JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED
Srđan Milivojević
O.T.I.S. Dragan Bjelić
INDIA’S 76 th REPUBLIC DAY
COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY
H.E. MR. FRANCESCO
MARIA AMORUSO
AMBASSADOR OF THE SOVEREIGN MILITARY ORDER OF MALTA
ROBERTO BOLLE Étoile of Ballet of La Scala Theatre EVENTS 24 JAN
INVESTING IN CHAMPIONS
ZORAN GAJIĆ Minister of sport
ART TOO DANGEROUS TO BE SEEN MUSEU DE L’ART PROHIBIT BARCELONA
THE FIGHT FOR JOURNALISM
BRANISLAV ŠOVLJANSKI Journalist
FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED
Director ROBERT ČOBAN robert.coban@color.rs
Editor in chief DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ dragan.nikolic@color.rs
Journalists MIJAT KONTIĆ ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ
Advertising DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ dragan.nikolic@color.rs
DRAGAN VUČEVIĆ dragan.vucevic@color.rs marketing@color.rs
Photos GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ SHUTTERSTOCK
Translation COLOR MEDIA EVENTS
Prepress VLADIMIR DUDAŠ c e n t r o b i r o
contributors ROBERT ČOBAN LJILJANA VUJIĆ REBECCAA JOVIĆEVIĆ
Print COLOR PRINT novi sad
Distribution PRETPLATA D.O.O. office@pretplata.rs +381 11 314 99 21
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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW INTERESTS COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY AND DIPLOMACY
H.E. FRANCESCO MARIA AMORUSO
Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
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FEATURED INTERVIEW INVESTING IN CHAMPIONS AND BUILDING THE FUTURE OF SERBIAN SPORT ZORAN GAJIĆ
Minister of sport
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POLITICAL INTERVIEW JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED SRĐAN MILIVOJEVIĆ
President of the Democratic Party
CIP
Katalogizacija
Biblioteka Matice Srpske, Novi Sad 33
Diplomacy & Commerce / glavni i odgovorni urednik: Dragan Nikolić, 2016, (mart)-.Novi Sad: Color Media Events, 2016 - , -33cm Mesečno
ISSN 2466-3808 = Diplomacy & Commerce COBISS.SR-ID 303269895
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AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW IN 2024, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ANNUAL TRADE VALUE BETWEEN SERBIA AND THE UK REACHED A BILLION POUNDS
H.E. EDWARD FERGUSON
British Ambassador to Serbia
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CULTURAL INTERVIEW BALLET, PASSION, AND PERFECTION
ROBERTO BOLLE
Étoile of Ballet of La Scala Theatre
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TRAVELOGUE
ART TOO DANGEROUS TO BE SEEN BY DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ
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MEDIA INTERVIEW THE FIGHT FOR JOURNALISM IN AN AGE OF PROPAGANDA BRANISLAV
ŠOVLJANSKI
Journalist
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BUSINESS INTERVIEW THE COST OF ENERGY, POLITICS, AND POWER PROF. DR GORAN RADOSAVLJEVIĆ
Economist and Vice Dean of the FEFA Faculty
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STABLECOINS THE SILENT FINANCIAL EVOLUTION REBECCA JOVIĆEVIĆ
A venture capital investor specialised in blockchain
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INTERVIEW
STRENGTHENING SERBIA’S RESCUE CAPACITY FOR A SAFER TOMORROW DRAGAN BJELIĆ
Organisation for Search and Rescue of Serbia
When we were dismissed from the student newspaper Index in April 1992,
Milorad Crnjanin organised a panel discussion on 3P TV Novi Sad, where one of the participants cited my alleged status as a Ustaša as the reason for my removal as editor-inchief. That night, someone planted an explosive device in front of our family home in Bač, which blew up our large Švapska kapija (a traditional Germanstyle gate). Fortunately, no one was injured, as my parents had seen off their guests half an hour earlier. The perpetrators were never found.
The next day, my mother called me and told me I should quit journalism before someone got hurt.
Yet the issue of Index for which we were dismissed contained interviews with—Zoran Đinđić, Goran Milić, Slavenka Drakulić, Tony Montana, and Nikola Koljević from Republika Srpska.
Thirty-three years later, some people still haven’t stopped labelling others Ustaše to defame them. You cannot call students Ustaše, you cannot call Novak Đoković and Emir Kusturica Ustaše and still expect anyone to take seriously your offer for dialogue. I disagree with Kusturica on many issues, particularly his pro-Putin stance, but expelling him from Andrićgrad would be like kicking Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse out of Disneyland.
That same Emir Kusturica sent me a message in 2015 via Srđan Janićijević that my “safety was not guaranteed” at Mokra Gora during a conference where I was supposed to speak. He was angered by
my tweet suggesting that it would be decent for him to put up at least one plaque in Andrićgrad, noting that from his windows, one could see the places where, in the living pyres—at the homes of Adem Omeragić in Pionirska Street and Meho Aljić in Bikavac—on 14 and 27 June 1992, more than 140 women, children, and older people were burned alive. On 27 June 1992, in Višegrad’s Pionirska Street, nearly 70 people were locked inside and set on fire. The youngest victim was a two-day-old baby who burned in its mother’s arms. If Ivo Andrić were alive, he would have put up such a plaque. But Kusturica felt that my stance meant my safety could not be “guaranteed” on his Mokra Gora.
The anonymous movement Kopaćemo (www. kopacemo.com), believed to be close to the authorities and known for publishing lists of “foreign mercenary students” complete with photographs, last summer posted a photoshopped gravestone for Emir Kusturica, listing his year of death as 2027. No one, especially not someone his age, finds such jokes amusing. In his response, he expressed disappointment at the lack of reaction from state authorities. On that occasion, he also supported the student protests in Serbia.
Following this, Kopaćemo published another statement on its website alongside the repeated image of Kusturica’s grave:
“We call on Emir Kusturica to renounce his Serbian citizenship and leave Serbia, along with those like him—Dinko Gruhonjić, Nedim Sejdinović, Miran Pogačar, Brajan Brković... Serbia has given them a life they could only dream of in their homelands. If a prosperous and independent Serbia is not to their liking, they can return to where they came from. No one will miss them.”
At the same time, the “representatives of state capital” in Andrićgrad, which Kusturica built-in Višegrad, issued a statement saying:
“Support for those who claim there was a genocide in Srebrenica and for those who call us Svetosav cattle is merely the personal stance of Professor Kusturica.”
This example makes it clear that Serbia has been spinning in circles for over 33 years, caught in the same narratives and toxic rhetoric used to “honour” political opponents. Fortunately, bombs are no longer planted at gates, and heads are not rolling as they did in 1992. I hope it stays that way as Serbia navigates this deep political and social crisis.
Robert Čoban
The sovereign o rder of Malta’s Humanitarian Mission, Global Impact, and Work in serbia
MARIA AMORUSO
Ambassador of the
Sovereign Military Order of Malta
H.E. Francesco Maria Amoruso, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, discusses the Order’s unique role as a sovereign humanitarian entity, its global relief efforts, and its partnerships with the UN and Red Cross. He also highlights the Order’s historic and modern ties with Serbia and its ongoing mission to support those in need.
Can you provide an overview of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s historical origins and purpose, its unique status as a sovereign entity without a defined territory, and how this shapes its role in global diplomacy, humanitarian work, and the balance between its religious and diplomatic missions?
The founding of the religious community of the Hospitallers of St. John in the Holy Land dates back to 1048. It was under the leadership of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder and first Master, that the religious community became a lay religious order. Thanks to the bull of 15 February 1113, Pope Paschal II recognised the Order of St. John, placing it under the protection of the Church and granting it the right to freely elect its superiors without interference from other lay or religious authorities.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisa-
tion, a unique institution in the world. It is, at the same time, a lay religious order of the Catholic Church, a subject of international law and a humanitarian institution.
In spite of the loss of the territories of Rhodes (1310-1523) and Malta (1530-1798), its sovereignty and independence have not been interrupted.
The absence of territory and citizens has never affected the sovereignty of the Order of Malta, which, therefore, occupies a special place in international law.
The humanitarian activities of the Order of Malta around the world are largely facilitated by the existence of its diplomatic network, which strengthens the relationships with the governments of the countries in which it operates. Diplomatic relations offer direct access to national governments and international organisations. They provide a channel which helps the entities of the Order in developing medical and humanitarian projects in accordance with local needs.
The Order’s sovereignty, together with its diplomatic network, plays a pivotal role in the Order’s ability to help people in need. It also creates an asset for the universal values of Christianity shared with other religions. The Order is neutral and impartial, which allows it to provide assistance in situations where other organisations have difficulty of access.
The diplomatic activity of the Sovereign Order of Malta is distinct from that of nation States. It has another dimension and
THE ORDER OF MALTA’S SOVEREIGNTY AND DIPLOMATIC NETWORK ARE ESSENTIAL IN PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN AID WHERE OTHERS MAY FACE BARRIERS
two main lines: it acts to promote ethical and spiritual values, which have guided it for nearly a thousand years, through its charitable works, especially in the medical, social and humanitarian fields, and in emergency situations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal, does not position itself in international conflicts and does not depend on any other State or government.
What are the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s current global priorities in areas such as health, social care, and emergency response, and how does it coordinate with international organisations like the UN, WHO, and Red Cross to maximise its impact?
Global priorities in health social care and emergency response are: Assisting victims of war, helping migrants, fighting epidemics and neglected diseases, helping the excluded to integrate, protecting the elderly and the disabled, and intervening in natural disasters.
The Order manages hospitals, healthcare clinics, out-patient units, institutes for the elderly and disabled, palliative care centres and sociomedical and mental health projects for migrants and refugees. Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s special relief agency, gives emergency aid in theatres of war and during natural disasters. The Order is currently engaged in over 70 areas in Ukraine and in the bordering
countries. In the Middle East, it assists victims of conflicts in Syria and Iraq and manages the sole hospital in Bethlehem with a neonatal intensive care department. The Order of Malta has been providing food aid to the population in Gaza City since May 2024, in close cooperation with the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, the Catholic Parish of Gaza City and Caritas. This flow of aid will continue as long as it is needed. The Order of Malta’s Italian Relief Corps participates in first-aid operations for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.
With its health projects, the Order is advocating for people in need to have universal access to medical care and for the sustainable development of the healthcare systems. The objective is to provide adequate, effective and affordable health care in the long-term.
Multilateral relations with the United Nations, the European Union and the principal international organisations allow the Sovereign Order of Malta to take its expertise from the field to the diplomatic table.
Through its ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, the Order’s views on issues at the core of its commitment – human rights, healthcare, food security – are represented on the international stage.
The Sovereign Order of Malta contributes with its expertise to global consultations and to the definition of possible fields of cooperation in healthcare, social assistance and emergency relief.
The Order of Malta has a permanent Observer status at the United Nations and maintains missions of permanent observer to the United Nations Offices in New York, Geneva, Rome, Vienna and a Permanent Observer Mission is accredited to UNESCO in Paris.
The Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations Office in Geneva is in contact with The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) whenever events require, and as an observer it is invited to participate every 4 years to the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IC), the world’s leading humanitarian forum.
Different Entities of the Order of Malta cooperate with Red Cross societies on the ground under certain circumstances.
SINCE THE 11TH CENTURY, WE HAVE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO ONE MISSION THAT NEVER STOPS: HELPING THE SICK AND THE POOR
World Health Organisation: longstanding cooperation; Malteser International is a partner of the Global Health Cluster. We participate in the annual World Health Assembly, the sessions of the Executive Board, and other relevant meetings.
Can you share insights into the historical and current relationship between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and Serbia?
The first contacts between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Order of Malta were established in the 19th century, when the first donation to Serbia by the Order of Malta was recorded: a hospital train in the war between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Principality of Bulgaria. If we go further into history, there are many traces of the activities of the Knights of St. John during the Crusades in the territory of present-day Serbia. The Knights of St. John later became the Knights of Malta. Even today, there are many landmarks from those times, the most important of which is in Bač, Vojvodina, where the knights founded the first hospital in this part of Europe in 1234. On the way from the West to the
Holy Land, many knightly orders had their commanderies in the territory of present-day Serbia, so it can be said that the thousand-year history of the Order has always been connected to these regions.
Since the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2001, the Republic of Serbia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta have achieved a high level of cooperation in diplomacy and humanitarian affairs. There are countless projects with which we have helped the sick and the poor, which is the motto of the Order of Malta Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum (Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor). Our plans are to expand the activities through a group of volunteers whose task would be to help humanitarian efforts. We will soon achieve that.
Could you elaborate on the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s current initiatives in Serbia, particularly those addressing challenges such as migration, poverty, and public health? Additionally, how does the Order’s diplomatic mission contribute to strengthening ties with Serbia?
OUR COOPERATION WITH SERBIA CONTINUES TO GROW, WITH PROJECTS THAT SUPPORT THE MOST VULNERABLE AND STRENGTHEN HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
We are completing two projects at the Home for Girls with Developmental Disabilities in Izvor, near Paraćin, within the Monastery of St. Petka. In collaboration with the nuns and the Paraćin Municipality’s Center for Social Work, we have installed solar panels and roller blinds on all windows, as well as heat-reflective glass on the terraces to keep the building cooler in summer.
Our partnership with this home, where the state and the Orthodox Church have worked together for over 50 years, has a long history. Over the past decade, we have donated an ambulance, a car, industrial washing and drying machines, medical equipment and supplies, food, and other essential items.
This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment in Serbia, and we are deeply grateful to the nuns, Bishop Ignatius, and the staff for their invaluable support.
What challenges does the Sovereign Military Order of Malta face in delivering its mission in Serbia, and how does it adapt to evolving global issues such as climate change,
emerging health crises, and their local impacts on communities?
We have always received gratitude and support for our work from the institutions of the Republic of Serbia. What we would like is for the state of Serbia to permanently introduce relief for the import of humanitarian aid and, if possible, exempt such imports from VAT. This would be of great help to us and everyone else when we are looking for donors in the world because it is difficult to explain to them that when they give aid, they also have to pay customs duties and taxes. When it comes to climate change and health crises on the planet, the Order of Malta has long been one of the institutions that is constantly active around the world and is constantly engaged in these important global issues. We have bilateral diplomatic relations with 113 countries, but we also have strong Associations with the Knights of Malta in many more countries. The Order of Malta is the oldest living knighthood in the world because, since the 11th century, it has dedicated itself to a work that never stops: helping the sick and the poor.
As an ambassador, what do you find most rewarding about representing the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Serbia, and is there a specific project or success story from the Order’s work in the country that you are particularly proud of?
Generally speaking, since the establishment of diplomatic relations almost a quarter of a century ago, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Serbia, which is a predominantly Orthodox country, has managed to make the majority of people in Serbia familiar with the Order’s activities, to establish a Friendship Group in the Serbian Parliament, to reach out to those in need and to help wholeheartedly whenever possible. We have received great help in this work from the Belgrade Archdiocese, the former Archbishop Hocevar and today from his successor, Cardinal Nemet. I would not single out individual projects, but if I really have to, it is the purchase of an important instrument for surgery on paralysis in children, which we donated to the Clinical Center of Serbia with the help of our partners from the USA.
Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Korea
Newly arrived Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Korea H.E. Mr. Hyung Tae KIM holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He joins the Korean Embassy in Serbia after serving as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine (2021-2024). Ambassador Kim is a career diplomat who joined the Korean Foreign Ministry in 1991 and has held numerous foreign postings, including serving at the Korean embassies in China (1997-2000 and 2013-2016), Germany (2000-2005), Indonesia (2005-2008), Australia (2011-2013), India (ConsulGeneral, 2016-2020). Ambassador Kim also held various positions at the foreign ministry, including that of Director of Development Cooperation Division (2008-2009) and Director of Northeast Asian Regional Cooperation Division (2009-2011), and he was also Ambassador for International Relations at Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Korea. Ambassador Kim earned his Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes). He is a married father of a daughter and a son.
H.E. İLHAN SAYGILI
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye
The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in the Republic of Serbia, Mr İlhan Saygılı, is an experienced diplomat who deeply understands the specific political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Balkans, which makes him a skilful negotiator and promoter of his country’s interests in this region. Previously, he served as the Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador to Switzerland, and Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, on two occasions, he held the position of Head of the Department for the Balkans and Central Europe. He graduated in International Relations from the Faculty of Political Science at the Middle East Technical University (METU). He holds a Master’s degree from the Institute of Social Sciences at Ankara University.
DR ROLAND SEELIGER
NEW PRESIDENT OF FIC SERBIA
Foreign Investors Council of Serbia Elects New Leadership
At the first session of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) Serbia, Dr Roland Seeliger, President and CEO of Hemofarm, was appointed President of FIC Serbia for the next three years.
Alongside the President, two Vice Presidents were also elected: Dr Ana Govedarica, General Manager of Roche Serbia and Montenegro was appointed Vice President of FIC Serbia, while Goran Pekez, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director at JTI for the Adriatic region, was named Vice President and Spokesperson of FIC Serbia.
With its new leadership, FIC Serbia remains committed to fostering a predictable, transparent, competitive, and sustainable business environment. It will continue working towards improving the business and investment climate, serving as a reliable partner in implementing regulatory reforms to drive economic growth for the benefit of all Serbian citizens.
ZORAN GAJIĆ
Serbia’s athletes shone at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, with Novak Đoković’s gold and the water polo team’s historic triumph among the standout moments. Beyond competition, 2024 saw major sporting events in Serbia, reinforcing its role in global sports. Looking ahead, 2025 will increase investment in athletes, infrastructure, and youth engagement. Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić shares insights on Olympic success, future plans, and key initiatives shaping Serbian sports in this interview.
Which Serbian athletes’ achievements at the Paris Olympics do you consider the most significant, and how would you assess the overall performance of our delegation? The success of Serbian athletes at the Paris Olympics certainly deserves high praise. Novak Đoković achieved his long-awaited Olympic gold, a moment we had all anticipated. He played with incredible focus and motivation; his victory was a testament to his ability to deliver outstanding results at crucial moments.
The water polo team again made history, securing their third consecutive gold medal. Many doubted their chances, but they performed outstanding, especially in their final victory against Croatia. The support they received from Novak Đoković was a key element in their psychological recovery and motivation, further proving the strength of unity within the team.
Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec responded to adversity in the best possible way. Although they did not meet expectations in individual events, their gold medal was a testament to their determination and professionalism.
The basketball team fought against giants like the USA, and despite facing challenges, they managed to recover and secure the bronze medal. Coach Pešić once again demonstrated his tactical brilliance.
Aleksandra Perišić’s taekwondo silver medal further highlighted our athletes’ impressive performances in this discipline. This result is particularly significant as it proves that investments in taekwondo have yielded concrete success while media and sporting interest in the discipline continue to grow.
o lympic triumphs, sports development, and the vision for 2025
Our athletes also achieved remarkable results in Paralympic sports, winning a total of six medals, including gold for Dragan Ristić. Alongside the Olympic Games, the Paralympic team demonstrated great dedication and excellence, reaffirming their vital role in our sports system.
Looking ahead, investment in sports will continue. Infrastructure development, such as the new training centre in Košutnjak, will improve athlete preparation conditions, paving the way for even more outstanding achievements in future Olympic cycles.
All in all, we represented ourselves in the best possible way, both at the Olympics and the Paralympics, with immense pride in the achievements of our athletes.
Apart from the Olympic Games, what do you consider the most important sporting moments for Serbia in 2024, and how do they contribute to promoting sports in our country?
Beyond the Olympic Games, key sporting events that promoted sports in Serbia in 2024 included major international competitions such as the European Aquatics Championships and the Belgrade Marathon. These events significantly impacted encouraging sports participation and promoting healthy lifestyles.
I am pleased that all competitions were organised according to world-class standards, without incidents, reaffirming Serbia’s commitment to high organisational norms. Adopting the Law on the Ratification of the Council of Europe Conventions, which addresses integrity protection and combating violence in sports, further aligns our procedures with international standards.
These events attract teams and fans worldwide, leaving a positive impression and helping to enhance Serbia’s reputation on the global sports stage.
What are the Ministry of Sports’ plans for 2025 regarding support for athletes and improving sports infrastructure?
In 2025, the Ministry of Sports will continue funding programmes for national sports federations, training camps for promising athletes, scholarships, national awards, and the development of sports infrastructure. The budget allocated for these programmes has been increased for 2025, ensuring that our national teams and athletes have more significant financial resources to carry out their plans.
Regarding infrastructure, we have plans to construct and revitalise sports facilities, which will be defined after our annual public call for projects, a process the Ministry organises each year.
You previously announced the construction of the National Sports Museum in Surčin. What stage is this project currently in, and when can we expect its opening?
The construction of the National Sports Museum in Surčin is cur-
rently in the conceptual design phase and will be further developed this year.
What are the biggest challenges Serbian sports will face in the coming period, and how do you plan to address them?
One of the biggest challenges is undoubtedly the financing of sports clubs, many of which are in a complicated financial situation. We are currently developing a new Sports Development Strategy for 2025–2035, aiming to find solutions to this identified issue.
Another challenge is sports organisations’ insufficiently developed capacities. To address this, we have created a Regulation on Professional Examination Procedures and are preparing to hold the first certification exam at the end of February.
This exam will be mandatory for all those managing programmes in clubs competing in national leagues and for programme coordinators within territorial and national sports federations. Through this initiative, we will significantly improve the planning and structuring of sports organisations while also enhancing the efficiency and transparency of budget allocations for sports development.
How do you assess the current status of sports among young people in Serbia, and what measures do you plan to take to motivate them further to engage in sports?
The current state of sports among young people in Serbia requires improvement, as their habits are increasingly influenced by technology and modern lifestyles.
We plan to increase youth participation in physical activity by developing accessible sports infrastructure, including free-to-use facilities and open sports grounds. Today’s young people are shifting away from organised sports and focusing more on recreational and entertainment-based activities. In drafting our Sports Development Strategy, we are considering their preferences and interests, working closely with the Ministry of Education and other relevant institutions to create modern opportunities for physical activity.
Newer sports, such as skateboarding, which won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, demonstrate how attitudes toward sports are evolving. Our goal is to ensure that sports become an integral part of young people’s free time and are adapted to contemporary trends.
Given your extensive experience in volleyball, how do you see the future of this sport in Serbia, and what steps is the Ministry taking to support its development?
Serbia is currently making significant investments in a major volleyball-related project—the construction of the National Volleyball Training Centre. If we implement our plans successfully, volleyball will experience a renaissance in Serbia. This facility will allow us to design and establish a unique volleyball development system, ensuring a strong foundation for the sport’s future growth.
SRĐAN MILIVOJEVIĆ
President of the Democratic Party
At a moment when student protests are shaking Serbia, demanding justice and systemic change, the Democratic Party has elected a new leader—Srđan Milivojević, a former Otpor activist who once stood at the forefront of the fight against dictatorship. Now, as the country faces another wave of political and social unrest, he takes on the challenge of reviving the party, reshaping the opposition, and channelling the energy of the protests into a broader movement for change. In this interview, he discusses the lessons of the past, the stakes of the present, and the fight for Serbia’s democratic future.
There is no haven for thieves
You entered politics in the 1990s as a member of Otpor during the protests against Slobodan Milošević. It is inevitable to ask about the many parallels that come to mind: student protests then and now, Milošević and Vučić, Serbian society in the 1990s and today.
cally harmful to Serbian national interests—policies that can rightly be described as treacherous and criminal. Both had an overwhelming desire for unchecked and unlimited power. They viewed authority as a set of privileges for themselves and, above all, their families, with whatever remained
THE REGIME STANDS EXPOSED—WE NO LONGER PARTICIPATE IN THE ILLUSION OF
It isn’t easy to compare these two periods. Slobodan Milošević has little in common with Aleksandar Vučić, except that both pursued policies that were catastrophi-
going to their party loyalists—and there was plenty left for them.
They equated their rule with the state itself. Anyone who dared to criticise their regime was branded
an enemy of the state and treated accordingly. However, what significantly differentiates these two eras of autocracy and absolute rule is the nature of their governance. Slobodan Milošević was the very embodiment of evil, its worst possible manifestation. Aleksandar Vučić, on the other hand, is a farce. And a farce can sometimes be more dangerous than the original because a fraudster deep down knows he is just a grotesque caricature, surrounded by people who genuinely believe that buying diplomas and academic titles has given them the knowledge, skills, and expertise those qualifications are supposed to represent.
Vučić, like Milošević, has become intoxicated with power. But these are people without any moral restraint. Both convinced
themselves this was precisely how the people wanted them to be. However, when faced with the logical question—if the people love you so much, why do you need to rig elections?—they have no answer. They are aware that their closest associates fear them, that free-thinking people despise them, and that those misled by propaganda may love them, but only for as long as that propaganda, reinforced by petty bribery, remains compelling.
Nevertheless, despite the horrors it endured, Serbian society seemed much more resilient in the 1990s. We entered the crisis of the 1990s from the relatively high standard of Ante Marković’s era. The worst affected were intellectuals, professors, and people who struggled to adapt to hyperinflation, shortages, and sanctions— people raised to believe they were part of an organised system in which their education and social position secured their livelihood and advancement. That is why they led the rebellion.
At the beginning of his rule, Milošević stirred national sentiment while suppressing democratic and civic values. That is why we ended up where we did, concluding the 20th century in a worse position than we entered it. We had started the century near the bottom of Europe, assassinated a ruler, overthrew a dynasty, and then fought three wars to regain our freedom at great cost. A small peasant nation played a crucial role in the Great War, rising like a phoenix from a grave reserved for failed and extinct peoples. We became a great and respected nation worldwide because of our suffering, bravery, chivalry, and humanity.
We emerged from World War II with the reputation of a people who had survived genocide in the Independent State of Croatia, only for Milošević’s reckless policies to turn us, within a few short years, from a nation of victims into a nation of perpetrators. Centuries of struggle for freedom, paid for with over three million lives, were squandered by Milošević’s treacherous and senseless policies in exchange for a brief period of personal power.
Students immediately rose against Milošević. We launched the first protests against him in the Student City in 1988. It took 12 years of struggle and tremendous suffering to overthrow the dictator. People had grown tired of being heroes in lost wars.
THERE CAN BE NO RETREAT OR SURRENDER—THIS IS THE LAST MOMENT FOR US TO STAND TOGETHER
Today’s environment is entirely different from what we faced in the 1990s. Back then, students had to fight to survive. The generations of students after 2009, thanks to the abolition of visa restrictions, took their passports and left Serbia as soon as they graduated. They refused to be guardians of missed opportunities.
The current generation of students has chosen to be remembered as worthy descendants. Serbia must be proud of them—proud of this generation who will be our society’s driving force and the engine of our progress.
As someone who participated in the 1996/97 student protests, I knew that no real change would come to Serbia until the students rose. Do you share this view, and do you think the current student protests have the potential to transform society and lift it out of apathy?
Students have not only awakened society from its anaesthetised state of apathy but have also reignited hope that people are willing not just to replace those in power but to restore the fundamental values of our society. Here, even the most basic moral norms have been destroyed. In our society today, being honest is
seen as foolish, according to the imposed views of the ruling elite. To be uncorrupt is to waste an opportunity by the ethical code of those in power whose morality has been amputated. Speaking the truth is dangerous because this society has forgotten what truth is.
The greatest challenge will be raising future generations on the ideals of freedom, for in Serbia today, according to the ruling party’s mindset, being free is akin to how communism was understood by the young boy in the film The Time of Miracles, based on Borislav Pekić’s novel. In one scene, a village teacher asks the boy what communism is.
“Communism is when I have food to eat every day,” the boy replies.
“Onlyyou?” the teacher asks.
“Onlyme!” the child answers.
“Just that?”
“Just that.”
Today, we must teach young people what freedom and democracy mean. We must help them understand that freedom does not mean doing whatever one pleases. People must grasp that individual freedom is primarily limited by the freedom of others—not just by laws and the Constitution.
And they must understand that rebellion is a constitutionally guaranteed right whenever lawlessness threatens to take hold.
Why did the crime committed on 1 November 2024 at the Novi Sad railway station finally awaken public awareness when there had already been dozens of similar incidents before— perhaps with fewer victims but rooted in the same seed of evil? Both the tragedies in May and, even more so, the crime in Novi Sad showed people that no one can live in a dysfunctional society and claim, “I don’t care how my country is run; politics doesn’t interest me.” The idea of having one’s little world surrounded by a Chinese wall, untouched by anything outside of it, does not hold in a society like this.
No small world is disorganised; even less so is safety or security. No one is safe because evil will come knocking at your door— even if you never invite it in. The reckless arrogance and shameless impunity of those at the top of the regime, who responded to every logical question from citizens or the opposition with a dismissive “So what?” will come at a high cost for our so-called progressive aristocracy.
Now, the reckoning has arrived for every crime that was ignored or brushed aside—for Savamala and the toll station, for Oliver Ivanović, for the helicopter crash, for Jovanjica, and for everything that has happened since.
How can peaceful (Gandhian) protests lead to the activation of institutions and their return to constitutional frameworks—since change is impossible without functioning institutions?
Only by building independent institutions can we move our society forward. This process must be led by those free from the influence of day-to-day politics. Political dictates should not shape Independent institutions but must function as a service to the citizens.
Next week, we will witness yet another absurdity on Serbia’s political scene—Ana Brnabić will convene a session of the National Assembly to discuss laws proposed by a fallen government, with ministers in a technical mandate presenting them.
What is the role of the opposition in the student protests, and how do you and other opposition leaders support them without causing harm?
Student protests are independent of political parties and must remain that way—even if they begin to express specific political aspirations. However, the opposition has been fighting this regime for twelve years, and these protests initially started at the opposition parties’ call.
Our struggle has now taken on a new dimension, as we no longer participate in anything that creates the illusion of parliamentary democracy in Serbia. The regime stands exposed.
You were recently elected as the president of the Democratic Party. How important is this party for Serbia, and why must it regain its former strength? How do you plan to restore its influence, especially considering its long decline and fragmentation, which has left it struggling to pass the electoral threshold today?
At the recent Electoral Assembly of the Democratic Party, I was mandated to restore the party as a guarantor of everyday life in Serbia. This vision received the strongest support at the Assembly. Its implementation begins with bringing in many capable, accomplished professionals—individuals of unquestionable authority and reputation in society—to engage in politics within the Democratic Party. Integrating other political parties and influential civic associations into the party is also part of this strategy for victory. The
Democratic Party’s logo remains the most powerful symbol of freedom and modernity in public life. I have launched a call to action, inviting everyone who wants to fight for such a Serbia to join us.
My goal is not to create the biggest and strongest opposition par-
to be willing to fight for that goal. This is important to stress, mainly when some opposition voices display elitist arrogance or disdain toward those who are only now joining the protests or publicly supporting students and their demands after years of silence.
FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SERBIA’S RECOVERY AND RETURN TO NORMALCY
ty but a party capable of defeating the criminal regime in power, restoring normality to our society, delivering justice, and establishing the institutional foundations for a decent life for decent people.
I aim to lead integrative processes and strengthen the Democratic Party so that it becomes the driving force behind future change.
I want the party to be open to all political and social organisations, civic initiatives, and individuals who share our values and ideals. We are opening the party to spread the political ideas and principles we have upheld for a century.
One does not need to be a member of the Democratic Party to be a Democrat, but one must be a Democrat to be a member of the Democratic Party. However, to fight against Aleksandar Vučić’s regime alongside the Democratic Party, one does not have to be our political or ideological ally. It is enough to recognise the urgent need for this regime’s removal and the rebuilding of Serbia as a free, democratic, and lawful state—and
That is the wrong approach, both pragmatically and strategically. What we need right now is the exact opposite. We do not need an exclusive club of regime critics; we need an open resistance movement capable of forming the broadest possible front of brave and united individuals ready to stand against the inhumanity that has taken hold. That is why my campaign slogan was: The Time for Resistance Has Come. This was not a reference to the Otpor! I was once part of the movement but to resistance in the literal sense of the word. There must be no retreat or surrender in the face of the physical and psychological repression the regime is imposing on Serbia’s citizens. This is the last moment for all of us to stand together.
Under the banner of freedom, everyone is welcome. The recent elections within the Democratic Party proved that fair and honest elections are possible in Serbia and set an example of what elections should look like. Free and fair elections, conducted under
the principles of a democratic society, are essential for Serbia’s recovery and for restoring normalcy in our country.
Beyond its crucial role in the democratic changes that took place in Serbia after 2000, the Democratic Party is also partly responsible for the totalitarian regime we live under today, given that many of its former members have become key figures in the SNS government, and that some of the post-Đinđić DS methods have served as a blueprint for the current regime’s operations.
I completely disagree with this view. Those who left the Democratic Party to join the ruling mafia were never indeed members of the Democratic Party—they were members of whoever was in power. The only connection between Zoran Đinđić, Serbia’s first democratically elected prime minister, and this regime lies in its leaders’ public threats before his assassination and their celebration of his murder—marked, in Aleksandar Vučić’s own words, by his third drunken binge.
There will never again be a bridge for political turncoats to return from the dark side to the light. On the contrary, they, too, will face lustration, and those who have broken the law to amass enormous wealth will be prosecuted.
The Democratic Party has a clear message: there is no haven for thieves. A party membership card—especially from the ruling party—does not grant immunity from criminal responsibility. Justice will be served.
PLEASE CHECK FOR ME THE NEXT VINTAGE OF “ŠAPAT”
December 16th, St. Regis Hotel
US ambassador Christopher Hill and UK ambassador Edward Ferguson - National Day of Qatar
“I” & “R” FROM BRICS
24 January, Hyatt Regency Hotel Belgrade
The Ambassador of India and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation at the reception marking Republic Day of India
6 February, Tokyo
Minister Tatjana Macura in Tokyo visiting Archbishop of Tokyo and Metropolitan of All Japan, Daniel Nushiro (around 30,000 Orthodox Christians live in Japan)
16 December
Zoran Đorđević (former minister and former director of Pošta Srbije) and the Ambassador of QatarNational Day of Qatar
2 December, St. Regis Hotel
Minister of Education Slavica Đukić-Dejanović at the reception marking the National Day of the UAE
National Day of UAE, 2 December, St. Regis Hotel
Emanuele Giaufret, Head of the EU Delegation in Belgrade, and Avivit Bar-Ilan, Ambassador of Israel in Belgrade
On the 22nd of January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Issues of Egyptians in the Diaspora of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty, had an official visit to the Republic of Serbia. The Egyptian Foreign Minister stated that he believes the visit to Belgrade will strengthen cooperation in all fields. He pointed out that the highest-level visits in the previous period best reflect the
good mutual relations between Serbia and Egypt. The head of Egypt’s diplomacy reiterated Cairo’s support for Serbia and its consideration of Serbia as a great friend, bearing in mind their historical relations. Minister Abdelatty announced that Egypt will participate at a high level in the specialised international exhibition Expo 2027 hosted by Belgrade, given its importance.
24 JANUARY 2025
The Embassy of India in Belgrade celebrated the 76th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2025. India is the largest democracy in the world and has a global presence. India has a glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements.
The Ambassador of India in Serbia, H.E. Ms. Shubhdarshini Tripathi, unfurled the national flag of India at an event held on the morning of 26 January 2025 at the Embassy premises.
On 24 January 2025, she hosted a reception attended by dignitaries and senior officials from the Government of Serbia, diplomatic community members, Serbian business, media, and cultural organisations, Serbian Friends, and members of the Indian diaspora in Serbia. Various cultural performances performed on Indian classical music enchanted the audience and showcased the strong cultural affinity between the people of India and Serbia.
29 JANUARY 2025
The regular session of the Assembly of the Croatian Business Club was held on January 29, 2025, at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Serbia; more than 30 members of the Club attended.
31 JANUARY 2025
ACeremonial
The session proposed appointing a new HPK Board of Directors member and unanimously adopted the Report on the Club’s work during 2024. As part of the planned activities for the current year, the idea was presented
and adopted to focus on the green transition, transport and logistics, improving information on benefits and incentives for foreign companies to invest, and strengthening cooperation with other business associations.
round 200 businessmen and officials from Serbia and Italy gathered on January 31st in Belgrade for the ceremonial assembly of the Association of Italian Industrialists—Confindustria Serbia. Speaking about Confindustria Serbia’s plans for the coming period, the newly elected president of the Association, Romano Rossi, emphasised that the goal is to strengthen the existing coopera-
FEBRUARY 2025
tion between Serbia and Italy and to put trade exchange at the forefront. The Italian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, stated that the rapid development of the Serbian economy is noticeable and that Serbia is successfully transforming its relations at the regional and global levels. Among those present was Barbara Cimmino, Vice President for Export and Investment Attraction of Confindustria Italy.
AHK Gala 2025: Embracing Digitalisation
On February 6th at Sava Centar, the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce organised the AHK Gala 2025 under the slogan “I <3 WWW. Share Love From Dataverse!”
Member companies, diplomatic corps, and state representatives attended the event,
During the evening, the Assembly presented two Franco Delneri awards in the category of small-medium and large companies for implementing ESG standards, as well as 21 recognitions to members and partners for outstanding achievements in the areas of investment, innovation, representation in global supply chains, and investment in young talent.
including Dr Mihailo Jovanovic, Director of the Serbian Office for IT & eGovernment, Dr. Jelena Begovic, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, and Mr. Dejan Ristic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia.
The AHK Gala 2025 highlighted innovations and cooperation as key factors for growth and prosperity. Mr Milan Grujić, President of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, addressed the crowd and stated that digitalisation and green transformation of businesses will be a priority in the future.
Minister
04 FEBRUARY 2025
Tatjana Macura with the
Japanese Foreign Minister: The increasingly strong partnership between Serbia and Japan
Minister Tatjana Macura spoke with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at a reception organised by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo
The conversation focused on Serbia’s participation in the upcoming conference marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 – “Women, Peace and Security,” the growing economic cooperation between the two countries, and Serbia’s participation in this year’s Expo in Osaka.
Serbia is one of the rare countries in the world with a minister whose mandate is dedicated to gender equality, the political and
22 JANUARY 2025
economic empowerment of women, and the prevention of violence against women.
“Serbia has shown a clear commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all through concrete measures and policies that strengthen the role of women and mothers in society. Our role at the upcoming conference will be an opportunity to share experiences and examples of good practice and learn from other countries to improve our policies further,” Minister Macura emphasised.
Farewell Party for Monika Suhajdová and Boris Konček
The Ambassador of Slovakia to Belgrade, Michal Pavúk, hosted a farewell party for his deputy, Monika Suhajdová, and the embassy’s Second Secretary, Boris Konček. After three years in Serbia, both returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bratislava.
Ubacicu ti dve slike za ovaj event na server. Zvaće se "slovacka". Ovaj tekst neće imati datum, jer ne znam kad je bilo.
She added that thanks to successful projects and investments, cooperation with Japan further stimulates economic growth and opens up new opportunities for improving bilateral relations.
Minister Tatjana Macura will speak tomorrow about the Third National Action Plan for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, presenting key results and challenges in implementing this important international initiative.
06 FEBRUARY 2025
On the occasion of the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Republic of Iran in Belgrade, in cooperation with the State Audiovisual Archive of the Republic of Serbia, organised the 23rd Iranian Film Festival at the ‘Jugoslovenska Kinoteka’.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Belgrade, Mohammad Mahdi Abadi, stated that the 23rd Iranian Film Festival is being held during the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and pointed out that over the past decades, despite some problems and conspiracies, progress has been made in Iran in many areas, including cinematography. Cultural
Advisor and Director of the Cultural Center of Iran, Amir Purpezeshk, said that Iranian cinema, which has existed for a century, has undergone a transformation after the Revolution and developed a dedicated, humane production based on cultural and historical values. The festival’s guests were Mr. Alireza Samadi, the director of the film Sima’s Untold Story, and Ms. Mahsa Bavafa, the actress.
That same evening, the Iranian Embassy hosted a formal diplomatic reception at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Belgrade to mark the 46th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, with Mohammad Mahdi Abadi as the host, the Charge d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Belgrade.
Algeria’s Minister for Veterans posthumously awarded Stevan Labudović - one of only three European recipients - and presented the honor to his son.
“Welcome to Your Second Homeland” – with these words, Algeria’s Minister of Culture, Zouhir Ballalou, welcomed Milutin Labudović at the official opening ceremony of the international forum “Film and Memory”, held from 9 to 11 December in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The minister’s words were not without reason. Algeria remembers. It remembers the 70th anniversary of the revolution leading to France’s independence. It remembers all the heroes who helped in its struggle for freedom. One of them was the renowned cameraman Stevan Labudović, who, in 1959, President Josip Broz Tito sent to document Algeria’s people’s struggle against a vastly superior colonial force.
Labudović was supposed to stay for three days but remained for three and a half years. He lived in the trenches alongside the soldiers, capturing every detail of their liberation struggle and sending images of the other side of the war to the world—a story told across 83 kilometres of film tape.
He shared the fate of ordinary soldiers carrying poison with him so that, if captured by the French, he would not be taken alive. Algeria’s gratitude became eternal for this— something even death could not erase. When Labudović passed away in 2017, he was buried with the Algerian flag draped over his coffin. But even after his death, Algeria continues to remember this quiet hero.
Alongside the most prestigious military and state honours he received from Algeria, both during his lifetime and posthumously—such as the Order of National Merit—Stevan Labudović has now been granted yet another distinguished recognition.
At the “Film and Memory” forum, held to commemorate the 70th an-
niversary of the Algerian Revolution and under the high patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algerian Minister for Veterans Laid Rebiga paid a special tribute to Stevan’s son, Milutin Labudović.
With this honour, Labudović becomes one of only three Europeans to receive this prestigious recognition, joining legendary Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo, who filmed the iconic Battle of Algiers, and French cinematographer René Vautier. “For my father, Algeria was truly a second homeland, where he forged lifelong friend-
ships, including with former President Houari Boumédiène, who became my sister Ida’s godfather. It is deeply moving to witness the respect Algeria continues to hold for him after all these decades—his camera and uniform have a special place in the National Museum of Mujahideen, and his photographs are preserved in the National Archives,” Milutin Labudović told Diplomacy & Commerce.
At the opening ceremony of the Film and Memory forum, Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, emphasised the central role of film in shaping collective identity through works that depict the epic battles fought by the Algerian people in their struggle for independence. “As we mark 70 years since the start of the liberation revolution, we remember. Algeria has friends from all continents, like Stevan Labudović, who documented both the battles and the daily lives of soldiers. The camera stood beside the rifles, which did not stop rolling even after the revolution. Algerian cinema was born from the revolution itself, inspiring people worldwide with the heroism of Algerians,” the minister stated.
The President of the Scientific Committee, Djamal Yahiaoui, expressed gratitude to the cameramen and filmmakers who, as he put it, “conveyed the truth about the French occupation of Algeria.” “We thank all those who held the camera under such conditions and brought the truth to distant lands,” Yahiaoui added.
The forum, “Film and Memory – A Window to the Past and a Vision for the Future,” was organised by the Algerian Centre for Film Development under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, with high sponsorship from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. It gathered experts from 16 countries to discuss the role of film in preserving historical memory, concluding that cinema is often a stronger weapon than machine guns.
FOCUS ON
FEATURED INTERVIEW
H.E. Edward Ferguson
British Ambassador to Serbia
TRAVEL WHERE SKY MEETS SEE
CULTURE BRITISH MUSIC THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
by Žikica Milošević
ECONOMICS | POLITICS | TRAVEL | CULTURE
British Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson, and his wife Caroline have quickly become well-regarded in Belgrade’s diplomatic community. He is also the first British ambassador in 12 years to have Aleksandar Vučić attend the reception for the British monarch’s birthday. Despite the UK’s departure from the EU, Ferguson has remained actively engaged in Serbian society, from cultural events to digital communications conferences.
Initially conducted ahead of Christmas at his residence in Belgrade, this interview has been updated with new topics reflecting recent developments. The full version, available on the magazine’s YouTube channel, includes two answers in Serbian, a language he speaks fluently.
First, thank you for this pre-Christmas interview at the end of last year. Since you arrived in Belgrade a year and a half ago, have you gotten an impression of Serbian society? What do you value most in Serbian citizens, and what should we change in our habits if we want to progress and be part of the European family of nations? Well, yes, I mean, I’ve been in Serbia for about a year and a half now. And most of the time, most days, we feel very, very lucky and very, very happy to
be here. As you may know, we lived in Bosnia-Herzegovina for four years. So this is our second time in this part of the world.
This is how you learned so good Serbian?
Our daughter was born in Sarajevo, and we love people in this part of the world. People are so warm, welcoming, generous, and hospitable. That’s really what brought us back to the region. We loved having the chance to travel all over the country, from Novi Sad to Niš to Tara. And wherever we’ve been, people have been amazing. So it’s a pleasure to be here. Your more complex question is, what would you change?
When I was preparing for this job in London and Washington, D.C., much of what one hears about Serbia is not very optimistic. You hear about all the tensions with the neighbours. You hear about arguments about the past. Only when I arrived here did I find so many good stories. There are so many exciting things happening. There’s so much potential here. And so I
SERBIA HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL AND AN EXCITING FUTURE TO EMBRACE
think I think, you know, obviously one can’t forget about the past, but I would love to see people feeling a bit less about the past and a bit more about the future because I think there’s a fantastic future to be had.
Are we often too oriented to events from the 1990s or the First or Second World Wars? That, yeah, there is. People spend much time thinking about the past. I think our countries—and this is not just a Serbian problem. I believe Britain also thinks of Serbia sometimes through the lens of the 1990s. And we need to move into today and think about tomorrow. Because, you know, if you look back at our history, we’ve been very good friends for most of the last 200 years. So, we must understand, remember, and learn from the past but think about the future.
WE MUST FOCUS LESS ON THE PAST AND MORE ON BUILDING A SHARED FUTURE
More than eight years after the Brexit referendum, where do you think the UK is today? What is the role in turbulent world turmoil today on the political and economic level?
It is a turbulent world at the moment. I feel nervous every morning when I wake up before I open the news.
Especially in the last couple of months, it’s been accelerating. Exactly. And, you know, all countries are grappling with real challenges, whether geopolitical, economic, or the more significant challenges around climate change, such as energy security. If I think about the UK itself, we are where we have been in many ways. I mean, we’re still a top-six global economy. We’re still a member of the UN Security Council. We’re still a leading member of NATO, the G7, and the G20, which I think gives us an essential voice in the world. We try to use that voice for good and, you know, to advance our values. In recent months and years, we’ve shown a real leadership role in Ukraine, standing up to Russian aggression and helping Ukraine defend itself. We’ve also shown real leadership on climate, recently becoming the first G7 nation to stop using coal for electricity production. We just had a very ambitious target of 81% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. We’re trying to see where we can use our position for good to help achieve positive change. We must keep working with partners. And, you know, you mentioned Brexit. Our relationship with Europe and the European Union is different from the outside. However, many problematic issues immediately after Brexit have been resolved, including those around the Northern Ireland border. And in Northern Ireland, we must take that seriously. We have a new government now, which has been very clear. It wants to reset our relations with the European Union and with all of Europe, including non-EU countries like Serbia.
And globally, what do you think is the UK’s focus now, globally, after officially leaving the EU? Well, we’re an island trading nation. So we have interests around...
You have the Commonwealth, your former “Empire where the sun never sets.” You still have some overseas territories and many interests worldwide. Exactly that. Yes, well said. We do. And, you know, we depend on maritime trading routes remaining open from the South China Sea to the Suez Channel. So we have global interests. But right now, the security and stability of our continent is our priority. If you look at what’s been happening in Ukraine with Russia attacking its neighbour, you know, essentially trying to recreate a world where might is right and the strong can do what they want and ignore. This is a dangerous state of affairs.
What is the position of Great Britain as a member of NATO when it comes to Russian aggression against Ukraine and President Zelensky’s initiative to have his country accepted as an official member of NATO?
Well, we have an apparent position on this. We cannot accept a world in which strong countries can attack their weaker neighbours. We know what that can lead to. We saw it in the last century with the world wars, and we do not want more world wars on our continent. So we are very, very clear that this is entirely unacceptable. We are working very closely with Ukraine to support them in defending themselves, which is their right under the UN Charter. We have trained 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the UK. We provided three billion pounds of military support last year and will continue to offer it as long as they need it. We’re helping them with their air defence to defend against these appalling Russian missile and air attacks, you name it. I mean civilian infrastructure, cities, energy systems, churches. So we’re trying to give them all the help we can get. We’re also working closely with our partners worldwide to ensure that the world is taking this position and standing up for Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign, independent state and choose its friendships and alliances.
When I was in London last year in December, I saw both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters on the streets. How does Great Britain, home to many Muslims from all over the world, who mostly sympathise, of course, with the Palestinians but also home to many Jews, manage to find balance when it comes to the current crisis in the Middle East?
Well, yes, we’ve been talking about the challenges we face, and this is one of the most challenging, of course. And the situation in the Middle East is very, very worrisome. And, of course, we’ve recently seen the situation in Syria, which is still very uncertain.
Fall of Damascus in seven days... Exactly. As far as the situation between Israel and Palestine, we are very clear that Israel has a right to defend itself. And the hostages who’ve been held in appalling conditions for over a year need to be released straight away. But we also need to see an immediate ceasefire. The conditions that civilians in Gaza are experiencing are entirely unacceptable. And we need to see significant improvement. We need to see civilians safe. We need to see more humanitarian aid getting in. And that is our focus.
You were, until recently, the ambassador of the UK in Sarajevo. How do you see the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina? When he was my guest on the show Sve U 16 on K1 Television, your fellow ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia, Aleksandar Vranješ, told me that none of the inhabitants of that country want war, although politicians often exchange harsh words.
Well, I think I agree with Aleksandar Vranješ. No one in their right mind should want war. I mean, Bosnia-Herzegovina sadly knows all too well what war means and how brutal and pointless it is. And I think this region has seen too much war and needs to think more about building peaceful, cooperative economies. He is also correct that the political leaders in BosniaHerzegovina exchange harsh words, which I believe is more than necessary. And I would like to see them collaborate much more closely. That was my sense when I was ambassador there for four years; you know, it’s a country I love. And, you know, it didn’t matter whether I was drinking “Nectar” or “Sarajevsko” beer... Whether I was with the Croats, Bosniaks, or Serbs. They were the same warm, generous people who wanted to build a better life for themselves, their families, and their children.
And then you read newspapers and got the impression that tomorrow we’ll start a new war.
So it’s frustrating. When I was ambassador there, we tried to get political leaders to focus on specific, concrete socio-economic reforms to improve life and create opportunities, particularly for young people leaving BosniaHerzegovina in huge numbers. Unfortunately, some were more interested in developing artificial political crises and deepening divisions. So, you know, we have always tried to bring people together. We’ve always tried to put constructive ideas on the table. I would love to see political leaders of all options in Bosnia-Herzegovina thinking again much more about the future and less about the past.
How do you view the opposing narratives in the media in Serbia, as well as among some intellectuals, claiming that the English are always to blame for everything, from the coup on March 27th, 1941, to the present day?
THE
Well, that’s a fascinating and complex question. I was recently in London with the Patriarch of Porfirije. The Patriarch received a book as a gift from the Archbishop of Canterbury, written by Nikolaj Velimirović when he was in England in 1915. He signed it. What fascinated me was that he dedicated this book to all the brave English doctors, medical nurses, soldiers, and monks who sacrificed their lives for Serbia. He also described Serbia as Britain’s most loyal friend. And 110 years ago, these were powerful words, but today, they are even more surprising. Unfortunately, we have lost much of that instinctive respect, understanding, and solidarity. I see my role as an ambassador changing to build more modern, positive relations with Serbia and focus more on the future. But I have to admit that it’s not always easy. You said there is much ordinary stupidity, but it’s not always easy. There are many stupid theories about Britain and the British. You mentioned the Coup on the 27th of March. Most modern historians agree that it was a domestic event. Of course, the British greeted him at that time. But I’ve been thinking about it since I arrived here a year and a half ago. I’ve read many similar stories. A few months ago, there was a story about the United Kingdom financing farmers’ protests in Vojvodina. I posted a picture of James Bond on Twitter on a tractor because sometimes the only honest answer to these stupidities is jocking.
It’s interesting that since the 1990s, especially since the bombing in 1999, the West has had a negative narrative. However, even the Germans, who were on the opposing side in both world wars, haven’t been treated in that way for the past 15 or more years like the British. It’s as if there is an endless production of these theories within some intellectual elite.
Well, it’s not always like that. I don’t understand why we are often the subject of these stories. Of course, I know people were disappointed by the bombings during the 1990s. But it is a little frustrating because these days, we are working on so many good things with Serbia. We are currently sitting in a British residence called L.C. Inglis. She was the leader of the Scottish hospitals during the First World War. They renovated 14 hospitals throughout Serbia, saving thousands of lives during the war and the typhus epidemic.
On 7 January 2025, it marked 110 years since the arrival of the first British medical mission in Serbia during World War I. What is the significance of this historical connection between our two nations?
On 7 January 1915, the first unit of the British medical mission arrived in Kragujevac, bringing hospital equipment for 1,000 patients. The humanitarian efforts of these British “heroes of compassion” who helped the Serbian people during the war and the typhus epidemic are still remembered in Serbia 110 years later.
As we look to the future, it is sometimes important to reflect on the past. Serbia’s courage in facing Austro-Hungarian and German attacks in 1914 and 1915 inspired the United Kingdom. Britain was among the first Allied nations to send humanitarian medical missions to Serbia, and it was notable for having a significant number of women—around 600 doctors, nurses, and medical workers.
Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice. Among the first was young British doctor Elizabeth Ross, followed by chief nurse Louisa Jordan, Margaret Fraser, Agnes Minnishull, and later Lorna Ferris and Mabel Dearmer. They are laid to rest at the Kragujevac cemetery, and their legacy is a testament to our nations’ enduring friendship.
And it’s essential that you know I’ve lived in Bosnia; I know how painful these memories are for people. But what’s important is that people need to talk to each other and find a common language that allows them to come to terms with the past, learn from it, and then discuss building a shared future as neighbours. You can keep your geography the same. People are going nowhere. And so it’s essential to improve the political foundations to build a better future for people, particularly young people, who want to see a positive future.
In your opinion, in which spheres is cooperation between Serbia and the United Kingdom at a satisfactory level, and which are the areas where there is still room for improvement?
The situation in Kosovo is again at the centre of attention after the recent incidents. In your opinion, what are the prospects for this frozen conflict to stop murdering the relations between Serbia and Western countries that recognise Kosovo’s independence? Serbia and Kosovo must find ways to address the open issues between them. Britain and Serbia start from a different position because we recognise Kosovo as a sovereign independent state. But what’s important is what we can agree on. And what we can agree on is most things. I agree that all communities must be protected and able to live safely, grow their businesses, and raise their families. The Kosovo Serb community, for example, in northern Kosovo, is no exception. They need particular support, and we are very involved in trying to help them where we can. Serbia needs to fulfil that potential we’ve been discussing to resolve open issues with many of its neighbours. It’s not just Kosovo with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, etc. And that’s really about political leadership. It’s about open dialogue and a willingness to hear the other side. Next year is going to be a year of anniversaries. There will be some significant.
There are three anniversaries: 30 years after Dayton, 30 years after Srebrenica, and 80 years after Jasenovac. The risk for the region is that, once again, it gets pulled back into arguments about the past rather than focussing on what I think most citizens want to see, which is the future.
When summer comes, in “normal countries”, people go on holidays and vacations. When summer comes in our region, in July every year is the anniversary of Srebrenica, and in August every year is the anniversary of Oluja. And we have big tensions every summer.
WHENEVER THE BRITISH AND SERBS MEET, THEY DISCOVER MUCH IN COMMON
I’m very ambitious, so I’m never delighted. But I’m glad I can say that we have many positive stories and achieved some results, especially in the field of trade, for example. Last year, for the first time, we exceeded the annual trade value between Serbia and the United Kingdom by a billion pounds. What I find interesting and exciting is that the biggest growth is in the most modern sectors – new technologies, the digital sector, renewable energy, and so on. We agreed on some arrangements with the Ministry of Trade here and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which means that now I think we don’t have many problems with trade. And I believe that the future is very bright in this field. I would like to see a little more of the relationship between our people. In my experience, whenever the British and Serbs meet, they find out they have much in common. And that gives me much optimism for the future.
The British Embassy and NALED have launched the Small and Powerful project to support women in public and business life in Serbia. What is the main goal of this initiative?
The Small and Powerful project aims to create concrete support mechanisms to help women entrepreneurs gain easier access to key resources and opportunities for the growth and development of their businesses. As part of this initiative, we will also award five grants to women-led small and medium-sized enterprises.
The UK Government firmly believes that women and girls worldwide play a crucial role in building better, more equal, fairer, and more prosperous societies. Educated, empowered, and equal, they should not face barriers in realising their full potential. I hope this initiative will provide a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs and female leaders in the public sector. Investing in women entrepreneurs means investing in Serbia’s future. Research shows that when women succeed in business, entire communities benefit—new jobs are created, innovation is fostered, and overall economic development is strengthened.
INTRODUCING HORIZON
A private sanctuary on Montenegro’s pristine coast with panoramic Adriatic views, offering residents access to an exclusive clubhouse, Luštica Bay’s amenities, and innovative new payment options
Luštica Bay has redef ined the art of coastal living in the past decadeemerging as a compelling investment opportunity and a gateway to Montenegro’s natural beauty and rich culture. The launch of its newest neighbourhood, Horizon, represents a further milestone in Luštica Bay’s commitment to elevated living, and adds to its existing portfolio of luxury residences.
Horizon has a towering vantage point above the Adriatic Sea. For thousands of years, locals would gather at this point to observe the sun and stars, and to scan for local mariners returning home safely. Fast-forward to today, Horizon will welcome residents back with open arms, providing them with a place to retreat, reset and renew. Somewhere they feel they belong.
A CORNER OF CALM
Horizon’s residences benefit from being close to the action and community of Luštica Bay - minutes from Marina Village, Centrale, and a new golf course - yet still in a quiet and secluded area overlooking the Bay of Trašte.
HORIZON WILL WELCOME RESIDENTS BACK WITH OPEN ARMS, PROVIDING THEM WITH A PLACE TO RETREAT, RESET, AND RENEW—A SERENE OASIS OF PRIVACY AND ELEGANCE
The architectural language of the residences blends modern luxury with traditional Montenegrin charm to maximise views across the Adriatic Sea. Every living room, bedroom, terrace and balcony is orientated around blue vistas and natural scenery. Generous open-plan living spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows, warm local stone, earthy colour palettes, and Mediterranean shutters. And cascading infinity pools and outdoor terraces are surrounded by lush gardens and fragrances of lime trees and lavender. All of this works to create a serene oasis of privacy and elegance.
Residents will have access to Horizon’s exclusive Clubhouse for socialising, dining and entertainment. Expansive terraces with swing sofas and sun loungers offer additional per-
spectives over the Adriatic, while the elevated Skybar is made for sunset drinks and alfresco dining. The Clubhouse also features an infinity pool, private cinema, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a dedicated kids’ club.
Luštica Bay’s boutiques, restaurants, events and sports facilities provide further year-round recreation. In addition to its high-end marina, five pristine beaches, and three sea lounges, Luštica Bay will soon be home to Montenegro’s first golf course: an 18-hole Gary Player Signature Champion Course. This course will establish Montenegro as a premier golfing destination and be one of the few in the world to possess sea views from every hole.
AN INNOVATIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Horizon residences range from €450,000 to €1,452,000 - with a 20% downpayment and flexible payment terms. A unique payment structure includes a zero-interest plan extended up to four years, with up to two years of post-delivery flexibility. This allows owners to generate rental income for up to two years before making their final payment, effectively off-setting their investment through Luštica Bay’s professional Property Rental Service.
CAPITALISING ON MONTENEGRO’S RAPIDLY ASCENDING LUXURY MARKET
Situated within three hours of Europe’s major hubs, and with three international airports
HORIZON RESIDENCES RANGE FROM €450,000 TO €1,452,000, WITH A UNIQUE ZERO-INTEREST PAYMENT PLAN EXTENDED UP TO FOUR YEARS, ALLOWING OWNERS TO GENERATE RENTAL INCOME BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR INVESTMENT
nearby, Luštica Bay offers modern connectivity and appealing investment opportunities. While comparable residences in established
European markets command inflated prices, Luštica Bay’s property values show consistent year-on-year growth that outpace many Mediterranean counterparts.
As Montenegro cements its position as the Adriatic’s newest luxury destination, Horizon is ideally positioned to offer owners long-term value creation and a new standard for Mediterranean living.
The British are unmatched in popular culture, which has a touch of high culture and refined taste. Their films, iconic TV series, and pop music have permanently changed the world and all of us in it, leaving an indelible mark on people far beyond Britain’s shores.
HOW ELVIS BECAME PROMETHEUS, AND HAMBURG SAVED BRITAIN
It all began in the southern United States, where African Americans played the blues and, in the early 20th century, created new forms of guitar music that later evolved into rock and roll. Just as Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, Elvis Presley took “black” music, adapted it to a white audience and his own sensibility, and – rock and roll became a global phenomenon!
Enthralled by the wealth of an unscathed America and a language they already spoke, Britain immediately embraced rock and roll. However, much of it was merely derivative, largely consisting of covers of American melodies. This wasn’t enough to conquer Europe, let alone the world. Europe was singing French chansons and Italian canzoni at the time, and listening to Sanremo was a major cultural event across the continent. Europe was much smaller in an artistic sense than today – Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Portugal were under military juntas or rigid, closed regimes, while the Eastern Bloc lived in its own world.
Then, an obscure five-piece band from Liverpool travelled to Hamburg and returned as a four-piece, transformed by their experience and reshaping global music under the influence of German existentialists.
Of course, that band was The Beatles. When they first arrived in Hamburg, they wore glittery jackets, styled their hair like Elvis, and performed covers of American hits. But their fifth member, Stuart Sutcliffe, met the German beauty and photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who moved in existentialist circles. They dressed in blazers, black turtlenecks, or white shirts and swept their hair over their foreheads. A new aesthetic was born – the defining look of 1960s Britain – and a new sound. Sutcliffe devoted himself to painting, and The Beatles remained the greatest band of all time, spawning an entire pantheon of British stars unlike anything the world had seen before. They conquered America, triggering what the American press called the First British Invasion – infectious melodies, sharp suits, the image of sophisticated charmers… The counterculture was born, and the world moved away from chansons and canzoni as everyone began imitating
THE BEATLES REMAINED THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME, SPAWNING AN ENTIRE PANTHEON OF BRITISH STARS UNLIKE ANYTHING THE WORLD HAD SEEN BEFORE
Britain and the British. The Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Who, The Kinks, The Animals… The world went mad. Teenagers, unwilling to live in the same world as their parents after the horrors of World War II, changed everything. Even the USSR and Yugoslavia, where records were smuggled or pressed onto X-ray scans, weren’t immune to the revolution.
When the director of A Knight’s Tale was asked why he used 1970s music in a film set just before the discovery of America in 1470, he replied: “The ‘70s are the ‘70s in every century!” After the decline of the hippie movement in the early ‘70s and its descent into drugs (the near-simultaneous deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin marked its tragic end), the post-hippie generation turned to flamboyant hedonism and experimentation. Suddenly, another taboo was shattered – flirting with bisexuality became fashionable, as did a feminised image: long hair, makeup, and high heels.
PERHAPS THE BIGGEST ‘BRITISH-SOUNDING’ HITS ARE NO LONGER MADE BY BRITISH ARTISTS, BUT THEY STILL SOUND UNMISTAKABLY BRITISH
David Bowie, the greatest figure in popular music history (not for the number of No. 1 hits or records sold, but for his sheer innovation), created personas that he fully embodied – Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, the Thin White Duke… Queen won hearts with their melodies, while T. Rex did the same with their music androgynous style – feather boas, eyeliner, and glitter. Elton John dazzled with ever-changing glasses and flamboyant suits at the piano.
The sexual revolution was in full swing – AIDS was not even on the horizon – and once again, the world danced to Britain’s rhythm, now more colourful than ever. Everyone imitated them – look at Bijelo Dugme in that era! Prog rock introduced epic, 25-minute-long songs and intellectual depth, while hard rock took off, with bands like Led Zeppelin filling stadiums with intricate ballads and electrifying guitar riffs.
And then came punk. Almost out of nowhere, in 1976, a group of angry, working-class youth emerged from Sex, a boutique run by Malcolm McLaren and designer Vivienne Westwood. They wanted nothing to do with flamboyance and glamour – they were raw, rebellious, and broke. Their songs were furious, unpolished, and barely lasted two minutes. None of them pretended to be skilled musicians, nor did they care.
Ironically, while the British press—already accustomed to Bowie’s makeup but allergic to working-class rebellion—dismissed punk as “filthy lucre,” punk conquered the world. It burned fast, but in its ashes, it gave birth to a new movement still considered one of the greatest in music history. And that was…
New Wave! Punk lived by the mantra “live fast, die young”; true to its word, it burned out quickly, destroying everything in its path but lacking a clear vision for what came next—like all revolutions. However, its more polished successor, soon known as New Wave, retained punk’s raw energy in a more refined, intellectual, and accessible form, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
This was the dawn of the Second British Invasion, a movement with surprisingly fascinating origins. It coincided with two significant historical and technological shifts. The first was the rise of cable television in the United States at the beginning of the decade, and the second was that by 1979, most households had colour televisions. But what’s the point of having a colour TV if the programmes remain dull and muted? Viewers craved something vibrant and flashy, while cable networks struggled to fill their airtime.
Enter MTV, launched on 1 August 1981, a channel dedicated to Music Television. The problem? The American music industry had ignored music videos mainly. Old-school rockers saw them as unnecessary, and most US hits had no accompanying videos—those that did were often just concert footage. As a result, when MTV launched, it had no choice but to air a huge number of British New Wave music videos.
The first video ever broadcast on MTV in the US was the 1979 Buggles hit Video Killed the Radio Star. To the music industry’s surprise, record sales for artists featured on MTV skyrocketed as listeners started calling up radio stations demanding to hear those same songs. And the videos? They were vivid, extravagant, and dripping with style. Duran Duran led the charge with their exotic, cinematic videos for Rio, Save a Prayer, and Hungry Like the Wolf, filmed in Sri Lanka and Antigua. They became both style and music icons, influencing an entire generation. At the same time, darker, more alternative movements emerged from unexpected corners of Britain. The Smiths, Joy Division, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure, and the entire goth subculture created some of the most influential cult bands in history—shaping entire new musical genres, almost by accident.
Meanwhile, the British press masterfully fuelled rivalries with its signature dichotomy approach, setting up dramatic musical face-offs: The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones, The Stone Roses vs. The Happy Mondays, and Oasis vs. Blur. So, again, Britain led the world in music, fashion, and culture—as it always had.
BRITPOP:
Just as Americans were recovering from the shock of the Second British Invasion, they struck back in the late ‘80s with bands like Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, and Nirvana. But Britain had its own counterattack brewing quietly, with the rise of shoegaze, then with bands like The House of Love, The Stone Roses, and The Happy Mondays.
And then, in 1993, the madness called Britpop began. A catch-all term for a fresh wave of British music, Britpop was led by Suede, Oasis, Blur, and Pulp—each unique yet unmistakably British, but the times had changed. The world now had its own favourite genres. In 1984, Duran Duran was the biggest band simultaneously in Germany, Yugoslavia, Italy, and Britain. But by 1994, British music didn’t travel quite as far. Americans were deep into R&B and hip-hop, Europe was dancing to Eurodance, and East Asia was quietly building what would soon become the world’s biggest cultural phenomenon—J-Pop and K-Pop. Yet, the influence of Britpop was still enormous.
From 2003 to 2013, the biggest musical trend was the indie revival, led by British acts like Franz Ferdinand, The Ting Tings, and Editors. But something strange happened—the biggest bands of this era weren’t British, but American bands that sounded British.
When The Killers, The Strokes, and Interpol emerged, many were surprised to learn they were American. And this, in itself, is proof of Britain’s musical dominance—by then, the seeds sown by British music had taken root worldwide, perhaps even surpassing the original source. That’s the highest compliment possible.
Even today, when you hear The Weeknd (Canada) or Rosé (New Zealand/ Australia/Korea), whose duet with Bruno Mars (Apt.) is one of the catchiest hits in years, it’s clear they grew up on ’80s British music and the indie revival.
Perhaps the biggest “British-sounding” hits are no longer made by British artists. But they still sound unmistakably British. And that is the greatest testament to the influence of this small island nation—an undisputed musical superpower.
The new-old Republican leadership, with Donald Trump at the top, leaves many wondering what the future holds for America
As the world enters 2025, the US is faced with many predicaments, drawing worldwide attention towards the American political scene, almost as if it’s a TV drama that keeps you hooked to your screens, or in this case, the screens of our phones while we scroll through social media and gather our news from questionable sources. It’s safe to say that the rest of the world does not lack in its dilemmas, but there’s something about American politics that sets it apart from others. Whether you follow it closely or not, you’re almost bound to feel the political “echo” of the US in your own country, no matter how far you go to the East.
Even far away from The States, here in Serbia, the US Election was closely followed by “experts” who would debate in the replies section on X (Twitter) over whether they would vote for Kamala or Trump, as if American foreign policy towards Serbia would drastically change depending on who wins the presidency. It’s debatable if these expectations will prove themselves trustworthy, as this is not
the first time we see Trump in office, but the fact that this topic constantly repeats itself on our afternoon coffees with friends or our New Year’s family reunions where you’re almost certainly going to fight with your conservative uncle proves the notion of the massive influence of America on the global political order.
As Thomas Friedman would say, “The world is flat, and the United States is the one nation that can reshape the global system in its image.”
As a fellow journalist, I believe this quote repre-
Donald Trump won the most recent presidential elections in the US on November 5th with the support of some of the most famous tech giants, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who have all been confirmed to be seated together on the inauguration platform.
In the past year, all three of these billionaires have tried to earn favour with Trump. The three men are among the wealthiest people in the world, with fortunes based on the tech boom of the past two decades. Musk ranks No. 1, Bezos No. 2 and Zuckerberg No. 3, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. It’s safe to say that this support greatly influenced the success of Trump’s campaign.
Only 10 days after the victory, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would lead a new „Department of Government Efficiency“ in his second administration, establishing Musk as an important part of Trump’s presidency. The commission’s DOGE acronym refers to dogecoin, a cryptocurrency Musk regularly promotes. According to DOGE leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the organisation will identify issues and recommend action to the White House, agency leaders and Congress.
As I’m writing this, mid-January 2025, even before the inauguration, Trump is already causing quite a commotion amongst the American public, raising concerns on whether he’ll follow through on his campaign promises that could potentially threaten key democratic institutions.
The most significant promise, as one of Trump’s most well-known policies over the years, is related to his fixation towards the Mexican border, calling for a „Remain in Mexico“ policy that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are being processed.
For those who have already entered the country illegally, he is calling for the most significant mass deportation in the history of the US, allegedly focusing first on criminals before turning to other undocumented immigrants. This could not only prove difficult to execute logistically, but it could also raise legal challenges.
TRUMP IS ALREADY CAUSING QUITE A COMMOTION AMONG THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
sents the primary motivation behind my attempt to give our readers some insight into the Land of the Free. I invite you to join me in this monthly analysis of events on the ever-changing American political landscape and its future impact with the first chapter of Capitol Chronicles.
Besides irregular migration, Trump announced that work permits, green cards, visas, and other legal migration will likely be slowed down. He also confirmed on „Meet the Press” that his Day 1 priority would be ending birthright citizenship „because it’s ridiculous,” which could prove difficult. After all, the principle that anyone born on US soil is a US citizen is rooted in the Constitution.
Trading is another area in which Trump aims to make changes, suggesting a 10% blanket tariff for everything that enters the US. This means China, Mexico, and Canada would be hit with even higher duties. It’s still questionable to what extent this policy will be executed, but what’s certain is that this move could be challenged in court.
The American public is angry over inflation, which is one reason Biden’s support decreased. Donald Trump will have to tread lightly in the public’s favour if his policies raise goods prices in response to these tariffs.
The storming of the US Capitol building on January 6th, 2021, is also a hot topic concerning Trump’s second arrival in office. Republican voters have been vocal about their expectations from Trump regarding the people who were convicted of federal crimes during the insurrection. On „Meet the Press, “ he confirmed that pardoning them would be a firstday priority. Will he do the same and forgive himself for any federal crimes? This is still an open question.
During his first term as president, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, a decision that was reversed by Joe Biden, who rejoined the treaty on his first day in office. For his second term, Donald Trump aims to leave the Paris Climate Accords again, intensifying his disregard for the transition to green energy. This could even slow the pace of green energy projects in the US.
Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, whether through economic means or means of force, which Trump refused to rule out as an option when asked about it, sparked reactions worldwide. The President-elect threatened Denmark with high tariffs if the country didn’t choose to give up Greenland.
Trump’s remarks were quickly met with a response from Greenland PM Mute Egede, who said Greenland was not for sale. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also responded, telling Trump it is up to Greenland to decide its future.
In his last presidential mandate, Trump had already stated that he wanted to buy Greenland. Still, when Frederiksen called the proposal „absurd,” he momentarily cancelled his trip to Denmark, ending his pursuit of Greenland.
AMERICA’S
It is yet to be transparent to what extent Donald Trump will stay persistent in his ambitions of actually acquiring Greenland (through any means necessary). Still, the Presidentelect has been firm in his public statements on this issue, saying that ownership and control over Greenland is an „absolute necessity“.
Donald Trump’s pursuit of Greenland may be motivated by its valuable natural resources and mineral wealth, including precious metals such as gold and platinum or base metals such as zinc, iron, copper, etc. Besides this, Green-
land is considered to be of great geopolitical significance. It is situated between the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, two artic Shipping routes whose importance is growing as sea ice shrinks.
During the last 30 days, America has gone through many events that have managed to steal attention away from the US elections. Starting with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson and the case against suspect Luigi Mangione. This tragedy has single-handedly created a massive public discussion, raising many questions about the state of health care in the US.
Even more recently, the fires in Los Angeles have been burning in Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Auto. Officials are warning that the LA fires could potentially be the worst natural disaster in US history, continuing the period of turmoil for the citizens of the States.
As Joe Biden’s farewell speech approaches, according to Gallup, his approval rating was only 39% as of December. The 16.6 million jobs during his tenure, which marked a record for a single term of a U.S. President, will be something the administration will boast about, including the support for Ukraine and how Biden helped strengthen NATO by adding Finland and Sweden.
On the other hand, inflation and voters’ concern over Biden’s state, especially after the Trump-Joe Biden debate in June 2024, will definitely cast a shadow over the Biden Presidency.
The new-old Republican leadership, with Donald Trump at the top, leaves many wondering what the future holds for America, but as H.E. Cristopher Hill, Ambassador of Serbia to America, said for our magazine in July in an interview with Robert Čoban talking about the presidential election: „Personalities will change. That’s for sure. But, I think people need to understand that our interests are more permanent than that and more lasting“
General Manager, Galenika
Given Galenika’s 80th jubilee year, we talked to the General Manager about the cycles of transformation and the why and how behind becoming and staying relevant in highly demanding and complex industries such as pharmaceuticals. Ricardo Vian Marques was appointed as the General Manager not long after the privatisation of Galenika by the Brazilian NC Group. The privatisation brought a whole new perspective for the Serbian pharma giant in 2018, as well as the know-how from the biggest pharmaceutical company in all of Brazil. As our interlocutor tells us, Galenika is celebrating 80 years of perseverance, transformation and success.
With your experience in the industry, what would you say is the reason for Galenika’s perseverance?
To become and remain a leader in a competitive and highly demanding industry such as pharmaceutical, you have to innovate, invest, and transform strategically all the time. The moment you may think, „This is it“, is when you would be finished. So, the answer is constantly being processed. If you do not change, you cannot expect to grow. It is as simple as that. We keep reading and hearing about the high pace of changes in today`s world. People and their lives, health priorities, preferences, and needs change. To succeed means to think in advance, and Galenika is foreseeing the needs and preferences of the patients and consumers today and those in the future. To innovate is to transform. In our industry, this means well in advance because the approvals and processes are specific and require time and long-term planning.
What were the company`s main achievements in 2024?
This was quite an important year for Galenika, as we
achieved considerable regional expansion and portfolio growth.
We demonstrated perseverance and overcame external challenges that were out of our control.
With double-digit growth in 2024, Galenika continues strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical industry in Serbia and the region. The biggest achievement this year is
the region and EU markets by launching 230 products. This is quite a number, and it reminds us how far we have come.
Galenika’s prescription drugs or RX segment is powerful and represents almost two-thirds (65%) of its overall portfolio. In the OTC segment, we have demonstrated growth by offering consumers contemporary solutions to their modern needs.
TO BECOME AND REMAIN A LEADER IN A COMPETITIVE AND HIGHLY DEMANDING INDUSTRY SUCH AS PHARMACEUTICAL, YOU HAVE TO INNOVATE, INVEST, AND TRANSFORM STRATEGICALLY ALL THE TIME
that we continued the process of regional expansion of Galenika and began sales in our new EUSlovakia and Czechia markets.
In 2024, we launched 50 RX and OTC products in Serbia, and we significantly expanded into
Dermocosmetics and dietary supplements are among the areas we recognise to have great potential internationally.
Galenika has invested considerable effort in portfolio
expansion in the past years. What were the milestones, and why were they so important for the company? It is certainly our focal point for two main reasons. The expansion of Galenika’s product portfolio undoubtedly strengthens the company’s market position. Most importantly, it offers consumers and patients a wide range of modern and efficient pharmaceutical products of the highest quality that contribute to health.
These new contracts increase our capacities and competitiveness and expand our footprint in EU countries. They strategically build up Galenika’s portfolio with modern, effective, and highquality pharmaceutical products that benefit consumers, pharmacies, and doctors, which they appreciate.
Galenika acquired Lifemedic in Serbia in 2023 and then began an exclusive distribution partnership with the Italian manufacturer Pharmalife Research in paediatrics and dietary supple-
ments. In 2024, we not only fully integrated the new company, team, and portfolio into Galenika but also increased sales.
Last year, we continued the strategic expansion of our portfolio through a partnership and exclusive contract with Cantabria Labs – a Spanish manufacturer of premium dermatological brands present in 85 markets worldwide. This way, Galenika took over the exclusive distribution of Cantabria Labs brands for the markets of Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, securing not only portfolio enrichment but also highly soughtafter products and leaders in their categories throughout Europe. The results achieved in the first months following this launch were excellent, which proves the business decision and market assessment.
Most recently, Galenika signed another international contract with the Austrian company Croma Pharma, one of the leading European manufacturers of premium products based on hyaluronic acid, an essential ingredient for skin care. We will launch the distribution of seven new products from the aesthetic medicine segment for the markets of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Interestingly, Galenika has recently received an Award for Contribution to Health and Prevention during the conference The World in 2025. What does this Award stand for?
You are right. Thanks for bringing it up. We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Galenika has launched a number of significant awareness-raising projects around the topic of Health and Prevention. I shall name a few: the annual Galenika Pink October campaign, which we have every year, as well as donations in the fight against breast cancer, then also our youth-oriented project and the Hello Twenties platform that has received a multitude of awards and recognitions. All these initiatives show how important prevention is to Galenika’s corporate agenda. So, by recognising health topics and prevention issues and mapping our possible contribution, we create projects and invest in them to make a change.
Our work is about curing and increasing the quality of life, and knowledge plays an impor-
Galenika was founded in 1945 as a result of the growing pharmaceutical workshop. The efforts of the initial team made Galenika stand out, and the company quickly became an important player in the pharmaceutical industry. Growing the portfolio and establishment of the Research and Development Institute contributed to its progress and further transformation. Decades of growth have made the Zemun-based company a true pharmaceutical giant that is well-known and preferred in the former Yugoslavia. There were many significant milestones in the long history of Galenika. It was among the first companies to start penicillin production in the late 40ies. Its products have been on multiple continents since the 50ies when the Export Department was established. Over time, Galenika expanded production facilities through strategic investments. It has changed ownership and went through different phases of development.
Galenika’s long history led it to the Brazilian NC Group, which marked a new era for the company in late 2017, together with the strategic partnership with EMS—the largest pharmaceutical company in Latin America.
Galenika produces generic drugs, dietary supplements, medical products, and products for everyday use. Its tradition and high quality are still appreciated by pharmaceutical product consumers. Company products are leaders in many product categories. The tradition continues through long-lasting Galenika brands that are a part of every household and new products that answer consumers’ contemporary needs.
Galenika is constantly working to expand its product portfolio to improve health and quality of life for the benefit of consumers. For 80 years, it has been devoted to people and dedicated to health by manufacturing efficient products and medicines of the highest quality, both very relevant and often life-saving. It is also a responsible company that takes the mission of being devoted to people seriously - from employees, patients and consumers, professional public - doctors and pharmacists, to partners, the neighbourhood, environment and general public to which Galenika dedicates its prevention topics and awareness campaigns. Focusing on the future and quality of life makes Galenika a modern and flexible company determined to last long beyond these first 80 years.
tant role in it. With every award such as this one or even a question about Prevention, I am reminded how important our work is and how many people it affects, bringing change for the better.
What will be the focus in 2025?
Being a leader in the pharmaceutical industry requires expertise and ongoing investments in technology, digitisation, and further development of production capacities while expanding business presence in international markets. For years, ongoing investments have been a part of our short-term and longterm plans.
After initially opening EU offices in Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia, Galenika opened new markets – Portugal, Czechia and Slovakia- last year. In 2025, we plan for dynamic growth in new markets with Galenika’s RX portfolio and the OTC. We are also preparing the company to launch peptides, which will be an enormous milestone for the company, the market, our NC Group, and the whole industry. It is possibly the biggest news in the region’s industry, and I look forward to presenting it soon.
Rotary International End Polio Now Coordinator
As Rotary International prepares to mark its 120th anniversary in February 2025, the organization remains a shining example of global service and leadership. Over its remarkable history, Rotary has addressed some of the world’s most pressing challenges, but few initiatives highlight its impact as profoundly as the End Polio Now campaign. For more than three decades, Rotary has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate polio, transforming a once-devastating disease into one that is now nearly eliminated worldwide.
This mission is about more than just fighting a disease—it represents a commitment to diplomacy, partnerships, and the creation of a healthier, safer world. For leaders in diplomatic and business communities, Rotary’s work serves as both an inspiration and a call to action.
Founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris, Rotary International has grown into one of the world’s largest service organizations, with 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs across 200 countries. Guided by its motto, “Service Above Self,” Rotary has spent 120 years promoting international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Rotary’s efforts center around its Seven Areas of Focus, which include: Promoting peace; Fighting disease; Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; Saving mothers and children; Supporting education; Growing local economies; Protecting the environment.
These focus areas reflect Rotary’s comprehensive approach to tackling global challenges. Through its Avenues of Service Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, and New Generation Service—Rotarians design
and implement sustainable projects that create lasting, positive change in their communities and beyond.
Among Rotary’s many accomplishments, its leadership in
ROTARY’S FIGHT AGAINST POLIO IS A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF WHAT HUMANITY CAN ACHIEVE BY WORKING TOGETHER. THIS LEGACY OFFERS SERBIA’S DIPLOMATIC AND BUSINESS COMMUNITIES A CHANCE TO JOIN A HISTORIC EFFORT THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE
eradicating polio stands out as a truly remarkable success story.
The End Polio Now initiative began in 1985 when polio was paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children annually across 125 countries. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Rotary committed to eliminating the disease through global collaboration.
Rotary co-founded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) alongside partners like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments
worldwide. This unprecedented coalition has reduced polio cases by more than 99.9%, with wild poliovirus now confined to just two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
As of 2024, only 92 cases of wild poliovirus were reported globally, compared to 140 in 2020. While this progress is extraordinary, it underscores the need for continued vigilance to ensure the disease is completely eradicated.
Rotary’s success in the fight against polio lies in its ability to connect people and organizations across all levels—from grassroots volunteers to government leaders. The GPEI is a model of international collaboration, demonstrating how shared goals can overcome global challenges. Rotary’s ability to mobilize communities, advocate for funding, and engage governments has been essential in bridging the gap between local action and high-level diplomacy.
These partnerships have fostered trust and cooperation across borders, uniting nations, businesses, and communities to achieve a common goal.
Rotary’s work against polio offers valuable lessons about the power of collective action and investment. Beyond its humanitarian impact, eradicating polio will save $33 billion in healthcare costs by 2035. It will also enhance public health, boost workforce productivity, and promote stability in both developing and developed countries.
For businesses operating in Serbia, supporting initiatives like End Polio Now is an opportunity to
align with a cause that resonates globally. By partnering with Rotary, companies can demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility, earning respect from employees and communities alike.
As Rotary celebrates its 120th anniversary, it is a moment to reflect on the organization’s enduring legacy. From advocating for peace to providing clean wa-
ter and eliminating polio, Rotary has consistently championed causes that unite people across borders.
Rotary’s fight against polio is a powerful example of what humanity can achieve by working together. This legacy offers Serbia’s diplomatic and business communities a chance to join a historic effort that will shape the future.
Although Serbia has been poliofree for decades, the fight to eradicate the disease globally remains critical. Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere. In our interconnected world, frequent travel and migration mean that no country is truly safe until polio is eradicated everywhere. The re-emergence of the virus in areas previously declared poliofree serves as a stark reminder of the risks.
Supporting the global fight against polio ensures that Serbia, along with the rest of the world, stays protected. By contributing to End Polio Now, individuals, businesses, and communities in Serbia can make a lasting impact. Every donation, advocacy campaign, and awareness effort brings the world closer to a future where no child suffers from polio.
Rotary’s 120-year journey exemplifies its mission of “Service Above Self.” Its fight against polio showcases how diplomacy, business, and community action can come together to address global challenges. As the finish line draws near, every contribution matters. Together, we can celebrate not just 120 years of Rotary, but the achievement of a polio-free world.
Thanks to Nikola Tesla’s inventions, you can read this text in its digital edition on your devices. His brilliant mind has allowed us to live in a world powered by energy in ways unimaginable in his time—an extraordinary leap in history. The world remained in darkness while he walked with glowing tubes in his hands, envisioning the future that now surrounds us.
As Vladimir Pištalo eloquently stated in his remarkable trilogy Tesla, A Portrait with Masks: “The world changed less between Plato’s time and Tesla’s birth than it did between Tesla’s birth and his death.”
Tesla bestowed an immeasurable legacy upon humanity, yet he departed this world alone and materially poor. However, his time is only just beginning as his creations grow significantly. Knowledge always finds a way and becomes an inspiration. Tesla lives on as a guiding force.
His legacy continues to spread, thanks mainly to the Tesla Science Foundation in Philadelphia, which, in collaboration with the
THE GENIUS, HELD IN NEW YORK IN THE MONTH OF HIS PASSING, WILL CONTINUE IN BELGRADE IN THE MONTH OF HIS BIRTH—THE CREATOR OF ONE OF THE GREATEST TRANSFORMATIONS IN HUMAN HISTORY.
Tesla Science Foundation of Serbia, paid tribute to the great scientist during the 13th International Conference at the New Yorker Hotel in New York. This hotel on Manhattan’s 33rd floor was where Tesla lived and worked during the last ten years and where he passed away on Christmas, January 7, 1943. On January 11, Tesla’s life and work were celebrated in the
same hotel, honouring the man who created the future.
Tributes were paid to him, and the impact of his work was showcased through art, culture, science, and creativity. People from across the globe gathered to speak about Tesla, which continues to connect the world even today.
On this occasion, the Tesla Science Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS) joined forces to strengthen cooperation in innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and promoting Tesla’s legacy.
During the panel discussion “Tesla at Home: Supporting Innovations in Serbia,” Branislava Simanić, Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at PKS, and her assistant Milica Selaković highlighted how the Chamber supports young entrepreneurs and start-up companies. Selaković introduced INNO-VERSE, a digital innovation platform, and BIZCHAT, a new AI-powered digital assistant for businesses. Speaking to our magazine, she emphasised that PKS aims to foster an innovative mindset among young people, helping them establish
their businesses, achieve economic empowerment, and, most importantly, remain in their homeland. She also announced that a unique conference dedicated to Tesla, youth, and entrepreneurship innovations will be held at PKS in July this year.
Tesla’s genius continues to shape the world as a historical figure and a symbol of innovation and inspiration for future generations.
Gratitude was expressed to individuals worldwide who have selflessly worked to preserve Tesla’s legacy over the past year. Nikola Lončar, founder and president of the Tesla Science Foundation, was particularly pleased to see young and professional individuals joining this mission.
The Tesla Science Foundation in the U.S. and the Tesla Science Foundation of Serbia bring together admirers of great inventors worldwide. Their active efforts to promote his legacy range from installing Tesla’s busts globally to establishing Nikola Tesla Clubs and fostering cultural diplomacy in Serbia and internationally. The goal is to preserve identity and cultural heritage, connect young people in Serbia and the diaspora, strengthen unity and shared values, and educate future generations about history, culture, and Tesla’s lasting influence.
Speaking about Tesla’s legacy as an endless source of inspiration at the New Yorker event, Milica Selaković reminded the audience of Tesla’s landmark participation at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair—a turning point in the history of electricity. In collaboration with Westinghouse, Tesla illuminated the entire exposition using alternating current, earning the event its lasting nickname, the City of Light.
On this occasion, Selaković announced that Tesla should once again “participate” in a specialised exhibition—this time, at home!
One hundred and thirty-two years ago, Nikola Tesla illuminated the Chicago World’s Fair. Now, 135 years later, Serbia will shine a light on his life and achievements.
A section of the EXPO 2027 specialised exhibition will be dedicated to Tesla’s groundbreaking contributions. The pavilion, named “The Power of Play,” will showcase the achievements of Serbia’s most renowned scientists—Mihajlo Pupin, Mileva Marić, and Milutin Milanković—with Tesla’s work as its central focus. The exhibition will highlight all of his inventions, particularly those showcased at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where Tesla’s use of alternating current transformed the future of electricity.
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived—Nikola Tesla’s legacy will soon have a space worthy of his contribution to science. Currently housed in Krunska Street, where Tesla’s original belongings, writings, and pioneering inventions are showcased, the museum will be relocated to the former Milan Vapa paper factory. Tesla’s legacy—including documents, sketches, photographs, and the urn containing his remains—was brought to Belgrade in 1951. The original archive, preserved
in the Krunska Street museum, has been recognised by UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register, the highest level of cultural heritage protection. However, due to the limited space of just 250 square meters, much of Tesla’s rich collection remains locked in vaults.
The new museum, located in Vapa’s Factory on Bulevar Živojina Mišića, will span nearly 6,000 square meters, making it one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the Balkans. The visionary design for Tesla’s new home is a collaboration between the renowned British architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects and Serbia’s Bureau Cube Partners. The architectural concept draws inspiration from Tesla’s vision of magnetic fields and the wireless transmission of electricity, embodying his groundbreaking ideas in a dynamic, modern space.
Under this title, Tesla published an article 1915 discussing electricity’s transformative power. A section of the piece was dedicated to his predictions of future inventions, which he believed would shape the use of electrical energy across various fields. His vision for solar, wind, wave, and fossil fuel energy remains strikingly relevant today.
Tesla’s inevitable conclusion was that water is humanity’s most valuable resource, upon which the future must be built. He also predicted that with a wireless energy transmission system, humanity would eliminate all obstacles to material existence. Distance, the greatest barrier to human progress, would completely disappear—in thought, words, and action.
Tesla’s inventions sparked a fierce battle between Thomas Edison, for whom Nikola initially worked for a monthly salary equivalent to today’s $400, and George Westinghouse, with whom Tesla later collaborated. The fight revolved around the transmission of electric-
ity—direct current (DC), championed by Edison, versus alternating current (AC), developed and promoted by Tesla.
Edison’s business relied on DC power, which could only travel short distances. In contrast, AC power could flow in multiple directions, be transmitted over long distances, and increase or decrease its voltage. Comparing the two was like pitting a horse-drawn carriage against a jet engine.
Edison had the backing of J.P. Morgan, which nearly drove Westinghouse’s company to bankruptcy during the War of Currents. To save the company, Tesla tore up his contracts and waived his royalties, a decision that would have otherwise made him the world’s first billionaire. It was enough for him that Westinghouse believed in him and invested in his ideas.
A pure soul but a terrible capitalist, Tesla’s decision cost him an estimated $300 million in today’s value. In the years that followed, AC power became the global standard. Had Tesla kept his royalties, his heirs would be earning billions today.
Yet, he left behind something far greater than money. As an American professor said over a century ago:
“Tesla left nothing more for others to do. If we removed his contributions from industry, every wheel would stop turning, trams and trains would come to a halt, cities would be plunged into darkness, and factories would be dead and idle.”
Mark J. Seifer, a scholar who dedicated his career to studying every aspect of Tesla’s life, wrote an extraordinary biography titled Wizard. In it, he demonstrates that no phrase—not even “ahead of his time”—can fully capture the depth of Tesla’s genius.
Perhaps the word “wizard” comes closest, yet even it falls short, for Tesla’s legacy cannot be framed—it continues to expand, crossing all boundaries.
The Miodrag Kostić Endowment has opened the Palace of Science in Belgrade, now welcoming visitors at 11 Kralja Milana Street. Thanks to Miodrag Kostić’s gift to Serbian society, worth over 25 million euros, a 5,500 m² space in one of Belgrade’s most beautiful buildings has been transformed into the first centre for research and popularisation of science in Serbia and the largest in the region. This project, of monumental importance for the development and support of science and education, reintroduces the concept of endowments in a grand manner, as it represents the largest philanthropic donation in the region since the early 20th century.
“Miodrag Kostić founded this endowment to leave a lasting legacy to Serbian science and society. While this is the pinnacle of his philanthropic work, for us, the opening of the Palace of Science is much more than estab-
lishing an endowment that bears his name. It is an investment in the future, technological progress, innovation, and our talents that will drive Serbia’s development. In addition to the research that will take place in 20 science
THE PALACE OF SCIENCE IS MUCH MORE THAN ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWMENT—IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS, INNOVATION, AND OUR TALENTS, WHICH WILL DRIVE SERBIA’S DEVELOPMENT
centres, an important goal of the Palace of Science is the popularisation of science. Special attention has been given to programs for elementary and high school students. Nevertheless, this is a place for all generations – from children and youth to the academic and scientific research community,” said Aleksandar Kostić, member of the Board of the Miodrag Kostić Endowment.
“Through this project, it was necessary to physically realise Miodrag Kostić’s vision. This monumental building, rich in architectural heritage and historical significance, had to be seamlessly integrated with modern technologies and contemporary content to create optimal conditions for conducting research in the science centres. We have breathed new life into this space exactly on the centennial anniversary of the building. From today, the doors of the Palace of Science are open to the public, and we believe all generations will enjoy our
exhibitions, the planetarium, and many other features prepared by the Miodrag Kostić Endowment,” said Aleksandra Stojanović, member of the Board of the Endowment.
Visitors to the Palace of Science can explore a permanent exhibition featuring over 30 interactive and educational exhibits demonstrating scientific phenomena and discoveries about humanity, Earth, technology, and the universe engagingly. One of the highlights is the largest interactive globe in Europe, three meters in diameter, displaying more than 500 projections using NASA’s database. The first guest exhibition, focusing on sharks, has arrived from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
The Palace of Science also houses a planetarium with 36 seats and a state-of-the-art audiovisual system. It offers a 360-degree visual spectacle with hourly projections exploring the mysteries of the universe. The Show Lab presents projects from institutions collaborating with the Miodrag Kostić Endowment, while VR capsules provide virtual tours of other locations through interactive 3D 360° video experiences.
Additional features include a children’s science corner, a restaurant, a bookstore, and a café
WITH ITS OPENING, BELGRADE HAS GAINED A NEW AND SIGNIFICANT LANDMARK IN ITS CULTURAL AND TOURIST OFFERINGS, SOLIDIFYING ITS PLACE ON THE MAP OF LEADING EUROPEAN SCIENCE CENTRES
where robots serve coffee. The Palace of Science also offers event spaces, and the Miodrag Kostić Endowment will regularly host panels, workshops, and lectures on various topics.
In addition to activities to engage the broader public and bring science closer to citizens, particularly children and youth, the Palace of Science includes 20 research centres. Nineteen of these were established in collaboration with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade, while the twentieth is a digitalisation centre for Radio Television of Serbia. These centres research diverse scientific fields, including robotics, artificial intelligence, holography, power engineering, biomedicine, telecommunications, the Internet of Things, industrial automation, and 3D sound.
The Palace of Science is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the website. With its opening, Belgrade has gained a new and significant landmark in its cultural and tourist offerings, solidifying its place on the map of leading European science centres.
ROBERTO BOLLE
étoile of Ballet of La Scala Theatre
As The New York Times calls him, Ballet Superman, Roberto Bolle, will perform in Serbia for the first time as part of the 22nd Belgrade Dance Festival. The performance will take place on 16 March at the Sava Centre.
When you were a child, what drew you to dance?
I started dancing when I was very young. The reason was my best friend from nursery, who attended a ballet studio. She was always dancing. She would show me steps from her classes, and I would repeat them all. I was captivated by the music and often danced to the radio or in front of the television. In the end, when I was seven, my mother took me to that studio.
How did your ballet journey unfold?
I was born in a small town, Casale Monferrato, in northern Italy, where my first ballet school was located. We had classes twice a week. After a few years, I needed a more serious programme, so my mother enrolled me in a bigger school, half an hour’s drive from my hometown.
I was selected for the Ballet School of the Academy of Milan’s La Scala Theatre when I turned twelve. That was when I truly moved to the big city of Milan and, for the first time, was separated from my family, friends, and school. It was difficult. I suffered a lot during the first three years. At the same time, it was a great opportunity to be part of the finest educational institution and theatre—to live in the temple of ballet. That was the path I followed until I was nineteen when I received an engagement with the Ballet of La Scala Theatre.
And throughout all this time, did you have the support of your family?
They were never against me continuing to dance and progressing further. When I struggled with being away from home, they encouraged me to wait and see if dance was truly something I wanted to dedicate myself to. They taught me not to give up. Like other children in Italy, I also took piano lessons, went swimming, and had many other activities. However, dance gradually became the most important thing for me.
An intimate look at the career of a dancer who never stops evolving
BALLET IS INCREDIBLY DEMANDING, AND STAYING AT THE TOP REQUIRES IMMENSE DISCIPLINE AND SACRIFICE. BUT THE APPLAUSE AND THE AUDIENCE’S LOVE ARE MY GREATEST REWARD
Who was your role model in the ballet world?
When I was fifteen, I met Rudolf Nureyev in Milan. At the time, he was working on a production of The Nutcracker for La Scala Ballet. That production was a key collaboration between the company and the school, as students participated in certain parts of the performance. From that moment, Nureyev became my role model.
I was deeply impressed by his presence.
Your performances show clear emotions on your face. Did you take acting lessons?
During my training, I worked with twelve teachers who selflessly passed on their knowledge to me. At the age of twenty-one, I became a principal dancer. I began guest-performing with various
companies, from the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Ballet in London to the Paris Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre in New York.
When you have the chance to travel so much and work with so many different yet extraordinary artists, you naturally absorb a wealth of information and advice, which accelerates artistic growth. The opportunity to perform along-
side Sylvie Guillem, Alessandra Ferri, Carla Fracci, and many other remarkable stars allowed me to constantly learn and evolve.
Do you prefer ballet or contemporary dance? Are there roles that are particularly dear to you?
If I have to choose, my answer is –being on stage! However, performing in contemporary productions has allowed me to be more than just a performer. Classical ballet is beautiful to watch. It is highly elegant and demands perfection. However, for the artist, it is a restrictive form with little room to express emotions or personal interpretation. Everything must be exact, like mathematics. In contemporary dance, there are countless ways to express ourselves to show moods, ideas, goals, and emotional states. A new level of expression and interpretation emerges. For us classical dancers, discovering that freedom is an incredible experience.
You have had an incredible career, performing with the most renowned ballet companies in America and Europe. Do audiences respond differently in various parts of the world? The system differs between America and Europe. I was a principal dancer with New York’s American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for fourteen years. That famous company does not have its own theatre, meaning that as a dancer, you step straight from the rehearsal studio onto the stage. The cost of theatre rental is too high to afford the luxury of rehearsing in the actual performance space. We have beautiful theatres in Italy and across Europe, and our companies are integrated into these institutions, meaning the stage is ours. There is also government and institutional
support for the arts in Europe, which does not exist in the US. In America, everything is far more challenging, and for me, the experience of being there and performing with ABT was truly significant.
You have performed in many countries and at events ranging from the Sanremo Festival to fashion shows for Dolce & Gabbana and in front of some of the most famous figures of our time. How do those performances compare to performing in a theatre?
Those moments sometimes bring more stress than performing on a theatre stage. For example, I performed at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s birthday celebration, which was broadcast live across hundreds of television channels
You are a symbol of Italian ballet and have been at the top of the global scene for a long time, much like our tennis player, Novak Djokovic. What motivates you to stay among the best? Ballet is incredibly demanding, which makes it very difficult to stay at the top. It requires immense discipline and dedication. You must make sacrifices—give up significant parts of your personal life—if you want to pursue this profession seriously. Ballet is my passion, something I love doing.
Of course, I make a living from my work, and I am fortunate to still be part of incredible projects and performances, appearing on television and in beautiful theatres. I push myself to the limits of endurance because, to dance, I must train con-
IF AN ARTIST CAN CONVEY EMOTION AND THE AUDIENCE CAN FEEL IT—JUST AS I, AS AN ARTIST, FEEL THEIR EMOTION—THEN WE HAVE ACHIEVED WHAT WE STRIVE FOR
worldwide. I also performed at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics—again, live.
When something is broadcast on television, the pressure is entirely different. Even the smallest unexpected issue can disrupt everything in front of millions of viewers. Additionally, just like at the Winter Olympics, the stage and conditions are often not ideal for dancing. It was the middle of winter, and we were outdoors in freezing temperatures. Some areas of the stage were covered in ice. If you step on a frozen patch, you could slip and fall—in front of the entire world.
tinuously and maintain discipline in everything. For example, I have never taken a holiday longer than five days! While all my friends enjoy the seaside in summer, I have to return to the ballet studio after five days. The applause and the audience’s love are my greatest reward.
You often work with young dancers and are a UNICEF ambassador. How do you find the time and motivation for everything alongside your performances?
I have always wanted to do more than just perform on stage. I realised that this way, I could contribute
to my art. My goal is to bring ballet closer to a wider audience. That’s why I created the gala concept, Roberto and Friends. At first, we performed in smaller theatres across Italy, but the production became so popular that we started performing in arenas, colosseums, and concert halls with thousands of seats. We have reached millions of people.
That was when I began to understand how important it is to attract media attention and gain public recognition. I performed on television, acted in films, series, and shows—young people started seeing me as a role model. This led to my involvement with UNICEF, and I traveled to Africa to help children. That inspired me to do even more, so I founded a foundation for young ballet dancers. Its goal is to give opportunities to those who lack the resources I have.
Seven years ago, we created an event in Milan to celebrate dance. Every year, in front of Milan Cathedral, thousands of children participate in a ballet class broadcast on television. Ballet is an art form that plays a crucial role in growing up. Beyond teaching aesthetics, it instils ethics and discipline—the hard work behind every achievement that we, as human beings, admire. It teaches perseverance and the significance of small daily accomplishments. When children learn the value of hard work from an early age, they can grow into individuals with the potential to make a difference in their lives and communities. That is what ballet offers!
What can the Belgrade audience expect from your performance? What are you bringing to Sava Centre?
I am very excited to come to Belgrade at the invitation Aja Jung, whose festival I have heard so much about. This will be my first time in Serbia—I have never been here before! I am bringing a performance featuring the brightest stars of today’s ballet scene. One of them is the incredible Nicoletta Manni. If this is someone’s first time watching a ballet performance, I guarantee they will become a devoted fan! And for those who are already ballet lovers, we will bring something new and unforgettable—a theatrical experience of the highest quality. True quality is always recognisable regardless of how much one knows about art. If an artist can convey emotion and you, as the audience, can feel it—just as I, as an artist, feel your emotion—then we have achieved what we strive for.
Ihave visited Barcelona multiple times, so this last trip had nothing to do with tourism. Instead, it was about spending time with local friends, wandering through the streets of the Gothic Quarter, and enjoying morning coffee at a beachfront bar. Rather than revisiting the city’s prominent landmarks, which I had already seen, I explored bookshops and galleries, searched for Lorca’s poetry in Spanish, and discovered lesserknown museums.
That’s how I stumbled upon the unusual Museu de l’Art Prohibit. Located in the heart of Barcelona, in the trendy Eixample district, this unique museum showcases artworks that have been subjected to censorship. And, as only life can orchestrate, even my visit to the museum was censored.
In fact, I was almost cancelled. After posting about the museum and several striking photos of the exhibited works, I immediately received a threatening message from Facebook.
“Your post has been removed for violating Facebook’s policies,” the message read, followed by an unexpectedly personal remark: “We don’t understand how someone with such an impeccable reputation as yours (thanks for the compliment!)—and an administrator of several highly influential Facebook pages— could even think of posting something like
this (SIC!).” They didn’t stop there. Like a mother scolding a five-year-old for sticking fingers into an electrical socket, they warned me that I would be permanently banned if I continued sharing such content.
THE CENSORSHIP REVEALED A FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE— IT CAN BE EASILY DECEIVED
I removed the controversial photos. One depicted a giant penis (Mapplethorpe, obviously), which was deemed unacceptable, while Trump’s micro-penis, on the other hand, was perfectly aligned with neoliberal privacy policies. Even a Picasso sketch of a sexual act was banned—even though dozens of similar drawings by the artist have adorned the walls of Barcelona’s oldest tavern, Els 4 Gats, for nearly two centuries without offending anyone’s morals.
Putting aside the amusing (and disturbing) notion that a large penis is unwelcome in the 21st century, this censorship revealed a fundamental flaw in artificial intelligence—it can be easily deceived. Social media’s moral policing is executed by AI algorithms that can only detect the obvious. At the same time, the subtle and hidden remain visible only to those openminded enough to perceive them. A prime example is the work of Andrés Serrano, a Spanish artist known for religious imagery (such as depictions of Christ) but who added his own urine to the paint, giving the crucified Jesus a striking glow. This technique provoked extreme outrage among religious fanatics, who repeatedly attacked his works in the late 1980s. However, Facebook’s AI algorithm couldn’t detect the artist’s urine in the photograph, allowing it to bypass censorship.
The Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona preserves and exhibits many such works. It was founded following the ARCO Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid in 2018, and during the event, collector, entrepreneur, and journalist Tatxo Benet acquired Santiago Sierra’s controversial artwork Political Prisoners in Contemporary Spain (Presos Políticos en la España Contemporánea), which led the gallery to immediately remove the piece from display, effectively preventing visitors from seeing it. In artistic circles, this was widely regarded as censorship, prompting Benet to lay the foundations for what is now the Museu de l’Art Prohibit in Barcelona. He has since amassed over 200 censored artworks, including pieces by Francisco de Goya, Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Zoulikha Bouabdellah, Amina Benouchta, Charo Corrales, Andy Warhol, Mapplethorpe, and Banksy, and placed them on public display in the heart of Barcelona to restore their visibility.
The 2,000-square-metre museum takes visitors on a journey through the scandalous, ironic, thought-provoking, incisive, liberating, critical, and empowering nature of its collection. Digital tools enhance the experience, extending the exhibition beyond the gallery walls and allowing visitors to navigate instances of censorship as if exploring a virtual museum.
In the 21st century, censorship, bans, and cancellations of culture proliferate. In this context, Noam Chomsky’s assertion, “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all,” remains all too pertinent.
Indeed, the history of art is plagued with instances of censorship. Michelangelo grappled with it while painting the Sistine Chapel, as did Francisco de Goya, with some of his engravings from the Los Caprichos series exhibited in the Museu de l’Art Prohibit. Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso, whose work can be seen at the Museu de l’Art Prohibit, also encountered proscriptions.
While studies on censorship and cancel culture are scarce, notable exercises include journalist and writer Gareth Harris’ book Censored Art Today. The volume, published by Lund Humphries and Sotheby’s Institute of Art in 2022, identifies and scrutinises the myriad dimensions of censorship that obstruct the principle of free artistic expression.
Gareth Harris emphasises that “restricting what people see and absorb ultimately revolves around controlling a narrative for a mass audience, both in the physical and virtual realms, from determining why historical monuments should be removed from public view to suspending artists’ social media accounts.” An indispensable evaluation, Censored
IF
WE DON’T BELIEVE IN IT AT ALL - NOAM CHOMSKY
Art Today strives to elucidate why censorship is on the rise, who enforces it and who bears its brunt.
Indeed, Svetlana Mintcheva, the director and founder of the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), an organisation dedicated to defending the arts against censorship, is one of the leading figures who has written about the boundaries between freedom of expression and creativity. Her article “Caravaggio killed a man. Should we therefore censor his art? “, published in The Guardian in February 2018, continues to provoke reflection.
Just as the NCAC champions freedom of thought, inquiry and expression and opposes censorship in all forms, the Museu de l’Art Prohibit emerges with the aspiration of serving as a realm of creative freedom and a laboratory for addressing acts of censorship in the arts.
Source: Museu de l’Art Prohibit
Of course, e verything is a matter of taste, but if we go by the numbers collected by Taste Atlas, which evaluated 15,478 food items and dishes and gathered 477,287 valid ratings worldwide, here is the ranking from 15th to 1st place!
• Why did we choose the Top 15? Because Serbian cuisine is in 15th place! The “Must Try” list includes the following (with average ratings in brackets, the maximum being 5.0): Pazarske mantije (4.7), Leskovac homemade ajvar (4.7), Arilje raspberry (4.7), Komplet lepinja (4.6), and, of course, Leskovac barbecue (4.6).
Peruvian cuisine takes 14th place, with recommended specialities including Anticuchos de corazón (4.6), Aji criollo (4.6), Salsa de rocoto (4.6), Ají limo (4.6), and Pollo a la brasa (4.5).
• The United States ranks 13th, with its toprated dishes being American lobster (4.8), Pacific smoked salmon (4.7), Wild Alaska salmon (4.6), South Texas-style barbecue (4.6), and Boiled Maine lobster (4.5) – mostly salmon and lobster!
• A bit of a surprise comes at number 12, where Indian cuisine unexpectedly placed lower than expected. Many assumed it would be in the Top 5—but alas, statistics show no mercy! The highest-rated dishes include Amritsari kulcha (4.7), Butter garlic naan (4.6), Garam masala (4.6), Murgh makhani (4.5), and Hyderabadi biryani (4.5).
• Another Slavic entry is Polish cuisine, which secured 11th place. Must-try dishes
include Truskawka Kaszubska (4.7), Miód Wrzosowy z Borów Dolnośląskich (4.6), Pierogi (4.5), Sernik (4.5), and Pączki (4.5).
• Chinese cuisine did not fare well either, ranking only 10th. The top-rated dishes were Guotie (4.7), Biang Biang noodles (4.6), Dou ban Jiang (4.6), Yúxiāng (4.6), and Jinxiang da suan (4.6).
• Their eastern neighbours, Japan, placed one spot higher, with must-try dishes including Hamamatsu gyoza (4.8), Wagyu (4.7), Kaisendon (4.6), Chutoro nigiri sushi (4.6), and Kushiyaki (4.6).
• Is French cuisine the best? No, according to the ratings – it only comes in eighth! The recommended dishes are Miel de Provence (4.7), Châteaubriand (4.6), Saint-Félicien (4.6), Crottin de Chavignol (4.6), and Croûte aux morilles (4.6).
• Indonesian cuisine ranks slightly higher, with the best-rated dishes being Bawang goreng (4.8), Siomay (4.7), Nasi padang (4.7), Rawon (4.6), and Batagor (4.6).
• Turkish cuisine, which is well-loved in the Balkans, takes sixth place. The best-rated dishes are Kahvaltı (4.9), Samsun Pidesi (4.7), Tire köftesi (4.7), Antep fıstığı (4.6), and Çökertme kebabı (4.6)—meatballs and kebabs we know all too well.
• Spain comes in fourth place, with its best dishes being Jamón 100% ibérico de bellota (4.8), Pimentón de la Vera (4.7), Vieiras en su concha (4.7), Azafrán de la Mancha (4.7), and Cordero asado (4.6).
NOW, WE HAVE REACHED THE MEDAL WINNERS!
• Mexico takes bronze, with dishes that would make Patak Dača freeze in awe: Quesabirria (4.7), Chiltomate (4.7), Camarones enchipotlados (4.7), Chinantla Vanilla (4.6), and Chilorio (4.6). Unsurprisingly, they rank so high, as much of what makes global cuisine today originated from Mexico after the 15th century!
• Italy claims silver, and we are all familiar with its top-rated dishes – Pizza Napoletana (4.8), Parmigiano Reggiano (4.7), Gianduja (4.7), Pomodoro S. Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino (4.7), and Pomodoro di Pachino (4.7).
• And the champions are – the Greeks! The Mediterranean reigns supreme, with four of the top four cuisines. When in Greece, they say you must try Fystiki Aeginas (4.8), Finiki Lakonias (4.8), Kalamata (4.7), Fava Santorinis (4.7), and Portokalia Maleme Chanion Kritis (4.7).
Bon appétit!
Source: Taste Atlas
The Role of Independent Media, Public Responsibility, and the Future of Journalism in serbia
BRANISLAV ŠOVLJANSKI
Journalist, N1 producer, and author of the show 360 Degrees
IIF JOURNALISTS THEMSELVES ARE NOT WILLING TO SET RED LINES AND DEFEND THE DIGNITY OF THEIR PROFESSION—IF THEY ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE HUMILIATED AND TAKE ORDERS—THEN JOURNALISM CEASES TO BE JOURNALISM. IT BECOMES PROPAGANDA
importance of media independence, and the responsibility of journalists to uphold truth in a time of manipulation.
For a Culture of Dialogue, Its Participants Must Also Be “Cultured.”
Branislav Šovljanski, journalist, producer at N1, and author of 360 Degrees, shares his per-
n an era where the boundaries between journalism, propaganda, and political influence are increasingly blurred, the role of independent media has never been more crucial. Yet, in Serbia, the very notion of independent journalism is often questioned as pressures on the media landscape continue to mount. How can journalists maintain professionalism and integrity in an environment where political influence, censorship, and disinformation shape public discourse?
spective on the state of Serbian media, the erosion of journalistic standards, and the urgent need for reform. In this interview, he discusses the challenges of conducting meaningful dialogue, the
How do you manage to maintain a measured and respectful approach in your work amid the media landscape’s “law of the jungle” while still achieving the desired impact and influence on public opinion?
For five years, I hosted 360 Degrees on N1, initially conceived as a debate show where differing
views on key public interest topics in our society could be exchanged. In the first few years, this worked well, though it was never easy to always receive “cultured and measured” responses from guests. Different temperaments, political topics, and opposing opinions all played a role.
However, this format functioned only until the ruling parties decided to stop sending their politicians, officials, and public office holders to N1—even when they were expected to answer questions relevant to all Serbian citizens. I soon realised that such a concept no longer made sense if we only heard from like-minded individuals or multiple guests with the same views.
Since last year, the format of 360 Degrees has changed. I now conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals who are the best in their respective fields—people who have achieved success both professionally and personally and from whom we can all learn a great deal. And I must say, this change has been a refreshing one.
In Serbia, the Term “Independent Journalists” Is Often Used Today, but Isn’t It Redundant?
After all, independence is a fundamental principle of journalism. Why is it necessary to emphasise that a journalist is independent?
It is necessary because, as you pointed out, the core principle of the profession has been forgotten in this country. At press conferences held by public officials, politicians, and those who run the country, questions are prearranged, and it is decided in advance which newsroom will ask first and which will follow. Journalists who ask meaningful questions—those who demand answers that are not given—are silenced, their microphones taken away, and they are not allowed to ask follow-ups.
The way those in power treat journalists, as well as the level of humiliation and arrogance they display, is perhaps unprecedented. That is precisely why it is crucial that independent journalists still exist—those who do their job honourably and responsibly.
Media Bias Exists Everywhere, but Civilised Societies Have Red Lines. Why Don’t We Have Them Here?
Because journalism, like the entire value system, has been degraded. Education has been pushed aside;
we live in an era of fake diplomas, and the flood of fake news has come. Today, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from lies and to tell whether a video or photo is real or generated by artificial intelligence.
Journalists here lack solidarity, though there have been some encouraging examples recently. But if journalists themselves are not willing to set red lines and defend the dignity of their profession—if they allow themselves to be humiliated and take orders—then journalism ceases to be journalism. It becomes propaganda, and
there is far too much of that in our society.
How Can Serbia’s Media Landscape Be Changed? Is Lustration and a Purge Needed in Journalism?
It needs to be changed from the ground up. First and foremost, public broadcasters must truly become what their name suggests—serving the public interest, working for all citizens who fund them and paying their salaries. That’s where we should start.
Private media are a different matter—owners will always im-
PUBLIC BROADCASTERS MUST TRULY BECOME WHAT THEIR NAME SUGGESTS—SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST, WORKING FOR ALL CITIZENS WHO FUND THEM AND PAY THEIR SALARIES. THAT’S WHERE WE SHOULD START
pose their own editorial policies. However, these media should be regulated by the market. Their survival should depend on viewership and advertising revenue.
There are certainly many candidates in this country for lustration in journalism, especially for such a small nation. We must not forget what has been done so far and how individuals have acted under their own moral responsibility.
How Can This Be Achieved, and What Would Be the Preconditions for Change?
We need an orderly system, institutions that function and do their jobs properly. First and foremost, the judiciary must be independent but also transparent to citizens— everything it currently is not. Trust in these institutions must be restored.
Next, we need dialogue in society and a consensus on this country’s direction. Right now, I don’t think that’s clear to most people. Once that is established, the media landscape will also have to change.
Your Shows Are a Model of Professionalism. How Difficult Is It to Maintain Such High Standards in Your Work?
I wouldn’t know how to do it any other way. My father taught me that a clear conscience is the softest pillow, and I try to live and work by it.
Do You Believe This Society Can Transform and Change for the Better? Do You Feel Your Work Can Contribute to That?
Every instance where we, as journalists, have helped someone— whether an individual or a group— proves the impact the media can have. Whether it’s cold radiators in homes, unpatched potholes on the street where people live, or raising donations for medical treatment, all these are examples of how journalism can make a difference.
Of course, the media should also influence broader social change rather than being misused for personal gain or self-promotion. I believe this society can and must change for the better—we all deserve it.
A perfect example is the young people—students and high schoolers—who have been demanding this for months: an organised system that would then lead to a healthier society. I truly believe it is possible.
Economist and Vice Dean of the FEFA Faculty
One of the reasons behind Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was the issue of energy, specifically the transportation of Russian gas to Europe through Ukrainian territory. How significant are energy resources and natural resources as factors in conflicts and wars today? Personally, I do not believe that the issue of gas transportation through Ukraine was a key factor in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Many other socio-political factors led to this outcome. By the end of 2021, Russia and Germany, with the support of several other EU countries, were completing the second branch of the Nord Stream pipeline, with a capacity of around 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Alongside it, Nord Stream 1 (also 55 billion cubic metres), which has been operational since 2011, and the
TurkStream pipeline (with a capacity of around 31.5 billion cubic metres per year) provided more than enough capacity to replace the routes that had transported Russian gas to Europe for decades. Therefore, I am sure there was never an intention among the key stakeholders—primarily Russia and Germany—to invest in new capacities that would pass through Ukraine (the Ukrainian route) or Poland (Yamal). However, at the onset of the war in Ukraine, everything changed.
conflict, they have undoubtedly had the greatest impact on the energy market.
The great powers are showing significant energy weaknesses— in Germany’s industry today. What, then, should small and vulnerable countries like Serbia, whose energy dependence poses an even greater threat?
As I mentioned, Germany played an all-or-nothing game between Russia and Europe. And it lost. Had the war not broken out, Ger-
DESPITE THE OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMED BROTHERLY RELATIONS, THERE ARE FEW ECONOMIC EXAMPLES WHERE THIS TRANSLATES INTO TANGIBLE BENEFITS
Despite this, energy sources and natural resources have been a cause of armed conflicts, either directly or indirectly, for many decades. While they may not have been the direct cause of this
many would have been the sole entry point for Russian gas into Europe. Both its economy and citizens would have benefited, and the competitive advantage of German industry would have been
substantial. What remains unclear is why Germany did not have a backup plan. Relying on a single energy source, especially one that is not under your control, is extremely risky. At the same time, Germany shut down its nuclear power plants while restricting coal energy production. Investments in renewable energy sources did not progress as expected, and (Russian) gas was meant to be a transitional energy source. When the gas supply was cut off, Germany had no choice but to import energy from the market urgently, which was an expensive endeavour. The cost was borne by its citizens and economy. The government also paid the price.
How Much Does Our Reliance on Russia Today Stem from Our Energy Needs?
Our orientation towards Russia is primarily a result of political relations, where Russia has historically been portrayed as a “friend.” At the same time, the West has been seen as an entity seeking to exploit us. This rhetoric, to a
greater or lesser extent, has been present for at least 40 years. Naturally, NATO’s bombing of Serbia without UN Security Council approval significantly contributed to this perception. All of this, along with many other factors, has led to Serbia traditionally having better relations with Russia than with the West—or at least, that is the prevailing perception.
Although this perception is not always accurate, it runs so deep that in a survey conducted a few years ago, most Serbian citizens believed Russia was the largest donor to Serbia, even though it was not even in the top ten. Therefore, I do not think that Serbia’s energy dependence on Russia is the reason for good relations; instead, it is a consequence of them.
Why Does Serbia Pay Significantly More for Gas and Oil and Have Some of the Most Expensive Fuel in the World While Claiming Russia Is a Friendly Nation?
This brings us to one of the key questions. Despite the officially proclaimed brotherly relations, there are few economic examples where this translates into tangible benefits. There are at least two reasons for this.
First, gas prices are determined through direct negotiations with Russia, but market size also plays a crucial role. A larger market means a more significant buyer with greater negotiating power. A good example is Bulgaria, where gas prices were reduced at one point when the EU “assisted” in the negotiations.
The second reason is likely that Serbia does not buy gas directly from Russia but through an intermediary (Jugorosgas). This intermediary purchase results in someone earning a substantial commission while citizens and businesses bear the financial burden. And this has always been the practice.
The US Has Imposed Sanctions on NIS. Did Vučić Orchestrate This to Play the Victim and Justify His Distancing from Russia?
It is unclear what exactly has happened at this moment. However, the sanctions are now in place, and this situation must be resolved somehow. I do not see the government distancing itself from Russia, nor do I believe the sanctions will somehow facilitate such a move. It remains to be
IN A GLOBAL WORLD WHERE POLARISATION IS STRONGER THAN EVER, EUROPE MUST MORE THAN EVER ACT AS THE ‘THIRD PILLAR’ IN A BIPOLAR WORLD. OTHERWISE, IT RISKS DISAPPEARING AS A DISTINCT ENTITY
seen what steps the government will take to address this issue, which might give us a clearer idea of where these sanctions originated.
What Will Happen to NIS Now? The Americans Demand the Removal of the Russian Owner, While Russia Rejects Nationalisation. Has Vučić Deliberately Stepped Onto a Political Minefield?
If the sanctions remain in place and are strictly enforced, there are only two possible outcomes— either a change in ownership or bankruptcy. I do not see a third option. How the government intends to solve this problem is up to them. The situation is extremely difficult, and Serbia must main-
Lithium Mining? Is this a Form of Neocolonialism, and how dangerous is it for us?
I wouldn’t say that Germany is pressuring Serbia regarding lithium mining. The government seems more likely to portray it that way to justify its agreement with Rio Tinto. After all, that government and that prime minister are no longer in office, and after the elections in Germany, we will see how the new government approaches this issue. My position is that Serbia currently has no economic and even less political interest in mining lithium.
European Sanctions Against Russia Were Criticised Under the Pretext That Europe Would Freeze Without Russian Gas, Yet This Has Not Happened for Three Winters. However, There Is Still a Crisis—Industry Is Struggling, Societies Are Shifting to the Right, and Popular Resistance to Neoliberalism Is Growing. How Do You See Europe’s Political Future?
For several decades now, Europe has been led by third-rate politicians. There are no leaders with vision; short-term policies have replaced long-term strategies. Everything valuable in Europe seems to have moved to the corporate sector, while those left in politics are incapable of leading Europe forward. This is evident in every aspect—from delays in global policies and innovation to undefined relations with China and Russia, strained ties with the US, and Brexit.
tain a delicate balance between both sides.
The primary reason for this is Serbia’s heavy dependence on Russian gas. Without that, Russia’s stance on NIS would not be of much concern to us. Moreover, the failure to implement the Agreement on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector due to the cancellation of the South Stream project (one of the three projects covered by the agreement) had already created the conditions for a revision of the agreement back then. However, Serbia’s high dependence on Russian gas has put the country in a weak negotiating position.
Is Germany Putting the Greatest Pressure on Serbia Over
All of this endangers the vision of Europe as the best place to live in the world. In my view, the social democratic model of governance, where the state takes care of all its citizens, remains the best one. However, the failure of European social democracy—and even the centre-right—to respond to modern challenges has driven people towards political extremes, whether left or right. History seems to repeat itself, which is never good for Europe—or us.
In a global world where polarisation is stronger than ever, where the West is losing its position as the “bastion of democracy,” where liberalisation is being replaced by protectionism, and where the UN and the Security Council no longer have the mechanisms to maintain peace, Europe must more than ever act as the “third pillar” in a bipolar world. Otherwise, it risks disappearing as a distinct entity.
BINOD CHAUDAHARY Chairman and president of the Chaudhary Group
Binod Chaudhary is a Nepalese billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He is the chairman and president of the Chaudhary Group. In February 2013, he was recognised as Nepal’s wealthiest and only billionaire. In an interview for our magazine, we talked to him about his origin story, the success of the Chaudhary Group, and his message for the new generations of entrepreneurs.
Can you share the story of how you started your journey in the business world and what inspired you to take over the family business?
Well, I must say that if I look back on my life, and there is a book on it, it’s also in Serbian. It’s a book called Making It Big. You can get it on Amazon and online. I had to join the business at the age of 18. Not that I was planning. Like all of you, I was busy running a discotheque. I was preparing to go to India, Mumbai, and Bollywood and, like everybody else, enjoy life for a few more years. Still, my father fell ill, unfortunately, and I was the eldest son of the family. So, I had no choice; my sense of responsibility prompted me to take over.
People did not believe that a young man could be serious about business, so there were many challenges, and many people tried to take advantage of them. There were struggles from day one. Second, I can also say that I’ve always been a man from a small country but a man with big dreams. I always thought that I wanted to be what I am today. I never had any complexes. Fifty years ago, it was easier said than done. I’m happy that wisdom prevailed. God showed us the path, and we kept on working. Our nation grew.
THE BACKBONE OF ALL THESE BUSINESSES IS NOT CAPITAL. IT IS THE MIND.
First, we became the biggest in Nepal. Then, we grew in South Asia, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The next journey was the Middle East, and now we’re trying to position ourselves as a reasonable conglomerate in the European markets, particularly ex-Yugoslavia.
So, our plan is to cover the whole region, not just Serbia, but with Belgrade as our headquarters. That’s the centre. We’ve been here for about seven years. We produced the instant noodles WAIWAI.
We have kept it low-key so far, but otherwise, we are a much bigger brand in Asia. We will focus on this region and grow not only our existing plants but probably new plants. We are already setting
up another plant in Egypt. We will be a formidable player.
What are some of the key factors that have contributed to the success of the Chaudhary Group over the years?
Number one is having confidence in yourself. Number two is having the determination that you will make it. Number three is being disciplined, and you’ll ensure that whatever you plan, you execute it. People often talk about vision. Everybody has a vision, but do you have an execution plan for that vision? They say a vision without an execution plan and a will to execute is a joke.
All these factors that I mentioned contributed to having big dreams. You have to dream in life.
If you start thinking and complaining, “I don’t have this, I don’t have that. I come from a small country”, it’s just a lot of excuses. You have to remember, and I can say this from my own experience, that nothing stops you from competing with anybody from anywhere else in the world, especially now. The world is so connected.
Whether you were born here, in Nepal, in the USA, or anywhere in the world, the technology is the same. So, the issues stay the same wherever you are. It’s a connected world, and there are resources.
While we’re on success stories, could you share details about the Chaudhary Group’s flagship projects and their impact on the market?
I want to divide this answer into probably three different fields. One is historically what business we were in. We have always been in the food and beverages
business and have become a global player. Our products are sold in more than 70 countries. We have 27 plants across the world, including Sevilla. Subsequently, we went into the hospitality industry. It was about 25 years ago, and today, we have about 170 hotels across 12 countries and growing. We work with Taj, Pemmon, and Marriott, to name a few, and we have our brand.
The third sector that has become important to us is banking and telecom. We are in Nepal, Moldova, not too far from you, in telecom. In banking, we are in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and hopefully soon in the Balkans, too. Now, that’s one aspect.
The other aspect that gives us great satisfaction and worldwide recognition is our work through our foundations. Earning money and having recognisable brands is important, but giving money back to the people is equally important. Today, everybody knows who is behind a particular corporate name or a brand and what the conduct of that shareholder is. If that shareholder plays some role in a positive social change, the consumer and the people will have an emotional connection. That reward you will get as a corporation will be far more precious than any other dividend. We have always played by this rule, be it the earthquake in Nepal, one of the third largest in history in 2015, COVID-19, or every other day.
I respect Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, not for their money, but for the work they do for society. I respect Tata’s in India, too, because of the work they do. So, in our small way, we have been recognised. We have been featured on the cover of Forbes for the social work we’ve done, not because we are the biggest enterprise in the world but precisely because of our impact.
Could you share how the Chaudhary Group ensures quality and consistency across its product lines?
It’s like most conglomerates have to follow the same principles. You have a very strong core, your corporate support system, and your vertical-wise management team. This management team is very carefully monitored and supported. Let’s say my hotel team is based out of Dubai; whether there is a hotel in Slovenia or a hotel in New York at JFK, the same team is watching it. So they’re learning how different brands operate, what standards we need to follow, what products we offer.
PEOPLE OFTEN TALK ABOUT VISION. EVERYBODY HAS A VISION, BUT DO YOU HAVE AN EXECUTION PLAN FOR THAT VISION?
Our global team, which runs all our food and beverage businesses, is involved in Serbia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, India, and Nepal. So, it’s a question of consistency in the people who run the business and find the best people.
Educating them so they become the best people in the industry and ensuring that you look after them while maintaining the corporate structure is hard enough.
During my journey over the last 50 years, the most difficult thing in getting to this point wasn’t business-building or capital. It was always about people—finding the right person for the right job and making sure that the right person you delegate delivers.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs worldwide who aspire to build successful businesses?
There could not be a better time for your generation to be born. Why? Because the whole world is going through a disruption. New thoughts, old ways of doing things, old technologies and business methods are all becoming irrelevant.
In our time, 50 years ago, if I wanted to introduce something in the market, I would have to set up a plan. Today, you don’t even need a plan. Just an idea is sometimes enough. Just an idea, you can get it made by somebody.
Amazon does not own any factory. Alibaba doesn’t own any factories. The world’s biggest hotel company, AirBnB, doesn’t own even one single room. Uber doesn’t own a car. It’s only about the idea that somebody had of buying out that space, be it in the car or a hotel building, and selling it to somebody who needs it. It’s connecting people, and technology plays the most important role in connecting people. And technology is the same. Whether you do it from Kathmandu or Silicon Valley. What is also important is that you have to be able to foresee trends and where the world is going.
For instance, if Blackberry had realised that the age of Android would end, it would not have missed the market. So, this is what is called a disruption. Every day, thousands of disruptive businesses occur, and the backbone of all these businesses is not capital. It is the mind.
It is the human, the commitment and the discipline to convert that idea into a reality. Capital isn’t everything. Most of the globally well-known companies, call it Amazon or Microsoft or Google or you know, you look at the background of their founders; they do not come from rich big families like Rockefeller.
They all are first-time entrepreneurs. They had an idea, a will, and the ability to put together an ecosystem. They could sell their ideas. If you can convince people that you have an idea that is going to be a winner, if you can convince them that this man has the courage and discipline, money will just follow you.
A venture capital investor specialised in blockchain
Stablecoins have found product-market fit and are becoming an integral part of both the cryptocurrency ecosystem and the legacy global financial system. In less than a decade, they have evolved into a key financial instrument, with USD-pegged stablecoins collectively ranking among the top 20 holders of U.S. Treasury debt—surpassing several sovereign entities, including Germany, in their U.S. bond holdings.
Within the crypto ecosystem, stablecoins now account for approximately 32% of active onchain usage, placing them among the most widely used digital assets. Their utility extends beyond the digital asset sphere; as of 2023, stablecoins facilitate an estimated 30% of global remittance transactions, highlighting their growing role in cross-border payments.
On-chain transaction data further underscores their adoption. In the second quarter of 2024, stablecoins processed $8.5 trillion across approximately 1.1 billion transactions—more than double Visa’s $3.9 trillion transaction volume during the same period.
Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to a stable asset, such as the U.S. dollar. They can be categorized based on what underpins their value peg. The dominant category—accounting for over 90% of the stablecoin market—is fiatbacked stablecoins.
Fiat-backed stablecoins are backed 1:1 by fiat currency reserves (e.g., U.S. dollars) held in bank accounts or liquid assets such as short-term government
s tablecoins are simply the better version of the current financial system
STABLECOINS POWER 32% OF ON-CHAIN TRANSACTIONS, MAKING THEM A DOMINANT DIGITAL ASSET
bonds. For every stablecoin issued, an equivalent amount of USD is kept in reserve by the issuer. These models rely on centralized custodians, such as banks, to hold the actual dollars or treasuries backing the stablecoins.
The largest stablecoin issuers today are Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC), which together dominate the market and continue to drive mainstream adoption.
Why are stablecoins an attractive financial proposition? Speed and fees.
Let’s illustrate a few real world examples of why the current systems are archaic
Wire Transfer - The average international wire costs ~$44 and can take 3–5 days.
Traditional B2B international payments involve multiple intermediaries, leading to high costs and long settlement times. A pay-
ment from a garment manufacturer in Mexico to a textile manufacturer in Vietnam must pass through local banks and multiple correspondent banks, often requiring currency conversion (MXN > USD > VND). This process takes 3-7 days and incurs fees ranging from $14 to $150 per $1,000, significantly increasing transaction costs for businesses. Stablecoin settlements are direct, immediate and at a fraction of the cost.
It is simply the better version of the current financial system. This argument especially applies to small businesses and migrant workers. Recent advances have drastically reduced stablecoin transaction costs from about $5 to less than a tenth of a cent, present-
ing a compelling market opportunity for small, margin-sensitive businesses such as corner stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. For example, a coffee shop operating on a 2% margin could potentially double its profitability by switching from traditional payment methods—where a $1.50 coffee might incur a fee of roughly $0.30 plus an additional 2% charge—to a system build around stablecoins that charges negligible fees. Traditional payment providers charge without adding significant value, by adopting stablecoins, businesses can recover those lost margins directly, effectively enhancing their bottom line and transforming their overall profitability.
Remittances represent an $800 billion market, with approximately 200 million migrant workers sending money back home to support around 800 million family members worldwide. These financial flows are a critical lifeline, often used for essential expenses such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. However, the remittance process remains costly and inefficient. On average, every transaction incurs a fee of around 6% or more, meaning that for every $200 sent, roughly $12 is lost to intermediaries. In some corridors, particularly those serving low-income regions, fees can exceed 10%, significantly reducing the amount received by families in need. Stablecoins offer a direct, low-cost alternative by enabling instant, peer-to-peer transfers without intermediaries and can automatically be converted into local currency.
Financial exclusion remains a significant challenge, with 1.4 billion people globally lacking a bank account. However, the vast majority of these individuals own a smartphone. By utilizing digital wallets and stablecoins, the un-
banked population can gain direct access to the global financial system, bypassing the limitations of traditional banking. With a universally accepted, stable digital currency stored on their phones.
Fiat-backed yield bearing stablecoins represent a pioneering evolution in the digital currency landscape. Unlike traditional stablecoins that merely preserve value, these innovative instruments generate yield by leveraging the dollars held in custody. The underlying funds are strategically
invested in low-risk, yield-generating assets such as treasury bills, money market funds, and bonds, effectively mirroring the returns typically associated with traditional bank deposits.
Traditional intermediaries— namely, banks—might become obsolete in this equation. Users can access a globally accepted stable currency, traded with low to no fees, that earns yields comparable to those from a bank deposit—all while residing in their own digital wallets. Yet, for this paradigm shift to succeed, strict regulation is essential to safeguard liquidity and protect investors.
HSBC projects that tokenized assets—including sectors such as real estate, commodities, and public equities—could unlock approximately $16 trillion in capital by 2030, BCG estimates it will reach $24 trillion within the same time frame. Tokenized real-world assets within the blockchain ecosystem can only be transacted using a blockchain-based payment system making stablecoins the ideal solution for transacting within this new ecosystem, as the ecosystem grows does the demand and supply of stablecoins.
Stablecoins, with over 90% of which are denominated in US dollars, are inherently reinforcing the dollar’s dominance within the rapidly evolving blockchain based financial ecosystem. As stablecoins become the preferred medium for transactions, tokenized asset trade, and decentralized finance applications, they effectively anchor the digital finance ecosystem to the world’s primary reserve currency. This alignment localizes much of the emerging blockchain based economy within the United States’ monetary system, ensuring that the dollar’s influence extends beyond traditional markets into the future of digital finance. Geopolitically, this phenomenon positions the United States at the helm of the blockchain-based financial system, solidifying its control over digital liquidity, regulatory frameworks, and financial infrastructure
a global scale.
DRAGAN BJELIĆ President of O.T.I.S.
How would you describe O.T.I.S.’s role in building and strengthening national and regional security? In your opinion, what is O.T.I.S.’s most significant contribution in this field?
Organization for Search and Rescue of Serbia (O.T.I.S.) is a key national and regional volunteer rescue organisation based in Serbia. With five years of experience building a safer community, O.T.I.S. actively contributes to enhancing national and regional security by responding to crises, strengthening the capacities of rescue teams, and raising public awareness of the importance of swift and effective action.
O.T.I.S.’s most remarkable contributions in this field can be seen in three key operations: the COVID-19 pandemic, the earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye, and the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad. These three situations best illustrate the organisation’s breadth and capability in crisis response.
Given global challenges such as natural disasters, what are the most significant examples of O.T.I.S. interventions on the international level? Can you share some recent mission examples?
The most significant example of global disaster response is our rescue mission in the Republic of Türkiye in February 2023. As the only volunteer rescue team from Serbia, we spent seven days in the city of Kahramanmaraş, which was the epicentre of the earthquake.
When we landed in Adana and then travelled to Kahramanmaraş, I thought we were
The mission and vision of serbia’s volunteer rescue organisation
in a war zone. It was a devastated city, and the scenes were like something out of a film— walking through the streets with buildings collapsed on both sides. At the same time, people stood around fires, waiting for news from the rescue teams who worked tirelessly among the ruins, searching for survivors and recovering the bodies of those who had perished.
Our initial tasks involved searching the rubble for signs of life, using specialised equipment operated by Turkish rescuers, as we did not have such devices ourselves. We assisted them in this critical effort. After that, our activities focused on retrieving victims from the disaster site for the remainder of our mission.
What I witnessed in Türkiye was global solidarity at its strongest—where nationality, religion, or background didn’t matter. It was a powerful display of humanity, which seems to be fading today. That is also part of our mission—to restore faith and hope in people and show that small heroes exist and can make a difference.
WHAT I WITNESSED IN TURKEY WAS GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AT ITS STRONGEST—WHERE NATIONALITY, RELIGION, OR BACKGROUND DIDN’T MATTER. IT WAS A POWERFUL DISPLAY OF HUMANITY, WHICH SEEMS TO BE FADING TODAY
What is your vision for private sector support in the context of O.T.I.S.’s work? How does this model function in practice, and what are its most significant benefits?
The organisation’s vision for private sector support is based on a partnership model, where companies and entrepreneurs contribute through donations, fundraising campaigns, and strategic cooperation—all aimed at fulfilling the primary goal of saving human lives.
Specifically, the private sector can assist through financial support for acquiring equipment, vehicles, and training, all essential for effective rescue operations. Additionally, donations in the form of material resources, such as protective gear, medical supplies, and communication devices, significantly enhance our operational capacity.
The most significant benefits of this model are the organisation’s sustainability and independence, improved capabilities for rescue missions, and a stronger connection between the private sector and humanitarian organisations. This type of support allows our organisation to respond more quickly and efficiently in emergencies and other crises while promoting social responsibility and solidarity.
Collaboration with international organisations and partners is crucial for the success of rescue missions. How would you assess the current level of international support, and what is needed for further improvement?
International cooperation is essential for developing and enhancing O.T.I.S.’s capabilities. Rescue missions, such as the one in the Republic of Türkiye, highlight the importance of being part of a global network of rescue teams—a worldwide community of rescuers.
The current level of international support is significant, but there is ample room for improvement. Participation in global training programmes, joint exercises, and knowledge exchange with experienced teams from abroad is invaluable. However, to maintain and elevate our level of preparedness, we need additional support in several key areas: modernising equipment, advanced training in specialised rescue techniques, and improved logistical connections with global partners.
The United Nations, the European Union, and various international rescue organisations are key partners in our development. The Re-
public of Serbia and O.T.I.S. have great potential to become regional leaders in rescue operations, but achieving this requires strategic investment and more substantial international and national support.
How important is humanitarian work in O.T.I.S.’s operations, and how do you contribute to communities affected by crises? Are there plans for an even greater humanitarian role for O.T.I.S.?
Humanitarian work is an inseparable and fundamental part of our mission. It provides both personal fulfilment and a sense of unity among our members. Humanity and altruism are the driving forces behind our efforts, allowing us to demonstrate the true heart of our mission.
Our plans are both ambitious and serious. Due to climate change, our world today is volatile, especially regarding natural disasters. That is why we have developed a five-year growth and improvement plan. This plan serves as a clear roadmap, outlining our goals and the prerequisites for achieving them.
In the coming period, our organisation will focus on expanding our membership network while equipping our teams with modern resources and providing continuous training. Additionally, one of our top priorities is the formation of specialised rescue teams for floods, collapsed structures, and inaccessible terrains. Another key objective is the further development of our Emergency Medical Team, which is currently undergoing international classification within the framework of the World Health Organization.
How would you assess the state of the emergency response system in Serbia, and what improvements are needed for O.T.I.S. to respond to challenges more effectively?
The Republic of Serbia has a well-structured legal framework for emergency response, defined by the Law on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management. This law clearly outlines the responsibilities of institutions, coordination mechanisms, and the roles of various stakeholders, including government bodies, local authorities, the civil sector, and non-governmental organisations.
THE HEART OF OUR MISSION. IT PROVIDES BOTH PERSONAL FULFILMENT AND A SENSE OF UNITY, REMINDING US THAT SMALL HEROES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
However, like any system, continuous improvements are required to meet modern challenges effectively. One key aspect that could enhance efficiency is the adoption of by-laws that would further regulate equipment standardisation, training criteria for rescue teams, and inter-institutional cooperation protocols. Additionally, strengthening capacities through establishing training centres, upgrading technical resources, and increasing budget
allocations for preparedness, response, and recovery in emergencies is essential. Financial stability is crucial for maintaining a high readiness and rescue teams’ operational capabilities.
Furthermore, greater integration of O.T.I.S. into official state documents and operational strategies would enable a more timely and effective response in emergencies and other crises.
What are O.T.I.S.’s biggest challenges, locally and globally, and how will it overcome them in the coming years?
Our biggest challenges include inadequate equipment and financial resources for member training. Limited resources affect the organisation’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and its capacity to conduct regular training sessions, which are crucial for maintaining a high level of preparedness.
To overcome these challenges, O.T.I.S. focuses on strengthening collaboration with state institutions, international partners, and the private sector to secure additional funding for equipment procurement and high-quality training programmes. Particular emphasis is also being placed on strengthening diplomatic engagement by establishing connections with relevant diplomatic missions, international organisations, and government bodies. This will enable better access to funding and resources dedicated to improving key infrastructure.
Additionally, a key priority will be the development of educational campaigns to raise public awareness of the importance of emergency response and the role of O.T.I.S. Through a systematic approach and long-term strategy, O.T.I.S. will continue to enhance its capacities, ensuring that every member is adequately trained and ready to respond to any challenge.
Investing in new technologies, improving communication channels, and collaborating with international experts will enable faster and more efficient operations, which is essential for future rescue missions.
Does Yugoslavia still exist thirty-five years after its formal dissolution and exactly eighty—or perhaps even over a hundred—years after its creation? In a way, yes, in every individual death of those who outlived it, yet once stood as pillars of its social fabric and communal life. From the recently deceased, perhaps its greatest basketball player, Dražen Dalipagić, and Goranka Matić, whom we bid farewell to here, to the eventual demise of Hotel Yugoslavia as a tangible landmark.
The challenge of any obituary written today lies in its unintended temporal overlap with the ongoing student protests across Serbia, commanding public attention. One thing is sure: no matter how significant or extensive they may be, they will not hold the timeless documentary value that Goranka once masterfully captured in similar historical moments in the clash of new digital technologies and drones.
Unfortunately, this marks a turning point in understanding the transformation of our era. Domestic and global print media have lost photojournalism as a genre of visual reporting. To some extent, the only remnant is the survival of caricature, which endures only as long as its masters do.
Goranka Matić was a benchmark of kindhearted openness and an absence of vanity. We first met when, as the creative director of the cultural centre Parobrod, I set out to introduce a biographical pop-up tribute within the exhibition programme dedicated to figures like herself—those she had photographed throughout their careers, such as Vlada Divljan and Dragan Nikolić.
GORANKA MATIĆ (1949 – 2025)
Pain and Pride. This series captured shop windows across the capital, displaying trades that no longer exist, all decorated with Tito’s portrait in mourning after his death on 4 May 1980.
Beyond the Idoli and the Paket Aranžman bands (ŠarloAkrobata, later EKV), Goranka documented much more—her photographs remain the defining visual record of that time and those people. It is reasonable to assume that most images from that era circulating the internet today belong to her portfolio. However, she never claimed exclusive rights nor pursued legal action over their use or sharing.
Moreover, Goranka was the unofficial yet definitive portraitist of the crossover between public life and the arts—covering theatre, literature, politics, and other creative fields. Her authenticity lay in a unique blend of spontaneity and staged composition—an oxymoron, perhaps, yet one she mastered. With her blackand-white lens, she did for photography what Uroš Predić and Paja Jovanović did for painting at the start of the last century. One day, her portraits—like theirs—will illustrate the national history and the evolution of pop culture.
Frustrated by the inaccessibility of the photo archives of once-great publishers Borba and Politika, I was pleasantly surprised—indeed, almost thrilled—by her generosity. All it took was a quick trip to her place in Block 23, bringing along a hard drive, and she would meticulously organise and provide everything I needed.
During the 1980s, Goranka was the unofficial photographic biographer of Belgrade’s entire New Wave music scene, from Idoli’s first concert at the Student Cultural Centre (SKC) to her editorial work on Radmila Stanković’s monograph DraganNikolić–AGentlemanRogue.
Goranka Matić and Tomislav Peternek (who passed away in 2023) were arguably the most significant Serbian-Yugoslav photographers of the second half of the 20th century. Yet, while Annie Leibovitz was recently inducted into the French Academy of Arts, there was no place for Peternek in the AlleyoftheGreats, nor was Goranka ever seriously considered by her peers as a potential future member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU). Their greatness lies in their unique ability to fuse artistic impact with documentary photography.
While Peternek captured rural provinces and the battlefields of the 1990s, Goranka immortalised the unrepeatable urban spirit of Belgrade in its golden era of the 1980s and, later, the anti-war city of civic protests in the 1990s. Peternek was the photo editor at NIN, while Goranka held the same role at Vreme. Her illustrious career, perhaps the only one celebrated with identical retrospectives at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade and Zagreb, began with the anthropological lexicon Daysof
Born in 1949 in Maribor, Goranka was an art historian in the legendary renaissance Student Cultural Centre (SKC) and later, in the 2000s, an editor at Politika and RTS. In our chronically divided society, there were no opposing sides when it came to her—everyone felt her passing as a personal loss and a family tragedy. I cannot recall anyone in recent memory who, like her, brought us together in mourning at the New Cemetery—united in pain and pride at having been her contemporaries.
BRATISLAV BRACA GRUBAČIĆ (1952 - 2024)
“The well-known Belgrade journalist, editor, and publisher, Bratislav Braca Grubačić (72), passed away on saturday, 21 December, in Brussels,” read the brief agency report that spread through Belgrade’s media circles in late December, confirmed on Wednesday evening by his close associates from his time in serbia.
Grubačić graduated from the Faculty of Law in Belgrade and later served as Vice President of the University Committee of the League of Socialist Youth of Belgrade. He was also a secretary in the Yugoslav League for Peace, Equality, and Independence of Nations and, from 1981, the director of the Belgrade Youth Centre and chairman of the Programme Council of the Student Cultural Centre. He also worked as director of the publishing house Mladost and as an editor at Tanjug’s International Press Centre. During the wars in the former Yugoslavia, he was a “fixer” for major foreign TV companies.
From 1989, he worked as deputy director of Marketing Slobodna Zona Beograd. In 1992, he founded and directed the consultancy firm V.I.P. d.o.o., which published the VIP News bulletin in English—a highly influential and respected source of information for foreigners in Belgrade, particularly
the diplomatic corps, for over 20 years. What they couldn’t read in the bulletin, foreigners could hear from Braca in conversations at diplomatic receptions or dinners. Always with a glass of whiskey in hand and an enigmatic smile, Grubačić was the “most sought-after interlocutor” for many foreigners at such events. Braca—a mix of journalist, intelligence operative, and charmer—always reminded me of the character Guy Hamilton, played by Mel Gibson in The Year ofLivingDangerously.
He was married to Dutch ambassador Stella Ronner, with whom he had a son, Luka, and a daughter, Jelena, from his first marriage. Braca’s wedding to Stella at Kalemegdan looked like something out of a film—a mix of foreigners, politicians, and intelligence officers.
Since the founding of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in 2008, he has been a member, later serving on its Main Board, as chairman of the Supervisory
Board of Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA), and as a member of the Programme Board of Radio-Television Serbia (RTS).
We spoke in the garden of the British Ambassador’s Residence in June 2012, at the reception for Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday, when Braca received a call from Aleksandar Vučić, asking him to step outside and escort him and Tomislav Nikolić, then the SNS leader, into the reception. It was the first time former radicals had attended a British monarch’s birthday celebration, and neither of them had been seen on the lawn at Miloša Savčića 1 for such an occasion until last year, when Aleksandar Vučić, for the first time since coming to power, attended the birthday of the now King Charles III.
A few years later, I ran into him at the Brijuni Hotel Neptun, in the company of another “SNS dissident.” He told me he had left the party, dissatisfied with its depar-
ture from its core principles. He had since become a sharp critic of the government, particularly its then-president Aleksandar Vučić.
Grubačić was in a relationship with Duga journalist Dada Vujasinović in April 1994 when she was found dead in her apartment. That morning, my colleague Goca Jovanović and I met her at Duga’s offices—she was smiling, telling us about her relationship with Braca, and showed no signs of someone who would take her own life just hours later.
The last time we met was at Kopaonik the previous winter when he told me that, for health reasons, he no longer wanted to run the VIP News bulletin, which he had intended to sell.
He will be remembered as one of the most colourful, intriguing, and enigmatic figures in Belgrade’s media and public scene over the past 40 years.
He was laid to rest on the last day of 2024 at the New Cemetery in Belgrade.
24. FEBRUARY 2025
MTS Dvorana, Belgrade
If you are a true fan of The Lord of the Rings and its unique atmosphere, this is your chance to relive it at the symphonic orchestra concert Lords of the Sound. This is the first symphonic concert featuring the soundtrack from the renowned fantasy film. The orchestra will perform the most iconic pieces – from the joyful melodies of the hobbits to the ominous sounds of Mordor and the lyrical songs of the elves. All reimagined in powerful new symphonic arrangements. Additionally, the concert will dazzle you with unique lighting effects, exclusive costumes, and an impressive stage design inspired by The Lord of the Rings, featuring award-winning vocalists.
20-23 FEBRUARY 2025
Belgrade Tourism Fair
The largest and most visited tourism fair in the region, the 46th International Tourism Fair in Belgrade, will be held from February 20th to 23rd, 2025, at the Belgrade Fair.
Held under the slogan “One ticket, countless worlds,” the upcoming Tourism Fair will provide a perfect platform for promoting new destinations, last-minute offers, domestic and foreign accommodation facilities, travel agencies, airlines, and many other segments of the tourism industry.
The 20th International Fair of Hotel and Catering Equipment HORECAEQUIPMENT will traditionally be held under the aegis of the Tourism Fair under the slogan “Help yourselves! “ It successfully follows the positive trend and works in the HORECA sector and the hospitality industry today, one of the world’s most dynamic and widespread industries.
The partner country of the 46th International Tourism Fair in Belgrade is Italy.
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025
07-15 MARCH 2025
Various locations in Belgrad
The Belgrade Dance Festival returns, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of renowned international and local dance companies. Celebrated as one of Europe’s premier dance events, the festival brings innovative choreography, breathtaking performances, and artistic excellence to the stage. This year’s programme features Hofesh Shechter Company, the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, and the National Ballet of Marseille, alongside acclaimed soloists and emerging talents. Adding to the excitement, ballet superstar Roberto Bolle will grace the stage, bringing his unparalleled artistry and charisma to Belgrade. Experience the power of movement and emotion in a programme that pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance.
UNTIL 6 APRIL 2025
Dečanska 8, Belgrade
Aunique exhibition dedicated to the world-famous street artist Banksy is coming to Belgrade Pop-Up Gallery. This exclusive showcase features a collection of his most iconic works, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the rebellious spirit and thoughtprovoking messages that have captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to enter Banksy’s political satire, social commentary, and artistic defiance world.
GRAND HOTEL VIEW, Postira, Otok Brač
• suvremeni i funkcionalni prostori za događanja
• multifunkcionalna kongresna dvorana
• wellness & spa centar
• veliki kapacitet restorana
• luksuzna lokacija s nezaboravnim pogledom na more
Saznajte više informacija na mice@jadran-crikvenica.hr