CorD Magazine, August 2018 issue, No.166

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

MIODRAG STOJKOVIĆ PH.D.,

Representative of the UN SecretaryGeneral and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade

Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Kragujevac

Legacy Over Creativity

Keep Eyes Open To Possibilities

www.cordmagazine.com

Closing Chapters - More Important Then Opening

SIMONA-MIRELA MICULESCU,

AUG 2018/ ISSUE NO. 166

H.E. HENDRIK GERRIT CORNELIUS VAN DEN DOOL

interviews opinions new comments events COMMENT: NEBOJŠA VIŠKOVIĆ

NOVAK DJOKOVIĆ CHAMPIONS DON’T JUST DISAPPEAR PROFESSOR RICHARD MILES

IN ARCHAEOLOGY, SERBIA IS AN ICONIC PLACE

Exclusive

RUMEN RADEV

783002 771451 9

Pragmatic Dialogue Instead Of Aggressive Tone

ISSN1451-7833

PRESIDENT OF BULGARIA

CONTENTS

COMMENT

CHAMPIONS DON’T JUST DISAPPEAR “He can’t come back,” I’m told philosophically by a British fellow journalist, unprovoked, while I peacefully drank my coffee a day before the start of Wimbledon. “Đoković,” he continued theatrically. “There are simply too many problems. He won’t reach the semi-finals.”

08 PRAGMATIC DIALOGUE INSTEAD OF AGGRESSIVE TONE RUMEN RADEV President of Bulgaria

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović, Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić,

BOJANA BORIC BREŠKOVIĆ Director of the National Museum in Belgrade

Politics

24 IN ARCHAEOLOGY, SERBIA IS AN ICONIC PLACE

H.E. HENDRIK GERRIT CORNELIUS VAN DEN DOOL Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

48 FACES & PLACES 51 LEGACY OVER CREATIVITY

MIODRAG STOJKOVIC PH.D. Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Kragujevac Medical Faculty in Kragujevac, writer

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE

56 CHILL OUT

43 KEEP EYES OPEN TO POSSIBILITIES

58 DETAILS IN SUMMER HUES

SIMONA-MIRELA MICULESCU Representative of the UN SecretaryGeneral and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade

18 GLOBAL DIARY Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić

DESIGNER: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ARTISTIC HERITAGE

14 CLOSING CHAPTERS - MORE IMPORTANT THEN OPENING

@CORDMAGAZINE

EDITOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com

20 UK GOVERNMENT IN TURMOIL, WHAT NOW FOR BREXIT?

RICHARD MILES University of Sydney Professor and Co-Director of the Glac Archaeological Project

@CORD_MAGAZINE

CORD MAGAZINE

NEBOJŠA VIŠKOVIĆ

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August

Comment

Champions

Don’t Just Disappear NEBOJŠA VIŠKOVIĆ

A

nd while I, overwhelmed, selected between numerous options as responses to this incredibly arrogantly and summarily delivered stance, I realised that it would be better just to nod my head... And to seek him after the tournament.

The tournament passed; Đoković returned to form, and I didn’t find that colleague of mine.

But if I had found him, here’s what I’d have said...

“Hi, colleague. How’s it going? I just wanted, before I depart from Wimbledon, to explain to you why you were mistaken, why Novak returned... Because a Wimbledon title can be considered a return to form, can it not?

In short, he returned because he’d never even left. You are a sports journalist, so you know yourself that ups and downs, no matter how drastic, are something that top athletes must go through in their career. Now, the fact that it appeared to you that Novak had become too sluggish is another matter. You were looking at the whole thing superficially, not delving deeper into the essence, the fringes of memory processing the information that came to you.

But that’s okay, you’re just one of those among the majority who reasoned in such a way.

There had been no results, you say? You’re absolutely correct. When you’re injured, there can be no success. Novak was hindered for a long time with a problem with his elbow, ignoring the signals sent by the body and avoiding

“He can’t come back,” I’m told philosophically by a British fellow journalist, unprovoked, while I peacefully drank my coffee a day before the start of Wimbledon. “Đoković,” he continued theatrically. “There are simply too many problems. He won’t reach the semi-finals.” the final confrontation, i.e. an operation. Yes, that was a mistake. When he finally visited the surgeon, and that visit only lasted a couple of hours, it was clear that he had lost at least half a year of his career by prolonging that decision.

His return to the court was marked by defeats from many players weaker than him, and that was most deceiving for you sceptics.

He looked physically poor? Perhaps. He played some tournaments that he shouldn’t have, with some wisdom lacking there, and there was too much desire for new trophies.

The body was not in the condition necessary to achieve top results. A lack of strength brings with it a lack of concentration, that’s a perpetual cycle from which two exits exist – total pause or a solution on the go, torment on the court.

Novak chose the latter, actually the harder way, and so he again made you think in the wrong direction.

As we analysed Novak’s body language, every movement and every word, he didn’t change his modus operandi. He always plays and enjoys himself. And not every eye can see that

I disagree that there was no desire. Perhaps that fire within him was only hidden. Novak’s ambivalence can be deceiving. He is an artist in his work, and every artist sometimes gives us something that will compel us to wonder whether he enjoys what he’s doing? And in that there was a new trap. That’s because, as we analysed his body language, every movement and every word, he didn’t change his modus operandi. He always plays and enjoys himself. And not every eye can see that.

The people with whom he became what he is also returned; old, dear faces sitting courtside, at training or matches. The return of championship-winning times and customs means the restoring of victorious habits. I won’t offer the metaphor of a bicycle that one can never forget how to ride once mastered, as it is inappropriate in relation to the magnitude of this topic, but it has some basic elements of truth. Champions don’t just disappear.

And, to conclude, here’s another reason why you’re watching him again lift the biggest trophy that exists in this sport. That’s you, dear friend of mine by pen, microphone, whatever..., you and the rest of the army of unbelievers. Now if I told you that you’d disturbed the bear, you wouldn’t understand me because we Serbs have slightly disjointed slang. But then you know what the word “inat” (spite) means. Smart enough.

I wouldn’t delay you anymore – you learned your lesson even without me.”

Interview Exclusive RUMEN RADEV

PRESIDENT OF BULGARIA

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is satisfied with his first visit to Serbia, during which he reiterated his commitment to dialogue and compromise solutions, both in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and in EU-Russia relations. In this interview for CorD Magazine, the Bulgarian President noted that his country will advocate for the Western Balkans to remain in the focus of the European Union even after the end of the Bulgarian presidency, as well as for the projects agreed at the June 2008 EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia to be implemented.

Mr President, how would you rate your visit to Serbia and recent talks with Serbian officials?

- I felt at home in Serbia and was personally convinced that this is a beautiful and European country. Our political relations are developing positively, our trade exchange over the past year exceeded a billion Euros, tourist flows have steadily increased, while there is good coopera-

Pragmatic Dialogue

Instead Of Aggressive Tone The refusal to hold any dialogue with Russia cannot possibly be a solution to a crisis. Despite the ongoing tension in the EURussia relations and the mutually imposed sanctions, Russia has reaffirmed itself as Europe’s traditional partner in the sectors of energy, the economy, tourism and the fight against terrorism.

The leading EU member states have defended their economic interests in Russia, and I see no reason why this should not be valid for Bulgaria as well – Rumen Radev, President of Bulgaria 8

August

By Ljubica Gojgić

REFORMS

The 2025 horizon that was announced in February 2018 is a new chance for Serbia and other membership candidates to complete all the necessary reforms

tion between the two countries in the spheres of defence, internal affairs and migration.

Many things connect us, we work together successfully on a number of large-scale projects in the areas of connectivity, which I think is of great importance to the future and the security of both of our countries. Connectivity, which was one of the priorities of the Bulgarian EU Presidency, does not, however, just mean building infrastructure and transport projects, but also education and contacts between young people.

That is why, during my visit to Serbia, members of the Bulgarian delegation discussed a wide range of issues, with their Serbian counterparts the two rectors of Sofia and Belgrade universities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. It was a pleasure for me to visit, together with President Vučić, an exhibition in Belgrade called “Applied Nostalgia”, organised by the Ministry of European Integration in Serbia and the Embassy of Bulgaria in Belgrade, which traditionally marks the end of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. Anyone who has seen it can understand how close our capitals – Sofia and Belgrade – really are.

ACCESSION

The Western Balkans’ accession to a United Europe has been a goal of Bulgaria ever since the country joined the European Union in 2007

February 2018 is a new chance for Serbia and other membership candidates to complete all the necessary reforms. This is a long path that requires all stakeholders be brought together to achieve what has been stated by all Serbian politicians as the strategic goal of Serbia – membership in the EU. Focus is on reforms and positive changes! I commend President Vučić and the Government of Serbia for their declared willingness and actions taken to deliver and implement the expected reforms in all spheres. The strengthening of the rule

DIALOGUE

The voice of Serbia must be heard in the Dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina in order for a lasting solution to be reached

of law, protecting minority rights, media freedoms and accelerating public sector and economic reforms are vital for this progress. Reforms are central to the success of Serbia’s transformation process, but without broad support and communication with society they are prone to failure.

How would you evaluate developments during the six-month period of Bulgaria’s presidency?

The Western Balkans’ accession to a United Europe has been a goal of Bulgaria ever since the country

Reiterating your support for Serbia’s European integration, you assessed that 2025 – as the possible ear of accession – is a viable but ambitious goal. In your opinion, what is the key factor in this process?

As a member state of the EU, and as a Balkan country, Bulgaria remains committed to the European perspective of the entire region and has proven its readiness to support and assist the countries of the Western Balkans on their path to the EU. Following the end of its EU Presidency, Bulgaria remains active in the EU Troika Presidency and continues to work for the focus to remain on the region of the Western Balkans, for tangible projects to be implemented – as set out in the Sofia Declaration – and for other important regional initiatives to be realised. We have repeatedly stated our support for the European path of Serbia and will continue very actively with this effort.

The 2025 horizon that was announced in

PRESIDENT RUMEN AND PRESIDENT VUČIĆ

Connectivity, which was one of the priorities of the Bulgarian EU Presidency, does not just mean building infrastructure and transport projects, but also education and contacts between young people

joined the European Union in 2007. More importantly, this was among the goals of the enlargement policy of the EU itself, which was set in the decisions made in the so-called Thessaloniki Agenda of 2003. The fact that this topic was “frozen” as an item on the EU agenda during the past decade is not in Bulgaria’s interests, nor those of any country in the region, nor even of the EU. Security, stability and economic developments in the Balkans are connected with the European prospects of the entire region, and Bulgaria’s Presidency of the EU Council was a good occasion to have this issue

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Interview Exclusive raised yet again, and to have it placed in the focus of the debate held within the EU. Naturally, making progress in the process of European integration cannot be contingent on any fixed time limit, but rather on the achievements of each country in the region and on their will to reform. During the last months, neighbouring countries reaffirmed their will, while the EU expressed its willingness to continue supporting this process.

Balkans, for which the prospects of EU accession represent the engine of reforms. In the context of discussions regarding the EU’s internal reforms, how do you see the future of the Union and Bulgaria’s positions within the reformed EU?

The next couple of years will see the EU go through tough times. It will rethink itself and maybe redefine itself. Radical change is needed, because our Union went through several crises - the financial

future. It should be a union that stands close to its citizens, and governments should address the needs of ordinary citizens.The division lines that appeared between the North and the South, between the West and the East, must be erased. But, above all, the need remains to protect the values that kept Europe together for more than six decades. Bulgaria is also very interested in preserving core EU policies, such as cohesion and subsidised agriculture. If we are able to implement this vision, it is also obvious that Europe should run at one speed.

Bulgaria’s presidency culminated with an historic agreement between Greece and FYR Macedonia on the future name of that country. How important is that agreement when it comes to the stability of the region?

The agreement addresses one of the toughest problems in our region. If the two countries are able to go through the legal procedures for putting the agreement into force, it would provide a solid base for establishing good neighbourly relations between these two countries. I hope that the Treaty between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia will play the same role vis-à-vis my country.

The most visible and immediate consequence of the Greco-Macedonian agreement may be the removal of obstacles to Macedonia’s integration into NATO and accession to the EU. EMMANUEL MACRON AND RUMEN RADEV During the recent EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the view that there can be no EU enlargement prior to the conducting of serious reforms within the EU itself. In your opinion, is this the prevailing position in the EU?

As a result of the political and economic crises surrounding Europe, as well as those inside Europe over recent years, the EU is now focused too much on its own problems, pertaining to the lack of a common approach to migration, the economic cohesion between “old” and “new” member states, and Brexit, among other issues. This is a natural process, considering that the efforts that are being put into reforming the EU will determine the future shape of Europe, though they should not lead to dismissing the idea for the Balkans’ accession to the EU. This is a common task for both the EU member states in the region, and for our neighbouring countries in the Western

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The next couple of years will see the EU go through tough times. It will rethink itself and maybe redefine itself. A radical change is needed downturn that we witnessed almost 10 years ago reduced economic growth, which was very difficult to overcome. Unemployment remains at relatively high levels, especially among young people, and this has exacerbated latent social contradictions and the integration of ethnic communities.The EU has suffered some kind of crisis of confidence. Some European citizens question its ability to cope with the challenges. In these circumstances, it is crucial that the EU pursue the internal debate about its

In reference to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, you have said that Serbia’s attitudes must be respected in this process if a sustainable solution is being sought. Do you have the impression that the international community treats the arguments of both parties equally?

Bulgaria has consistently supported the reconciliation process in our region and we made it possible to assist the resolving of a maximum number of unresolved bilateral issues. I stand behind my words that the voice of Serbia must be heard in the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina in order to reach a lasting solution. I respect and highly value the commitment of the EU HR/VP Federica Mogherini to this process, and I know that much has been done in this direction. It is encouraging that this process continues despite the difficulties on this path. What Bulgaria would like in its relations with Serbia is to remove the obstacles on Serbia’s path towards European integration and for Serbia to take its rightful place in EU, where it belongs. We are convinced of this. Bulgaria and Serbia should soon be

linked directly by a highway. It has been announced that the section on the Serbian side will be completed by the end of this year. When will works be completed on the Bulgarian side?

The connection between our two countries is part of the Trans-European Transport network and lies on the shortest route between Western Europe and the Middle East. During my recent visit to Serbia, my counterpart president Vučić and I discussed the importance of our common infrastructure projects and in particular the progress being made on constructing the highway between Bulgaria and Serbia. The highway section that lies within Serbia is expected to be completed very soon.

The upgrading of the road section between the Kalotina border checkpoint and Sofia is underway, with the tender procedures having been finalised.

The construction works on this part will cover very challenging terrain, but I believe that our Road Infrastructure Agency, as the contracting authority, together with the executive contractors, will take

gressing and when could it be completed?

The highway connection between our two countries is part of the TransEuropean Transport network and lies on the shortest route between Western Europe and the Middle East this challenge very seriously and complete the works within two-and-a-half years.

Great hopes in Belgrade are being placed in the construction of the Niš-Dimitrovgrad gas interconnection, with which Serbia – via Bulgaria – will be connected to the pipeline that supplies gas from Azerbaijan.

How are the dynamics of the construction of this gas pipeline through Bulgaria pro-

Since the TANAP gas pipeline was commissioned and made operational in June 2018, Azerbaijani gas now reaches the Turkish-Greek border. Yet, in order for that gas to reach Serbia, another three gas pipelines need to be completed and commissioned. The first one is in Greece - the so-called Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP), and it will transport Caspian Sea gas from the Turkish-Greek border to Komotini. Thereon gas supplies will be transited though the Bulgarian-Greek IGB interconnector, which is under construction and is to be commissioned and made operational in 2020.

After that, via the Bulgarian national gas transit system, Caspian Sea gas supplies can reach the Bulgarian-Serbian IBS interconnector. Recently, the European Commission granted 49.6 million euros in aid from pre-accession funds for the construction of a facility in Serbia. According to the two countries’ coordinated plans, this gas pipeline should become operational in May 2022 at the latest. You spoke recently in Moscow about Bul-

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Interview Exclusive garia’s desire to preserve gas supplies via the route that used to be called the “South Stream” and explained that such a stance is dictated by “common sense”. Do you believe it is possible for this project to be revitalised – given that it would be in some way politically unacceptable for the EU?

What I said before, and am now reiterating, is that Bulgaria and all other EU member states need direct supplies of Russian gas through the Black Sea. Whether we refer to the pipeline as South Stream or Bulgarian Stream does not matter much. After all, it is beyond any doubt that this is the safest and cheapest route, and it is a direct route as well. The need for direct supplies of Russian gas to the territory of EU countries is conditioned by common sense, as well as by the requirements for energy security and reliability. They form the foundation of the now established European energy union.

As to whether the project will be politically acceptable for the EU, I would like to say once again that ensuring the transit of gas supplies along the South Stream pipeline is by no means different from Germany’s plans to implement the construction of North Stream 2 gas pipeline, given that the requirements of the EU’s Third Energy Package are met, of course. I do hope that Brussels accepts this idea with understanding, ever more so considering that this ensures additional gas supplies not only to Bulgaria, but also to Serbia, Hungary, Austria, and northern Italy, among other countries. You are among the European leaders advocating for good relations with Russia.

Do you think the future will be marked by cooperation or a further sharpening of relations?

In my opinion, the authentic role of foreign policy is to ensure that the gates are wide open for dialogue and cooperation, instead of singling out foes. The EU’s relations with Russia cannot but be influenced by the political crises in Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, the refusal to hold any dialogue whatsoever cannot possibly be a solution to a crisis. Despite the ongoing tension in EU-Russian relations and the mutually imposed sanctions, Russia has reaffirmed itself as Europe’s traditional partner in the sectors of energy, the economy, tourism and the fight against terrorism. The leading EU member states have defended their economic interests in Russia, and I see no reason why this should not also be valid for Bulgaria. It is my view that avoiding the tone of aggression should become a common

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PRESIDENT RADEV AND DONALD TUSK, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL

The need for direct supplies of Russian gas to the territory of EU countries is conditioned by common sense, as well as by the requirements of energy security and reliability principle in bilateral relations, while holding a pragmatic dialogue with the biggest country in Eastern Europe is in the common interests of both the EU and Russia.

During your visit to Serbia you expressed interest in the rights of the Bulgarian minority. How would you assess the position of Bulgarians living in Serbia and what do you consider to be the biggest challenges?

Standing together with President Vučić during my visit to Dimitrovgrad and addressing the representatives of the Bulgarian National Minority was a sign of the unity and strong determination of our countries to continue building stronger partnerships and trust in the years ahead. This momentum has been recognised by the strong commitment of both countries to act together and look for mutual ways to help and assist the representatives of the Bulgarian National Minority in Serbia, in the full spirit

and in accordance with Serbian legislation.

The steps already taken by Serbia, and the results achieved in improving the situation of the Bulgarian National Minority, are so far encouraging. We believe dialogue is the only path to finding a solution to the daily problems of the minority, but that must be accompanied by candour, openness and commitment to minority issues. I am pleased to note that Serbia is making important amendments to legislation concerning the rights of national minorities and I am confident that such amendments will provide the necessary atmosphere in which all representatives of minorities, regardless of origin, will feel equal, free and protected.

However Bulgaria expects much more from the National Council in its efforts to unify the Bulgarian National Minority and to protect its rights hand in hand with the Serbian state. The climate of confidence that exists and the political will of the Serbian state that has been demonstrated in Dimitrovgrad should be leading to effective and durable solutions to the problems of the Bulgarian National Minority in the area of education, freedom of religion, access to information in mother tongue and others. The respect for its rights is important not only for Bulgaria, but also for Serbia, as well as with regard to our bilateral relations and the European prospects of the whole region. During your recent visit to Dimitrovgrad it was promised that the Serbian authorities would provide significant assistance to help the work of Bulgarian language media. How do you view the importance of the media and respect for media freedom and freedom of expression generally?

The importance of the issue with media freedom and freedom of expression, in general, is becoming higher and higher every single day. We are living in an era of the digitisation of our everyday lives and, in this respect, the importance of having good and reliable sources of information for the most important facts around us is ever greater. It is even more important to have media outlets and media content that inform people in their mother language. This is the only way for the people not to be easily manipulated and to be well informed. I would like to thank President Vućič for taking care of the problems of the Bulgarian National Minority and especially for his decisive support during our meeting to figure out a way to ease the life of the media companies in Serbia that produce media content in the Bulgarian language.

Interview H.E. HENDRIK GERRIT CORNELIUS VAN DEN DOOL AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

Closing Chapters -

The recent summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union confirmed the European perspective of Serbia, considers H.E. Henrik van den Dool, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Serbia, stressing that progress in the negotiation process should not be judged by the number and speed of the opening of negotiation chapters, but rather by the number of those chapters that are closed following confirmation of the achieving of a European standard in that area. In assessing a country’s success in attaining these standards, the rule of law is particularly important for the Netherlands, or the successful implementation of laws and not just their adoption. In this interview for CorD Magazine, he evaluates economic relations between the Netherlands and Serbia as having never been

More Important Then Opening

The Negotiating Framework clearly states the accession negotiations are determined by progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights chapters, as well as the normalization of Serbia’s relations with Kosovo. The rule of law is not just a condition on paper, but an essential requirement to be able to implement reforms across the board – Hendrik Gerrit Cornelius van den Dool 14

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LAW

The rule of law is not just a condition on paper, but an essential requirement to be able to implement reforms across the board

better, which is evidenced by the almost 500 million euros of direct investments of Dutch companies in the Serbian economy in 2017 alone.

Ambassador Van den Dool illustrates the situation by noting that, thanks to Dutch company Heineken, which recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its operations in Serbia, Zaječar’s traditional beer was brought back from oblivion and is again being produced. Your Excellency, how would you assess the messages of the latest European Summit (28th-29th June)?

REFORM

COOPERATION

establishing a sustainable and tangible track record of effective implementation of reforms.

This will help Serbia close chapters, which is even more important than opening them.

Netherlands, what is your country’s stance on the situation in this area?

It is evident that there is a need to reform the EU in certain areas, in order to make it more resilient to the challenges we have seen emerge in recent times

Media have cited diplomatic sources in reporting the view that the reason for the slower opening of chapters is dissatisfaction among EU countries with progress on the rule of law and reforms being implemented in Serbia. Given that this is undoubtedly an important issue for the

The European Council Summit focused on migration, and heads of governments reached an agreement on this topic. The EU is taking a comprehensive approach that combines more effective control of the EU’s external borders, increased external action, such as support for socioeconomic transformation in Africa, and internal arrangements to set up centres in member states.

The Netherlands believes that this agreement is an important first step in achieving a joint European and all-inclusive approach to this urgent issue.

The heads of governments also endorsed the conclusions on enlargement adopted earlier that week by the General Affairs Council, which reaffirmed the EU’s unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Serbia. Ministers welcomed the overall progress achieved, but also urged Serbia to step up its efforts in the area of the rule of law. I believe it is also crucial that the Council called upon Serbia to communicate more actively regarding its strategic choice for the EU.

It was confirmed at the Summit that Serbia is opening two new chapters in accession negotiations with the EU. However, Serbia’s negotiating team has stated several times that Serbia is ready to open five chapters.

Could the process of opening chapters progress faster?

The opening of two chapters shows that progress is being made. That said, the process of EU integration is not about the speed and the quantity of chapters, but rather their quality. This involves

The relationship between the Netherlands and the U.S. dates back over four centuries and is one of our key partnerships in many sectors, ranging from security to economic cooperation

The Negotiating Framework clearly states that the overall pace of accession negotiations is determined by progress on chapters covering the rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as the normalisation of Serbia’s relations with Kosovo. The rule of law is not just a condition on paper, but an essential requirement to be able to implement reforms across the board. Therefore, we have noted with concern the lack of progress

in certain areas, especially on media freedom.

The opening of two chapters shows that progress is being made.

That said, the process of EU integration is not about the speed and the quantity of chapters, but rather their quality

The migrant crisis is again a major topic in the EU, also with the question of possible additional closing of the EU’s borders more firmly, which is insisted upon by individual members, but also part of Germany’s ruling coalition. What is the position of the Netherlands on this issue?

For the Netherlands, it is of utmost importance that we keep working together, as the EU, to find common solutions to this important issue. Mobility of people within the EU is one

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Interview of the foundations of our Union, so we need to address this together. It is important to take a comprehensive approach, so, not only ensuring more effective control of the external borders, as you point out, but also addressing the root causes by promoting economic development and good governance in countries of origin. It also has an internal dimension, which includes working towards a Common European Asylum System and promoting integration of those who need protection.

The position of the Netherlands in these discussions, therefore, is that, as our Prime Minister stated recently in the European Parliament, “the debate about the future of the EU should not be about more or less Europe. It should be about where the EU can add value and where sovereign member states can make a positive and conscious choice to work together.” What will be the consequences of the so-called mini customs war between the U.S. and the EU for the economy of the Netherlands?

Would the Netherlands support Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurtz’s idea to build camps for the long-term accommodating of migrants that would be located outside of the EU; and where do you think those centres could be situated?

The relationship between the Netherlands and the U.S. dates back over four centuries and is one of our key partnerships in many sectors, ranging from security to economic cooperation. This will also remain the case in the time to come. This was reaffirmed during Prime Minister Rutte’s visit to Washington just recently, where our economic relationship was one of the issues the Prime Minister discussed with President Trump.

Dutch investments have created around 825,000 jobs in the U.S., whilst over a quarter of a million jobs in the Netherlands are the result of U.S. investments in the Netherlands, and there is significant potential for those numbers to increase. In terms of our bilateral trade, the U.S. currently maintains a trade surplus with the Netherlands. In that sense, I think it is clear that it is in everyone’s best interest for EU-U.S. relations to continue to be based on the principles of open and free trade.

External engagement is one of the elements of the agreement that the European Council concluded in June. The precise details will still have to be worked out, so it is good that the Austrian presidency of the Council has made migration one of its priorities. For now, there is an agreement on controlled reception centres within EU member states on a voluntary basis.

Outside the EU, we will step up our cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Given current migration flows, the immediate focus of efforts to improve reception conditions is along Eastern and Western Mediterranean routes. How does the Netherlands view the French President’s proposals on essential reforms within the EU that would imply, among other things, the establishment of a special budget for countries that are part of the euro zone? In your opinion, what should be the key elements of reforms?

It is evident that there is a need to reform the EU in certain areas, in order to make it more resilient to the challenges we have seen emerge in recent times. The EU is the most successful example in world history of how multilateralism and the willingness to compromise can bring about unprecedented security, stability and prosperity and, as a founding member, the Netherlands is committed to ensuring that the Union stays strong.

The choice facing member states now regards the way in which the course will be set for the future, and it is good that President Macron and others have shown initiative by presenting proposals on what that future could look like. It is important, however, that decisions are made

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I think that Heineken’s success here, as well as that of other Dutch companies – such as Philips, KupujemProdajem, Vahali, Ahold-Delhaize and many others – is a sign that Serbia is a place where Dutch companies can thrive rationally, proportionally and in deliberation with all those involved, so as to ensure that reforms add value where value can be added, whilst being cautious about far-reaching transfers of competence to the European level as a default response to challenges.

When it comes to economic cooperation between the Netherlands and Serbia, do you have the impression that it is stagnating – compared to 2013, for example, when was the Netherlands the largest investor in Serbia?

Quite the contrary, economic cooperation between our two countries is stronger than ever. When compared to 2013, the total value of bilateral trade has increased by ca. 25 per cent, and it was over 600 million euros in 2017. As far as foreign direct investment is concerned, it is true that the Netherlands was the biggest source of FDI in 2013, but according to the NBS, Serbia’s central bank, that was also the case in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. FDI from the Netherlands reached almost half a billion euros last year, which is 30 per cent more than in 2013. I am confident that we will also maintain that position in 2018.

In terms of business development, we also notice a trend of an increasing amount of Dutch

Minister Ðorđević and myself had the opportunity to visit the brewery in Zaječar on the occasion of Heineken’s 10th anniversary of operations in Serbia. Heineken is one of the best-known Dutch brands worldwide. Apart from being an excellent brewer, Heineken has a track-record for being a responsible and modern Dutch employer that invests strongly in its workforce, in culture and in the local communities where it operations and upon which it relies.

That’s why I’m particularly glad it has such a substantial presence in Serbia, successfully operating two breweries and having invested over €200 million. Simply put, the impact of Heineken is evident when you order Zaječarsko pivo. Having almost disappeared, this excellent beer is now the most popular beer in Serbia, and that is because Heineken managed to combine Serbian craftsmanship, artisanal knowhow and love for tradition with Dutch innovation, modern (brewing) technologies and business practises.

I think that Heineken’s success here, as well as that of other Dutch companies – such as Philips, KupujemProdajem, Vahali, Ahold-Delhaize and many others – is a sign that Serbia is a place where Dutch companies can thrive.

companies showing interest in entering the Serbian market in a variety of sectors, ranging from agriculture and IT, to renewable energy and others. Those companies that are already wellestablished investors in Serbia plan to stay and expand. Actually, quite the opposite of stagnation, our economic relationship is becoming stronger and more dynamic!

Explaining the secret of the success of Dutch agriculture recently, you spoke about the significance of the “golden triangle”– the state, the private sector and the academic community – in this business. Do you have the impression that you can transfer this knowhow to Serbia?

The Netherlands is well known for its intersectoral cooperation. The Dutch must cooperate in order to survive and cope with low lands and high water and tides, and this attitude extends to all sectors of the economy. The Netherlands has a unique approach in the agriculture sector that we refer to as the “golden triangle”. It represents specific cooperation between agriculture businesses (farmers), the academic community and the government. Farmers are organised in cooperatives, through which they strive for better conditions on the market, decreasing their production costs and increasing their profit. By organising themselves in such a way, farmers make themselves material “sparring partners”.

Cooperation in the agriculture sector includes all stakeholders: farmers/producers, educational and training centres, universities, logistical centres, distributers, government, civil society and consumers. On the other hand, the Netherlands is very keen on having public debate on different policy issues, in order to keep everybody informed and able to anticipate what is going to happen.

That way everyone can prepare for the coming changes, while ensuring a good atmosphere for doing business.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands promotes this approach through all activities: seminars, workshops, technical lectures, joint business presentations at the Novi Sad Agriculture Fair etc. We are trying to present our way of working to our Serbian counterparts and interest them in trying the same or a similar approach for coping with the challenges they face. Famous Dutch brand Heineken recently commemorated the tenth anniversary of its arrival in Serbia with celebrations in in Zaječar. How would you evaluate the

The latest report for the European Parliament reiterated concerns over the state of the media in Serbia. Do you share the view that the situation is unsatisfactory?

Freedom of expression and freedom of media are issues of high priority for the Netherlands and, apart from closely following the situation in Serbia and in Montenegro, we also support projects contributing to the creation of better conditions for freedom of expression impact of this investment and what kind of message about Serbia does it send to the Dutch business community?

I was very glad that Prime Minister Brnabić,

A lot of work needs to be done in the area of media freedom. This was reiterated in the latest European Parliament report, as you noticed, but was also evident in Serbia falling in the rankings of some important indicators, such as the World Press Freedom Index and the Freedom House Report. Of many media related issues, the safety of journalists is the most concerning. The timely processing and sentencing of perpetrators for all verbal and physical attacks is crucial. One of the hot topics at the moment is the Media Strategy and, even though it should already have been in place some time ago, recent developments regarding its drafting are positive. However, the implementation of existing laws and this future Media Strategy need to be monitored closely.

Freedom of expression and freedom of media are issues of high priority for the Netherlands and, apart from closely following the situation in Serbia and in Montenegro, we also support projects contributing to the creation of better conditions for freedom of expression.

August

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GLOBAL DIARY

Election “I addressed directly with President Putin the issue of Russian interference in our elections. I felt this was a message best delivered in person. Spent a great deal of time talking about it. And President Putin may very well want to address it, and very strongly, because he feels very strongly about it, and he has an interesting idea.”– DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT

MAESTRO IS BACK! Novak Đoković won the Wimbledon men’s singles title for the fourth time, defeating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson.

In his post-match interview, Đoković said this championship was special because his son was in the stands.

“For the first time in my life I have someone screaming, ‘Daddy, daddy,’” the champion said, as the camera zoomed in on his son and wife clapping in the crowd.

“My ambitions are quite high. I think maybe I went against myself, especially the first few months postsurgery, because [my own] expectations were so high that I could not understand why I could not perform and play on the level that I’m used to… But I want to thank all the people who were really close to me and really believed in me, as well.”

This is Đoković’s 13th major title.

WESTERN BALKANS SUMMIT IN LONDON

On 10th July 2018 the UK hosted the Western Balkans Summit in London, which forms part of the Berlin Process. The summit brought together the leaders of the Western Balkans countries and like-minded European partners to strengthen security co-operation, increase economic stability and encourage political co-operation.

To support these objectives the European Commission, in cooperation with partner financial institutions, is putting forward a new guarantee instrument that will be launched in early 2019 under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. With an initial EU commitment of up to €150 million in 2019-2020, the guarantee will aim to leverage up to €1 billion in investments into sustainable socio-economic development and regional integration.

Serbian PM Ana Brnabić spoke at the panel with the leaders of the Western Balkans about economic cooperation and regional integration and current political and security issues.

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Chance “I have other means of expressing my point of view or making decisions. It understands perfectly well that trading accusations or insults at our level is a road to nowhere. It would just mean depriving our countries of their last chance for dialogue, simply the last chance.” – VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT

EU-JAPAN SIGNED FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

The EU and Japan have signed an unprecedented free trade agreement which will create one of the DONALD TUSK (LEFT), SHINZO ABE world’s largest trading blocs. EuroAND JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER pean Council President Donald Tusk says it is a “clear message” against protectionism. The deal is promises to eliminate 99 percent of tariffs that cost businesses in the EU and Japan nearly €1 billion annually. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the deal “shows the world the unshaken political will of Japan and the EU to lead the world as the champions of free trade at a time when protectionism has spread.” According to the European Commission, the EU-Japan “Economic Partnership Agreement” (EPA) is the largest trade deal ever negotiated by the EU and will create a trade zone covering 600 million people and nearly a third of global GDP.

KING GEORGE DAY

Glamour and glory abound at King George Day (28th July) is Ascot’s midsummer prestige horse race event and its showpiece race The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has long been regarded as Europe’s premier midseason middle-distance championship race for horses of both sexes and all ages. With the racecourse in full glorious English summer bloom, racegoers picnicking, live music (from jazz to contemporary DJs) there was a palpable garden party atmosphere that gently complemented the electricity on the track.

FRANCE ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD France are the new World Champions after beating plucky Croatia 4-2 in an extraordinary final in Russia.

Although, by some measures, Croatia dominated the match. It held possession of the ball for more than 60 percent of it. It had better passing accuracy than France, and made nearly double the attempts at the goal than France did, France’s offense came through at key moments, and their four goals secured their title as World Cup Champions.

Croatia’s Luka Modric was awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament, given to the competition’s best player. The Golden Boot, awarded to the leading scorer, went to England’s Harry Kane. Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove, given to the best goalkeeper, and Mbappe received the Young Player Award. Spain’s disciplinary record was honored with the tournament’s Fair Play Trophy.

DOZENS DEAD AS WILDFIRES NEAR ATHENS The worst fire Greece has experienced in over a decade began on July 16, charring homes and cars as it burned through the coastal Attica region around Athens. At least 100 people are confirmed dead from the wildfires and many more remain missing. Rescuers have recovered more than 1000 survivors from the sea after fires forced them to flee into the ocean for safety. The fire swept through Mati, a small resort town just 30 kilometers from Athens. As the fire began, families and children fled to the coast, while some found themselves trapped just a few feet from water with nowhere to go. The Red Cross said they found 26 adults and children huddled together nearby the beach as fire overtook them. This was the worst fire in Greece since August 2007 when fires killed dozens as they burned through the southern Peloponnese peninsula. Alexis Tsipras, the Greece prime minister, announced three days of national mourning as a result of the Mati fire and has asked for international assistance.

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL

August is when the magic really kicks off in Edinburgh with 4 festivals running alongside each other. The Edinburgh Art Festival ( 26th July to 26th August) isn’t just restricted to classics in galleries but takes over the whole city and even some of the country towns beyond. Art Festivals focus on dance, drama, cinema, literature and other art-oriented activities (as well as music) and are usually set in spectacular, interesting locations. With modern art in under ground passages, walking tours of installations and some exclusive artist run spaces this gives a brilliant platform for all kinds of art to be presented.

August

19

Politics

BORIS JOHNSON AND DAVID DAVIS

UK Government In Turmoil,

What Now For Brexit?

Having agreed a plan with her government, Theresa May has been rocked by the resignation of Brexit Secretary David Davis and now her Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. We take a look at what this means and what might happen next in the Brexit process 20

August

PM Theresa May’s new plan relay on the agreement which means that the UK will abide by a “common rulebook for all goods” - in other words, the single market for goods/ agriculture. The government will also press for a “facilitated customs arrangement”. Here the UK could apply different tariffs to the EU, in theory enabling it to pursue trade deals outside of the EU. Where tariff rates differ, the UK would collect fees on the EU’s behalf.

But there’s still a big question of whether the EU will accept this. Not in its current form - There are three reasons why the EU is likely to reject the UK’s proposal.

Firstly, on the “facilitated customs arrangement”, the EU will likely view this as unworkable (practical issues of UK collecting potentially higher EU tariffs), legally-challenging (there are concerns it could encourage smuggling) and politically unacceptable (the thought of a third country collecting EU tariffs is reportedly unpopular in Brussels).

The second reason is the UK’s proposal to remain in the single market for goods and agricultural still fundamentally amounts to ‘cherrypicking’. The EU is worried that other countries could seek similar concessions should the UK be handed a deal that allows it to flourish. While some on the UK side point to the Swiss deal as a clear example

By James Knightley and James Smith By author

of a country being in the single market for goods only, it’s said the EU views that Swiss agreement as a mistake.

Finally, the EU is unlikely to accept that the UK has given enough ground on “the price” of single market access – that’s budget contributions, freedom of movement and ECJ oversight. The UK plan officially says that all of these would “end”.

Admittedly on the ECJ point, it looks like the UK may be more open to a fudge. This could potentially take the form of the EFTA court (involving EU, UK and third country judges agreeing on rulings), which is similar to what is employed in the EEA. But aside from saying a new “mobility framework” will be set-up to facilitate work/study visas, there was little talk on the other two points.

So the EU will almost certainly say no, but Brussels may seek to strike a balance when communicating this. A UK government breakdown is not in the EU’s interest, so it will be wary not to completely destroy the fragile cabinet truce and risk May’s position as PM, just as she is pushing in a “softer” direction.

Will there be a Conservative leadership challenge?

In the aftermath of Friday’s ( July 7) meeting, Brexit Secretary David Davis has resigned, raising some uncertainty over how long that Cabinet truce on the agreement can survive.

However, according to press reports, this has been in the offing for quite a while. As he implied in his resignation letter, Davis has not been happy with Number 10’s strategy and has been increasingly sidelined by Theresa May’s Europe Advisor, Olly Robbins.

Another key Brexiteer, the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also quit on July 9 in another big setback for the Prime Minister’s authority.

But keep in mind that there is a sense that his support among governing Conservative MPs has been waning, particularly after derogatory comments about British business were made public. While damaging, this might not be a fatal blow for Theresa May. However, we need to watch Jacob Rees Mogg and his fellow pro-Brexit MP colleagues who according to some reports are threatening to gather enough signatures to trigger a vote of no confidence and a leadership challenge.

48 signatures are required, and the press have

been reporting for a while that around 40 are already secured. This morning Rees-Mogg retweeted a snap poll of Conservative Party members suggesting 60% think the Chequers plan is “a bad deal”. He subsequently tweeted “no deal is better than a bad deal”.

If a Tory leadership challenge is initiated, it’s not guaranteed that May would lose. David Davis said that Theresa May is a “good PM” and will stay – a leadership contest is “the

yesterday he issued a rallying cry for MPs to unite behind May’s plan, and it looks like he is trying to be the bridge between the two Brexit factions. Javid has said very little on his Brexit vision, while Rees-Moggs would be that of a short sharp Brexit with no vestiges of EU control over the UK. If Theresa May goes, a second election looks unlikely. Two-thirds of MPs would need to vote in favour of it, but while the Conservative

THERESA MAY - BATTLE OVER BREXIT

The EU is worried that other countries could seek similar concessions should the UK be handed a deal that allows it to flourish wrong thing to do… I won’t throw my hat in the ring”. Many other senior MPs will be rallying around her. But if she was to lose, bookmakers suggest that Michael Gove (a key Brexit supporter) is the favourite to come out the winner. Betting company PaddyPower have odds of 4/1 that he will be the next Prime Minister with current Home Secretary Sajid Javid at 6/1 versus Jacob Rees Mogg at 7/1.

Gove’s stance on Brexit seems to be very similar to that of May. On BBC television

party rebels may be willing to vote against the government in parliament, they aren’t prepared to vote for a new election. A Survation poll in today’s Daily Mail has Labour on 40%, the Conservatives on 38% and if repeated at the election then a very different Brexit could emerge to what Tory Brexiteers want.

A second referendum on Brexit also still seems unlikely – not least because there’s no obvious “leader” or a united party looking for this. At PaddyPower the odds of another referendum before April 2019 are 5/1. In terms of support for Brexit, the UK is becoming more divided by age. Support for Brexit is rising in the over 65s (Survation suggested it is now at 65% for the over 65s versus 60% at the time of the referendum). Conversely, those under 45 are increasingly anti-Brexit. You Gov suggests that nationally there has been a slight shift towards remain, but not enough to clearly say the UK would likely change its mind.

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Politics

DAVID DAVIS, BORIS JOHNSON AND THERESA MAY

We suspect it is probably only a matter of time before the UK accepts that it will stay in a customs union in full after Brexit (the “facilitated customs arrangement” agreed on Friday is halfway there). The UK may also ultimately water down its red lines on budget payments, the ECJ and migration. The EU knows these issues are politically troublesome in the UK, so it may perhaps be willing to help the government in the communication/spin – for instance, one suggestion we’ve heard is that the UK could make payments under the guise of aid/development funds.

So if the UK was proposing a customs union, the single market for goods, and some ground on these other issues, then it will be very interesting to see how the EU reacts. So far in the Brexit process, the EU has been very united. However, this would arguably represent the UK’s first serious and workable option put on the table. Some EU countries, particularly those that trade heavily in goods with the UK, may be more tempted to go for it – although Germany and France would still likely be resistant.

If the EU were to reject a revised UK proposal on the single market for goods and customs union membership, then we think there are two very different directions.

The first and probably more likely scenario is that the UK inches closer to the Norway-

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The first and probably more likely scenario is that the UK inches closer to the Norway-model (at least for a long transitional period), possibly by accepting full single market access model (at least for a long transitional period), possibly by accepting full single market access.

However, the obvious issue is that this would most likely require freedom of movement perhaps the reddest of red lines for the UK government. Admittedly public opinion has softened on immigration since the Brexit vote two years ago - only around 30% of people put it in their top three issues, versus over 50% at the time of the referendum. But even so, this is unlikely to make this option any more politically palatable for the Conservative party.

If the government can’t agree on a way forward, then a second scenario could arise where negotiations grind to a halt and talk of “no deal” rises.

The EU reportedly believes that the UK government isn’t serious about a “no deal”,

given that no new customs staff have been hired and no obvious preparations have been made for the event of exiting without an agreement.

Certainly, it could be damaging economically.

The British Freight Transport Association has said that there could be up to 29-mile queues back from Dover if additional border checks were to take just four minutes (in reality it could take much longer). There would likely be similar congestion at major EU ports.

Given these concerns, we suspect it’s unlikely the UK government will ultimately walk away from talks. That said, if no obvious progress were to be made as we move into the winter, then the perceived risk of a “no deal” could rise, creating sharply higher uncertainty for companies and markets.

UK voters are less negative on immigration than around the referendum Officially, the EU and UK are still working towards securing the withdrawal agreement and a political declaration on the aims of future trade talks by October. But this looks increasingly likely to slip until December, which would mean a much reduced period of time for parliament and EU governments to ratify what has been agreed. A last-minute “fudge” to enable the transition period to begin cannot be fully ruled out.

This scenario is looking increasingly likely to us given growing concern across Europe that anti-EU parties could perform very strongly at the May 2019 European parliamentary elections. It is not inconceivable that the biggest voting block in the EU parliament turns out to be anti-EU. As such we consider it doubtful that the EU will shift significantly from its current position ahead of those elections.

Offering something to the UK government that could be construed as a “win” may be perceived as providing a boost to anti-EU parties elsewhere. However, once the elections are out of the way progress on Brexit could pick-up momentum.

Interview RICHARD MILES

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY PROFESSOR AND CO-DIRECTOR OF THE GLAC ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT Glac is situated just three kilometres from Sremska Mitrovica – the former Sirmium, which was among the four capitals of the Roman Empire at the end of the third and fourth centuries. On the trail of written information suggesting that Emperor Maximian had erected a palace not far from Sirmium, where his parents lived and worked as warders, and based on finds of luxurious types of stone, archaeologists concluded that this was the precise site of the palace of Emperor Maximian Herculius. The archaeological site was named Glac after Petar Glac, the owner of the estate where the remains of several exceptional buildings were found at the end of the 19th century. This was followed by the discovery of mosaics and wall ornaments of precious types of stone, and prior to this latest research, led by Professor Richard Miles, the geophysical method of recording the terrain determined that the

In Archaeology, Serbia Is An

Iconic Place

The first results have been presented of the multi-year research project being conducted at the ancient site of Glac, as a result of cooperation between the University of Sydney and the Archaeological Institute in Belgrade. The University of Sydney’s archaeological team is being led by Richard Miles, professor of roman history and archaeology at this university 24

August

By Sonja Ćirić, Photo by Chris Davies

remains of ancient buildings extend over an area as large as four hectares.

The Glac Project encompasses archaeological excavation, scientific interpretation and conservation, as well as the establishment of a school of archaeology that will educate Serbian, Australian and other foreign students and schoolkids. The endgoal of the project is to present the richness of this area’s ancient heritage, raise awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and support the tourism and economic development of the local community. What makes archaeological sites in Serbia interesting to Australian science?

Serbia has such a rich and fascinating history and archaeological record. So many different peoples and cultures have left their mark here through the ages. Australia, of course, has its own amazing history and material culture, but if you are an archaeologist specialising in the Roman world then you have to get on an aeroplane, and there are few places better than Serbia. In particular, Sremska Mitrovica holds an iconic place amongst Roman historians and archaeologists. Such was the importance of ancient Sirmium that it was actually the capital of the Roman Empire for a period of the fourth century AD.

You began research at the Glac site, which dates back to late antiquity, as an archaeological dig on the remains of an ancient villa, but it turned out that you’d discovered the palace of Roman Emperor Maximian. How did that revelation feel?

Well, we cannot yet 100% confirm that Glac is the site of emperor Maximian’s palace, but all the evidence that is emerging points in that direction. Fingers crossed, we will find an inscription like the one found at Felix Romuliana, which confirmed it as the dynastic palace built by Maximian’s fellow tetrarch, Galerius.

What does the palace where Maximian lived look like?

Although the excavation is only in its early stages, we already know a number of impor-

H.E. JULIA FEENEY, AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA (LEFT) RICHARD MILES AND ZORANA KATARANOVSKI, RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR

Although the excavation is only in its early stages, we already know a number of important pieces of information about the site tant pieces of information about the site.

Firstly, it is huge- over 5.5 hectares. It was a compound with a collection of buildings within it. In terms of layout, we have found a very long (120 metre) corridor with rooms leading off it. These rooms varied in size and sophistication from small rectangular spaces which might have been storerooms to a huge audience chamber with a magnificent mosaic floor which was very clearly for the use of the owners of the complex.

Intriguingly, the mosaic has strong stylistic parallels with those in the Imperial palace at Sirmium. We have also discovered that the complex was fortified (like Felix Romuliana and other tetrarchic palaces were). This season we uncovered part of a 1.2 m thick

wall, a tower and an entrance gate. There have also been so other really exciting discoveries- large quantities of precious marbles from across the Mediterranean world, pieces of marble statue and most significantly, red porphery from Egypt which by the time of the tetrarchs was reserved solely for use by the emperors….

These are simply not the normal building materials that would have been used on a regular country villa in this region.

How do you struggle against the greatest enemies of archaeology – new builds and the theft of artefacts? Does Serbia take care of its archaeological heritage in the right way?

The Serbian authorities have worked hard to protect the physical integrity of archaeological sites through legal frameworks.

However, it is always hard to protect isolated rural sites from looting. At Glac we are lucky that we have the resources to put in sophisticated security measures, but that is not possible everywhere. The best way of dealing with antiquities thefts is to pursue and heavily punish those who not only sell but buy these materials. If you kill the de-

August

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Interview

hugely to our understanding of the Roman and early Byzantine worlds.

The discoveries of your colleagues in Australia are rarely reported here. Which sites there would you single out; perhaps Wurdi Youang on Mount Rothwell?

PROF MILES WITH MINISTER VUKOSAVLJEVIC AND AMBASSADOR FEENEY

mand, you will also choke off the supply.

Luckily, the authorities have already legally protected the Glac site, so no one can build on it now or in the future. One of the aims of cooperation between the University of Sydney and the Archaeological Institute of Belgrade is to establish a centre that would be tasked with researching and presenting archaeological finds, as well as enabling young researchers to use the latest methods for studying archaeological heritage. On one occasion you described the centre as a “new school of archaeology”. What did you mean specifically by that?

Our aim is to create real on-site opportunities for students and young scholars from Serbia, Australia and other countries to cooperate together and share new archaeological knowledge, techniques and methodologies. With that in mind, the University of Sydney, University of Belgrade and the Archaeological Institute of Belgrade are working together to set up a field school at Glac for 2019, where students can learn the latest

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The best way of dealing with antiquities thefts is to pursue and heavily punish those who not only sell but buy these materials techniques in excavation, survey and 3D Visualisation.

Your CV includes many famous and important archaeological sites. On the basis of your personal experience, how would you position the sites in Serbia? What do the sites located on our territory contribute to the story of ancient times?

I have dug in both Carthage and Rome two iconic ancient sites. However, for me, Sirmium in particular is equally as important for telling the story of the Roman Empire. At the same time, sites like Justinian Prima (Caricin Grad) and Viminacium, although not as well known, have contributed

Australia has an incredibly rich indigenous heritage with many extraordinary sites that still today have resonance for Australia’s aboriginal communities. Wurdi Youang in the state of Victoria is particularly interesting. It consists of a stone arrangement of 100 pieces of basalt. It is thought that the arrangement has astronomical significance, because a sequence of stones that flank it appear to relatively accurately represent the positions of the setting sun at the equinoxes and solstices. It has been argued that it could be up to 11,000 years old, which if true would make it the oldest astronomical monument so far discovered. The visit of Serbian Culture Minister Vladan Vukosavljević and Australian Ambassador Julia Feeney to the Glac site again confirmed the desire and intention of both countries for this project to succeed. Archaeology, like other sciences generally, is dependent on the state and its policies. How are your experiences on the ground with the example of Glac?

I have to say that the Serbian authorities, both at national and local levels, have been incredibly supportive, for which we are very grateful. Ambassador Feeney has supported us on every step of the way in setting up the Glac Project. It is no exaggeration to say that the project owes a large part of its success to the support of Ambassador Feeney, the Minister of Culture and the Office of the Mayor of Sremska Mitrovica. A documentary film also forms part of the project and will be an excellent advertisement – not only for Glac, but for your profession as a whole. Hit films have portrayed archaeology as an extremely exciting profession. Is that truly the case?

Yes, of course, Indiana Jones is a 100% realistic expose of archaeological work!!

Business Leaders’

MEETING POINT

ACO TOMAŠEVIĆ General Manager of Neoplanta

MILAN DAMJANOVIĆ Director of KOSJERKA S.P.T.R.

High Ambitions Tradition Supported Nurtured

By Quality With Love Products PAGE /30

PAGE /31

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Creating A Multi-Million Dollar Brand PAGE /36

SCENT MARKETING

The Power Of Fragrance PAGE /28

ACO TOMAŠEVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER OF NEOPLANTA

High Ambitions Supported By Quality Products The mission of Neoplanta is to utilise innovative products of superior quality, constant development and responsible operations to make every day more delicious, and to become one of the region’s leaders in food production

N

eoplanta is a company where all employees are dedicated to making it one of the region’s leaders in food production. They are convinced that they can achieve this through innovative high-quality products, continuous development and a responsible approach to consumers, partners, colleagues and the community in which they work. An additional advantage of theirs lies in an enduring tradition and experience in creating brands that are recognisable favourites on the market.

High quality products that adhere to Halal, HACCP, ISO 9001 and IFS standards rank you at the very top of the meat processing industry. Has this secured the possibility of you penetrating other markets, and where do you see the greatest potential?

Neoplanta is the leader in the production of processed meat products in Serbia.

The quality of our products is well known in Serbia, but also in the countries on practically four continents to which we export – in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. The European market has potential, especially in the countries of the region – BosniaHerzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia, where Neoplanta realises 90 per cent of its exports. However, due to current regulations regarding vaccinations against swine flu, we currently export pâtés and ready-meals to Europe.

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On the other hand, our greatest strength and the category in which we can compete equally with European players is that of products with long shelf lives. If the issue regarding swine flu vaccinations can be resolved, we could successfully export products in our durable goods range to the European market. This is particularly important if we remember that Vojvodina is a pioneer in our country in the production of sausages with a long shelf-life, and that consumers rate Neoplanta tea sausages the best in Serbia for taste and overall quality.

In order to have a successful brand, it is essential to have high-quality raw materials, original recipes, cutting-edge equipment and technology, respect for the highest standards in production processes, as well as a dedicated team that will convert the product into a brand How would you rank in terms of importance in your production processes: good raw materials, modern technology and professional personnel; what is your recipe for success?

In order to have a successful brand, it is essential to have high-quality raw materials, original recipes, cutting-edge equipment and technology, respect for the highest standards in production processes, as well as a dedicated team that will convert the product into a brand. The most successful brands are those that adapt the quickest to market trends and changes, to the needs and habits

of consumers, without deviating from their mission and vision. We will continue, as a market leader, to strive to set standards in the production and marketing of processed meat products on both the domestic and foreign markets.

What are Neoplanta’s future plans?

Neoplanta is known among consumers for its brands – Pipi and Gudi, Neoplanta Delikates, Prego, Patelina, Moja. Unlike many companies that generally only build one brand, Neoplanta is one of the few that has opted for the strategy of developing a wide range of successful brands, while of course adapting to market trends and respecting the habits and tastes of consumers, as well as the motives for purchasing from different categories. Viewed in economic terms, such a strategy is more challenging, but, on the other hand, it is also in line with our goal and plans – to approach consumers in the right way and to build enduring, sustainable and healthy brands that consumers will love for decades.

Of our current activities, we are completing construction of our state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, which has a value of 1.7 million Euros and which is expected to become operational very soon.

Apart from the fact that it will secure reductions in water usage within actual production processes, with the construction of this plant Neoplanta has acquired conditions to apply the standards of the best available technical requirements adopted by the European Commission.

Innovations are an integral part of our operations, because we want to distinguish ourselves from the competition through innovation and quality. This will also be the focus of our business in the period ahead, along with a desire to achieve even better results.

MILAN DAMJANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF KOSJERKA S.P.T.R.

Tradition Nurtured With Love How an old recipe led to the creation of a top product – KRUNSKA rakija brandy. The Damjanović family tradition of distilling this brandy dates back over a century

P

lum, quince and apricot brandies are made exclusively from fruits grown in Western Serbia, from the Kosjerje region, while the bottles are produced in Verona. Quality and modern design have become synonymous with KRUNSKA The tradition nurtured by your company for generations has become synonymous with the top quality product that is KRUNSKA brandy, which was primarily created out of a love for tradition and the region... What are KRUNSKA’s characteristics?

This brandy originates from Kosjerić, Western Serbia; a region that’s always been known for its good brandies. The Damjanović family tradition of producing this brandy dates back over a century and that tradition is today continued by Milan Damjanović, who learned the roasting recipe from his father Miloje, who in turn learned from his ancestors. That’s how Miloje Damjanović decided to continue this tradition dating back many decades and to offer the market his brandy.

Krunska rakija today has three varieties of fruit brandy: plum, apricot and quince. All three are winners of multiple quality awards. In addition to the consistent quality of its products, Krunska rakija

also distinguishes itself on the market with its characteristic modern packaging.

In the production process we exclusively use fruits from Western Serbia, while plums come only from the Kosjerje region, and those are only the best quality fruits, whether that’s plum, quince or apricot. With double distillation, we produce brandy of exceptional quality that is left to age in oak and chrome barrels, before being later extracted and placed on the market. The bottles used for our brandy are produced in Italy, specifically at the Vetri Speciali factory in Verona, using extremely high-quality glass and

To what extent have foreign markets recognised KRUNSKA’s quality?

We export our brandies to Australia and Austria. We previously also exported to France and are currently in the process of renewing sales in this country. This coming autumn we expect to launch cooperation with German and Bulgarian distributors. The international market has recognised the quality of Krunska rakija brandy and we hope to expand our exports to other countries. Our plan is to expand our production capacity, because demand for our brandy is constantly increasing.

AWARDS: Novi Sad Fair • 2012 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2013 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2013 Krunska quince – silver medal • 2017 Krunska quince – gold medal • 2017 Krunska plum – silver medal Rakija Fest Belgrade • 2011 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2012 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2013 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2014 Krunska apricot – silver medal • 2014 Krunska plum – silver medal

our protected mould.

We are particularly proud of the fact that our brandy is produced exclusively, in a traditional way, in copper tanks, with wood used exclusively as the fuel.

Festival Užice • 2016 Krunska apricot – gold medal • 2016 Krunska plum – silver medal • 2017 Krunska apricot and quince – silver medal • 2017 Krunska plum – gold medal

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LOCAL NEWS

Results “The new arrangement with the IMF is very important because it shows that the Republic of Serbia in the previous period achieved good economic results and that it no longer needs financial assistance.”

– SINIŠA MALI, SERBIAN MINISTRY OF FINANCE FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES

HEAD OF FIAT CHRYSLER’S EUROPEAN OPERATIONS QUITS

GAZPROM

NEW INVESTMENT IN NIS “In the past nine years, Russia’s Gazprom Neft has invested around €2.5 billion in the development of Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS),” said Alexander Dybal, member of the board at Gazprom Neft.

He also stated that NIS had transformed from a national Serbia company into an important player in the energy market of the entire Balkans and that the development of the company continued. He added that he was satisfied with the way Gazprom Neft operated in Serbia and with the cooperation with the Government of Serbia.

Dybal said that, thanks to the new facility for deep processing of oil at the Pancevo oil refinery, the construction of which will soon be over, NIS will become one of the most successful companies in the world by the key efficiency indicators.

Source: Večernje novosti

Alfredo Altavilla has stepped down from his role as chief of Fiat Chrysler’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Following the stepping down of former CEO Sergio Marchionne due to illness. the company announced end last month.

The Free Press previously reported that Altavilla’s name was among those frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Sergio Marchionne, who was set to retire in 2019, but was replaced after his health took a dramatic downturn. Jeep and Ram brand chief Mike Manley was named the new CEO. In a statement, Fiat Chrysler said “The departure of a leader as lauded as Sergio is bound to cause a major shakeup in leadership, but the news of Altavilla’s departure is rather unfortunate. The good news is Manley isn’t walking into his new role off the street, and he’s coming in with the success of Jeep and Ram under his belt.”

ALFREDO ALTAVILLA

SD HIRSCH AUTOMOTIVE

SERBIAN CAR PARTS FACTORY TO BECOME OPERATIONAL IN 2019 SD Hirsch Automotive company, which develops and produces high quality auto parts for 30 years, will open a factory in Backi Petrovac, Serbia The German company signed a contract for leasing industrial space in the Business Park in Backi Petrovac, a small town in Vojvodina district, Serbia. This will be the third factory of the Hirsch Automotive Company that delivers components for some of the biggest car producers – Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Mercedes and Jaguar.

The producing facility is supposed to become operational in 2019 and initially it will employ 20 engineers. The company now works with 170 specialists and produces individual product solutions for sliding roofs, convertible systems and cooling and fuel injection systems. Source SD Hirsch Automotive

SERBIAN GOVERNMENT

INITIATIVE TO CHANGES NATURE PROTECTION LAW OVER SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANTS Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection Goran Trivan has announced an initiative to change the country’s nature protection law to avert the construction of small hydropower plants (HPP) in protected areas, after his recent attempt to pull approval for the Pakleštica small HPP, threatening to hurt biodiversity in the Visočica river basin, was quashed by a court.

According to Trivan, permits already issued to build small HPPs in protected areas can be discussed with the Ministry of Mining and Energy and the investors in question, with the aim of providing the investors with other locations better suited for hydropower projects.

Meanwhile, Minister of Construction, Transportation, and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlović said it is Trivan’s right to seek to change laws regulating his ministry’s portfolio, adding that she has “nothing against anything” that can improve environmental protection, local media reported.

However, Mihajlović also bemoaned the fact that Serbia has used less than 50 out of some 800 locations designated for small hydropower plants.

Source: balkangreenenergynews.com

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Cooperation “I hope this visit will result in better understanding between the US and Serbia and much better cooperation, business and private alike.”

– SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER ANA BRNABIĆ, AFTER VISITING THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Placements postings

&

appointments@aim.rs

JUGOIMPORT SPDR

NEW CARTRIDGE FACTORY IN UZICI The new ammunition plant will produce some more 50 million units of small weapons ammunition. The plant will produce the most popular cartridges for the Serbian Armed Forces: 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and 9 mm. The new Serbian cartridge factory equipped with advanced equipment for the production of ammunition supplied by Lachaussée from Belgium. Its construction took 14 months. Jugoimport SPDR has already hired 47 employees in the factory, as their number will rise to 250 by the end of this year. The number of employees at the Uzici factory will reach 470 by the end of 2018. In April 2016, the Serbian government said Jugoimport SDPR plans to invest a total of €90 million in the construction of the factory. The factory will also launch the production of ammunition of 12.7 mm on a later stage, Serbian public broadcaster Radio Televizija Srbije (RTS) said.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has attended the opening ceremony.

Source: Army, News, Photo

RTB BOR

TENDER FOR STRATEGIC PARTNER Serbian economy ministry has announced a tender to select a strategic partner for copper mining and smelting complex RTB Bor. The strategic investor needs to recapitalize the company with €350mln. The call is opened for domestic or foreign companies engaged in the exploitation or production of copper and other precious metals in the last 10 years and that have business income of at least $500mln in the past business year. Those interested can submit bids until Aug 20.

Serbian Energy Minister Aleksandar Antic said that eleven investors from China, Canada, Russia, Turkey and a KazakhEuropean consortium have expressed interest for a strategic partnership with RTB Bor. This will be the fourth attempt for the sale of the company in the past 18 years. RTB Bor is implementing a reorganization plan that prevented its bankruptcy and under which 90% of its €1.2bn debt has been written off.

VLADIMIR NOVAKOVIĆ, NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE NALED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Apatin Brewery CEO and Molson Coors Managing Director Vladimir Novaković has been selected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of NALED, following a decision of the members of this organisation’s management body. Novaković has headed Apatin Brewery and Molson Coors operations since October 2016. Until recently the president of the Brewery Association of Serbia, he was also a member of the NALED board. Apart from Apatin Brewery, Novaković built up his professional career at companies Fresh&Co, Henkel and Carnex, where he held sales director and general manager positions. “With more than 300 members, NALED is the largest public-private association in Serbia, and we want to continue to be the leader in the promotion of public-private dialogue in the region and in Europe,” announced Novaković.

SVETOSLAV ATANASOV, NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF COCA-COLA HBC SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Svetoslav Atanasov has been named Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Montenegro. He arrives at the helm of this company from the previous position of CEO of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. He began his career at this company in 1999, under the auspices of a practical work experience programme, and soon gained employment within the marketing team. Since 2006, he has held several key positions in the sales and marketing sectors, while since 2010 he has also been in charge of cooperation with key customers. He quickly earned the role of manager for nationwide sales, before progressing to CEO after three years. Atanasov will continue developing operations in Serbia, with a special focus on the continuous education of employees, the further strengthening of relations with customers and improvements in quality of life within the community.

NARCIS POPESCU, NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF OMV SERBIA

Narcis Popescu comes from the Romanian branch of OMV Petrom and will be in charge of the strategic direction and development of OMV’s business in Serbia, andat the same time functional lead for the related Product Supply & Logistics.

From 2001 to 2003, Narcis Popescu studied in the US at the State University of New York in Binghamton, where he obtained an MBA. He joined OMV Petrom in 2005 as a management consultant, taking and active part in the turnaround of the Marketing Division. Since 2011 he was appointed Head of Supply & Logistics sector for Region East, where he has managed operations in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Moldova. From 2012 to 2015, he was a member of the Board of Directors at OMV Petrom Marketing, and in 2014 he became the Head of Sales East, responsible for managing the Bulk, OilCo and Marine businesses in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Moldova.

VUKOTA PEKOVIĆ, NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF VERIEST SOLUTIONS, SERBIA

Veriest Solutions, a leading provider of design and verification engineering services, has appointed Vukota Peković as general manager of its Serbia-based operations.

Peković, who holds a Masters’ degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Novi Sad University’s Faculty of Technical Sciences, joins Veriest after having amassed more than 20 years of experience with RT-RK Computer Based Systems. Peković was responsible for one of the company’s main business units, as well as its marketing & sales activities from 2014.

He has published more than 50 articles for international and domestic conferences and submitted several patent applications related to test systems and audio/video processing. Veriest Solutions’ Serbian operations were previously led by the company’s Vice President of Engineering, Haim Moshe.

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Education “By providing access to a digital education, this funding will help foster the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, both in the Western Balkans and UK.” – EKATERINA ZAHARIEVA, BULGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

REGIONAL NEWS BULGARIA

BULGARIA’S RICHEST ENTREPRENEUR

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

NEW TYPES OF MILK ON EUROPEAN SHELVES SOON

Bulgarians Vladimir Tenev (31) and his partner Baiju Bhatt are creators of Robinhood Markets - an online platform that allows US investors to invest in publicly traded companies and exchange-traded funds listed on U.S. stock exchanges without paying a commission for each transaction. Their shares in Robinhood Markets are valued at $1.3 billion.

Robinhood recently got $110 million in Series C funding. It’s valued at about $1.3 billion and its user base is made up mostly of young Americans.

“There’s a lot of wealth being created on Wall Street and it was coming to the top 1%.The name Robinhood is very aspirational to us because it’s a little bit rebellious,” said Vladimir.

Both Baiju and Vladimir are the children of immigrants. Vladimir’s family emigrated from Bulgaria, and he moved to the U.S. when he was five years old. They met at Stanford University where they became friends and eventually roommates.

HUNGARY

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, Mirko Sarovic, and Veterinary Office of BiH are conducting intense final activities in order for BiH to get the permission for export of the remaining types of milk and dairy products to the EU. This milk and dairy are products with a lower level of processing.

The report of the European Commission on fulfilment of the conditions for putting BiH on the list of the European Commission is expected in the upcoming days, as noted in the statement.

BILL OUTLINES HIGHLIGHTED BUDAPEST DEVELOPMENTS

VLADIMIR TENEV (LEFT) AND BAIJU BHAT

ROMANIA

J.C. FLOWERS & CO AND EBRD TAKING OVER PIRAEUS BANK The EBRD has bought 19% of the Piraeus Bank, J.C. Flowers & Co investment fund has 76.1%, while the bank’s management will hold 4.9% of the bank. The takeover had been announced since the end of last year, but no further details had been officially released back then.

Nicolae Danila, the former executive president of BCR and ex-member in the National Bank of Romania managing board is rumored to take over the president position of Piraeus Bank Romania, according to sources quoted by Hotnews.ro.

NICOLAE DANILA The Magyar group OTP Bank had been also racing to take Piraes.

JC Flowers had a previous attempt to enter the Romanian banking market by taking over Carpatica bank, but the transaction failed. The fund wanted to buy Piraeus Bank and Carpatica and set up a group that would enable it a higher visibility on the local banking market.

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Hungarian government submitted a bill on highlighted developments in Budapest. The bill defines how the state will be involved in major developments in Budapest, including a new Student City.

According to the bill future developments in Budapest will receive highlighted status if, among other conditions, they are financed by the government or by the European Union. A state nonprofit will be responsible for the preparation of key developments in Budapest, investments, planning and licensing, as well as the organisation of major international sporting events.

It also seeks to amend legislation on investments of major importance for the national economy, complementing it with the term “high-priority public investment” covering related investments in energy, transport development, environmental protection, water protection, disaster management, defence, national security, public administration, education, health, research and development, culture, heritage, sport and urban development.

Source: Hungary Today

Stablility “History shows that a stable and secure Western Balkans region means a more stable and secure Europe.”

– THERESA MAY, UK PRIME MINISTER

SLOVENIA

THE MOST INNOVATIVE COUNTRY IN SEE Slovenia scored highest in Southeastern Europe (SEE) in the Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking published by the Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Slovenia ranked 30th, followed by Bulgaria at 37th place, Croatia at 41st, Moldova at 48th, Romania at 49th, the GII report shows.

Outside the top 50, Montenegro placed at 52nd, Serbia at 55th and Bosnia-Herzegovina at 77th and Albania at 83rd. Macedonia was the lowest ranked country in the region, ranked 84th out of a total of 127 countries reviewed.

Almost all SEE countries improved their previous positions in the ranking, except Macedonia, Moldova which lost 23 and two places, respectively, while Montenegro and Romania dropped single place each.

The top gainers in the region were Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, climbing ten places each. Albania was up nine positions and Slovenia gained two. Bulgaria, in turn, went up one place.

MACEDONIA

MACEDONIAN GOVERNMENT RATED MOST TRANSPARENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS The Macedonian government is the most open and transparent in the Western Balkans region, a survey published by Skopjebased foundation Metamorphosis.

The Regional Openness Index was created within the framework of the regional network Action SEE, which is a Western Balkans citizens organizations’ initiative. The last survey on the openness, accountability and transparency of institutions in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia was conducted in the period from December 2017 until the end of February 2018. This is the second such survey.

The survey showed that the openness index of the Macedonian government was 75.61%, considerably up from 52.34% a year earlier.

Macedonia is followed by Montenegro, whose openness index fell to 68.94% from 81.8%. Serbia is on the third place with an index of 56.66% slightly down from 58.97% in the previous survey. Albania is fourth with an openness index of 54.92% compared to 57.94% a year earlier. Bosnia’s index dropped significantly to 45.9% from 60.66%.

Kosovo is ranked on the last place with an index of 41.29%, falling sharply from 60.82%.

The index also measures the openness of the ministries, with Macedonia now in third place, behind Montenegro and Serbia.

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Entrepreneurship

Creating A Multi-Million Dollar Brand The Stuart Weitzman shoe brand is associated with some of today’s most famous pop stars, actresses, and celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid. Its stores are located on the most fashionable shopping streets in the world including Rodeo Drive, Via Sant’Andrea, Via Condotti, Michigan Avenue, Faubourg Saint Honore, and Madison Avenue 36

August

H

ow did the entrepreneur and designer of the same name build this globallyrenowned business? Stuart Weitzman shared tales of his success at a recent Wharton Leadership Lecture. He got into the shoe industry at a young age, working at his father’s Massachusetts shoe factory while still in college at Wharton. Later, he ran the family business with his brother. In 1986 he struck out on his own, launching his company under the Stuart Weitzman brand. In 2015, handbag maker Coach acquired the business for $574 million but kept Weitzman on as creative director. Weitzman continued in that role until his retirement earlier this year.

Weitzman talked about the DNA of his brand.

Sexiness is a key element, he said. “There’s an expression that ‘sex sells,’” he said. “If you can incorporate something sexy about a fashion product… you’ll get more business out of it.” That’s been proven from the fashion industry to the automobile industry, he added.

This idea was certainly reflected in his controversial ad campaign last year, which featured three supermodels in a tight embrace, all completely nude except for the brand’s sandals.

“If you can incorporate something sexy about a fashion product … you’ll get more business out of it.”

But sexy isn’t everything: “stylish comfort” is important, too. He calculated that it costs him $8,000 to get a new customer into his store, based on the total investment in advertising, PR and editorial placement. If she leaves empty-handed, he’s lost that $8,000. “There’s no logic in getting you through [my] door, putting a shoe on you that’s going to kill you, and you’re not coming back.” Any new design that wasn’t a hit with his shoe tester was always taken out of the line.

Weitzman told the story of what he called the company’s “tipping point,” quoting the book by the same name by Malcolm Gladwell that analyzes how certain trends become enormously popular. Early in his business, Weitzman was trying to figure out how to offer his products to “a billion people around the world” and said that there wasn’t enough money “on the planet” to get his message out to all of them.

“I needed the help of something else, someone else, without them even realizing it because I certainly couldn’t pay for it,” he said.

That “something” was a breathtaking, one-of-a kind pair of sandals created by Weitzman in collaboration with a diamond company, each sandal encrusted with 464 diamonds with an 18-carat diamond hanging in the center. The “someone” turned out to be actress Laura Harring, co-star of the

David Lynch movie Mulholland Drive, who agreed to wear them to the 2002 Academy Awards. She even pinned up her floor-length Giorgio Armani gown so the sandals would be more visible.

As Weitzman tells it, his bet paid off. Harring stepped onto the red carpet and the late comedienne Joan Rivers commented on camera, “Laura, come over here. Everyone wants to see Stuart Weitzman’s million-dollar sandal.” Weitzman said there were 400 million viewers for the Academy Awards that night, and the next week, a picture of Harring showing off the sandals appeared in more than 500 news outlets worldwide. The shoe got nicknamed the “Million Dollar Sandal.” “[Now] everyone knew who we were,” said Weitzman. “They didn’t yet know all our products … but there was now a positive association with our brand.” Of this stunt that launched his company into public view, he said that luck may have played a role but he personally believes “you have to be good to be lucky.”

Weitzman continued over the years to place his products in the hands (and on the feet) of celebrities to get more exposure for the brand. For example, he cultivated an acquaintance with Jennifer Anniston at the height of her career, and Anniston began wearing the brand’s new high-wedge espadrille around town. “She fell in love with it … she kept wearing and wearing it, and it had so much impact.” It was the first espadrille to be designed with an elevated heel and it became one of the company’s topselling products, he said.

He talked about the subtleties of working successfully with the rich and famous. Making sure that items are quickly and easily available is key.

“These people need things at the last minute. They don’t know where they’re going tomorrow; they don’t know what outfit they’re wearing…. You need to be able to play their game or you’re not going to be on the field with them.” He noted that the business keeps inventory of its most important items, in all sizes, to ship to celebrities at a moment’s notice.

A big celebrity promotional opportunity opened up in 2015 when Taylor Swift was preparing for her “1989” tour. Weitzman said a stylist was aware that other performers such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé were very pleased with the shoes he made them and had suggested to Swift’s stylist that she contact Weitzman for attention-getting footwear designs. One design needed to be a thigh-high boot that Swift wanted to attach to a garter belt for the performances.

The boot, said Weitzman, was “what we still call, in our slang from Brooklyn, New York, a ‘home

Weitzman calculated that it cost him $8,000 to get a new customer into his store, based on the total investment in advertising, PR, and editorial placement run.’” He said that a million of Swift’s followers wanted to know where they could get “Taylor Swift’s boot.” A version of the boot was added to Weitzman’s commercially available collection. “Now when [ f a n s ] found out it was $900, that dropped down to about 25,000 [people],” said Weitzman, to audience laughter. “But think about the impact of someone like that.”

He added that it had been important to translate the custom-made boot into a

saleable product that most customers could THE NUDIST SSANDAL wear. For one thing, the original boot had run very high on the leg to accommodate the garter belt. “When we created this for the exact height that I thought every girl would want, the story is that it became our biggest boot.”

The Power of Store Design Weitzman said he’s always looked to do things that are exclusive and unique with an eye toward getting low-cost publicity for his brand, such as his “Million Dollar Sandal” escapade. (Not to mention the custom-made “priceless” sandals the company created the following year, which were topped with Swarovski aurora borealis crystals from earrings owned by Marilyn Monroe.) Moreover, his approach has extended beyond the product to the look and design of his stores.

When Weitzman was ready to launch his Madison Avenue store in New York, he was concerned about measuring up to the luminaries already there: Barney’s, Prada, Gucci and the like. His wife

suggested putting artwork in the window. The idea inspired a display of “art shoes” created principally by professional artists as well as talented local art students, he said, with fanciful shapes like race cars, flower bouquets, Alice in Wonderland characters, and baskets of puppies.

Weitzman used this type of display for two years. Shoppers kept coming in, and the business continued to flourish. Many of the company’s print advertisements also displayed unusual shoe-inspired images rather than products, which Weitzman said conveyed to potential customers “the whimsy and creativity of Stuart Weitzman and company.”

Sometimes the goal of being one-of-a-kind has required knocking on doors more than once.

A few years ago Weitzman got the idea of having a famous architect create retail stores for him. He approached the late Zaha Hadid, a prominent IraqiBritish architect who had received distinguished awards for her work including the Pritzker and Stirling Prizes.

At first, she didn’t even want to answer his phone calls, said Weitzman, and had no interest in making a shoe store. But, he said, “After persistence, a no sometimes can become a maybe, and a maybe can become a yes.” The first Hadid-designed boutique was opened in Milan in 2013, and others followed in Hong Kong, Rome and New York. The dramatic, unusual spaces of course got plenty of attention. “Nobody else had used an architect of this type to build a store like this,” Weitzman said.

Reflecting on having chosen the path of entrepreneurship, Weitzman spoke enthusiastically. “When you’re in your own business — not everybody’s going to be — but boy, if you can, it’s a great thing to do.” He talked about the “passion” of building an entrepreneurial company and observed: “It creates a love for it, and it becomes a hobby more than a business. You don’t count the hours and you don’t count the time.”

Weitzman was asked how it felt to step away from designing shoes for the now Coach-owned business, especially since it would continue to bear his name. He responded, “I still have an attachment to [the company], but I really have no issue with what goes on from here being Coach’s legacy.”

He said that the last Stuart Weitzman collection he had designed was “great” and that “everybody loved it,” which was a source of deep satisfaction.

He compared his exit to that of legendary Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams: “In his last at-bat, the last game of his career, he hit a triple, a double and a home run.

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Investment “The important thing now is that we need to invest more (in NATO)- we need to get more money. And the good thing is that, very much because of that very clear message from President Trump on this meeting, I think that allies understand this need to do that”.

– JENS STOLTENBERG, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL

WORLD NEWS EUROPE

HUGE GROWTH OF GAMBLING BUSINESS

WORLD

RISING NUMBER OF MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES Personal wealth around the globe reached $201.9 trillion last year, a 12 per cent gain from 2016 and the strongest annual pace in the past five years, Boston Consulting Group said in a report released Thursday. Booming equity markets swelled fortunes, and investors outside the US got an exchange-rate bonus as most major currencies strengthened against the greenback. The growing ranks of millionaires and billionaires now hold almost half of global personal wealth, up from slightly less than 45 per cent in 2012, according to the report. In North America, which had $86.1 trillion of total wealth, 42 per cent of investable capital is held by people with more than $5 million in assets. Investable assets include equities, investment funds, cash and bonds. Last year’s big winner was China, which now ranks second globally in terms of financial wealth after overtaking Japan.

The biggest driver of growth in China was its socalled affluent segment, or those with $250,000 to $1 million of investable assets. Eastern Europe and Central Asia had the greatest concentration of wealth at the top, with billionaires alone holding almost a quarter of investable assets. The 28 Eastern Europeans in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index have a total net worth of $294 billion, which includes a gain of $3.4 billion so far in 2018. The Middle East was the region with the greatest share of wealth held in investable assets —- $3.1 trillion of a total $3.8 trillion. Western European residents held 56 per cent in currency and deposits, while in North America the emphasis was on equities and investment funds, with 62 per cent of $47 trillion of investable wealth parked in those assets.

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Gambling is a huge business. The combined market of Landbased and Online Gambling is estimated at a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of €91.8bn during 2017. Online Gambling is expected to grow at a much faster rate than its older brother Landbased the coming years. Within the Online market, mobile gambling is expected to produce a GGR of €7.1bn, and is expected to grow with an annual rate of 15% the coming years. The total GGR in Europe for sports betting was estimated at roughly €7.8bn in 2017. For the last ten years, the CAGR has amounted to about 12%, and the market is expected to grow annually by 6% for the coming five years. Players mainly bet on sports events. New technology has enabled instant and live betting during matches with “micro” stakes on different types of events like; which team that takes the next score or who wins the tennis set. The market comprises mainly slots machines, roulette, and blackjack but also live casino (live dealers through a streaming service).

CHINA

TESLA’S SHANGHAI PLANT TO ROLL OUT 500,000 VEHICLES US electric carmaker Tesla will set up a wholly owned factory in Shanghai, which will be the city’s largest foreign-invested manufacturing project.

“With an annual capacity of 500,000 cars, the factory in Lingang in the Pudong New Area will be Tesla’s first Gigafactory outside the United States and a leading electric car factory which is expected to be a good example for sustainable development,” said Tesla’s Chief Executive Elon Musk. As per the agreements, Shanghai will support Tesla’s development, including the establishment of Tesla (Shanghai) Co and its research and development unit. The city government says it will promote innovation and accelerate the pace of development of high-end manufacturing.

The city aims to turn itself into a leading automobile center. Tesla currently imports all the cars it sells in China from the US. The company ships more than 15,000 cars a year to China. A factory in China will cut Tesla’s shipping and tariff costs while also meeting the demand of the world’s largest auto market.

US

HOW ‘FASHION’ BECAME A BAD WORD Many New York designers are so frustrated with the state of America’s fashion system that they want to break away entirely. In New York, the epicentre of America’s fashion industry, fashion is not so fashionable anymore. And designers, the ultimate arbiters of trend, can feel it.

It’s not like people aren’t spending money on clothes and accessories. The luxury market grew 5 percent last year, but upstart digital brands and European luxury houses with highly creative designers and direct-to-consumer business models have captured much of this growth. For many Americans, traditional name-on-the-door designer labels don’t have the emotional impact that they once did. Consumers are more likely to spend on internet-born, un-fashion brands, or an experience that plays well on their Instagram feed.

On the other hand, all of this uncertainty, frustration and confusion could actually result in something better. Americans, after all, remain the ultimate optimists and hustlers. More US brands will no doubt have to shrink or die, but perhaps the growing disdain for fashion will force the industry to shake off its shackles and build something entirely new.

Situation “We’ll have to talk about to what extent we can do more on defense. We presented the current situation. But considering the discussion among the European allies, not only the Americans, I think we need to ask ourselves consistently what more we can do.”

– ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CANCELER UK

MURDOCH’S FOX RAISES OFFER FOR UK’S SKY

JAPAN

GOVERNMENT TO GIVE FLYING CARS A JUMP-START

Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox has raised its offer for Britain’s Sky in an agreed deal valuing the pay-TV group at US$32.5 billion, seeing off rival bidder Comcast for now.

Analysts said the bid threw down the gauntlet for Comcast, the world’s biggest entertainment company, to return with a higher offer.

The US cable group gatecrashed Murdoch’s attempt to buy the 61 percent of Sky his group did not already own in February, when Fox was still firmly stuck in the regulatory process.

One top-40 Sky shareholder said they expected Comcast to come back with a counter bid for Sky. The fight for Britain’s leading pay-TV group is part of a bigger battle being waged in the entertainment industry as the world’s media giants offer tens of billions of dollars in deals to be able to compete with Netflix and Amazon.

Investors argue that Sky’s continued strong trading performance, and its deal this year to secure the rights to English Premier League football at a lower than expected price, meant it warranted a higher offer.

The government will launch a public-private council this year to discuss the practical use of flying cars in hopes of bringing more companies outside the automobile industry into the effort. Given the slow development of such vehicles among Japan’s automakers, Suga said at a news conference Monday the government wants to “urge new players to join” the field.

Flying cars, which include those taking off and landing vertically or operating without drivers, are expected to help ease traffic jams in urban areas.

The council, involving the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will likely draw up a road map. In Japan, Cartivator, a group of volunteers working in the auto and aviation industries, aims to demonstrate flying vehicles during the opening ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

RUSSIA

WHO IS GETTING RICH OFF THE WORLD CUP The 21st FIFA World Cup in Russia, with billions of people watching soccer’s superstars play for national pride is the world’s most prestigious tournament.

It is the most lucrative and costliest soccer event because those who pay for the tournament are not necessarily those who see its profits. FIFA, soccer’s organizational leader around the world, rakes in billions of dollars in revenue every four years from the World Cup, while the nations that host the tournament foot a bill of $10 billion or more. Russia may not be spending quite the $51 billion it did for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi but costs have continued to rise, most recently to nearly $12 billion. State officials in Russia claim the World Cup will add $26 billion to $31 billion to the national economy. Arkady Dvorkovich, Russia’s former deputy prime minister, claimed that preparations have already added about $14 billion to the country’s GDP — the equivalent of 1 percentage point — as well as about 220,000 jobs.

The 2018 World Cup is expected to rake in about $6 billion in revenue for FIFA, up 25 percent from 2014.

With as many as 3.2 billion people expected to watch the tournament, broadcast revenue is expected to rise to $3 billion.

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39

Scent marketing Building a brand by using fragrance is a formidable task that demands a coalition of professional marketing skills that take years to perfect. More than one thousand new scents are launched world wide every year, and for companies creativity as well as superior marketing strategies are what keeps them in the public eye, aided by press releases, fragrance launches and the like

The Power Of Fragrance A

s the owner of any brand, you are taking a leap of faith when you enter the realm of scent marketing, and you want to do it right, which translates into understanding this phenomenon and how it works.

Generally speaking, scent marketing,

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scent branding and aroma marketing are synonyms, referring to a type of sensory marketing targeted only in part to the consumer’s sense of smell.

Specifically, scent marketing goes beyond just diffusing a pleasant aroma in a given space.

Scent branding is about creating a signature

scent that is associated with a brand and evokes certain emotions. It involves blending a company’s brand identity, marketing messages and target audience and developing a fragrance that intensifies these values.

Many companies are specialize in manufacturing scents for everything from fine perfumes to personal care products, diffusers, candles, etc.

The phrase, scent marketing, is defined as using scents “to set a mood, promote products or position a brand.” Airlines, hotels, retail stores, and casinos are creating sensory signatures by infusing scents into the consumer environment in the hopes that this will affect the moods of consumers and translate into increased traffic and ultimately, revenue.

Ambient scenting is a little different only because it is not quite as brand-focused. It is similar in the sense that it is a marketing

strategy employed to introduce a specific scent in order to influence the consumer experience within that space. In other words, it adds to the experience of a first impression but is not necessarily a fragrance that will become associated with a company brand.

Experts in scent marketing understand the power of perfume in the world of modern commerce. Their vast selections of fragrances are customized to blend with lines of personal care products, fine fragrances, private labels and more.

Recent research indicates that that human beings breathe in about 20,000 times a day. Our sophisticated olfactory systems can discriminate among and between at least one trillion different smells. The global fragrance market by the year, 2021, is estimated to be worth about US43.6 billion. Several important studies over the years have cemented the

power of the human nose when it comes to marketing and selling almost everything. A Samsung study found that when consumers were exposed to a company scent, shopping time was increased by 26% and they visited three times more product categories.

Well known author and brand consultant, Martin Lindstrom, conducted a study which indicted that scents trigger up to 75% of human emotions related to memory, and that brand impact increased by 30% when more than one sense is engaged and by 70% when three senses are integrated into the brand message.

Aroma and/or scent marketing should be considered as a brand’s olfactory logo. Familiarity in this case does not breed contempt as the old saying goes, but rather an indelible association with the brand. Consumers will know they are entering a particular store as soon as they step inside and the aroma invades their nostrils. In the words of Dawn Goldworm, a fragrance expert, “Scent stimulates your olfactive nerve and the limbic system, the largest part of our memories. It instantly taps into your emotions without you even being aware of it.”

When we are children the world is new, and so are the millions of scents that comprise our cosmos. Aromas are triggers for childhood memories because our first experiences with them usually occur when we are very young. That first fragrant encounter becomes permanently linked with both emotion and

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Scent marketing

episodic memory, which refers to those events in our lives that are highly personal and relate specifically to the individual Episodic memory is the recollection of an experience that is unique for every person.

Each time a new episodic memory is formed, three distinct stages occur, each of which involves a separate section of the brain. The first concerns encoding; the second consolidation at which time the event is cemented into long-term memory. The final process is recollection, where the brain retrieves information relative to a specific incident.

Recollection is sometimes instantaneous and at other times may need a trigger, such as an image or a smell.

At the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen, Germany, Sabine Engelhardt is responsible for tracing social developments, cultural movements and sociological changes. Until recently she was plagued with the question, what should a Mercedes-Benz smell like? With the help of Marc vom Ende, the senior perfumer at Symrise, they have come up with an answer.

Together, using catchphrases and mood boards, they settled on the words for the brand that the aroma would need to reflect; namely, luxury, urban and quality of life. They came

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Several important studies over the years have cemented the power of the human nose when it comes to marketing and selling almost everything

up with four distinct scents: Freeside Mood (smooth citrus); Sports Mood (naturally fresh with green tones and lightly floral nuances); Nightlife Mood (heavy leather with mild fruity tones) and Downtown Mood (warm musk notes with a subtle metal effect and a touch of sensual tones.)

Conjuring images of tropical gardens and sparkling emerald waters, this fragrance is sensual and floral with nuances of soft bamboo. A top note of citron followed by middle notes of sweet creamy gardenia, delicate and sexy pikake, fruity and tropical plumeria, lily and aromatic star anise melds into a finishing

base note of bamboo, musky patchouli and rich and woody sandalwood. This scent would fare well in travel companies, hotels located in tropical locations and stores featuring attire for the warmer months of the year.

Burnt Vanilla and Amber scents are associated with early autumn, a time when leaves of red, orange and gold drift away from their summer core and apples bake in the oven, their warm and spicy aroma wafting through a country kitchen. A fragrance with a top note of refreshing citrus followed by a middle note of cozy, musky cinnamon, this scent is both mystical and alluring, finishing with a base note of earthy, woodsy, sandalwood and burnt vanilla. A retail store featuring seasonal clothing could utilize this scent for their fall line of apparel. It would also work well in cafes and bistros featuring coffees and desserts and in vacant homes realtors are trying to sell.

While it is said that the heart wants what the heart wants, a consumer’s mind and decision-making process is a fickle thing influenced by many factors. Building a brand by using fragrance is the best way to insure an increase in traffic, brand loyalty and that all-important bottom line. So don’t be non-scentsical.

PROFILE

Keep Eyes Open To Possibilities When the UN Secretary General appointed me to lead the UN Office in Belgrade – which is empowered by him to politically support the countries of the region in their efforts towards improving regional cooperation and enhancing peace and stability – I didn’t know what to expect.

SIMONA-MIRELA MICULESCU,

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL AND HEAD OF THE UN OFFICE IN BELGRADE

I

t was my first job at the United Nations, after dozens of years serving Romanian diplomacy. It was a major change of direction in my career. Now I can say that it was a great change! I am covering the political dynamics of a very interesting region; I live in a beautiful city with a cool cultural vibe, and I represent the world’s biggest and greatest organisation! So, I am counting my blessings, which I encourage everybody to do more often!

Every day, around the planet, the United Nations plays a critical role in the service of our common humanity. We are saving lives, helping to lift people out of poverty, providing food, education and shelter to the most vulnerable people, empowering girls and women, and fighting climate change.

We all live in a global village and the United Nations is the global Town Hall – a safe space to seek solutions and reach a better understanding of each other, because we are better together than we are separately.

I was always asked about my recipe for success and I never had anything magic to reveal! I think I succeeded because I was in permanent competition with myself

As the Pope said, one of the greatest challenges we face is the globalisation of indifference. So, what I tell my children, or all those youngsters who follow me on social media, or the people of this region,

is that if we open our eyes to possibilities, we can see there are many ways to make a difference: from giving our time and energy to causes that matter to us, to advocating and standing up for what we know to be right. Too often our interactions drive people apart, back into their safe zones, rather than bringing them together.

Finding solutions to the national, regional and global challenges that we face requires us to find common ground. That means looking for similarities, not differences; it means looking for solutions, not problems; it means building bridges, not walls; it means strengthening peace, not generating wars.

That’s because, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says, “Peace is not only an opportunity, but an obligation”.

SIMONA-MIRELA MICULESCU has held her current position as Resident Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Office Belgrade since 2015. Prior to that, during a diplomatic career lasting 24 years, she served twice as Spokesperson for the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senior Media Advisor to the Minister, Director of the Press Department, Press Secretary of the Romanian Embassy in Washington D.C., Senior Public Information Officer at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Romania, Senior Advisor for Public Outreach to the Government of Iraq, as well as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN. She is the first woman in Romanian history to earn the diplomatic rank of ambassador.

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Art/Exhibitions

Bojana Borić Brešković, Director of the National Museum in Belgrade

Precious Archaeological And

Artistic Heritage 44

August

By Sonja Ćirić, Photo National Museum Of Belgrade & Zoran Petrović

“We have defined the basics of the permanent exhibition, which means that it is not set in stone but flexible, and now we need to attract the audience. How? With various approaches that will make the Museum vibrant and attractive” Bojana Borić Brešković, Director of the National Museum in Belgrade, says that since the reconstruction of the National Museum building in Belgrade was completed on 31st March, she did not doubt for a second that it would be finished as planned by 28th June, for the Vidovdan religious holiday. To our remark that it is easy for her to say that, now that everything is happily finished according to plan: she says that we are wrong: “All of us at the National Museum wished so much for this waiting to end that this ardent desire motivated us to work over our limits, and because of this, the result could only be positive”.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has marked the first year of its mandate by opening the permanent exhibition of the National Museum. With free admission from the opening ceremony until 8th July, the National Museum was visited by 30,000 Belgraders, residents of other Serbian cities and tourists all those who wanted to see what they could not have seen for the past fifteen years. They queued for hours, at night, and in the rain. It was proof of the public outrage over the fact that Serbia has been waiting 15 years for a building with over 400,000 pieces from prehistory to the 1950s to be made into a facility with suitable conditions for their keeping, exhibiting and studying. Although we all say “The National Museum is open,” the building of the National Museum was accessible to visitors for most of the 15 years of reconstruction.

I am glad that you phrased it like this. Because, I would like to point out that the National Museum was open, it just did not have a permanent exhibition, which we removed to protect it from harmful influences of unsuitable temperature, humidity and light. Over the years, we

have striven to make our collections available in many ways, whether in the building itself as long as it was possible until the construction works began, or in the premises of the institutions with which we established cooperation.

For example, in the Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU) and in the Gallery of the Central Military Club.

In SANU we showed the complete works by Edgar Degas in our collection, then we coorganized the exhibition of the art of Kosovo and Metohija - up to 70 per cent of the exhibits were from our museum. Personally, I consider this an extraordinary and important exhibition. When you mention cooperation, maybe we can continue the story in that direction. Apart from institutions in Serbia, you have exhibited parts of your collections abroad. For example, at the beginning of the reconstruction you participated in an exhibition of Byzantine art at the Metropolitan Museum in New York ...

... or, just before the opening, in Aquileia at the Palace of Meizlik in the great exhibition “Treasure and Emperors - the splendour of Roman Serbia” we showed 61 exhibits from our collection. It was an exceptional joint effort initiated by the agreement of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia, the Aquileia Foundation and the National Museum. The exhibition lasted from 10th March to 3rd June, because we had to return the pieces to Belgrade before the re-opening of the Museum. It is an exhibition of ancient heritage from our territory with a special emphasis on the late antique period.

The exhibition generated great interest in Italy, and the president of the Aquileia Foundation, Mr Antonio Zanardi Landi, former Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, was delighted with our cooperation, which he expressed with a note of

GOLDEN MASK

thanks. We are proud of the excellent catalogue published in Italian and English. Since the exhibitions are not permanent, what remains after them are the publications.

The collection of the National Museum is, simply speaking, comprehensive in both historical and artistic terms. How would you present it?

The museum was founded in 1844 by merging several others. We are the guardians of the archaeological heritage of this territory, our medieval Serbian art, then Yugoslav art of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and a collection of foreign art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

The National Museum can therefore be called an archaeological and artistic museum, it possesses an invaluable cultural heritage, plus it is a central institution in relation to all other museums in the country.

The exhibits of the new permanent exhibition are displayed over about 5,000 square metres, on three levels. Carefully selected, the exhibits of the new permanent collection testify the past

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Art/Exhibitions

Bojana Borić Brešković, Director of the National Museum in Belgrade

The museum was founded in 1844 by merging several others. We are the guardians of the archaeological heritage of this territory, our medieval Serbian art, then Yugoslav art of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and a collection of foreign art from the 14th to the 20th centuries

PABLO PICASSO, HEAD OF A WOMAN, 1909. PHOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM IN BELGRADE

FOREMOTHER, LEPENSKI VIR

and the art of our territory and Europe’s. In the atrium there are archaeological collections that cover a chronological range from the Palaeolithic to the ancient Greek and Roman culture and art. Particular emphasis is on Lepenski Vir and the significance of the Roman provinces in the structure of the Roman Empire. On the first floor, through ten thematic units, is art from the Middle Ages to the First Serbian Uprising: jewellery, icons, copies of frescoes, items of applied art ... On the second floor there are three parts: the works of foreign artists and the works of Yugoslav painters of the 20th century, and the third part is the Great Hall, a space that we will use in future for thematic exhibitions. You mentioned Yugoslav art, this means that you are the keepers of the art of a state that does not exist?

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At the time of SFRY, the National Museum was an institution in which cultural values from all over the country were acquired - after all, at the entrance we have sculptures of Ivan Mestrović, a great sculptor of Croatian origin.

We do not want to forget that period of our history, even if it is not to someone‘s liking. What would you select from the Foreign Art Collection?

In a situation where you have 1,100 paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th centuries, it is not easy to choose just a few. The core of the collection is the gift of the Slovak painter Bertold Lipaj from 1891 with 70 works by Italian artists. The biggest and the most important segment of the collection are sets of Italian, French, Flemish, Dutch, Russian and Austrian art. I can randomly list some of the painters: Giovanni di Paolo, Tintoretto, Canaletto, Guardi, Atelier Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens, works of Thorop, Van Gogh and Mondrian are the pearls of Dutch art, then the inevitable French

artists Corot, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Moreau, Vuillard, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Archipenko, Chagall ... We also keep a collection of drawings and graphics of foreign authors from the 14th to the 21st centuries, with the majority of works from French, German, Dutch, Flemish and Italian schools.

We have works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Corot, Edgar Degas, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Redon, Matisse, Lissitzky. I would also mention a collection of Japanese woodprints from the 18th and 19th centuries from the cycle “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo”, which may not be well-known to the public...

Who has supported the reconstruction financially?

The National Museum received the biggest support, first the initial and then final, from then Prime Minister and now President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, who in his inaugural speech mentioned two cultural institutions, the National Museum and the Museum

Carefully selected, the exhibits of the new permanent collection testify the past and the art of our territory and Europe’s of Contemporary Art, among Serbia‘s main tasks. With the help of the Government, the Ministry of Culture and the City of Belgrade, we have completed the reconstruction of the building and set up a new permanent exhibition in the agreed time - on the day of marking the anniversary of the present Government of Serbia. Since our building is a cultural monument and we are located in Knez Mihailova street, which is also under the protection of the state, we have had to respect all the demands that such a building and place require. I need to emphasize that our great wish has come true: we have rehabilitated the beautiful staircase at the entrance to the building from Republic Square and now we use it as an exit. Also, let me remind you that this building was built for a bank, so we have turned the former Counter hall, which is an area that has not been used up until now, into the Multicultural Hall, and we have protected its pillars and turned them into a museum exhibit to remind everyone of its exceptional architectural style. We have also used two vaults of the former bank and for the first time presented the Numismatic Collection in them.

CLAUDE MONET - ROUEN CATHEDRAL

PAJA JOVANOVIĆ’S MIHAJLO PUPIN, 1903.

PHOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM IN BELGRADE

The museum is open – now what?

In the past year, three museums opened in Serbia after their buildings were renovated and new museum exhibitions set up: the Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad, and in Belgrade the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum. Does the opening of the museum after the adaptation mean that the job is done? Absolutely not! It is the beginning of a new phase, its new definition. We defined the basics of the permanent exhibition, which means that it is not set in stone but flexible, and now we need to attract the audience.

How? With various approaches that will make the Museum vibrant and attractive. It is the

CAMILLE PISSARRO, PLACE DU THÉÂTRE FRANCAIS, AFTERNOON SUN IN WINTER’, 1898. PHOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM IN BELGRADE

work of the curators and all of us, the work that is most important to the museum and invisible to the public. Our programmes will be adapted to all ages. We expect to organise an exhibition of the National Museum of China at the end of this year or early next year, and the initiative of the Italian ambassador for a joint exhibition at the beginning of next year. Next year, I hope,

we will also have a joint exhibition with the Archaeological Museum in Skopje and the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia. Our colleagues from Skopje initiated this project on the occasion of a centenary of archaeological excavations in Trebenište that are being carried out in our three countries. So the answer to your question is: We are just starting!

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&FACES PLACES 27/6/2018

Day Of Apostolic Nunciature

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Francis the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Luciano Suriani hosted a formal reception held at Belgrade’s Hotel Metropol.

Archbishop Suriani welcomed many guests to the reception, including members of the diplomatic corps and figures from Belgrade’s public life.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ

DPM ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ WITH MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

2/7/2018 ARCHBISHOP LUCIANO SURIANI

AMBASSADOR OF BELARUS VALERY BRYLEV

27/6/2018

Independence Day Of The Republic Of Belarus Embassy of Belarus in Serbia held a reception on the occasion of the national day - Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus.

The event was attended by Maja Gojković, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Minister of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs of Serbia Zoran Đorđević, Chief of the General Staff General Ljubiša Diković and representatives of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador of Belarus H.E. Valery Brylev addressed the guests with the welcome speech, while Embassy staff welcomed the event guests in the Belarusian national costumes.

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DPM Mihajlović Marks A Year Of The Serbian Government With Diplomats

Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, prof. Dr Zorana Mihajlović marked the year of the Government of Serbia by opening the first multimedia exhibition of infrastructure in the company of the members of the diplomatic community.

The event held at the Belgrade’s main Railway Station was attended by the ambassador of China H.E. Li Manchang, ambassador of Italy H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio, ambassador of Turkey H.E. Tanju Bilgiç, ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E. Eldar Hasanov, ambassador of Montenegro H.E. Branislav Mićunović, ambassador of United Arab Emirates H.E. Dr Mubarak Saeed Ahmed Al Dhaheri, as well as many other respected guests from the public life of Serbia.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

3/6/2018

242nd Anniversary Of The Independence Of The USA

The Ambassador of the United States of America H.E. Kyle Scott and Mrs Scott hosted a celebratory reception at the garden of the Ambassador’s Residence to mark the 242nd Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.

“Thank you all for coming here today to help us celebrate the 242nd anniversary AMBASSADOR KYLE SCOTT of the independence of the United States of America,” said ambassador Scott.

“This is the year in which we also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day when President Woodrow Wilson raised the Serbian flag above the White House as a sign of respect and support for our Serbian allies. Independence Day is celebrated with family, friends, neighbours. We are celebrating with you, our Serbian neighbours,” Ambassador said. The reception was attended by President Aleksandar Vučić, Serbian National Assembly Speaker Maja Gojković and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, as well as Ministers Zorana Mihajlović, Jadranka Joksimović, Ivica Dačić, Nenad Popović, Slavica Đukić-Dejanović, Mayor of Belgrade Zoran Radojičić, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, Head of the EU Delegation Sem Fabrizi, representatives of religious ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ, ANA BRNABIĆ, MAJA GOJKOVIĆ AND IVICA DAČIĆ communities, military and diplomatic corps.

5/7/2018

56th Anniversary Of The Independence Of Algeria

On the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the independence of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence.

Addressing the guests, Ambassador Chebchoub said that 5th July 1962 marks the historic day, the end of the long shadow of colonialism that had hung over Algeria for 132 years. This day is celebrated as Independence Day, in remembrance of Algerian independence from France in 1962.

AMBASSADOR BRANISLAV MIĆUNOVIĆ

10/7/2018

Montenegrin Statehood Day Commemorated AMBASSADOR ABDELHAMID CHEBCHOUB

AMBASSADOR CHEBCHOUB WITH THE EMBASSY STAFF

On the occasion of the Montenegrin Statehood Day Ambassador of Montenegro to Serbia H.E. Branislav Mićunović hosted a reception welcoming state and government officials, ambassadors of foreign countries accredited to Serbia and public figures.

“I have the special honour to greet you all on behalf of the delegation of Montenegro, led by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, Branimir Gvozdenović. Montenegro and Serbia today celebrate friendship in freedom and peace, the traditional friendship of our peoples,” said Ambassador Mićunović.

The Statehood Day of Montenegro is celebrated on 13th July, in memory of 1878, when Montenegro was recognised as an independent state at the Berlin Congress and is marked since 2006 when after the referendum Montenegro declared its independence.

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&FACES PLACES 13/7/2018

AMBASSADOR FRÉDÉRIC MONDOLONI

Australian Ambassador To Become Honorary Citizen Of Belgrade

During her four and a half year term, Australian Ambassador H.E. Julia Feeney was one of the biggest promoters of the cultural heritage of Serbia, promotion of women empowerment in rural areas. The Ethno Network’s award for the contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Serbia was awarded to Ambassador Feeney at the City Assembly during the ceremonial event organised on the occasion of the end of the Ambassador’s mandate in Serbia.

“I am leaving Serbia with many fantastic memories. I will bring with me a part of Serbia, but I will also leave part of myself here with you,” Ambassador Feeney said. The Executive Director of NALED and the President of the Ethno Network, Violeta Jovanović, thanked Ambassador for the support and stressed that she would be missed in Serbia.

AMBASSADOR MONDOLONI WITH PRESIDENT VUČIĆ AND PRIME MINISTER BRNABIĆ

14/7/2018

French Embassy Celebrates Bastille Day

VIOLETA JOVANOVIĆ, AMBASSADOR FEENEY AND GORAN VESIĆ

A reception at the Embassy of France in Belgrade marked 14th July, the national holiday of this country.

The reception was attended by President Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, government ministers, the diplomatic community and numerous guests from political and public life.

French Ambassador to Belgrade H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni assessed that the political dialogue between Serbia and France is at the highest level and the visit by President Aleksandar Vučić to Paris on 17th July confirms this.

Ambassador recalled the alliance of Serbia and France in the First World War since this year marks 100th anniversary since the war’s end in 1918.

“We are anticipating the strengthening of the economic and political ties between Serbia and France. France can always count on Serbia like in the First and Second World War,” said President Vučić addressing guests.

Traditional CorD publication dedicated to France was presented at the celebration of the Bastille Day.

19/7/2018

Belgian National Day Marked

Ambassador of Belgium to Serbia, H.E. Leo D’aes and Mrs Monique Driesmans - D’aes, hosted a reception commemorating the country’s national holiday.

In his speech, Ambassador thanked guests for joining the celebration of the national day, which commemorates 21st July, the taking of the oath of King Leopold I. On this occasion, Ambassador D’aes announced his departure, as his four-year term comes to an end.

The reception was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community and numerous figures from the public, political MINISTER ZORAN ĐORĐEVIĆ WITH HANS SCHODDER and cultural life of Belgrade and Serbia.

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AMBASSADOR LEO D’AES AND MRS MONIQUE DRIESMANS - D’AES

My life

Miodrag Stojković Ph.D., Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Kragujevac Medical Faculty in Kragujevac, writer

By Radmila Stanković

LEGACY OVER CREATIVITY A respected and recognised geneticist, a pioneer in many scientific disciplines, including the isolation, growth and differentiation of stem cells, he studied in both Belgrade and Germany, and achieved great scientific achievements in the UK and Spain. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have any his offspring of his own, but with his knowledge he has helped almost 800 babies get a start in life at the Special Hospital for the Treatment of Sterility in Leskovac, which has led to this institution becoming very prominent and significant in the world August

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My life

Miodrag Stojković Ph.D., Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Kragujevac Medical Fculty in Kragujevac, writer

D

r Miodrag Stojković learned from his grandfather, Vlajko Đonić, the maxim that leads him through life: it doesn’t matter how much we create, but how much we leave behind. Today, at the age of 54, he has created and left enough to make his grandfather proud, and everyone who evaluates his work. He is a respected and recognised geneticist, and a pioneer in many scientific disciplines, including the isolation, growth and differentiation of stem cells.

Following a successful career in Europe, Stojković returned to Serbia around ten years ago and opened the Special Hospital for the Treatment of Sterility in Leskovac.

“However, basketball was, and has remained, my great love. As a kid, I wanted to be like Kićanović. I had talent for that sport, but not enough to dedicate myself to it fully.

It seems to me that I’ve realistically evaluated my own talents since childhood, which is how I know that I’d never be a good clarinet player, despite how much I loved playing that instrument.”

When someone works as much a CorD’s interlocutor, it’s tough to imagine when he has spare time to devote to books, but good literature is an indispensable part of his life: “As a child, I loved books that could teach me something. Not in the sense of textbook literature, rather books that describe some significant personalities and their accomplishments. As a youngster, I fell in love with the writing of Elias Canetti, and he is still among my favourite writers today. In recent years I’ve been strongly attracted to biographical books, regardless of who wrote them.”

However, his first love, which was in fact love at first sight, through a microscope, was biology. The responsibility for this belongs to his head of form and biology teacher Jovan Miljković: “In his classes, we were able with unbridled curiosity to observe and discuss how the micro-universe of the cell looks under the microscope, what it is created from and through which mechanisms it works, so that we could then use classes to write papers on popular groups like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, and to listen to their records. I now know that among all of us and to our good

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There is no word, trophy, medal, diploma or anything that could describe or replace the feeling when you take a child in your arms who is a winner in the fight against sterility fortune, our teacher Jovan was the biggest child. The introduction to stereo-magnifying glasses and microscopes, on the other hand, to my good fortune, left such an indelible mark on me that I continued to seek it later, during secondary school and my university studies.”

When he graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade, Stojković returned to Leskovac and found employment at the Zdravlje pharmaceutical factory as a trainee researcher. This once powerful factory was then on the brink of collapse. The 1990s came, and with them crises and the rumblings of war, while his dreams of research work continued to grow. He left for Germany: “The path to becoming a researcher was long, lasting almost three years. I initially worked in Hamburg and Munich as a medical

technician, after working hours, either outpatient care or work in a nursing home. At that time wherever you appeared, the question was posed whether you were a Serb. As disturbing as that was, it was also simultaneously an incentive, providing extra energy and perseverance, as some kind of positive stubbornness.

That helped in those first, toughest years of adapting, learning and attending language school, and later additional studies, doctoral work, all at the same time... Well, that’s positive there; there’s no timewasting, on the contrary, it pays off on all sides, which is why not long passed before nobody asked me where I came from, but rather what I had already achieved and what I’m capable of doing.”

It was in Munich that he met his future wife, Petra. Their paths then led them on to the UK and Spain, only for them now to be working together in Leskovac. They are always together, just like any winning team: “Petra, as a scientific worker and a worker in laboratories, is adorned with the characteristics of someone on whom you can always depend, without worrying about the outcome. What we do together is a significant part of my success, because without her help I wouldn’t be where I am.

Without her great understanding, we wouldn’t have endured all those troubles and misfortunes encountered on our way to the opening

Leskovac has long been known for its good cuisine, but as of recently it’s also known for SPEBO MEDICAL. People come to us from all over the world – we were recently visited by one Serbian couple who lives and works in America and who started their fight against sterility there

of the Special Hospital in Leskovac. I’m sure she knows how important that is to me because it’s about my country, which is increasingly also becoming hers.”

While undertaking doctoral studies, Miodrag was once turned back from the AustrianHungarian border. Together with his young wife and a little daughter, they were placed in a police van, driven to no-man’s land and told to go back home. The mother and child returned to Belgrade, while Miodrag succeeded in reaching Hamburg. It was then that he understood the essence of the saying: a Serb who doesn’t find a gap in an barrier isn’t a Serb: “Later, as a scientific research associate at Ludwig-Maximilian University, I again had to extend my work visa; my then-boss, Professor Wolf, received a letter from the department for foreigners asking if he could actually employ a German or if it must be foreigner, to which responded that it must be Stojković, as there is no better German or anyone else. Again, this is proof that all that’s only important it that you are diligent and persistent, if you are at least capable, someone will recognise and can appreciate that.”

One could say that there was no obstacle on the scientific-research path that he did not overcome. From Germany he continued his work in the UK, after which he relocated to

Spain, where he gained the position of Deputy Chief Director of a large and very important scientific centre with an annual budget of €20 million, his own laboratory, a large group of talented young scientists, equipment, the dream of dreams for every scientist – to have everything under one roof: “Somewhere around that same time I received the title of an honorary citizen of the City of Leskovac and the possibility to open a special hospital for the treatment of sterility, the first located to the south of Belgrade. I was initially moving between Valencia and Leskovac, and then I realised everything that had accumulated for years – nostalgia, longing for the family, a desire to do something for the country that educated me and that needs help in the form of recovery and the promotion of science, the increasing presence of the brain drain, a promise that we would manage to build a new scientific research centre alongside the hospital, the desire to create and leave behind something for those emerging not to have to leave the country... these were all factors that compelled me to return. Unfortunately, we waited three years for the special hospital to open, and we’ve been waiting ten years for the centre, and who knows how much more we’ll wait… The special hospital has patients from all over the world, and I’m

no longer sure what needs to be done and proven, for success does not come by itself but is a reflection of work and its quality. Perhaps success in one’s own country is actually the greatest failure, I have no other explanation.”

The working life of this scientist unfolds between the Special Hospital for the Treatment of Sterility in Leskovac and the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac. He used to go abroad regularly for work or to lecture.

There were days when he rushed from a lecture in Philadelphia to give his next lecture in Seoul, but as the years have passed he has found life increasingly beautiful in a small settlement near Leskovac called Vučje. Vučje is rich in nature, with a mountain and a river, and there he spends every free minute writing.

Two years ago, he published the novel Crničani (published by Vukotić Media, Belgrade), which is an extraordinary story about his family, the title of which refers to a village in the far south of Macedonia, where his grandfather lived at the beginning of the story: “I always wondered how come that Macedonian village where my grandfather lived, just five kilometres from the Greek border, was inhabited almost exclusively by Serbs.

And in the village opposite, and then in another village, and another... I knew that some of these people had come from Kriva Feja or Radan Mountain, but without details. When those dear people began to leave this world one by one, I noticed that there were so many identical surnames in the graveyard.

“I absorbed my grandfather’s stories and

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53

My life

Miodrag Stojković Ph.D., Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Kragujevac Medical Fculty in Kragujevac, writer

wasn’t even aware of how much they meant to me until I started writing the book. Because of his political orientation, my grandfather was arrested after World War II. He was a member of the Royal Guard, and he kept a picture of King Alexander in the house. However, due to his great care for the family, the painful life of a villager without a day off, my grandfather was for me the best and greatest example in life. In the book I depicted a real event when I dreamt that my grandfather called me to come and forgive him. I headed off and managed to see him, but in real life he died that morning after my dream.” This scientist is now writing a second book.

Asked how his German wife, Petra, finds life in the south of Serbia, Miodrag says: “Petra is proof that behind the success of a man usually stands a woman who has subordinated herself to the realisation of his plans, who is able to postpone – and, if necessary, renounce - her own plans. We are at the hospital every day. As a top embryologist, she runs the laboratory and takes care of many segments of the work of the special

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My wife Petra is proof that behind the success of a man usually stands a woman who has subordinated herself to the realisation of his plans, who is able to postpone – and, if necessary, renounce - her own hospital, sparing me of an obligation that I was not born to handle, and in that I mean administration. She has perfectly mastered our language, in the Leskovac way – as my folks would say – which is how she is capable of doing battle with local tradesman. Anyone who succeeds in that has passed the main test of adaptation in Serbia!”

For this scientist and man who, unfortunately, has no offspring of his own, his great-

est joy today is the almost 800 babies whose lives started at the Special Hospital, which means more to him than any award: “There is no word, trophy, medal, diploma or anything that could describe or replace the feeling when you take a child in your arms who is a winner in the fight against sterility, perhaps as a blend of the joy and hope that’s only provided by new life. After ten years of successful work, I can say with satisfaction that the purpose of creating a hospital for the treatment of sterility has been fulfilled, with the hope that it will be taken over in a few years by young people and will continue the very important task that it has. It would be nice for our country and for them for the Centre for regenerative medicine to finally be finished, completing the vision of my return.

But that doesn’t depend on me, unlike the childhood dreams that depended on me and which have been accomplished. Let those that aren’t become the nightmare of those who deliberately obstruct them.

“Leskovac has long been known for its good cuisine, but as of recently it’s also known

for SPEBO MEDICAL. People come to us from all over the world – we were recently visited by one Serbian couple who lives and works in America and who started their fight against sterility there. Noting their surname in the clinic, they were asked where they come from, and when they said Serbia they were asked why they didn’t go to Leskovac, and so now here they are in Leskovac... Moreover, all published scientific papers bear the address of Kragujevac and Leskovac, and that’s one more affirmation of the country, and for the south is very important because it confirms that the most important thing is how you work and not where. That’s why I’m proud of the team in Leskovac. All of them – except Petra, of course – hail from Leskovac or the surrounding area. Hardworking people, young people eager to work and with prospects that they realised in the hospital, and thanks to which they were able to establish families and offspring.

“Many people count the babies coming from in vitro, but I like to count how many babies have been born to the young employees who chose to stay instead of leaving. And when we underline the total, six of our young nurses and doctors have in the meantime had 11 children, which is yet more proof that work provides an ability to plan for the future”.

Public attention was recently spiked by news that Dr Stojković didn’t pass the first round of selections for the Department of Chemistry and Biology at the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts - SANU. Asked what the problem could be, given that he satisfies all the required scientific criteria, he explains: “There is no falsifying in science, because there is an index of scientific significance that’s called the Hirsch or h-index. It evaluates the work of scientists on the basis of their quantity of published works and how many times these works are cited, i.e. significant. And that’s how this index prevents cheating. SANU members themselves state that a scientist who has an h-index of 20 is significant, while one who has H40 is exceptional, and one who has an hindex of 60 or over is among the most unique scientists. To be the first scientist to successfully clone a human embryo, to be the first to extract stem cells from so-called dead embryos, to be a pioneer in breeding and differentiating

stem cells, in epigenetics and reprogramming...

All this has been awarded with a large number of scientific papers, and that’s how I came to possess an h-index of 60.

In its call for the admittance of members, SANU seeks quantitative (specifically the h-index) and qualitative criteria (membership, reviews, projects, the promotion of science, reputation internationally and domestically, which is only acquired if you produce a decent number of high-quality papers).

“My h-index was not enough for me to pass the first round in the proposed Department, while four candidates were admitted that have a combined h-index that is lower than mine. It is very difficult to understand that pro-

If we do not have a critical mass of well-educated young people, we will not have an economy, technology and progress – we will have darkness and the vociferous victory of falsified knowledge cess where people who haven’t been active in science for years decide and where the regular members of that specific Department have an average h-index of 17. But SANU’s problem is in its selection method – if they don’t recognise the h-index, why do they seek it? If they request it, why do they accept those who have a low index? That’s like rewarding bad students and punishing excellent ones”.

Dr Stojković today maintains professional cooperation and contacts with Valencia (Spain) and Newcastle (UK). He has joint projects with institutions there and is very grateful for that, as it is very difficult to work in science within our country. This is not only due to a lack of funds for consumables and a lack of equipment and infrastructure, but also due to a complicated, cumbersome system that doesn’t see science as a priority. For example, in Kragujevac they’ve been waiting for

10 years for the establishing of the Stem Cell Bank, and for people wanting to deal with science this means lost time, lost results, lost competitiveness, lost young scientists: “The science of embryos and stem cells is developing extremely rapidly, which is why care always has to be taken to ensure transparency and the purposes of science, as well as its ethics, science should shift people, people should shift science, but only if that is to the benefit of humankind.”

Had he not gone out into the world and acquired rich scientific experience, he wouldn’t be able to rightly state that experience and knowledge represent the greatest wealth in a scientific career. The possibility to work with the best equipment and people from all over the world is a priceless treasure, which Dr Stojković illustrates on the basis of his experience.

And when we ask him whether a young person who has today gained a lot of knowledge and experience in the outside world should return to Serbia, Dr Stojković answers: “Everyone must decide for themselves.

If they feel that they live there physically, not to say metabolically, but that in their thoughts they have remained in Serbia, that says something, but they don’t have to return if they want to do something for their country. My generation had a beautiful childhood and excellent education, but many that came later, unfortunately, didn’t.

But Serbia, whether she’s somebody’s mother or somebody else’s stepmother, very often gives us motivational insight into the way the struggle between desire and opportunity looks, between how things should and should not be done, and how we can work when we have nothing.”

“When someone asks me what I’m proud of, I can’t single out anything in particular, because if I must be proud then I’m proud of my academic journey as a whole. And that would never have been if it weren’t for my nearest and dearest being with me. That’s why I’ll be eternally grateful to my mother and sister, who suffered because of me. As a youngster, I didn’t believe my father when I asked him for something and he responded by saying that he didn’t have it. It was only many years later that I came to understand that he really didn’t have it”.

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CHILL OUT

SERBIA

EXIT’s 15th Birthday

GERMANY

Munich Train Station Should Have Air Taxi Parking

A group of city counselors in Munich say they want the southern German city’s main train station to have a landing pad for flying taxis.

Five city council members from the Christian Social Union party submitted a motion calling on rail company Deutsche Bahn to consider the space needed for the small, drone-like passenger aircraft in its plans for a future redesign of the station. In their motion, they write that “it is to be expected that within a few years technology will have advanced so far that flying taxis can be used to transport people.”

Source: AP

Globally praised stage at EXIT Festival (from 12th – 16th July) celebrated its 15 years filled with historical moments, party insatiable audience and practically all of the greatest electronic acts in the world. This year, the infamous Arena showcased even more innovations experienced live at the magnificent site of the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. The festival has become famed for its wild, unforgettable parties inside a stunning setting: a fortress overlooking the Danube. International success of Exit Festival’s iconic stage, No Sleep Novi Sad, can only be characterized as meteoric. EXIT hosted some of the most exciting clubs who have all presented a part of their history and magic in a completely different setting of the colossal Petrovaradin fortress where the acclaimed Serbian festival takes place each summer. Aside from the music, festival-goers are also encouraged to explore Novi Sad: one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2021. Brimming with excellent museums, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars, the city is the perfect getaway for cultural and historical buffs.

CANADA

6-Year-Old McDonald’s Burger Now Selling On eBay

A man from Ontario, Canada named Dave Alexander tested the ability of a McDonald’s cheeseburger and fry to decompose, and wants to sell the results. The asking price is $29.99,but at the time of this post the bid was at $150.

A meal allegedly bought June 7, 2012 is going for at least 10-times the original price. Which means this Mr. Alexander guy is a genius. …”It basically has petrified itself. It looks very sellable,” Alexander said. “I’m going to assume that someone’s going to rehome my cheeseburger. I heard of fast food burgers lasting for years without rotting and wanted to find out if it was an urban legend. The fries look like they were purchased this morning.”

FINLAND

World Wife-Carrying Championship

USA

Drinking Coffee May Help You Live Longer

A new study from JAMA Internal Medicine provides good news for coffee lovers.

The World Wife-Carrying Championship, now in its 23rd year, draws Drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of early death — virtually regardless thousands of visitors to the small Finnish town of Sonkajarvi to support of how much you drink and whether or not it’s caffeinated fifty-three men who slung their wives or partners over their shoulders and For the study, the researchers analyzed information provided by about 500,000 hurtled off on an hour-long race. people, who answered questions about their coffee consumption, smoking and Lithuanian parents of two Vytautas Kirkliauskas and Neringa Kirkliauskiene won the race which involved running, wading through a slippery pool and drinking habits, health history and more. During the study’s 10-year follow-up period, getting through an obstacle course. around 14,200 of those people died.

The idea of wife-carrying as a sport was inspired by the 19th century legend Overall, relative to non-drinkers, those who drank one cup of coffee per day had of Ronkainen the Robber, who tested aspiring members of his gang by an 8% lower risk of premature death — a rate that rose slightly as consumption forcing them to carry sacks of grain or live pigs over a similar course.

increased, peaking at 16% for those drinking six to seven daily cups, before dipping

Source: Reuters slightly, to 14%, for those having eight or more cups each day.

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INDIA

The Njangattiri Aanayoottu Ritual

The Njangattiri Aanayoottu ritual was held in the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple at Pattambi, India in the Palakkad district on July 20. In the Aanayoottu (Aanayoottu meaning feeding of elephants) ceremony, the elephants were fed specially medicated food. The ceremony was based on the principles of Ayurveda which consider the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam as a month of rejuvenation. Accordingly, this Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation is extended towards Elephants as well.

During this festival, the elephants are lined up in a row in the temple premises and are offered delicious and healthy food. Being a sacred animal, feeding elephants is also considered auspicious according to Hindu mythology and culture. Scores of people throng the temple premises to feed the elephants.

WORLD

Twitter Blocks 1 Million Accounts Daily

Twitter Inc suspended more than one million accounts a day in recent months to reduce the flow of misinformation on the platform, the Washington Post reported.

Twitter and other social media platforms such as Facebook Inc have been under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers and international regulators for doing too little to prevent the spread of false content.

The social media platform has more than doubled its crackdown rate since late last year, the Post said, when testimony from Twitter, Facebook and Google revealed startling new data showing many more millions of Americans were exposed to fake news than previously thought.

JAPAN

Japan’s Reptile Cafes

So far, Japan has introduced an array of animal cafes: cat cafes, black cat cafes, owl cafes, bunny cafes… even penguin bars. Today Japan has several reptile cafes, such as the Yokohama Subtropic Teahouse in, well, Yokohama, Reptile Cafe and Bar Arrive in Kobe, and Reptile Cafe Again in Osaka.

According to veterinarian site DrsFosterSmith.com, “If you pick up the reptile, clean its cage, or handle any of its accessories, you are getting salmonella on your hands.” According to business site Hamakei, it took Yokohama Subtropic Teahouse a year to get a license to serve food before it could open. Customers who enter the cordoned off reptile area must first disinfect their hands prior to entering and again after they leave. Some of the reptiles at the Yokohama reptile cafe are behind glass, which probably makes the experience better for the animals and the visitors.

BULGARIA

World Record For Swimming Along In A Sack With Hands & Feet Tied Up

Swimming instructor, lifeguard and adventurer Yane Petkov - Bulgaria’s answer to Houdini and Michael Phelps combined - reclaimed the Guinness world record for swimming along with his hands and feet tied while fully wrapped inside a sack.

Petkov, 64, swam 3,380 meters in Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid, beating the record of Indian fisherman Gopal Kharvi, who in 2013 swam 3,071 meters in the Indian Ocean - though not in a sack. The Bulgarian swimmer already had one entry in the Guinness Book of Records in 2013 with 2,030 meters, but he only held it for three months until he was overtaken

by Kharvi. Before his latest attempt, Petkov said he had planned to swim 3.5 kilometers, and Guinness observers were present for his swim, organized by the Red Cross and the waters sports clubs of Ohrid and Petric. Petkov took around three hours to worm his way along through the water, face-up and feet first, before he emerged on the shore in the ancient Macedonian town of Ohrid, a popular holiday resort.

Source: Reuters

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Analeena Shoulder Bag

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Pampeano Leather Polo Belt Crafted from buttery soft Argentine leather, its vibrant saddlery threads have been hand woven by artisans in Buenos Aires. €73

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John Lewis Nubuck Boat Shoes

Constructed from a durable lightweight nubuck leather, these offer the ideal smartcasual look. €73

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August

MEN

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Purdey Twill Shorts

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August

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Culture

EU Film Fest

calendar

Summer in Gardoš 2018 until 31st August – Zemun

Traditional cultural event “Summer in Gardoš” 2018, which will last until August 31st.

Under the auspices of the City Municipality of Zemun, the founder of this event, the Tourist and Cultural Center Zemun has prepared programs for all generations, in all performing genres.

Sundays and Mondays are facilities for the youngest, Thursday is reserved for amateur theatres, and on Friday and Saturday are performances and concerts.

A total of 41 content will be shown at this year’s, seventeenth edition of the Year on Gardoš.

Tickets can be purchased at all Eventim outlets and Gardoš Summer Festival scene for an hour before the start of the show.

Nišville Jazz Festival

9-12 – Niš Fortress The International Nišville jazz festival is the largest and most-visited jazz festival in Southeastern Europe.

The festival is the offical cultural event of the City of Niš (since 2005) and also “The festival of national value”, according to the rankings by Serbian Ministry of Culture in 2010.

The importance of the festival was also recognized by Serbian Ministry of Trade and Services, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, as Nišville festival was the winner of the award “The best from Serbia” in 2011. The Tourist Organization of Serbia includes Nišville as its official offer in tourist fairs throughout Europe.

For this year’s program visit: nisville. com

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Exhibition ’Heroes of Spanish Sport’

until 11 September – Instituto Cervantes The exhibition “Heroes of Spanish Sport” is a story of Spanish sports champions. From the Olympic Games held in Barcelona in 1992 to the present day through various EFE photographers’ pictures created in many countries of the world that bring us closer to the many sports figures.

Exhibition urge viewers to wonder

about the meaning of the effort, spirit and courage of the champion.

The new concept of this exhibition is designed exclusively for the exhibition space of the Cervantes Institute in Belgrade, where the initial setting is complemented by the selection of the most prominent Serbian athletes who were part of the Spanish league in different categories and sports disciplines. Photos of the great Spanish “heroes” like Rafael Nadal, Carolina Marín, Ona Carbonell o Andrés Iniesta will join the Serbian sports stars who had a great influence on the Spanish sport, such as Radomir Antić, Peđa Mijatović, Sava Milošević or Darko Kovačević who have greatly contributed to the development of European sport.

Lazarevac, Zrenjanin The seventh edition of the European Film Festival EU film Fest, after Zaječar, Mladenovac, Užice and Šabac, moves to Lazarevac and Zrenjanin.

This year’s festival is a sign of cultural heritage because the European Union declared 2018 the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The motto of the campaign and festival is “Our Heritage: Where the Past Meets the Future” with the desire to encourage you to discover and explore European cultural heritage through the film.

Lazarevac film fans will be able to enjoy the open space in the latest European cinema creations on the theme of cultural heritage every Thursday and midnight during spring and summer in the period until August 23, 2018.

This year, the European Film Festival is being held for the first time in Zrenjanin. Every Thursday and Friday in August 2018, fans of the film Zrenjanin will be able to enjoy movies at the Cultural Center of Zrenjanin.

Within the festival will be shown eight film realisations of European cinema, and projections start at 9 pm.

The Delegation of the European Union organises the European Film Festival to Serbia, the EU Info Center in Belgrade, in cooperation with the Network of Cultural Centers of the European Union (EUNIC) and the Cultural Center of Zrenjanin.

More information: facebook.com/euinfo.rs/

Opera Don Giovanni

Kombank Hall (Former Dom Sindikata) 28,29 – 21.00 After 230 years since its creation, Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni” will be performed on 28 and 29 July at the Kombank Hall starting at 9 pm.

The legend of a seducer who was fatal to the ladies of his time, was the inspiration to Molière, Bayron. This time, Don Giovanni was an inspiration to the American music association GIPAC and art partners from Kombank Hall, who are bringing Belgrade audience Don Giovanni opera.

Members of the Artistic Ensemble of the Ministry of Defense “Stanislav Binički” gathered around Da Pont’s complication about the passion of revenge, defiance and punishment, honour and humiliation, will be led by maestro Gregory Buchalter, a conductor from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Jasmina Trumbetaš Petrović, Aleksandar Stamatović, Stevan Karanac, Miroslav Markovski, Vladimir Andrić, and the world-famous artists Zhongtao Li, Vanze Zhang, Zhang Zhang, Juxjuan Chi, Minjon Hao, will be performing in Belgrade on 28th and 29th August.

The immaterial cultural heritage of Serbia

until 31st August The exhibition “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia”, featuring elements inscribed in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia, opened on 17 July at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade on July 17, 2018. The exhibition consists of the photographs, video materials and museum objects 37 elements registered in the National Register, as well as the intangible cultural heritage of Serbia registered in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Family Glory (recorded in 2014 as the first element from the Republic of Serbia) and a bicycle, a traditional folk dance, written in December 2017. Exhibition Immaterial cultural heritage of Serbia, by the author Danijela Filipović, will be open by the end of August 2018.

RECOMMENDS

French Film Caravan: Cycle Of The Great War

for being the head of Franchet d’Espèrey in the battle near Dobrog Polje. Despite the anger of Konan, who at all costs wants to protect his people, Norbert will have to do his job.

Marking the centenary of the Great War, the French Institute invites you to look at the selection of films dealing with an epoch that has forever changed the course of humanity. Made of four films, this cycle offers different perspectives on everyday life of people who lived during that time. This summer, the cycle will be shown in Zrenjanin, Kovin, Bečej, Vrnjačka Banja and Užice.

Un front oublié, le Front d’Orient 1915-1919 Director: François Borot From 1915 to 1919, thousands of French soldiers were fighting in the Balkans. After the disaster at Dardanelles, the expeditionary French-British Corps is deploying to the Thessaloniki port with a four-way mission impossible: to help the Serbian army retreat, To be settle down in a neutral country to avoid the enemy, to help Romania join the forces of l’Entente. In the end, to defeat the Bulgarians. Difficulties are enormous: problems with supply, extreme climatic conditions, numerous diseases, demotivation of troops...

Until 30th August

Les Gardiennes Directed by: Xavier Beauvois Actors: Nathalie Baye, Laura Smet, Iris Bry Year 1915: Men are on the front, and women must take on the role of guardians of homes. Mother, Hortense, a tireless worker, hires Francine, a girl from the orphanage, to help her, because her daughter refuses to listen.

Mutual respect and admiration is developing between Hortense and Francine. But to keep her family together, Hortense will have to sacrifice a girl, and pay the price.

Capitaine Conan Director: Bertrand Tavernier Actors: Philippe Torreton, Samuel Le Bihan, Bernard Le Coq Balkan, September 1918. While the ceasefire is being signed in France, Allied forces on the Eastern Front continue to wage war. In Bucharest, soldiers are looting and killing. Norbert has a delicate task to condemn the culprits, Captain Conan’s men, his friend, who is credited

Exhibition Julia Gaisbacher: One Day You Will Miss Me

Until 31st August – Goethe Institut Austrian artist Julia Gaisbacher started work on documentation and research on the project “Belgrade on the Water” in 2017, financed by the international investment group “Eagle Hills”, announces that it permanently transforms the entire landscape of Belgrade. The first part of the project “One Day You Will Miss Me” deals with the state of Belgrade during the rough work of two towers “Belgrade on the Water” in a series of 25 black and white photographs.

With these urban portraits, the artist explores the socio-political breaks in the structure of the city and uses the towers as a reference point both in the spatial and in the content sense.

The accompanying video shows the billboard of the Eagle Hills group, damaged due to weather conditions, which at first showed the idea of a beautiful life, and now is torn.

La vie et rien d’autre Director: Bertrand Tavernier Actors: Philippe Noiret, Sabine Azéma, Maurice Barrier In the year 1920 the Great War ended two years ago.

France cures its wounds and works on reconstruction of the country. In this ambience, two women of diverse social background had the same goal: to find the man they love, who disappeared during the war. Their investigation leads them to the same source of information, Commander Dellaplane. From November 6 to 10, 1920, Irena, Alice and the commander meet, confront, and learn about each other...

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME

Ta-Nehisi Coates 1813.50rsd

Ta-Nehisi Coates shares with his son - and readers - the story of his own awakening to the truth about history and race through a series of revelatory experiences: immersion in nationalist mythology as a child; engagement with history, poetry and love at Howard University; travels to Civil War battlefields and the South Side of Chicago; a journey to France that reorients his sense of the world; and pilgrimages to the homes of mothers whose children’s lives have been taken as American plunder.

SEEING JAPAN

Charles Whipple 4950rsd

A gloriously illustrated introduction to Japan today. Seeing Japan showcases the best of the country today with lavish, full-colour photographs and lively text. Introduced here is everything from the natural beauty of the landscape to the ever-popular traditional arts and customs, as well as the high technology for which Japan is renowned the world over.

More information: institutfrancais.rs

Abstract painting in the urban context

until 31st August – French Institute For the fifth time in a row, the French Institute of Serbia supports Street art resident in cooperation with Elektrika. This year, you are invited to get acquainted with the work of Tea Lopez, a young Parisian street art artist, located at the border between painting, glitch and digital graphite.

Theo maintains several stylistic constants in its opulence, a vibrant colour characteristic of street art, futuristic, almost constructivist geometric structures, with constant playing with techniques characteristic of graffiti and street. By constant movement between spontaneity, openness for coincidence, and elements of a controlled process, a multitude of layers and an interactive dialogue of lines and colours, the author creates images housed with powerful visual and energy vibrations.

Glitch is a digital sound or visual element deformed due to a dual error: destructed plexiglass or damaged colour, for example. From these mistakes, a Glitch art was created that consists of destroying a particular image or display to create a new one that arises from the anomaly...

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

AT MY TABLE: A CELEBRATION OF HOME COOKING

Nigella Lawson 4290rsd

Nigella Lawson is a champion of the home cook, and her new book celebrates the food she loves to cook for friends and family. The recipes are warming, comforting, and inspirational, from new riffs on classic dishes – including Chicken Fricassée and Sticky Toffee Pudding – to adventures in a host of new dishes and ingredients, from Aubergine Fatteh to White Miso Hummus.

Book At My Table includes dishes to inspire all cooks and eaters.

CASINO ROYALE

Ian Fleming 1486rsd

‘Surround yourself with human beings, my dear James.

They are easier to fight for than principles’ In Casino Royale, the first of Fleming’s 007 adventures, a game of cards is James Bond’s only chance to bring down the desperate SMERSH agent Le Chiffre. But61 Bond soon August discovers that there is far more at stake than money.

AFTER WORK

28 FRANCOPHONE AMBASSADORS JUN GROUP OF SERBIA ESTABLISHED

27 JUN ROMANIAN EVENING GARDEN PARTY Ambassador of Romania to Serbia H.E. Oana Cristina Popa and spouse Mr Calin Neacsu hosted a ‘Romanian Evening’ garden party, welcoming members of the diplomatic corps, figures from social and cultural life at the embassy premises.

The reception attracted a large number of guests who enjoyed traditional Romanian music and tasteful delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere.

The meeting of the Francophone Ambassadors Group of Serbia was held at the invitation of H.E. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland.

Ambassadors and Chiefs of Missions unanimously elected Mohammed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, as the Group’s President, while Vice-Presidents are Amr Aljowaily, Ambassador of Egypt, Kati Csaba, Ambassador of Canada, Simona Mirela Miculescu, Representative of UN Secretary-General, Oana Cristina Popa, Ambassador of Romania and Dae Jong Yoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Serbia. Frédéric Mondoloni, Ambassador of France, with the support of the French Institute in Serbia, Cultural and Educational Operator of the Embassy of France in Serbia, elected as Group’s Secretary.

MEMBERS OF THE FRANCOPHONE AMBASSADORS GROUP OF SERBIA

AMBASSADOR OANA CRISTINA POPA WITH MS REBECCA FABRIZI AND MS MONIQUE D’AES

28 PANEL DISCUSSION JUN HELD AT THE NORWEGIAN EMBASSY How we will be making our everyday payments and what significant changes are coming to the world of financial services and banking were among the key topics of the panel discussion „Mobile payments in Serbia – past, present and future“, hosted

by H.E. Arne Sanes Bjørnstad, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia and Norwegian fintech Auka.

AMBASSADOR ARNE SANES BJØRNSTAD The way of paying and providing financial services in Serbia, as well as across Europe, will be affected by Revised Payment Service Directive – PSD2, adopted in EU early this year, even though Serbia is not the part of EU at the moment, it was concluded at the panel. This directive enables third parties to provide financial services, whether these are fintech companies or giants such DANIEL DODERLAJN (AUKA), ZORANA BRANKOVIĆ as Google, Apple, Facebook or (BANCA INTESA), SRĐAN NOVAKOVIĆ (ADDIKO Amazon.

BANK) AND MILOŠ POLOVINA (TELENOR BANK)

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28 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SERBIA REOPENED JUN Serbia has reopened National Museum, the country’s main museum, 19 years after it was closed in the 1990s. Hundreds of citizens flocked to the National Museum in central Belgrade on June 28 as it opened its doors following a ceremony attended by the country’s prime minister and public figures. Prime Minister Ana Brnabić said she was very happy and proud that her government opened Belgrade’s renowned museum. The museum holds a collection of over 400,000 items of key archaeological findings from the area, important works of key Serbian artists but also works

by Pablo Picasso and Edgar Degas.

PM ANA BRNABIĆ

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

28 AHK JUN ELECTS NEW

MANAGEMENT BOARD

CHRISTIAN BRAUNIG, DR RONALD SEELIGER AND MARTIN KNAPP

At the annual General Assembly of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Serbia), held in the “IN Hotel”, members approved the Board of Directors’s report as well as the financial report for 2017. During the annual general assembly, members voted Crowe Horwath BDM Audit as the AHK auditor for 2018. Changes were made in the Management Board, which is now comprised of President Dr Ronald Seeliger (Hemofarm), Vice President Bojan Predojević (Profine), Second Vice President Udo Eichlinger (Siemens), Treasurer Christian Braunig (Confida Consulting), two members of the Board of directors Milan Grujić (ZF E-Mobility SRB d.o.o.) and Dragan Simović (Gebrüder Weiss), and finally two Executive Board members of the Board Dijana Peškir (Stihl doo) and Martin Knapp.

BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR RADKO VLAYKOV, SEM FABRIZI AND AMBASSADOR LUTTEROTTI

02 AUSTRIAN EMBASSY MARKS AUSTRIA’S JUL TAKEOVER OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE EU On 1 July 2018, Austria took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the third time after 1998 and 2006.

Embassy of Austria in Belgrade, headed by Ambassador H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti hosted a reception attended by the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Zoran Đorđević, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the international institutions, Austrian companies operating in Serbia and numerous personalities from the public life of Belgrade.

Addressing the guests, Ambassador Lutterotti said that holding the Presidency of the European Union is an additional responsibility to work in the interest of strengthening the EU, adding that Austrians take that responsibility very seriously.

Sem Fabrizi said, “2018 is a great year, during which we have worked on getting this region closer to the EU, and we had a great first semester with Bulgaria.” He added that he is certain that Austria will do a great job during its term holding the Presidency of the EU Council.

The pleasant atmosphere of the venue ensured guests enjoyed socialising and admiring the beautiful view of the Kalemegdan Fortress.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ AND MINISTER BRANKO RUŽIĆ

03 NALED JUL AWARDS

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CHAMPIONS National Alliance for Local Economic Development-NALED recognised this year’s winners of the Local Development Champions Awards.

Winners of 2018 awards are following companies: Mastercard, Telekom Serbia, Post of Serbia, BAT, Gomeks, Gorenje, DIS, Dunav osiguranje, JTI, Coca-Cola HBC, Moj Kiosk, Tehnomanija, Philip Morris, Forma ideale and Ušće Shopping Center.

AMBASSADOR LUTTEROTTI WITH SPOUSE

WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CHAMPIONS AWARDS

09 DAY OF RUSSIAN JUL FAMILY MARKED Russian Center of Science and Culture hosted a celebration of the traditional Russian holiday Day of Family, Love and Fidelity in the presence of Serbian Patriarch Irinej, director of the Russian foreign cooperation agency Eleonora Mitrofanova, ambassador of Russia H.E. Aleksandar Chepurin and director of the Russian Cultural Center Nadezhda Kushchenkova.

At the celebration which is celebrating for the fourth consecutive year, the Patriarch presented a special honour of the Serbian Orthodox Church to Eleonora Mitrofanova and the medals for long marital life to couples who are married for more than 25 years.

NADEZHDA KUSHCHENKOVA, ELEONORA MITROFANOVA, PATRIARCH IRINEJ AND AMBASSADOR CHEPURIN

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AFTER WORK 5,10 AMBASSADOR KATI CSABA JUL OPENS TWO EXHIBITIONS IN BELGRADE As a part of the ’Canada Days 2018’, Ambassador of Canada H.E. Kati Csaba opened two exhibitions in the Serbian capital. The exhibition at the Centre for Graphics and Visual Research in Belgrade comprising of contemporary Canadian artists such as Jean-Paul Riopelle, Rob Scholt, Carl Beam and others are part of Gabriella Nikolić’s private collection was opened on 5th July. On 10th July Ambassador opened an exhibition by Canadian artist Sadko Hadžihasanović in the Kolarac Gallery.

The exhibition encompassed more than 300 drawings the artist made for his animated short movie from 2016 titled ‘BeeBoy’.

AMBASSADOR KATI CSABA AT THE EXHIBITION OF GABRIELLA NIKOLIĆ’S COLLECTION

BEEBOY EXHIBITION

09 PM OPENED CONGRESS JUL OF THE INTERNATIONAL

FEDERATION FOR THEATRE RESEARCH Prime Minister Ana Brnabić opened Congress of the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR) and said that science, art and culture are key drivers of social and economic development.

Brnabić expressed her satisfaction with the opportunity to welcome more than 1,000 professionals, theoreticians and practitioners of theatre and performing arts from around the world.

Ambassador of Finland to Serbia H.E. Pertti Ikonen hosted a reception welcoming Congress participants, of whom 19 are from Finland.

PRIME MINISTER ANA BRNABIĆ

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MINISTER WITH A WINNER COMPANY SUNCOKRET

11 JUL BLIC ENTREPRENEUR OF 2017 ANNOUNCED

AMBASSADOR PERTTI IKONEN

The company Company Suncokret (Granum) was selected as the most successful in the race for the “Blic Entrepreneur” and won a million dinars prize which was awarded by Eurobank. Finance Minister Siniša Mali said, “All 300 companies in the selection for the “Blic Entrepreneur” are winners and represent the image of a better Serbia. They are the future of Serbia and represent 99 per cent of our commerce, and about 66 per cent of employees work in these companies,” and added, “The government has invested 7.6 billion dinars of grants for these companies.”

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

AMBASSADOR AMR ALJOWAILY

AMBASSADOR ALJOWAILY WITH DR. ALI ABDEL AAL, MINISTER VUKOSAVLJEVIĆ AND OTHER GUESTS

10,19 COMMEMORATION OF 110 YEARS JUL OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN EGYPT AND SERBIA Marking the 110th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Serbia/Yugoslavia, Embassy of Egypt headed by Ambassador H.E. Amr Aljowaily hosted two events during July.

In cooperation with the National Museum and Arabic Cultural Centre, Embassy organised on 10th July the first roundtable discussion on Egyptology in Serbia.

The discussion took place at the National Museum in Belgrade and marked its opening as the first official event after a long renovation and restoration process.

Ambassador Aljowaily opened an exhibition of the documents “Serbian/Yugoslav-Egyptian relations” in the House of the National Assembly of Serbia on 19th July, which was attended by National Assembly Speaker Maja Gojković, Egypt Parliament Speaker Dr Ali Abdel Aal and Minister Vladan Vukosavljević.

18 JUL BELGRADE HOSTS EUROPEAN STUDENT COMPANY CONTEST For the first time, Serbia hosted the best European student company contest, bringing together high school students hailing from 37 European countries in downtown Belgrade.

Opening the fair, the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said that the project was aimed at young people who represent the future of Serbia and the EU. US Ambassador H.E. Kyle Scott told contestants that by merely showing up in Belgrade they were all winners and were all offered an opportunity to learn from one another.

Romania’s ambassador H.E. Oana Cristina Popa welcomed the Romanian team of students who competed with a project aimed to increase the capacity of solar panels on electricity production.

The winner of this year’s contest is British student company “Sure Light” with their bicycle lights increasing driver’s safety.

BRITISH STUDENT COMPANY “SURE LIGHT”

SEM FABRIZI, AMBASSADOR SCOTT, BELGRADE MAJOR ZORAN RADOJIČIĆ AND AMBASSADOR D’AES

AMBASSADOR OANA CRISTINA POPA WITH STUDENTS FROM ROMANIA

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AFTER WORK

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19 FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF JUL COMMERCE HOST SUMMER COCKTAIL French Serbian Chamber of Commerce (CCFS) headed by General Director Sanja Ivanić, held its last summer gathering at the wine bar Wineart.

Ms Ivanić announced that Chamber would continue its traditional events in September, including ‘French Week’ in November, and also introduce some new concepts, like event named ’10 Questions for…’. She also added she hoped President Macron would visit Belgrade during the last trimester of the year.

CCFS members enjoyed socialising as well as the beautiful views from the wine bar terrace.

SANJA IVANIĆ (CENTER)

23 KOREAN EMBASSY JUL HOSTS 3RD K-POP COMPETITION For the third time in the row, the Korean Embassy organised K-pop music competition.

More than 300 fans of K-pop musical genre gathered at the Belgrade Youth Center from all over Serbia to attend “K-pop Festival Serbia”.

This competition included singing and dancing to the music of their favourite bands from Korea.

Ambassador of Korea H.E. Dae Jong Yoo presented the awards to the best contestants.

After announcing the winners, the Embassy welcomed contestants to a traditional follow-up party at the Shake’n’Shake bar.

AMBASSADOR D’AES, MR HUGO VAN VEGHEL AND MS MONIQUE D’AES

24 BSBA HOST FAREWELL JUL PARTY IN HONOR OF AMBASSADOR D’AES

AMBASSADOR DAE JONG YOO

AMBASSADOR WITH WINNERS OF THE 1ST PRIZE

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Belgian Serbian Business Association (BSBA), headed by its President Mr Hugo van Veghel, hosted a dinner party for outgoing Ambassador H.E. Leo D’aes and his wife Ms Monique Driesmans D’aes, who are departing Belgrade after completing a successful four-year term in Serbia.

The event held at the restaurant Mala Fabrika Ukusa was attended by members of the BSBA, associates and friends.