Online issue of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine #96 by Diplomacy&Commerce magazine

BEING AN ARTIST IS A JOB LIKE ANY OTHER Martin Butler, and I-Chen Zuffellato

THE BIRTHDAY OF KING CHARLES III

SERBIA AND AMERICA: CLOSER THAN GEOGRAPHY SUGGESTS

H.E. CHRISTOPHER HILL American ambassador to Serbia

THE PHRASE “ISLAMIC TERRORISM” SHOULD NOT BE USED USAME ZUKORLIĆ Minister of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

THE DIVISION IS SHARP VESNA MALIŠIĆ Journalist

EGYPT IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING

H.E. BASSEL SALAH Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Serbia

Mirëdita, Good Bye!

Ithink it’s a big mistake of Serbia that none of the local politicians dealing with Kosovo speak Albanian. As far as I remember, President Vučić recently made a similar observation. Kurti does everything to reduce Serbs in Kosovo, but then he speaks Serbian quite well and it sounds very good, especially to foreigners. I think it would be important for Serbian politicians dealing with Kosovo to present our arguments not only in Serbian and English but also in Albanian. This would counter-arguments from those who say that Belgrade is only interested in territory without people, meaning Albanians who mostly live there.

When I raised this thesis in a TV show, I received dozens of comments—some from Serbs in Kosovo saying: ‘You don’t know what Albanians are like! They disdain everything Serbian...’ or ‘The one who spoke Albanian - Oliver Ivanović - was killed! What does that tell you?’ And messages from people in Belgrade: ‘Our politicians don’t even speak English, let alone Albanian!’

A few days later, news came that the festival ‘Mirëdita - Good Day’ was banned. So, Albanian will not be heard, not just from Serbian politicians, but also at ‘Dorćol Platz’where this festival was supposed to take place. I agree that using Vidovdan as a term for the festival is completely inadequate. Either someone wanted provocation or was very superficial. Second, I agree that the festival should not only promote contemporary creations of Kosovo Albanians but also those of Serbs in Kosovo in that field. However, I cannot accept that a festival that was opened in 2014 with a joint message from the leaders of Albania and Serbia - Rama and Vučić, read by Veran Matić - is now, 10 years later, no longer desirable.

Multilingualism was once assumed in these areas. In Novi Sad, until World War II, you couldn’t work as a merchant or doctor if you didn’t speak at least three languages of your patients - Serbo-Croatian, Hungarian, and German. Some also spoke Slovak and Rusyn. In Prizren, you had to speak Serbian, Albanian, and Turkish if you wanted to sell something.

My grandmother Marija (1921-2008), who only had a high school education, spoke flawless Serbo-Croatian, native German, Hungarian, and Slovak, which they had to learn because her parents’ tavern was on the way to the village of Selenča where Slovaks still live today.

Recently, I saw this photo on social media of a store in Constantinople from 1910 with signs in Greek, Armenian, and Arabic used by Turks until Ataturk.

In elementary schools in many places in Vojvodina, learning the ‘language of the social environment’ was mandatory - in Novi Sad, it was Hungarian, in Kanjiža, Serbian. Today, few young Serbs in Novi Sad speak Hungarian, and the same goes for young Hungarians in Kanjiža who don’t understand Serbian.

How is it possible that the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary, and socialist Yugoslavia were more national and linguistically tolerant states than today’s ‘civil republics,’ all of which have equality and equal rights of citizens as the highest values in their constitutions?”

Robert Čoban

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FEATURED INTERVIEW THE PHRASE “ISLAMIC TERRORISM” SHOULD NOT BE USED USAME ZUKORLIĆ

Minister without portfolio in charge of reconciliation, regional cooperation, and social stability

AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW EGYPT IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING

H.E. BASSEL SALAH

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Serbia

REFUGEE STORIES CELEBRATING DIVERSITY ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY 26

MEDIA INTERVIEW THE DIVISION IS SHARP VESNA MALIŠIĆ

CULTURAL INTERVIEW BEING AN ARTIST IS A JOB LIKE ANY OTHER MARTIN BUTLER

Interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, and stage director I-CHEN ZUFFELLATO Artist, performer, and curator

TRAVELOGUE A SMALL COUNTRY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN BY VIKTOR LAZIĆ

Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Radar weekly 30 BUSINESS INTERVIEW THE ROLE OF THE STATE IS CRUCIAL IVAN ĐURIĆ agricultural economist

USA

SERBIA AND AMERICA: CLOSER THAN GEOGRAPHY SUGGESTS

H.E. CHRISTOPHER HILL

American ambassador to Serbia

PROMOTING FINE ARTS AS AN INEXHAUSTIBLE RESOURCE MARIJA MILOŠEVIĆ

Art For All Gallery

WE ARE BUILDING A STABLE AND FUTURE-READY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

SVETOSLAV ATANASOV

Coca-Cola HBC Serbia

INNOVATION, INCLUSION, AND INSPIRATION FOR A BETTER FUTURE

GORICA STOJKOVIĆ

Coca-Cola Company

PHOTO STORY

Fiat has released the first photos of its new model Grande Panda, whose production will begin in Kragujevac, Serbia, at the end of July 2024.

The phrase “Islamic terrorism” should not be used

Terrorism has no religion and must not be associated with any faith! Any form of generalization is dangerous and unjust towards the innocent majority of religious followers, which ultimately fuels another dangerous phenomenon, namely ‘Islamophobia,’ currently at its lowest level in Serbia!

USAME ZUKORLIĆ

Minister without portfolio in charge of reconciliation, regional cooperation, and social stability

Iwas friends with Muamer Zukorlić, one of the leaders of the Bosniaks in Sandžak and the president of the Justice and Reconciliation Party. After he died in 2021, Muamer’s son Usame took over the leadership of the SPP. In the new government of the Republic of Serbia, Usame Zukorlić became a minister without portfolio responsible for reconciliation, regional cooperation, and social stability.

He was born in 1992 in Constantine, Algeria, to his father Muamer Zukorlić, a Bosniak from Sandžak, and his mother Umeja Abu Taha Zukorlić, an Arab. He married in 2012 and has four children. Besides his native Bosniak language, he speaks English and Arabic.

We must start with the terrorist attack on the Israeli embassy in Belgrade that occurred late last month. How can such an event affect the relationship of the authorities, media, and the majority population towards Muslim believers and Bosniaks as a minority?

The terrorist act that took place in Belgrade has the potential to negatively impact the relationship of the authorities, media, and the majority population towards Muslim believers and Bosniaks as a minority. Events of this nature have the potential to increase tensions and stigmatization, primarily of the Muslim community. As the President of the Justice and Reconciliation Party and Minister responsible for reconciliation, regional cooperation, and social stability, I appeal for the importance of wise actions, measured responses, and

THE RESOLUTIONS ON SREBRENICA AT THE UN AND JASENOVAC IN MONTENEGRO HAVE HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE PROCESS OF RECONCILIATION AND REGIONAL COOPERATION

careful choice of words, especially when commenting on Islamic practices and customs, to avoid further damaging fragile relationships and coexistence.

Your portfolio in the Government as a minister without portfolio includes reconciliation and regional cooperation. How

do events such as the recent resolutions on Srebrenica at the UN and Jasenovac in Montenegro affect reconciliation and regional cooperation? The resolutions on Srebrenica at the UN and Jasenovac in Montenegro have had a profound impact on the process of reconciliation and regional cooperation. These

events are emotionally and historically very sensitive for the Bosniak and Serbian peoples in the region. My role as a minister is to encourage dialogue to increase mutual understanding and empathy. It is not an easy task to work on jointly confronting the past to build a better future.

Like your father, through your political activities, you are intensely working on reconciliation between two very close and brotherly peoples –Bosniaks and Serbs. What does that process look like, and are you optimistic that these people can overcome the ghosts of the past?

If I didn’t believe in reconciliation, I wouldn’t be working on it. I believe not only in reconciliation but also in a strong friendship between the two peoples. The process of reconciliation between Bosniaks and Serbs is long, difficult, and complex, but necessary. We will work on strengthening cultural and economic cooperation, as well as educating young people about the importance of coexistence and tolerance. My optimism comes from daily encounters with good people who desire peace and cooperation.

What is the position of Bosniaks in Serbia today? Where is there room for improvement?

The position of Bosniaks in Serbia is better than before, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Bosniaks are active participants in the political, economic, and cultural life of the country but face challenges in the areas of education in their mother tongue and proportional representation in public institutions. We are working on improving conditions for Bosniaks through institutional reforms and projects, which is a slow but necessary path.

How significant is it for the Sandžak region to have its representatives in the executive government? Currently, there are two ministers from that part of Serbia.

For the first time, Bosniaks of Sandžak have in the government a leader of a party who will authentically and originally represent them, far from the syco-

THE PROCESS OF RECONCILIATION BETWEEN BOSNIAKS AND SERBS IS LONG, DIFFICULT, AND COMPLEX, BUT NECESSARY

phantic policies on the one hand, or primitive politics on the other hand, which they were unfortunately accustomed to from previous leaders. Our presence enables better communication and coordination with the central government, which is essential for balanced development and addressing the specific problems faced by minority peoples.

What can you, as a minister and someone who is not from the capital, do to reduce developmental disparities within Serbia between the capital city and the rest of the country?

As a minister and someone coming from the periphery, I can contribute to reducing developmental disparities within Serbia by insisting on a more equitable distribution of resources. Initiatives to support local entrepreneurs, develop infrastructure, and improve educational and health services are key steps toward reducing these disparities, areas in which the government has made significant strides recently as a result of agreements between the two most dominant parties among Serbs and Bosniaks in Serbia.

With which diplomats in Belgrade do you have the

most intense cooperation, and where do you see room for improvement?

Cooperation with diplomats in Belgrade is vital for strengthening regional cooperation and social stability, and currently, I have the most intense cooperation with diplomats from countries interested in these areas, as well as in the position of Bosniaks in Serbia. However, there is room for improved cooperation with diplomats from Western Europe and Asia, to expand the network of support and investment.

To conclude with current topics concerning events from the end of last month. How much is the public unaware of terms like Wahhabism, conversion from one religion to another, and other concepts that are currently in the spotlight?

The public often lacks sufficient information about the terms used in addressing extremism that exists among Muslims, as well as about the terms used and understood by Muslims themselves. This lack of knowledge leads to misunderstandings and prejudices. As a minister, I will advocate for the education and information of the public through media and educational programs to reduce unknowns and promote tolerance and mutual understanding. It is important to emphasize that terrorism has no religion and should not be associated with the name of a religion, as in the term “Islamic terrorism,” and that any generalization is dangerous and unfair to the innocent majority of adherents of the religion. This, in turn, fuels another dangerous phenomenon, “Islamophobia,” which is currently at its lowest level in Serbia.

Photo: Novi Pazar, david djordjevic studio / Shutterstock.com

Egypt is Rapidly Transforming

Full steam ahead!

H.E. BASSEL SALAH

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Serbia

Egypt has been under heavy and rapid transformation in the last 9 years, and the number of new projects is changing the face of the country which has become a full BRICS+ member. Tourism is getting accelerated with the opening of northern shores to the world, and economic and cultural development has ensued. About these and other things, we talked to H. E. Bassel Salah, the agile Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Serbia.

Serbia and Egypt have had a long tradition of diplomatic relationships and cooperation. We

remember King Peter II landing in Egypt in 1941 with his entourage. The relations were superb during the Non-Aligned era, a bit turbulent after that in some periods, but under President Sissi, they are once again very good. How do you rate our relations? Egypt and Serbia maintained old diplomatic relations, which were established in 1908. These exceptional relations between Egypt and Serbia are based on strong ties in recent history, rooted in distinctive and identical views and goals towards the future of their countries and peoples, especially during the times of Presidents Nasser and Tito, as, the two countries played a major role in the establishment of the NonAligned Movement, and cooper-

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Serbia that took place from 19 to 22 July 2022, as an indicator of fostering friendly ties and the keenness of both countries to give a strong push to the bilateral relations in all spheres. This visit, was not only historic because it was the first for an Egyptian leader to Serbia for more than three decades, but also an essential one to put a solid base to many institutions from both sides to build and sustain a successful strategic partnership. This is clearly stated in the joint declaration on the strategic partnership between the two countries issued by the two Presidents. The visit witnessed the signing of several MoUs covering many fields, held both the bilateral Business Forum, and the joint Egyptian-Serbian business council, which allowed many Egyptian and Serbian businessmen to discuss and discover the promising areas of cooperation and start a new phase of bilateral economic cooperation between Egypt and Serbia.

H.E. PRESIDENT ABDEL FATTAH AL-SISSI, PRESIDENT OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT VISITED SERBIA IN 2022 AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES, FOSTERING BILATERAL TIES

ated for the benefit of the entire independent and free world. In this regard, I would like to refer to the historic visit of H.E.

In addition, Egyptian officials visited Serbia frequently, for instance in 2023; His Eminence Mufti of Egypt Shawky Allam visited Belgrade, the first visit by Egypt’s most distinguished religious personalities to Serbia, the governor of South Sinai Khaled Fouda, visited Serbia to discuss ways to strengthen tourism cooperation. Moreover, a delegation led by former Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister and head of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mohamed El Orabi attended an academic seminar on bilateral relations between Egypt and Serbia organized by the Serbian «International Institute of Politics and Economics», to mark our celebration of 115th years of relations. H.E. Counsellor Hanafi Gebali, Speaker of the Parliament of Egypt also visited Serbia, where he conducted several intensive meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament and inaugurated the “Egipatska ulica” (Egypt Street) in Belgrade”.

Economic cooperation and trade have increased. Is there any room for further improvement? Egypt and Serbia have been working during the past few years on strengthening their economic cooperation to start with the key fields of cooperation. There is a high potential for intensifying economic relations, especially in

the fields of agriculture, trade in agricultural products, investment, and ICT.

The Embassy is planning to focus on two main mechanisms in boosting economic cooperation with Serbia in the next two years, first: the Governmental mechanism represented in the Joint Committee for Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation, its next session is planned to be organized in Cairo in the second half of year 2024, with participation of many concerned Egyptian and Serbian Ministries, to discuss the prospects of the economic cooperation between both countries. The second mechanism is the private sector represented in the Egyptian-Serbian Joint Business Council, whose next meeting should be held on the margins of the next meeting of the Joint Economic Committee.

Furthermore, there are ongoing negotiations between both countries regarding concluding a Free Trade Agreement. During the visit of the H.E. President of Egypt to Serbia in 2022, both presidents announced the initiation of the FTA negotiations, and are looking forward to finalizing the negotiations to be ready for signing soon. Moreover, both countries are keen to encourage businessmen from both sides to take advantage of many opportunities that can be exploited in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, health care, household construction, and machinery industries.

There are giant ongoing projects set to reshape Egypt – the New Egyptian Museum, the new airport, and the New Administrative Capital. There is even some news about the Qattara Depression project, resulting in a completely new lake, canal, and shore inside Egypt, which will enable new cities and new resorts – contributing largely to the economy and alleviating the pressure of overpopulation on the Nile shores. Tell us something about this gigantic transformation of Egypt. Since 2015, the overall Egyptian living experience has changed a lot. A chain positive reaction of social, political, and physical changes came to life in a magnitude incomparable to the preceding 30 years in Egypt. Social and political activism became evident in several events, through ambitious projects and plans of ongoing implementation.

THE NORTHWEST COAST DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT WILL ADD 3 GOVERNORATES AND BUILD SUCH AN INFRASTRUCTURE TO RELIEVE THE OVERPOPULATION OF EGYPT AND BOOST TOURISM

The number of national mega projects you have mentioned contributed to greatly changing Egypt’s urban conditions and networks, as it aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the economy, create employment opportunities, and attract foreign and domestic private investments. With work underway by more than 1,000 companies and nearly 2m Egyptian workers, these national mega projects are contributing to a new chapter in Egypt’s economic progress.

Egypt’s population has been living under accelerated population

of rural citizens through the national project for the development of Egyptian villages “a decent life”, and building new cities to redistribute the population away from the narrow strip of the Nile Valley.

Tourist cooperation is at a high level – even now when the war is going on at the Egyptian border. Our tourists seem not to shy away but the Middle East troubles – we are loyal guests of Egypt. What is new about Egyptian tourism, like the Red Sea Riviera?

Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera is immensely popular with both tourists and locals alike for several reasons; its year-round warm weather, its white sand beaches, its awesome diving, and the fact that it’s away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Most tourists usually book an all-inclusive trip to Hurghada or Sharm ElSheikh through a tour agency, and while that obviously is a guaranteed great time, it’d be unfair to think that’s the extent of what the Red Sea Riviera has to offer.

First of all, let’s explain what exactly we’re talking about when we say ‘Red Sea Riviera’; Egypt’s riviera is divided between mainland Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, and includes the Red Sea’s two gulfs, the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. All of the towns/ cities/resorts/parks you can stay at on the Riviera have one major thing in common: their awesome beaches and weather. Everything else (type of accommodation, activities, amenities, etc) differ from place to place.

growth for thousands of years, occupying less than 7% of the country’s total area. The country has faced numerous urbanization and population density issues over the past three decades. Building new cities has become a key strategic option to relieve pressure on existing cities and more fairly distribute resources.

Therefore, it was necessary to radically solve the crisis, redraw the map of Egypt’s population, and absorb the continuous overpopulation in the valley by eliminating slums and unsafe and unplanned areas, improving the quality of life

The main places to stay on the Sinai Red Sea Riviera are. Ras Sedr, Ras Mohammed National Park, Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Ras Shetan and Taba, and the main places to stay on Egypt’s mainland Red Sea Riviera are: Ain El Sokhna, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, Marsa Alam and the Deep South.

For example; Ras Mohammed, is an Egyptian national park at the southernmost tip of Sinai, where the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez and the mixing of water leads to brightly-coloured, healthy coral reefs. Because of that, it is known for its breathtaking diving, considered the best in the whole world, so lots of people go for day trips to dive or snorkeling in the national park before it closes at sunset. The little bohemian town of Dahab is smaller, quieter and less commercial than its

Red Sea Riviera neighbour Sharm El-Sheikh, but the diving is just as good. The main area of town is its seaside promenade, full of local and quirkily-named restaurants and shops.

Could you give us more details about the Northwest Coast development project?

The Northwest Coast Development Project is drawn by the National Strategic Plan for Urban Development in 2052, where the government has taken some serious steps. It coincides with the plan that is being implemented by the government to demarcate the future borders of the governorates, provide development and investment opportunities, and establish new urban communities to accommodate the population increase that is expected in the coming decades.

The Northwestern Coast extends from Al-Alamein to Salloum about 500 km and has a desert hinterland extending to 280 km, covering an area of about 160,000 km2. The importance of this developmental area lies in the fact that it is unique and distinctive. The Northwestern Coast and its various resources represent Egypt’s hope to absorb overpopulation in Egypt in the coming 40 years and will contribute to providing about 11 million job opportunities by 2052.

Additionally, the North Coast of Egypt is a popular destination due to its natural beauty, which includes stunning beaches, clear waters, and immaculate white sands. It is home to numerous stunning beaches, each with its distinct charm and personality, drawing tourists from all over the world to enjoy its dazzling white sand beaches, gorgeous sands, and crystal-clear waters. There are beaches to fit every taste and mood, from wide stretches of coastline lined with palm trees to quiet coves surrounded by craggy cliffs.

In the end, the culture. Egypt is culturally very active in Serbia, and it represents a cultural powerhouse. What are new cultural dynamics in Egypt and where is the room for further cultural exchange? It is known that culture connects people the most, and Egypt has many cultural sites that make our country the first destination included in the travel plans of most travellers. When it comes to the cultural exchange between Egypt and Serbia, the two coun-

THE MUTUAL TRADITIONS BETWEEN EGYPT AND SERBIA SERVE AS A BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS THESE TWO NATIONS ACROSS GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES

tries enjoy great history which can easily open the floor to several and significant cooperation. We effectively apply the memorandum of understanding in the field of Culture between our two countries, and we are expecting to organize the “Serbian Cultural Week” in Egypt in the second half of the current year, as well as, we are also planning to encourage Egyptian folklore troupes to participate in several cultural events in Serbia soon.

Furthermore, both Egypt and Serbia have a rich tradition of folk music and dance that is integral to their cultural heritage. The rhythmic beats of traditional Egyptian music and the vibrant melodies of Serbian folk songs capture the essence of each country’s unique artistic expression.

The mutual traditions between Egypt and Serbia serve as a bridge that connects these two nations across geographical boundaries. Through a shared appreciation for family, music, dance, religion, and food, Egypt and Serbia demonstrate the enduring cultural ties that have endured through time, enriching the tapestry of human civilization with their collective legacy of traditions.

Hotel Tonanti is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Vrnjačka Banja, near the park, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment. It features an elegant and comfortable ambiance, hospitality, and a delicious selection of both buffet and à la carte restaurant offerings. The hotel offers a therapeutic thermal-mineral pool, and a Spa & Wellness center spanning over 1740 m². Additionally, the hotel has three conference halls that can accommodate from 10 to 300 people.

The Title of the Most Beautiful Serbian Spa Justified

Group of Ambassadors and Diplomats Visited Vrnjačka Banja

Adelegation of ambassadors and diplomats spent the last weekend of June in the beautiful Vrnjačka Banja, thanks to a project by Color Media Communications and the magazine Diplomacy & Commerce. These organizations have recognized the need for foreign diplomats to get acquainted with Serbia beyond Belgrade. June 29 and 30, 2024, were reserved for exploring the landmarks of Vrnjačka Banja.

Vrnjačka Banja offers much more than just a wellness and spa retreat. In its relaxed atmosphere, you can admire the most wonderful creations of nature, century-old parks, imaginative floral displays, and the peace that is generously offered to all visitors.

Robert Čoban, Director of Color Media Communications and Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for their presence at such events, highlighting their significance and confirming the necessity to continue organizing them in the future. He emphasized that Serbia is much more than just Belgrade and has a lot to offer, especially in terms of tourist potential and attractions. Through these visits to smaller towns, they manage to showcase this to their friends from the diplomatic corps.

The President of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đorđević, introduced the delegation to the major infrastructure projects that have transformed the spa’s appearance over the past 10 years, reinforcing its position among the top tourist destinations in

A DELEGATION OF AMBASSADORS AND DIPLOMATS SPENT THE LAST WEEKEND OF JUNE IN THE BEAUTIFUL VRNJAČKA BANJA, THANKS TO A PROJECT BY COLOR MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MAGAZINE DIPLOMACY & COMMERCE

Serbia. With over a million overnight stays annually, Vrnjačka Banja hosts a large number of domestic tourists, and the number of foreign visitors is increasing. There are plans to open up even more international markets to this spa, and they are ready to attract tourists from the farthest corners of the world with their sources of thermal-mineral water, open and closed pools, greenery, excellent festivals, and programs.

As Đorđević noted, such gatherings not only send a positive image of Serbia to the world but also open up opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations with the countries whose official representatives visited Vrnjačka Banja.

Boban Djordjevic shows Vranjacka Banja to guest

THERE ARE PLANS TO OPEN UP EVEN MORE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS TO THIS SPA, AND THEY ARE READY TO ATTRACT TOURISTS FROM THE FARTHEST CORNERS OF THE WORLD

This was an opportunity to show what kind of people we are, how hospitable we are, and what potential we have to offer.

“We want to leverage the acquaintances and friendly relations we are establishing here today so that tomorrow we can use them to reach out to travel agencies in your countries and to local media where we can present the potential of Vrnjačka Banja. Your support in connecting us with key players and people involved in tourism in your countries would be crucial for us,” Đorđević said.

The diplomatic delegation had the opportunity to visit the Central Spa Park, the Thermo-Mineral Bath Building, the Culture

Square, Church Hill, the Roman Spring, the Summer Terrace, the Viewpoint, the Amphitheater, the Bridge of Love, and more. They enjoyed walking along the Vrnjačka River and the promenade that follows the parks in the central part of the spa. The sightseeing tours were accompanied by the enjoyment of the gastronomic delicacies of this region, and the

Tonanti Hotel opened its doors to our guests, the diplomats who carry out their diplomatic missions in Belgrade.

We believe this is the first of many delegations that will come to Vrnjačka Banja and see for themselves why this is our most beautiful and most visited spa in Serbia, welcoming every guest with open arms and friendly intentions.

From right: H.E. Mr. Bunpa Tan (Cambodia), H.E. Aleksandar Vranješ (BIH), Mrs. Monika Podsklanová Šuhajdová (Slovakia), H.E. Mr. Nikola Tupancheski (North Macedonia), Mr. Boban Đorđević - The President of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, H.E. Mrs. Imen Laajili Ammari (Tunisia), Mr. Robert Čoban (Color Media Communications), Mrs. Stanica Popović (Montenegro), H.E. Silvia Davidoiu (Romania) and Mr. Tan's wife

UEFA Euro Fun Facts

Considering that this issue is coming out during the football frenzy known as EURO ‘24, let’s remind ourselves of some of the most interesting details from the history of this competition. For example, let’s start from 1960 when the USSR won, a country that no longer exists. But not only that: all three medals were won by countries that no longer exist! The USSR defeated Yugoslavia in the final, and Czechoslovakia took third place. Vlastimil Bubnik won bronze in football and the same year won bronze in ice hockey at the Olympics! That’s called a versatile athlete. Or at least a two-sided one. And who knows how 1960 would have ended if Franco’s Spain hadn’t forfeited the match to the USSR in the quarterfinals for political reasons – namely, just 4 years later these two countries were in the final, and Franco didn’t order a boycott because it wasn’t an away game, but didn’t boycott the USSR either, and the grand final was played in Madrid in front of 80,000 spectators, with Spain winning 2-1.

Next time, more interesting facts: in 1968, Italy won the championship in Rome because penalties were not allowed after extra time

– they won the semifinal against the USSR on – get this – a coin toss! The final was a bit fairer – although the USSR could have made it to the final for the third time in a row (interestingly, they never had that much success in the World Cup), Yugoslavia made it to the final and the first match ended in a draw, so two days later with the same tickets, a rematch was played and Italy was more prepared and won the title 2-0.

The USSR entered the final for the third time in 1972 and lost to West Germany, which tried to defend it in 1976 in Belgrade, but Czechoslovakia got in the way and won the tournament on penalties with the famous “Panenka penalty” performed by the now world-famous Antonin Panenka. He wasn’t a well-known footballer before that, but now his name will never be forgotten. Another one who made history is Lothar Matthäus, a former son-in-law of Serbia, who at 39 years and 91 days was the oldest player in a final ever. And that’s more than Novak Djokovic has. Contrary to newspaper claims that “pragmatic Americans first introduced names on players’ jerseys in the American tradition in

1994,” it first happened in Sweden in 1992 and at that tournament – a reserve team – Denmark was invited last-minute when Yugoslavia was disqualified. We don’t know what could have happened then and whether we would have become champions then, if not in 1968. Greece won in 2004 in a shocking tournament led by German Otto Rehagel, and the bookmakers cried then, as the odds for success were 150:1, so the payouts for a few lucky ones were enormous!

And finally, let’s say that the final has never been repeated twice – always two different teams played. The only time we can admit that it was somewhat the case was in 1996 when Germany and the Czech Republic played, which is somewhat similar to 1976 when West Germany (a smaller country) and Czechoslovakia (a larger country) played. And one more thing. England, although hopeful in 1996 and 2021, has never won the Euro, although 10 other countries have, including much smaller powers! Each time, including now, they compete with the chant “It’s coming home!” but it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe this time, considering that the English are big favorites.

Stuttgart, Germany - June 26, 2024. Belgian supporters show their support during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match Ukraine v Belgium at Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. Photo: katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com

H.E. TOMÁŠ

KUCHTA

Outgoing Ambassador of the Czech Republic Czechia to Serbia

On the occasion of the end of his mission in the Republic of Serbia, Ambassador H.E. Tomáš Kuchta was received by President Aleksandar Vučić, Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić, Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević, and on behalf of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, his Foreign Policy Advisor and former long-time Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović.

All Serbian officials positively assessed Mr. Ambassador’s contribution to the development of bilateral relations and the strengthening of cooperation, especially in the businesseconomic field.

H.E. ANNIKA BEN DAVID

Outgoing Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia

H.E. Annika Ben David, Outgoing Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia, is set to conclude her eminent diplomatic role. H.E. Annika Ben David earned a master’s degree in Political Science in 1992 and graduated from the Diplôme d’Études Supérieures en Relations Internationales, Institut de Hautes Études Internationales, Geneva, Switzerland, in 1995.

From 2010 to ’13, she was Head of the Section for Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa at the ministry’s Africa Department, after which she was appointed Ambassador of Sweden to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-16). Prior to arriving in Belgrade, Ambassador Ben David served as Ambassador at large for Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law at the Swedish Foreign Ministry (2016-21).

H.E.

URS SCHMID

Outgoing Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia

H.E. Urs Schmid is set to conclude his diplomatic role of four years, as Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia. Ambassador Schmid holds an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Zurich.

His former duties have included the positions of Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in London (2009-2012) and Budapest (2005-2009), prior to which he headed the International Security Section at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Berne (2001-2005). He contributed for more than eight years to the setting up of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague.

of Saxe-Coburg Saalfeld

Missing the Cultural Events in Belgrade

GORDAN MARKOTIĆ

Former Croatian Ambassador to Serbia

H.E. Gordan Markotić, former Croatian Ambassador to Serbia, who served his country in Belgrade from 2013 until 2017, expressed his wish to send regards to his former colleagues and friends from Belgrade. We asked him our usual questions for this Postcard. Here is what he has to say.

What have you been doing since you left Belgrade?

After my homecoming in 2017, I was appointed as the Main Coordinator of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Since that was quite a demanding task we took more than 2 years for the preparatory face and started our Presidency on 1 January 2020. Unfortunately, after two and half months we stopped in-person meetings due

to the COVID-19 Pandemic and until the end of the Presidency on 1 July 2020 we continued in online format. From the beginning of 2021 until 1 September 2022 I was the Adviser to the

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. On 1 September 2022, I came to Geneva as the Ambassador and Head of the Croatian Mission to the UN and Other International Organizations, in the capacity of the Charge d’Affairs and I still work in Geneva.

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

During the tenure of my office in Belgrade, I had quite an intensive period that enabled me to meet a lot of persons from the political, public, and daily life of Serbia as well as from the diplomatic corps in Belgrade and I certainly missed some of a truly remarkable persons among them. However what I missed the most were the cultural events I regularly visited in Belgrade especially a lot of shows in the theater, music concerts, and famous international film, theater, and dance festivals. Once I return to Zagreb from Geneva I hope I will be able to continue visiting those events.

30 MAY 2024

Reception for the business partners of the Korean Embassy

The Korean Embassy in Belgrade organized its traditional annual reception for its business partners on May 30th.

The host of the reception was H.E. Jaewoong Lee, the Ambassador of Korea to Serbia. The reception took place at the ambassador’s residence and was attended not only by representatives of the business community but also by many officials and friends of the ambassador and his wife.

02 JUN 2024

The Commemoration of the Day of the Republic of Italy

The traditional ceremony on the occasion of the Day of the Republic of Italy was held on 2 Jun 2024 at the residence of the Italian ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori. About 1,000 people attended the event, including various Serbian government officials.

The June 2nd celebration was also an opportunity to showcase the Made in Italy brand: from lighting engineering to automotive design, from cuisine to tourism, and

from art to culture. Guests had the opportunity to view the photo exhibition “Jelena, Queen of Italy. Homage to the centenary of the building in Birčaninova”. The exhibition was organized thanks to the cooperation with the Central Museum of the Italian Renaissance in Rome and on the occasion of the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Embassy building in Birčaninova Street.

76th Anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel

The 76th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel was marked in the Opera & Theatre Madlenianum.

The ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Information and Telecommunications of Serbia, Marko Đurić and Dejan Ristić, representatives of

the diplomatic corps, and prominent dignitaries from the public and cultural life of Serbia.

During the ceremony, a concert and an exhibition of works by Israeli artists “New Flowers” were held, dedicated to the victims, survivors, and kidnappers during the massa-

The evening was celebrated with a musical performance by the choir of the Children’s Cultural Center of Belgrade “Find Your Star”, which performed the national anthems live. In the morning, H.E. Ambassador Luca Gori laid a wreath at the Italian Military Cemetery in Belgrade in memory of the dedication of uniformed women and men who work every day to guarantee the security of the Republic.

cre at the music festival in the south of Israel on October 7, 2023.

There was also a concert by the Shira Utfil ensemble, which performed with a special guest from Israel, Lala Tamar, who performs Moroccan, Jewish-Spanish, flamenco, and Middle Eastern music.

03 JUN 2024

04 JUN 2024

Exhibition: The Moroccan kaftan – a world-renowned outfit

The five-generation old kaftan made of silk brocade from Fez donated by the Moroccan Embassy to the Ethnographic Museum will serve as a token of friendship between our two peoples and will bring a small piece of Morocco’s vast ethnology to the Serbian public.

This exhibition, which will last until July 4th, is an inspiring opportunity to pay tribute to Morocco’s talented and skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of the kaftan. It is thanks to their dedication and skill that the kaftan has become a symbol of our cultural identity and heritage, handed down from generation to generation. Those skilled artisans to whom UNESCO has granted the title of “Living Human Treasures,” encouraging them to share their knowledge and skills with the younger generation.

In the same vein, in 2022, ICESCO announced the inscription of the Kaftan as pure Moroccan heritage, on the list of tangible and intangible heritage in the Islamic world.

H. E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, the Ambassador of Morocco to Serbia addressed visitors at the opening ceremony of the exhibition and said:

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this special exhibition of the beautiful art

of the Moroccan Kaftan, which will be on display in this prestigious Ethnographic Museum of Belgrade until 4 July 2024. On this joyous occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my dear friend, Mr. Marko Krstić, Director of the Ethnographic Museum, and his hardworking team for organizing and curating this wonderful exhibition, to the Ministry of Culture for its valuable support, and by all means to my dear spouse, Safae, and the entire team at the Embassy, for their tireless efforts in organizing and supporting this exhibition aimed at promoting the rich culture of the Moroccan kaftan. Furthermore, I hope that the five-generationold kaftan donated by the Moroccan Embassy to the Museum will serve as a token of friendship between our two peoples and will bring a small piece of Morocco’s vast ethnology to the Serbian public. Tonight’s exhibition is an inspiring opportunity to pay tribute to Morocco’s talented and skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of the kaftan. It is thanks to their dedication and skill that the kaftan has become a symbol of our cultural identity and heritage, handed down from generation to generation. Just like our Serbian friends, Morocco faces similar challenges in protecting its

05 JUN 2024

Brits and the Second World War in Yugoslavia

H.R.H. Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Katarina, together with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Edward Ferguson, and the author, Colonel Nik Ilić, officially opened today at the White Palace in Belgrade the exhibition “Brits and the Second World War in Yugoslavia.”

Visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to see historical photographs and other documents meticulously collected and prepared by Colonel Ilić with great dedication and commitment, to commemorate the actions of officers and soldiers of the United Kingdom’s armed forces and British military missions that operated in occupied Yugoslavia during the Second World War. Many of these documents have never been seen or published in their current form. They were gathered from the Imperial War Museum and the National Archives in London, as well as from private collections of relatives of those who fought alongside the Yugoslav people during those difficult and dark days from 1941 to 1945.

handicraft heritage and patrimony. However, I believe that by educating future generations in schools and beyond about craftsmanship and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, we can ensure that this priceless legacy survives and continues to thrive for generations to come”

06 JUN 2024

ABBA-themed party for

Swedish National Day and ambassador’s farewell

At the residence of the Swedish Ambassador, H.E. Annika Ben David, on June 6, 2024, a reception was held to celebrate Sweden’s National Day. It was also a farewell reception for Ambassador Ben David, who will soon be leaving her position in Serbia.

Sweden’s National Day celebrates the 501st anniversary of the country, commemorating June 6, 1523, when Gustav Vasa was elected King of Sweden, marking the country’s liberation from the Kalmar Union and becoming an independent kingdom once again.

The lively and joyful reception was attended by a large number of guests, and the event’s theme also honored the world-

10 JUN 2024

Korean musical sensation at Kolarac

The Korean Embassy organized a unique cultural event in Belgrade. The performance by young musicians from the Republic of Korea at the Kolarac drew significant attention from the local public. Led by Hyun-ji OH, the artists played the traditional instrument gayageum, a Korean zither with 12 strings made of silk. The repertoire included popular K-pop songs as well as Korean and Serbian folk music.

11 JUN 2024

Os Lusíadas

On the occasion of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. José Velez Caroço, organised a reception in Belgrade Hilton Hotel.

The Day of Portugal, officially known as Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas (Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities), is a national holiday in Portugal celebrated on June 10th. It commemorates the death

of Luís de Camões, a revered Portuguese poet who is best known for his epic work “Os Lusíadas” (The Lusiads), which celebrates Portuguese history and achievements, particularly during the Age of Discoveries.

famous Swedish band ABBA on the 50th anniversary of their victory at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Waterloo.”

14 JUN 2024

Belgrade Celebrates Georgia’s Independence Day

Belgrade office of the Georgian Embassy in Athens hosted a reception on June 14, 2024, to celebrate Georgia’s Independence Day. The event drew prominent figures from Serbia’s government, diplomats stationed in Serbia, and Georgian citizens residing there.

Barbare Makharadze, newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of Georgia in Serbia, addressed the gathering. Her speech highlighted Georgia’s path to independence and the positive relationship between Georgia and Serbia. Guests enjoyed traditional Georgian cuisine prepared by a Serbian chef, along with Georgian wine.

17 JUN 2024

Slovenian Statehood Day marked in Belgrade

On the occasion of Slovenia’s Statehood Day, which falls on June 25th, the Embassy of Slovenia in Belgrade organized a gala reception at the Crown Plaza Hotel a week earlier. In Slovenia, this day commemorates the anniversary of declaring

Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to an audiovisual presentation showcasing Georgia’s rich culture and history. They also had the opportunity to learn about the Georgian script and explore the country’s cinematic heritage.

independence in 1991 by adopting the Declaration of Independence from Yugoslavia. The reception was attended by numerous guests from the diplomatic corps and esteemed visitors. The host was the Ambassador of Slovenia to Serbia, H.E.

Damjan Bergant, joined by a distinguished guest from Slovenia, Minister Matjaž Han. They welcomed the guests and in their welcoming speeches emphasized the strong bonds and shared values between Slovenia and Serbia.

20 JUN 2024

The Birthday of King Charles III

The British Embassy in Belgrade celebrated the official birthday of King Charles III on the 20th of June, at the residence of H.E. Ambassador Edward Ferguson, who said that there are great opportunities for Great Britain and Serbia to develop and deepen their partnership. The celebration of the king’s birthday was attended by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, ministers in the Government of Serbia, and representatives of the diplomatic corps and public life.

This year’s celebration is thematically dedicated to the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon. The only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments played on a traditional tennis surface, on grass, has been held since 1877.

The British military band, 7th Battalion, The Rifles, and two DJs, Sajsi MC and Jovan from the band Scheizerbiterlemon, were in charge of the musical part of the celebration.

21 JUN 2024

Italian Tenor Enchants Audience at Embassy Gala

Agala celebrating opera was held on the 21st of June, at the Belgrade residence of Italian Ambassador, H.E Luca Gori. The event featured a performance by acclaimed Italian tenor Gianluca Sharpeletti.

Sharpeletti’s repertoire included works by the renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, whose 100th death anniversary is being commemorated this year. The performance also coincided with Serbia’s “Festival of Music,” prompting Sharpeletti to deliver ad-

ditional pieces from the rich Italian musical tradition.

This collaborative effort between the Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade marked the centennial of the laying of the first stone for the Embassy’s Birčaninova building.

25 JUNE 2024

75th Anniversary of the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe Office in Belgrade marked the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe with a commemorative ceremony for the representatives of the government, the diplomatic corps and international organisations, the media, the civil sector, partners, and counterparts.

27 JUN 2024

For this special occasion, held on 25th June in Belgrade, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, sent a video message, congratulating her on more than two decades of joint efforts in Serbia.

Janos Babity, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, welcomed the

distinguished guests and reminded them of the Organisation’s positive impact on people’s daily lives, and Tanja Miščević, Minister of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia said that the Council of Europe is an important strategic partner for Serbia.

80th Anniversary of Liberation and Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus

Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Sergej Malinovski opened the “Autographs of Courage” exhibition on June 25 at the Russian Center of Science and Culture “Russian House” in Belgrade, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders and the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus.

27 JUN 2024

The exhibition prepared by the National Library of the Republic of Belarus reflects the most important milestones of the heroic struggle against the Nazi invaders and the liberation of the Belarusian land from the Nazi occupiers, the tragic pages of the genocide of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War.

Canada Day – When Canadians come together

In Belgrade, on June 27th, Canada Day was celebrated with a formal reception at the residence of the Canadian Ambassador H.E. Giles Norman. In front of numerous guests, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Canada and Serbia, followed by a welcoming speech from the ambassador.

Canada Day, celebrated on July 1st each year, is the national holiday of Canada. It commemorates the anniversary of the confederation of Canada, which occurred on July 1, 1867, with the passing of the Constitution Act (formerly known as the British North America Act). This act united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada (which became Ontario and

In the archival data, exhibition materials, and photographs dedicated to the defense of the Brest Fortress, the offensive operation “Bagration”, the partisan movement in Belarus, the Hatin tragedy, quotes and illustrations from the works of Belarusian poets, writers, and artists who went through the war are vividly interwoven.

Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.

Canada Day is a time for Canadians to come together to celebrate their history, culture, and achievements, reflecting on their nation’s journey and looking forward to its future.

Photo: Goran

Srdanov / Council of Europe Office in Belgrade

28 JUN 2024

Time to say Goodbye

The Swiss Ambassador, H.E. Urs Schmid, and his wife Luzia Sebesta Schmid, organized a farewell party at the Summer Garden in Belgrade. The band Balkan Express provided the music at the party, which perfectly complemented the relaxed atmosphere among the numerous guests at this informal gathering.

29 JUN 2024

Malta celebrated a national holiday in Belgrade

The new Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Francesco Maria Amoruso, and his wife welcomed many distinguished guests on the occasion of the National Day of Malta.

The reception was organised at the beautiful courtyard of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belgrade on 28 June 2024. Traditionally, on 29 June, Malta celebrates the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, a holiday locally known as L-Imnarja.

Celebrating Diversity on World Refugee Day

Taking a closer look into the event that shines a light on refugees and the challenges they’re faced with

World Refugee Day 2024 in Serbia was a vibrant celebration of values such as unity and cultural exchange, but also an important reminder of the ever-growing necessity for solidarity and empathy

A collaborative cooking session kicked off the festivities, bringing together refugees from Iraq, Iran, and Ukraine with students from Belgrade’s Hospitality and Tourism School.

International chefs from the embassies of France, Italy, and the USA added their culinary expertise to the event. This exchange went beyond just food, as participants shared not only their traditional dishes but also their personal stories.

A fusion of cultures filled the air at the World Refugee Day Reception. Chefs from various backgrounds collaborated to create a delectable international feast. Karox from Iraq partnered with Nikola, an American diplomat, while Svitlana from Ukraine shared culinary expertise with Francesco, an Italian chef. Neda

A FUSION OF CULTURES

FILLED THE AIR AT THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY RECEPTION

and Farah from Iran joined forces with Serbian chefs Zoran and Dragana to prepare a delightful spread.

The evening’s formal gathering at Belgrade’s Silos Cultural Center was a mosaic of dignitaries, diplomats, refugees, and humanitarian organizations. UNHCR Representative Soufiane Adjali and Serbia’s Deputy Commissioner for Refugees, Svetlana Velimirović, shed light on the global displacement crisis, highlighting the staggering number of 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide while commending Serbia’s humanitarian efforts.

A powerful advocate for refugee rights, actress Branka Katić, a UNHCR High Profile Supporter, graced the event. Her speech resonated with the World Refugee Day theme “For a world where refugees are welcomed,” highlighting the shared vulnerability of all people and the importance of global unity.

The multicultural feast showcased an array of delectable dishes, including Iranian samosas, Iraqi shawarma, Ukrainian biloucha, and Serbian gibanica.

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the City of Belgrade illuminated the central fountain at Slavija Square in the UNHCR’s signature blue, raising awareness and showcasing their support for the refugee cause.

UNHCR warns against apathy and inaction amid a spike in forced displacement

Overall numbers rise to 120 million by May 2024; conflicts from Sudan to Gaza and Myanmar are creating new displacement and urgently require resolution

Forced displacement surged to historic new levels across the globe last year and this, according to the 2024 flagship Global Trends Report from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The rise in overall forced displacement – to 120 million by May 2024 – was the 12th consecutive annual increase and reflects both new and mutating conflicts and a failure to resolve long-standing crises. The figure would make the global displaced population equivalent to the 12th largest country in the world, around the size of Japan.

A key factor driving the figures higher has been the devastating conflict in Sudan: at the end of 2023, 10.8 million Sudanese remained uprooted. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar, millions were internally displaced last year by vicious fighting.

The largest increase in displacement figures came from people fleeing conflict who remain in their own country, rising to 68.3 million people according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre – up almost 50 percent over five years.

The number of refugees, and others in need of international protection, climbed to 43.4 million when including those under UNHCR and UNRWA’s mandates. The vast majority of refugees are hosted in countries neighbouring their own, with 75 percent residing in low- and middle-income countries that together produce less than 20 percent of the world’s income.

FILIPPO GRANDI,

THE UN

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, URGED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF DISPLACEMENT

UNRWA estimates that by the end of last year, up to 1.7 million people (75 percent of the population) had been displaced in the Gaza Strip by the catastrophic violence, most of whom were Palestine refugees. Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million forcibly displaced in and outside the country.

“Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. That suffering must galvanize the international community to act urgently to tackle the root causes of forced displacement,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “It is high time for warring parties to respect the basic laws of war and international law. The fact is that without better cooperation and concerted efforts to address conflict, human rights violations, and the climate crisis, displacement figures will keep rising, bringing fresh misery and costly humanitarian responses.”

The report showed that worldwide, more than 5 million internally displaced people and 1 million refugees returned home in 2023. These figures show some progress towards longer-term solutions. Positively, resettlement arrivals increased to almost 160,000 in 2023.

“Refugees – and the communities hosting them – need solidarity and a helping hand. They can and do contribute to societies when they are included,” Grandi added. “Equally, last year millions of people returned home, representing an important glimmer of hope. Solutions are out there – we’ve seen countries like Kenya lead the way in refugee inclusion – but it takes real commitment.”

The report also offered a new analysis of the climate crisis and how it increasingly and disproportionately affects forcibly displaced people.

Given the immense challenges facing 120 million forcibly displaced people outlined in the Global Trends report, UNHCR remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering new approaches and solutions to help people forced to flee their homes, wherever they are.

by Dragan Nikolić

The Division is Sharp

People have begun to only follow media that support their personal views which are often shaped by these same media, and people whose views they agree with

Foto Vesna Lalic

VESNA MALIŠIĆ

Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Radar weekly

Vesna Mališić is a renowned Serbian journalist and editor known for her extensive career in the media industry. Despite facing challenges throughout her career, including conflicts with management that led to her departure from NIN after 14 years, she continues to influence Serbian journalism with her bold and insightful writing. In an interview with our magazine, she talks about the lack of media freedom and the position of journalists in our society.

IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2023, THERE WERE 42 ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

We cannot avoid starting with the recent event when our colleague Vuk Cvijić, a journalist, was attacked. Is this attack a reflection of our society, and what message does this frightening attack send to citizens and journalists?

Critically-minded journalists in Serbia do not live in a friendly environment at all. They are verbally targeted by authorities who see them as political opponents, insulted, constantly accused, and disqualified by tabloids, social media bots, and encouraged individuals who attack journalists to prove their patriotism or loyalty. This is the atmosphere in which professional media operates. Quite depressing. Statistics show that, for example, in the first six months of 2023, there were 42 attacks on journalists. Only 11 attackers were identified. Professionals in this high-risk profession must count on such an environment.

The attack on Vuk Cvijić, however, is unprecedented. It is the first time that a journalist from a pro-government tabloid physically assaulted another journalist, in broad daylight, in the center of Belgrade, which is covered by cameras. One would think it would be easy to establish what happened. But there is no footage. Instead of a swift investigation and truth, we have politicians who downplay the event and attempt to discredit Vuk Cvijić. Journalist Uglješa Bokić from the Danas newspaper was attacked on election day in Novi Sad while trying to talk to young people leaving the premises where the call center of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party was located. Not to men-

tion the attacks on Dinko Gruhonjić and others. These days, our colleague Marko Lovrić received death threats because of his report from Jasenovac, where he spoke about how obsession with numbers diminishes true reverence for the victims. Unfortunately, we have become a society where violence is metastasizing. Hence, it is not surprising that the latest annual report from Reporters Without Borders notes that media freedoms in Serbia have reached their lowest point since the creation of the World Press Freedom Index in 2002, i.e., in the last 22 years. Serbia ranks 98th out of 180 countries on the same list, second to last among all EU member states and candidate countries. Therefore, the attack on Vuk Cvijić is a sign that the state protects the perpetrators. Anyone who wants to engage in investigative journalism must take this into account.”

Colleague Cvijić was supported by professional associations, certain editorial teams, and colleagues, but one gets the impression that this event has drawn a line between pro-regime, so-called, media, and those that are not. How dangerous is this social and professional division?

WHEN MEDIA ARE SO DIVIDED, THE POTENTIAL FOR MANIPULATION IS CLEAR

Indeed, in regime-affiliated media, there was relativization or denial of the attack or simply silence—it didn’t happen. In other media, there was full coverage. However, this event shows the feudalization of the media environment in which we live. The division is sharp. People have begun to only follow media that support their personal views which are often shaped by these same media, and people whose views they agree with. An isolated media world has been created where individuals only receive confirmation of what they already believe. This is an ideal position for political manipulation, where any lie can be portrayed as truth and vice versa, and where reality is tailored to fit the current government’s agenda. Criticism, doubt, dilemma, and debate have been expelled. Such media have become safe havens for an acceptable and approved simulated reality. The damage such media cause to society is immense because they are no

longer allies of the public and public interest, but of political factions; they are not guardians of truth but of political power.

The paradox of this entire story is that we live under the illusion that information is abundant, more information. However, this does not prove that we are well-informed. On the contrary, the public is under pressure from an incredible amount of unverified or manipulative information, making it nearly impossible to distinguish truth from falsehood and to adequately link cause and effect. When media are so divided, the potential for manipulation is clear. This government has created this atmosphere and actively exploits it. Divisions deepen at all levels because a divided and discordant society is easier to govern. We have reached a point where dialogue is a theoretical concept; we move in parallel monologues. Any dissenting opinion is perceived as hostile. Historian Andrej Mitrović was right long ago when he said that here, wars never cease—they just change forms. Today, we are in a brutal civil war without weapons.”

How can the journalism profession protect itself from so-called journalists and propagandists?

Unfortunately, professional journalism alone isn’t enough of a barrier. Propagandists spread like dirty water and contaminate everything, encouraged to serve political factions. They receive advertisements, money from grants, and who knows what other privileges. On the other hand, professional media are financially and otherwise exhausted. However, they are “held up” by professional zeal, a belief that they are doing good, that they are allies of truth, and that it makes sense regardless of the cost. Did you know that no one (or hardly anyone) is allowed to advertise in Radar? It’s a weekly magazine with a larger circulation than all other weeklies combined. There’s no commercial logic here, only political.

Your departure from NIN, along with the majority of the editorial team, caused a stir in the domestic journalism scene. Despite much being said about it already, is there anything you would add now, with some distance in time?

It has never happened before that an entire editorial team, along with all external collaborators, proofreaders, and the secretary, left a media outlet in one day because they wanted to protect freedom and professionalism. It’s important for me to always repeat this and remind everyone

PROFESSIONAL MEDIA ARE FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE EXHAUSTED

of the moment when, at the end of December, one by one they decided to resign from NIN without being sure where they would continue their professional journey. Across the street from the office, editors and journalists who were tenants, had children, mortgage payments, elderly and sick parents... They could have found every possible excuse to accept soft collaboration for a secure salary. But they didn’t! They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t calculate. They preserved their professional integrity. And they brought it to the Radar weekly. It’s important not to forget this. So, it can be done this way.

One doesn’t have to bow their head and compromise their principles. Even though it’s the harder path less traveled.

BIOGRAPHY

Is there freedom in society without freedom of the media?

One sociologist said, “If journalism is not realized as a free form of existence, its essence is called into question.” That’s accurate. There is no free society without free media. But conversely, there is no free media if society itself is not free. These are interconnected truths. At this moment, free media exist as enclaves in a captive society. An environment has been created where the connection between centers of political power and the media is unbearably close. Instead of expanding the space of freedom, we see the expansion of violence, which has become a mode of communication. Worst of all, there seems to be no end in sight to this trend.

The public accesses information uncritically and as mere consumers. Knowing this, is it enough to spread the truth to have independent and free media, or is something practically impossible needed—such as a change in the consciousness of the entire society? There’s a theory suggesting that to emerge from a crisis, a society needs three times the duration it spent in crisis. If we’ve been in crisis and decline for thirty years, it will take a century to recover. Unfortunately! For a society to be normal, tolerant, and democratic, there must be willingness from political elites. This must be their value. Yet, for our elites, society has been transformed into a wild tribe ideal for manipulation. Fear, conflict, feelings of being hated, envied, undermined... And relativizing what is falsehood and what is truth. With such a populace, you can do as you please because it cannot judge adequately. There are no media as allies of truth to help orientate them in time and space. Hence, our media landscape today resembles a battlefield.

In the digital era, the written word and traditional journalism are almost extinct. How do you view new formats like news through social media, from unverified sources? Have TikTok and Instagram generations suffocated journalism? I believe real journalism is making a comeback because there are still people who want to read serious analyses, reports, articles, and investigations. Radar is a prime example of this. And the “Great Stories” in Nedeljnik, not to mention the trends in major global media outlets that are bringing back serious reading. Of course, hybrid forms mediated through social media and the tyranny of urgency prevail. Journalism is in a transition process, and where all this will end up remains to be seen.

Vesna Mališić was born in Kotor. She completed her high school education in Herceg-Novi and graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade. Since 1982, she has been involved in journalism, initially as a contributor and later as a journalist and editor for several reputable weekly magazines. She worked as a journalist and editor at Duga magazine (1983-1999), leaving before the bombing of Yugoslavia when the Ministry of Information of Serbia introduced censorship. She then served as the editor at Blic News Weekly (1999-2001), followed by Editor-in-Chief of Prestup magazine (2001-2008), commentator and analyst editor at Blic Daily (2008-2009), and deputy Editor-in-Chief at NIN weekly (2009-2024). Due to changes in ownership and a narrowing space for independent journalism, she resigned from NIN along with the entire editorial team. Since 2024, she has been the Editor-in-Chief of Radar Weekly. Vesna Mališić is a recipient of the Knight of the Call award for professional and independent journalism. She has authored several books including “Man of Fear” (Čovekodstraha,1986,Partizanskaknjiga), “Conversations About Crisis” (Razgovoriokrizi,1988, NaučnaknjigaBeograd), “Dream about Serbia” (San o Srbiji-talkswithZoranĐinđić,2004,Čigojaštampa), and “Cardboard Box” (Kutijaodkartona,2007,Službeni glasnik). She is a member of the Independent Journalists Association of Serbia and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Foto

Vesna Lalic

Air Montenegro An Essential Part of Your Journey

Unforgettable moments and comfort with every mile traveled

This summer, Air Montenegro has expanded its offerings, taking you to 16 destinations during the summer season. In addition to the well-known Frankfurt, Zurich, Istanbul, and Paris, we have three new destinations – Baku, Izmir, and Ostrava. The summer season kicked off with the opening of the Tivat-Izmir route on April 5th. The company began operations from Tivat to Baku on June 7th, and the Podgorica-Ostrava route was launched on June 18th.

From Tivat Airport, Air Montenegro flies to Baku, Belgrade, Brno, Istanbul, Izmir, Ljubljana, and Prague this summer. At the same time, regular flights from Podgorica are available to the following destinations: Belgrade, Bratislava, Zurich, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Lyon, Nantes, Ostrava, Paris, and Rome.

All you need to do is choose your desired destination, and we will do everything to ensure that from the moment you step onto our plane until you reach your desired destination, every moment is filled with enjoyment and comfort.

Our friendly staff will welcome you with a warm smile and kindness from the very first encounter, providing exceptional service and making your travel experience unforgettable. Once you are comfortably seated at an altitude of 10,000 meters, besides the incredible view, your experience will be enhanced by the content of the fifth edition of our exclusive Air Time magazine. In its pages, you can find inspirational stories, explore our offerings, and discover reasons to visit our latest destinations and Montenegro.

ENJOY THE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF OUR BUSINESS LOUNGES

In addition to top-notch in-flight service, Air Montenegro takes care of its passengers before and after the flight. Whether it’s about relaxing before boarding or taking a short break during a layover, enjoy the added comfort and convenience of our business lounges. These lounges provide our business travelers with access to comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, as well as high-speed internet. Passengers have the opportunity to relax or focus on business tasks before the flight, as the lounge offers a quiet and private environment.

At Istanbul Airport, our passengers can enjoy the amenities of the business lounge in the A sector of the international departures floor, while our lounge at Ljubljana Airport is located in the main terminal.

FOR THOSE WHO SEEK AN EXTRA DOSE OF LUXURY AND COMFORT, AIR MONTENEGRO OFFERS AN EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESS-CLASS EXPERIENCE

At Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, our passengers have access to a self-service buffet, as well as a wealth of informative and educational content. The lounge is situated between terminals A4 and A5.

The newest additions to our lounge offerings are at Zurich Airport, located at two sites: the Airside Center and the Midfield Dock Terminal E. Passengers at Leonardo da Vinci–

Fiumicino Airport in Rome can find the lounge in the Extra Schengen zone between gates E31 and E61. At Podgorica and Tivat airports, the lounges are located at the departure gates, allowing business class passengers to enjoy the amenities up to two hours before boarding with a provided voucher.

EXPERIENCE COMFORT AND MONTENEGRIN TRADITION WITH AIR MONTENEGRO’S BUSINESS CLASS

For those who seek an extra dose of luxury and comfort, Air Montenegro offers an exceptional business-class experience. With highly personalized service, passengers have the opportunity to enjoy a menu featuring topquality dishes and beverages, carefully paired to provide maximum gastronomic pleasure.

Our passengers can indulge in traditional Montenegrin specialties such as Njeguški prosciutto, authentic cheeses, olives, and figs. In addition to these snacks, we proudly highlight our selection of wines, which perfectly represent Montenegro’s rich tradition, giving all passengers the chance to delve deeper into the local culture and heritage.

For those who prefer vegan and vegetarian meals, Air Montenegro’s business class offers specially designed menus. Enjoy fresh ingredients prepared in a way that highlights their natural flavors and nutritional values.

When you choose Air Montenegro, you choose more than just a transportation service. You choose unforgettable moments and comfort with every mile traveled.

The Role of the State is Crucial

Education in agriculture is not tailored to the needs of modern agricultural production and market trends

DR. IVAN ĐURIĆ

agricultural economist

Our young expert, Dr. Ivan Đurić, an agricultural economist who obtained his PhD from Martin Luther University in Germany, does not forget Serbia either personally or professionally. During the season of traditional disputes between domestic agricultural producers and the ministry over purchase prices of agricultural products, we spoke with him about the challenges of domestic agriculture and Western practices that could be applied here.

As someone who has studied and lives in Germany, how familiar are you with agricultural economics in Serbia?

My interest in events in Serbia, especially in the sphere of agriculture, has never waned. Since I came to Germany (2008), my doctoral dissertation focused on the Impact of policy measures on wheat-to-bread supply chain during the global commodity price peaks – The case of Serbia. Later, my long-standing col-

laboration on various projects with Prof. Dr. Vlade Zarić from the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, and later with Dr. Bojan Matkovski from the Faculty of Economics in Subotica, significantly contributed to my better understanding of agroeconomic measures in Serbia. Since 2023, as a member of the Serbian Association of Agricultural Economists, and through direct collaboration with Dr. Tatjana Brankov, I have been extensively involved in transferring acquired knowledge by presenting various studies related to food prices in Serbia and the impact of agrarian measures on them.

MY DOCTORAL DISSERTATION FOCUSED ON THE IMPACT OF POLICY MEASURES ON WHEAT-TO-BREAD SUPPLY CHAIN DURING THE GLOBAL COMMODITY PRICE PEAKS –THE CASE OF SERBIA

Currently, the issue of raspberry purchase prices is very topical here. This happens every year and every season, not just with raspberries. What do you think is the reason for dissatisfaction among raspberry growers (and other agricultural producers)?

I believe three things are key for most agricultural producers: weather conditions, liquidity, and labor (during the season). A large number, around two-thirds of cold storages, struggle with liquidity. To repay loans, raspberry growers often lower prices just to sell some of their produce. Adverse weather conditions further contribute to lower yields than expected, hence lower expected income. On the other hand, there is intense competition for unprocessed goods in export markets, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the structure of traditional buyers has changed, with a decreasing share from retail chains (e.g., German importers), and the HoReCa sector has almost ceased. Therefore, there is significant pressure on agricultural producers and processors to maintain liquidity.

The role of the state is crucial, especially in providing a platform for negotiating raspberry purchase prices and strategically protecting the domestic market. The situation from 2023, when a large quantity of Ukrainian raspberries was imported into Serbia, significantly affected domestic market prices, and it seems likely to influence price trends this year as well.

Does our state and government understand the significance of agricultural production? Why does it seem like agriculture, despite being the largest producer and exporter, is always somewhat humiliated and neglected?

I am certain that our state understands the importance of agriculture, especially since this sector is one of the most significant for the economic development of our country. Moreover, agricultural exports contribute significantly to the state budget. The problem is systemic and begins with the education of skilled personnel. The number of students enrolling in agricultural faculties has been declining year after year. Many subjects are not tailored to the needs of modern agricultural production and market trends. Furthermore, our students have almost no practical experience during their studies, which significantly hinders their job prospects.

On the other hand, qualified personnel are more inclined towards the business sector, which offers relatively better financial conditions compared to the scientific sector and the Ministry of Agriculture, the key players in shaping and implementing agricultural policy. Unfortunately, frequent changes in ministers responsible for the agricultural sector make it difficult to make long-term (strategic) decisions that are necessary for this sector.

Are there practices in Germany (and Europe) that could be easily and quickly applied here?

Building on the previous answer, I would say that acquiring practical knowledge during studies is something long established in Germany and could be relatively quickly and easily implemented in Serbia. Of course, it requires the

willingness of the business sector to participate, or even better, initiate such a process. Regarding the entire agricultural sector, it’s challenging to make direct comparisons because Europe operates under rules defined by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Serbia is still in the process of accession to the EU, so we can expect many changes in this sector. Frankly, I don’t see why we should strictly adhere only to regulations defined by the CAP, especially since we are the only country in Europe with open doors to BRICS countries. I believe we have the opportunity to consider a broader perspective and adopt best practices from around the world that could make us more competitive not only in Europe but also provide us with opportunities to access “new” markets.

In Serbia, there’s a serious debate, and society is divided over mining. If agricultural production is among the most affected by mining, why isn’t there more outcry? I don’t see a strong voice against lithium mining coming from major companies in the agricultural sector, as if their profit isn’t directly threatened. The process of lithium mining goes beyond any sectoral issue and represents a problem for the entire country. It’s interesting that some EU countries like Germany, which also have lithium reserves, ban lithium extraction due to environmental concerns. This alone should underscore the seriousness of this issue. As for the lack of reaction from representatives of the agricultural industry, I believe the political situation in Serbia and the official government stance on this issue need to be considered.

How healthy is the food industry today? Can we trust the quality of food produced here?

From an economic perspective, the unpredictable business environment and limited access to favorable credit lines significantly impact the success of the food industry. Additionally, the unfavorable relationship between the food industry and agriculture (raw material suppliers), which lacks long-term contracts and often involves breaches of contractual obligations, should be considered.

On the other hand, thanks to numerous standards implemented in the food industry, especially the legally mandatory HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) since 2009, the health safety of products should not be questioned. It’s also important to note that strict rules govern the import and export of food products, where any non-compliance would significantly affect a company’s reputation and be sanctioned by state authorities. Therefore, I believe we should indeed trust the quality of food produced in Serbia.

How much have digitalization and new technologies contributed to the development of agriculture in Serbia? We seem fascinated by online markets for organic food from small local producers. Without diminishing their importance, are there other benefits?

Digitalization has significantly permeated every aspect of the Serbian economy, inevitably including agriculture. The drivers of digitaliza-

THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLING IN AGRICULTURAL

FACULTIES

HAS BEEN DECLINING YEAR AFTER YEAR

tion are primarily large companies focused on exporting agricultural products. This isn’t surprising as implementing digitalization typically requires substantial initial financial investment.

As seen globally, the initial steps in implementing digital technologies in agriculture

BIOGRAPHY

Ivan Đurić obtained his PhD in agricultural economics from Martin Luther University HalleWittenberg in Germany. With over 17 years of experience, he has focused on research in innovation within the agri-food sector, business models of food value chains, agricultural policies, and trade. Since 2018, he has been coordinating a research group dedicated to agricultural digitalization, engaged in projects such as:

• “Digital Transformation of Chinese Agriculture – Resources, Trade, and Food Security” (DITAC, 2021-2023);

• “Determinants of Consumer Trust in Agri-Food Systems

are often led by the IT sector. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the most common applications involve platforms directly connecting producers and consumers through online stores. In these cases, the emphasis tends to be more on platform functionality rather than agricultural expertise. Nonetheless, using these platforms can lead to increased revenue for small family producers who cannot compete with large firms dominating retail chains.

For the greater acceptance of digital technologies in production itself, it’s crucial to invest in educating young professionals, training existing workers, and developing the necessary infrastructure to enable the practical application of technologies in agriculture (e.g., improving internet availability in rural areas).

in the Western Balkans: Links between Trust and Transparency through Digital Solutions as a Path to Strengthening Supply Chain Competitiveness” (eTrustFood, 2018-2023);

• “Digitalization in Agriculture – Impact of Social Media on Marketing Agri-Food Products” (AgriDigital, 2019-2021).

• Since 2023, Ivan has also been leading the IAMO XR Lab, focusing on immersive digital technologies (AR, VR, and MR) for analyzing consumer behavior and innovation adoption in the agri-food sector. Associated projects include FoodScope-

VR (DAAD, 2023-2024) and SecureFood (EU Horizon, 2024-2027). He is a member of the Serbian Association of Agricultural Economists and the CIS network of agricultural trade experts (ATnet) at FAO. Ivan also represents IAMO in the Fraunhofer-Leibniz initiative on digitalization.

The SERBIA GOES GREEN 2024 Conference

We don’t have a plan B, we must strive for a greener, brighter future - the key message of the gathering

On the premises of the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia in Belgrade, the SERBIA GOES GREEN conference was held, which is part of the traditional annual conferences organized by Color Media Communications. The conference has been taking place since 2016 and is dedicated to environmental protection and the preservation of the nature that surrounds us. Besides the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, the realization of the conference was also supported by UNICEF Serbia, Elektroprivreda Srbije, CocaCola HBC Serbia, IKEA, the Alliance for Circular Packaging, and the Mozzart Foundation.

At the opening of the conference, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, spoke and emphasized that on the path to green transition and greater sustainability of the energy system, we must not lose sight of the main task of the energy system, which is to ensure that citizens and the economy always have a secure and reliable supply of electricity.

“One of the biggest supply interruptions in Europe in the last 20 years, which occurred last week in our vicinity, showed that supply security remains a priority and the main task not only for Serbia but also for the energy systems in the region, which need to be even stronger and more secure. Regional projects that aim for greater connectivity in the transmission network play an especially important role in this, considering that Serbia has eight interconnections with neighbors, which gives it a special position in Europe.”

THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS INVESTED AS MUCH AS 582 MILLION EUROS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN SERBIA

Serbia has rightly insisted that the integration of new capacities from renewable energy sources must be accompanied by proportional investments in the transmission and distribution network. This has been enabled primarily by amendments to the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources. In the coming period, the

focus will be on investments, primarily in implementing the strategically important RHE Bistrica project,” emphasized Đedović Handanović.

Mathilde Mordt, the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, noted that “Serbia Goes Green” is not only an ecological imperative but also a huge economic opportunity for the country, which is expected to double its renewable energy production and increase resource efficiency while creating new jobs.

“The path to a green future must be inclusive and fair, ensuring that no one is left behind while supporting the most vulnerable. The United Nations is proud to support Serbia in its efforts, which in 2023 alone reached over 880,000 people through initiatives encompassing clean energy, air quality, climate change adaptation, and community resilience,” highlighted Mordt.

H.E. Emanuel Giaufret, Head of the Delegation and EU Ambassador to Serbia presented the EU’s investments in environmental protection in Serbia and future support plans for the country at the conference.

“The European Union has invested as much as 582 million euros in environmental protection in Serbia. And we will not stop. Looking ahead, Serbia should take full advantage of the new EU growth plan for the Western Balkans. Specifically, through our Reform and Growth Fund for the Western Balkans, we aim to accelerate fundamental reforms and the integration of the regional market with the EU single market, bringing 6 billion euros to the Western Balkans by 2027. For Serbia, the Fund will, among other things, support the energy transition and lead

Robert Coban - the organizer of the conference

the country towards a more resilient and cleaner economy. This is the future of Serbia, and the EU will continue to be fully committed to supporting Serbia and its citizens. The hard work ahead includes legislation, implementation, investments, and dialogue as key activities for tomorrow. Cleaner energy means a brighter future.”

Siniša Mitrović, Head of the Circular Economy Center of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, told the attendees that when it comes to the green transition, concrete progress has been made. At the same time, there is a threat of destabilizing this model due to too much noise and too few active solutions. It is very important to view the green transition as one of the most important drivers of Serbia’s GDP.

Robert Čoban, the organizer of the conference, greeted the attendees and emphasized that for the eighth year in a row at the Serbia Goes Green conference, we are discussing topics that greatly interest and often divide the domestic public. “Ministers, foreign diplomats, scientists, media representatives, business associations, and companies exchange views on environmental protection and sustainable business practices. How much we can all do to protect the environment in our immediate surroundings and save planet Earth, our common home,” noted Čoban.

After the opening remarks, panel discussions followed. In the first panel titled “Circular Economy (Again) in Focus - Innovative and Sustainable Transformation of the Serbian Economy,” the speakers were: Tatjana Matić, Director of the Development Fund of the Republic of Serbia; Aldo Lele, Sustainability Manager at IKEA; Andrea Radonjić from the Alliance for Circular Packaging; Siniša Mitrović from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce; and Toma Vukić from the Mozzart Foundation. The panel was moder-

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE READY TO TAKE CONCRETE ACTIONS AND REACH OUT TO STATE INSTITUTIONS TO SUPPORT THEIR IDEAS AND ACTIONS

ated by Nikola Božić from the Faculty of Applied Ecology Futura.

Aldo Lele, Sustainability Manager at IKEA, spoke about the activities and commitment that IKEA has towards sustainability.

“Sustainability at IKEA is an integral part of our business and key to our further growth and realization of our vision of a better everyday life for many people. Every day, we raise awareness among colleagues and in the local community about environmental challenges and the impact of the environment on our health and quality of life. Our goal is to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and become a circular company that uses only renewable and recycled materials. We are intensively working on reducing annual water and energy consumption and increasing waste recycling. What is good for the planet and people is also good for our long-term growth,” said Lele.

Andrea Radonjić from the Alliance for Circular Packaging emphasized that we need to talk more about the circular economy and find ways to ensure that all materials for food and beverage packaging (glass, plastic, multilayer cardboard packaging, cardboard, and paper packaging, as well as metal packaging) are reused to close the entire loop of maximum resource utilization, which are increasingly scarce.

Last year, the Mozzart Foundation invested more than 23,000,000 dinars in various ecologi-

cal actions and initiatives, leaving its “green” mark from Vojvodina to Priboj.

Toma Vukić from the Mozzart Foundation emphasized, “This year, we organized a competition titled ‘Save Electricity to Make Humanity Worth More,’ with the support of the Ministry of Mining and Energy. In addition to valuable prizes, the initiative’s humanitarian segment was particularly significant, in which the Mozzart Foundation donated funds for the construction of a solar power plant at the First Elementary School King Peter II in Užice. Last year, a solar power plant was also installed at the Technical School in Valjevo.”

In the second panel titled “Youth and Business for a Sustainable Future,” the participants were Ivan Petrović, President of the Board of the Exit Festival Foundation; Nada Stamatović, Sustainable Business Expert at the NELT Group; and representatives of UNICEF Serbia Youth Board Uroš Radosavljević, Boban Lalović, and Kristina Miloradović. The panel was moderated by Vesna Savić Đukić from UNICEF Serbia.

Globally and in Serbia, UNICEF empowers young people to voice their concerns and find ways to start addressing them, with an increasing focus on a sustainable future. They help amplify their voices and connect them with relevant institutions that can support them. Young people are ready to take concrete actions and reach out to state institutions to support their ideas and actions. They advocate for being part of the solution and set a good example for others through their sustainable actions. Young people are eager and seek a channel through which their voices can be heard. This is why UNICEF Serbia strives to involve young people in all legislative processes and discussions, so they can contribute in the right places.

Mathilde Mordt - the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia

H.E. Emanuel Giaufret - Head of the Delegation and EU Ambassador to Serbia

Dubravka Djedovic - Minister of Mining and Energy

Sinisa Mitrovic - Head of the Circular Economy Center of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce

Endangered Democracy

The European parliamentary elections are a gauge of the citizens’ mood ahead of the national elections in the member countries, especially in the EU’s locomotives, France and Germany, where the National Rally and the Alternative for Germany are stronger than ever

The outcome of the European Parliament elections is a manifestation of internal national dissatisfaction. It is evidence that the priorities are the rising cost of living, the causes of this reality, and the need to entrust the vote to those who will address it.

Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party may not have brought the renaissance the French expected when they entrusted the young Macron, as a fresh actor on the political scene, with the first and then the second mandate, but it certainly brought changes. However, to be fair, a revival is a revival, even if it is a renaissance of nationalism – which is in full swing and was precisely reflected in the recent European Parliament election results. This vote, held at the beginning of June, brought to the forefront the

issue of nationalism instead of European topics and strengthened the right wing, especially the extreme right in France, like never before. The case is similar in Germany and a few other pillars of the Eu-

xenophobic and anti-democratic in many spheres.

It could be said that the European Parliament elections gauged the pulse of the nations ahead of the upcoming elections in the member

NATIONAL STATES ARE MORE VISIBLE AND THE HORIZONS OF DEMOCRACY ARE MORE OBSCURE

ropean Union. The strengthening of right-wing parties and the far right was the backbone of these elections, where almost 400 million EU citizens shaped the common European body with their votes. Ironically, the rising trend is the one least in favor of unity and most

states of the union. What the governments, especially those in Paris and Berlin, have felt is that voters want a change of course. The rightwing party National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, defeated the party of the current French president, while the far-right German AfD

overcame the Chancellor’s party. Marine Le Pen won with more than 30 percent of the vote, ten percent more than five years ago. Macron’s Renaissance took only 15 percent, seven percent less than last year. Such success has not been achieved by the right since the party was founded nearly half a century ago by Jean-Marie, Marine Le Pen’s father.

In truth, the trend of craving change has been noticeable for years – since the French “buried” the two traditional parties, the Socialists and the Republicans, and replaced them with Macron and the Right. Europe has shifted. National states are more visible and the horizons of democracy are more obscure. Twenty years ago, politicians refused to debate with Jean-Marie Le Pen because of his hateful, undemocratic views. Today, his daughter

has serious chances of moving into the Élysée Palace. Her nationalist ideas, in which the French are more important than everyone else, have become a widespread mantra noticeable in the European Parliament elections, where the campaign was conducted on the domestic political themes of the member states instead of major European issues. Therefore, we can view this event as a trend and a potential outcome for the national elections that follow in these countries.

It is true that, compared to previous elections, conservatives are where they were, and due to the formation of a coalition that has been in power so far, continuity of policy in Brussels can be expected in that sense. However, it says a lot that both the Social Democrats and the Greens have seriously faltered. The focus has shifted from issues like climate change to dissatisfaction with internal national policies that negatively affect the economy. Europeans did give the majority to the largest group, the European People’s Party, but the real winners are the right-wingers who have caused a political earthquake in some member states of the union. The EP elections will shape trends in the EU for the next five years, during which policy-making will be directed by the themes pushed by the far-right parties. We all know what those themes are. We also know that they are not fond of the topic called the policy of EU enlargement. As far as they are concerned, the stars on the blue flag are enough – too many, even. As well as the migrants and refugees.

Although almost every expert will say that voting for the European Parliament is essentially a secondary matter, something like Eurovision in the music world, especially since the leading coalition confirmed its primacy, it is still a kind of scanner of the state of a society that does not live in isolation but in a world that is in turmoil. The recent voting has caused resignations, emergency elections, and cracks in the facades of many governments. Not to mention the subsequent consequences. The first shock was the decision of the French president to dissolve the assembly and call elections, stating that the rise of nationalism was a danger to Europe. For the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic, the right has climbed to this level, thanks to the votes of the youth. For the first time in France, nationalist tendencies are expressed to this extent. The right-wingers claim they are ready to take power if the

THE EP ELECTIONS WILL SHAPE TRENDS IN THE EU FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, DURING WHICH POLICY-MAKING WILL BE DIRECTED BY THE THEMES PUSHED BY THE FAR-RIGHT PARTIES

French trust them in the upcoming national elections, to renew the country, end mass migration, and prioritize the French people.

By deciding to dissolve the assembly and call elections, Macron is counting on the fact that, as has been the case so far, when faced with Le Pen in the final electoral round, common French sense will prevail and not allow the dangerous words of the right to dominate over “Liberty, equality, fraternity.” Macron is counting on this and on those who slept through the EP elections to choose him at home. He will consolidate power. But if Macron and Scholz are as mistaken as David Cameron was when he allowed the Brexit referendum, assuring Brussels that everything would be fine, we must ask what nationalism looks like in the diverse community of European nations.

There is no educated person in Europe who does not know the meaning of the famous French motto “liberty, equality, fraternity,” but the voices of the fighters for freedom, democracy, equality, and fraternity are growing quieter. The radical course of events leads to the

famous thought of the poet Branko Miljković, who wondered: “Will freedom know how to sing as the slaves sang about it?” The balance of power between the world of labor and the world of capital, which maintained social peace, has been disrupted. The power of leftist parties and unions has declined, and they are facing a great challenge.

Hence, the first victim of the EP elections was the Belgian prime minister, who resigned because his liberals were defeated by Flemish nationalists riding the safe wave of anti-immigrant policy. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took the pulse of the nation, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) stronger than ever, significantly ahead of his ruling socialists, who recorded their worst election result since World War II.

The triumph of the opposition was celebrated in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, and so on, making it easier to list where the ruling parties won. The heavy note to this outcome is the fact that these results were not much of a surprise, except perhaps for the rise of the far-right German Alternative, which speaks softly about Nazis. They are

now the second most popular party in Germany, a country that, it is important to note, has the most MEPs. They are proof that in terms of power, the EP elections are not like Eurovision in the music world, because the AfD is not just a summer hit. Italy is an even better example. There, a right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party has now achieved record success in the EP. Then there is Hungarian Fidesz, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who interpreted the victory as a message from Hungarians that they want peace and support his intention to keep the country away from war. Orbán’s speech touched on perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle – the international community’s stance towards Russia, the feelings of Europeans about the war in Ukraine, and the fear of spreading the crisis that affects the socio-economic situation. The rise of the right in the EP actually says a lot about the fear of war escalation and the desire to finally lead peace negotiations, a wish to live differently in Europe.

Macron says he has heard them and received the message, but has he understood that the motto was and remains “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” along with a new humanistic vision of society that will not rest, as it does now, on the concentration of wealth in fewer and fewer hands of the powerful and privileged while the middle class disappears, but on what the class struggle produced over a hundred years ago – social dialogue and civic awareness.

Minimizing Environmental Footprint

IKEA South East Europe fosters a positive impact on the communities and ecosystems

ALDO LELE

Sustainability Manager at IKEA South East Europe

During the annual Serbia Goes Green conference, key stakeholders gathered to discuss the urgent need for further sustainable development and the strategies required to tackle climate change. During the panel discussion dedicated to environmental protection and nature conservation, collaboration between the private and public sectors was emphasised as crucial in achieving a climate-neutral future. Aldo Lele, Sustainability Manager at IKEA South East Europe, was one of the participants who highlighted the importance of the circular economy for sustainable development.

Following the conference, we had the opportunity to further discuss with Aldo and explore IKEA sustainability initiatives, specifically focusing on reducing environmental impact, implementing circular economy practices, and fostering community engagement.

For many years, IKEA has recognised the impact of its operations on the environment and taken action to minimise that impactwhat is IKEA’s approach to sustainability, and how it is integrated with the core of your business?

ONE OF OUR PRIMARY GOALS IS TO MANAGE NATURAL RESOURCES SUSTAINABLY

At IKEA, sustainability is not just a part of our business strategy; it is the core of how we operate and grow. The IKEA sustainable approach across our business is defined in a clear strategy that we call People and Planet Positive, which ensures that our business practices are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.

This strategy emphasizes that what benefits the planet and people is inherently beneficial for our long-term business growth, grounded in the belief that environmental, social, and economic factors are deeply interconnected. When one suffers, the others are inevitably impacted.

One of our primary goals is to manage natural resources sustainably, enabling customers to opt for circular products made from recycled materials or specific products that help care for and prolong the life of their goods, or even use circular services where customers can sell us back their old furniture instead of throwing it away.

Beyond environmental initiatives, IKEA places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, dedicating ourselves to improving the lives of the most vulnerable communities in the areas where we operate by creating job opportunities and ensuring sustainable income for those in need.

This holistic approach ensures that our efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable in the long run. The name of People and Planet says it all: If it’s good for the planet and the people, it’s good for our long-term business growth.

What are your goals in the coming period when it comes to circular business and environmental protection?

Our goals for the upcoming period focus on advancing circular business practices and enhancing environmental protection. By 2030, we aim to halve greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain compared to 2016 levels, while also decoupling our growth from resource use.

That’s why we are focused on three areasfirstly, raising awareness among our employees and local communities about environmental challenges and their impact on health and quality of life, and promoting sustainable living practices. Secondly, we are committed to reducing water and energy consumption while increasing the waste recycling rate. For instance, our Belgrade store collects rainwater for toilet flushing and generates 20% of its electricity through onsite solar panels. We also prioritize energy-efficient systems to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement on CO2 emissions reduction. Thirdly, mitigating our stores’ impact on soil and water by fostering biodiversity and restoring natural habitats. This includes establishing sustainable biodiversity gardens at our stores to support native plants and insects, promoting ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Additionally, we are also aware that more than 40% of our emissions are generated in the extraction and transformation of raw materials, so we must continue to increase the use of recycled and recyclable materials. And all to reintegrate those same used materials back into our value chain, and thus significantly

IN ADDITION TO OUR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES, OUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS DEEPLY INGRAINED

reduce the emissions from this stream. That is the reason why we continuously strive to empower our customers to adopt circular behaviours through initiatives such as our recent campaign Circoolin’. We believe that everyone can extend the product lifecycle at home and we offer a few options. For example, our Care and repair range, which encourages reusing

and repairing damaged products at home, our spare parts service, giving the missing pieces for free to fix the broken item, and our buyback service for used furniture, thereby minimizing waste.

Our ambition is to become a just and regenerative business, which requires a strong commitment to circular practices and environmental protection.

How do you engage your customers and coworkers to make a positive impact on people and the planet?

That is one of our priorities, now and moving forward. We aim to empower our co-workers and customers to become ambassadors for positive change in environmental protection and social development. Our research indicates that people want to contribute more to safeguarding the environment and supporting vulnerable communities, but often lack clear guidance on how to do so. To address this, we engage our co-workers and customers in various environmental protection activities, fostering their active participation.

In addition to our environmental initiatives, our commitment to social responsibility is deeply ingrained. Every year, we mark the International Day for People with Disabilities, International Women’s Day, and Refugee Day with our co-workers and local communities. Together with our strategic partners, we renovate shelters and homes for vulnerable groups, such as improving educational facilities for people with disabilities and providing safe havens for women and children affected by domestic violence.

A program that particularly shows our dedication is our “Skill for Employment”, which we have proudly implemented over the past three years. This initiative offers training programs tailored to enhance the retail skills of refugees, thereby increasing their opportunities for employment in the labour market. We firmly believe that access to jobs and fair wages is fundamental to fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.

Olympic Games and Their Bumpy Road

We hope for a better world every four years - A world where everyone can compete

Another Olympic Games is upon us, and spectators around the world are excited. But once again, these Games are tainted by politics and are incomplete. Moreover, it’s not like the previous ones were “clean.” Let’s look at their “bumpy” path and history

The modern Olympic Games have been revived several times, never in a satisfactory, international manner. The first to start was the English back in the 17th century with the “Cotswold Olimpick Games” (yes, with a “K”), held annually in Chipping Campden between 1612 and 1642, and a few more times after that, in several sports. After the French Revolution, the first with the metric system, the L’Olympiade de la République was held in 1796, 1797, and 1798 in France, again to revive the Greek spirit and in several sports. Next, the Swedes tried in 1834 and 1836 with the Olympic Games only for Swedes, in the city of Ramlösa, and again after a pause in Stockholm in 1843 with an impressive 25,000 spectators. By 1859, the idea was revived in Britain where the Wenlock Olympian Games were held, only for the British, of course, and this competition continues annually to this day. Between 1862 and 1867, the Grand Olympic Festival was held annually in Liverpool, which was the first to be open to foreigners (every “gentleman amateur” could participate). The Olympic Games in Great Britain were held in 1866 at the Crystal Palace in London. Even Lajoš Vermeš from Subotica organized his Olympics in Palić over 100 years ago.

AND NOW, THE GAMES FOR REAL

However, the international and official Olympic Games had to wait until 1896 when they made a triumphant appearance. But already in 1900 in Paris, a shameful gesture occurred as they were

MOSCOW HELD IMPRESSIVE GAMES IN 1980, FOR WHICH WE DO NOT KNOW IF THEY WERE PROFITABLE, AS ALL COSTS WERE SUPPORTED BY THE USSR GOVERNMENT

held within the World’s Fair over several months, and barely anyone noticed them in the fair-like atmosphere. In 1904 in St. Louis, they reached their lowest point when numerous fairground sports were introduced, awarding medals for trivialities, and those medals are no longer counted. To improve matters, the IOC again awarded the host city to Athens, and in 1906, the very successful 4th Olympic Games or Intercalated Games were held, which were officially counted as Olympic Games for some time before being removed from the statistics. In London in 1908, there was stabilization, but since the Games

lasted more than 6 months, they were not the central event as they are today. Stockholm shortened the Games to “only two and a half months” in 1912, and Berlin did not hold the 6th Olympiad in 1916, leading to the 7th Olympiad in Antwerp, Belgium (lasting 18 days). Here began a wave of disqualifications and boycotts that continues to this day: Hungary, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire were banned from competing in the Games (as they were defeated in the Great War). Soviet Russia had just emerged from a civil war and decided not to attend the Games. Germany did not return to Olym-

pic competition until 1928 and instead hosted a series of games called the Deutsche Kampfspiele. Nazi Germany organized extremely successful but highly politically charged Games in Berlin in 1936. Tokyo in 1940 and London in 1944 were left without the Games.

BOYCOTTS, EXCLUSIONS, AND FINANCES

This trend continued after the Second World War. In 1948 in London, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, and the USSR did not participate, but by Helsinki in 1952, the Games were quite complete with these countries joining, and only East Germany (GDR) did not participate. In 1956 in Sydney, China (due to Taiwan’s participation), Cambodia, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon (Suez Crisis), Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands (Soviet invasion of Hungary) boycotted the Games. In 1960 in Rome, China boycotted again, and in 1964 in Tokyo, China, Indonesia, and South Korea boycotted. China

continued the boycott in 1968 in Mexico as well as in 1972 when Rhodesia was expelled a few days before the Games. During the Munich Games, the most tragic, again political, event occurred when Palestinian terrorists held and killed Israeli athletes in the Olympic Village, casting a shadow on Germany as the host and coloring the sporting event with grief and hatred.

In 1976, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau banned Taiwan’s attendance, prompting China to return, but 29 countries, mostly from Africa, boycotted the Games because the IOC did not expel New Zealand, whose rugby team had toured South Africa earlier that year. The boycott was led by Congolese official Jean-Claude Ganga. To add to the chaos, some of the nations that boycotted (including Morocco, Cameroon, and Egypt) had already participated but withdrew in protest after the first few days of competition. Senegal and the Ivory Coast were the only African countries to compete in the Games. In solidarity, Afghanistan, Albania, Burma, Iraq, Guyana, Sri Lanka, and Syria also joined the boycott under Congo’s leadership. South Africa itself had been banned from the Olympic Games since 1964 due to apartheid policies, so the entire boycott, which “darkened” the 1976 Olympics, came about because of one rugby team’s tour from the other side of the world. Many Montreal citizens considered the Olympics a financial disaster for the city, as Montreal and the entire province of Quebec faced debts for 30 years after the Games, up until 2006!

Moscow held impressive Games in 1980, for which we do not know if they were profitable, as all costs were supported by the USSR government. However, all hopes that all nations would unite at this competition were dashed due to Brezhnev and Carter. An even larger boycott, led by the USA, occurred in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan at the invitation of the then-government in 1979. The Soviet invasion prompted President Jimmy Carter to issue an ultimatum on January 20, 1980, stating that the USA would boycott the Moscow Olympics if Soviet troops did not withdraw from Afghanistan within a month. This, of course, did not happen, and 65 invited countries and regions did not participate in the Olympic Games. The newly established Islamic Republic of Iran, under Ayatollah Khomeini, which was hostile to both superpowers at the time, boycotted when the

SEOUL 1988 SEEMED LIKE A SIGN OF CALMING TENSIONS, BUT NOT EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT – NORTH KOREA AND ITS ALLY CUBA BOYCOTTED THE GAMES

Islamic Conference condemned the invasion. As the USSR did not have good relations with China, they also boycotted, and Taiwan did not return because their relations were even worse.

Of course, there is no end to retaliations here, as one such revenge followed – the USSR and other countries retaliated against the USA at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984 (that winter, Sarajevo managed to host almost all countries in the world as a neutral territory) – in the end, 19 countries boycotted the games, but China returned as Taiwan was finally renamed “Chinese Taipei,” emphasizing China’s sovereignty over the island. Interestingly, after the financial disaster and boycotts of the games in Montreal and the terrorism in Munich, no one even dared to bid for the Olympics, so the only candidates were Los Angeles and Tehran, which announced its candidacy as a sign from Shah Reza Pahlavi to show the world. Tehran withdrew, and LA remained the only candidate, ready to face the “storm,” but it turned the Games into the most profitable event that cities would later compete to host. McDonald’s offered hamburgers, fries, and Coca-Cola in a coupon game every time an American athlete won a medal in a given sport. Since Eastern European countries did not participate, so many prizes were given out that this was parodied in The Simpsons.

Seoul 1988 seemed like a sign of calming tensions, but not everything was perfect – North Korea and its ally Cuba boycotted the Games. Ethiopia, Albania, and the Seychelles did not even respond to the IOC’s invitations. In 1992, the Games in Barcelona revitalized the city, but unfortunately, Yugoslavia was banned from participating, and Macedonia did not participate either, so these Games were not complete and free of politics. ETA threatened terrorist attacks, which were prevented. The Games had a huge impact on the city and the image of Barcelona. They secured billions of dollars for infrastructure investments, which are considered to have improved the quality of life in the city and its attractiveness for investment and tourism. Barcelona suddenly became one of the most visited cities in Europe, following Paris, London, and Rome, and has maintained that position to this day.

THE GOLDEN AGE AND ANOTHER DECLINE

The 1996 Games were supposedly expected to go to Athens for the 100th anniversary of the first modern Games, but allegedly due to Coca-Cola, they went to its headquarters – Atlanta! The 1996 Olympic Games brought enormous profit, aided by record revenues from sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights, as well as reliance on private financing, among other factors. There were some criticisms of the apparent over-commercializa-

tion of the Games, along with other issues raised by European officials. The event had a lasting impact on the city; Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of downtown Atlanta. Unfortunately, a terrorist attack that killed two and injured 111 people marred the impression, and black demonstrators tried to draw attention to the fact that Georgia’s flag still featured the Confederate war flag. They did not succeed – it was only changed recently, about 30 years later. This time, almost the entire world participated! The same happened in Sydney, where only Afghanistan was excluded, but the Taliban had already enacted laws banning sports, so it was unlikely they would have sent anyone anyway. Athens organized the Olympics in 2004, revitalizing the city with a metro, a new airport, and pedestrian zones, as did Beijing in 2008 in a “logistical triumph,” London in 2012, and Rio in 2016, and finally, all countries participated. This period was the pinnacle of sporting competition and world peace, as in Rio, both the Independent Team and the Refugee Team appeared, and everyone finally managed to compete, including stateless persons. Unfortunately, by 2021 in Tokyo (due to the pandemic), Russian athletes were collectively accused of doping and could only compete upon proving they were not involved (the presumption of innocence did not apply here!), and the situation worsened in Paris this year when Belarus and Russia were excluded entirely due to the war in Ukraine (as if no other country has ever been at war), making the Games “flawed” again after so many good years. Unfortunately. But, we hope for a better world every four years. A world where everyone can compete.

Being an Artist is a Job Like Any Other

No one will wait for you to succeed, you have to "get dirty"

MARTIN BUTLER

Interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, and stage director

I-CHEN ZUFFELLATO

Artist, performer, and curator

Martin Butler is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, and stage director, while I-Chen Zuffellato is a mother, entrepreneur, artist, performer, curator, and activist intrigued by reimagining collectivity. Between them, there are many awards, recognitions, and international projects that fill the modern-day art world with creativity, new ideas, and diversity. We took our time to sit down with them and discuss their careers, advice for young artists, their involvement in recent projects, and their stay in Belgrade.

What was your idea of art at the beginning of your career and what is it today? Has it changed or has it stayed the same through all this time?

MB: I think it’s the same for me.

I’ve been kind of making art since I was 2 years old (laugh). You play, you create, you’re curious and you’re just forever growing as an artist. I’m very much interested in hybrid performances, where you

IZ: I think I just started doing art because somehow I had to. My mom had a dance school, so it just happened. Before I knew it, I was dancing. Now, I feel the ever-growing importance of art involvement in social and political engagement. I try to bring different points of view and different languages and I try to talk about different thematics through that.

THE VERY FIRST RULE IS THAT YOU HAVE TO EXPOSE YOUR WORK, FEEDBACK HELPS YOU DEVELOP AND GROW YOUR UNIQUE VOICE

combine different genres together to create something new. A completely new narrative arises from combining different elements.

Is modern-day art avoidant of being too political because of potential backlash or is it quite the opposite?

MB: I disagree, I think art has been very political in the last couple of years. Whether it’s about human rights, femicide, or equal rights of gender. Maybe not political as in right-wing or left-wing, but on topics such as equality, I think it’s been quite engaging in that sense.

Which award, achievement, or milestone in your career would you pick as your favorite and why?

MB: Being able to make new work is what’s most rewarding for me. Past work is from yesterday, making new work is the best that you can get.

IZ: My biggest achievement has been striving to bring contemporary performances to local communities and effectively communicate their significance to them.

Martin, what separates your approach to theatre-making compared to the rest? What is your signature?

MB: Every artist has his signature. My signature is my curiosity and combining different things. Certain things come together and you’re like "I like this!“, "Oh, what’s this?“, "how does this work?“, so it’s almost like cooking, in a way.

Now that you’ve mentioned cooking, I would like to ask both of you about your involvement in the project called "This is not a dinner“. Could you explain your role in it and what motivated you to be a part of it?

MB: I am happy to see what the "RadostFinaKuhinja“ restaurant is doing with the idea of opening people up to vegan food and different diets. Their motivation to raise awareness and allow people to explore other options and potentially healthier lifestyles is something that should always be supported.

IZ: I’m always curious to engage in Martin Butler’s projects and it always brings me to some fun places where there are all different kinds of combinations of things. (Laugh) In this case, it was art and food. Every time it’s a different atmosphere. I also came here to see how people from Belgrade would react. It’s different compared to how people would react to it in the Netherlands or Italy, so it’s always a fascinating thing to see.

What advice would you give to young artists trying to break the mold and separate themselves from the rest?

MB: You have to take it as a job. You have to work at least 9 hours a day. It’s maybe 10% creativity and 90% office work. I think you have to put in the work and build a network. No one is waiting for you, you have to make yourself known, but do it gently, politely, and humbly, and believe in yourself. That’s the only way forward. Entertainment like film, TV, and theater is one of the world’s biggest employers, so from a business perspective, it’s a valid job like any other.

IZ: You have to “get dirty”. You have to get outside, go to the city and between people and just catch things that happen in your life. Don’t isolate yourself. You have to fight for it in the art world and it sometimes becomes a very arrogant statement, it’s difficult to find a balance between standing up for yourself, and still being open, humble, and kind.

IT’S DIFFICULT TO FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF, WHILE STILL BEING OPEN, HUMBLE, AND KIND

MB: It’s also just work. You can work in a supermarket, or as a taxi driver, but the principle is the same, you want to be the best. Being self-critical is important, but also being generous with yourself.

How important is exposure for artists to get their message across to the public?

MB: It’s important to share your work, even if it’s just a sketch or an idea, it’s very useful and good to get feedback from people. I have a niece who’s at film school now and she doesn’t want to share her work. She says “It’s my work and I don’t want to share it”. The very first rule is that you have to expose your work, feedback helps you develop and grow your unique voice.

IZ: I think that art is not separate from the world, it’s something that reflects the world. That lack of interest, trying to avoid politics,

it’s something that people started doing around the world in general. Especially after COVID and other hard times when people insisted on not thinking about those things and going on with their lives, which are already difficult as they are. Censorships are also a problem. In Italy, for example, certain themes or artists are not invited if some works are too political, which is also a disappointment for me. There are games of power, nepotism, and patriarchy, which also have their way in art. As an artist, you want to idealize art and say that isn’t involved in such things, but in reality, it is.

Martin, could you share with us some information about your most recent project “Uffrur!” that’s based upon the 500th anniversary of the German Peasant War?

MB: It’s a really big commission. It’s a national exhibition in southern Germany. I want to create a mobile theater peace that then goes through 17 cities. The Bauernkrieg was very important because it was the first attempt of the people trying to stand up for their rights and against the oppression of the elites. They put forward the manifesto of basic human rights which said that we all must have rights to a home, to food, and things like that. Sadly, they all got killed, but for me, this story is important for reflecting on what basic human rights were 500 years ago and what they are today.

How do you like Belgrade and its people? What would you pick as your favorite thing about it?

IZ: I was really surprised with how people here are very welcoming. I went to see New Belgrade and from an architectural point it was very impressive. I had an opportunity to see some local houses and to get the feel of how it is to go a bit further than the city center. It was very local, people were looking at me like "What is she doing here? “(Laugh)

MB: The people, the openness, and the friendliness, I had quite the same experience, just a very positive encounter overall.

Do we seem like people who know how to enjoy food?

MB: Oh yeah, the moment we arrived in Belgrade, it was 11:30, we had, what’s it called? Ćevapi? Immediately, wine came out, cheese came out, and it was amazing. IZ: I think "abundance "is the word we’re looking for. (Laugh)

MB: Big portions, just a big amount of generosity. (Laugh)

The List: People who are changing Belgrade

Belgrade - a soulful city where every street and every person tells their own story. Throughout its history, the people of Belgrade have shaped its appearance, architecture, culinary offerings, and customs. However, 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

IVAN TOKIN

A writer “in live”

Ivan Tokin was born in 1971 in Belgrade. His varied career path includes working as a waiter, bartender, chocolate seller, bricklayer, programmer, IT consultant, laborer, and copywriter. He has also cooked in several fine restaurants. And he did it excellently. He began publishing columns in City Magazine in 2009. He wrote and spoke for other newspapers as well, eventually leading to the creation of his novel “The Most Normal Man in the World.” Recently, on its tenth anniversary, the novel was re-released, and in the meantime, we have enjoyed “Neli” and cherished the book Tokin titled “Dog.” What does Ivan Tokin do that isn’t written in his official biography? He presents his characters as the most normal people engaged in everyday rituals, confronted

NEVENKA DOKMANOVIĆ Doctor of Beauty (of Life)

She knows why men love with their eyes. That thesis doesn’t sound offensive to her at all. It’s a homework assignment for her. “Correct me if I’m wrong, dear doctor,” many women would eagerly say to her, especially those who believe that the most subversive are those who comfort us by saying that age means nothing. Of course it doesn’t, it’s not a tornado, just sometimes a wrong number or a typo. Anyone who doesn’t rejoice in natural aging knows on which Skinmedic beauty couch the sweet bird of youth lies. On the other hand, skin care is a serious and arduous job, even though famous girls keep repeating that they owe everything to soap and water. Fortunately, it’s long been acceptable to look good, which doesn’t mean we should be confused with squirrels because of it. But it’s not just about us here. For Dr. Nevenka Dokmanović, Belgrade is also part of the

with the fact that the present is all we have. He compels us to exist and live life to the fullest. He has mastered this subject. As a rare writer in live performance, he captures the poetry of everyday life. “Just today, I was thinking about a guy named Bane and how glad I am to know him. For me, Belgrade is always found in the markets, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The taste of my Belgrade is spicy and salty, followed by sugar-free lemonade. I have breathed in and out so many times here, cried and laughed, sweated so much. Now that I think about it, I might have sweated the most, so much that a new river could flow from it. That’s my gift to the city. And surely, I’ve cried another river for it as well.” That’s exactly what was expected of Tokin.

game. She has always viewed it as her partner. In love, work, friendships, improvement, and growth in every sense. She loves it the most when it welcomes her back from a trip like a real charmer, with the smile and wink of streetlights. Although new times have brought somewhat inappropriate aesthetic corrections for its age, Nevenka understands its desire for eternal youth. And that’s what makes her stand tall and proud, because she carries that feeling all over the world, being his Belgrader. The changes she brought to it were mainly professional, and dermatological. Besides helping us kick the tanning bed habit, she managed to introduce us to numerous innovative technologies in skin care and aesthetics. If anything you’ve ever wanted to know about the beauty of life, you can freely ask Nevenka Dokmanović. You can find her every working day on IG and TikTok. She will make your day!

NIKOLA NIKOLIĆ

Master of “Pretop”

There is no sweeter bird than a piglet”—a phrase that sounds harsher and more offensive today than ever, yet it still brings a satisfied, mischievous smile to many faces. All great masters of gastronomy would agree that the school of enjoyment is a strange one. One of them, with a simple name and surname, Nikola Nikolić, has found the best way to legalize pork without any guilt. What’s the twist? In “bajaderas,” the good connoisseurs of top-notch roasting will quickly reply. And when a knife’s edge of bubbles is added to the entire gourmet plot, you’ve arrived at the top spot of hedonistic crime. Where exactly is this? Well, at the Zemun Market. No lies, no deceit. I quote the Gault&Millau review: “A unique spot at the Zemun Market has elevated the bold composition of roast pork, sparkling wine, and homemade bread to new heights. The menu is short and effec-

VESELIN JEVROSIMOVIĆ

ICT showman

One of the most successful Serbian businessmen, the CEO of the computer empire Comtrade Group and the president of the Athletic Federation of Serbia, grew up in Voždovac and spent his early youth in athletics. He was a junior champion in pole vaulting and retained his competitive spirit even after entering the business world, treating his career as a competition where he refused to be defeated. This mindset justified some of his moves that didn’t bring financial gain but ensured undeniable market dominance. This ICT showmaker expanded his business across several continents, and his youthful passion for reaching greater heights led him to the London Stock Exchange. For years, he skillfully avoided direct involvement in politics, claiming that his political allegiance was - to

tive—pork ‘bajadera’ with a perfectly crispy crust that comes with the obligatory ‘pretop,’ roasting fat perfectly suited for dipping homemade sourdough bread.” There’s more, but there’s no need. Chef Nikola has already told us everything with his unique gastro concept. “’Pretop’ has brought fun, simplicity, and the beauty of living to just a few square meters. People laugh heartily there because they forget all their troubles while indulging in pork sweets, champagne, and bread. I am very happy when I see their satisfied faces. Maybe this is a new dimension of gastronomy: honesty in every bite. Belgrade is big enough for more such places. And it deserves heart on a plate.” You really don’t find this every day. Because “Pretop” is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On other days, it’s like a holiday. Are you ready to order? Half a kilo of bread and “golden” pretop. The bubbles are already chilling.

SVETLANA ZORINA ALEKSIĆ

The guardian of buried treasure

Perhaps this designation for the writer and economist sounds like she’s a character from a fairy tale, but Svetlana Zorina Aleksić’s mission is not far from a great Yugoslav mystery. How did this elegant and sophisticated woman return the lavish fashion past of Jovanka Broz to the people of Belgrade? Although much has been filmed and written about Tito’s Bond girl, as I always thought Jovanka Budisavljević should be introduced, it remained an eternal mystery who inherited her personal belongings. After all the administrative entanglements, it turned out that the entire unreal collection of the most beautiful dresses, shoes, ladies’ handbags, and memories could belong to Svetlana’s husband, diplomat Goran Aleksić, the son of Jovanka’s sister. Thus, Svetlana became the guardian of the buried treasure. As a representative of the “Jovanka

Broz” Foundation, she took over the care of the legacy of the former First Lady of Yugoslavia, which was until then held in the Ethnographic Museum. Svetlana protected and preserved this fabulous collection, but also presented it to the public through several exhibitions and charity auctions. Belgrade and Svetlana have loved each other since day one when she received this city as a gift from her husband. “Its powerful spirit and atmosphere remind me a lot of my hometown Kyiv. What is special about Belgrade is the people. The openness and sincerity of Belgraders are qualities that most European capitals lack. It seems that Belgrade has changed me more than I have changed it. I am delighted with how it keeps me constantly invigorated. At one point, I even realized that Belgrade has brought back my youth, which is priceless!” Thank you, Svetlana. The pleasure is all ours.

Red Star Belgrade. His patriotism was never questioned for many reasons, especially after the production and branding of the first Serbian computer. Despite this, he never liked being labeled as the “Serbian Bill Gates,” although this comparison was frequently used in his media promotion. Thanks to his excellent appearance and charisma, his popularity spread throughout the entire region. Apart from all that, Vesa Comtrade, his official nickname, has given much to Belgrade. Besides his belief that “nothing looks cheaper than when a man wears thousands of euros on himself,” he freed all small-town folk from the fear of old, good taverns. Anyone who had the chance to party with him learned from Vesa how to break glasses by hand, and he, not only unabashedly loves tavern songs and folk parties, but excels when he overindulges in them.

Foto

Nebojsa Babic

Foto Stefan Djakovic

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort Set to Unveil New Meeting and Event Venues in Autumn 2024

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is undergoing a 4 multimillion-euro property addition, a development aimed at enhancing the MICE offerings and attracting a larger variety of events and conferences not only to Kotor Bay but to Montenegro and the region as a whole. The new addition will expand the regional portfolio as one of the largest conference spaces in the Bay, changing the hospitality landscape and complementing the strategy of expanding the resort services and capturing a wider range of guests and companies.

With the three existing event and meeting spaces spanning over 300 square meters, the new ballroom and event space will boost the capacity with an additional 610 square meters, available as a whole or divided into two event halls measuring 280 square meters and 230 square meters, allowing for banquet events of up to 480 people, and double that in a cocktail reception setting.

The spectacular modern and multifunctional addition will be able to accommodate a versatile array of events, from weddings and conferences, team buildings and seminars, ceremonies and parties, product launches and fashion shows, to fundraisers and diplomatic and corporate receptions. The new conference hall features a high ceiling, a modern natureinspired design with large windows allowing ample natural light and unsurpassed views of the Bay’s striking mountains and the pool plateau and terrace. Incorporated into the new development and its facilities, the new Ballroom Lobby Lounge can serve as a pre-event area perfect for registrations and bilateral impromptus, or as a gift room or photo-op area.

The resort itself, located on a three-hectare beachfront property, provides access to the region’s top beaches and trendy scenes, natural

THE RESORT ITSELF PROVIDES ACCESS TO THE REGION’S TOP BEACHES AND TRENDY SCENES, NATURAL AND MANMADE MONTENEGRO HIGHLIGHTS, AND THE CITIES OF KOTOR AND TIVAT

and manmade Montenegro highlights, and the cities of Kotor and Tivat. Getting to the complex is possible by boat and yacht with the hotel’s own docking marina, easily accessible by road from other countries in the region, and by air with a short and scenic drive along the Bay

upon touchdown, with the complex located only 13 km from the Tivat International Airport. The resort, featuring 252 suites and bedrooms, ensures flexibility for operators and event organizers to easily manage their events and seamlessly organize programs using the existing hotel facilities. The well-being and conference resort features six restaurants and bars with indoor and outdoor spaces, pool and beach plateaus, spa and wellness facilities, and health and well-being facilities with outdoor and indoor pools to accommodate the most complex schedules and visions of a perfect event regardless of the season. The overall objective of the resort is to cater to and accommodate both intimate celebrations and large gatherings across an array of indoor and outdoor venues and spaces, supported by professional teams ready to respond to and surpass any gourmet cuisine ideas, service requirements, and design visualization expectations.

With the elevation of Montenegro as a vacation and business destination, ease of access by road and by water, and the increase in incoming flights from across Europe and beyond, the strategic development was envisioned as a key element in positioning the resort and its accompanying complex as market leaders in the region, offering an array of superior services and modern facilities while keeping the charm of the natural surroundings intact.

25 JUN 2024

PEOPLE & CULTURE

BUSINESS SCHOOL:

Transformation of HR

This program was created to ensure, through various modules, that participants acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to understand everyone who participates in business and human resource management processes

The modules are adapted to participants with basic, intermediate, and advanced knowledge and who work or are preparing to assume leadership or support positions in organizational processes.

The material includes all processes related to the employee development cycle, advanced assessment and analytics tools, as well as recommendations for fitting into the context of the organization.

26 JUNE 2024

Air Serbia to connect Belgrade with Guangzhou

Starting on 30 September 2024, Air Serbia will launch direct flights between Belgrade and the city of Guangzhou (CAN) in the People’s Republic of China. Therefore, less than two years after launching scheduled flights between Belgrade and Tianjin, the Serbian national carrier continued to expand its op-

erations in the Asian country. In the current summer season, which lasts until 26 October in the aviation industry, Air Serbia will fly between Belgrade and Guangzhou twice a week. Specifically, it will fly from Belgrade to Guangzhou on Mondays and Fridays at 00:50 AM local time, while flights from Guangzhou to

Belgrade will be on Mondays and Fridays at 10:10 PM local time. During the 2024/2025 winter season, the Serbian national carrier will fly from Belgrade to Guangzhou on Mondays and Fridays at 00:50 AM, while flights from Guangzhou to Belgrade will be on Mondays and Fridays at 11:10 PM local time. Tickets are already on sale.

27 JUN 2024

OLED – New Era of AI Has Begun

The Samsung company has dominated the world TV market for 18 years, bringing users breath-taking innovations every year. The latest series of OLED TVs with artificial intelligence provide superior picture and sound, allowing you to enjoy series and movies as if you were in the cinema OLED screens allow each pixel to be turned on and off independently, resulting in richer contrast and deeper blacks. Thanks to this technology, OLED TVs provide excellent color reproduction and a wide viewing angle.

Samsung OLED TVs are the first in the world to be anti-glare certified, which eliminates unwanted reflections and maintains deep blacks and clear images in all lighting conditions. They are powered by the outstanding NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, the same as in Neo QLED 4K TVs, and with Real Depth Enhancement and OLED HDR Pro functions, they raise image quality to a new level. Two series are available, designated S95D and S90D, with diagonals from 48 to 83 inches (or 122 to 211 cm).

All new Samsung OLED TVs have PANTONE certification, which guarantees accurate reproduction of colors and skin tones. Users can enjoy colors that are closest to reality, with the ability to display 2030 PANTONE colors and 110 skin tones, providing an authentic visual experience.

With such impressive technology, these TVs transform every detail, turning your living room into a true cinematic paradise. Your movie and sports nights with family and friends will be on a whole new level with TVs

that redefine the experience of watching TV at home.

Given that security is paramount in TVs, every function, application, and platform is well protected by the Samsung Knox system.

A Small Country in the Middle of the Ocean

Walking through Victoria indeed feels like strolling through a colorful town from some children’s game, as everything is miniature, tidy, and neat

The largest city and capital of Seychelles, Victoria, is also one of the smallest capital cities in the world. With nearly 27,000 people, it is almost twice as small as Pirot. Seychelles, in fact, is the smallest African country by population. Victoria is a charming town with the Seychellois ‘Big Ben’ located in its center. No matter which direction you head from the city center, you will exit the capital in just a few minutes! Despite its size, Victoria is bustling with activity and full of attractions.

‘Big Ben’ is one of these attractions, right in the epicenter, the zero point of Victoria. The gray English clock tower – a Seychellois landmark! It was brought from England back in 1903, with a weather vane on top, and resembles the famous clock of the British Parliament. Placed on the main square and the most prominent roundabout in the country, it has become a symbol of Seychelles. Many urban legends have sprung up about it, the most famous being that when the tower was transported across the ocean, the clock mechanism was damaged, and craftsmen were urgently brought

to the transoceanic ship to avoid the embarrassment of the empire in its colony.

Cars buzz around the famous clock from all directions, which cannot be said for any other place in this country. For the locals, even a five-minute traffic jam is a real attraction! The noise of the traffic drowns out the clock’s strong chime that rings twice every sixty minutes.

“I feel like I visited a town made of LEGO

SEYCHELLES IS AN ARCHIPELAGIC COUNTRY COMPOSED SOLELY OF ISLANDS

bricks,” one tourist tells me, and I realize that walking through Victoria indeed feels like strolling through a colorful town from some children’s game, as everything is miniature, tidy, and neat.

Victoria was founded by the French in 1778, but the founders lacked inspiration for naming it, so they called the place – “Settlement.” The English were inspired in 1841 and renamed the city after Queen Victoria, making it the center of their colony. They had the same inspiration for another “only” 147 cities around the world – that’s how many namesakes this city has, from Canada and Mexico to Australia.

Seychelles, an archipelagic country composed solely of islands, has no other port capable of accommodating large transoceanic ships! Victoria also houses the only international airport, built by the English and personally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. Until then, the only way to reach Seychelles was by ferry, which took several days and started its journey only once a week from Kenya or Madagascar. The locals say that everything changed with the advent of flights –previously, visitors and locals alike couldn’t rush anywhere, no matter how much they wanted to.

“If someone was really in a hurry, they could only swim across the Indian Ocean,” they told me nostalgically, recalling those not-so-distant times. Since Somalia is not far away, and Seychelles is an ally of the United States, this airport is also a center for American military activities in Somalia and anti-piracy operations throughout the Indian Ocean. The locals told me they were astonished when a drone crashed on the airport runway in 2011, and it has also happened that fishermen spot unusual aircraft plunging into the turquoise sea near the endless sandy beaches.

While traveling by boat to the nearby island of Praslin, I realized how arduous island-hopping could be. The waves were high, though the sailors assured me it wasn’t as bad as it could get. Even so, more than half of the fifty or so passengers were vomiting, and ended up in the bathroom or on the floor, cursing the day they were born and, especially, the day they arrived in Seychelles. Only then does it become clear how crucial airports are in a country with less than 500 kilometers of roads, where sea travel can be not only grueling due to rough seas but also expensive and time-consuming, taking days to reach many remote islands.

YOU DON’T NEED A VISA, JUST BRING YOUR PASSPORT AND A SMILE, AND SEE YOU IN VICTORIA!

Therefore, many small planes and helicopters from this airport service the extremely small settlements and hotels across the archipelago. Seychelles had to accept painful compromises in agreements with the British to get this lifeline built.

It was especially interesting to be a passenger at the airport on November 25, 1981. On that day, rebels who tried to seize power arrived at border control on civilian planes. They initially took over the airport buildings, detained around seventy passengers who were there, and then awaited the landing of an Indian plane, “captur-

ing” the aircraft with 65 passengers and 13 crew members. These were the most tumultuous days of the newly established country on an island surrounded by rough seas, ending with the rebels’ defeat. The coup failed, but the story of what a passenger can experience when caught at the Seychelles airport at the wrong time became legendary.

The French history of the capital is best reflected in a hundred-year-old restaurant and the French School. Everything exudes space, warmth, and protection from sudden, powerful rains – a high veranda surrounds the entire building. On the first floor of the old but modernly refurbished building is a French media library, with a special cabinet full of books about Seychelles and the countries of the Indian Ocean. Among Asterix, Obelix, and other children’s books, I unusually quickly found one dedicated to the First World War with text about Serbia. Those few words about our country in a picture book brought from France are the only men-

tion of us among thousands of books; only in a few atlases can traces of our country be found. Among the numerous French books, I noticed Spinoza, Plato, and an entire section of philosophy. So, in tropical homes and on beaches, serious reading material is also consumed. A kind elderly librarian of French origin pointed out the genealogy books of all the families living in Seychelles. Given that this country has existed for only two hundred and fifty years and that all its inhabitants are actually settlers from Africa or Europe, there are unusually detailed records of the ancestors of almost every resident. Since the National Library of Seychelles has been closed for years due to problems with humidity and insects, this is the largest book collection in Seychelles accessible to the public.

A luxurious restaurant occupies the entire second floor of the beautiful building. The tables are arranged in such a way that on one side, you can see the interior of the building and the bookshelves, while the other side is open, leading to the veranda overflowing with tropical plants and palm leaves. This is the main gathering place for lunches and meetings of the Seychellois elite, so I came here at the invitation of the prominent Seychellois writer and member of Adligat, Glen Burridge, to enjoy quality food and observe how the Seychellois, just like the foreigners who come here, consider lunch the main event of the day.

The market is the epicenter of every town, and in Victoria, the market is a city within a city. It spills out from the enclosed, covered area into the streets, flowing like a river through the alleys with fruits, vegetables, fish, clothing, and other goods navigating through Victoria and engulfing everyone who passes by. Even if I didn’t buy anything, I feel how the abundance of goods leaves an impression on me; the sights of fruits and fish stay with me even when I move away. For this small town, the market seems enormous, yet, like everything else here, it is actually miniature! Just a few steps and I emerged from the chaos, already missing the hundreds of types of fish,

THE MOUTYA, A TRADITIONAL DRUM THAT IS HEATED OVER A FIRE BEFORE PLAYING, RECENTLY PROTECTED BY UNESCO AS AN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

bananas, and palm fruits. What the market lacks in size, it makes up for with the strong smell of fresh fish and the bustling vendors: viewed from a bird ’ s-eye perspective, this is the liveliest place for thousands of kilometers around, surrounded by the endless ocean.

Occasionally, a large white bird nibbles on a fish from a careless vendor. A small fountain refreshes visitors as they browse pumpkins, zucchinis, and broccoli mixed with vegetables rarely seen elsewhere or at least ones I have never seen, in spiky and star-shaped forms. Red-yellow fish are especially numerous, arranged on stalls like a Roman mosaic, and I regret not having the facilities in my hotel to fry and try them. Many seafood items are much larger than I’ve ever seen in Belgrade: all caught nearby, some even as recently as last night or early dawn, and brought to the stalls this morning. The market starts operating at four in the morning when they say it is particularly crowded, but I didn’t have the strength to wake up that early and check if it was true. Its name is dedicated to Sir Selwyn Clarke, a Briton who came to Seychelles from Hong Kong

and served as its governor. An unusual and hard-to-remember name stands out to foreigners and reminds them of the brave Briton who, during the toughest times of World War II, ran a hospital in Hong Kong, helped the sick and war prisoners, only to be imprisoned and tortured himself, even sentenced to death before being pardoned. His life shows the volatility of times when one can go from power to prison expecting death and end a career as the governor of paradise islands, whose main market, in a sea of colors, full of spices, fruits, vegetables, and fish, reminds every local and passerby of what he did and how he lived...

When I visited Victoria, the mayor was David Andre, now the Secretary-General of the Seychelles Institute of Culture, Heritage, and the Arts. Mr. Andre served two terms as mayor, warmly opened the doors of the town hall for me, and gifted several valuable books to Adligat’s Museum of Books and Travel. Even the town hall is modest, resembling a hacienda in the mountains, with a spacious porch, bathed in the Seychellois sun.

“We are a small country in the middle of the ocean. It is important for us that people from all meridians know that we exist and that we have many things worthy of the world’s attention, which we want to share with others. One must experience the island culture. Although we are small, we have a rich heritage, we have outstanding ecological projects, we are a multicultural community living in harmony and can be an example of how people can live together despite differences. We have maintained friendly relations with Serbia since the early days of our independence when we were supported by Yugoslavia. Everyone is welcome in Seychelles; you don’t need a visa, just bring your passport and a smile, and see you in Victoria!” says David Andre.

Mr. Andre directed me to the National Museum, where I was greeted by the director, Beryl Ondiek. She soon introduced me to Tony Mathiot, their most significant historian, who guided me through the exhibition of the small but most important museum in Seychelles. The story

TODAY’S INHABITANTS ARE A MIX OF FORMER SLAVES AND SLAVE OWNERS, OF ALL SKIN COLORS

quickly unfolded about medicinal plants and African healing traditions. On the screen, I saw how they play the moutya, a traditional drum that is heated over a fire before playing, recently protected by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

“Here is the oldest map showing Seychelles from 1517,” my new friend Tony said to me, then led me to the oldest human-made object in Seychelles – the “Ownership Stone,” the coat of arms of France carved by the first colonizers above present-day Victoria when they arrived at the uninhabited islands back in 1756.

There are also replicas of the ships that the first colonists used to come to Seychelles, some original pieces of weaponry, and many ethnographic and handmade items. All of this is similar to the rest of Africa and Europe, as it comes from there.

Terrifying are the original shackles in which slaves were confined and drawings of slaves in severe agony, with wounds from whipping and beatings. But Seychelles is a land of freedom – when the British banned slavery in 1835, Seychelles was among the first colonies where slaves were immediately freed, a total of 6,521 souls, while the total population on the islands was 7,500! In the following decades, the British would intercept Arab ships with slaves and bring them to Seychelles – by 1874, 2,816 freed slaves would find freedom in Victoria. Today’s inhabitants are a mix of former slaves and slave owners, of all skin colors, from about ten countries in Africa and Europe. They live together, in peace and love.

As the bust of Queen Victoria watches over me in the museum, I think that this is not a city that will leave a visitor speechless or amaze you with anything in particular. It is a city that slowly gets under your skin, to which you return after swimming on the most beautiful beaches, after walks on the high surrounding hills full of exotic plants and flowers rarely seen anywhere else in the world. It is a city loved for no specific reason, beautiful and special in its miniature form, full of small wonders, like this modest museum, on every corner.

The Old-Style Greece

Another Mediterranean as it once was

Epirots and Thessalians are proud people, considering themselves one of the “hearts of Greece” and its essence. Yet, tourists are more fascinated by some “more glamorous” destinations. However, with the help of the Greek National Tourism Organization and CK Strategies agency, we set off one sunny day in May to explore Preveza and the Meteora, discovering the hidden gems of the Greek coastline and Ionian Riviera.

GASTRO HEAVEN FOR FISH LOVERS AND OUZO ENTHUSIASTS

Preveza was under Turkish rule for many years and was the westernmost port of the Ottoman Empire until 1912 when it was liberated and joined Greece. As a cosmopolitan port, it housed numerous consulates, and some of these palaces now serve different purposes but remain grand, mostly along the waterfront. In addition to the beautiful waterfront lined with taverns and marinas where yachts of wealthy foreigners bask, Preveza is an ideal place if you enjoy seeing dolphins and pelicans in the wild. Cruising the Ambracian Gulf is one of the best activities and offers access to remote and fantastic beaches.

THE PRAWNS FROM PREVEZA ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD, SO FAMOUS THAT EVEN JAMES BOND ORDERED THEM IN “FOR YOUR EYES ONLY”

Preveza may be less known among Serbian tourists compared to neighboring Lefkada or Parga, but it is charming and very important in two respects—both related to seafood. Sardines here are among the best in the world, and seafood restaurants along the coast and in the old town are top-notch in the Mediterranean if you’re a seafood lover. Prawns are the best in the world and so famous that even James Bond ordered them in “For Your Eyes

Only” (1981). In one scene, Roger Moore says, “I’ll have Preveza prawns...”, and the rest is history. Tripadvisor lists Roubou Distillery as one of the Top 10 distilleries in Greece worth visiting, ranked at number 6. The friendly owner allowed us to taste and gave a brief history of the distillery.

The old town is a maze of charming streets with many restaurants and old churches, offering choices between bodily pleasures, i.e., gastronomy, or spir-

itual ones, i.e., church visits. Many Orthodox churches have unusual characteristics as they were initially Venetian or Catholic.

THE CITY OF VICTORY LASTED ONLY A THOUSAND YEARS

The abandoned city of Nicopolis was founded in 29 BC by Emperor Octavian Augustus to commemorate his victory over Mark Anthony and Cleopatra two years earlier and forcibly settled with Roman colonists (truly the “Game of Thrones”) after Caesar’s assassination, along with surrounding Greek tribes, cramming 150,000 people into what was then a huge city, he never imagined that only 1,000 years later, the city would be reduced to ruins. Sic transit gloria mundi! The Nicopolis Museum provides an excellent overview of the city’s history, and the guide gave us a great explanation of why statues from the ancient era don’t have heads and who, after all, was cutting off their heads. Well, it’s “ancient Photoshop,” the guide told us. Since empresses, queens, and other famous figures changed over time, they usually sculpted a perfectly attractive statue (because not all noblewomen and empresses were attractive) and simply changed their heads whenever someone new took over.

MONOLITHIC MONOLITHI OR THE LAST GLIMPSE OF THE IONIAN SEA

It didn’t occur to me that the longest beach in Europe could be right on the Ionian Sea in Greece, but it is. Monolithi Beach is exactly that. Stretching over 22 km, it got its name from the “monolith”, i.e. “one stone,” from an outcrop about ten meters high, visible from the beach until it was destroyed by German and Italian artillery fire in 1942. Today, the rock exists only as an underwater reef just 10 cm below the surface, so... be careful with swimming. This is the last swim in the Ionian Sea before heading inland to the Balkans. Hotels, bars, etc., are not allowed on the beach except for beach bars every few hundred meters, even a kilometer apart. The forests are protected, and this will never be “Copacabana.” I packed my swimsuit, but it suddenly became windy and cold, and the waves prevented even the bravest of us. Open sea. Ah.

ON THE STONE THAT FLOATS, MOSS DOES NOT GROW

And then – Meteora! Unique and miraculous, beautiful and awe-inspiring at the same time, the landscape of stone pillars heralding entry into another world... Along the way, we encounter several other rocks similar to those of Meteora but slightly lower and more secluded. One of them houses the Theopetra Cave Museum, caves where cave dwellers lived, featuring a fascinating collection of artifacts and skeletons.

We arrive in the city of Kalambaka, as the Turks renamed it immediately after conquest, meaning “Mighty Fortress.” Your breath is taken away immediately: what must it be like to live at the foot of

PREVEZA WILL CHARM YOU WITH ITS ALLURE. AND THE METEORA WILL TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY TO THE HEAVENS

these rocks? Rocks are likened to “stones floating in the air” because “metheora” in Greek means just that. It’s hard to imagine that a city could be so alive in the heart of the Greek mainland, far from the sea. Yet, the city exudes a distinctly “seaside vibe.” It feels as though just around the corner there might be a path to the beach, but the nearest one is over 100 km away. But it is full of restaurants, with cats roaming underfoot seeking food and affection, with smiling people and sunshine. Perhaps the magic lies in being close to this sacred place.

METEORA PARADISE, GIVE ME WINE

Let’s visit a vineyard surrounded by rocks and monasteries. Once

we find ourselves amidst the vineyards, we feel the triple magic of this place - the very rocks rising from the Thessalian plain are surreal, just as I dreamt of them as a child. At the tops of these rocks lie 6 active monasteries out of the once 24, adding a religious dimension to the unearthly landscape. Here are wonderful vineyards with brilliant wines crafted by the Theopetra winery, which we had the pleasure of tasting and taking a bottle home (along with rakija). I have never drunk wine in a more magical place, and I used to think that wine by the sea was the most enchanting thing during sunset. But I was wrong.

We had the opportunity to visit the women’s monastery of Saint Stephen, from where you can see

Trikala and the plain, and we hurried to catch the sunset. Sunset? Why? Well, sunset is particularly popular for photographing Meteora, and then crowds climb onto the rocky plateau and gaze westward, which we did too. The rocks for photography, or viewpoints, are crowded with people. The Instagramized world demands spectacular proof of your existence and your visit, so not only did we not resist the experience, but we also joined the trend.

In the “photography valley” where the most beautiful photos are taken, the monastery of Holy Trinity stands out. Interestingly, a pop culture tidbit: the monastery “starred” in the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”. Now everything fits together seamlessly. Let’s add that the band Linkin Park named one of their albums “Meteora”, fascinated by this place. It’s truly hard to find people who are not fascinated. I believe even Roy Batty, who “saw things you people wouldn’t believe,” like Cbeams or Orion, would be fascinated by Meteora.

LIKE IT USED TO BE...

Preveza is an ideal place for a family vacation, with lovely beaches nearby, and plenty of restaurants and entertainment for children. If you’re in for youthful madness, perhaps the islands are a better choice for you. But Epirus will give you the peace you’ve been craving, and the Mediterranean as it once was, echoing the slogan used by Croatia, but applicable here too. And don’t bypass Preveza when heading to Lefkada or Parga, or anywhere in the Ionian region. Preveza will charm you with its allure and reward you richly for your kindness and trust. And the Meteora will take you on a journey to the heavens.

Diplomacy & Commerce Welcome Summer Party

– an Annual Friendly Gathering

On the 24th of June, the Diplomacy & Commerce magazine celebrated its annual “Welcome Summer Party” with a joyful atmosphere and unique guests

The event was opened by speeches from Robert Čoban, president of the Color Press Group, Soufiane Adjali, Representative of UNHCR in Serbia, and Nataša Mihailović Vacić, Belgrade secretary for culture. As for entertainment for the evening. Liana Odinets, a singing professor from Ukraine who has been in Serbia for nearly three years, sang and moved the crowd in the wonderful atmosphere of the residence of Princess Ljubica (Konak Knjeginje Ljubice).

In addressing the crowd, Soufiane Adjali raised awareness of over 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world:

“Last week, we commemorated World Refugee Day and witnessed yet another rise in the number of forcibly displaced people, which has now reached the staggering figure of 120 million—an all-time record. As our HC Filippo Grandi put it: Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. That suffering must galvanize the international community to act urgently to tackle the root causes of forced displacement. Just for the sake of comparison, when I joined UNHCR almost 30 years ago, the number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide was around 10 million. It has been increasing ever since, reaching

The party was supported by the companies Carlsberg Srbija with the Somersby brand, Coca-Cola with the Schweppes brand, and Valadier Design Jewels.

the exorbitant numbers none of us could have imagined back then.”

lem, he added that there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel:

there’s always a glimmer of hope, and this event, for instance, only proves the point. Refugees and asylum seekers – and the com munities hosting them – need solidarity and a helping hand. They can and do contribute to so

cieties when they are included. No He thanked the president of the

team for recognizing the potential

of forcibly displaced persons and for giving them the chance to be seen and heard. This evening, we will have the pleasure of enjoying a lovely performance by Liana, a refugee from Ukraine who has found safety and protection in Serbia.”

At the end of his speech, he also took his time to recognize Serbia’s hospitality in welcoming refugees and to wish everyone a lovely evening:

“Serbia and its citizens have a long history of welcoming refugees from different corners of the world. While much has been done, we continue our joint efforts to close the identified gaps. Let me wrap up by saying that as this party marks the beginning of summer, the most carefree time for most of us, let us also not forget those less fortunate, who have lost everything overnight due to conflicts and persecution. No one chooses to abandon their homes and lives. Seeking refuge is not a choice but the only option for many to survive, find peace,

and keep their dreams alive. Right now, refugees need our solidarity more than ever. Thank you and have a lovely evening!”

The Belgrade secretary for culture, Nataša Mihailović Vacić, commended Diplomacy & Commerce for recognizing the importance of cultural diplomacy:

“Your commitment to the promotion of culture, art, and history of Serbia, but also the promotion of cultural democracy, is inestimably important. Not only for our country but in this current, political, global moment in which we are faced with huge challenges. I believe that cultural diplomacy can play one of the key roles in connecting communities.”

The lively atmosphere and the beautiful garden of the lodging of the Princess Ljubica (Konak Knjeginje Ljubice) were enjoyed by all of the guests, celebrated in the warmth of the first days of the summer, with new issues of the latest Diplomacy and Commerce magazine.

MK Group and AIK Bank Donation for Belgrade Student Hall Renovation

With the support of the Ministry of Education, a donation contract was signed for the Student Center “Belgrade”, which will use the funds to renovate the rooms of the Student Hall “Slobodan Penezić ”

MK Group and AIK Bank signed a Donation Agreement of 100,000 euros for the Student Center “Belgrade”, an institution that provides accommodation services for 10,500 students in 14 student dormitories in the capital. Financial resources will be used for the renovation and furnishing of the “Slobodan Penezić” Student Hall in Zvezdara. This donation is part of a regional philanthropic program worth 350,000 euros, which will include the renovation of four student halls in the countries of the Adria region where MK Group operates, and represents the continuation of regular activities supporting children, youth, and education.

The donation to the Student Center “Belgrade” was realized with the support of the Ministry of Education helped in choosing the appropriate investment project, with its strategic guidelines and insights into the student standard, so that the donated money would be used in the best interest of the students.

ACCOMMODATION DURING STUDIES CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR STUDENTS

"I would like to thank MK Group and AIK Bank, who recognized the importance of investing in education and who, through the “Family Support” program, strive to contribute to the improvement of the conditions and lives of students who live in student halls. Accommodation during studies continues to be one of the most important issues for students studying abroad and their parents. Our goal is to provide additional capacities and create good and economically acceptable conditions for

housing students”, said the Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Slavica Đukić Dejanović.

Renovation in the Student Hall “Slobodan Penezić” will include the replacement of floors, and interior doors, painting and painting works, and complete furnishing of student rooms. Goran Minić, Director of the Student Center “Belgrade”, expressed his gratitude to the donors. “ Thanks to this program, we have the opportunity to renovate and fully equip 15 rooms in Pavilion 3 of the “Slobodan Penezić” Student Hall by the end of October, which will allow us to continue our work on improving student standards in our institution. Thank you for sharing our vision and for recognizing the importance of investing in young talents”, said Goran Minić.

"After the continuous donations made during the past years as part of the socially responsible program “Family Support”, we continue to support the community in which we live, ensuring a better and more promising future for young people. AIK Bank’s donation to the Student Hall “Slobodan Penezić” in Belgrade, of 100,000 euros, will enable the renovation and improvement of the space where the students reside. The goal of the donation is to create adequate conditions for achieving the best academic results and realizing the full potential of young people in Serbia,” said Petar Jovanović, President of the Executive Board of AIK Bank.

"This year, students are the focus of our regional social responsibility program, which we traditionally implement in Serbia together with AIK Bank. For student halls in the Adria region, specifically in Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Croatia, we will allocate a total of 350,000 euros. Our desire is to contribute to the education and development of new generations and to provide the best students with quality conditions for learning and living during their studies. Through this year’s donations, we will cover several thousand students who live in halls in Belgrade, Podgorica, Ljubljana, and Zagreb”, said Aleksandra Stojanović, Director of Corporate Affairs of MK Group.

Just last year, MK Group and AIK Bank set aside 680,000 euros for the renovation of twenty kindergartens in the Adria region, while in 2022 they donated 570,000 euros to 7 maternity hospitals in the Adria region, all within the “Family Support” program, which continuously provides support to children and young people.

A Fighter for the Dignity of Art

SAVA STEPANOV (1951 - 2024)

It’s strange to write about Sava Stepanov in the past tense. He left us suddenly on June 10th, amid preparations for this year’s Danube Dialogues Festival. It’s hard to believe that conversations with Sava will no longer be possible, that the good spirit of Vojvodina’s fine arts has left us and moved to a better place.

Asuperb connoisseur of the Vojvodina, Serbian, and regional art scenes, he tirelessly documented and highlighted the most significant artistic phenomena and personalities of the 20th century for half a century. His departure is an irreplaceable loss for our cultural scene.

A gentle, noble, and prudent man of lavish talent, rich erudition, and a keen sense for recognizing valuable and unique aspects of art, I met him in 1996 at the very beginning of my gallery profession. The Bel Art Gallery quickly established a close collaboration with the Zlatno Oko Center for Visual Culture, so Sava Stepanov was the curator and author of numerous exhibitions, president of the Artistic Council of the Bel Art Gallery, and the artistic director of the Danube Dialogues Festival.

Over a quarter-century period, significant projects were realized, such as the Landscape Biennale;

Joko, Lennon, Tito: A Conceptual Action; the Andy Warhol exhibition; international exhibitions of artistic flags held multiple times in the pedestrian zone of Novi Sad, which, in the year of the European Capital of Culture, produced a unique open-air gallery, the Flagpole Square in Limanski Park; the founding and program conceptualization of the Mira Brtka Foundation in Petrovaradin.

The Sava Šumanović Award launched in 1999 together with the Novi Sad Fair, has become a prestigious national award for visual and fine arts. Sava Stepanov chaired the jury, which unfailingly selected artists who met high criteria and, at the same time, were authoritatively “aligned” with the character of the contemporary world and today’s art.

Sava Stepanov gained an international reputation and respect through exhibition concepts that showcased our artists abroad. A fighter for the dignity of art and the positioning of Vojvodina and

Serbian art in an international context, he curated exhibitions in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Tokyo, Geneva, Paris, Piran, and Norwich. The most complex of these was the exhibition Premonition/ Blood/Hope at the Künstlerhaus in Vienna in 2015, organized on the centenary of the First World War. Dr. Peter Zawrel, the longtime director of the Künstlerhaus, wrote upon Sava’s death: “My encounters with Sava were of great importance to me not only on a professional level - the obvious professional result was the exhibition Premonition/Blood/ Hope at the Künstlerhaus in 2015, which I believe was the exhibition of the decade - but also on a human level. His personality, his humanity, and the way he spoke about art and the artist deeply impressed me.”

Sava Stepanov was a superb connoisseur and custodian of Serbian-Hungarian artistic connections, from which the Danube Dialogues emerged as a platform

for regional artistic collaboration, affirmed mainly by the themes Sava Stepanov, as artistic director, set for his curator colleagues from Danubian countries. He chose themes and content that dealt with the sensitivities of contemporary man, especially fears and existential concerns, and his emotions.

More than a quarter-century of friendship and professional collaboration with Sava Stepanov was a life gift and privilege, and I am grateful that life provided me with that opportunity. All of us - family, friends, and colleagues - will miss his sharp mind, encyclopedic knowledge, lucid observations, especially his smile, irresistible charm, clever quips, warm words, and well-meaning lessons. Sava Stepanov wrote the artistic lexicon and cultural history of Vojvodina daily, leaving behind a remarkable legacy, a heritage for future generations that we must care for. The story of Sava Stepanov continues.

EXIT FESTIVAL

10 – 14 JULY

Novi Sad, Serbia

EXIT” is a multiple award-winning international summer music festival. It takes place every year in Novi Sad at the Petrovaradin Fortress, which many consider one of the best festival locations on the planet, and features over 1,000 performers on more than 40 stages and music zones. Created as a student social movement in 2000, “EXIT” is still today the only festival in the world that grew out of the desire for progress and striving for freedom. In addition to the attractive music program, the festival is also visited because of the quality entertainment, the good atmosphere at the Fortress, and the positive energy of the city of Novi Sad.

ILUSTROFEST

5-12 JULY

Belgrade, Serbia

At the opening of the Festival on July 5, 2024, a large international exhibition of the best illustrations will be shown, placed on large pedestals on the Sava Promenade in Kalemegdan. Also, awards will be presented to the best authors and works by categories: book illustrations, illustrations in printed and online media, illustrations in design, illustrations - socially responsible projects, as well as personal projects. In the end, we are waiting for the awarding of the Grand Prix of the festival to the best author from this year’s selection for the overall work. In addition to the international exhibition, the Festival will also host an Illustration Bazaar, where young authors will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their illustrations, as well as consumables with illustrations, at special stands, free of charge, with the idea of helping artists make a living from their ideas and creativity.

BELGRADE NIGHT MARKET

19 JULY

Belgrade, Serbia

The Belgrade Night Market will be held on Friday, July 19, from 18h to midnight, at the Skadarlija market. It will present a large number of old and new exhibitors, and will offer a good time and many beautiful moments spiced up with delicious sweets and salty treats. Agricultural producers, as well as small family workshops, prepare a rich offer of local traditional products and specialties. Shopping lovers can also find a diverse assortment of unique artisanal products – handbags, jewelry, natural cosmetics, and clothing.