Austria 2023

AUSTRIA 2023

Commited to Partnership SPECIAL EDITION

Contents 04 H .E. Christian Ebner Ambassador of Austria to Serbia

Friends of the Western Balkans

08 J ürgen Schreder

Director of Advantage Austria for Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia

Great Potential for Austrian Companies

14 Melanija Pavlović General Manager, JAF d.o.o. Nova Pazova

Wood is Our World

15 Jelena Knežević

Partner, Leitner&Leitner

Viewing the Bigger Picture is Important

Austria 2023 616 Vojislav Lazarević

20 Amadeus Faltheiner

First Choice for Cash Loans

Creative, Progressive and Courageous

Addiko Bank Executive Board Chairman

188 M aja Maćić

Managing Director, RP Global Srbija

Committed to a Greener Future

19 First Facility Group 40 Years Leader in Real Estate Market

Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Belgrade

23 Wiener Privatklinik (WPK) Tailored and Precision Care

24 Austrian National Library

A Symbol of Austrian Identity

28 Travel

Tyrol, Your Next Summer Getaway

INTERVIEW | H.E. CHRISTIAN EBNER, AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRIA TO SERBIA

Friends of the Western Balkans The EU accession process requires credible reforms in the area of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, including the fight against corruption, ensuring the safety of journalists and media freedom. Progress on these so-called fundamental issues, as covered

by EU Accession Negotiation Chapters 23 and 24, are crucial to each EU member state assessing whether or not to agree on the opening of new negotiation clusters. The pace of reform in Serbia is primarily in the hands of the Serbian government ~ Christian Ebner

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ustria remains committed to supporting the EU accession process of Serbia and the entire Western Balkan region, says Ambassador Christian Ebner in this interview for CorD Magazine, before reminding us of the recent initiative of Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg to form a support group for EU enlargement to encompass the region, which “calls for an accelerated integration of Western Balkan states, with concrete implementation steps, especially through closer involvement in European policymaking and forums even before full membership”. Ebner also notes that Austria and Serbia, together with Hungary, are collaborating intensively in an effort to combat illegal migration across the region.

tion between the European Union and its Member States and other countries impacted by the challenge of illegal migration. The EU is contributing with increasing resources and funds to Serbia in the field of migration and border management, with the aim of having a lasting effect in view of the EU accession process. It has to be noted that an EU-Serbia Readmission Agreement has also been in force since 2008 and sets out clear obligations and procedures for the respective authorities in terms of when and how to readmit people who reside irregularly.

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Your Excellency, this summer saw the staging of the third trilateral meeting between Austria, Hungary and Serbia, which was dedicated to discussing the topic of the joint fight against illegal migration. From the perspective of Vienna, how big a problem is this issue today?

— Illegal migration remains one of the biggest challenges for Austria, as well as for the European Union as a whole. Our trilateral cooperation has already yielded some success. However, Austria is still impacted by illegal migration via the routes that traverse the Western Balkans. Our close cooperation therefore needs to continue.

The steps agreed in Belgrade in November 2022 and in Vienna last July are heading in the right direction, as the migration challenge can’t be addressed by any country acting alone. We appreciate the good cooperation we have with Serbia in the area of border management, and also with regard to the ongoing harmonisation of Serbia’s visa regime with the EU acquis. As a direct consequence, in Austria we have observed significant decreases in asylum applications from certain countries.

The meeting in Vienna also saw the President of Serbia reiterate his insistence that Serbia will not be a “parking lot for migrants”. There has been plenty of public speculation in Serbia about such a scenario, according to which EU member states, and Austria in particular, provide Serbia with financial support in return for Belgrade permanently taking care of a larger number of migrants. Does such an agreement exist; and how was Aleksandar Vučić’s statement viewed in Vienna?

— I don’t know anyone who wants to have “parking lots for migrants”. And avoiding precisely that is the objective of humane and effective cooperacordmagazine.com

REFORMS The impact of the reforms will be felt by Serbia and its citizens even before accession – provided Serbia stays on the right track to EU membership INVESTMENTS According to the latest statistics, there are even more Austrian companies, namely 800 ENLARGEMENT The enlargement process requires a clear and unequivocal commitment of the countries of the region to adhere to the values, rules and standards on which the EU is founded

You serve as ambassador to a country that has enjoyed a high level of economic cooperation with Austria for decades; where Austrian companies have a particularly strong presence in the banking and insurance sectors. Given the experiences of the approximately 400 Austrian companies operating in Serbia, what would you say generally about the conditions they’ve faced in doing business in Serbia? What are the greatest challenges confronting them and where is there room for improvement?

—Let me start by pointing out that, according to the latest statistics, there are even more Austrian companies, namely 800. Most of them have been

The requirements for Serbia’s EU membership are very clear, which means that the successful conclusion of the 35 negotiation chapters needs to be fulfilled prior to accession in Serbia for a long time and pursue a long-term strategy. Austrian investors remained in Serbia throughout the pandemic and are well received overall. In general, the overall investment climate is defined, among other things, by legal security.

Adherence to the rule of law and streamlined bureaucracy are of utmost importance to every investor. Serbia has implemented many reforms in that regard, but can still do more in order to become even more attractive.

Does the energy domain represent a new opportunity to improve bilateral cooperation; and which segments of the so-called green transition in Serbia are attracting the most interest among Austrian companies?

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— Austria has an excellent reputation for its innovative companies dealing with renewable energies – from hydropower and wind energy, to solar, geothermal and biomass energy. Companies are often niche world champions and offer tailormade, individualised solutions. Programmes aimed at higher levels of energy efficiency are also important. Serbia has significant coal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as the potential for renewables like wind and solar power. The government is exerting efforts to liberalise the energy market and attract foreign investors. I definitely see potential in that area.

Austria is among the EU member states that support EU enlargement to encompass the Western Balkans. However, no major progress has been made on this front for more than a decade. Considering your own notable experience, would you expect the EU to first expand to the Balkans or to Ukraine and Moldova?

— Austria remains committed to Serbia and the Western Balkan region in their EU accession process. In June, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg initiated the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group, with the aim of decisively advanc06

ing the enlargement process in Southeast Europe.

This group calls for an accelerated integration of Western Balkan states with concrete implementation steps, especially through closer involvement in European policymaking and forums even before the granting of full membership. The enlargement process as such, however, is not a one-way

We appreciate the good cooperation we have with Serbia in the area of border management, and also with regard to the ongoing harmonisation of Serbia’s visa regime with the EU acquis street and requires a clear and unequivocal commitment of the countries of the region to adhere to the values, rules and standards on which the European Union is founded. Membership candidate countries need to undertake and implement EU reforms. The more tangible and credible the improvements, the faster the accession process will advance. And the impact of the reforms will be felt by Serbia and its citizens even before acAUSTRIA 2023

I don’t know anyone who wants to have “parking lots for migrants”. And avoiding precisely that is the objective of humane and effective cooperation between the EU and its Member States and other countries impacted by the challenge of illegal migration cession – provided Serbia stays on the right track to EU membership.

You’ve insisted in your statements to the media that Serbia must satisfy the conditions if it is to progress towards membership. In which areas does Serbia have to demonstrate greater progress in order for new accession negotiation chapters to be opened, after a break of two years?

— The EU accession process requires credible reforms in the area of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, including the fight against corruption, ensuring the safety of journalists and media freedom. Progress on these so-called fundamental issues, as covered by Chapters 23 and 24, are crucial for each EU Member State to assess whether

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or not to agree to the opening of new negotiation clusters. The pace of reforms in Serbia is primarily in the hands of the Serbian government. The reform process is the main driver of the pace of accession negotiations. Equally, as a candidate country, Serbia must not leave any doubt over whether it shares the values of the European Union when it comes to the full rejection of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

Is recognising the independence of Kosovo a precondition of Serbia’s membership in the EU? — The requirements for Serbia’s EU membership are very clear, which means that the successful conclusion of the 35 negotiation chapters needs to be fulfilled prior to accession. This also entails the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The latest developments showed once more how important the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is in order to build trust and normalise relations for the benefit of the people. If both sides were to agree on a comprehensive and legally binding agreement on the normalisation of relations, this would certainly set free a lot of political energy for reforms in other sectors and for the negotiating of all open chapters.

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INTERVIEW | JÜRGEN SCHREDER DIRECTOR OF ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA FOR SERBIA, MONTENEGRO AND NORTH MACEDONIA

Great Potential for Austrian Companies

We expect economic ties between Austria and Serbia to continue to flourish in the years ahead, forging stronger business connections than ever before

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erbia has been, and remains, an important market for Austria, says Advantage Austria Director Jürgen Schreder, noting that the existing numbers and current examples of FDI suggest that Austrian-Serbian economic relations are experiencing an upward trajectory.

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How will observed global trends impact overall trade activities between our two countries and Austrian FDI in Serbia?

— Austrian-Serbian trade relations are outstanding and constantly on the rise. We are very proud that Austrian exports to Serbia actually surpassed the billion-euro mark in 2022 for the first time, and that Austria is also among the few countries to have had an increase in exports to Serbia during the first half of 2023, while Serbian imports are also becoming increasingly important for Austria, especially with regard to services. Our expectation is that they will continue to increase in the coming years and that our bilateral trade will be stronger than ever. Furthermore, Austrian FDI in Serbia looks very promising and there was another increase in 2022, to 3.22 billion euros. There is still strong Austrian interest in the Serbian market and perhaps an interesting fact is that the number of inquiries from Austrian companies regarding the establishment of a company in Serbia has increased over the last year, which makes us very optimistic. We just recently had the ground-breaking ceremony of another Austrian company here in Serbia, and with the specialised Expo 2027 to be held in Belgrade we see a lot of potential for Austrian companies! So, to summarise, Serbia has been, and remains, an important market for Austria and we don’t expect a slowdown or a decrease of interest in this regard.

Apart from the current global economic challenges, how do Austrian companies operating in Serbia assess the overall business climate?

— Entering and operating on a foreign market has always had its challenges and Serbia is no exception to that. Over recent years in particular, with the geopolitical changes and emerging trends, the perception of and outlook on the business climate in Serbia has been mixed.

However, our 2022 “Austrian Business Confidence Survey”, which is conducted each December, showed that the general perception of the business environment has roughly remained the same over the last few years. The outlook for 2023 was optimistic among most surveyed companies, and they expected to generate increased revenue for 2023.

Furthermore, I just attended the Austria Connect SEE in Bled last week, which is a conference cordmagazine.com

BUREAUCRACY Reducing bureaucratic obstacles is a critical concern for foreign investors in Serbia OPPORTUNITY Open Balkan facilitates the movement of the workforce, which offers significant advantages SUPPORT The Serbian Development Agency is a valuable asset for conducting business in Serbia

for the Austrian business community in the WB6 countries, as well as Croatia and Slovenia. There I had the chance to talk to a lot of business representatives who operate in Serbia, and I would describe the outlook as quite positive. The Western Balkans continues to be an important business location for Austrian companies and interest is continuously increasing. I would really like to point out that the RAS (Razvojna agencija Srbije - Development Agency of Serbia) is a major asset for doing business in Serbia. It invests a lot of resources to improve the business environment in Serbia and to lower the hurdles for foreign companies.

Nevertheless, generally speaking, there is still some room for improvement regarding public procurement, the combating of corruption and cutting red tape, which again correlates with our 2022 survey. One of the most pressing issues for foreign investment in Serbia is the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles.

Areas of responsibility are sometimes not well defined, and companies have to do their utmost only to be told that they have to start over in a different place. If stories like these are shared between businesses, it does not portray Serbia as the best place to do business and that might discourage companies from entering the market.

I believe that, in order to continue attracting companies from Europe, Serbia should really aim to encourage companies to invest here and not hinder them in their intentions.

How does the current workforce shortage situation in Serbia impact the decision-making of Austrian companies, for whom the availability of a qualified workforce is a crucial factor in choosing locations for new foreign operation hubs?

— The workforce shortage is not just a problem of Serbia, but rather of Europe as a whole, so it is nothing new for Austrian companies. The lack of skilled workers has thus far not greatly impacted the decision-making process of companies, at least as far as we know. As there is still a difference in comparison to Austria, where the issue is even more pressing. The workforce is a crucial factor for the success of companies. However, Serbia has a great pool of skilled workers, maybe even more than Austrian companies in some regard. A lot of Austrian investments – especially in the production sector – are very well analysed strategically and part of this also includes workforce availability.

Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, there is still great interest from Austrian companies, so although the shortage is present, so far it hasn’t had a negative impact on potential investments.

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In that respect, do you see advantages of the Open Balkan initiative in terms of the circulation of workers?

— We see Open Balkan as a big chance for businesses, but certainly also as a big challenge for some countries – especially in terms of the circulation of the workforce.

A lot of Austrian companies operate in several Western Balkan countries, so we see this as a chance for them to be able to also circulate their workforce within their companies, which would result in better training opportunities and knowledge- and experience-sharing. Generally speaking, I believe that the circulation of workers can be a great benefit for companies, as there is a larger pool of potential employees with different skillsets, and they might be able to learn from one another.

However, it certainly also has its challenges, which might become a struggle for companies as access to foreign labour markets becomes easier. People might be more drawn to leave their country and home in search of better working and living conditions in a different location. This is where I might see a challenge for companies and where they really have to invest and be motivated to retain their employees with different benefits, training options etc. If done correctly, however, Open Balkan is a great opportunity for everybody to increase their business and it might even provide a chance for companies to expand on markets.

In which ways does digitalisation influence dual secondary-vocational education in Aus-

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tria, and what lessons can Serbia learn from this experience?

— Well, regardless of opinion, there is certainly no way to stop or slow down digitalisation and it was merely a matter of time until it entered the education system. Dual secondary-vocational education has a long history in Austria and is a big pillar of business success and the economy, and we do see movements and trends within it as be-

We’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries from Austrian companies looking to establish themselves in Serbia over the past year. This positive trend has filled us with optimism ing positive, provided they are done correctly. Education and learning is a progress and introducing new tactics and skills can never be a bad thing in that regard, so although dual VET has been established in Austria for decades, it still evolves and improves continuously.

Furthermore, we’ve recently seen that the dual education system in Austria might be the best in Europe, as we managed to secure more than 18 medals at the Euroskills competition in Gdansk, Poland.

As you may know, we’ve been supporting Serbia on the implementation of the dual VET System in recent years and I am thrilled that we actually started Phase 2 of the project in October 2023! So, we are looking forward to also sharing those new trends in dual VET with Serbia in the coming years.

Unclear responsibilities may deter companies from entering the market, negatively impacting the country’s reputation as a business-friendly destination

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A Real-Life Fairytale Town Hallstatt is a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops. A funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform. A trail leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall

BUSINESS | MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ GENERAL MANAGER, JAF D.O.O. NOVA PAZOVA

Wood is Our World The JAF Group is this year celebrating 75 years of doing business, with an annual turnover exceeding a billion euros, a presence in over 17 countries in Europe and around the world, and 56 branches

AF strives to be a stable partner and to be located close to its collaborators, which is why the opening of a branch office in Niš is a logical step, considering all the companies that cooperate with JAF in the region of Southern Serbia and beyond.

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As a local company with 100% Austrian capital, you have spent the last 15 years operating in accordance with the principles of the famous JAF Group. Are you striving to apply the best European and world standards in your work and contribution to the community?

— This year is a jubilee year for the JAF Group, and also for JAF in Serbia. The company was established 75 years ago as a family business focused on the wood trade in the small town of Stockerau near Vienna. JAF successfully maintains a leading position throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the trade in structural panel materials and wood products, as a secure partner and supplier to manufacturers of furniture, doors, floor and wall coverings, construction companies, carpenters, investors, architects, interior design firms and construction works contractors. “Wood is our world” is the slogan that JAF employees have been nurturing for many years.

Your company has spent the past four years operating in Risk Management mode, due to both the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Are you handling the crisis well because you also recognised it as a growth opportunity?

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JAF successfully maintains a leading position throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the trade in structural panel materials and wood products — I agree with you, though I would note that the entire world is operating in some kind of Risk Management mode. The world has definitely changed since 2020, and business is also changing. We are confronted by changes on a daily basis, but unfortunately also by crises that are

caused by wars. The Ukraine situation has disrupted supply chains and had a major impact on the wood industry and furniture manufacturers through shortages of certain products and price turbulence. We had exceptional business growth in both 2021 and 2022, at the level of the Group and in Serbia, but the situation in 2023 is bringing new challenges our way, as well as a partial decline in business.

As a major corporation, we endeavour to adapt to all changes and to monitor developments. When there is a crisis, it is necessary to invest in marketing. The JAF Group has decided, despite the crisis, to open several new branches to coincide with the 75th anniversary of its establishment, and one of them is our new branch in Serbia, in Niš. We strive to be a stable partner and to be located close to our collaborators, so the opening of a branch office in Niš is a logical step, given all our precious partners in the region of Southern Serbia and beyond. Growth opportunities always exist and that’s something we count on.

Does the example you set inspire other Austrian companies to come to Serbia?

— As representatives of Austrian capital in Serbia, we have outstanding cooperation with the Embassy of Austria and the trade department of the Embassy of Austria, Advantage Austria, through joint projects, which also includes the dual education project. Austria has been among the top investors in Serbia for many years.

Our two countries are linked by an exceptional friendship and cooperation. I hope that other Austrian companies will also recognise the benefit of investing and doing business in Serbia, and we are already showing this with our example, while we also plan to expand our operations to several more cities in Serbia over the next few years.

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BUSINESS | JELENA KNEŽEVIĆ PARTNER, LEITNER&LEITNER

Our Vision: The importance of Big-Picture Thinking LeitnerLeitner, as a group that encompasses all support segments in the domain of tax, legal and financial affairs, is capable of proactively identifying all risks and proposing optimal solutions to clients, as well as providing full support for timely implementation

he main method to overcome the negative effects of economic crisis is to focus on operational innovations that are best able to help companies remain competitive and adapt to market changes,” notes our interlocutor, before explaining the role of her and her colleagues in this work.

Does an interdisciplinary and dynamic approach make it easier for you to identify the best strategy for each client?

— It is today trendy to optimise operations in global companies, which often have internal sectors grouped vertically according to function. However, it often occurs in this regrouping that operations are viewed from only one angle, and that’s when we see the importance of consultants who are able to observe the bigger picture and can spot the shortcomings of business models, but also opportunities to improve and optimise operations.

We have left behind several tumultuous years that have been marked by multiple negative impacts on the global economy. As financial risk experts, how have you and your clients handled them?

— A large number of our clients invest significant funds in research and development, in order to create new products that will attract consumers even during times of economic crisis. Innovation helps companies the most when it comes to remaining competitive and adapting to market changes. Likewise, the crises have compelled companies to diversify their portfolio, but also to invest in staff training and development.

Apart from that, mergers and takeovers of other companies have become a noticeable trend, as a form of resource optimisation for maintaining and improving market position.

In the area of tax and financial consulting, innovations are mainly reflected in the advancing of business processes and the digitalisation of operations. The developing of applications for clients also benefits us, as it brings major sav-

The level of unemployment across the region has fallen below 7%, which is why many industries are facing labour shortages, especially when it comes to high-quality personnel. What is the solution to this problem?

— The issue of a lack of quality personnel is among the biggest challenges at the global level. In order to solve this problem, companies can invest in the education and training of existing employees, in order to improve their skills and abilities, but also to establish cooperation with educational institutions in order to align their educational programmes with the needs of the labour market. Secondly, they can hire foreign workers, which may include breaks in approving work permits or programmes to attract foreign talent.

Thirdly, companies can improve working conditions and offer additional benefits to employees in order to attract and retain qualified workers. Moreover, cooperation between the government, educational institutions and the private sector, in which dual education has already been established, could prove crucial to solving labour shortage problems.

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In the area of tax and financial consulting, innovations are mainly reflected in the advancing of business processes and the digitalisation of operations ings in terms of time required and also simplifies communication. In supporting further development and improvement, we paid special attention to the following areas: a) talents, skills, education; b) emerging technology; c) sustainable and fair transitioning (ESG); d) improving the corporate governance ecosystem; e) developing business reporting; f ) optimising operations and financial structures.

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BUSINESS | VOJISLAV LAZAREVIĆ ADDIKO BANK EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIRMAN

First Choice for Cash Loans Addiko Bank a.d. Belgrade is focused on advancing and growing it operations in Serbia through organic development, while it is characterised by its agility and speed of decision making

he world is changing fast, which is why the banking sector should also embrace new IT solutions and approaches that enable them to provide traditional services in an innovative way.

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Are you satisfied with your business potential?

— Addiko Group is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and its shares are traded freely, which demonstrates our group’s transparency and also shows that investors are interested in our business. We strive to utilise that business potential and provide our shareholders with value through stable and sustainable operations. As a specialised bank, Addiko Bank a.d. Belgrade endeavours to achieve economies of scale in a manner that’s adapted to its business profile and the market in question.

The banks operating on our market are mainly universal, yet you decided to specialise?

— Addiko Bank specialises in fast and affordable cash loans. It is characterised by its agility and speed in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to approving loans. This attracts clients seeking fast and efficient services, and our aim is to be the first choice for fast loans among Serbian citizens. Through our mobile app, clients can receive loans of up to 600,000 dinars quickly and easily. This process takes an average of less than 15 minutes and is among the most automated services in the banking sector.

How do you view this challenging period, but also the banking sector’s potential and future?

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Digital transformation eases cooperation between banks and retail chains, providing clients with improved access to services and products — Economic crisis is evident across Europe. However, something that’s peculiar to our country, and that can be easily demonstrated, is that Serbia is contracyclical in relation to the European economy. This can be explained in part by the existence of major investment projects.

Serbia has attracted FDI of around 13.5 billion euros over the last three and a half years. As a country, we have undergone a turnaround by shifting from an industrial economy to an export-based economy, which resulted in exports increasing from 11.5 billion euros in 2012 to 38 billion euros in 2022. Exports are expected to experience further growth, with estimates suggesting they will exceed 42 billion euros over the course of

this year. These statistics point to a significant improvement in the economic situation and Serbia’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

Do you think the use of AI and AI-based solutions could really reduce banks’ operational costs by 30 per cent by 2030?

— Artificial intelligence can automate routine tasks, analyse data to assist in reaching better decisions, provide customer support via chatbots and virtual assistants, detect fraud, personalise product offers and help in managing risks. Banks in Serbia, including ours, are already applying digital innovations actively.

AI has the potential to improve banks’ efficiency and profitability. It is indeed estimated that, by using artificial intelligence, companies will be able to reduce their operating costs by around 30 per cent by 2030. Digital transformation eases cooperation between banks and retail chains, providing clients with improved access to services and products. I don’t believe automation will result in an increase in unemployment, but it will improve the efficiency with which human resources are utilised.

AUSTRIA 2023

If life is a race, we give you an advantage to win.

Your best choice for fast loans

BUSINESS | MAJA MAĆIĆ MANAGING DIRECTOR, RP GLOBAL SRBIJA

Committed to a Greener Future RP Global is a large-scale developer with 35+ years of experience in the renewable energy sector. As a developer, operator and investor, the company focuses on solar PV, wind, hydro, BESS and green hydrogen. The company has headquarters in Vienna, Austria, and Madrid, Spain

his Austrian company is committed to impacting positively on humanity’s carbon footprint by investing in the development of sustainable projects that will help to reduce emissions and make a positive difference towards a cleaner and greener future.

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RP Global has developed, built and operated 15 wind parks and 26 hydropower plants. What else are you committed to?

— Equipment and services are currently being tendered for a 400 MWp solar PV project in the south of Spain and 42 MWp in Portugal. They will be implemented in 2023 and 2024. Construction of 25 solar PV and wind projects is expected in 2024 in Croatia, France, Italy, Germany, Poland and Serbia.

We have had several successful collaborations and partnerships and worked with major financial institutions. The company has also delivered successful closings of funding for various projects with multilateral (e.g., IFC, EBRD, DEG, OeEB) and commercial banks (e.g., UniCredit, PKO, etc.).

Tell us something more about RP Global in Serbia...

— RP Global launched its operations in Serbia in April 2021. The company has a significant development pipeline representing a combined total installed capacity of >600 MW(p) of wind, solar PV 18

Our head office is in Belgrade and our local team consists of specialists with extensive experience in renewable energy and battery storage. RP Global uses its experience and expertise to include energy storage solutions across the solar and wind portfolio. The projects are at various stages of development, including planning documents under preparation, securing and acquiring land, mainly in the early development stage. The team has been working intensively to identify and develop new projects and acquire projects under development. RP Global’s projects are located all over the country.

The company values its community role and cooperates closely with Serbian institutions, municipalities and associations.

Do you have enough capacity to develop a pipeline in Serbia?

— Our local head office is in Belgrade and our local team consists of specialists with extensive experience in renewable energy, supported by our colleagues at the headquarters. We are fully committed to the continuous development of a 200 MW large-scale wind farm called Celzijus 1 located in South Banat. This is the lighthouse project of RP Global Serbia.

Numerous other solar PV, wind and battery projects are under development in the northern and central parts of Serbia.

It is essential to keep reinforcing the current pipeline with new projects, through origination or acquisition, so that we create additional opportunities for market growth.

We are focused on developing a pipeline of small solar PV projects that should be built in the coming years, creating collaboration opportunities for local, locally present Austrian and other companies in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering sectors.

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BUSINESS |

First Facility Group 40 years leader in real estate market: Integrated Facility Management services must follow the ESG principles

irst Facility is an international group of companies which provides first class integrated facility management (FM) and property management (PM) services in reputable office and residential buildings, shopping centers and industrial facilities.

Over the past 40 years, we have expanded our services accros Central and Eastern Europe and now we operate in nine countries: Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czech Republic and North Macedonia.

Our company is a socially responsible corporation that is one of the pioneers in developing a corporate strategy and business policy in line with ESG principles in the real estate market.

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WHAT WE DO

Property management Facility management Facility management  (FM) consulting

Proactivity is important for us, therefore we are constantly following the newest trends and our professional team of experts are committed to not only provide our clients with the best possible sustainability solutions, but to continuously seek ways and new methods to improve our own sustainability, social commitments and governance.

Our aim is to keep pushing forward and ensure that our operation practices meet the pledges laid out as well as the requirements for us to achieve our ESG goals.

First Facility Group demonstrate and promote importance of sustainable operation and longevity of buildings, spaces and places for establishing optimized and responsible work and living environment, with the next generations in mind.

We hope that through diligence, transparency, initiative and mutual partnerships with our clients, colleagues and subcontractors we will be able to achieve success and create a better place for living.

WHO WE ARE

International First Facility group of companies provides first class integrated facility management (FM) and property management (PM) services in reputable office and residential buildings, shopping centers and industrial facilities.

WHERE WE DO IT

Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Norht Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Serbia cordmagazine.com

www.firstfacility.net

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INTERVIEW | AMADEUS FALTHEINER DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRIAN CULTURAL FORUM IN BELGRADE

Creative, Progressive and Courageous We are grappling with an unprecedented series of crises, which are being actively addressed in the fields of the arts, culture and science. The upcoming cultural programme of the Austrian Cultural Forum will centre on ecological sustainability, dignity and regeneration, recognising the necessity to respond to these contemporary challenges

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We are planning to increase bilateral exchanges of knowledge and capacity building programmes in order to share best practices in arts and science ence via the “Science Café” initiative, together with the Belgrade-based Centre for the Promotion of Science.

Through our

100+

annual projects across Serbia, we cultivate new collaborations between artists and scientists cordmagazine.com

stablished in 2001, the primary mission of Austria’s Kulturforum Belgrade is to promote Austrian culture and art in Serbia. It places a specific emphasis on nurturing contemporary and innovative projects designed to pave the way to new avenues of development and collaboration.

Amadeus Faltheiner, new director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Belgrade, with whom we spoke recently, hails from the Austrian city of Villach and has a unique cultural background influenced by the Alpe-Adria region. He initially pursued artistic studies at high school in Austria, before earning his Law degree at the University of Vienna and further specialising in European Law at the College of Europe in Bruges. He brings a wealth of experience to his current position.

Speaking in this interview, Faltheiner notes that his aims are to nurture connections between our two countries in the fields of culture and science, while next year’s forum programme promises to address a number of pressing issues in a creative manner, for which the ACF cultural programme is well known. Our interlocutor additionally aims to expand cooperation in sci-

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Mr Faltheiner, could you elaborate on your views of how the Austrian Cultural Forum will foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding between Austria and Serbia in the years ahead?

— First of all, I would like to emphasise that I am very honoured to be entrusted with this new position. There are strong and fruitful cultural relations between our two countries, which are the result of decades of ambitious work and close personal ties. I strive to foster and deepen these essential ties in various fields of culture and science. I can already confirm that next year’s cultural programme of the ACF will focus on ecological sustainability, dignity and regeneration.

These are issues that we cannot ignore, as we face an unprecedented series of crises that arts, culture and science are also currently “digesting” in a creative, progressive and solution-oriented manner. I also have the goal of shifting the focus of our activities even more towards cooperation in science, where I see huge cooperation potential that could prove extremely beneficial to both countries. The recently launched ”Science Café”, in cooperation with the Centre for the Promotion of Science in Belgrade, is a good example of this kind of approach.

Could you share some specific examples of how cultural exchange through the ACF has had a powerful impact on the artistic and cultural landscape in Serbia?

— Through each of our over 100 projects realised nationwide across Serbia every year, new collaborations and even friendships between artists and scientists are forged. Our cultural portfolio is very varied and balanced: we are happy to work with small, independent artists, as well as with the leading cultural institutions. This year, for example, we managed to link the famous Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad with the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and Belvedere Vienna for a joint 21

exhibition that makes us very proud. We are currently planning to increase bilateral exchanges of knowledge and capacity building programmes to share best practices in arts and science.

How does the Forum measure the success and impact of its cultural initiatives and events?

How does this feedback serve when it comes to planning new activities?

— We are evaluating all our projects and initiatives on the basis of a number of criteria. What is important to us is that projects have a large reach and impact. Our projects should be accessible and appealing to wide audiences, especially to young people, and should address major challenges that concern all of us.

What strategies does the ACF implement to ensure its long-term relevance in Serbia’s cultural sphere?

— On the one hand, we rely on an extensive network of longstanding partnerships with Serbian institutions that are already well-connected with their Austrian counterparts. On the other hand,

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we try to forge new ties between “underdog” actors and try to give them a chance to extend their visibility to Serbia. With this mixed programme, we aim to maintain a high presence in Serbia, while at the same time maximising our impact on the dynamic development of bilateral cultural and scientific relations.

My aim is to further focus our efforts on fostering cooperation in science, recognising its significant potential to provide mutual benefits to our countries How do you utilise digital and online platforms to expand the reach and accessibility of cultural events and activities organised by the Forum?

— The Austrian Cultural Forum is active on relevant social media channels. Please don’t hesitate to like and follow us, and to keep updated on all our activities!

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WIENER PRIVATKLINIK (WPK)

Tailored and Precision Care The WPK Hospital, Austria's first address in private medicine, offers state-of-the-art treatment options and medical care based on the latest scientific knowledge, with a particular emphasis on various domains WPK CENTRAL EUROPEAN CANCER CENTER:

Highly specialised and internationally recognised experts apply multidisciplinary methods and personalised therapies to diagnose and treat cancer patients at the highest level of quality. The adoption of precision medicine through the use of targeted molecular compounds and immunotherapies has significantly changed both clinical outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

CENTRE FOR SPORTS MEDICINE AND TRAUMA SURGERY:

Specialised therapies and rehabilitation to treat injuries of all types and severities, with a focus on minimally invasive surgery.

WPK PAEDIATRIC CENTRE:

An interdisciplinary competence centre for diagnosing and developing therapies for the youngest patients, covering a wide range of thoracic malformation treatments to paediatric orthopaedic, urological and neuro-reconstructive procedures.

CENTRE FOR UROLOGY:

State-of-the-art technology, such as the “Da Vinci Surgical Robot”, and treatments involving radiation therapy are performed by specialists with vast experience.

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CLINICAL CHECK-UPS AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE:

Comprehensive and personalised health packages to prevent and screen for illness..

RADIOLOGY AND AMETHYST RADIATION CENTRE AT THE VIENNA PRIVATE CLINIC:

Combines leading cancer experts and state-of-the-art techniques in radiotherapy to offer tailored treatments for conditions like breast cancer and metastases.

CENTRE FOR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSIOTHERAPY:

Customised treatment plans and a wide range of high-quality therapy options in spinal therapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation to promote pain relief, restore mobility, optimise body functionality and improve quality of life.

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FEATURE | AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY

A Symbol of Austrian Identity

The Austrian National Library, also known as the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, is a treasure trove of knowledge and history. Located at the heart of Vienna, this magnificent library is not just any ordinary building; it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience 24

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s soon as you step inside the library, you will be awestruck by its grandeur.

With over seven million items in its collection, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and prints dating back to the 14th century, it’s no surprise that this library is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Austria. Including rare and valuable works dating back to the Middle Ages, it is a treasure trove for scholars, researchers, and book lovers.

Established in 1368 by Duke Albrecht III, the Austrian National Library is also one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in the world. The old baroque library of the Habsburg empire is located in Hofburg Palace.

The library’s main building is the magnificent Palais Mollard-Clary, which was built in the 18th

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THE OLDEST LIBRARY IN AUSTRIA

The Austrian National Library, founded in 1368, holds the distinction of being the oldest library in Austria. For over six centuries, it has been a custodian of knowledge, preserving invaluable manuscripts, rare books, maps, and a wide range of historical documents.

A HOME FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST BOOK

century by famous Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The interior is just as stunning as the exterior: visitors are awed by its grand staircase, ornate ceilings and frescoes, marble columns and statues. There are several reading rooms where visitors can study or browse through books on various topics, such as art history, musicology or law.

But what makes this library truly special is its commitment to preserving and promoting knowlcordmagazine.com

One of the most intriguing attractions within the library is the world’s largest book, known as the Klencke Atlas. Measuring a staggering 1.75 metres tall and 1.90 metres wide when opened, this monumental atlas is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

edge for generations to come. The Austrian National Library has embraced technology by digi­ tising many of its collections so that people from all over the world can access them online.

AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL

The library is not only a repository of knowledge, but also a stunning architectural masterpiece. Its opulent interior, adorned with frescoes, gold leaf accents, and magnificent statues, 25

MONUMENTAL MARBLE STATUES

The library’s grand staircase is adorned with monumental marble statues representing various subjects, from science and art to literature and history. These exquisite sculptures add a touch of grace and grandeur to the already magnificent surroundings.

transports visitors to a bygone era of grandeur and elegance.

A COLLECTION THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS

The library’s vast collection covers diverse subject matters and spans various time periods. From medieval manuscripts to contemporary literature, from scientific treatises to musical scores, the Austrian National Library offers a comprehensive body of work that caters to every scholarly interest.

A ROYAL REPOSITORY

The Austrian National Library served as the royal library of the Habsburg monarchy. Emperors and archdukes amassed an impressive collection of books and manuscripts, many of which are still preserved within the library’s walls.

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

The Austrian National Library is committed to providing access to its collection for everyone.

Scholars, researchers, and curious visitors can explore its holdings and delve into the fascinating world of literature and history.

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The Austrian National Library is a treasure trove of knowledge and history, housing an impressive collection of books, manuscripts and artefacts. Its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage and educational programmes make it a must-visit destination for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re marvelling at the intricate beauty of the State Hall, exploring the diverse collection of the Papyrus Museum, or immersing yourself in the digital world of the ONB labs, the Austrian National Library offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors. In This remarkable institution, centuries of knowledge and culture await.

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TRAVEL | AUSTRIA

Tyrol, Your Next Summer Getaway With its idyllic Alpine villages, towering mountains and age-old traditions, the Austrian region of Tyrol makes for an ideal summer getaway. Plus, we recommend five festival dates to add to your itinerary

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tretching along the western side of Austria, sandwiched between Bavaria and Italy, Tyrol is one of the country’s nine federal states. Bounded by Salzburgerland to the east and Voralberg to the west, the state covers much of the Eastern Alps and is divided into two parts: North Tyrol and East Tyrol. Home to rugged peaks, picturesque valleys

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and rolling mountain pastures, Tyrol is renowned for its skiing, snowboarding and après ski in winter. However, the region offers plenty of scope for outdoor adventure and relaxation in the warmer months, too, when travellers can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, traditional festivals, gastronomic offerings and rich culture, all wrapped up in genuinely warm Austrian hospitality.

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Anyone with a love of the outdoors — including hikers, cyclists, walkers and climbers — will fall under the spell of Tyrol’s intoxicating mountain scenery. Yet, there’s something for everyone here: for those who love to seek out culture, there are plenty of experiences to get involved with in the historic old town and summer festivals of Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital, while gastronomes should head to Kitzbühel to enjoy a variety of classic and modern cuisine, served in an array of settings ranging from mountain huts to traditional inns and fine dining restaurants.

Granite giants, roaring waterfalls and gorges, meandering rivers and mountain lakes — the most fascinating sights in Tyrol are all Mother Nature’s creations. But it’s the region’s sublime mountain scenery — such as the Kitzbühel Alps, Wilder Kaiser, Ötztal Alps, Zillertal Alps, the high valley of the Wildschönau, and the High Tauern (which includes the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps) — that attracts families and adventurers alike. Visitors can enjoy fantastic hiking trails, from short, gentle day walks to extended mountain hikes, such as the 250-mile Eagle Trail, which traverses the whole of Tyrol. Cyclists can also enjoy more than 600 miles of marked road cycling trails, not to mention some 3,500 miles of mountain bike trails.

Innsbruck offers a city escape with a unique blend of urban fun and Alpine flair. From the charms of its historic old town to the opulence of the Imperial Palace, this is a destination not to be missed. Make sure you visit the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), built around 500 years ago by the Emperor Maximilian I; the Hofkirche (Court Church) which houses Maximilian’s tomb; and the Hofgarten (Imperial Gardens). Beyond Innsbruck, you’ll want to explore some of the valleys, such as Zillertal, and quaint towns, including Kitzbühel, St Anton am Arlberg and St Johann. An excellent pub-

Anyone with a love of the outdoors — including hikers, cyclists, walkers and climbers — will fall under the spell of Tyrol’s intoxicating mountain scenery

Cyclists can enjoy more than 600 miles of marked road cycling trails, not to mention some 3,500 miles of mountain bike trails 30

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lic transport network means Tyrol’s highlights and mountain areas are easily accessible by local bus.

Tyrol is a region with year-round appeal. If it’s world-class hiking you’re after, come in the summer, which begins in early June and runs through to late August. Wildflowers are at their most colourful in June and mountain huts are generally open between the end of May and October.

By Rudolf Abraham

Granite giants, roaring waterfalls and gorges, meandering rivers and mountain lakes — the most fascinating sights in Tyrol are all Mother Nature’s creations cordmagazine.com

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“Austria is not a country, it's a state of mind” Hermann Bahr