul’s formation of a broad alliance with a series of regional parties, and his campaign to “save democracy from a man who insists on Hindu nationalism and abandoning the secular concept advocated by Nehru and the leader of the Indian independence movement Mahatma Gandhi,” did not help. Although at this moment the actual voting process is of the least significance, its nature still deserves some attention because it regulates the largest electorate on the planet over six weeks.

THE LARGEST ELECTIONS THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN

It is enough to say that in a month and a half, around 970 million voters will exercise their right to vote at more than a million polling stations, which would be roughly equivalent to having the citizens of the USA, Russia, and the European Union vote together. In the most massive elections, 2,700 parties are participating, although the focus is on two main actors—Modi and Gandhi. The campaigns have cost far more than last year, when eight billion dollars were spent. Rumor has it that the figure is at least 14 billion, which greatly ex-

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Exposure Visuals / Shutterstock.com

ceeds the renowned U.S. presidential elections.

The following facts are also spectacular: millions of electronic voting machines are used for voting. In the marathon race for the election of MPs in the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament, who then elect the Prime Minister who chooses the ministers, around 15 million election activists are involved. They travel by camels, trains, boats, and helicopters to reach every Indian voter. To provide a vivid sense of the scale of this event, it’s notable that in one village on the border with China, at an altitude of 4,700 meters, the “highest polling station” in the world was set up.

Activists cover a vast area (India spans 3.3 million square kilometers) because the rules are clear and strictly followed, stating that there must be a polling station near every settlement—even in a remote forest area of the Gujarat National Park where only one man lives. The countdown to the announcement of Modi’s victory continues with accompanying interesting facts, such as those about the electoral process or those about the Prime Minister’s upbringing, his rise from a humble family, the son of a tea seller and an outsider in the elite political circles of Delhi, to the very top, which is atypical for a country where family connections define success. In such circumstances, Modi has become a brand stronger than his party. If you were to remove him from the scene, the ruling party would fall apart.

THE DRIVER OF SOUTH ASIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

In the field of economics, Modi advocates for the removal of all capital restrictions, which were significant in the first five decades of independence. Everything required state approval, from building a factory to getting permission to increase production if it exceeded the set limits. This year, India will achieve more than double the economic growth (6.8 percent) compared to the average of all other countries (3.2 percent). The general elections are marked as the most important in the last few decades. Narendra Modi is a widely popular leader under whom India has become the fastest-growing economy in the world on its way to achieving economic superpower status. At the same time, Modi is known as a prime minister who has im-

IN THE MOST MASSIVE ELECTIONS, 2,700 PARTIES ARE PARTICIPATING, ALTHOUGH THE FOCUS IS ON TWO MAIN ACTORS—MODI AND GANDHI

pressively raised the political and economic profile of the country on the international stage during his decade-long administration. In foreign policy, he has focused on building ties with the United States, which views India as a counterbalance to China’s expansion. India has increasingly better relations with the West, which, in its efforts to curb Beijing, is shifting production to this country that simultaneously has enviable relations with Russia and China.

A founding member of BRICS, and chair of the G20, with admirable relationships with the West, Asia, Africa, and around the world, India is also a country of contrasts and upheavals. On one hand, in a state where the Muslim minority numbers around 200 million people, one of the crowning achievements of Prime Minister Modi’s government is the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhumi Mandir, a Hindu temple in the holy city of Ayodhya, built on the site of the Babri Masjid mosque from the 16th century, which was violently demolished in 1992.

On the other hand, India has managed to send a module to the

Moon. Meanwhile, youth unemployment at the end of last year was 44.3 percent, and almost a quarter of the population was illiterate. Despite having one of the highest growth rates in recent years, India has not solved the problems of unemployment and inequality, which will continue to be enormous challenges for the country, despite the bright forecasts. The World Bank predicts that South Asia will be the fastest-growing market, with India’s economic performance being the main driver. Modi has implemented incentive programs with the promise that by 2029, India will become the third-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan and Germany, as also projected by the IMF. The Biden administration encourages American companies to shift production from China to friendly countries, particularly Vietnam and India. India’s electronics exports to the US reached $6.6 billion last year, up from $2.6 billion the previous year. However, to surpass Vietnam, Modi must first reduce taxes, and this will undoubtedly be the year many duties will be

abolished. Nevertheless, the solution is not so simple in the long term because foreign investors are more interested in business flexibility, especially in hiring and firing, which is Vietnam’s main long-term advantage over India. There is also the question of infrastructure, in which China is far more advanced. Analysts are paying great attention to India’s shift toward centralized governance, which could harm overall growth, something the country has experienced in the past. Therefore, the focus should be on a series of structural reforms necessary to maintain a higher GDP growth rate in the long term, which is a significant challenge.

The opposition attempts to capitalize on these issues, as well as on the problem of inequality, accusing the government of extinguishing the country’s decadeslong commitment to multiparty democracy and secularism. Tensions between Hindus and the Muslim minority have escalated in recent years. However, investors view India differently because market sentiment is simple—the effects of economic growth are felt on the stock markets. They particularly monitor shares in the industrial and defense sectors, which are at the heart of Modi’s reforms aimed at strengthening domestic production. The BSE industrial index has jumped by over 300 percent in the last five years.

Congress Party Leader Rahul Gandhi. Photo: Incredible Rajasthan / Shutterstock.com

DUŠAN UZELAC

Entrepreneur, founder, and director of the Kamatica portal

Many experts claim that Europe has been in an economic crisis for years. We know what it’s like in Serbia, and we increasingly hear worrying stories from the EU. Do you think so too?

The crisis is a state of mind. The word “crisis” has a different meaning in the EU than in these regions. There, a person who loses their job looks at the calendar to see when they will become homeless. In contrast, here, people had survival exercises in the ‘90s and are more resilient to economic challenges. To remind you, people in these areas had salaries of 10 marks, which would become 5 marks by the time they reached the store, and would disappear if there was nothing to buy, which was often the case. Fuel was sold by the liter, and from two oranges, 10 liters of juice were made. With such life experiences, little can be called a crisis.

On the other hand, the concept of forced consumerism, driven by financial capitalism

The Crisis is a State of Mind

The world will change drastically in the next five years, but it won’t be terrible, and there won’t be hungry people

to produce as little as possible while earning as much as possible, has pushed the West into questioning the sustainability of such a system. Additionally, new technologies are replacing workers, causing a deep but invisible disruption of the balance in old capitalist systems - first,

NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE REPLACING WORKERS, CAUSING A DEEP BUT INVISIBLE DISRUPTION OF THE BALANCE IN OLD CAPITALIST SYSTEMS

the consumer base that excessively consumes overproduced goods is decreasing, and second, the base of those who will pay taxes and finance the state is decreasing. Many economic models are challenged; the world will change drastically in the next five years, but it won’t be terrible, and there won’t be hungry people. This time, we will watch all these changes from the stands.

Is the economy in crisis, or has it, in some strange way, only affected ordinary citizens?

The economy consists of players who are always in a state of better and more efficient business practices. They always operate from the perspective that the existing can be improved. And for them, there is not much concern. On the other hand, ordinary citizens are, it could be said, the damaged party because they bear the brunt of the changes. Inflation is precisely the mechanism that transfers money from the citizens to the economy. All price increases result in the economy having more and the citizens having less.

The labor market here is young and underdeveloped. Not in terms of the mechanisms that operate within it, but rather in terms of the attitudes of workers who do not trade their skills and who wait for the employer to value them. An employer, in a constant race to lower production costs, is more likely to replace a worker than to increase wages. Thus, in a tide of rising prices, you have a situation where workers are tied to

the bottom and do not keep up with price increases, eventually starting to drown. They realize they have less and less even though they haven’t changed their lifestyle. Only when we adopt the mindset that we sell our work services as goods and that no one else will value them if we don’t, will the system balance, and all challenges will be distributed between the economy and the citizens.

Our people are proverbially enterprising, and we have many examples of successful entrepreneurship throughout Serbia. In some smaller communities, entrepreneurship is even the leading economic sector. So why doesn’t the state support domestic entrepreneurs, but instead help already overly wealthy foreign investors?

Judging by the dominant activities of the state, their focus is on employment - quantity. Therefore, everything concerning the already employed is in the background. This policy creates jobs that are the focus of the chosen policy.

Are we living in some form of hybrid colonialism? Is Serbia unique in its subordinate position to powerful forces, or is this also the case with some other countries in the world?

Today, more than ever, we see the inertia of Western financial capitalism, which has a global influence. This idea lacks perspective, and this has become obvious. A system that depends on “more” and does not have a defined “enough” will inevitably collide with the limitations of nature. An ordinary person cannot drive three cars, talk on two phones, or eat a kilogram of ice cream a day, and that is the condition for the system’s earnings and existence. All established global mechanisms possess all the power, influence, and force that allow them to implement this unnatural intention without the consent of those who lack the power to change it.

Nothing new in the order of civilization, and the shift of global ideas is a natural consequence of this state.

We recently celebrated Labor Day, but it seems that the day is spent roasting a pig in the forest, instead of protesting and demanding greater labor rights. Is there awareness among citizens about the working class today, and why is there no greater fight for workers’ rights?

The social order has changed; we live in capitalism with memories of socialism broadcasted in the news. Labor rights have been replaced by workers’ obligations. There is no one to lead the fight because we have transitioned from a society of collective interest to a society of individual interest with elements of greed. In this transition, we have retained the behavior of good people, which does not help us but rather allows employers to extract more from workers while paying less. The new generations have managed. The older ones will either understand that they must first value themselves for others to value them, or they will depend on the goodwill of the employer and the system.

MANY ECONOMIC MODELS ARE CHALLENGED

What do you think about the announcements to raise the retirement age to 70 or even 75 years? Will we have a situation where the average worker won’t live to see their deserved pension, given that the life expectancy in Serbia is shorter than the proposed retirement age?

Economic calculations are forcing states to extend the retirement age, but the reward at the end of that working period is no longer as attractive. The state pension as a product has lost the quality it once had. It used to provide basic subsistence and comfortable retirement days. Today, it only covers part of subsistence. If you do not secure yourself in time, the system will not provide you with any comfort, just

bare existence. You may be angry about this fact, but you cannot change it. Think ahead, do not spend everything, invest. Investing is a young discipline in these regions. Many crusaders have passed through Serbian piggy bank, and for a good reason, it is locked up. But under the influence of inflation, it will lose its practical value. You have to invest. Do not rely on others. Personal finances is a single player game, you play it with yourself, only you can win and only you can lose. Play wisely.

As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give an ordinary citizen of Serbia on how to survive a month with an average salary in Serbia? Is it even a realistic indicator of purchasing power, and does it mean anything to the citizens that it is increasing? In financial management, there are only two sides. You can either spend less or earn more. Balancing these two sides is necessary for a peaceful life. The new era has brought us new choices. So the problem is not necessarily a lack of money but also an excess of desires. The previous egalitarianism left deep traces. Money in these regions is both desired and despised. Citizens do not wish to own a Mercedes but resent their neighbors for having one. They would be happier if the neighbor didn’t have it rather than them getting one. These are emotions from the previous system that cared for society differently. Modern states are corporatized with business models. In them, there are no reports on emotions, only Excel files with numbers.

Managing finances is desirable. No one will do it for you. Financial responsibility is nontransferable. First, it is necessary to step on the financial scale, draw a line, and calculate how much you have and how much you don’t. This process will pose difficult questions. Am I living a life I can afford? Should I reduce expenses and tighten my belt, or should I earn more? How can I better monetize my work? What am I buying, and what is being sold to me?

Once you answer these difficult questions, decisions become easier, priorities clearer, and “I must” turns into “I want.”

Excellent years for JLR Adria

The plan to implement a new program called the Adria Diplomatic Program, intended for diplomats residing in the countries of our region, was prepared to support this fact

MILOŠ STEFANOVIĆ

Regional Director – Jaguar Land Rover Adria

We are on an upward trajectory as far as many factors are concerned, including the profitability of manufacturer, distributors and, of course, retail partners, says Miloš Stefanović, Regional Director - Jaguar Land Rover Adria, for Diplomacy&Commerce Srbija. We are very proud of the Adria Diplomatic Program, which represents an additional effort to provide diplomats in the Adria region with a faster, easier, and more personalized way of purchasing and maintaining JLR vehicles, Stefanović explains. For our magazine exclusively, he also reveals the secrets of good leaders, which, among other things, include constant changes, transitions, new things, solutions, the use of new technologies, involvement in new projects, and in his case, above all, cars.

Jaguar Land Rover Adria has the following regional countries under its jurisdiction: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. How would you rate the business results for the entire region over the past year? Is there a crisis in the automobile market?

which ended on March 31. I must emphasize that our brands have been in the process of transitioning from premium to (modern) luxury for more than a year. Being part of that transition, having the opportunity to implement new standards and programs, new technologies and solutions is very interesting.

THE HOUSE OF BRANDS PHILOSOPHY PUTS THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH BRAND IN THE FOREGROUND BY DIVIDING THEM INTO FOUR HOUSES: RANGE ROVER, DEFENDER, DISCOVERY AND JAGUAR.

As for JLR in the region and, as a wider perspective globally, the past year has been extremely interesting. In terms of classic business results, KPIs, planned vs. realized targets, we had an excellent year – both calendar year and our JLR fiscal year,

Given the fact that you cover countries that are members of the EU and have more regulated markets, and those that are not, what differences in business operations would you highlight, and what brings them together?

The region covered by my team is very specific, as everyone from this area is familiar with. As you stated, we have EU and NON-EU countries, and then each market has a lot of specific characteristics, even though it may not seem so at first glance. Of course, with Slovenia and Croatia as EU member states, it is much easier operationally.

As we go further south, we enter the complexity of the Adria region. Trade agreements, customs, taxes, legislation... I will give you a practical example of the driverassistance system that we are currently dealing with: Traffic sign recognition works in one country, but stops working at the border with another country, mainly due to legislation. Also, we have the peculiarities of each market in terms of models and their specifications, client requirements and financing. Some of our partners are receiving their car or spare part in just 2 days from our warehouse, while others are waiting for more than ten days because we have three borders

and about 1000 kilometers to get to them. What I am trying to say is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but each market and partner is approached separately and tailormade solutions are being applied. This can be quite challenging and time-consuming, but it’s also fulfilling and gives us great pleasure when we find a solution and agree upon an efficient work.

This year, JLR Adria plans to implement a new program called the Adria Diplomatic Program, intended for diplomats residing in the countries of our region. What are the specifics and what exactly are your plans within the scope of that program?

We are very proud on this program. It represents an additional effort to provide diplomats in our region with a faster, easier, and more personalized way of purchasing and maintaining JLR vehicles. Yes, they can get their car through Global Diplomatic Sales, but here we try to give additional value besides just a special price. We have planned the program in several stages, where we will improve and add services every year. This year, our focus is getting to know our potential clients, educating them about the basics of the program, and promoting the program itself. The advantages that I would immediately point out are access to the central Adria vehicle stock, short delivery time, personalized approach with Diplomatic Sales Executive in our team, quick response to every inquiry. We are currently working with our partners to improve logistics and priority reception in the service, as well as home delivery. Also, vehicle maintenance can already start at the client’s door. With the Pick-Up & Redelivery Service, we pick up the vehicle and return it to the address chosen by the client. This service is already a standard service for all JLR customers.

Bearing your clients in mind when we talk about the brands you represent, their luxury and refinement, what do the numbers in the field tell us? Which brands stand out and why? What your customers like the most?

To sum it up in one sentence, the numbers in the field show the effort put into this. I think we are doing a perfect job of brand transitioning. We are achieving the planned goals, increasing the market share in most markets, and continuously working to ensure that our brands remain desired and in demand. Here I would briefly explain the new

THE DEFENDER IS MY FAVORITE JLR MODEL. A MODERN-DAY HERO THAT RESPECTS THE PAST, BUT AT THE SAME TIME HERALDS THE FUTURE. A RARE CAR ON THE MARKET WITH A SPECIAL CHARACTER.

Modern Luxury strategy, according to which our brands are now distinguished into “houses”. The House of Brands philosophy puts the uniqueness of each brand in the foreground by dividing them into four houses: Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar. This allows us to recognize the peculiarities and support the clients of each house, their specificities, wishes, lifestyle habits and needs. Speaking about models, I would spotlight the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport as the highlight of the range. These are extremely desired vehicles. The personalization options are endless, so most clients want to wait for their unit, assembled according to their wishes and needs. The Defender is my favorite JLR model. Year after year, it records sales growth, even though it has been around for a couple of years. This is a modern-day hero that respects the past, but at the same time heralds the future. A rare car on the market with a special character. The range of the Defender buyers is incredible, and I’d say everyone loves it. Or if not everyone, it certainly leaves absolutely no one indifferent.

As a leader, how important is investing in your employees and how do you take care of your people?

Every business and every company begins and ends with people. If you really think like that, you know and understand what empathy means, you are already a good leader in my book. We often forget that we spend more time with the people we work with than with family members and friends. In our company, we nurture an informal culture, we encourage employees to be creative, to take initiative, and we support and empower them. We don’t look at the watch too much, but we rather value efficiency and, of course, the results. The energy between people is very important and I think that all of us in the importer office have very similar energies and understanding of the business. Employees can pop out during working hours and finish their private affairs, take a child to the doctor or - if they feel under the weather – just take the day off. When they are trusted, people will reciprocate, there is no need to worry about that. Two days a week, they can work from anywhere (home office), and we also offer a progressive vacation system according to the time spent in the company.

We continuously invest in employees, and in their development. They can influence the course of education and training and we try to introduce additional benefits eve-

ry year. They can progress within the team or move to one of the sister companies from our group. No one would take this against them, but quite the opposite, we encourage them to do so. I am proud of the fact that I am close with every team member, and that my door is literally always open to everyone.

You have been in leading managerial positions in the auto industry for a long time. What drives you in your work and what motivates you for further progress? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

The work I do must be challenging and dynamic to drive and motivate me. I love changes, transitions, new things, solutions, technologies, new projects and, above all, cars. This is what my current job and position enable me to do every day. The people I work with, and I work for, partners... in general, relationships with people are something that fascinates me and moves me from a sociological point of view. I like an organized system with a nice dose of improvisation when needed, creative people, people who think for themselves and are not afraid of their thoughts and ideas. In general, the automotive world is in a very interesting period. I still see myself in the automotive industry. I am very interested in current market trends and the reactions of all of us in the chain. I am not thinking about changing the position until the final implementation of the new strategy and the transformation of the brands. After that, you never know, maybe another challenging market or a continent.

Your Perfect Luxurious Getaway is Just a Click Away

The Story of Crowned Villas and Its Visionary Founder Igor Marić

In the world of luxury and exclusivity, Crowned Villas stands out as premier provider of villa rentals and luxury concierge services. Led by Igor Marić, a hospitality expert with a distinguished background in Greece’s elite travel industry, Crowned Villas brings people together through cultural experiences, fostering meaningful connections worldwide.

FROM SARAJEVO TO THE WORLD: IGOR’S JOURNEY

Igor’s story is a blend of dedication and a passion with a strong commitment to excellence. His life journey began in Sarajevo in 1986, leading him to the sunny beaches of Greece where he spent most of his life, embracing the rich culture and traditions of the Mediterranean. He pursued his business education at the best universities in Boston and New York, enabling him to build an international vision with his mindset and contacts. His hospitality career flourished in one of the world’s most luxurious destinations – Mykonos. For many years, high-profile clients deemed Igor as the most-trustworthygo-to person, positioning him at the top of luxury concierge services.

CROWNED VILLAS PLATFORM: DIGITAL PRESENCE WITH A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE

The essence of luxury hospitality is brought to a global audience through www.crownedvillas.com, with a top selection of 100+ villas in Greece, Spain and Italy. From the moment you enter the Crowned Villas website, Igor and his concierge team are at your disposal for every step of the way.

The offer includes private villa rentals, yacht charters, personal chef services, and bespoke event planning.

• Private Villa Rentals: Villas range in style from traditional Cycladic white and blue to historic Italian Renaissance villas; from modern designs to eclectic, artistically inspiring spaces. The selection also includes properties in Mallorca owned by Richard Branson of Virgin Group.

• VIP Nightlife & Daytime Reservations: Experience the fun at the most exclusive venues.

• Yacht Charters: Explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean in style with our yachts.

• Luxury Car Rentals: With a limited fleet of around 34 taxis on the entire island of Mykonos, advance bookings for transportation with luxury cars and vans with chauffeurs are highly advisable. Enjoy the ride – safely, elegantly and comfortably.

• Private Aviation: Arrive and depart conveniently with a private jet or take a day-trip with a helicopter.

• Personal Chefs: Experience culinary perfection with a personal chef who will prepare gourmet meals exactly to your preferences

• Security: Close-protection officers (bodyguards) and security officers at the property. Our officers will fulfill your security protocol requirements.

• Custom VIP Events & Experiences: We create unforgettable moments, tailored just for you!

CONNECTING CULTURES, BUSINESSES AND MORE

Igor’s services are not just about luxury; they are about building human connections; building trust and exchange of cultures and experiences. Through Crowned Villas, people from diverse backgrounds come together to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of different countries.

Visit Crowned Villas today and discover a world where your desires are not just met but exceeded, all with the convenience of modern technology. Visit our website to explore our properties, or send us an email on bookings@crownedvillas.com for custom villa requests and personalized summer plans.

We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable luxury vacation.

For this edition of “Diplomacy & Commerce” magazine, Igor handpicked a selection of villas in Greece, Italy and Spain. To explore more, visit www.crownedvillas.com or scan the QR code below for ease.

Waterloo in Reality

Eurovision on the Slippery Slope

As far back as 2022, I wrote that the competition was in danger of being the last. Although that won’t happen for some time – 2022 ominously signaled a dangerous trend of scandals that have continued in this competition, the most scandalous to date.

IT USED TO BE A FLOWER

GARDEN...

There’s an idea that the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is an organization that tries to reconcile all the conflicting trends in the world, which sociologically converge at this competition perhaps more than others, precisely because it has been avant-garde in including everyone: non-European countries (Morocco – only once, in 1982), Israel, socialist countries (Yugoslavia) with the five-pointed star on its flag until 1991, the LGBT population, Eastern European countries, and finally, Australia. Everyone was welcome, and it was a great fest where you could be quirky to your heart’s content and still be popular (Verka Serduchka in 2007 is the perfect example of how you get a hit that way).

But in recent years, the world has changed. Cancel culture has made it so that people seem to be eagerly waiting to voice their conflicting opinions, to be “righteous,” to condemn someone, to argue. The aggressive element of social media has made the competition rapidly different from, say, 2004 in Istanbul or 2008 in Belgrade, which are considered high points. However, the EBU has incredibly clumsily handled every problem.

NEIGHBORLY OR BLOCK VOTING

The juries always went against the grain of viewers, so the advent of SMS voting brought “democratically elected winners,” who were often from Eastern Europe if including Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Finland, geographically. Balkan countries voted for each other, and ex-USSR countries did the same, as did the Scandinavians. Greece and Cyprus always voted for each other, as did Ireland and the UK. Then the EBU decided to bring back the jury because the largest countries were dissatisfied, and some even left the competition (Italy). And then, surprise, Eastern Europe never won

again, except for Ukraine in 2016 and 2022, both heavily influenced by war and politics. In 2022, the EBU nullified the jury votes of many countries and invented their votes for these juries, which was the height of the scandal. After that, Romania and Montenegro withdrew (these are two countries whose votes were nullified), as well as North Macedonia. The “Big Five” are guaranteed finals, which drove away the Turks.

NO POLITICS?

Of course, there is. It’s said that in 1989, the victory of the group Riva from Yugoslavia was a signal of support not to disintegrate, but we didn’t understand it. Baby Doll was punished in 1991 for the Yugoslav war with the last place, while in 1990, Toto Cutugno announced “Unite(d) Europe” and won. The British became the “pariahs” of Eurovision after Brexit. Wars? Mental gymnastics are needed to convince viewers that Russia (and Belarus) can be disqualified because of the war, but Israel cannot. Hence the demonstrations. Of course, we can go back to 2003 and wonder why the countries

Malmo, Sweden - May 11th, 2024: Nemo Mettler representing Switzerland after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Photo: EUPA-IMAGES / Shutterstock

that brutally attacked and occupied Iraq in the “Coalition of the Willing” weren’t expelled from Eurovision: the UK, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands. The other two countries from the “Coalition of the Willing” weren’t even there: Denmark couldn’t participate that year, and Italy had withdrawn. Or in 1999, when Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) was attacked. Why weren’t NATO countries disqualified then? Regarding Israel, the protests are somewhat naive: Israel couldn’t be expelled because the sponsor, Moroccanoil, is from Israel. And that’s where any discussion ends. My stance is that no one should be expelled, neither they nor the Russians, because of politics, since others have been in conflicts, too, and nothing happened to them. The UK could have been expelled three times since 1990, and they didn’t lose a hair. Except that they sometimes get zero points.

FINANCES

With the disqualification of Russia and Belarus and the withdrawal of a new contingent of countries, now even 10 Eastern European countries don’t participate in Eurovision. For two years now, the number of participating countries has been 37 – in Belgrade in 2008, at the peak, there were 43. Bosnia and Herzegovina hasn’t participated for years due to debt. When Turkey withdrew (the conspiracy theory is that it was because of the “bearded woman” in 2014, but it actually happened two years earlier due to the introduction of juries and the “Big Five”), and Russia was expelled, the costs for smaller countries increased sharply and proportionally, further motivating them not to participate.

THE JURY HAS TOO MUCH POWER

Eurovision might be on the path to recovery in the semifinals because there are no juries there, only public votes, but the final has been scandalous for the second year in a row. And people intuitively feel it – something is wrong. The winner doesn’t match the gut feeling. For a year now, petitions have been written for the public to carry 60% of the votes or twothirds of the votes in the final, or even 75% as in Finland, which might be the best solution after the identical scandal in 2023 with Loreen and her jury-assisted victory, with loud public disapproval and chanting “Cha Cha Cha” as she took the stage to receive the trophy. Again a bit of politics: it was “known” that two new NATO members had to be first and second, but the public vote spoiled plans to hold the competition for ABBA’s anniversary in Sweden, so the jury ensured it wasn’t so. The same happened this year. There’s an irresistible feeling that the jury avoided giving points to Israel to prevent them from winning, supported by public votes, and putting the EBU in a difficult situation –how to organize the competition again in Tel Aviv? And did they lobby or opt to give points to the biggest favorite, Croatia? No, that was too “non-inclusive,” although it was a clear favorite in the bookmakers. They avoided two great songs, from France and Italy, and “out of precaution” Ukraine, to avoid sweating over the organization for 2025 again. The comment “Baby Lasagna forgot to put on a skirt, that’s

how he could have won” doesn’t sound far from the truth, because it seems that among several good candidates for victory, Nemo won because he wasn’t from a “troublesome country” (Ukraine, Israel), and is perfectly inclusive, as now the media buzzes about what nonbinary means and what flag he smuggled in.

ISRAEL, UKRAINE, POLITICAL CORRECTNESS...

The only real reason to remove Israel from the festival could be to spare the competitors from stress and insults, as Eden Golan heroically endured harassment from part of the audience (though she didn’t help with her statements). The same goes for Russia – the only reason is not to prevent the “aggressor from spreading their culture” but to spare the poor contestant from insults. Everything has gone awry with hidden messages – the nails of the Portuguese representative in Palestinian scarf patterns forced the EBU to show, as far as we understood, the semifinal performance on TV, only for the final performance to be on the YouTube channel an hour later. It’s unbelievable how far it goes. On the other hand, Norway was one of several countries reportedly close to leaving Eurovision 2024. On the day of the final, reports suggested that even four other countries – Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom – held “crisis meetings” with the EBU, threatening to withdraw, all because of Israel. If it’s about politics, it’s too much. The more something is imposed, the more people resist, and it goes both ways – the more Israel’s right to participate was pushed, the more some demonstrated, both participants and the audience, and on the streets. The more they booed Eden Golan (who is on the list of “terrorists” of Ukrainian nationalists because she sang as a child in Crimea in 2016 – which is another story), the more people voted for her, and she almost won the public vote (she was second). Of

course, Ukraine also received support votes, but this time it’s not 2022, so it’s not certain they will win out of “solidarity.” It’s worth saying that both Israel in 2024 and Ukraine in 2022 had genuinely good songs (I said in 2022 that Ukraine would win even before the war, “Stefania” was a great song). The more sociopolitical correctness is pushed like now with “non-binariness” or similar new things, even the tolerant Eurovision audience is already on edge, which is already explosive when connected with politics. The expulsion of Joost Klein from the Netherlands is harsh and too severe, even though he didn’t behave perfectly, and that’s a special scandal – destroying someone’s dreams with one stroke.

THE UK DELUGE AND WATERLOO

The British are screaming to the heavens again – they got zero from the public. Yes, they send mediocre songs (Olly Alexander cared more about choreography that looked like sex in a dirty locker room than vocal performance. Choreography “just to show you I’m gay” (believe it or not, Olly, we know, it’s okay, focus on singing man!) didn’t attract the target audience, but, incredibly, they got nothing. They might withdraw, as their failures are epic.

Both the SFRY and FRY saw signs of their collapse on Eurovision before that. First, weaknesses are seen in stadiums and on Eurovision, and then everything else comes. And there are many. Nemo stated that something needs to be fixed at Eurovision, and that’s true, but millions of viewers have completely different visions of what needs fixing. We don’t know how the EBU will resolve these conflicting desires. As for the winner, some say there’s karmic symbolism in Nemo breaking his trophy – because “he didn’t deserve it.”

All of this doesn’t bode well. In the year celebrating 50 years of the song “Waterloo” winning, Eurovision has experienced its Waterloo. Almost.

Malmö, Skåne, Sweden. May 11, 2024. People demonstrating against the Israeli war in Gaza during the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Photo: Woodan / Shutterstock

Being Yourself Doesn’t Mean Not Having an Attitude

I always try and make sure that all sides are equally represented

MARIJA SAVIĆ STAMENIĆ

Host of the morning program on TV Prva

In her extensive career, Marija Savić Stamenić managed to witness various different workplaces and challenges that shaped her into the experienced journalist she is today. We took our time to talk to her and discuss her professional history, her views on media freedom in Serbia and her overall perspective on standards of modern journalism.

During your career, you worked at B92, RTS and TV PRVA. Which of those periods would you single out as your favorite and why?

Everything is still incomparable with RTS. I spent 15 years there, where I matured as a journalist, primarily as a reporter. My favorite days are spent with the team on the field. Although it sometimes happened that we spent 15 hours at minus 10 or plus 40, I would never trade with those journalists who started their careers in the studio. The terrain is a special experience. At RTS, I became an editor from a journalist. RTS was the base. The rest was an upgrade.

You have mentioned in the past that it is very important for a journalist to “remain loyal to himself”. Have you managed to do it yourself?

That’s up to the viewers to judge. But, for me, being yourself doesn’t mean not having an attitude. But, if you are yourself, you cannot change your views as the wind blows, so one day you are the biggest critic of one policy and the next, the biggest fan of that same policy, depending on who pays you and how much.

YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT JOURNALISM IF YOU ARE HUMAN

There is a word for that which isn’t so polite. I have not and will not change my views. Some like them, some don’t. That doesn’t mean that my shows are closed to people with different views. On the contrary. From politics to sports, I always try and make sure that all sides are equally represented. So far, I have largely succeeded. Although, it would be easier if those who claim that media darkness reigns in Serbia responded more often. Some of them told me that they can’t work on weekends and that 9 am is too early for them.

What advice would you give to young journalists?

To choose another job. And if they really want this, to never make compromises with the essence, to remember that the so-called small, but actually, big man is more important than politicians and their interests. And when that common man is disenfranchised, then only he matters, without compromise with anyone and anything. For example, when a crime

happens in Ribnikar, the human dimension dictates to you to open a space for the parents of the murdered children without thinking about what they might say. When a mother loses her unborn child, you invite her to tell her story. There is no editorial policy, you don’t need to know anything about journalism if you are human.

What do you think separates successful journalists from others?

If you measure success with money, then it’s simple. For me, money has never been a priority, never the first and most important motive, neither in life nor in journalism. That’s how I was brought up. That’s why I think that anyone who does their job responsibly and with dedication, with passion and the desire to do more and better tomorrow is successful.

How would you rate the current state of media freedom in Serbia?

I think that the issue of responsibility is bigger and more important than freedom today. I am convinced that there is more freedom today than 12 years ago. There is no question that is not or should not be asked of public office holders, including the president of the state. You have both pro-government and opposition media. Someone will say that they are progovernment with a national frequency. But 12 years ago, not a single opposition television existed, neither with nor without a frequency. You have two powerful and clearly profiled opposition television stations, as well as many newspapers. That makes a huge difference compared to 2012.

But when we come to responsibility, that’s where I see the erosion of this profession. When I look at what happened in Slovakia, where Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot, I shudder. I’m thinking if we too have raised tensions and hatred to the point where someone can think it’s perfectly okay to pull the trigger. And it’s not ok. And it never will be, if we are human.

If we are human, it cannot be okay for us to call someone Satan, evil, killer, sick, just because we don’t like his politics. If you are brainwashing your viewers every day by claiming that someone is “evil”, think about what you are doing.

Of course, the media are not the only ones responsible for the atmosphere of hatred. But, let us journalists start from ourselves, before it is too late. Let each of us try to see our responsibility and be better tomorrow than we are today, and even more responsible today than yesterday.

What challenges did you most often face in your profession, as a journalist, but also as a woman in that sector?

Many friends tell me that I am a masochist. They ask me why I call both, why I insist on dialogue and thus put myself in the line of fire. Why wasn’t I, like most others, who chose to sit in the studio every week in their small, or somewhat larger, circle of like-minded people. As long as I can, I will do this. Because I think it’s only right. They can still measure how many times I smiled and how many times I

FOR ME, MONEY HAS NEVER BEEN A PRIORITY, NEVER THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT MOTIVE, NEITHER IN LIFE NOR IN JOURNALISM

frowned in a conversation, but whether they want to admit it or not, they attack me precisely because my shows are proof that things can be different, that everyone can come and say what they want I only ask guests not to offend. Any criticism can be expressed with a

decent dictionary. Šešelj, for example, once left my show because I didn’t let him participate in insulting journalists of the Vreme newspaper.

Who would you interview next and what would you ask them?

Robert Fico.

How does he feel and who does he hold responsible for the assassination attempt?

Is there anyone you haven’t been able to reach that you wanted to?

Nemanja Matić. When I found out how much he helps people, especially in his village Vrelu near Ub, I wanted to do a story about it, but he didn’t want to. Of course, Putin has always been on that list, but I didn’t even try to get to him.

ADRIA SUMMIT

2024

San Francisco Inspires Adria Business Chamber

From May 8th to 12th, the luxurious hotels Kempinski Adriatic in Umag and Kempinski Palace in Portorož, Istria, hosted over 400 participants from various sectors of internet business, digital commerce, finance, internet law, and digital marketing who attended the third Adria Summit. More than 80 speakers from around the world shared their knowledge and experiences, creating fertile ground for idea exchange and business networking.

The main goal of the conference was to empower companies in the region and pave the way for doing business in the United States, with a special focus on San Francisco as the epicenter of the internet industry.

One of the key moments at the Adria Summit was the announcement of the establishment of the Adria Business Chamber, an initiative aimed at supporting the economic development and cultural integration of the region. This initiative was supported by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Stefan Lazarević, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia, as well as representatives of the business community from San Francisco.

At the opening, Stefan Lazarević highlighted the region’s potential to become the “European California,” fostering innovation and en-

trepreneurship: “This region possesses many characteristics that can contribute to its positioning as innovative and entrepreneurial, which in a way identifies us as California within Europe.”

Zoran Torbica, one of the conference organizers, emphasized the importance of the Adriatic Chamber of Commerce as a pillar of hope and opportunity for businesses and students: “At the heart of our vision lies the Adria Business Chamber - a pillar of hope and opportunity for both businesses and students. We envision a space that not only fosters economic exchange but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Adriatic region. We are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through education. By providing scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs, we aim to bridge the gap between the Adriatic region and globally recognized universities in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

THE FUTURE OF E-COMMERCE: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NEXT?

At the panel on the future of e-commerce, Konstantin Konstadinov from Rakuten Viber discussed the transformation of Viber into a super app, emphasizing its crucial importance: “Users spend most of their time on messaging apps. Therefore, it is logical to adapt the app they spend the most time on so they can do absolutely everything, from financial transactions to ordering food. The super app changes the game. Why use ten apps on your phone when you can have everything in one?”

ADRIA SUMMIT TRULY CONNECTS PEOPLE

One of the interesting moments at this year’s Adria Summit was the reunion of Goran Tintor and Marijana Agić-Molnar. Last year, they represented the company DATA DO, while this year they ap-

peared as part of the Direct Media United Solutions team.

JELENA ĐUKANOVIĆ’S FASHION SHOW PREMIERE AT THE ADRIA SUMMIT

In addition to educational content, participants of the Adria Summit enjoyed various activities such as a golf tournament, golf lessons, beach yoga, and agrotourism. Every evening, parties were organized, with a gala dinner taking place on May 9th at the Kempinski Palace in Portorož.

A special event that further enriched the experience of the participants was the premiere of the fashion show “Inner Voice” by designer Jelena Đukanović. Slovenian top models showcased designs from her latest collection, adding glamour and attracting significant attention. The show was also attended by Ashok Murty, a renowned stylist, further enhancing the significance and prestige of the event.

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Every Shoot is a New Life for Me

The most important thing is building relationships, actually, trust with the people who stand in front of the lens

NEBOJŠA BABIĆ photographer

Nebojša Babić is a Serbian photographer and journalist known for his work in documenting Serbian society and culture. He has contributed significantly to the field of photojournalism in Serbia, capturing moments that reflect

the country’s social, political, and cultural landscape. Babić’s photographs often portray everyday life, events, and people with a keen eye for detail and emotion. His work has been featured in exhibitions, publications, and media outlets including Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, earning him recognition and acclaim within the photography community.

Looking at everything you’ve been working on, the general impression is that there’s hardly a field you haven’t tried. From sports, culture, portraits, fashion, all the way to numerous exhibitions and events covering a variety of topics. Do you ever find yourself “saturated” with everything you’ve done, or do you still manage to find inspiration?

Every day, or rather every shoot, is a new life for me. That’s why I don’t have the feeling of saturation; on the contrary, every photoshoot and every person in front of the lens is a new challenge and an introduction to a new world for me. Working with theaters, in film, and in the music scene greatly helps me find inspiration in creating images. I visit various exhibitions and museum displays, collect books not only on photography but also on design, advertising, and contemporary art. I’ve set myself the task of making at least one interesting photograph every day.

How would you rate the current state of the cultural scene in Serbia?

The current state of the cultural scene in Serbia can definitely be characterized as dynamic and diverse, but faced with certain challenges. It is indeed rich and diverse, with many events and occasions that attract a wide audience. However, it faces challenges

THERE IS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE DIGITALIZATION OF CULTURAL CONTENT

such as the lack of adequate support and funding, which could jeopardize its further development. Digital transformation and the involvement of young people represent positive aspects that can contribute to its improvement. According to the innovation report, there is significant progress in the digitalization of cultural content, enabling broader accessibility and interactivity. It means a lot to me when I encounter people who are guardians of cultural heritage and tradition, which society often overlooks or has already forgotten.

What characteristics must a photographer possess to be successful in what they do?

A successful photographer must possess a range of characteristics that enable them to excel in their profession. It’s essential to have and continually refine technical

skills (knowledge of equipment, photo post-production), creative skills (eye for detail, composition, innovation), and other indispensable skills (communication, organization, understanding the business aspects of photography). Personal qualities such as patience, persistence, flexibility, adaptability, and, of course, a passion for photography are also important. The combination of these qualities can help any photographer succeed in their career. For me personally, the most important thing is building relationships, actually, trust with the people who stand in front of the lens. You have collaborated with cultural institutions, humanitarian organizations, publishing houses, and creative agencies in Serbia and abroad.

Which of these projects would you highlight as your favorite and why?

I believe that every socially beneficial work is important, no matter how extensive or visible it may be. I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects such as campaigns for Early Detection of Breast Cancer, Schools Without Violence for UNICEF, NURDOR, Tiršova, ŽC Milica, Hemofarm Foundation, Belgrade Philharmonic, Kolaračeva Endowment, National Theatre, Yugoslav Drama Theatre... I would highlight my work on the O3ONE project because, in collaboration with many exceptional creatives, artists, curators, and producers, I managed, together with all of them, to make that contribution. By creating numerous diverse cultural, educational, and artistic contents over the past twenty years, in different locations in the city, we have contributed to the development of the contemporary art scene and culture in general. I think it’s very important to have and develop projects like O3ONE, whose mission is to encourage and promote not only established artists who serve as guides to new generations but also young creators who need support.

How would you describe your photography style? What sets it apart from others?

It would be better for someone else to speak about my photos; I can only talk about what I aspire to, to find the beauty and the best in every person and portray them

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, ACTUALLY, TRUST WITH THE PEOPLE WHO STAND IN FRONT VOF THE LENS

as such. I believe the key to successful photography lies in interaction with the subject. A photograph should be a window into a different view of the world around us. I strive for a minimalist approach and focus on simple compositions. This style allows the essence of the subject to stand out without unnecessary elements that might distract. I aim for each photograph to be authentic and reflect the best aspect of the person in front of the lens. One of the main goals of my work is to create an emotional connection between the photograph and the viewer.

You have won numerous awards and accolades, recognized as one of the best photographers in our region. What, in your opinion, was the key factor in achieving such success, and what advice would you give to future colleagues?

advice I would give to future colleagues is to nurture their passion, be committed to continuous learning and improvement, develop an authentic style, and not give up in the face of challenges. Photography is a journey, and success comes through perseverance, hard work, and dedication to one’s artistic expression.

What are the biggest challenges of your profession?

Technological advancement brings with it many advantages but also challenges. In the digital era, tools like advanced cameras, photo editing software, and content-sharing platforms allow photographers to capture and convey moments with incredible precision and creativity. However, it’s important for technology to be used thoughtfully and responsibly, as a means to enhance the quality of work, rather than as a replacement for human creativity and authenticity.

Photography for me is not just a job but a calling and a passion. I have always been dedicated to continuously improving my skills, experimenting with new techniques, and seeking different perspectives. While creativity is essential, technical mastery is also necessary. Continuous learning and improvement of the technical aspects of photography are crucial for maintaining consistent quality. The photography style I cultivate has evolved through a constant search for new, different understandings of the world and the moment we are in, reflecting my personality and emotions. Success in photography rarely comes overnight. It took a lot of patience, perseverance, and dedication to achieve certain results. Accepting criticism, learning from failures, and continuously improving were crucial for my progress. The

Photographers, as chroniclers of our time, have a special responsibility to use technology adequately to highlight important stories and draw attention to key social and environmental issues. Through their work, they can contribute to raising awareness about issues such as climate change, human rights, tolerance, and understanding among people. In this way, technology becomes a powerful tool for positive change, not just a means for entertainment or commercial gain.

The best example of this is the current exhibition by the worldrenowned photographer Sebastiao Salgado, held in Trieste, which is one of the must-see cultural events this season. Salgado is remembered in our regions for documenting the large-scale migration of Serbian population from the Knin region. Photography serves as irrefutable evidence in court and for those who will write the history in these tumultuous times.

I believe that humanity, faced with the challenges brought by technological advancement, will find a way to return to basic values of unity, caring for the planet, and responsibility towards future generations. In this context, photographers and other creatives play a crucial role in shaping the world we live in, using technology to inspire, educate, and connect people worldwide.

The List: People who are changing Belgrade

Belgrade - a soulful city where every street and every person tells their own story. Over the course of this city’s history, the people of Belgrade have shaped its appearance, architecture, culinary offerings, and customs. But being influential isn’t for everyone; it takes a unique individual to stand out and be noticed. In a monthly feature column by Duška Jovanić, we will spotlight some of the men and women who have left their mark on Belgrade.

Note: The List is in alphabetical order

1Word on the street is he sleeps with books. They say when he makes a move, everyone goes silent, waiting to see what happens next. Although he comes off as stiff and uptight at first glance, he’s surprisingly laid-back and fun at the bar. One thing’s for sure: he’s always on the hunt for new authors.

He’s got a knack for sorting them out: from Michel Houellebecq, through Karl Ove Knausgaard, to the shameless enfant terrible of European literature, Frédéric Beigbeder. He also introduced us to the confidential Elena Ferrante before anyone else had a clue about her.

Bevc brought the best of Yugoslavia to the local market through Booka, along with the verses of the most influential digital authors of Belgrade, scraped straight from the city streets. As a former publisher of the iconic City magazine, he’d have plenty to say about his Belgrade.

IVAN MEDENICA

Theatre nitpicker

2Welcome to the theatre – a phrase you’d expect from any well-meaning theatre critic, but not from Ivan Medenica. He loves theatre, no doubt about it, but his all-knowing pen is often a bit too sharp, something he’s quite proud of. He shook up the theatre scene, aiming to make it more important than it actually was. And it was.

Medenica makes this list because he’s an extraordinary character, a world traveler whose dedicated teaching and academic work, along with his serious nitpicking, don’t stop him from clubbing and enjoying nightlife, even though he discovered these experiences relatively late. Even then, he approaches it like he’s doing homework, being a nerd since childhood. That’s when we met, living on the same street in Neimar. To be fair, his parents invited me over to meet their “artistic project.” In the best sense of the word. Artists themselves, they took him to archaeological sites, muse-

“My Belgrade is a constant fight to preserve what I love about it, from the invasion of some new, not necessarily good trends, trying to erase its cosmopolitan vibe. It’s not in the flashy buildings, but in the European spirit of tolerance, diversity, and openness, where newcomers bring fresh blood but adopt the city’s spirit, now hidden in pockets of freedom and corners of creativity, especially in chosen people with good energy and fresh ideas.”

Those are the people Bevc puts in front of the mic on his podcast, aptly named “A Hundred Minutes of Noise,” to show there’s another way.

Just like Booka stores aren’t sterile shelves of the best titles. They are places of intelligent escapism, discreetly but seductively recommended with the promise: Whatever happens in the bookstore, stays in the bookstore.

ums, and world galleries. He was raised using the famous Dr. Spock methods, trendy in the seventies, to develop a child’s critical thinking, independence, and creativity.

At fourteen, he got hooked on theatre, and because of that, he never discovered the laziness so typical and dear to us. “I’m not sure if I’ve changed anything significant in Belgrade, but I’ve helped preserve its non-provincial, cosmopolitan spirit, which came under attack in the nineties. I did it for myself too: I feel best in big cities. And I have material evidence: countless articles about BITEF from my time as its artistic director, published in international media.”

To show that “Belgrade is the world” is not an overused phrase, there was the 24-hour play Mount Olympus, which the BITEF audience endured. Ivan Medenica now lives and works between Krunski and Kosančićev Venac, making him a protected witness of that fine urban oasis.

IVAN BEVC

Booka man

© Goran Popovski

Foto

Goran Jankuloski Foto privatna arhiva

MAJA LALIĆ

Mikser Lady

3

I admired her back when she was still Maja Vidaković, the stylish young architect fresh outta New York. She looked the part too: vintage dresses, feathered shoes, and quirky hats. She loved dressing up and lived like a conceptual artist. Around that time, she gifted Belgrade with Supermarket, which was way more than just the first concept store. Oh, yes. Maja packed a lot into that place. It was an unrivaled design of everyday life, and she herself became the pioneer of Serbian hipster culture.

For her, aesthetics and ethics were always inseparable, wearing nobility as the centerpiece of her top-tier style. She was and still is a master at designing the present moment. Maja Lalić became, not long after meeting Ivan, a playwright and the perfect partner for her creative ventures, whom she married in a wedding we all remember for the dress code,

UROŠ ĐURIĆ

Wanderer of Belgrade

5“I’ve been cruising around Belgrade my whole life. Just wandering aimlessly. Just existing. Moving around and watching my surroundings. There are streets, trees, and birds shitting on window ledges and car hoods. Cats pissing on the front and rear axles, dogs marking walls, poles, and trees. Every now and then, a hot girl passes by, and I slow my pace, sometimes my jaw drops.

Then I daydream about what life (together) would look like, mostly disappointing. Her annoying parents, horrified by my unexpected presence in their home, her lame friends talking shit behind my back, her cheesy romantic gestures that make me want to puke. But the sex would be sensational, and then I’d suffer when we inevitably broke up. I think, ‘good thing,’ and move on, relieved that we all dodged a potential relationship.

And so it goes, more or less, every day. Then I travel somewhere and shift gears. Then I come back. That’s basically my life in Belgrade.

her pink rubber boots instead of white heels, and an intimate concert by Zvonko Bogdan. She was the first to roll in a retro cotton candy machine instead of a cake.

“My Belgrade was best captured by the Swiss artist duo Nevercrew on the wall above the former Mikser House. Recognizing the city’s indomitable spirit, constantly being devastated, they portrayed it as an amphibious creature, a blue whale with legs, which developed the ability to swim and walk under the threat of extinction.”

Maja changed Belgrade on the go, making it seem like everything she did was perfectly normal. Besides being the founder of the architecture studio Remix and an expert on gender equality, Maja is also the creative director of the Mikser Festival, dedicated to sustainable development and design. She sees being part

4She’s the epitome of timeless style. A self-made woman in the cutthroat fashion world. Her biography doesn’t need embellishment or scripting. Born in Takovo, the most powerful historical place in Serbia, as she proudly points out. She grew up surrounded by art, fashion, and sports. At eleven, she became the Serbian champion in the 100-meter dash. She always stood out from everything and everyone around her. The first dress she designed for herself for prom was made of fuchsia silk taffeta.

She persistently did things her way and never backed down. Just like she didn’t pretend to only listen to jazz and blues when she was in New York. She had her SKC, Azra, EKV, and Bajaga. To her, they were the coolest people in the world.

Her volcanic energy and passion took her to places that seemed impossible to reach. Rush-

of the Mikser team as a privilege, surrounded by people who, like her, believe it’s possible to change reality for the better, even with the smallest noble and creative gesture.

I’ve gone to the movies, hidden in clubs. Then the war started, and I found myself simultaneously in the art scene, film, and on B92 radio. I did all sorts of things to survive. Then the wars ended, and freedom came to enslave you in the spirit of the free market. Again, I did all sorts of things to survive. All those years, I was known. People said I was smart, that I knew a lot. Then I travel somewhere and switch to a different movie. Then I come back. That’s what my life in Belgrade looks like.”

This is how the one and only Udju describes himself—painter, actor, city icon, and the guy who once made me a list of the most famous Serbs in the world, whose entry into history books has been postponed indefinitely.

He showed up with a houseplant under his arm, even though no one expected it from him. Nowadays, he regularly hangs out in front of the small ice cream factory, aptly named “Black Sheep.”

ka wasn’t just a top stylist for global stars; she made stars out of her own material. She didn’t just work with the British Queen Elizabeth II, the Pope, and Clint Eastwood.

When she started in styling, it was a brand new creative craft. She earned her Ph.D. on none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. That’s where she showed her revolutionary spirit, choosing haute couture designers for that historic event. The rest is legend. She still believes we have something they in the West don’t and never will. “Sweetie, I am not a prep girl,” she often exclaims, adding that she never prepares for work but lets it happen.

Just like she couldn’t live without her cascading dark hair, red lipstick, and black sunglasses. Hope to see you soon, dearest Rushka.

RUSHKA BERGMAN Fashion icon

Foto

Nebojsa Babic

Photo credits Marija Piroški

Grand Kopaonik – The Place for Memorable Meetings

Inspiring nature, Unmatched Offerings, and Facilities that Ignite Positive Energy

When you choose Hotel Grand Kopaonik for organizing a business event, you will be greeted by state-of-the-art facilities, unforgettable outdoor activities, and unmatched service. Located in an ideal spot with impressive views of Kopaonik’s peaks, you will nestle into the supreme comfort of one of the 189 luxury rooms and suites, knowing that you have everything you need

a bow and arrow, on an unforgettable quad bike adventure or an exciting safari tour, all spiced up with a picnic in nature at a perfectly photogenic location where Grand chefs prepare the most delicious bites just for you.

The many years of experience of Hotel Grand Kopaonik in organizing unforgettable events are reflected in the most modern conference facilities and services that unequivocally justify its name.

GRAND CHEFS PREPARE THE MOST DELICIOUS BITES JUST FOR YOU

in one place – a fully equipped conference center, luxurious spa & wellness facilities with indoor and outdoor pools and an impressive sauna world, five exceptional dining areas, a multifunctional sports hall, a modern garage, and countless opportunities for the successful execution of your project.

Incomparable facilities and unique organized activities will enrich the agenda of every event and turn it into a memorable experience. In the fresh mountain air, you will find yourself in extraordinary situations – with a map and compass for orienteering, at a teambuilding course in nature, in an unfamiliar yoga pose, with

Whether it is a casual or formal event, an intimate gathering, or a large business meeting, every detail is carefully designed to provide guests with personalized service and unique expertise in organizing special occasions. The Grand Kopaonik Congress Center offers you the most modern concept for organizing business gatherings and events. Five conference and meeting rooms can accommodate up to 1500 participants and are equipped with the most modern technical equipment, while decades of experience and highly dedicated service proudly stand behind hundreds of successfully realized gatherings.

Movida Madrileña Return to Freedom

The films of Pedro Almodóvar are a testament to the Madrid Movida, a countercultural movement that gave soul to this city

As a child of the Eighties, I find myself irresistibly drawn to that era, where Madrid and Spain stand as poignant reflections of a time past, illuminated by the incandescent glow of a unique countercultural movement known as the Madrid Movida (Movida Madrileña).

The term “Movida” itself, with its roots in motion and upheaval, carries a far more profound resonance, a romantic and tragic echo of an era marked elsewhere in Europe as the “new wave.” We too had our Yugoslav new wave (Novitalas/val), a fleeting wave confined primarily to the realms of culture, especially film and music. Yet in Spain, it delved deep into the fabric of society, penetrating the very essence of individuality.

To experience Madrid is to inevitably encounter the essence of the Movida. It is an indelible mark on the cultural and moral landscape, a seismic shift that reverberates through the corridors of time. Though extinguished long ago, with the dawn of a new era

MOVIDA IS AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE CULTURAL AND MORAL LANDSCAPE, A SEISMIC SHIFT THAT REVERBERATES THROUGH THE CORRIDORS OF TIME

in 1991 following Franco’s dictatorial reign, its legacy endures, etched into the very soul of Spanish, and particularly Madrilenian, society.

As a tourist in Madrid, one may marvel at its myriad landmarks, each a testament to the city’s storied past. Yet to depart its streets without having felt the lingering spirit of the Movida, lurking in the shadows of a tuckedaway corner like Chueca, is to have merely scratched the surface of its essence. For the essence of Movida lies not merely in its visible remnants, but in the intangible embrace of its ethos – a liberation from the shackles of a fascist, traditional, quasi-moral, and Catholic society, a leap into the embrace of all forms of desire and passion.

It was a revolution incarnate, a total transformation that shattered societal norms and unleashed the raw essence of human freedom in a manner almost anarchistic and destructive. The Plaza de Dos de Mayo in the Malasaña district stands as a sacred monument to its genesis, where in 1976, during the celebra-

tion of the uprising against French occupation, two young souls shed their inhibitions atop the monument to Spanish insurgents. This act, viewed as the dawn of the Movida, signaled a definitive rupture with Franco’s legacy, heralding an era of artistic and societal renaissance.

In the ensuing years, the movement garnered fervent disciples, nurtured by the guiding hands of visionary artists who championed its cause and stoked its flames, transforming it from a mere movement into a cultural phenomenon, forever altering the course of history.

PEDRO ALMODÓVAR

Pedro Almodóvar stood as one of their most prominent figures. In all his films, Madrid itself takes on a leading role, a city adored unabashedly by the artist, its streets serving as primers of Movida in its nascent stages.

Particularly, his film “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” harbors subtle echoes of the Movida. Gloria, portrayed by the illustrious Carmen Maura, is a tragic figure stifled by a dysfunctional and traditional family. Her rejection of societal constraints leads her down a path of unconditional personal freedom, only to culminate tragically as she becomes the murderer of her husband, leaving her underage, homosexual son to a pedophile dentist.

Almodóvar’s favored characters reside on the fringes, hailing from the lower middle class, flawed and fallen. Among them are prostitutes, homosexuals, transvestites, all wandering the streets of Madrid in search of their own happiness. His films brim with raw emotions, with campy characters unshackled from fear, striving to find slivers of joy in fleeting indulgences.

VILLA ROSA

Villa Rosa holds a special place in Madrid’s cultural landscape, particularly within the context of Pedro Almodóvar’s films and the Movida movement. Situated on the vibrant Plaza de Santa Ana, Villa Rosa is a traditional flamenco bar that has become an iconic symbol of Spanish culture and entertainment.

FOR THE ESSENCE OF MOVIDA LIES NOT MERELY IN ITS VISIBLE REMNANTS, BUT IN THE INTANGIBLE EMBRACE OF ITS ETHOS –A LIBERATION FROM THE SHACKLES OF A FASCIST, TRADITIONAL, QUASIMORAL, AND CATHOLIC SOCIETY, A LEAP INTO THE EMBRACE OF ALL FORMS OF DESIRE AND PASSION

Founded in the early 20th century, Villa Rosa has a rich history of hosting flamenco performances, live music, and social gatherings. Its intimate atmosphere, adorned with colorful tiles and intricate décor, transports visitors to the heart of Spain’s flamenco tradition.

In the realm of cinema, Villa Rosa gained prominence through its inclusion in Pedro Almodóvar’s acclaimed film “High Heels” (1987). The film features unforgettable scenes set in the nightclub, showcasing the electrifying energy and passion of flamenco performances against the backdrop of Villa Rosa’s iconic stage.

For cinephiles and fans of Almodóvar’s work, visiting Villa Rosa offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of his films and experience firsthand the ambiance and allure of Madrid’s nightlife. Whether enjoying a traditional flamenco show or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this historic venue, Villa Rosa continues to captivate audiences with its timeless charm and cultural significance.

WHERE EXACTLY IS PEPA’S BALCONY?

The building housing the beautiful penthouse where Pepa from the film “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988) resided is located at Montalbano Street, number 7. It stands just behind the Post Office building, towards Retiro Park. Pepa’s balcony, the size of a small football field where she tends to her flowers and waters them with a garden hose, however, is not part of this penthouse. It is situated nearby, in the Principal Hotel building (Calle Marqués de Valdeiglesias 1).

SEGOVIA VIADUCT

Today, the bridge (viaduct) beneath Almudena Cathedral is shielded by glass barriers to prevent suicides. For years, this bridge stood as a symbol of despair. Almodóvar depicted Madrid’s darker side in the film known here as “The Brief Lovers” (2013). Alba, portrayed by Paz Vega, attempts suicide by jumping from the Segovia Viaduct.

Almodóvar presented Madrid in his unique way. He didn’t film at the popular tourist spots. Only the Main Square (Plaza Mayor) appears prominently in important scenes in the film “The Flower of My Secret.”

MUSEO CHICOTE

Many locations in Madrid played significant roles in Almodóvar’s films, but one surpasses even this artist and the entire Movida movement. It’s a seemingly ordinary cocktail bar in the heart of the city, on the fashionable Gran Vía street. Museo Chicote, a bar established in the early 1930s, became the avant-garde gateway to the city. Intellectuals and celebrities from Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly to Sophia Loren and Aristotle Onassis adored this place.

ALMODÓVAR’S FAVORED CHARACTERS RESIDE ON THE FRINGES, HAILING FROM THE LOWER MIDDLE CLASS, FLAWED AND FALLEN

It was always a cult spot, even celebrated by many Hispanic poets, immortalizing it. Like Madrid’s very own navel, Museo Chicote read-

ily embraced its new role in the rebirth during the Movida era. This bar became a gathering place for artists, supporters, and admirers of Movida, including Almodóvar himself, who paid homage by giving it a significant role in one of his films. Museo Chicote is where Judith García, portrayed by Blanca Portillo in the film “Broken Embraces” (2009), reveals her big secret to the world after a gin tonic. This bar is precisely that—a place where numerous Madrid artists, fueled by alcohol and their uninhibited creativity, managed to sober up and shatter the society trapped in the stupor of Catholic and right-wing conservatism.

LAVAPIÉS

The best place to catch Pedro Almodóvar’s films is the Madrid cinema Cine Doré, which played a significant role in many, including “Talk to Her.” Nestled not far from the Anton Martin station lies Lavapiés, a bohemian neighborhood. If Chueca symbolized liberation, Lavapiés today embodies its outcome – an anarchic-revolutionary hub teeming with non-commercial theaters, cinemas, and taverns where a new rebellion burgeons, this time against colonialism, banking capitalism, and consumer conformism. In one of his latest film “Pain and Glory,” Pedro delves even deeper into Lavapiés, presenting a monodrama at Sala Mirador as a homage to all he has done and stood for. Thus, Lavapiés becomes a new symbol of this master creator’s Madrid. It’s either the end of the Movida (and the world) or perhaps its renewal.

CÍRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES

As a finale to Almodóvar’s Madrid, we unveil one of the city’s most exquisite spots. The Círculo de Bellas Artes, a cultural center on the aforementioned Gran Vía, is where Cecilia Roth’s son dashes out in “All About My Mother” after the performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” meeting his tragic fate.

Protected by the state as a national monument, its rooftop hosts a stunning bar offering one of the city’s most breathtaking views.

Madrid may not boast the tourist allure of Barcelona or Paris, where landmarks are renowned, painted, and easily discernible. Yet, it’s a place you’ll never tire of exploring and discovering. Its essence lies in its many secrets and historical narratives, with each visit offering a new adventure. Here, in the heart of Spain, where the rhythms of flamenco echo through the streets and the aroma of tapas fills the air, Madrid beckons travelers to delve deeper, beyond the surface allure of iconic

LIKE MADRID’S VERY OWN NAVEL, MUSEO CHICOTE READILY EMBRACED ITS NEW ROLE IN THE REBIRTH DURING THE MOVIDA ERA

sights. It’s a city of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed, of intimate cafes tucked away in quiet plazas and centuries-old taverns where stories linger in the air like whispers from the past. In Madrid, every cobblestone pathway is a pathway to discovery, every turn a journey into the soul of a city steeped in history, culture, and endless possibility. And it’s within this rich tapestry of experiences that Almodóvar finds his muse, capturing the essence of Madrid in all its complexity and charm.

Pedro Almodóvar’s Madrid is a wholly new city, concealed behind the veneer of modern architecture, a city narrating its potent tale –the same one Pedro unfolds in all his films. It’s a story of discovery, conquest, freedom, and life. In the vibrant tapestry of Madrid’s streets, where each corner whispers secrets of the past and present, Almodóvar finds inspiration for his cinematic masterpieces. His lens captures not just the physical landscape but also the intangible essence of the city –its pulsating energy, its complex characters, and its ever-evolving identity. Through his films, Madrid emerges as a character in its own right, a protagonist entwined with the hopes, dreams, and struggles of its inhabitants. And like the city itself, Almodóvar’s storytelling is dynamic, colorful, and unabashedly authentic, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human experience found within Madrid’s bustling streets.

One of the Largest Wind Farms in the Region Opened in Easterd Serbia

MK Group and the Slovenian company Alfi Renewables opened the Krivača Wind Farm in Golubac, thereby realizing one of the largest regional investments in renewable energy sources worth 165 million euros

The companies MK Group and Alfi Renewables officially opened the Krivača Wind Farm in Golubac, in the presence of more than 150 guests and high-ranking officials of Serbia and Slovenia. Krivača is one of the largest wind farms in the region and the first in Eastern Serbia. This investment, worth 165 million euros, enables the annual production of green energy of 310 GWh, which is sufficient to supply 75,000 households. The 105.6 MW Wind Farm has 22 state-of-the-art wind turbines covering an area of 56 km2.

In an extremely short period of time for such a large project, in just over two years, MK Group and Alfi Renewables have built a wind farm that meets the highest global green standards. The use of wind energy contributes significantly to the management of climate change and the reduc-

AS A PIONEER IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE SOURCES, MK GROUP OPENED THE FIRST WIND FARM IN SERBIA TEN YEARS AGO

tion of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, in addition to strengthening energy security, an important effect of the Krivača Wind Farm is the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 120,000 tons per year. During the implementation of the project, the investors built as many as 30 km of new roads, 40 km of transmission lines, a substation and a connection and distribution plant.

„As a pioneer in the field of renewable sources, MK Group opened the first wind farm in Serbia ten years ago, and today we are opening the fourth in our portfolio, and the first in the Eastern Serbia region. This capital investment, which we realized together with the company Alfi Renewables, is a significant contribution to increasing the capacity for green energy production and an example of the direction for the further development of energy in

the region implying coordinated action of the public and private sectors. MK Group will provide strong support for the green transition through new investments in this area. Through independent and partner projects, we will enable the total production of even 1 GW of energy from renewable sources in the next three years. We will invest close to one billion euros in wind energy and solar energy”, said Mihailo Janković, Director General of MK Group.

„The company Alfi Renewables, which manages the Alfi Green Fund, the largest regional fund for investment in renewable energy sources, is realizing its mission of improving the environment with one of the first investments in Serbia, together with partners from the MK Group. We are proud that with our expertise and excellent cooperation with the local community, state institutions, suppliers, EPS and EMS, with the trust of investors and banks, despite challenging market conditions, we have built one of the largest regional green energy projects and thus made a significant contribution to green transition in the region. The Alfi Green Fund, with a 104 million euros, is developing new renewable energy projects whose total installed capacity will be around 300 MW. Next year, we are preparing a new, even bigger fund,” said Tomaž Berločnik, partner in the Alfi Renewables company and Chairman of the Investment Board of the Alfi Green Fund.

The President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Serbia, Damjan Bergant, spoke at the grand opening of the Krivača Wind Farm.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Miloš Vučević

THE OPENING OF THE KRIVAČA WIND FARM IS PROOF OF THE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN SERBIA AND SLOVENIA

said that the state, the Government and the Ministry of Mining and Energy continue to support the development of renewable energy sources, considering them a matter of national interest. “In accordance with the Government’s goals to reduce the emission of harmful gases by 2030, investments such as the Krivača Wind Farm play an important role in achieving sustainable energy development,” said Miloš Vučević, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia.

„The opening of the Krivača Wind Farm is proof of the extremely successful economic cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia. We have already established joint cooperation in the field of energy, encouraged mutual investments, and now we have become partners in energy projects. Slovenian companies have recognized Serbia as the leading country in the region in renewable energy sources, thanks to its rich natural resources. One of the realized potentials is the Krivača

wind farm, the result of a joint project between the companies Alfi Renewables and MK Group, which represents a step towards reducing dependence on the import of green energy”, said Damjan Bergant, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Serbia.

The Krivača Wind Farm is among the first projects in the region to be lent by a consortium of four international banks: Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, OeEB and NLB. The sale of electricity under a long-term contract (PPA) was concluded with the Swiss company AXPO, one of the largest energy companies in Europe. The wind turbines installed in Krivača were delivered by the German company Nordex, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of windmills.

Strengthening Community and Empathy

A conference titled “CSR Serbia - Pioneers of Social Responsibility,” organized by Color Media Communications since 2015, was held at the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce

In the year of its inception, this topic was scarcely discussed, and it was the first place where representatives of state institutions, international organizations, companies, academic communities, and the non-governmental sector came together. Nine years later, the impact of this event confirms that it is the right place from which new ideas and actions for addressing sustainable issues and uniting the community will emerge. The conference was supported by UNICEF Serbia as an institutional partner and companies Heineken, Vega IT, AstraZeneca, and Delta Holding.

Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of

THE IMPACT OF THIS EVENT CONFIRMS THAT IT IS THE RIGHT PLACE FROM WHICH NEW IDEAS AND ACTIONS FOR ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE ISSUES AND UNITING THE COMMUNITY WILL EMERGE

Equality, spoke at the conference opening and emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation to bring about significant changes in society. “What used to be money and profit until recently is now trust. I think it is really difficult to gain and retain trust today. We all need to take care of that, especially companies. People have lost trust in institutions, companies, societies; it is a general condition. And how can we change that? Only together, walking towards a common goal,” said Janković.

As Dejana Kostadinova, the UNICEF Representative in Serbia, pointed out, “as we stand at

a crossroads defined by key global challenges, it is clear that the business sector has a great ability to shape our common future. The decisions we make today have far-reaching consequences for children and families.” “Collaboration is the key word in an increasingly complex global landscape. Recognizing their key role, companies are joining forces in these efforts, investing their resources and influence to ensure sustainable solutions that benefit children and young people,” concluded Kostadinova.

THE

CONFERENCE WAS SUPPORTED BY UNICEF SERBIA AS AN INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER AND COMPANIES HEINEKEN, VEGA IT, ASTRAZENECA, AND DELTA HOLDING

Siniša Mitrović, the Head of the Circular Economy Center at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, presented the research conducted by the Chamber and emphasized the need to change the system to valorize individual actions of various stakeholders and to improve the order to meet the needs of future generations. “It is very important to say that we have made progress. There has been a change in the culture of the organization. Employees are no longer just an accounting expense; they become the greatest resource. New generations recognize the values of companies, whether there is room for empathy, inclusion, and community service. There has been a quantification of interests,” Mitrović emphasized.

Robert Čoban, the organizer of the conference, also greeted the attendees and added that “the continuity of discussing and dealing with a topic every year, as we do with CSR, shows that since 2015, we have been seriously addressing the topic of socially responsible business, and we have been doing it the longest in Serbia.”

The first panel, “How to Improve Corporate Reputation?” featured leaders of corporate communication and social responsibility in Serbia, including Marko Platiša from AstraZeneca, Uroš Gostović from Vega IT, Ivana Kostić from Air Serbia, Dragan Lupšić from Heineken Serbia, and Prof. Dr. Milica Kostić-Stanković from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade. The moderator was Tamara Grubiša from Serbia Business Run.

The companies participating in this panel have a wide range of projects, each of which contributes to improving the business environment. The projects discussed included environmental protection, raising awareness of relevant social issues among citizens, educating children and youth, and healthcare.

“Our new initiative, the book ‘Entrepreneur’s Life,’ was launched with the publication of a book written by our CEO, Saša Popović. We have decided to direct the entire proceeds from book sales towards providing scholarships for young people to facilitate their education and find their first job,” said Gostović from Vega IT.

“The three-year project ‘Boost Healthy Habits’ aims to raise awareness about obesity and promote healthy habits among children to improve their overall well-being. The peer education program in elementary schools is conducted in collaboration with the association ‘Always Healthy Attitude’,” noted Platiša from AstraZeneca.

Lupšić, representing Heineken, spoke about the Reservoir project, where they identified the problem of drinking water in Serbia and are raising awareness about the importance of preserving and restoring Serbia’s natural water resources, as well as the project “When the Tour Goes, the Gas Doesn’t,” which raises awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The second panel, “Responsible Corporate Citizens - Have Companies Justified the Trust Placed in Them by Clients and Employees?” featured Vera Vuković from British Motors, Tijana Koprivica from Delta Holding, Željko Mitkovski from the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, Nikola Božić from the Faculty of Applied Ecology “Futura,” and Siniša Mitrović, the Head of the Circular Economy Center at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. The panel was moderated by Olivera Stefanović Stanković from Proglas Public Relations.

Employees in companies are changing the business culture of our country. As Koprivica from Delta Holding mentioned, their employees eagerly participate in all actions of the company and support everything they do. Through the project “Our Village,” where they renew and modernize villages in Serbia, employees from various sectors have put their knowledge and skills at the disposal of the locals to teach them how to best utilize the new capacities they have received.

The significance of all socially responsible projects discussed at today’s conference is immense for the economy and society. With their good examples, we believe that other companies will be motivated to join in addressing pressing issues, all for the benefit of future generations.

The Princess of the People

Exhibition of paintings by Her Royal Highness Princess Jelisaveta Karađorđević in Budapest

Artworks of the highly esteemed and beloved Serbian Princess Jelisaveta Karađorđević were exhibited at the Tekelijanum institution in Budapest on May 23, 2024. The institution is dedicated to preserving the language, culture, and tradition of Serbs. This cultural and educational foundation was established by Sava Popović – Tekelija in 1838, with the aim of educating poor and talented students from all regions where Serbs lived.

Thanks to the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Buda from Szentendre, Bishop Lukijan, Protosynkellos Varnava Knežević, lawyer and art collector Dušanka Subotić-Homen, professor Milan Đurić, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, and many other deserving individuals who strive to preserve Serbian culture, language, and tradition in Hungary, admirers of Her Royal Highness Princess Jelisaveta gathered. She presented about twenty paintings and drawings, in smaller formats, using watercolor and ink techniques.

Today, Sava Popović – Tekelija would have been honored that such a program took place in his foundation, involving students from the “Nikola Tesla” school, attended by all generations from kindergarten to high school, taught in the Serbian language. The choir was conducted by Professor Olivera MladenovićMunišić. The professor and students demonstrated through their smiles and pleasant tones that one can enjoy preserving Serbian heritage and proudly stand face to face with Princess Jelisaveta, who has fought for it since childhood until today.

Bishop Lukijan expressed hope that these exhibited artworks would inspire others, especially the youth, to pick up the brush and

express their feelings. The nobility of Princess Jelisaveta’s soul, who grew up far from Serbia, longing to return to her homeland, is discernible through her paintings.

Dušanka Subotić-Homen, a lawyer and collector of artworks by various artists, is one of the organizers of this exhibition. She expressed her desire to continue organizing similar exhibitions in the future, inspired by the great interest of visitors and participants, calling them “Little Serbia.” She spoke with admiration about the perseverance and courage of Princess Jelisaveta in rehabilitating her family and returning to Serbia for the first time in 1987, finally settling permanently in Belgrade in 2007.

Dušanka Subotić-Homen, with great passion in her speech, described Princess

FROM AN ORDINARY BLOT, SHE SEES BEAUTIFUL OUTLINES THAT INSPIRE HER TO PAINT A PICTURE

Jelisaveta as a down-to-earth woman who interacts and converses with the people and even goes shopping at the market and grocery store herself because she is a “true, Serbian, people’s princess.”

One of the most meritorious Serbs in Hungary is Professor Milan Đurić, an academic artist. He has received various awards for preserving Serbian culture in Hungary and promoting Serbian contemporary art. He announced that the next step is a similar event because in art, there are no boundaries, as reflected in the name of the Association “Art Without Borders,” conceived by the organizers of this exhibition. Professor Đurić stated that Princess Jelisaveta’s exhibited works are multifaceted, like her soul, versatile, recording her observations wherever she is in the world. He would add a subtitle, “Jelisaveta’s Worlds,” to the title of this exhibition, “Jelisaveta’s Album.”

Her Royal Highness Princess Jelisaveta, visibly excited and moved to tears, explained that even when something seems ugly, we can find something beautiful in it. From an ordinary blot, she sees beautiful outlines that inspire her to paint a picture. She has followed this philosophy since childhood. In everything bad, she saw something good. That’s why she fought to return to her homeland. And she succeeded. She thanked everyone who helped her in that endeavor.

Her Excellency Biljana Gutić-Bjelica, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Hungary, expressed sympathy with Princess Jelisaveta, as she knows well what it feels like to be expelled from one’s home. She vividly remembers the most common question: “Did you save the photo albums?”

When the exhibition was declared open, lively chatter, greetings, smiles, added new, festive colors, but - at the same time, an unpretentious atmosphere prevailed in the hall, where the paintings and drawings of the lively, experienced, and soulful visual artist strutted, embodying life experiences and soul.

Photo: Fekete

Leaving ‘on one’s own terms’

IVAN IVANJI (1929-2024)

Ivan Ivanji left on his own terms. He approved the cover for his new book, published by ‘Laguna’ under the title ‘Once Upon a Time in Yugoslavia,’ had a literary evening at the Weimar Theater, opened the Museum of Forced Labor in Weimar, gave numerous interviews to German media, dined on asparagus and drank white wine at Goethe’s favorite tavern ‘The White Swan,’ talked about his own white swan Dragana, went to Hitler’s favorite hotel ‘Elephant’ where he loved to stay out of spite, lay down in bed and peacefully left, this time forever, on Day of Victory over Fascism, May 9, 2024, at the age of 96, in the city to which the Nazis had deported him exactly 80 years earlier with the intention of killing him. He had completed his work. His two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren somewhat resent him for not reaching 100. But, what can you do, he was always headstrong,” wrote Ivan’s son Andrej Ivanji on his Facebook profile.

Ivan Ivanji was born on January 24, 1929, in Zrenjanin, into a Jewish doctor’s family. His parents were killed shortly after the German occupation in 1941. He survived the Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Later, he wrote about “his beautiful life in hell.” Ivan Ivanji authored 26 novels, some originally in Serbian, some in German,

three collections of short stories, three books of poetry, wrote plays, children’s books, memoirs, essays... He translated, among others, Kiš and Albahari into German, and from German, Brecht, Borchert, Grass, Böll, Enzensberger, and Jaspers. He also translated Hungarian poetry into Serbian. He worked as a technical drawing teacher, journalist, was the artistic director of the Contemporary Theater in Belgrade, deputy director of the National Theater, Tito’s translator for the German language. He had a stint in diplomacy as a cultural and press at-

Ihave the privilege of often conversing with Princess Jelisaveta Karadjordjević about her exciting life, her parents Prince Pavle and Princess Olga, the famous people she

met... Two days ago, it occurred to me how she lived with her parents and brothers in Paris in the 1950s, at a time when Prince Edward, former King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of In-

taché at the Yugoslav embassy in Bonn from 1974 to 1978. Until the breakup of the SFRY, he was the general secretary of the Writers’ Association of Yugoslavia.

I met Ivan at our ‘Book Talk’ conference in 2017 when I invited him to speak about the Declaration on the Common Language, which was signed that year in Sarajevo. Also on the panel was the legendary Pero Zlatar. Today, seven years later - both are no longer with us, but the memories of the privilege we had to know them and spend time with them remain.

dia, and his wife Wallis Simpson were also there. Jelisaveta tells me she met them several times and has shared photographs with them, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton from the set of a

film shot in Paris. She promised to find those photos, and - a day later, here they are on my computer screen and before the readers of ‘Diplomacy & Commerce’ magazine.”

At the Book Talk Conference in 2017, Ivan Ivanji and Pero Zlatar

BELGRADE RIVER FEST

Nick Cave concert

18 JUNE 2024

Belgrade Waterfront / In Front of Geozavod

Nick Cave, a timeless rock icon, will perform a concert accompanied only by a piano and supported by musician Colin Greenwood, the bassist of Radiohead. Three months before the rest of the audience on the Old Continent, visitors of the Belgrade River Fest will have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary event in which Cave’s already intriguing and interesting songs take on new dimensions. Nick Cave is synonymous with excellence: with his exceptional voice, emotive lyrics, and unforgettable performances, he takes the audience on a journey through various emotions, from sorrow to joy, from melancholy to ecstasy. This concert will be special because it offers a completely new way to experience Nick’s music, closer and more intimate than ever before.

GARDEN SESSIONS Mando Diao Concert

23 JUNE 2024

Jevremovac Botanical Garden

TShis year, we will host guests from the worlds of diplomacy, business, culture, and media in the beautiful setting of the Garden of Princess Ljubica's Residence, with Schweppes cocktails and Somersby. Last year, we enjoyed the music of Aleksej Yuzhin, a musician and refugee from Russia. This year, in collaboration with UNHCR Serbia, we have arranged a performance by Liana Odynets (born 1981), a singing professor from Ukraine who has been in Serbia for nearly three years.

wedish indie rock band Mando Diao will perform in Belgrade on June 23 as part of the “Garden Sessions” concerts at the Jevremovac Botanical Garden, announced by the organizers from the Belgrade Festivals Center. The “Garden Sessions” concerts have been one of the most attractive summer events in Belgrade for several years. In the authentic ambiance of the Jevremovac Botanical Garden, top musical acts have been performing in front of Belgrade audiences for the fourth consecutive year. Known for their classic rock ‘n’ roll sound, the band has released 11 studio albums since 2002, selling millions of copies worldwide. They began their career drawing inspiration from rhythm and blues, as well as the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. They have performed over 1,500 concerts in thirty countries and participated in major festivals worldwide, including the Novi Sad Exit festival back in 2009.

Liana completed her singing studies (pop vocals) in 2017 while also performing at festivals. She briefly ran her own private studio in Ukraine, but due to armed conflict, she had to relocate to Belgrade. Despite the challenges, she managed to adapt and continue her singing career, also teaching others how to sing. Over the past few years, she has held several small concerts for her students. She sings in both Ukrainian and Russian.

Source: Belgrade River Fest. Photo: Jack Flynn / Shutterstock.com

Source: Belgrade Festivals Center. Photo: Northfoto / Shutterstock.com