CorD Magazine, Jun 2019, issue no. 176

Ambassador of Argentina to Serbia

Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection

Professor of Southeast European History and Politics

Year Of Turnarounds

Nothing Will Stay The Same

www.cordmagazine.com

Global Village Must Rely On International Law

GORAN TRIVAN

FLORIAN BIEBER

JUNE 2019/ ISSUE NO. 176

H.E. ESTANISLAO ANGEL ZAWELS

interviews opinions news comments events

EU PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION:

The goal stays,

BUT THE TEMPO MIGHT BE AFFECTED COMMENT

The EU’s Four Challenges

Exclusive

ZORAN JANKOVIĆ

783002 771451 9

Respect Pre-Election Pledges

ISSN1451-7833

MAYOR OF LJUBLJANA

CONTENTS

COMMENT

ANA PALACIO, PROJECT SYNDICATE

THE EU’S FOUR CHALLENGES Whatever the next European Parliament’s composition, the imperative will be the same: EU institutions must trade ambition for humility, focusing their attention not on their own power or status, but rather on upgrading and fortifying the project for which they claim to stand. If they fail, the road ahead will only become more perilous

08 RESPECT PRE-ELECTION PLEDGES ZORAN JANKOVIĆ Mayor of Ljubljana

24 THE DIE IS CAST, BUT THE ANSWER IS A HAZE

FOCUS: The EU Parliament election impact on the Western Balkans and Serbia in particular

48 FACES & PLACES 51 JAZZ IS A PERSONAL STAMP DIMITRIJE VASILJEVIĆ Jazz Composer and Pianist

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE

14 GLOBAL VILLAGE MUST RELY ON INTERNATIONAL LAW

40 THE YOUNGEST NORWEGIAN BILLIONAIRE ENTERPRENEUR: Gustav Magnar Witzøe

56 CHILL OUT

H.E. ESTANISLAO ANGEL ZAWELS Ambassador of Argentina to Serbia

58 SUMMER IN THE CITY FASHION

43 BUSINESS WOMEN INVEST IN KNOWLEDGE @CORD_MAGAZINE

@CORDMAGAZINE

18 GLOBAL DIARY 20 SOFT POWER WITH GOOD FLAVOUR GASTRODIPLOMACY

DR SANJA POPOVIĆ PANTIĆ Economist, President of the Association of Business Women in Serbia

44 INDIVIDUAL VISION OF TRADITION

VIETNAM CONTEMPORARY ART

CORD MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Miroslava Nešić-Bikić m.bikic@aim.rs DESIGNER: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović,

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Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić, Ljubica Gojgić Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić, Miloš Belčević EDITORIAL MANAGER: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen

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Comment

The EU’s Four Challenges Whatever the next European Parliament’s composition, the imperative will be the same: EU institutions must trade ambition for humility, focusing their attention not on their own power or status, but rather on upgrading and fortifying the project for which they claim to stand. If they fail, the road ahead will only become more perilous ANA PALACIO,

PROJECT SYNDICATE

T

he first challenge is the coming economic downturn. A decade after the financial crisis upended Europe’s economy, throwing its politics and social model into disarray, average annual growth remains a sluggish 1.5%. And there are strong signals that worse is to come: debt levels are rising fast and the European Central Bank has re-launched stimulus measures to stave off recession.

Unlike the crisis of ten years ago, the damage caused by the coming slowdown will not be concentrated in southern Europe; it will hurt the eurozone as a whole, including almighty Germany.

The European Union barely survived the first crisis.

A recession that hits the EU core would amount to a serious, even existential, threat.

One would think that ten years were enough to take steps to prevent history from repeating itself. But initiatives like the creation of a banking union and the completion of the single market have not been realized, because Europe’s leaders have insisted on discussing issues at the margins, rather than implementing difficult reforms. It is as if they haven’t noticed the lowering clouds on the economic horizon.

It is time to look up. The new European Parliament must urgently do what it takes to buttress the EU. But the impetus for such action must come, first and foremost, from the EU’s largest and most influential members – in particular, Germany and France.

The second core challenge that Europe faces is the fracturing of liberal democracy. This is not strictly a European phenomenon: it can be seen throughout the liberal democratic world, not least in the United States. But growing support for populist appeals to emotion, nostalgia, and resentment have been particularly pointed in a Europe still feeling the effects of the last financial crisis

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and facing growing questions over the viability of its social model.

So far, efforts to resist the populists have been underwhelming and sometimes misguided. Some, such as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, have made the mistake of mimicking their message and approach. Others, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, have peddled largely hollow visions of hope, with mixed results. Then there were the poorly conceived efforts to connect the EU to the people, exemplified by the series of chaotic televised debates that have marked this year’s campaign for the European Commission presidency.

If they are truly to counteract the populist trend and reinvigorate support for liberal democratic principles, the leaders of the EU and its member states must do a better job of reconnecting with citizens. Finding a better approach will require

Whatever the next European Parliament’s composition, the imperative for Europe is the same a broader, more nuanced perspective and strong political will. Part of this entails constructing a compelling narrative for the European project and much of it, frankly, involves delivering results.

This is all the more important, given a third key challenge confronting Europe: the growing divide between the EU’s liberal and illiberal governments. In the last five years, a crack has grown into a chasm, as Hungary and Poland have suppressed independent media, attacked NGOs, and undermined judicial independence. This has driven EU leaders to take the unprecedented step of triggering Article 7 sanctions procedures against Poland and Hungary for eroding democracy and failing to adhere to fundamental EU norms.

But, though majorities in the European Par-

liament backed these measures, support has been less than enthusiastic, leaving the EU institutiondriven process toothless. Yet again, a lack of common purpose is undercutting the EU’s ability to do what is needed – in this case, bring illiberal governments to heel.

The final challenge the EU faces is structural.This includes, of course, Brexit, which – no matter what form it ultimately takes – will profoundly reshape the EU. But the more fundamental issue is that the EU continues to pretend that it is a transnational construction, even as decision-making is largely – and increasingly – conducted at the intergovernmental level. To address the manifold problems it faces, the EU must recognize that member states are steering the boat, and adjust accordingly.

None of the challenges the EU faces comes as a surprise. Yet its leaders have so far utterly failed to address them, let alone build broader resilience into the system. Instead, they have allowed institutional power rivalries to divert their focus from genuine problem-solving. The EU’s push to bolster its defense capabilities is a prime example, with as much energy being devoted to who will control programs and manage funding as to developing the programs themselves. This lack of focus on real issues could well bring about the downfall of the EU. Europeans have begun to recognize this. In 11 of 14 countries recently surveyed by YouGov and the European Council on Foreign Relations, the majority of respondents reported anticipating a possible EU collapse within the next 10-20 years.

For a project that once seemed like a beacon of hope for values-based global cooperation, this is a devastating reversal.

Whatever the next European Parliament’s composition, the imperative for Europe is the same.

EU institutions must trade ambition for humility, focusing their attention not on their own power or status, but rather on upgrading and fortifying the project for which they claim to stand. If they fail, the road ahead will only become more perilous.

Interview Exclusive ZORAN JANKOVIĆ MAYOR OF LJUBLJANA

Respect

Photo: Uroš Hočevar

Zoran Janković was elected in November last year for a fourth mandate as the mayor of City of Ljubljana, despite having turned the centre of the city into a veritable “living room”: without traffic, which the local authorities in Belgrade are struggling with. He runs the city like a businessman, but – judging by the verdicts that have gone in his favour against media claims – without a blemish on his career.

He succeeds in that which is barely possible in Serbia – to be friends with both Serbian businessman Miroslav Mišković, who finds it easier to invest in Slovenia than at home, and with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who he recently said he wanted to successfully lead Serbia into the European Union.

Even opponents of the Belgrade Waterfront development, which Janković considers a good project, would probably patiently listen to his opinion, because he’s turned Ljubljana into the green capital of Europe. What is it that Janković has that Serbian politicians don’t?

Although no such question arose during this conversation, the interview still provides interesting answers.

Pre-Election Pledges As the mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković has almost as much financial power in his hands as the prime minister of Slovenia, but he gives priority to the local level of government, where there is less political trading, people are more trusted than parties and it’s easier to learn that one should always listen carefully to others 8

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PRIDE

I’m proud that Ljubljana is clean, safe, green and hospitable, where those of us who are different live together and respect each other

LEGACY

It was also good for me in the former state... and it’s completely normal for me to be interested in what the situation’s like in those former republics today and to maintain good relations with everyone

Is there any truth to the claim that the mayor of the capital city, despite not being a position of equal rank, is on a par with the prime minister in terms of financial and political power?

you get elections at the national level – the parties start trading. With us, at the local level, there’s none of that. As such, the local level is much closer to me.

I’d say that he is. I always say how the state and the city should be managed like an enterprise: you must have a vision, a strategy and a goal, and then the courage to realise that. And all with the aim of providing the best service to your citizens, which we have been doing in Ljubljana for 12 years already. Some politicians forget their pre-election promises after being elected, and that’s not right. Voters do not forget that easily, but rather remember. When

Is there any “Ljubljana-isation” in Slovenia, as there is “Belgrade-isation” in Serbia, i.e. a huge gap between the capital city and the periphery? Is Slovenia seeing an emptying of the country and mass relocating to the capital?

I don’t think that’s the case in Slovenia and that there’s no big difference between the capital and the periphery when it comes to quality of life. One of the reasons is that Slovenia

MOTTO

Every man should act with balance in his actions in order not to harm others. I adhere to that personally

isn’t a big country – you can travel from one end of the country to the other in just over three hours – and everything is relatively close.

Slovenia has about two million inhabitants, while Ljubljana has a population of slightly more than 290,000. Like any capital, Ljubljana is the hub of political, economic, educational and cultural happenings, but we also we find various institutions and required infrastructure in other cities. How come power in Ljubljana is held by the left, while the rest of the country is to the right?

If we look at other cities in Slovenia, I wouldn’t

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Interview Exclusive agree that the rest of the country is held by the right. When it comes to mayors, they are predominantly independent, which is in some ways understandable. It is important for citizens what is built in their city, and whether they have improved living conditions, while the political party to which the mayor belongs is

the economy, but when managers take the helm of an institution we almost always, as a rule, get a neo-liberal concept in which people’s jobs disappear. How did you reconcile within yourself the market and the left?

With me, people are always ranked first.

it came to that, without me being at the helm.

Although it’s difficult to talk about yourself, what seems to matter to me is that a person must be decisive, honest, just, keep their word, have clearly defined goals, be courageous in making decisions, and, very importantly, must have empathy and know how to listen to others. Every man should act with balance in his actions in order not to harm others. I adhere to that personally. If we are to believe the media after your fourth, decisive victory, you also said this too “the citizens of Ljubljana elect a mayor... to whom they can entrust the making of decisions, because otherwise they would have 50 opinions on each project and thus would go round in circles.” What is wrong with people having different opinions, discussing them and enjoying democratic dialogue?

Photo: Nik Rovan

less important. They choose a man, not a party.

However, let’s return to Ljubljana. During World War II, Ljubljana was surrounded by barbed wire, put in place by enemy forces, and nobody could enter or leave the city. On 9th May 1945, the Partisans liberated the city, and on that date we also celebrate the holiday of the city, the city of heroes. The area where that barbed wire was once installed now marks the ringroad around Ljubljana, which symbolises friendship and is simultaneously a memorial to a difficult period of history that must never be repeated. I am proud that this is respected and appreciated by the people of Ljubljana.

And I am a leftist in my soul, although I’ve always stood in local elections as an independent candidate, with the support of the list of Zoran Janković, which holds a majority in the city council, and thus has great responsibility for the development of the city. You have many years of experience in

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I always say how the state and the city should be managed like an enterprise: you must have a vision, a strategy and a goal, and then the courage to realise that That was the case while I was chairman of the board of Mercator, and is still the case today. People must be respected. I taught everyone at Mercator that, and it was written in our policy that the children of existing employees have priority when it comes to hiring staff. People always return good to you when you place trust in them. That’s why I couldn’t survive a strike of my colleagues, if

There’s nothing wrong with that. Moreover, people have different opinions that need to be debated and discussed. I would dare say that it is obligatory for them to say what they think and offer a solution. But once an agreement is reached and a decision made, then there is no more room for debate and discussion. Then things need to be realised. And that’s what I was referring to in my statement. If endless debates were permitted, then no decisions would be made and it wouldn’t be possible to realise anything. Such a situation wouldn’t lead to anything; there would be no development.

There would be stagnation. When it comes to pedestrian zones, which is a subject around which there are clashes at the highest political level in Belgrade, we would ask you: how did Ljubljana’s citizens decide on the type and extent of pedestrian zones?

Everything didn’t go smoothly at first. We had to decide to take responsibility and to close the area to traffic after 10am. People were afraid of change, they were accustomed to the old, not knowing what the new would bring them.

Many even said that the city centre would die if we banned movements of motor vehicle traffic.

It was necessary to exert a lot of effort, to hold numerous conversations – with citizens, retailers, hospitality establishment owners and others – in

order for us to prove to them that this would lead to the city centre flourishing. And that is, of course, exactly what happened. If you ask any of them today whether they want a return to the old ways, the answer will be negative. The city centre has become a large living room, covering more than 10 hectares, and a hub of various cultural, social and sporting events – around 14,000 annually, most of which are free of charge. Operating in the city centre are six electric vehicles, Kavalirs [Gentle Helpers], which are very popular, particularly among older people and children, and we also have the ‘Urban’ electric train. Today it’s difficult to imagine that the city centre was even traversed by a bus, which had its station in the vicinity of the city hall. You often comment on the situation in other former Yugoslav countries. Is your interest in events in Serbia a result of you being a “purebred mix”, Yugo-nostalgic or something else?

We have another three and a half years ahead of us until the end of the term, and I’m not thinking about retirement or the future, but rather about what we promised that we would do We used to live together in a single country, and it’s completely normal for me to be interested in what the situation’s like in those countries today. We are still neighbours and it’s very important to together cultivate good mutual relations. Ljubljana also has good relations with all capital cities of the former republics of the previous shared country. We cooperate well and share good experiences with one another. I say of myself that I’m a

‘purebred mix’ – my mother is Slovenian, and my late father was a Serb, which I am very proud of, as that strengthened the family. It was also good for me in the former state. We have deeply divided societies almost everywhere in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. How do you, for example, combine that fact that you praise President Vučić for the Belgrade Waterfront project, while one of your friends is Miroslav Mišković, who’s having a hard time with the current Serbian authorities?

I’ve known Mr Miroslav Mišković since the period when I was Chairman of the Management Board of Mercator and during that time we collaborated very well. That’s also how we became friends. We even considered joining forces, with him, me and Mr Ivica Todorić jointly establishing a major retail chain, but that unfortunately didn’t happen. Mr Mišković last year opened the first five-star hotel in

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Interview Exclusive Ljubljana, the Intercontinental, which is excellent and operates well, and I find that very pleasing. I have equally good relations with President Aleksandar Vučić. I had an official visit with him at the beginning of February and I then expressed to him my wish for Serbia to join the EU as soon as possible. As for the Belgrade Waterfront project, I consider it as being very well conceived and of providing a great contribution to Serbia.

Merkator, nor is Gorenje the Gorenje that it was, though there are other, conditionally speaking, leaders of business in this field that are playing on the broader market.

Did we lose the opportunity provided to us by the former country or is the market so globalised today that we’re all just easy targets for major corporations?

I’m sorry about what happened with Mercator, I’m very connected to it emotionally. While I was chairman of the board, it was one of the most successful companies in the region.

Unfortunately, what happened, happened.

However, I essentially don’t think it’s important who owns the company. It is important that a company has good management and a good supervisory board. The result is important. If operations are good, then major corporations shouldn’t be feared.

The claim that I used my position to illegally enrich myself isn’t true. I’ve never received any kind of money from anyone, and I’ve acquired everything I’ve gained legally and through my work. Unfortunately, there are some people who’ve been trying systematically for years to destroy me, and thus also my family and associates. It is also interesting that all the claims against me are conducted by the same person, who I’m convinced wants to deliberately discredit and demonise me. I always say that I believe in justice and that it is up to the courts to make a judgement, not the streets or the media. Unfortunately, it happens too many times that it is the street that condemns, and some media help them. I was condemned for allegedly asking a private company for a donation to the public institute of the City of Ljubljana, which was founded by the City of Ljubljana, and at the beginning of this year the court ruled that I was not guilty. To date all cases that have been before the courts, all 14 of them, have been resolved in my favour.  From our perspective, it seems as though Slovenia has remained the most socialist, most equal country, with by far the highest quality of life compared to the rest of Yugoslavia. How did you succeed in doing that while we didn’t? What does your “split” Serbian and Slovenian soul tell you about how one becomes a winner or a loser?

It’s difficult to talk about who’s a winner and who’s a loser. The fact is that Slovenia didn’t

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Photo: Miha Fras

You’ve also been targeted by the press – if not for being a tycoon, then for being someone who, according to the media, used his position to illegally acquire personal wealth. How much is it “permitted” to be successful and rich in Slovenia?

It is important for citizens what is built in their city, and whether they have improved living conditions, while the political party to which the mayor belongs is less important have a lengthy war during the breakdown of the former joint country, as happened with some of the former republics. The economy was always the best in our country. That’s how it was able to recover faster and start a new life, and it is well known that many people from the former Yugoslavia live in Slovenia.

I’m sorry that we parted ways in such a way; that innocent people were killed, instead of us resolving that by peaceful means, as was the case with the former Soviet republics.

The Mercator of your time is no longer

You are ranked second in the EU when it comes to the length of the mandates of mayors of capital cities, and it is unlikely that anyone will come close to emulating your place in the history of Ljubljana anytime soon. Is that enough for one lifetime and for nice memories in those years that are by definition the years of retirement, or are you a man of the future?

That’s the only thing I haven’t asked myself since my first term. In enjoy my work and often say that I feel like I’m on holiday there.

I have the best team of associates. Together, over the past 12 years, we’ve realised over 2,000 projects, and we’re currently implementing around 200. We’ve won numerous international awards, the most important of which is the title of Green Capital of Europe for 2016. The Commission [for that award] emphasised that we’ve made the most changes in the shortest possible time and successfully implemented the vision of sustainable development – Vision of Ljubljana 2025 – which we established in 2007, before that title even existed. I’m proud that Ljubljana is clean, safe, green and hospitable, where those of us who are different live together and respect each other. We have another three and a half years ahead of us until the end of the term, and what will come later depends on health, motivation, desire, the trust of citizens, understanding among associates etc.

Interview H.E. ESTANISLAO ANGEL ZAWELS AMBASSADOR OF ARGENTINA TO SERBIA

H.E. Ambassador Estanislao Angel Zawels arrived in Serbia late last year, and he says that he concluded at the end of his intercontinental journey he that social life in Serbia reminds him of his own Argentina. At the start of his mandate, he encountered welcoming Serbian officials, numerous confirmations of great understanding at the political level, but also overly modest economic exchanges, despite the potential for cooperation. In his first interview for CorD Magazine, Ambassador Zawels explains that the Venezuelan crisis impacts on the stability of Latin America and why most of the region’s countries have sided with that country’s opposition. You recently became the ambassador of Argentina to Serbia. How are your initial impressions?

I was honoured by my President in being proposed as the ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Republic of Serbia. Upon my arrival last October, my initial impressions couldn’t have been better. I found a very friendly country, a society very much like my home society, with the doors of its Govern-

Global Village Must Rely On

International Law

Argentina and Serbia share their view of one of the most important principles – that of territorial integrity. Argentina has been preserving this principle since 1833, and at the UN since its formation. This principle is enshrined in Article 2 of the UN Charter – Ambassador Estanislao Angel Zawels 14

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PARTNERSHIP

Perhaps the time has come to rediscover that which could represent reciprocal advantages of partnership between our two countries

ment wide open to me, and a very distinguished and able diplomatic community. Have you strolled through Republic of Argentina Park, which was opened a few years ago in New Belgrade? How much is known about Serbia in Argentina?

The Republic of Argentina Park in Belgrade and the Republic of Serbia Park in Buenos Aires are only reminders of the very deep and dear friendship between our two peoples and countries.

Argentina and Serbia have a very long history of relations. We started our fight for independence at the same time, at the beginning of the 19th Century.

Then, in the second half of the 19th Century, waves of European immigrants came to Argentina, and continued coming until after World War II. Thousands of Yugoslavs settled in Argentina during that period, contributing greatly to our society.

More recently, in the ‘90s, when this whole region was undergoing a deep security crisis, more than 7,000 Argentine soldiers came to Yugoslavia to serve as UN Blue Helmets, as our contribution to international peace and security, but also as a proof of our gratitude for the Yugoslav contribution to Argentina’s development. Despite good bilateral relations, cooperation between Argentina and Serbia remains modest on the economic front. Is the vast distance between our two countries the decisive factor, or do you see potential for cooperation nonetheless?

Bilateral trade and investment are relatively low, it is true. Distance is not the problem – one of the main markets for Argentine products is China, which is an antipodes of our territory. Perhaps the main reason is that Serbia is surrounded by the countries of the European Union, but here too, the EU is also one of the main markets for our products.

I believe that our trade and investment have vast room to grow. Argentina is a relevant agro industrial country, and we excel in some high tech sectors like animal and plant biotechnology, nuclear and aerospace technologies – exclusively for peaceful use, medical

LAW

Today, more than ever in human history, we live in a global village, and individual states should rely on international law

and veterinary pharmaceuticals and software, to name just a few sectors. Perhaps the time has come to rediscover that which could represent reciprocal advantages of partnership between our two countries.

We can also work within the framework of South-South cooperation to bring relief and sustainability to third countries. There are many tools and ways to achieve that end, as was recently discussed in Buenos Aires on the occasion of the Second High Level UN Conference on South-South Cooperation.

EU

I would like to remark that, for me, the EU is the highest international political project in the history of mankind

On the other side, on the political front, Argentina continues to support Serbia´s territorial integrity. Professor Marcelo Kohen, an Argentine expert on international law, was also a member of Serbia’s legal team at the International Court of Justice, which argued that Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence is not in accordance with international law. Has Argentina been exposed to pressure to change its position on

this issue throughout these years?

Our common approach to international law reinforces our friendship.

Both countries share their view of one of the most important principles – that of territorial integrity.

Argentina has been preserving this principle since 1833, and at the UN since its formation

Our common approach to international law reinforces our friendship. Both countries share their view of one of the most important principles – that of territorial integrity. Argentina has been preserving this principle since 1833, and at the UN since its formation. This principle is enshrined in Article 2 of the UN Charter.

Today, more than ever in human history, we live in a global village, and individual states should rely on international law. It is for that reason that it is paramount that conflicts and disputes be resolved peacefully, and sooner rather than later. The first step is to recognise the existence of a dispute, and this is not always the case, as we in Argentina know very well.

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Interview How would you assess the crisis in Venezuela and the chances of it leading to the destabilising of Latin America?

As previously stated, we live in a Global Village, which it is important to bear in mind. South America has been one of the most pacifist continents since it became independent more than two hundred years ago.

Sadly, we are today challenged by a political conflict in one important and beloved country, Venezuela.

This conflict mainly impacts on the people of Venezuela, who have been deprived of human, political and economic rights. But the conflict doesn’t only hit Venezuela – it also impacts on the whole region. Millions of Venezuelans are today fleeing the harshness of life in Venezuela and migrating mainly to the countries of the region. In Argentina alone we are hosting more than a hundred thousand Venezuelans.

of the political spectrum. To be frank, what does that even mean? To be on the left or the right is always in relation to something else. The real issue at stake here has to do with a totalitarian approach vs. a democratic and republican approach. The first one denies the population their rights of democracy and freedom.

It was many years ago that French writer Jean Francois Revel brought this issue up in his book “La Tentation Totalitaire” [The Totalitarian

Argentina, like most of the countries of the region – with the notable exception of Mexico – has sided with Juan Guaidó. What were the decisive factors in that choice?

Argentina is member of the Lima Group, which includes Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Santa Lucia and Venezuela (represented by the President in Charge, Juan Guaidó).

We echo the demands of the Venezuelan people to re-establish democratic order, full liberties and compliance with human rights. We also oppose the revoking of the parliamentary immunity of 10 members of the National Assembly and the imprisonment of Edgar Zambrano, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

The Lima Group supports the position of the National Assembly and of President in Charge Juan Guaidó, with the aim of removing the current regime and holding free, fair and transparent presidential elections. The Lima Group also maintains regular meetings with other groups or countries with regard to this crisis. However, a section of the opposition in Argentina – primarily parties on the left, but also a section of the public – believes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who claims that this is another case of the U.S. meddling in the internal affairs of a South American country, exclusively in the pursuit of U.S. interests?

I do not believe that it is an issue of left or right

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South America has been one of the most pacifist continents since it became independent more than two hundred years ago. Sadly, we are today challenged by a political conflict in one important and beloved country, Venezuela Temptation]. This temptation is still relevant today and is overlooked by part of the population. A characteristic of it is the belief that all their problems are caused by external factors, for example by the U.S., as you mentioned in your question. In a democratic system, you can believe and say what you want – the only limitation is the rule of law.

The crisis in Venezuela has also divided the world, as can be seen in the UN Security Council, where there is no consensus regarding this issue. As an expert on international organisations, how do you see the restrain of the UN regarding this issue, but also the lack of collective support in the EU for the rebellion in Venezuela?

In 1994/95 I was a member of the Argentine Delegation to the United Nations Security Council. In April 1994, the Rwandan issue came to the attention of the Security Council. There was no consensus to deal with the issue and the consequences were the genocide that took place. The excuse for not granting consensus then was the principle of nonintervention in internal affairs. Today we are more conscious that we live in a global village, and I don’t think there are valid excuses not to deal with issues that imply systematic violations of human rights and/or the persecuting of those who do not think in the same way as you do.

By the way, let me tell you that I am proud to say that in 1994 Argentina, together with Spain, the Czech Republic and New Zealand, were the only countries in the Security Council that claimed, unsuccessfully, that a genocide was in the making and that the Security Council should act accordingly. You were responsible for economic cooperation with the EU, which is Argentina’s second largest export partner, at the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As someone educated in France, how do you see the future of the EU following May’s European Parliament election and the announced changes?

Firstly, I would like to remark that, for me, the EU is the highest international political project in the history of mankind. And that is thanks to very clever people, like Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Altiero Spinelli, among others, and the very sad experience of the last world war. I believe that the EU Parliament elections will prove to have been another step in the construction of a supranational organisation.

Having said that, I recognise that there are some tensions in the EU that they should resolve internally.

This is important for them and for others, because there are some dramatic challenges ahead in some areas of the world that will need their involvement, as well as our involvement, as Mercosur [the South American trade bloc].

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GLOBAL DIARY

Leadership

“To me, leadership is about encouraging people. It’s about stimulating them. It’s about enabling them to achieve what they can achieve – and to do that with a purpose” – CHRISTINE LAGARDE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)

WINNERS AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2019

DIRECTOR BONG JOON-HO, TILDA SWINTON, PAUL DANO, LILY COLLINS, JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND DEVON BOSTICK

The 2019 Cannes Film Festival officially comes to an end with the awards ceremony in which this year’s competition jury headed by Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu, named the best films and performances of the festival. Bong Joon-ho of South Korea won the Palme d’Or, the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, for his seventh feature film, “Parasite.”

French-Senegalese director Mati Diop, in her first time at Cannes and as the first black woman in competition in the festival’s 72-year history, won the Grand Prix award for her first narrative feature “Atlantics. The prize for best director went to the Dardenne brothers for “Young Ahmed” and the screenwriting prize was awarded to Celine Sciamma for “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” Emily Beecham was named best actress for her performance in Jennifer Hausner’s “Little Joe” while Antonio Banderas won the best actor prize for Pedro Almodovar’s “Pain and Glory,” in which he played a version of the director in Almodovar’s fictionalized autobiography.

CORONATION OF KING MAHA VAJIRALONGKORN Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially took over his father’s crown as part of a threeday ritual, composed of ancient Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies, which aims to symbolically transform the 66-year-old ruler into a living god. The king, who also took on the name of Rama X of the Chakri dynasty as one

INDONESIA TO MOVE CAPITAL AWAY FROM JAKARTA Indonesia’s president has decided to move the capital of the world’s fourth most populous country away from the crowded main island of Java, but has yet to finalise a new location. The current capital, Jakarta, is home to more than 10 million people, but around three times that many people live in the surrounding towns adding to the area’s severe congestion. The annual economic loss due to traffic congestion in Jakarta at 100 trillion rupiah (€618.7mln). The low-lying capital is also prone to flooding and is sinking due to over-extraction of ground water. In making his decision, Mr Widodo had also taken into account the fact that nearly 60 percent of Indonesia’s 260 million people live in Java and economic activities were concentrated there. One of the contenders for the new capital city is Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo.

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of his many official titles, ascended the throne in 2016 upon the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The coronation comes following a period of mourning for the late king, who reigned in the Southeast Asian country for almost 70 years.

Events marking the coronation included a purification ritual with consecrated water, a crowning ceremony, a parade, and an appearance by the monarch on a balcony of the Grand Palace in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

People

They are two totally different countries. Bulgaria, he explained, is a nation with century-old traditions; while Macedonia has century-old traditions but is a young country and has a “young people”. – POPE FRANCIS

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION 2019 Populists and nationalists who want to chip away at the EU’s powers increased their share in Europe’s parliament after four days of continent-wide elections, but it was not the deluge that many traditionalists had feared. When the vote counting is done, the populists are expected to get around 25 per cent of the 751 seats, up from 20 per cent five years ago, figures released by the European Union showed on Sunday. But a higher than usual turnout suggested that pro-European voters were also more motivated than before.

Taken together, the results indicated that the struggle over the future direction of the bloc — more integration among European countries, or less — would only intensify. Members of the European Parliament are responsible for electing the President of the European Commission—the EU executive body—and approving the laws that govern the Union. The Parliament’s 751 seats are distributed among member states based on population.

TRUMP NAMES WOMAN AS HEAD OF U.S. AIR FORCE U.S. President Donald Trump announced he had nominated a former ambassador and Arizona businesswoman to lead the air force. Barbara Barrett, 68, served as the U.S. ambassador to Finland from 2008 to 2009 under the George W. Bush administration. She also chaired an aeronautics research and

RAMADAN CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD Monday 6th May marked the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It is the 1,440th year of the Islamic calender. The tradition began in the seventh century and commemorates the month when the Prophet Mohammed retreated to a cave north of Mecca for spiritual contemplation. Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Quran was during its last 10 nights. The Quran describes this singular evening of worship as “better than a thousand months.” It marks the day when Muslims believe the angel Gabriel began giving Mohammed revelations from God. Nearly two billion Muslims participate in Ramadan to re-connect with God through fasting, abstinence from sex and drink from dawn to dusk, praying extra dedications at home and in mosques in the evenings, and seeking forgiveness for trespasses.

development centre, The Aerospace Corporation, until 2017. A former lawyer and test pilot, Barrett is also a board member at the Rand Corporation, a think tank that provides research and analysis to the U.S. armed forces. She and her husband Craig, the former CEO of American technology giant Intel, are major Republican donors. If she is confirmed, Barrett will succeed another woman, Heather Wilson, in the position of secretary of the air force.

GRDELICA GORGE TO OPENED FOR TRAFFIC The southern arm of Corridor 10, on the route through Grdelica Gorge, was officially opened late last month. This is a great victory for Serbia and all engineers and workers involved in this project. It also has a great importance when it comes to connecting Serbia to the region,” said Zorana Mihajlovic Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure. She added that 250,000 tonnes of asphalt had been built in, that 650,000 cubic metres of rock had been removed, that two tunnels and 33 bridges, including the two tallest bridges in Serbia, had been built and that the railway and the river bed had been moved. As she said, the works on another two highways that are a part of the new investment cycle should.

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Gastrodiplomacy

Soft Power With Good Flavour Many countries have utilised food as a soft-power instrument for boosting their public image. Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing amount of dialogue on the role of food in not only establishing relations between cultures and nations but as part of the foundation of cultures and national identity.

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n September 2018, the Museum of Modern Art in New York held the MoMA R&D Salon 27 - “Gastrodiplomacy: The Politics of Food.” During the event, experts from the public, private and civil sectors offered their unique takes on the role of food in politics, society, and diplomacy. MoMA describes the theme as follows: “Sharing a meal can help people transcend boundaries in a way that nothing else can. At the same time, as an important marker of cultural identity, food can also become a driver of conflicts. […]

Our goal is to get closer to understanding how what we put on our plates functions as a tool of soft power.”

The term gastrodiplomacy was first introduced by Paul Rockower, who is currently the Executive Director of Levantine Public Diplomacy, an independent public diplomacy organisation, “[where] he describes [it] as a

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method of reaching hearts and minds through people’s stomachs”. Sam Chapple-Sokol later more precisely defined it as “the use of food and cuisine as an instrument to create a crosscultural understanding in the hopes of improving interactions and cooperation”.

The birth of gastrodiplomacy as a form of soft power diplomacy took place in 2002 in Thailand through a pioneering government program dedicated to culinary diplomacy, entitled ‘Global Thai’. The goal was to open restaurants across the globe in an effort to raise cultural awareness and promote Thailand as the destination to visit. According to governmental reports, the number of restaurants internationally went from 5,500 in 2002 to 10,000 by 2013.

Many agreed that this method was an effective course of action for building a public image of a nation. In fact, diplomats in Washington “point[ed] out that restaurants are often the

only contact that most Americans have with foreign cultures.” The volume of tourism in Thailand’s has increased exponentially, and the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visitors of all ages and profiles from all over the world.

Gastrodiplomacy can be used in a myriad of creative ways, but perhaps the most common is when traditional food is served at diplomatic events. Gift-giving is also a common form of etiquette in political, diplomatic and business relations, and politicians and diplomats alike have utilised food for establishing or enrichening ties. Radek Sikorski, former Foreign Minister and Defense Minister of Poland, was recently interviewed for the Harvard Belfer Center. In the interview, he mentions the role of food in diplomatic rituals and etiquette. “We use polish food as a strategic commodity in our diplomacy because food is a huge, I think number 2, export

By Tanja Strugar

for Poland[.] Today we use it for promoting Polish agriculture and promoting Poland […] in diplomacy you find out that most ministries and public institutions have rules on what kinds of gifts you can accept, but you can almost always accept food.” […]“If you give someone a basket of Polish vodka and polish Kabanos and polish jams and polish sweets they love it.”

A gastrodiplomatic initiative “Diplomatic Culinary Partnership” is closely tied to government activities of the United States. First launched in 2012 as a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the program was intended to showcase talented U.S. chefs through preparing an entire dining experience for visiting foreign delegates. Hilary Clinton was an enthusiastic supporter of the initiative: “Showcasing favourite cuisines as well as ceremonies and values is an often overlooked and powerful tool of diplomacy.

The meals that I share with my counterparts at home and abroad cultivate a stronger cultural

The birth of gastrodiplomacy as a form of soft power diplomacy took place in 2002 in Thailand through a pioneering government program dedicated to culinary diplomacy, entitled ‘Global Thai’ understanding between countries and offer a unique setting to enhance the formal diplomacy we conduct every day.” The Diplomatic Culinary Partnership program was also a launching pad for the American Chef Corps, which has members acting as representatives across the globe, serving with the State Department in the gastrodiplomatic field.

The leaders of South Korea also used food creatively in formal diplomacy. In 2009 the South Korean first lady, Lee Myung-bak, prepared a variety of dishes for American veterans of the Korean War of the 1950s. Her goal was to alter their experience and shed a different light on the country: “I wanted to give them a new taste of Korea as something positive and delicious,” she said in an interview afterwards, her first with a member of the Western news media since her husband took office last year.

(She spoke through an interpreter.) “From the war, they do not have many pleasant food memories.” The first lady also proceeded to have similar affairs with the Japanese prime minister and his wife, Miyuki Hatoyama, where Mrs Hatoyama proceeded to dig her care hands into a pot of kimchi, stating that she “wanted to experience making kimchi with bare hands.” The utilisation of food in order to change a country’s image, no matter how small

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Gastrodiplomacy The term gastrodiplomacy was first introduced as a method of reaching hearts and minds through people’s stomachs and to use of food and cuisine as an instrument to create a cross-cultural understanding in the hopes of improving interactions and cooperation of an audience is being addressed, can result in mass turning of opinion through example.

In addition to this initiative the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries set aside ten million dollars “to spend in 2009, including grants and scholarships for South Koreans to travel and attend culinary school”. The South Korean government was confident of its being next in line to open restaurants abroad and bring foods such as Tteok-bokki, bibimbap and bulgogi. They’re initiatives instigated the ‘Hallyu’ (“the Korean Wave”) in the United States, increasing their cuisine’s popularity and overall awareness in Americans as to all that South Korea has to offer.

Peru incorporated gastrodiplomacy into its initiative to boost its public image through food security. Specifically, its growing popularity in the culinary world has a lot to do with 2013 being labelled as the year of quinoa by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a high-protein crop of which Peru is one of the main producers. Peru has lead quinoa production for the past several years and is responsible for approximately half of the global quinoa production. The nation has not only been recognised by the UN agricultural departments as one of the leaders in the integration of quinoa into the diets of large populous, but the government took its initiatives through the promotion of quinoa in a variety of competitions abroad, designed to demonstrate how well quinoa can integrate

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into the traditional dishes and be combined with local ingredients. In 2015, the Consulate General of Peru in Switzerland hosted the 2nd Peruvian Gastronomic Festival, where quinoa took centre stage via “quinoa fusion.”

There are many more occasions where gastronomy has subtly acted as a symbol for the strengthening of bonds (such as the Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid offering to French President Emmanuel Macron rose honey in

2017, or the menu during the meeting between Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in in 2018, where each had a meal that reminded them of fond times in their childhoods) and there will hopefully be many more as institutions such as UNESCO continue to declare food as intangible cultural heritage, inspiring many to show the world who they are through flavour, and ultimately connecting the globe through the mutual enjoyment of eating good food.

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Focus

The EU Parliament election impact on the Western Balkans and Serbia in particular

The Die Is Cast, But

The Answer Is A Haze No one is at ease with the outcome of May’s European Parliament elections. It seems obvious that existing political structures are to be dissolved and new political alliances forged, yet the extent to which the outcome will change how the EU functions is unclear, as is whether the Western Balkan enlargement process will remain firmly on the agenda

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ndeed, the latest elections for the European Parliament were, and will certainly continue to be, one of the events most commented on globally, as they could potentially have a profound impact on the EU’s future. In the shadow of this huge question lies one that is important to Western Balkan leaders – how the out-

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come of the elections will influence the idea of enlargement, and in particular the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. While most of the answers to this question are connected to the political choices of EU voters, some of CorD’s interlocutors highlight the importance of the attitudes of Western Balkan leaders.

DUŠKO LOPANDIĆ AMBASSADOR, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

THE GOAL REMAINS, BUT THE TEMPO MIGHT BE AFFECTED THE ISSUE OF ENLARGEMENT SHOWS THE CAPACITY AND VITALITY OF EU POLICIES. HOWEVER, THE GENERAL OUTCOME OF THE ELECTIONS WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE WILLINGNESS OF FUTURE DECISION MAKERS IN THE EU TO PURSUE A VIGOROUS EU REFORM AGENDA, INCLUDING THE POLICY OF ENLARGEMENT TO THE WESTERN BALKANS, AS ONE OF THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES European Parliament elections are politically more important than ever, as they will have a real impact on the general atmosphere among EU Member States, and the future choices that will be made concerning the election of the president of the European Council and the European Commission, including the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy etc., as well as for future EU policies. The EU is at today at a crossroads – and there is a kind of paradox. According to polls, two thirds of citizens in EU countries support European integration, yet a majority of them believe

FLORIAN BIEBER

PROFESSOR OF SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN HISTORY AND POLITICS, AND DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR SE STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GRAZ

NOTHING WILL STAY THE SAME THE TRADITIONAL “GRAND COALITION” OF SOCIAL-DEMOCRATS AND CONSERVATIVES IS UNLIKELY TO RETAIN CONTROL AFTER THE ELECTIONS, WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A THREE-WAY COALITION TO INCLUDE LIBERAL PARTIES, INCLUDING MACRON’S PARTY. THIS WOULD MEAN MORE EMPHASIS ON RULE OF LAW AND A POSSIBLE RETHINK OF THE CURRENT ENLARGEMENT PROCESS The European Parliament elections will be important in shaping future EU policy, and thus also the region. While there has been a rise in populist parties in the EU over recent years, it is unlikely that the EP will shift to the far right. This is mostly due to the fact that, already in 2014, at the last elections, the far right did well, mostly because

that the EU may somehow disintegrate in the not-too-distant future.

I believe that the next majority in the European Parliament – to include the EPP, SD, liberals, greens, left etc. – will continue to support the EU Enlargement policy. As far as parties from populist or Eurosceptic groups are concerned, they do not have an unanimous position on the issue of Enlargement. As such, I think the impact of European Parliament elections on the Enlargement policy will be more indirect, connected with the general outcome of elections and I BELIEVE THAT the willingness of future decision makers in the EU to pursue a vigorous EU reform agenda, which should SERBIA WILL comprise enlargement to encompass the Western BalCONTINUE TO kans as one of its strategic objectives. As we know, the PURSUE ITS last EU summit, held in Sibiu this May, which dealt with EUROPEAN PATH, strategic choices for the EU in the 2019-2024 period, did not mention enlargement. However, I don’t think INCLUDING that enlargement issues will disappear from the EU REFORMS AND agenda in the period ahead. The completion of the EU ACCESSION Enlargement process will be of paramount importance to European stability, security and general prosperity, NEGOTIATIONS as the Western Balkans is in the EU’s backyard and is WITH THE EU, important for the Union. The credibility of the EU and AS A STRATEGIC its capacity to continue projecting its transformative OBJECTIVE TO power is at stake. If the EU is unable or unwilling to exercise its impact and fully integrate the Western WHICH THERE IS Balkans, what impact will it be able to have on the rest NO ALTERNATIVE of the world? More then with the Western Balkans, the issue of enlargement demonstrates the capacity and vitality of EU policies. I also believe that Serbia will continue to pursue its European path, including reforms and accession negotiations with the EU, as a strategic objective to which there is no alternative. The future European Parliament majority and new European Commission should reconfirm and support policies that will accelerate accession talks for Serbia, in order to complete the accession process in a 2025 perspective.

citizens used European Parliament elections as a way of voting to punish their elites and established parties. Thus, the centre is likely to remain strong and dominant. An increase for far right and populist parties would run the risk of mainstream parties adopting parts of the populist agenda. Most far right parties and populists are anti-enlargement and, thus, an increase of their vote, especially in countries like France and Germany, is likely A KEY ISSUE to be negative for enlargement.

FOR SERBIA AND The traditional “grand coalition” of the Social-DemoTHE WESTERN crats and Conservatives is unlikely to retain control, BALKANS WILL BE which might result in a three-way coalition to include liberal parties, including Macron’s party. This would THE IDENTITY OF mean more emphasis on the rule of law and a possible THE NEW HIGH rethink of the current enlargement process. FurtherREPRESENTATIVE more, the new European Commission will look very OF THE EUROPEAN different to the current one with new members, and a key issue for Serbia and the Western Balkans will be the UNION FOR identity of the new High Representative of the European FOREIGN AFFAIRS Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, which is AND SECURITY crucial in terms of the future dialogue between Serbia POLICY, WHICH and Kosovo, while another important appointment will be that of the new enlargement commissioner. We can’t IS CRUCIAL IN be sure that the new commissioner will retain this portTERMS OF THE folio as the main one, or whether it might be combined with other portfolios. Furthermore, another worry is that FUTURE DIALOGUE it could be a weak commissioner from a member state BETWEEN SERBIA that is problematic in terms of the rule of law, and might AND KOSOVO thus undermine enlargement in practise.

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Focus

The EU Parliament election impact on the Western Balkans and Serbia in particular

SRĐAN MAJSTOROVIĆ CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING BOARD, EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE – CEP

ENLARGEMENT TAKES TWO BOTH THE CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE FOLLOWING THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTION AND THE WAY WESTERN BALKAN LEADERS RESPOND TO THESE CHANGES MIGHT HAVE A STRONG IMPACT ON FUTURE OUTCOMES OF THE ENLARGEMENT PROCESS. A POSSIBLE LOSE-LOSE SCENARIO SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Two factors are going to be important when assessing the influence of European Parliament elections on the EU’s Enlargement Policy and the Western Balkans’ EU integration path. The first is the look of the political landscape after European Parliament elections. It is obvious that two major traditional political groupings, EPP and S&D, will lose a substantive part of their public support. They will lose the majority they traditionally had in the Parliament. The big winners will be populist right-

SUZANA GRUBJEŠIĆ SECRETARY GENERAL, EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IN SERBIA

MOMENTUM FOR ENLARGEMENT MIGHT BE PRESERVED IF, AS PREDICTED, THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY, PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE OF SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS AND ALLIANCE OF LIBERALS AND DEMOCRATS FORM THE MAJORITY IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, IT IS CLEAR THAT THEY WILL SUPPORT FURTHER ENLARGEMENT TO INCLUDE THE WESTERN BALKANS These were the first elections after the migrant crisis, Brexit and the victory of Donald Trump – three key events that have shook EU fundamentals, contributing to the rise of right-wing populism and euro-scepticism within member states. Anti-European parties rate highly in polls, riding on the mixed feelings of dissatisfaction with the cur-

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wing parties, but also ALDE, together with Macron’s En Marche and the Greens.

The new political landscape of the European Parliament will be more fragmented.

It will be more difficult to achieve a majority and easier for the minority to obstruct the decision-making process. The rise of populist parties will certainly influence the dynamics of the EU Enlargement process. The atmosphere might influence the EU’s strategic orientation, legislative process and different policies. Parties that are demanding the “return of national sovereignty” are not going to be keen on sharing sovereignty with newcomers. The European Parliament’s role in approving a candidate for the position of President of the European Commission and its members, and its consent for the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework for the 2021-2027 period will also have an impact on the dynamics of EU enlargement.

The second factor will be the way Western Balkan countries respond to the new reality and challenges following the EP elections and the post-electoral division of positions within the new institutional setting. A big question mark still hangs over the future existence of the current Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, which deals with the EU integration processes of Serbia and the Western Balkans. These circumstances, as well as the EU’s inward-looking focus, might lead to a lack of ambition for change and vigour for reforms in candidate countries. The leaders of Western Balkan countries might opt to slow the pace of integration, calculating that the “costs” might outweigh the benefits of faster EU-accession-driven reforms. Unfortunately, that would be the perfect example of a lose-lose scenario for both the EU and the citizens of Western Balkan countries. The risk of sleepwalking among EU and Western Balkan leaders, and complacency with short-term tactical gains on both sides, need to be avoided by a reset of the EU Enlargement policy, the launch of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, the defining of tangible EU membership prospects for all Western Balkan countries, the setting of clear conditions, defining the more effective monitoring of real progress among the candidates, and a joint EU-WB definition of a common strategic future.

rent situation and fear for the future of the EU. Most Euro-sceptics have apparently changed their minds and no longer want to exit the EU, rather they want to capture it.

In such a setting, and with more pressing issues in mind, it is not surprising that enlargement has been taken off the table. Even the European Commission decided to postpone the release of annual reports for Western Balkan candidate countries until 29th May (three days after the elections), from the usual date in April, in order to avoid inciting populist sentiment by bringing up the enlargement issue.

Meanwhile, many in the Western Balkans are keen to see the results of the elections, primarily because they expect some clarity regarding future EU policies in the region. Polls and projections suggest that three main parties are most likely to form the majority in the European Parliament: the EPP (European People’s Party), S&D (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) and ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats). All three are clear in their support for further enlargement in the Western Balkans. If the Greens and some small left-wing parties are added to this group, a strong bloc of around 450 pro-enlargement MEPs could be established.

As for Serbia, the prospects of the complete renewal of the EU leadership could be both complicated and encouraging. The newly elected European Commission is expected to change the dynamics of Serbia’s accession process. The appointment of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is of special interest, as the previous two were closely involved in talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

It remains to be seen whether the successor to Mrs Mogherini will remain engaged in this process. The position of the Enlargement Commissioner is also very important for us, i.e. whether the new commissioner hails from an enlargement friendly country or not, and whether or not they will retain the current portfolio as it is.

Whatever the case, a clearer picture will not be in sight before late autumn, and let us hope that we will then be given a chance to contribute to the success of the European project as a whole, as EU membership remains the only option that makes strategic sense.

Leaders’

MEETING POINT

Aleksandar Miljković, Richard Branson Head of Asset Management, MPC Properties

Enzo Neri, Master Chef at Mudra Restaurant, Hotel HUMA, Kotor Bay

No Compromise How To Build A Business?

On Quality

Passion Is The Key To Every Success

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Cybersecurity

Still Concern Among Global Workers PAGE /36

ALEKSANDAR MILJKOVIĆ, HEAD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT, MPC PROPERTIES

No compromise on quality MPC Properties is one of the most experienced local real estate development companies, with its properties satisfying the highest European standards and shifting boundaries. They plan new investments carefully, awaiting the moment when they will coincide with the needs of the market

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n our new office projects, we are trying to secure additional amenities that will enhance the quality of the working environment and satisfy different needs, explains Aleksandar Miljković.

Your company is primarily known by everyone for the UŠĆE Shopping Centre. Have all of your other business premises also been constructed according to the highest world standards?

By following global trends, we want to make sure our properties are at the top of the regional offer, so we can proudly present them to partners coming from more matured markets. This year, Usce Shopping Centre celebrates its tenth anniversary and the industry has advanced in the meantime. The properties we are developing are meeting the highest European standards existing today and shifting the boundaries in Serbia. We always emphasise that Serbia is our home market, where we plan to stay for many years and don’t want to jeopardise the reputation we’ve built up over past 17 years at any cost. We strongly believe this market has a great potential and that the delay the region made towards Europe over last few decades can be catch up.

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Apart from sustainability, functionality, high aesthetic criteria and an inspiring working environment, what else characterises the properties of the 21st century? What cannot be compromised on?

No compromise on quality. Apart from development, our business model envisages the long-term investment. In

We are working on designing new properties for which we’ve already secured locations, but we are constantly monitoring the market and seeking the best opportunities most of cases, the company holds assets and expects sustainable rental income on the long term. Putting aside all technical characteristics, quality assumes the offer a property provides to its users.

Next year will see you complete and open three grandiose properties: the business centres Ušće Tower Two and Navigator Business Centre 2, as well as the BEO Shopping Centre in Vojislava Ilić Street. What’s next?

The massive development cycle we launched a few years ago, with three simultaneous construction sites, will finish

next year when the assets will become operational. Nonetheless, this is not the end of our engagement. To enable the property to reach its full capacity, additional efforts have to be exerted over the coming years. Only thereafter we can be sure of the project entering its stable phase.

Our business model implies significant capital requirements that need to be engaged over the long run. It is associated with a number of different risks, and those coming from the macro environment that we cannot influence at all. We are one of the very few real estate platforms that successfully navigated through the crisis period of 2009 to 2014.

Recent achievements confirm that the lesson was learned.

You’ve invested in more than 30 projects to date. What are your plans for the coming years? Are you set to conquer the region?

In 2007/2008, together with Merrill Lynch, which was our partner at that time, we made several attempts to expand beyond our home market. Unfortunately, the crises blocked our plans and we we had to put regional expansion on hold. We are currently directing our radar towards the region and considering potential opportunities. One arm of our group, dealing primarily with property management, is already present on some neighbouring markets.

Business

By Richard Branson

How To Build A Business?

“When building a business, it’s important to do your research and to have a good overview of your plans, but first-hand experience is also really important,” according to Richard Branson

T

he ideas for the best businesses tend to come from personal experience,” the Virgin Founder writes in a recent Trinidad Guardian blog. “There are many great ideas that have arisen by other means… but when you are generating ideas for a business, first-hand experience is essential.

Have a read of his reasons as to why personal experience is important, and let us know why experience is important to you…

1. PERSONAL CONNECTION EQUALS COMMITMENT When you decide to create a business because of your own experiences in the industry, that probably means the idea was sparked by your frustration with an underperforming product or service. A close connection to the problem will keep you focused on finding a solution.

Passion is vital for an entrepreneur because it keeps a founder motivated through the tough times, which are inevitable. If you start a business based on an idea you came up with while browsing the internet, it’s less likely you’ll remain committed to it, since there will be little sense of passion or a deeper mission behind your choice.

2. BUILDING A BUSINESS IS LIKE RIDING A ROLLERCOASTER After you launch your enterprise, there will be fantastic moments where you are soaring and feel untouchable, and others where you plunge

into chaos and all you can do is try to hold on.

Being familiar with the sector you’re entering can mean less chaos and more fun.

Anyone can come up with an idea; the tricky (and extremely difficult) part is keeping cool while you are turning those ideas into reality; especially solving the problems as they come up. Experience with the industry from the customer’s perspective will give you an edge.

3. YOU’LL HAVE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE When we started Virgin Hotels, I knew that there was a market for high-quality hotels that combined great service with real character and unique touches. This is because I have stayed in hundreds of different hotels

When you decide to create a business because of your own experiences in the industry, that probably means the idea was sparked by your frustration with an underperforming product or service. A close connection to the problem will keep you focused on finding a solution

over the years and learned exactly what I liked and disliked along the way.

There are plenty of decent hotels out there, but we concentrated on the little details that make a huge difference from offering an app that controls room temperature, to putting a ‘yes’ button on every phone, so that guests who press it will be immediately connected to a Virgin staffer who will help them with whatever they need. That’s how we found our competitive advantage. We provided a level of service that our rivals didn’t, because we knew what our customers were looking for.

4. YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER BASE One of the most obvious benefits of starting a business based on your personal experience is that you know there is a market for what you want to sell. And since you’re able to relate to your customers, you will be positioned to make better decisions that meet their specific needs and wants.

Don’t be afraid to concentrate on serving a small group of people very well. Try building an engaged and loyal local base for your product or service, and see what works. Keep Amazon’s example in mind: when that company was launched they started small, by focusing on selling books online, but look at it now!

5. YOU WILL KEEP REFINING YOUR IDEAS Business opportunities are like buses: if you miss one, there’s always another. Your big idea could be right under your nose. When it presents itself, grab it with both hands.

June

29

Damage

LOCAL NEWS

“We do not want to be collateral damage in a conflict between two major telecoms companies. What this is about is a conflict between two giants.By the end of next year, 750,000 households will be connected to the optical network, which is the result of a €150 mln deal signed with Huawei” – RASIM LJAJIĆ, SERBIAN MINISTER OF TRADE, TOURISM AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS GENERALI SRBIJA, GENERAL SPONSOR OF THE 86TH INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR

NEDIMOVIĆ AT THE STAND OF GENERALI INSURANCE COMPANY

ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

ZF TO OPEN NEW FACTORY IN JUNE German company ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a leader in the car industry market, will start producing machines, generators for hybrid and electric drives, gearshift switches and micro switches in the first half of June, according to announcements.

The beginning of the factory’s operations within the first phase of the €160 million investment, on 10.8 ha of the North Business Zone in Pančevo, which the city has given to the investor free of charge, will mean 540 new jobs for the people of Pančevo.

ZF will also start the second phase of investments this year, instead of 2022, as initially planned. The new cycle is also likely thanks to the decision of the Pančevo City Assembly, which has adopted the study and the decision to provide the investor with another 9.2 ha in the North Business Zone free of charge.

The 86th International Agricultural Fair officially opened in Novi Sad on Saturday, 11th May. Following the welcome addresses of Slobodan Cvetković, General Manager of the Novi Sad Fair, and Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Seyf Allah Rejeb, visitors were also addressed by Franco Manzato, Undersecretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Italy, which is this year’s guest of honour country.

Participants were welcomed on behalf of the Government of the Autonomous Province of Vojodina by Đorđe Milićević, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, and on behalf of the Government of Serbia by Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Minister Branislav Nedimović.

The fair was officially opened by Novi Sad Mayor Miloš Vučević, after which visitors and guests toured the stands of participating exhibitors.

Special interest was evident at the stands of Italy and insurance company Generali osiguranje Srbija. Generali osiguranje Srbija has been a partner of the Novi Sad Fair for eight consecutive years and a general sponsor of the International Agricultural Fair.

TURKSTREAM

CONSTRUCTION OF GAS PIPELINE HAS BEGUN The construction of the 403-km Serbian section of the TurkStream gas pipeline has begun, and all the works should be completed by 18th December.

Permits for preparatory works on sections 1, 2 and 3 have been issued and those three parts of the gas supply system amount to 300 kilometres in length.

The first section stretches from the Bulgarian border to Ćuprija, the second one from Ćuprija to the Danube and the third one from the Danube to Zrenjanin. The fourth section goes from Gospodjinci to Subotica.

The company Gastrans, in which Srbijagas has a 49% stake, with Gazprom owning 51%, submitted a request for construction of the gas pipeline as part of the construction of internal capacities of Serbia to the Energy Agency last year.

JOGMEC

JAPANESE BIGGEST STATE MINING COMPANY INVESTS $5MLM Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) has acquired 51% of exploration rights around the Bor Lake, where it is exploring the area looking for new copper and gold sites in cooperation with the Canadian company Mundoro.

JOGMEC has put around $5 million in geological explorations in this area, making it the majority owner of exploration rights in the location, under the contract on joint investment. If they finish the second phase of explorations, for which purpose they will have to spend $32 million in the next five years, the Japanese corporation will acquire another 24% of the license.

JOGMEC is the largest state-owned oil, gas and mining company in Japan.

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Race

“We started negotiations with Serbia and Montenegro, and currently these countries are formally the most advanced on this road (to EU), but this does not exclude the possibility that North Macedonia will succeed in compensating for the lag.” – JOHANNES HAHN, EU COMMISSIONER

MK GROUP

MORE THAN 50 AWARDS AT NOVI SAD AGRICULTURAL FAIR Company MK Group won more than 50 awards again this year at the Novi Sad International Agricultural Fair, which is the most significant agribusiness event in Central and Southeast Europe. A record number of awards for business successes, as well as gold and silver medals for product quality won by MK Group members Agroglobe, Flora, Sunoko, Carnex and Žito Bačka provide yet more confirmation of MK Group’s leading position.

This agricultural fair also saw MK Group win the Grand Champion Cup for quality and a wide range of products, six champion titles for product groups and more than 40 gold and silver medals.

“Awards at one of the most important events of this kind in the region, which the Novi Sad Fair is, are yet more confirmation that Carnex is a favourite brand among consumers and has for six decades been synonymous with reliability, quality and tradition,” said Tamara Penjić, executive director of Meat Industry Carnex. MK Group has this year commemorated the 35th anniversary of its establishmen.

BW TERRACES

A NEW OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE There’s value to a balcony that goes way beyond the square footage it adds to your apartment. Perhaps that’s because it opens your living space up to the outside world, or maybe it’s because it feels good to have a perfect retreat where you can calm your mood.

BW Terraces, the latest addition to the Belgrade Waterfront residential offer, is a 17-storey high building that features panoramic balconies in each apartment, offering uninterrupted views of the river, the Sava Promenada and the magnificent Kula Belgrade. While this important feature of contemporary architecture is often relatively small, BW Terraces places an emphasis on spacious balconies that form 15% of each apartment’s total floor space.

A balcony is also valuable because it can be what you make of it - a spot to ease your way into a new day while taking in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, or simply a private place to hang out. Choose from 132 apartments of different sizes today, and enjoy your own well-deserved oasis of relaxation in the heart of the city!

Placements postings

&

appointments@aim.rs

MOCHAMMAD CHANDRA WIDYA, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA TO SERBIA

H.E. Mochammad Chandra Widya, born 17th May 1965 in Jambi, earned his B.A. in International Relations from Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia, before starting his diplomatic carrier in 1993, initiially serving as an official of the Directorate of International Organisation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held various posts from 1997 to 2019: Second Secretary at the Embassy in London, UK; Deputy Director of ASEAN Functional Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Political Affairs Counsellor at the United Nations in New York; Director for ASEAN Political and Security Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He has been appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Serbia, concurrently accredited to Montenegro, as of 2019.

H.E. Mochammad Chandra Widya is a married father of three children.

FRANCINE PICKUP, RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE, UNDP SERBIA

Francine Pickup became the UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia as of May 2019. Previously acting UNDP Resident Representative in India and, prior to that, UNDP Country Director in India, a position she assumed in 2018, Ms Pickup served as Deputy Country Director of UNDP Indonesia from 2016-2018. She successfully established new innovative financing initiatives and engagements with the private sector on SDGs in both India and Indonesia. She previously worked as a strategic planning advisor at the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, based in New York (2012-2016). Between 2008-2012, she was Advisor to the Deputy Special Representative to the UN Secretary General for Iraq and headed the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit in Iraq.

ANTE ARALICA, NEW CEO OF MOL SERBIA

MOL Serbia has appointed Ante Aralica – incumbent Management Board Chairman and CEO of Holdina d.o.o. (Ltd.) Sarajevo – as the new CEO of MOL Serbia.

Upon taking on this position, Aralica will contribute to the further development of MOL Serbia by taking advantage of the knowhow he acquired while holding leading positions in the tobacco and retail industries. He has proven expertise in corporate restructuring and sector-based organisation aimed at improving the operations of major corporations. Aralica will use his experience to contribute to increasing operational efficiency and addressing the company’s strategic issues, but also to focusing on the implementation of key investment projects planned for the future.

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31

ENZO NERI, MASTER CHEF AT MUDRA RESTAURANT, HOTEL HUMA, KOTOR BAY

Passion Is The Key To Every Success Enzo Neri has worked at Manhattan’s most famous restaurants, created bespoke menus and opened numerous restaurants from Norway to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan to Kenya. Now he has arrived in Montenegro, as the head chef at the Mudra restaurant of Hotel HUMA Kotor Bay, and it is thanks to his passion and experience that Mudra is set to become the Mediterranean’s best restaurant

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y understanding of the idea that food and hospitality are essential ingredients for a harmonious life, full of emotions, is entirely supported by the management of Hotel HUMA, where Mudra is set to open on June 23rd. And that’s why I accepted this challenge, says chef Neri.

You studied IT, yet you went on to become one of the world’s most renowned chefs.

When did you realise that your true love and passion was for the kitchen; or was it a chance discovery?

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The interest came to me later in life, when I was already 30 years old, and it proved to be the perfect fit for me. As a child, I was encouraged by my art teacher to attend an artistic high school, but my father, who knew my personality very well, opposed this. He was worried about my future and directed me towards the technical school where I ended up studying and, as it turned out, had a significant capacity for the subject. I did very well in science, graduated in IT and went on to work at many hospitals. It was a very good, secure job.

One evening, while out with a friend, I saw a chef I knew from my hometown and asked him loudly: “Patrizio, how’s business; do you need some help?“ His response was: “Yes, come see me tomorrow morning and I’ll put you to work!”

Well, the next morning I was suffering froma hangover. I fought through the distress of the morning and went to see Chef Patrizio at his restaurant. I spent the rest of the summer in his kitchen, learning and enjoying myself! I knew I had found a world in which I could thrive.

I went travelling around Ireland after that summer, and when I late returned home I went to the Scuola Bufalini in Città di Castello to enrol in a cooking course.

Unfortunately, I was a year too late and had to really convince the administration I could catch up with the other students.

Being accepted into this school, in such an unusual way, was a turning point in my life. This turn of events forced me to work particularly hard, and that was good because being a chef is not a walk in the park – it is more like being at war!

All of my interests converge in the kitchen. Art, colours and textures; science and chemistry; and a lifelong desire to create things with my own two hands, things that impact on people’s lives and emotions.

Food does this even more than a painting or a sculpture.

You’ve worked with many distinguished chefs throughout the world. Who influenced you and your work the most?

You learn from everybody and everyday throughout your entire lifetime. I was influenced by many: Gualtiero Marchesi, Anthony Bourdain (especially after reading Kitchen Confidential), Elis Murciano, Fabio Trabocchi, but also my grandmother, colleagues and people in general.

I have the greatest sense of respect for and devotion to my mentor Marco Bistarelli, who taught me the basic skills and gave

me the necessary knowledge to develop what is today my own style of cuisine.

Furthermore, I was also influenced by art, history and love, as well as the emotions I experience my in everyday life.

Besides passion, what makes a great chef?

Is it technique, experience, innovation?

Passion is the key to every success in life, but it has to be complemented by knowledge and experience, alongside new techniques. I always considered innovation to be part of evolution. Modern cuisine, the kind we have today, would not be here if we hadn’t pushed ourselves to experiment and if we didn’t dare to try to do something with new ingredients. I agree with the claim that innovation is crucial to the continuing success of any organisation.

You’ve worked all over the world, and now you’ve arrived in Montenegro. Does this represent an unmissable challenge for you?

I would rather say that I had a great opportunity to develop and open the flagship restaurant of a worldwide brand with origins in Italy, as an executive chef. That restaurant was located in the heart of Manhattan, right beside the famous New York landmark of the Flatiron building. I’ve also worked for other great restaurants – not only in New York City, but also in London and Dubai.

My consulting experiences, besides those you’ve mentioned, also extend to the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Cyprus and, more recently, Georgia, where I’ve spent the last 16 months redeveloping two outlets for the Radisson Group.

Montenegro is a really beautiful country and is linked in may ways to my Italian roots. Considering the many years that it was under the the influence of the Venetian Republic, it is easy for me to feel much of Italy in this country. Still, my work is more related to people than to geography and borders. I always thought that people who appreciate food are easier to love.

Is it true that the best way to get to know a country and it’s people is through the local cuisine and dining habits?

People are tied to their traditions and habits, which represent the characteristics

of locals. Food and dining ceremonies are a way to understand and learn about their culture. The choice and sources of ingredients are linked to the territory, climate and environment. In order to develop a restaurant in a new country, you have to know the local habits, otherwise you would run a huge risk of making mistakes that I would compare to attempting to sell fur coats in the Caribbean.

Mudra is not about me, it is about all of us who are not here to compete. We are here to spread emotions, share love and create experiences on this growing market

How did you manage to make traditional Italian dishes that are beloved by many even more perfect?

I would not define them as perfect. I would rather say that the origins of my dishes come from a thought or memory that I elaborate on and develop by using

my experience of tradition, territory, culture and technique. My dishes resemble a rich paint palette that I assemble to create both optical harmony and clean flavours.

Sometimes a dish can be nothing more than the memory of an aroma from the home that I grew up in, which I revisit with respect and sensibility.

You possess many prestigious culinary awards. Is there a place for another one in your collection?

Being recognised for your hard work is always an honour and a pleasure, and I received more than a few accolades throughout my career. The next award I would love to receive is positive feedback from my guests at Mudra. Having the chance to get a quick compliment immediately, in the kitchen, from my clients, makes me feel very satisfied and is the reason I love my job so much.

Master of Italian cuisine Gualtiero Marchesi, while at Kingsway University of London, told me a story of how he refused 3 Michelin stars from the prestigious red guide and how he would rather be judged solely by his clients.

Being known as someone who doesn’t compromise when it comes to the quality of ingredients and the knowhow and dedication of associates,have you found all of this in Montenegro?

The quality of ingredients is definitely important when it comes to cooking, and sometimes and in some countries this has represented a challenge, for example in Georgia. Here in Montenegro, however, I have found good stuff that I love to play with. I often go to the local market in Kotor and choose what I like right on the spot.

This has been so much fun!

Have you tried traditional Montenegrin cuisine, such as its prosciutto-style ham, Njeguši cheese and “priganice”? What do you like the most?

I love the local cuisine and products. I found the cheeses to be very interesting.

What is your absolute favourite dish?

Buzara!

June

33

Troubles

“When it comes to troubles per capita, the Western Balkans are much bigger than, for example, Germany and France together.” – DONALD TUSK, EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

REGIONAL NEWS BULGARIA

THE GAP BETWEEN LOWEST AND HIGHEST SALARIES IS WIDENING

ALBANIA

STARTS PROCEDURES FOR 5G NETWORK IN 2020

According to data of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, in the first quarter of 2019 the cost of living of a four-member Bulgarian family amounted to €1,249 or €312 per capita, which is е16 more as compared to the same period in 2018.

The salary continues to be the main source of income in the Bulgarian households- an average of €580 per household. The purchasing power increased with 6.4%.

The gap between lowest and highest salaries is widening and now the biggest wages are 5.9% higher than the minimum salary. As a result, social inequalities increase and the middle class has disappeared.

According to the proposal of CITUB, the salaries must increase between 12% and 15% on an annual basis and that in 2020 the average salary in Bulgaria must reach €971 and the minimum should reach €460.

Albania will start procedures for 5G technology in 2020, which allows faster internet through cell phones and other mobile phones.

5G networks are currently being used by several subjects and there will be a financial compensation for freeing it.

The money will be taken from the licenses that are going on auction.

Companies in Albania are currently using 4G. There is a plan undergoing for the stabilization of these frequencies, by using the antennas that were being used for the analog TV signal.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF BYPASS ROAD IN DOBOJ Bosnia has agreed €210 million financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the construction of bypass road in Doboj. A total of €150 million will be lent to the Serb Republic and €60 million to Bosnia’s Federation. The Serb Republic government has also presented to the EBRD a set of projects it hopes to execute with the support of the lender.The Serb Republic intends to build renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 1,000 MW and I hope that there will be financing for them. The EBRD is interested in financing projects in the field of green energy. The Doboj bypass project is part of Corridor Vc, a branch of European transport Corridor V with a total length of 700 km that will connect Hungary and eastern Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Adriatic Sea.

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10 THINGS REALLY AMAZING EMPLOYEES DO

Here are 10 things amazing employees seem to do effortlessly. Here’s how to help your great employees be even more amazing.

1. Enthusiastically Learn All Aspects of Business 2. Steward the Company 3. Generate Viable Opportunities 4. Resolve Issues Before They Are Issues 5. Tell It Like It Is 6. Demonstrate High Standards, With Low Maintenance 7. Grow Themselves, and Others 8. Research, Apply, and Refine 9. Stimulate Happiness 10. Facilitate Amazing Bosses

Example

“Somebody has to start behaving positively, so let it be me. I’m the right person for this ad and I don’t care about negative comments. Nobody can contest my patriotism and what I have done for Croatia.

I am the right man to lead by example that we must not hate, but should tolerate each other.”– MIROSLAV “CIRO” BLAZEVIC, A CELEBRATED FOOTBALL COACH, AND A MEMBER OF CROATIA’S HDZ PARTY CROATIA

PASJAČA - NO.1 BEACH IN EUROPE

MONTENEGRO

Two Croatian beaches have made the list of the Best Beaches in Europe for 2019, with Pasjača Beach in Konavle voted no.1 by travel portal European Best Destinations. According to the portal, “the most beautiful beach is located at the heart of the sublime region of Konavle, 10 min from Cavtat and 30 minutes’ drive from the pearl of the Adriatic, the city of Dubrovnik. Nestled at the foot of a cliff, this beach is a real miracle.

In 1955, a tunnel was created from the fields upstream to the sea...”

EPCG NET PROFIT €10.7 MILLION Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) finished the first quarter with a net profit of €10.7 million, around three times lower than in the same period last year.

According to the company’s report, published on the website of Montenegro Stock Exchange, its operating income amounted to €90.42 million at the end of March, down 1.4 per cent year on year. Compared with the last year’s corresponding period, the operating costs of EPCG increased by 31.7 per cent to €79.77 million. The long-term and short-term liabilities of EPCG amounted to €50.42 million and €73.54 million respectively, while its deferred tax liabilities totalled €33.22 million. The majority owner of EPCG is the state with a 76.89 per cent stake, Italy’s A2A holds an 11.93 per cent stake, while EPCG has a 9.98 per cent stake in the company.

NORTH MACEDONIA

NEW MEMBER OF THE WORLD FREE ZONES ORGANISATION

The Dubai-based World Free Zones Organisation, World FZO, has signed agreements, appointing National Contact Points, NCP, in key countries, including North Macedonia. These NCP’s will coordinate research, knowledge DR MOHAMMED AL ZAROONI, sharing and information gathering CHAIRMAN OF WORLD FZO at the local level.

The agreements were signed during the first European Free Zones Summit in Skopje, North Macedonia, where over 350 high ranking officials discussed shared challenges, best practices and new collaborations amongst free zones of the region and beyond.

The summit was organised by Dubai-based World FZO in partnership with the North Macedonia Free Zones Authority between 2nd and 4th May 2019.

The panel discussions that took place during the summit tackled the topics of future challenges for free zones across continents, as well as potential solutions to support clean trade in free zones and the need to form large associations encompassing all types of free zones.

HUNGARY

HUNGARIAN OTP BANK TO ACQUIRE SKB BANK

Hungarian banking group OTP signed an agreement on the takeover of a 99.73% stake in Slovenia’s SKB Bank, a subsidiary of France’s Societe Generale. Under the contract, OTP also acquires ownership of other local units owned by SKB Bank.

The value of the transactions has not been disclosed. SKB is the 4th largest bank in Slovenia, with a market share of nearly 9%. It works with retail and corporate clients. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the coming months, after local regulatory bodies approve the purchase. Laszlo Bencsik, deputy CEO of OTP, said this March that OTP would be glad to buy the bank in Slovenia, thereby opening a new market. OTP recently completed the takeover of Societe Generale’s branches in Bulgaria and Albania.

ROMANIA

TRANSGAZ TO START WORKS ON BLACK SEA Romanian gas transmission company Transgaz has obtained the right to start works on the construction of a pipeline linking the country’s Black Sea shore to the national transmission system and BRUA - the pipeline running from Bulgaria to Romania, Hungary and Austria.

The total estimated value of the project “Black Sea - Podisor Pipeline for taking over Black Sea gas” is €360.4 million, while the estimated completion deadline is 2021. The route of the project runs through the counties of Constanta, Calarasi and Giurgiu.

A total of 20 block valve stations will be installed along the pipeline route, as well as 10 cathodic protection stations located in the block valve stations.

June

35

Cybersecurity

Still Concern Among Global Workers A new survey of 3,000 professionals in the U.S., Europe, and Asia reveals that just 39% of respondents feel their personal data is more secure under the European Union’s data protection and privacy measure. As a result of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance, 57% of respondents say their businesses have implemented stricter data protection processes to secure customer data. 74% of respondents say the tech industry needs more regulations to improve cybersecurity

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ore than half of the world’s population can connect to the web. As a result, the amount of data that flows freely over the internet – including sensitive personal data – has created a cybersecurity industry that’s expected to balloon to $300 billion by 2024. It’s also spurred governments to step in to protect users’ privacy and data. One such measure was the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The GDPR, which went into effect last

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year, is the EU’s wide-net approach to protect its citizens’ data and privacy. The law applies to all businesses that deal in EU citizens’ customer data, regardless of the company’s size, industry or country of origin. As a result, companies with an online presence had to comply with the new rules. But did GDPR regulations actually make people feel more secure?

According to a newly released study from Snow Software, internet users have conflicting feelings about the GDPR rules and its ability to keep sensitive information safe. Of the

more than 3,000 professionals from the U.S., Europe and Asian Pacific regions that were surveyed, just 39% of respondents said they felt their personal data was more secure under the GDPR. Furthermore, 34% said they felt the same as they did before data protection regulation became law, 20% said they were unsure, and 6% said they felt their data was less secure.

“One year since the introduction of GDPR, the regulation has started a global dialogue around how customer data is cared for and, if nothing else, has helped strengthen best prac-

By Andrew Martins

tices to ensure data protection,” said Alastair Pooley, chief information officer at Snow.

FOLLOWING GDPR IMPLEMENTATION As one of the most powerful tools at our disposal, the internet is integral to almost every business. As such, once the GDPR requirements became the de facto global standard, companies around the world changed how they handled their customers’ data so they could avoid penalties for noncompliance.

The survey asked people in different professional roles how safe they felt their data was with GDPR data protection rules in effect.

Most management-level employees said they felt their data was more secure, with 55% of vice presidents and C-level employees, 52% of directors, and 47% of managers reporting in the positive. Independent contractors, however, felt the opposite, as just 26% of specialists, 27% of entry-level employees and 29% of associates felt their data was more secure.

According to Snow’s survey, more than half of respondents (57%) said they witnessed stricter policies at work surrounding the use of technology and customer data after their companies became GDPR compliant. While workers in most regions answered that way, European respondents were the most likely to notice changes, as 70% said the changes were noticeable. In comparison, 61% of Asia Pacific respondents and 40% of American workers said they’d noticed policy changes at work.

Location wasn’t only a factor for changes in the workplace. Of the survey respondents who reported working at a medium-sized business with 100 to 1,000 employees, 65% said they’d noticed policy changes once the GDPR rules went into effect.

Though most workers said they’d noticed changes, Pooley noted that the remainder of people who hadn’t felt any changes still made up a large portion of the workforce. Even though the changes may not have been fully grasped by some workers, he said the data protection directive is working.

“Whilst workers themselves may not directly feel this impact yet, the increase in data breach notifications being reported to the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office is noteworthy, as it suggests that transparency was seriously lacking prior to enforcement,” Pooley said. “There is still a lot to do, but it is

clear that considerable steps have been made by organizations worldwide to ensure there are enhanced data protection efforts and improved transparency globally.”

How GDPR regulations have changed Along with its impact on businesses, Snow’s research investigated how people were reacting to the data protection law and its effect on their internet use in the last year.

What the data found, officials said, was that

people were slightly annoyed at the increase of data privacy popups, but still felt more security measures were needed.

According to the survey, 74% of global respondents said they noticed an increase in popups or opt-ins requesting consent for using personal information. Generally, these notices are meant to inform users that their “cookies” are used for analytics, personalized content and potential marketing opportunities.

Even though the GDPR data privacy laws have caused some annoyance, 74% of respondents said they felt the tech industry needed more regulations put in place. When considering the current state of tech regulation, 24% of respondents said they felt vulnerable, 19% said they were worried and 29% said they were hopeful

Since those notices have become a more common occurrence on the internet, 19% of respondents said the requests “negatively impacted their productivity,” while 32% said they were increasingly annoyed by them. Approximately 49% of respondents said they either saw an increase or no change in the amount of spam they receive, regardless of the GDPR rules.

“The question that remains to be seen is whether the regulation and the controls implemented in its name will be strong enough to stand up to the rising tide of threats we face in the years ahead,” said Pooley.

Even though the GDPR data privacy laws have caused some annoyance, 74% of respondents said they felt the tech industry needed more regulations put in place. When considering the current state of tech regulation, 24% of respondents said they felt vulnerable, 19% said they were worried and 29% said they were hopeful.

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Strength

“The current practice of US politicians underestimates our strength.

Huawei’s 5G will absolutely not be affected. In terms of 5G technologies, others won’t be able to catch up with Huawei in two or three years. We have sacrificed ourselves and our families for our ideal, to stand on top of the world.” – REN ZHENGFEI, THE FOUNDER OF HUAWEI

WORLD NEWS JAPAN

REIWA ERA’S FIRST ENERGY-SAVING COOL BIZ CAMPAIGN

NORWAY

PIONEERING SPIRIT SELECTED TO REMOVE NORTH SEA PLATFORM Equinor Energy on behalf of the Statfjord A Unit has awarded Allseas a contract for the removal, transfer, load-in to shore and disposal of the 48,000 t Statfjord A platform topsides. Allseas’ record-breaking heavy lift and pipelay vessel “Pioneering Spirit” will remove the topsides from its concrete gravity-based substructure in one piece after 2022. One of the largest platforms on the Norwegian continental shelf, Statfjord A stands in 149 m of water in the centre of the Statfjord field, located in the northern North Sea, approximately 193km west of Bergen. The 84 m long, 54 m wide topsides have a weight equal to Pioneering Spirit’s single-lift capacity. Before the lifting operation, Allseas will increase the capacity of the vessel’s revolutionary motion-compensated topsides lifting system (TLS), developed in-house, from the current 48,000 t to a capacity larger than needed for this removal in order to take into account any weight deviations.

The government began the annual Cool Biz campaign on Tuesday to promote workplace energy conservation by dressing more casually.

After the 10-day holiday period celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the throne and commemorates the era change from Heisei to Reiwa, many employees at ministries and agencies arrived without ties or wearing kariyushi traditional shirts from Okinawa. The campaign is aimed at combating global warming.

Office workers are encouraged to wear light clothes while the air conditioning is set at 28 degrees to reduce electricity use.

Cool Biz runs until the end of September. Many central government officials work without jackets and ties, instead of wearing polo shirts, sneakers and even Hawaiian aloha shirts.

Private companies such as supermarkets and department stores have joined the initiative, with some planning to offer new fashion styles to help people spend the summer more comfortably.

SWITZERLAND

OMEGA EXPANDING PHYSICAL STORES NETWORK IN CHINA

Swiss watchmaker Omega, with almost 200 points of sales and 30 shops in more than 90 cities across China, is defying the e-commerce boom by expanding its network of stores in China.

At a time when most retailers are turning to digital channels to stay competitive, this Swiss luxury watchmaker is doing things differently.

Omega is sticking with good old-fashioned physical shops to underpin its expansion in China, even as e-commerce takes the industry by storm.

The brand currently does not have an official Chinese platform for consumers to shop online, nor are they collaborating with any third party e-commerce platforms in the country. Consumers can only shop for Omega’s products online via the brand’s official U.S. website. Omega considers physical shops to be strongly tied to emotions and experience.

It is important to strike a good balance between online and offline channels, to meet different consumers’ demands.

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10 WAYS

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE CAN HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION What is business intelligence, and why is it so important now, given our current market environment?

Here are ten ways business intelligence can enhance your organisation and help decision makers make more informed effective choices.

1. Determine the ROI of your marketing strategy.

2. Derive knowledge from a sea of data.

3. Understand what drives revenue for your business.

4. Personalise your sales strategy and anticipate objections.

5. Avoid bottlenecks and problems in a fragile market.

6. Create a more effective business model.

7. Get a single, consolidated view of your customers.

8. Track your inventory and capitalise on trends.

9. Build your brand in a competitive, complex retail environment.

10. Discover the big-picture “why” and what motivates consumer behaviour.

Security

“Insufficient security will impede the United States’ ability to share certain information within trusted networks. This is just what China wants: to divide western alliances through bits and bytes, not bullets and bombs.” – MIKE POMPEO US SECRETARY OF STATE UAE

DUBAI CONSIDERING THREE-YEAR RENT FREEZE

TURKEY

TENDER FOR NEW CRUISE PORT IN ISTANBUL Turkey’s efforts to reinvigorate cruise tourism in the country continue, and it is making moves to eliminate the lack of ports, one of the biggest problems facing the sector. A tender for the new cruise port to be built in Istanbul’s coastal neighbourhood of Yenikapı is set to held by the end of the year.

Turkey aims to make Istanbul one of the major cruise centres in the Mediterranean region, while it also seeks to increase its share in global cruise tourism, which is reported to have an annual turnover of $35 billion, to approximately $1.5 billion. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Cahit Turhan said a 3,000-meter dock would be constructed for two berths and eight cruise ships within the scope of the project. Furthermore, a 30,000-sq/m passenger lounge and a marine terminal capable of holding 500 yachts at once will be built on an area of 120,000 sq/m.

ITALY

EXIT FROM RECESSION Italy has once again recovered from a recession – it’s third in a decade. The strong upturn in the economy was due to better than expected growth in the first quarter of this year, with growth of 0.2 per cent of GDP, and 0.1 on an annual basis, according to national statistics bureau ISTAT. Earlier estimates had expected a quarter-on-quarter expansion of only 0.1 per cent, and a 0.1 per cent year-on-year decline.

Italy was the only nation in the eurozone to enter into a recession at the end of last year, kicked off by faltering global trade and low business confidence, which resulted in two quarterly contractions. Two consecutive executive quarters of contraction is enough to qualify as a recession. However, industrial production rose in early 2019, and demand for Italian bonds rose at a 5-year debt sale. This, in turn, eased the pressure on the European Bank to provide a rescue stimulus package.

The Dubai Land Department is considering a proposal on a no-rental hike provision for three years after the signing of a lease agreement between landlord and tenant. It isn’t clear whether the proposal only extends to residential properties, or would cover all manner of real estate categories, including retail premises. Retailers in Dubai have complained long and hard about rents and the often arbitrary ways they are hiked. The Dubai Land Department has been working on a blueprint to revive the brick-and-mortar sector, and a revised lease agreement has been one of the suggestions.

UK

VODAFONE READY TO PAY $22 BILLION FOR LIBERTY’S CABLE NETWORKS UK-based Vodafone Group plc stepped up its battle to gain regulatory approval for its Liberty Global deal by offering rival Telefonica Deutschland access to its enlarged high-speed broadband network.

The world’s No.2 mobile operator agreed a year ago to pay $22 billion for Liberty’s cable networks in Germany and central Europe, seeking increased fixed-line heft to better compete with German market leader Deutsche Telekom.

Seeking to increase competition in the German market and defuse criticism of the deal, Vodafone said that Telefonica Deutschland would be able to offer super-fast services over Vodafone and Liberty’s Unitymedia cable networks in Germany if the deal is approved. The networks will cover 23.7 million households and would help Telefonica Deutschland to move up from its distant 3rd position in fixed-line broadband, behind Deutsche and Vodafone.

PORTUGAL

HOLDING THE 14TH HIGHEST GOLD RESERVES IN THE WORLD Portugal’s central bank bought 145.5 tonnes of gold between January and March 2019, an increase of 68% from 86.7 tonnes in the same period last year. This was the largest acquisition of gold by a central bank since 2013, according to figures released by the World Gold Council on 2nd May. The jewellery industry helped lift demand for the yellow metal, up 1% - driven largely by India. Portugal has not changed its gold reserves since 2006 and has the 14th largest stock in the world, with the Bank of Portugal storing 382.5 tonnes of gold. One metric tonne of gold is worth around $36 million, while Portugal currently holds €13.7 billion in gold reserves at the current price.

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Enterpreneur GUSTAV MAGNAR WITZØE

The Youngest

Norwegian Billionaire

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Gustav Magnar Witzoe is the third-youngest billionaire on Earth at the age of 25, according to Pollytoo’s 2018 ranking, but that’s only part of what makes the Norwegian fish scion so fascinating. Also according to the latest reports of Pollytoo & Wikipedia, Gustav Magnar Witzoe Estimated Net Worth is $3.2 billion which is a direct result of his family’s salmon empire Gustav Magnar Witzøe owns nearly half of SalMar ASA, one of the largest producers of the pink-hued fish. His stake in the Norway based company was gifted to him in 2013 by his father, Gustav Witzøe (65), who founded SalMar in 1991.

The company has been at the forefront of the industrialisation of fish farming in Norway, and now one of the country’s biggest industries.

In 2016, SalMar harvested close to 130,000+ tons of salmon.

As a result, the younger Witzoe currently holds the largest fortune in Norway, at least based on capital inside the country, according to a Business Insider.

The elder Witzøe, meanwhile, is still listed as one of the top executives at SalMar, serving as its director of strategic projects. Holding a degree in engineering, he co-founded another company that helped innovate Styrofoam packaging for the fish farming industry before moving on to SalMar. His millennial son Gustav has not shied away from the spotlight. Gustav Magnar is a well-known model signed to Norway’s Team Models, and he boasts over 101k followers on Instagram. His Instagram shows him running on the ocean, showing off his extensive tattoos, golfing & hanging out in exotic locales – in addition to his professional modelling shoots.

Gustav also has a cute dog which makes regular appearances.

Witzøe is from the Island of Frøya outside Trondheim, and while his wealth may come from salmon, he is evidently interested in other business pursuits. Last year he in-

vested in regionally based startups the Gobi, a Snapchat competitor, and Key butler, which aims to help Airbnb hosts with key delivery and maintenance for rentals, and he is not necessarily angling for a top job at SalMar. “You can’t just demand to be the boss of such a big organisation. You have to be suited to it. If there are alternatives, the best man or woman must get the job. There is so much at stake, values, jobs, crucial factors,” Witzøe told Dagbladet”. “You have to be motivated.

Not necessarily that you have to be directly educated for that purpose, but that you must have the knowledge and personal drive to run

GUSTAV WITZØE (65) AND GUSTAV MAGNAR WITZØE

Witzoe is from the Island of Froya outside Trondheim, and while his wealth may come from salmon, he is interested in other business pursuits

a conglomerate. You can’t just do it because you have the right. Or, you can, of course, do so, but it would be the height of arrogance,” he continued. “ There is soo much at stake: values, jobs, crucial factors.”

Gustav Magnar added that he’s a “regular boy” in the newspaper interview. He also confessed that his parents have regrets about handing over control of SalMar to him when

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Enterpreneur

GUSTAV MAGNAR WITZØE AND JAN THOMAS

he was only nineteen. “They believe they should have taken more time to think it over,” he said.

“That’s due probably to my being shaved out into the public limelight. It was very strange at first. It makes you a bit nervous about what people think.” but he has come to terms with being a public figure.

While he is venturing into investing and modelling, he’s still bested among the youngest rich folks in the world.

He is beaten in the Forbes ranking of fresh-faced billionaires by fellow Norwegians the Andresen sisters, Katharina (aged 23) and Alexandra (22), who each inherited a chunk of their family-owned investment company Ferd.

Gustav Magnar Witzøe was 19 years old when his father Gustav transferred the family fortune to him. He’s now worth a staggering $1.9 billion. Through the investment company Kverva, he and his family own 53.4 per cent of SalMar. Also, he also invests in start-up businesses.

According to Witzøe, both his father Gustav and mother Oddny regret that he was made heir apparent at such a young age.

“They believe they should have taken more time to think it over. That’s due probably to my being shoved out into the public limelight. It was very strange at first. It makes you a bit nervous about what people think,” said Witzøe.

Just being in the public eye is a key issue in the interview. Witzøe describes himself as “a regular boy” who would like to keep things

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At the end of his high school days, he was arrested for overtaking another vehicle at 116 km per hour in a 60km zone. The outcome was two weeks spent in Verdal Prison before Christmas in the year he turned 20

private, but who has realised he is a public person. It is also one of the main reasons why he agreed to an interview with the major newspaper – he wants to show people who he really is and not just be known for being a “rich guy”.

Witzøe explained, among other things, the importance of keeping Christmas traditions and family holidays, a family that he calls “tiny”.

Even though he lives in Trondheim, Frøya is the place closest to his heart.

On his forearm, he has a tattoo of his parents, illustrated as two angels above the starry sky with the text “My true heroes”.

Witzøe admits he has been incarcerated briefly. At the end of his high school days, he was arrested for overtaking another vehicle at 116 km per hour in a 60km zone. The outcome was two weeks spent in Verdal prison before Christmas in the year he turned 20 years of age.

While he is venturing into investing and modelling, he’s still bested among the youngest rich folks in the world.

In addition to being a billionaire, he has a beautiful exterior, but he has some extra strings to play.

Now Gustav is trying to be a campaign and catwalk model, and with him, the team has no less than former model and celebrity stylist Jan Thomas (52).

It was Gustav’s hairdresser who introduced him to the celebrity stylist. And all was well hidden to avoid the celebrity-sky salmon army pulled. What began with a closet was gradually expanded into greater cooperation between the two.

Today, 52 years old, together with model agent Alexander Norheim (32), from modelbased Team Models among those who set the strategy for Gustav’s model initiative.

And the two do not hide their faith in Gustav.

– At the beginning I said to Gustav: “You have to think about the consequence of working with me because there will be speculation if we are together,” says Jan Thomas to the newspaper.

But rumours about whether he is gay, and a possible relationship with the 52-year-old, Gustav himself takes a striking calm.

“If someone calls me gay, that’s not what I perceive as degrading. Homosexuality is something you are, not one you choose. There is nothing wrong with that,” said Gustav.

PROFILE

Business Women Invest In Knowledge I belong to generation “X”. I always had a lot of belief in books, but I also, luckily, had an even greater need to check out everything in practise. Thus, this generation had a unique and, hopefully, never to be repeated “chance” to find – in the midst of the greatest inflation in world history and an environment at war – a decent job and to work “in their vocation”. During times when real values were devalued, I realised it was best to invest in knowledge

DR SANJA POPOVIĆ PANTIĆ, ECONOMIST, PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS WOMEN IN SERBIA

A

ctivism in the non-governmental sector was my response to the disquiet with everything we were living through; and in short that was a world turned upside down. The first encounter with women entrepreneurs, who came from all over Serbia to Belgrade to a training course that I designed and organised within the scope of the Association of Business Women in Serbia, of which I am the founder, was a turning point in the path of my further career. During the 20 years of the existence of the Association of Business Women in Serbia, over 4,500 women have passed through various programmes aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and the development of enterprises. I have a doctorate in female entrepreneurship, transferring scientific work into practise.

And the challenge for me was to wok in a conservative society, which is still enslaved by gender stereotypes, to position female entrepreneurship as a factor of economic

development and to try to contribute to the change the perceptions of it, which boiled down to “crocheting and knitting”, and exhibiting works from local cottage industry at handicraft fairs in the provinces.

After so much work in the field, research, conversations and socialising, I was total certain that our female entrepreneurs are

For me, the orientation towards promoting social values came at the right time and had a decisive influence over the further course of my life, and after 20 years I can state freely that this has enabled me to feel completely self-realised and fulfilled, even in a country that doesn’t provide a lot of choices “women dragons”; that they are Serbia’s greatest economic resource! That led to the emergence of the ‘Success Flower for Women Dragons’, which is the project that promotes successful examples of female entrepreneurship with the most enduring status in the region, the national candidate of

the Ministry of Economy for the prestigious European Entrepreneurship Promotion Award in 2013, and a project that is being held for the 13th time this year. For me, the orientation towards promoting social values came at the right time and had a decisive influence over the further course of my life, and after 20 years I can state freely that this has enabled me to feel completely self-realised and fulfilled, even in a country that doesn’t provide a lot of choices. I have received many awards for my work, but I would like to single out the “Planet Business” award, which I was awarded by economic magazine “Biznis” for my great contribution to the development of entrepreneurship in Serbia. And I’m especially proud to be ranked among 100 selected individuals (both women and men) from all over the world who receive awards annually for their outstanding contribution to the economic empowerment of women, and the fact that this prestigious award was given to me by the International Women’s Alliance, based in Washington DC. In response to the regular question of what drives me, I respond with a sentence that I constantly direct towards others - “I think it is high time to ask ourselves what we can do to place our skills, knowledge and experience, even if only briefly, in the function of promoting something that certainly won’t bring us money, but will undoubtedly improve our quality of life and bring smiles back to our faces”.

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Art Vietnam Contemporary Art

WINTER CRESS SEASON BY TRAN ANH TUAN

Individual Vision

Of Tradition 44

June

Vietnamese art reflects a mixture of influences: Vietnamese traditional art, influences from China and influence from the French during the colonial period. Just over a decade ago Vietnam opened up to the world. The international art market started to see the talents of Vietnamese artists and the variety of styles in Vietnamese paintings. Demand for Vietnamese art is increasing rapidly, especially in France and other countries in Europe

D

uring the past few years, Vietnamese Modern Art has assumed a more definite shape. ‘Doi Moi’, Vietnam’s Perestroika, introduced in 1986, allowed the creative artist more freedom. At the end of the eighties, this resulted in an explosion in Vietnamese painting. Hundreds of artists participated in various exhibitions which were held in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh-City, Hue, and Danang.

Just a few years ago, it was still impossible for Vietnamese artists to achieve international success. However, as a result of the recent

economic developments in Vietnam, like the arrival of foreign investors, the Vietnamese art market has grown dramatically and has attracted the attention of the international community.

Vietnamese painting is mainly a twentiethcentury phenomenon. In contrast to other Asian countries, Vietnamese artists in the feudal period did not practice the art of painting but devoted themselves to sculpture and the decoration of temples and pagodas. At the end of the nineteenth century, the French introduced the technique of oil-painting to

As a result of the recent economic developments in Vietnam, like the arrival of foreign investors, the Vietnamese art market has grown dramatically and has attracted the attention of the international community

CERAMIC MELODY BY VU HUU NHUNG

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Art

BIRTH AND DEATH MOMENT (DESCRIBING THE SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE), THE CERAMIC COLOUR INSTALLATION OF MENG FUWEI

EARTHLY NUTRITION (BRONZE)

BY PHAM NGOC LAM

These days, a contemporary Vietnamese artist is free to represent their inner self in their work. Despite this new liberal climate, Vietnamese art is not ‘innovating’ in a European sense Vietnam, and in 1925 they established the ‘Ecole des Beaux-Art l’Indochine’ in Hanoi.

This marks the beginnings of a professional class of painters. The students at the ‘Ecole des Beaux-Art l’Indochine’ were given an education based on the traditional French model: they painted ‘after nature’ in a realistic and impressionistic style.

For half a century, Vietnamese art, especially in the North, was intended to serve the revolution. Artistic interests were of minor importance. Nudes, still-lifes, and abstract

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TEACHING LABS VIETNAM

FOREIGN GENES BY TRAN VINH

By author

The contemporary Vietnamese artist does not direct his attention to the (western) preoccupation with changing of the ‘frontiers’ of art. Since ‘Doi Moi’ there has been a revival in the use of traditional elements

BLUE SKY BY TRAN VAN THAO

images were considered frivolous and egocentric, thus a betrayal of the socialist ideology.

These days, the contemporary Vietnamese artist is free to represent his or her inner self in his or her work. Despite this new liberal climate, Vietnamese art is not ‘innovating’ in a European sense. Vietnamese painting does not demand philosophical questions about the definition of painting itself. This springs from the indissoluble link between Vietnamese art and the political and social history of its country.

The contemporary Vietnamese artist does not direct his attention to the (western) preoccupation with changing of the ‘frontiers’ of art.

SILENT CHAT BY ENDANG LESTARI

LADY AND LOTUS BY DINH HANH

Since ‘Doi Moi’ there has been a revival in the use of traditional elements. The painters are being influenced by the renewed interest in traditional village ceremonies and the renovation of historical sites, such as pagodas, tombs, and shrines. The artists are drawn visually to ancient motifs, and through these to the soul and spirit of the Vietnamese cultural traditions.

The most significant change in contemporary Vietnamese art can be seen in the work itself. There is a great variety. The artists are distinguishing themselves in style and technique. Not so long ago they worked for a collective goal (the revolution), now they are turning to their personal visions.

SPRING OUTSIDE BY DANG XUAN HOA

GRAFFITI ART ALLEY (PHOTO BY THE AUTHOR FOR HYPERALLERGIC)

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&FACES PLACES 9/5/2019

Europe Day

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Ambassador H.E. Sem Fabrizi hosted a formal reception on the occasion of the Day of Europe.

The event held at the KomBank Hall was attended by the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, President Aleksandar Vučić, Serbian Parliament Speaker Maja Gojković, Serbian Government Ministers Branko Ružić, Zoran Djordjević and Goran Trivan, representatives of the Serbian Armed Forces, religious communities, diplomatic corps.

On this day, the Day of Victory over Fascism in World War II is celebrated, and this day is also marked as the Day of Europe and the birth of the European Union.

The event called “Grad Evrope”, which is a part of the celebration of Europe Day in Serbia, was held at the Nikola Pasic Square in Belgrade. A large number of citizens used the opportunity to spend a sunny Saturday by becoming familiar with the culture, history, and tradition of the countries of the European Union, playing basketball, and enjoying many other activities.

BELGRADE DEPUTY MAYOR GORAN VESIĆ, MINISTER NENAD POPOVIĆ AND RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR ALEXANDER CHEPURIN

9/5/2019

Victory Day

The Day of Victory over Fascism was marked in Belgrade this year with the laying of wreaths, the ceremonial march “Immortal Regiment” and the concert in front of the Belgrade City Hall.

Victory Day commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945.

The “Immortal Regiment” was attended by numerous citizens and representatives of the Government, members of the diplomatic community, as well as guests from Russia.

The concert was organised by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Belgrade (Ruski Dom), supported by the City of Belgrade and the Government of the City of Moscow, and performed by Russian and Serbian artists and ensembles.

AMBASSADOR SEM FABRIZI AND PRESIDENT ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ

AMBASSADOR CHEPURIN MR AND MRS FABRIZI WITH PM ANA BRNABIĆ

EU AMBASSADORS

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

10/5/2019

Farewell Reception For Finnish Ambassador

A farewell party in honour of Ambassador H.E. Pertti Ikonen was held at the Finnish Ambassadorial Residence on 10th May 2019.

On this occasion, Ambassador Ikonen brought together almost 200 political figures, representatives of civil society, the arts scene, the private sector and the media, embodying the diversity of those with whom this ambassador has collaborated since the beginning of his term on 9th September 2015.

AMBASSADOR IKONEN AND AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR NIKOLAUS LUTTEROTTI

AMBASSADOR PERTTI IKONEN

DPM IVICA DAČIĆ ARAB AND AFRICAN AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO SERBIA

12/5/2019

Street of Tunisia opened in Belgrade

MAYOR OF TUNIS, SOUAD BEN ABDERRAHIM, AMBASSADOR SEYF ALLAH REJEB AND MAYOR OF BELGRADE ZORAN RADOJIČIĆ

An inauguration ceremony for Tunisian Street in Čukarica, Belgrade, was held within the framework of the working visit to Belgrade of Souad Ben Abderrahim, Mayor of the city of Tunis, in the presence of Ivica Daćič, Serbian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zoran Radojičić, Mayor of the city of Belgrade, H.E. Seyf Allah Rejeb, Ambassador of Tunisia to Serbia, Arab and African Ambassadors accredited to Serbia, representatives of local authorities, members of the Serbia-Tunisia Friendship Parliamentary Group and Serbia-Tunisia Friendship Association, the Arabic Cultural Centre in Serbia and representatives ofcivil society.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the street, Deputy PM Dačić assessed that relations between Serbia and Tunisia are based on the mutual respect of both peoples and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two countries.

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

&FACES PLACES 15/5/2019

Poland National Constitution Day

On May 15, Embassy of Poland in Belgrade marked the national holiday of the 228th Constitution Day and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Serbia, as well as the 15th anniversary of Poland in the European Union.

The reception was attended by a number of officials, including representatives of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, state administration and local self-governments, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural, scientific and business sectors, as well as members of the Polish Diaspora in Serbia.

Charge d’Affaires of the embassy Andrzej Kindziuk addressed guests in welcoming speech.

AMBASSADOR FREDERIC MONDOLONI

16/5/2019

Ambassador Mondoloni Welcomes The Consular Corps

CHARGE D’AFFAIRES ANDRZEJ KINDZIUK

On 16th May 2019, Ambassador of France to Serbia, H.E. Frederic Mondoloni, hosted at the embassy the Consular Corps in Serbia as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior of Serbia.

On this occasion, the Ambassador welcomed the celebration of the 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia. Namely, on 19th March 1839, in Kragujevac, François Duclos, the first representative of France in Serbia, handed his letters of credit to Prince Miloš Obrenović. Thus, he renewed the relations that already existed in the 13th and 14th centuries that history broke off. Mr. Duclos then opened the Consular Agency of France in Serbia, which was the forge of today’s Embassy of France in Belgrade.

26/5/2019

European Election Night STAFF OF THE EMBASSY OF POLAND

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Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Ambassador H.E. Sem Fabrizi and Mrs. Rebecca Fabrizi together with the European Western Balkans Portal hosted an event follow the results of the European Election 2019 at Metropol Hotel with connections from Brussels and other EU capitals.

The event was attended by members of the Serbian Government, diplomatic community and figures from public life Serbia.

AMBASSADOR SEM FABRIZI AND MRS REBECCA FABRIZI

My life

Dimitrije Vasiljević, jazz composer and pianist

JAZZ IS A PERSONAL STAMP

After 12 years, Serbian artist Dimitrije Vasiljević (born 1985) held two exceptional concerts in Serbia with his New York Quartet (18th May, within the scope of the 35th Jazz Festival in Valjevo, and 20th May, at Kolarac Endowment Hall in Belgrade) and one in the Republika Srpska capital of Banja Luka. With his band comprising top musicians – Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Grilli, American bassist Ben Tiberio and French drummer Raphael Pannier – Vasiljević presented his original compositions to the audience, including those from his latest album “Accidental Nomad”, released by Ropeadope Records, which was this year shortlisted for nominations for Grammy awards in four categories – Best Jazz Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Best Instrumental Arrangement and Best Instrumental Composition June

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My life

Dimitrije Vasiljević, jazz composer and pianist

T

he stylistic direction of this young artist, who has lived and to has been living and creating in the United States for years, represents a sophisticated combination of American jazz, European classical heritage and traditional Serbian music. He graduated from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade (2006) and the Berklee College of Music in Boston (2010).

He completed his Master’s studies in jazz piano at New York University Steinhardt (2013) and received his DMA. From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2017), thereby becoming the first Serb to earn a doctorate in the field of jazz piano. Prior to becoming an assistant professor at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where he currently works as a professor of jazz piano, he was an adjunct professor at NYU Steinhardt, as well as a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois.

NEW YORK QUARTET

Why did you decide to leave Serbia and how – regardless of the great success you enjoy – do you handle being separated from your family and homeland?

I left Serbia at the age of 22, and the only reason was music. For years prior to departing, I tried to learn to play jazz, on my own, but that was hardly possible without a school, a serious scene and an educated audience. I managed to learn some basics, but to achieve more advanced levels and gain structured musical knowledge it was necessary for me to go to an environment that could provide that in a serious and systematic way.

I’m not one of those people who always dreamt of America and the West, who had a desire to go there due to some ideological beliefs, or to to achieve financial success.

I’ve never personally felt like an emigrant or a member of the diaspora, because I moved abroad with a clear goal – to improve as much as possible my musical craftsmanship, which I want to deal with at the highest possible level of quality. I chose America because of Berklee, where I wanted to study, and which is located in Boston. If Berklee was in China, I’d probably have gone there.

As for nostalgia, that’s a disease of the past, because today – in the era of the internet and advanced telecommunication systems – you can always keep in touch with your friends, parents and relatives in Serbia, and by working in America

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I’ve never personally felt like an emigrant or a member of the diaspora, because I moved abroad with a clear goal – to improve as much as possible my musical craftsmanship, which I want to deal with at the highest possible level of quality you can easily afford to fly home whenever you want. A much greater challenge than nostalgia is posed by the culture shock that everyone moving from Serbia to America experiences, to a greater or lesser extent. It took me years to adjust completely to the culture, customs, mentality and life of Americans, and initially it wasn’t easy at all. However, a great desire to fit in and achive a success on the music scene helped me to resist all temptations of that type, and to ultimately realise that I can enjoy myself equally in America and Serbia, though of course in different ways.

Nowadays I spend eight months of the year in America and as much as four months in Serbia, because I managed to arrange my job, career and personal life in such a way that I never miss Serbia when I am in the USA, or vice versa. Your first Belgrade performance was the fruit of your own initiative. What kind of significance did it have for you in a professional and private sense, and were you particularly nervous with stage fright before the concert?

I had a desire for some time to show the Serbian audience what I’ve been doing in America for years. For various technical and logistical reasons, that wasn’t possible until this year, when the organisers of the Valjevo Jazz Festival invited me to participate in this event and secured funds and logistical support for me and my quartet from New York to fly to Serbia and perform at the festival, and with that opportunity having already been confirmed, I also scheduled a concert at Kolarac, in my hometown, and a few days later in Banja Luka, where I already had a very successful solo piano concert a few months earlier. Playing in front of an audience from one’s homeland brings a special kind of excitement, primarily because we hadn’t seen each other for 12 years, and I also presented my original music to them for the first time. Although my main scene is the

By Ana Ćirica

When I look back, I don’t have much to regret; I think that every day dealing with music has brought such a unique quality of life that I would struggle to experience if I worked in some other field

one in America, these three Serbian concerts represented very important personal satisfaction for me, because I’m extremely connected to my city and my country. Being able to share with your own people that which you’ve perfected thousands of kilometers away over a decade for the first time is really a very special experience that made me very excited and left an indelible mark on me. Continuing on the topic of projects, which of your compositions, projects or performance to date are you most proud of and why?

Everyone always mentions the Carnegie Hall or Kennedy Center performances as my most important concerts to date, but I cannot take it out of context in this way. I’m equally proud of all three albums that I’ve released to date, as well as the fourth that will soon be released. I’m proud of every concert, regardless of how small or big it was, because I learned something new from each one. I’m proud of my collaboration with musicians from my trio, quartet and quintet, as well as the many other musicians whose original projects I’ve worked on – all of that is part of the whole. However, I’m not only proud of my successes, but also my failures and shortcomings, because they taught me new ways of thinking and modesty. So, when I look back, I don’t have much to regret; I think that every day dealing

with music has brought me such a unique quality of life that I would struggle to experience if I worked in some other field. Jazz musicians learn mostly by listening. In that context, what and who has left the strongest impression on your artistic journey, but also on your music?

That used to be true, but today it’s not true to the extent that it was in the past. Listening is the key and indispensable source of knowledge and music information when learning jazz, but theory is what forms the backbone of everyone’s jazz mastery when it comes to a jazz musician who’s anywhere near serious. Once upon a time, while jazz was still “street”, or even buskers’ music”, it was much simpler than it is today in performance and musical terms, so musicians more easily “copied” tricks from one another, learning from listening, while very often being theoretically ignorant. Nowadays, however, modern jazz musicians are expected to be like special forces soldiers – able to handle various jazz sub-genres, to have a huge repertoire, a polished improvisational line, to be moulded by the craft to the maximum and technically superior. In order for all of that to fit into one lifetime (or into just a few years, which is how long the basic training of a jazz musician lasts nowadays, structured and very precise theoreti-

cal systems are necessary, in order to shorten the process and ensure its maximum efficiency.

Those systems are taught in schools, in jazz departments around the world, and listening to such music then becomes just one of a series of essential activities in the education of jazz musicians. When it comes to my style, dozens, if not hundreds of different musical influences are woven into it, and not just jazz musicians.

Some of the artists I always return to include Brad Mehldau, Aaron Parks, Tigran Hamasyan, Vardan Ovsepian, Tomasz Stańko, Taylor Eigsti, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Debussy, Ravel, Brahms and Chopin, but also various rock and pop artists, film scores, electronic music, traditional Serbian music, as well as ethnic music from various world cultures. Nowadays, given that jazz has transcended the framework of a musical genre and has become a kind of communication system, each individual musician is familiar with and trained in all stylistic forms of jazz from the past, but they ultimately adapt the language of jazz to their own dialect and thereby create a very personalised musical style, which is still characterised as jazz, but which sounds unique and characteristic to each artist individually. Jazz is today the personal music stamp of every modern musician who deals with improvisational music. What was the greatest challenge of your career to date?

There are two challenges that are the greatest.

The first is to know at any given moment the qualitative and artistic level you are at, to be honest with yourself on this issue, without illusions and self-denial, and then to always strive to perfect and improve your craft and aesthetic possibilities and visions. The second

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My life

Dimitrije Vasiljević, jazz composer and pianist

is to remain consistent as an artist. Don’t accept compromises, don’t play that which you don’t believe in, don’t sell out your faith for a dinner, in the artistic sense. Temptations are always great, but when an artist knows the way in which they’re headed, in which direction, what their plans and possibilities are, then they don’t allow the winds blowing from all sides to carry them away, let alone lead them astray. I consider that, after a lot of training and effort, I managed to resist these challenges very well, and that today I manage to cope easily, in both the worse and better moments of my career, and really remain at the level required by the task when it comes to this issue. What do you consider as success and how do you protect yourself from the wellknown trap known as “hubris”, to which nobody is immune?

I I consider success as being when we find within ourselves that which we really love, and then we work on that and ultimately manage

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In terms of music, I don’t deal only with jazz, but also with film scores and electronic music, composing, playing, arranging, and lecturing.

I actually try build several personalities, which ultimately merge into one – the one that represents me as a whole person to achieve it. However, that’s not the end by any means, because it is only then that we are confronted by learning about how to enjoy the fruits of our labours (which is actually a very complicated skill), and how to further improve

and expand on that, planting some new seed in that fertile soil. Hubris is the most dangerous of all sins, and it particularly infests artists and public workers, people from the stage. It’s very difficult in a situation where hundreds or even thousands of people are cheering for you, when everyone is patting you on the back, when the media praises you to the max, to remain true to yourself and modest, and to not think even furtively, even for a moment - hey, I feel like I am God himself. But it is a big trap in which many great and who knows how many lesser artists, fall into sooner or later. I’m spared by my faith in God, reading the scriptures and writings of spiritual orthodox fathers. On Sunday mornings for the Liturgy, the idea is to leave at the threshold everything you are and you aren’t – titles, reputation, popularity, status and position in society, but also insecurities, complexes and defeats, and only then to enter as you truly are, under all those glossy or gloomythings that threaten you 24 hours a day. If that is the person you are, hubris flees from you on its own.

By Ana Ćirica

Given that you spend a lot of time thinking about music, that you have a doctorate in jazz and work as a professor, is the written word perhaps some future basis for your artistic expression?

When it comes to expert literature, that’s a certainty.

At this moment I’m preparing two textbooks that I’m currently working on, and as for this other, optional writing, I still don’t know. I believe that I’ll someday also shape that into some kind of book or collection of texts that I’ve been posting almost daily on Facebook over the last couple of years – if for nothing else but the people who follow me in huge numbers, and who like to read my texts. How does a jazz musician relax without music?

Do you manage to make a difference and strike a balance between your profession, love for music, hobbies and private life?

Absolutely. I’m not one of those musicians who talk exclusively about music and who only know about that. I love music, of course, and it is inextricably part of my life, but I consider that a serious artist must also be broadly educated, as well as being interested in many other things besides art itself. Specifically, I have various hobbies, such as model making and prose writing. I read, am interested in history, painting, various sports and martial arts. In terms of music, I don’t deal only with jazz, but also with film scoring and electronic music, composing, playing, arranging and teaching. I actually try to build several personalities, which ultimately merge into one – the one that represents me as a whole person. However, each of these individual personalities has its own loves, aspirations and passions, and in that way contributes to the wider picture and integrity of what ultimately represents me as Dimitrije, as an artist, and, of course, as a human being. Do you have any “hidden” talents?

I keep discovering new talents, but also antitalents, within myself again and again. I first started as a musician, and then I later discovered that I have a gift for composing. The latest talent I discovered in music is teaching. Since I started working as a professor, I’ve learned

Jazz, and music generally, requires thorough and disciplined work, but also on the other side - passion and love... in addition to that standard equation in which elements are added and subtracted, I would add a third – a clever mind and lots of wisdom a lot about transferring knowledge to others, but I think I generally do that well and that I have that human, natural knack for working with students. Beyond music, I write. So far, it has been mostly writing on Facebook, but many people have recently started following me because of those writings, knack who read what I write and encourage me to write a book, which I’m still sceptical about, but they might eventually convince me to do it. Who knows? I also deal with 3D printing, painting and making medieval models of objects and miniatures. I also don’t think I’m bad when it comes to graphic design, though of course at some basic, amateur level.

I wouldn’t exactly know, because I don’t consider myself a standard representative of jazz musicians. Among many of my colleagues –– I often notice either an excessive obsession with (jazz) music, constant talking, jest, jokes, a way of life, everything totally subordinated to that, or an inclination towards various vices, a disorderly life and dangerous substances. I am not part of any of these stories, and I have to admit that I relax the best, when not playing music, by spending my time with people dear to me who are not jazz musicians, and are mostly far from the music scene. What advice would you give to young musicians who are just discovering jazz or have decided to improve in this field?

I would advise them to learn thoroughly and to progress in sequence, without skipping any of the essential steps. Jazz, and music generally, requires thorough and disciplined work, but also - on the other side - passion and love. Kids today often do things hastily and want everything now, immediately, then they do everything back to front – forming bands, creating images, recording expensive music videos, and they still haven’t even completed basic music training, let alone honed their skills. On the other hand, there are those who are super talented and diligent, but who don’t have enough ambition, because that same ambition doesn’t extend beyond the local jazz club. So, in addition to that standard equation in which elements are added and subtracted, I would add a third – a clever mind and lots of wisdom.

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CHILL OUT GERMANY

Most Bizarre 1st May Traditions Similar to the maypole of Anglo traditions, the German Maibaum (May tree) is erected on 1st May or the day before. Residents in Bavaria and elsewhere celebrate this originally pagan ritual each year within their local communities.

The tree (or pole) is decorated with colourful streamers, flowers and in some places with scenes showing local crafts or activities. Parades, brass band music and sausage-eating usually accompany the event of the actual raising of the tree. And don’t forget the special dark Maibock beer, brewed just for the occasion. Perhaps the most thrilling part is the tradition of towns trying to steal one another’s May trees, requiring locals to keeps a close watch day and night to ward off their sneaky neighbours. If and when a tree is stolen, towns must then hash out a ransom for it, usually involving copious amounts of beer and food.

U.S.

ROMANIA

Bay to Breakers Festival

Romania’s “witches”

Bay to Breakers is a 12km race created to boost morale after the devastating earthquakes that shook San Francisco in 1906. As the city rebuilt physically, it also needed to rebuild morally. With the Pan Pacific International Exhibition approaching, a warm-up race was proposed, and the first `Cross City Race` was born on 1st January 1912. This `Cross City Race` starts at the San Francisco Bay in the North East part of the city and winds its way through as much of the city as possible, ending at the Pacific Ocean Breakers in the very West part of the city. The Bay to Breakers of off and running, or walking if you prefer. Costumes are welcome.

In the modern day, Bay to Breakers is more like a citywide event for breakfast beers and full on nonsense.

“Repeat after me! To be together with who I want,” a family of Romanian witches chant via a video call to a client in India paying for a love spell.

The session, in a decorated shed in a back yard 15 km north of Bucharest, is one of many consultations the family holds online, alternating them with rituals live-streamed on Facebook to build up their digital following.

The power of the Internet has allowed Romania’s busy witch community to migrate their ancient practices onto the Web gradually.

Witchcraft has long been seen as a folk custom in the eastern European country, and many of its estimated 4,000 witches.

They would not disclose how much they earn but said a tarot reading starts at €50. However, many of the special rituals, often to do with love, health or money can run into the hundreds.

JAPAN

Fascinating Blackboard Art Trend While most students can’t leave the class quick enough once the final bell rings, some art students in Japan stick around and pour their creativity into stunning blackboard artworks. A few years back, Hirotaka Hamasaki, an art teacher and graphic designer from Nara, Japan, went viral for his incredibly detailed chalk drawings. From recreations of famous paintings to anime and cartoon-inspired pieces, his blackboard masterpieces captured the imaginations of millions around the world. But what many people didn’t know wasn’t the only one who specialised in blackboard art; in fact, there’s an actual blackboard art trend that has been sweeping Japanese schools since 2012, when Kotaku East published an article about three students who spent a whole week – drawing every day after class – decorating their blackboard with an impressive artwork inspired by the popular One Piece anime series.

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INDIA

Dhungri Meal Ancient Festival Every May in Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, a festival takes place at Hadimba temple in sacred Dhungri forest to celebrate goddess Hadimba’s birthday. This ancient and unusual temple is a four-tiered pagoda with a facade of wood carvings. It was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, a ruler from Rajasthan, and dedicated to the goddess. Goddess Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas brothers from the great Hindu epic The Mahabharata. According to mythology, she was a hostile demon who lived in Dhungri forest with many others.

The Hadimba temple festival, known as the Dhungri Mela, provides an interesting experience of local culture. It is one of the most important temples in the area.

The festival environment is like that of a carnival, with food vendors and amusement rides. Here is one vendor selling snacks. Each village has its own gods and goddesses, and they’re dressed up by the villagers and carried in procession to join the festival.

BRAZIL

Tattoos That Look Like Stitched Patches Looking at the stitched patch tattoos of Eduardo “Duda” Lozano, it’s hard to believe that he only pioneered the new style three months ago. Photos of his amazing creations have been doing the rounds online ever since, and he’s already been invited to tattoo conventions all over the world.

The Sao Paolo-based artist has been doing tattoos since 2002, but he only recently got the idea for the stitched patch style, as a throwback to his days working as a logo designer for caps and embroidered shirts. After posting the photos on his Instagram and receiving positive feedback from his fans and other tattoo artists, his Lozano’s career took off massively.

He recently started tattooing at Tattoo You, the oldest and largest tattoo shop in Sao Paolo, and he’s been invited to conventions in France, Germany Spain, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, among others.

CANADA

‘Hamburglar’ hackers There’s a very well-fed cybercriminal ordering a lot of fast food using other people’s credit cards. Real-life ‘Hamburglars’ have worked out a way of getting free food from McDonald’s, it’s been claimed. Cyber-criminals have discovered how to hijack an app and then run up huge bills

CHINA

Weifang International Kites Festival The Weifang International Kites Festival is an annual event held in Weifang, in East China’s Shandong Province. The night before the festival started, there was an opening ceremony at the huge soccer stadium that seats about 80,000 people, filled with about 40,000 plastic. The kites from the 40 different countries were each escorted across the stage in front of the crowd, and each escort carried a large sign showing the kite flier’s home country. Chinese television was there to cover the entire opening and closing ceremonies events. During the opening ceremony and awards ceremony at the stadium, there was a huge show on stage that consisted of 10,000 dancers, acrobats, and drummers. Also, some of China’s most popular singers were there to perform.

There were kites of all shapes and sizes, traditional kites, modern kites, big or small from a different region. Unlimited imagination creates magical things.

on victims’ credit cards. Earlier this year, the Hamburglars’ first victims stepped forward and claimed criminals emptied their bank accounts after buying vast amounts of fast good. Now a journalist has claimed he tried to buy a coffee on the McDonald’s app but was then fleeced for $2,000.

Patrick O’Rourke, the managing editor of tech website Mobile Syrup, said that after he made an order in Toronto, Canada, his McDonald’s app was used to buy food at various branches in Quebec. So far, all the Hamburglar’s victims are Canadian.

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Summer

JIMMY CHOO

Almer metallic leather wedge sandals €485

In The City Sandals are often an afterthought because of their association with summer holiday leisurewear. They’re an item that is more about convenience, relaxation and comfort than a true fashion choice. We often prefer trainers or loafers, anything that could cover the feet as much as possible.

While a tropical holiday provides the perfect reason to buy a pair, this new breed of sandals is entirely different from a pair picked up at the souvenir shop or Havaianas stuffed into a suitcase.

They’re built for more than the beach. They’re still not as versatile as trainers, and perhaps never will be, but these new sandals have designs that let you get away with wearing them for more than two weeks of the year. Besides, sandals have been a part of humanity’s wardrobe for thousands of years.

They started as necessities and now find themselves considered a luxury option. Whether worn on simple errands like walking the dog or rocked as a statement piece, sandals aren’t going away. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the ever-expanding catalogue of footwear choices, sandals might be the next one worth tackling.

UGG ede su Holly pers p i sl 1 €8

SIMONE ROCHA

Embellished PVC jelly sliders €430

MARNI

Fussbett satin sandals €515

STELLA LUNA Buckle suede sliders €330

MALONE SOULIERS

Maisie Luwolt leather and braided flats €485

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June

ALD

Selania O su espadril ede le €71

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Rosario leather slides €555

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

TODS

Mocassino reptile-embossed leather driving shoes €400

Logo double-strap suede sandals €480

KURT GEIGER LONDON

Brendan suede boat shoe €113

BOTTEGA VENETA

Woven leather slippers €635

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Greggo Orlato flat calf p/ granariso/vv/g €755

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Culture

calendar

Belgrade Green International Dance Festival 1 June – Sava Center

The first Green International Dance Festival “Dance & Music for All” will be held on 1st June. The Living Wealth Society and SAPO have launched an initiative to encourage the physical activity of the whole nation through various age-adjusted activities.

The simplest physical activity that is being carried out daily is movement with music. As a particularly important one, dance and all its therapeutic properties, were signed in. The festival was designed with the idea of education and familiarization with all aspects of healthy life, primarily young people, creating a new approach to all segments of the community, through dance, music and play, respecting their needs and, above all, curiosity to learn something new, respecting values and spirit the time in which we live. The festival is intended for those who have made the first and true dance steps, a little more experienced and professional dancers, using modern achievements from the world of art, movement, choreography, designed stage performance, show and point to all the beauty and health and therapeutic properties of movement with music and they teach us something new-some new skill, exchange their knowledge and thinking, expand their aspects. The festival is intended for those who want to be part of this world by changing themselves first! The motto of the festival is “We live healthier - because together we are better and stronger.”

Program www.festivalranemuzike.com

Singers United International Choir Concert

14 June – Italian Institute of Culture – 19.00 Singers United International Choir will hold a concert on Friday 14 June, 19.00 at the Italian Institute of Culture.

“Singers United” international choir was founded in March 2018. Members of the choir come from the diplomatic and international community and other Serbian choirs, with an odd plain music lover or two. A large number of choristers have sung with Katarina Milošević before in another international choir, which she conducted with same vigour and devotion. Naturally when she decided to form “Singers United”, most of us followed her, because we all love her style and choice of repertoire. The only requirement to join “Singers United” is to know how to sing! It has no age barriers and we have had families singing together in the choir. The repertoire ranges from classical, medieval to contemporary and traditional and the songs are in Serbian, English, French, Italian, Macedonian to Old Norse and Latin. We have 15 nationalities singing together as one and this makes a difference.

Dead Can Dance

28 June – Sava Center – 20.00 Dead Can Dance will perform at the Sava Center on 28 June 2019. Tickets are already on sale at all Ticketvision sales outlets, online at https://goo.gl/mfDTWQ and at the Sava Center.

Dead Can Dance is receiving rave reviews - They’re not a band, they’re a phenomenon!

Unprecedented world ambience and a world music project and a group that shaped the musical taste of the generations!

After many years of waiting, Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerard will convey to the audience in Belgrade a part of their magic that together they have been creating for almost four decades!

As soon as they started their joint venture in Melbourne in 1981, it was felt that this duo would raise the scale in the music world to a completely different level.

Belgrade Early Music Festival until 15 June – Belgrade, Novi Sad

This year’s festival started off on 20th May and will run until 15th June 2019 in Belgrade and Novi Sad. It will include the main concert series, the Belgrade Baroque Academy (our masterclass for young musicians), and an exhibition. It will be presented in the following venues: the Kolarac concert hall and the Church of St. Peter in Belgrade. Like last year, some concerts will be repeated in other venues outside of Belgrade, such as the Jewish Synagogue, Galery of Matica Srpska, or Old Castle “Edjšeg” in Novi Sad. Organisers are delighted to welcome various early music ensembles and soloists from around the World. Those that confirmed their participation so far include ensembles New Trinity Baroque (Usa/uk/serbia) - Our Ensemble-in-residence - As Well As Renaissance (Serbia), Il Rosignolo (Italy), Seicento Stravagante (Italy), Recurring Company (Hungary), Kaliomene (Germany) And Belgrade Baroque (Serbia); Professors of the Austria Barock Akademie and the Belgrade Baroque Academy; Festival’s Baroque Orchestra; Baroque Violinisits Ilia Korol (Austria) and Katarina Djordjevic (Uk); Baroque Cellists and Gambists André Laurent O’neil (Usa) and Srdjan Stanic; Baritone Christian Hilz (Germany); Sopranos Radoslava Vorgic And Zorica Pavlovic (Usa); Contralto Marijana Mijanovic (Switzerland/serbia); Mezzo-soprano Dragana Popovic and Countertenor Predrag Djokovic; Harpsichordists Dušan Toroman, Isidora Kuzmanovic, Ottaviano Tenerani (Italy) Predrag Gosta (Usa/serbia) And Aline Zylberajch Gerber (France) ; Lutenist Diego Leveric (Croatia), Baroque Flutists Karolina Bäter (Germany) And Marica Testi (Italy); Cornetto Player David Brutti (Italy); Organist Nicola Lamon (Italy) And Many Others.

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Exhibition “Return to Max Aub” 26 June – 12 September – Instituto Cervantes

Concert of Giuseppe Albanese

27 June – Italian Institute for Culture – 19.00 Italian Institute for Culture in Belgrade and Conservatory “Đ. Tartini” from Trieste is the concert of Giuseppe Albanese, which will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 19.00h, in the Italian Institute.

Giuseppe Albanese is one of the most sought after pianists of his generation. He completed his studies of philosophy, and with only 25 years he became a contract professor for the subject “Methodology of Music Communication” at the University of Messina. He is awarded at the most prestigious national and international competitions in his country and abroad. He was invited to resorts and concerts with the orchestra and performed at the most prestigious world scenes such as Metropolitan Museum, Rockefeller University, Steinway Hall in New York. Among the festivals, the prominent place takes part in the Winter Arts Square in St. Petersburg (at the invitation of Yuri Temirkanova), at Castleton in Colmar (at the invitation of Lorin Mazel, USA), En Blanco y Negro in Mexico City, the Sintra), etc. In Italy he played in all of the most important concert seasons and halls. He recorded several CDs. He debuted in 2014. for the record company Deutsche Grammophon with the conceptual album “Fantasy” featuring the music of Beethoven, Schuman and Schubert.

The exhibition proposes a chronological and panoramic walk through the work of Max Aub, in recognition of a fundamental writer of literature in Spanish. Novelist, poet, short story writer, anthologist, essayist, critic, historian in his own way and even a false painter (apart from a whole precedent, with his exemplary crimes, of the current “micro-volume”), Max Aub’s work has so many regions, corners, tributaries and even traps that could be qualified with the same title that he put to his best known narrative cycle, perhaps his main masterpiece: a “magic labyrinth”. This work can not be understood without a brief review of his life, which was determined decisively and irreversibly by the Civil War, like that of so many Spaniards of his generation.

The exhibition is articulated through four spaces corresponding to four chronological segments (First years, Civil War and first postwar period, Mexico, and Last years -which comprise his two returns to Spain-), and has didactic will at the same time he wants please also those visitors who are well acquainted with the life and work of Aub. His entire literary work is exhibited exhaustively, as well as a multitude of photographs, paintings, magazines, personal documents and correspondence that show us the richness of his universe.

The European Festival of the Serbian Folklore 8 & 9 June - Sava Center

The European Festival of the Serbian Folklore is the most prominent manifestation of the Serbs from the Diaspora, which is held this year for the 24th time in a row, and for the third time in the Sava Center. The organiser of Festival is the European Council of the Serbian Folklore, and hosts, as well as the previous two times, the Union of Serbian Folklore of Switzerland. More than 50 Assembles from the European Diaspora will take part in this year’s festival. You can find more information about the festival on www.bg2019. net, as well as on the Facebook pages of the Union of Serbian Folklore of Switzerland and the European Film Festival of Serbian Folklore in 2019.

Garbage concert

28 June – Bazeni 11.April – 21.00 The legendary band Garbage is finally coming to Belgrade. The long-awaited concert of this American rock band will be held at the “Bazeni April 11”, New Belgrade on 28 June at 21.00.

Garbage is one of the most popular bands from the end of the nineties and the beginning of the 2000s, both in Serbia and mostly everywhere else around the World. The last time they performed in our country was in 2005 at EXIT festival. After many years of waiting, Belgrade has been on the list of dates for 2019!

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

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1001 SONGS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE Robert Dimery 3300rsd

What links Lead Belly, Lonnie Donegan and Black Betty?

Whose gravestone inspired Phil Spector’s first hit? And for which song did Johnny Rotten replace the singer from Def Leppard? The rich history of popular music is built on a foundation of classic songs. From Tin Pan Alley to the Brill Building, Bob Dylan to Kurt Cobain, and Joni Mitchell to Amy Winehouse, gifted songwriters have crafted a cherished body of music that has become part of our lives. Imagine the Fifties without the magical clamor of “Tutti Frutti” and “Hound Dog” the Seventies without the anthemic “Le Freak” and “Anarchy in the UK” or the Noughties without the Leftfield pop of “Toxic” or “Crazy”. This music mirrors the times, both reflecting society at large (“A Change is Gonna Come”, “The Message”) and mapping our own personal highs (“God Only Knows”) or lows (“Hurt”). And from ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’ to Saturday Night Fever, it has helped us simply forget our problems. 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die picks through nearly a century of music to bring you an inspiring selection of some of the greatest recordings ever made. Each entry in this wonderfully browsable book tells the story of a great song. Find out what inspired the songwriter, what makes the track so enduring, which songs it influenced in turn and which cover version to listen out for. You’ll also pick up a wealth of fascinating trivia along the way.

1001 BUILDINGS YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE Mark Irving 3300rsd

Packed with information on a very broad range of buildings of international interest, this is a book that will enthral all students of architecture, from amateur browser to practising professional.

ALBERTO GIACOMETTI: A BIOGRAPHY Catherine Grenier 4785rsd

An insightful and comprehensive biography of the great twentieth century sculptor Alberto Giacometti.

Alberto Giacometti was one of the most enigmatic and memorable personalities of the twentieth century. Born in Switzerland in 1901, he settled in Paris in 1922 where he lived and worked for the rest of his life. Giacometti’s early influences included his father painter Giovanni Giacometti sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, and mentors Zadkine, Lipchitz, and Laurens. When he turned from cubism to surrealism, his work earned near-instantaneous recognition, but Giacometti quickly moved on, pioneering a solitary path on the margin of contemporary trends. Today, his signature elongated sculptures are icons of art history.

The fruit of new research, this riveting biography offers a chronological look at the whole of the artist’s life and work. It is published in coordination with the Giacometti exhibition at 6116, 2018). the Guggenheim in NewJune York (June 8 – September

AFTER WORK 03 MAY GREEK WEEKEND IN BELGRADE Traditional food, cultural and historical sites, resorts, music, customs and many of other interesting aspects of the friendly country of Greece were presented at the traditional annual event “Greek Weekend in Belgrade” held at Nikola Pašić Square.

A rich festival program that lasted all day, with the goal of presenting rich Greek culture, music and gastronomy as the keys to connecting and strengthening the already developed relations between Serbia and Greece.

09 MAY MALBEC WORLD DAY Embassy of Argentina in Belgrade hosted a traditional Argentine Malbec Wine tasting. The event took take place in the Embassy’s Official Residence in Senjak.

The celebration gathered more than 50 guests, including members of Diplomatic Corp, Sommelier Associations, businesspeople and Argentine wine lovers.

07 INVESTIGATIVE MAY JOURNALISTS AWARDED The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia-NUNS and the Embassy of the United States for the 14th time awarded investigative journalists in several categories. The ceremony was held at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts.

This year, 38 journalists applied for the competition, and the winners are Tamara Tankosić, Velimir Perović, Jelena Veljković, Dina Djordjević, Ranka Ivanoski, Milan Jovanović and Željko Matročević.

US Ambassador H.E. Kyle Scott presented plaques to this year’s winners of the prestigious recognition.

10 SMART CITY SOLUTIONS MAY FROM FINLAND

AMBASSADOR KYLE SCOTT

WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARDS

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The seminar Smart City solutions from Finland organised by the Embassy of Finland and NALED presented the experiences of Finnish smart cities that strive to create a sustainable and environmentfriendly infrastructure and solutions that would best respond to the needs of citizens.

“Finland is one of the leading European countries in terms of smart city development, while Helsinki ranks among the top 5 most advanced cities globally by its administration’s commitment to smart city solutions. Helsinki pursues ambitious goals of becoming the most functional city in the world and reaching carbon neutrality by 2035, and smart city solutions should contribute to these goals,” said the Ambassador of Finland to AMBASSADOR PERTTI IKONEN Serbia H.E. Pertti Ikonen.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

11 THE 86TH INTERNATIONAL MAY AGRICULTURAL FAIR IN NOVI SAD Visitors of the 86th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad were presented with 1518 companies, institutions and organizations coming from 32 countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Novi Sad, Miloš Vučević, Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Branislav Nedimović, Deputy Prime Minister of the Provincial Government, Đorđe Miličević, Franco Manzato, Undersecretary for Agriculture, Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, many members of the diplomatic community and Director of the Novi Sad Fair Slobodan Cvetković.

INDIA BOOTH

EGYPT BOOTH

MINISTER NEDIMOVIĆ

FRANCO MANZATO

10 MAY WORLD BEE DAY Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. Iztok Jarc welcomed Slovenian Minister of Agriculture Aleksandra Pivec on her visit to Belgrade, and had a meeting with Branislav Nedimović, Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

They have jointly held a press conference marking World Bee Day. SPAIN BOOTH

AMBASSADOR IZTOK JARC, ALEKSANDRA PIVEC AND BRANISLAV NEDIMOVIĆ

CZECH BOOTH

June

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AFTER WORK 13 MAY CZECH EMBASSY HOSTS A CONCERT On 13th May Embassy of the Czech Republic to Serbia headed by Ambassador H.E. Tomáš Kuchta treated its guests with the concert by the Czech pianist duo - Helena and Radomir Melmukovi, who performed together with young Serbian soprano Neven Josić.

On the following day concert was also held in the ceremonial hall of the First Kragujevac Gymnasium. The Czech Embassy organised a concert in Kragujevac in cooperation with the association Česi Šumadije.

AMBASSADOR CARLO LO CASCIO, MARJAN VUJOVIĆ AND ALFREDO PIRRI

15 MAY EXHIBITION OF ALFREDO PIRRI Ambassador of Italy H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio opened the exhibition “Steps” by Alfredo Pirri at the National Film Archive of Serbia. The exhibition was held as a part of the second edition of the Italian Film Week in the World - Fare Cinema and on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Serbia.

The installation of Alfredo Pirri exhibited at the National Film Archive of Serbia was titled “Steps”, as well as his other works produced from 2003 to the present.

AMBASSADOR TOMÁŠ KUCHTA

14 ŽIVANKO RADOVANČEV APPOINTED MAY OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AGRICULTURAL MERIT

For the special contribution to agriculture and the Serbian dairy sector, as well as the development of economic relations between France and Serbia, the Government of the Republic of France has awarded Živanko Radovančev, the current advisor to Mlekoprodukt, a member of the Savage Fromage & Dairy group, Order of Agricultural Merit.

This reward was presented by French Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Frederick Mondoloni at the ceremony in the French Embassy, in the persence of the Minister of Economy of Serbia Goran Knežević, Minister of Mining and Energy Aleksandar Antić, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Branko Ružić and Minister without portfolio in the Government of Serbia Slavica Djukic Dejanović.

ŽIVANKO RADOVANČEV AND AMBASSADOR MONDOLONI

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16 MAY ITALY-SERBIA BUSINESS FORUM With the support of the Italian Embassy, the Italy - Serbia Business Forum was held today in Belgrade, organized by Confindustria Serbia, the most important association of Italian production and service companies, in cooperation with GreenHill Advisory of Rome.

The focus of this business forum, which welcomed 30 Italian companies, was to present opportunities for cooperation between Italian and Serbian companies on projects in the fields of infrastructure, environmental protection, energy and information technologies Opening the forum, Italian Ambassador Carlo Lo Cascio said: “Italy and Serbia enjoy privileged economic relations. For our part, we continue to give the highest priority to developing our relations with Belgrade, which was confirmed among other things by a recent visit by Italian Prime Minister Conte, a record trade exchange, Italy’s participation as a partner country at the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad and the constant arrival of new Italian investors.”

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18 MAY BIS CHARITY BAZAAR FOR NURDOR The British International School organised the traditional charity bazaar at their two beautiful BIS Primary Belgrade campuses in 7a Uzicka and 3 Iliciceva in Dedinje. The theme of this year’s charity bazaar was ‘Circus’ and was aimed at helping NURDOR, the national association of parents of children with cancer. A very creative, entertaining programme was presented by British International School students of all ages - from 3 to 18 years of age.

Like in the previous years, dozens of stalls were presented at the Bazaar. The visitors enjoyed international cuisine from every continent. Souvenirs, books exciting children’s games and other curiosities were also available.

22 CONFERENCE WAY OUT MAY OF SHADOW ECONOMY The IV annual conference “Way Out of Shadow Economy” organised on 22 May at the Palace of Serbia, presented the new National Program for Countering Shadow Economy which stipulates reduction of shadow zone operations by nearly 200 million euros and at least 11,000 workers and 9,000 businesses transitioning from the shadow zone to legal flows over the next two years.

“In 2018 we recorded a budget suficit of 32.2 billion dinars, due to better collection of revenues by nearly 90 billion dinars, which largely stemmed from the systemic countering of shadow economy. We realised a series of key measures including the new procedure for registering seasonal workers, tax exemption for start-ups, adoption of the Law on Fees, finalized pilot phase of the development of eInspector system and established working groups for reforming the lump-sum taxation and improving the fiscalization system,” said the Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabić, highlighting that shadow economy will remain one of the Government’s top priorities.

18 EMBASSY OF ISRAEL HOST EVENT MAY FOR EUROVISION FANS AT RAJIĆEVA The 64th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Expo Tel Aviv. Embassy of Israel in Serbia headed by Ambassador H.E. Alona Fisher-Kamm, hosted a final night of Eurovision Song Contest 2019 live stream at Rajićeva shopping centre.

The event gathered many members of diplomatic community as well as members of the cultural life of Belgrade, who enthusiastically followed the final night of the song competition whose winner was singer Duncan Laurance from Netherlands with a song ‘Arcade’.

SINIŠA MALI, ANA BRNABIĆ, SVETOSLAV ATANASOV

June

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AFTER WORK

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23 PROMOTION MAY OF CANADIAN LITERATURE Ambassador of Canada H.E. Kati Czaba hosted a promotion of the Canadian literature at the ambassadorial residence. Book titles presented at the gathering were chosen by the the Canadian Arts Council.

The event was organised by the Canadian Embassy and publishing house Arhipelag.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOREIGN BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS

23 INTERNATIONAL MAY NETWORKING COCKTAIL

AMBASSADOR KATI CZABA

23 AMBASSADOR SCHIEB MAY HOLDS SUMMER RECEPTION German Ambassador H.E. Thomas Schieb and his wife Mrs Claudia Schieb hosted a traditional Spring Party at the ambassadorial residence’s garden.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Schieb greeted and warmly welcomed the guests and invited them to enjoy entertainment program and German cuisine.

The event was attended by the representatives of the diplomatic corps, political, public and cultural life of Serbia.

AMBASSADOR THOMAS SCHIEB AND MRS CLAUDIA SCHIEB

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A traditional multinational meeting gathered members of the many foreign chamber of commerce in Belgrade, business associations and alliances.

Hosts of the cocktail were French Serbian, German Serbian, Swiss Serbian, Italian Serbian, Hellenic, Belgian Serbian, Canadian Serbian, Dutch Serbian Business Association, Japanese Business Association, Nordic Business Alliance, Croatian and Slovenian Business Club.

The event enabled members to socialise and network before the beginning of the summer break.

GREEN SERBIA The Environmental Movement In Serbia 2019

GORAN TRIVAN, Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection ● IVAN KARIĆ, State Secretary at the Ministry of Environmental Protection ● BRANISLAVA JOVIČIĆ, Centre for the Promotion of Sustainable Development ● JASMINA JOVIĆ, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Nature Protection and Climate Change, Ministry of Environmental Protection ● BILJANA FILIPOVIĆ-ĐUŠIĆ, Minister’s Deputy, Sector for International Cooperation and European integration, Ministry for Environmental Protection ● FILIP ABRAMOVIĆ, Assistant Minister, Waste and Wastewater Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection ● ALEKSANDAR VESIĆ, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Environmental Management, Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection ● MSc.Eng. MILAN STEVANOVIĆ, Environmental Investment Expert ● FILIP RADOVIĆ, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency ● SLOBODAN PEROVIĆ, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Strategic Planning and Projects, Ministry for Environmental Protection ● ŽELJKO PANTELIĆ, Assistant Minister for Supervision and Prevention, Ministry of Environmental Protection ● JELENA KIŠ, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Ball ● NEBOJŠA JAKOVLJEVIĆ, Managing Director, JKP Vodovod i kanalizacija Kragujevac ● Prim. Dr. DRAGANA DESPOT, Director of the Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology ● MIROSLAV KRMPOTIĆ, director, HidroGeoEko Inženjering ● MILAN KASTRATOVIĆ, President of the Serbian Association of Recovery Organizations ● NEVENA ČOLIĆ MOHORA, Director of MITECO

CONTENTS 06

OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES COMMENT

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CAN - PACKAGING AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL ALLY

JELENA KIŠ, SUSTAINABILITY AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MANAGER AT BALL

18

PROTECTING NATURE & APPLYING GLOBAL MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS

08

YEAR OF TURNAROUNDS

GORAN TRIVAN, SERBIAN MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

11

JASMINA JOVIĆ, ASSISTANT MINISTER IN THE SECTOR FOR NATURE PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

22 23 23 24

30

NEWS

MIROSLAV KRMPOTIĆ, DIRECTOR, HIDROGEOEKO INŽENJERING

JUPOL TRAVELS, JUPOL CONNECTS BUSINESS

PHILOSOPHISE GREEN! BUSINESS

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS CONTRIBUTES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

HEINEKEN

26

IVAN KARIĆ, STATE SECRETARY AT THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BILJANA FILIPOVIĆ-ĐUŠIĆ, MINISTER’S DEPUTY, SECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION, MINISTRY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BRANISLAVA JOVIČIĆ, CENTRE FOR THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

15

EATING AWAY THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

BUSINESS

GREEN SERBIA

32

NEVENA ČOLIĆ MOHORA, DIRECTOR OF MITECO KNEŽEVAC

28

NEBOJŠA JAKOVLJEVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, JKP VODOVOD I KANALIZACIJA KRAGUJEVAC

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NEW MEASURES TO COMBAT MOSQUITOES

PRIM. DR. DRAGANA DESPOT, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR BIOCIDES AND MEDICAL ECOLOGY

4

42

INVESTING TOWARDS THE EU

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INSPECTION OVERSIGHT & EDUCATION

SLOBODAN PEROVIĆ, ASSISTANT MINISTER IN THE SECTOR FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROJECTS, MINISTRY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & SECURITY

ALEKSANDAR VESIĆ, ASSISTANT MINISTER IN THE SECTOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, SERBIAN MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BETTER QUALITY WATER IN KRAGUJEVAC

FILIP RADOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASTE - A RESOURCE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

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20

41

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

SERBIAN ASSOCIATION OF PACKAGING WASTE OPERATORS

MANAGING MUNICIPAL WATERS IN SERBIA

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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31

WE WILL RECYCLE 230,000 TONNES OF PACKAGING WASTE

FILIP ABRAMOVIĆ, ASSISTANT MINISTER, WASTE AND WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

CHAPTER 27 – THE MOST TECHNICALLY COMPLICATED

WE OWE PLANET EARTH

CARE OF WATER QUALITY FOR 20 MUNICIPALITIES

ŽELJKO PANTELIĆ, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR OVERSIGHT AND PREVENTION, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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OVER 400,000 PREMATURE DEATHS IN EUROPE ANNUALLY AIR POLLUTION

38

THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE

MSC.ENG. MILAN STEVANOVIĆ, ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT EXPERT

46

A WINDY ATTEMPT TO REACH A RENEWABLES TARGET SERBIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY

COMMENT

Opportunities & Challenges Environmental protection represents one of the biggest challenges for Serbia, both due to initial costs, and due to the possibility of converting the long-term devastation of nature into a chance for new investments and job creation. Well-chosen policies in this area lead to the improvement of the health of citizens, the protection of biodiversity and better economic prospects

T

his year could be remembered as the year when Serbia completed all preparations for the opening of Chapter 27, gained a Strategy and Law on Climate Change, and for the first time got a chance to strategically address, in a planned way, the resolving of some of the accumulated problems in environmental protection. Specifically, it is expected that in 2019, for the first time in 30 years, Serbia will have the possibility to start working on the design of 359 wastewater treatment systems and twenty regional waste landfill sites, which creates room for investment in this area. The need for intervention is immeasurably high: Serbia has around 4,000 wild dumps and only 7.8% of wastewater is processed, while – according to World Health Organisation statistics – 6,500 people die annually from the consequences of air pollution.

At the same time, the climate changes to which Serbia and the region will be increasingly exposed represent a major challenge for biodiversity, but also for economic growth. We’ve already had a chance to see the kind of damage that brings in the lost GDP of floods and droughts, and primarily in people’s lost lives.

GREEN SERBIA

How can we preserve what we have and not lose what is already rare and precious?

Serbia has prepared a series of strategic documents that are important for this sector: in addition to preparing the draft negotiating position for Chapter 27, the Ministry of Environmental Protection drafted the first National Strategy for Combating Climate Changes, with its Action Plan, thereby launching the establishing of a strategic and political framework for combating climate change change and preparing the Law on Climate Change, as an umbrella

It is well known that harmonising with European environmental standards, and investing in environmental protection generally, implies major initial costs, but simultaneously also represents a route to new investments into a fast growing sector that creates new jobs.

This theoretically gives the Ministry a completely new role in the country’s development, but if one looks at its current budget, and the level of GDP that Serbia sets aside for environmental protection, it can be seen that Serbia is the country that

Serbia receives praise for its progress on preparations for opening Chapter 27, but the level of budget allocations for the environment suggests that this topic is still far from topping policymaker's list of priorities law for establishing systems for reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to altered climatic conditions, creating conditions for the sustainable economic development of the country and reducing risks, damages and losses from fundamental and natural disasters and catastrophes. Work is also being undertaken on the Waste Management Strategy.

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allocates the least in the region for environmental protection, and in which both citizens and businesses haven’t taken on their share of the burden for changing the situation in this area. Current allocations must be at least 1.2 or 1.4 per cent of GDP, while they now stand at 0.34% of GDP, which illustrates sufficiently the challenges that are ahead of us.

INTERVIEW

Year Of Turnarounds Serbia is awaited by a huge job in the years ahead when it comes to advancing environmental protection, and some of the most important moves will be made this year. We are in a position – with the support of not only the countries of the region, but also the entire UNEP – for Serbia to be at the forefront and part of the most important initiatives in the fight for the health of the planet at the global, planetary level

GORAN TRIVAN, Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection

S

erbia is facing numerous challenges in maintaining a healthy environment, but the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 4) simultaneously recognised the country’s contribution to regional and global efforts to reach the goals set out in Agenda 2030. Following the organising of the Ministerial Conference “Innovative Solutions for Reducing Pollution in Southeast and South Europe,” which was held in Belgrade late last year, Serbia was elected as one of the vice-president countries for the next UNEA-5 session, which will be held in 2021. At the same time, the Ministry of Environmental Protection is coordinating activities that contribute to fulfilling Goal 13, on climate change, in accordance with the obligations accepted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, as well as Goal 15 of the

GREEN SERBIA

Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

On the domestic front, Serbia has begun the process of establishing a strategic-legislative framework for combatting climate change that’s harmonised with European climate legislation and the obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

“Included within the scope of the National Strategy for Waste Management, which is currently being drafted, will also be the principles of the circular economy, as well as preventative measures for environmental protection and reducing the consequences of climate change,” say Environmental Protection Minister Goran Trivan. “We are taking decisive steps in the area of waste management, from the improvement of legislation, securing of funds for the construction of lacking infrastructure, the use of EU funds for infrastructure projects, to incentives in the area of recycling.” » You’ve announced the adoption of the Law on Climate Change and development of the first National Strategy for Combatting Climate Change with its Action Plan. What Does this Law Provide?

- This year will see the creation of the first National Strategy for Combatting Climate Change, with an associated action plan, with which the establishment of a strategic and political framework for combatting climate change will be initiated. Within the scope of this Strategy, priority measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050 will be identified in relevant sectors – energy,

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CHALLENGE

PRIORITY

GOAL

Serbia and the countries of this part of Europe will be among the most threatened regions of the world in climatic terms in the coming years

The ministry carries out various activities, the most important of which is afforestation, in order to preserve biodiversity, because that is a question of preserving the future of Serbia

It is necessary to urgently strengthen the institutional and administrative capacities of the Ministry, as well as its financial capacities and mechanisms

agriculture, industry, waste management, transport and forestry.

The jurisdictions of institutions will be clarified, along with a time-frame for the implementation of certain measures, as well as the necessary financial resources, which will create the conditions for increasing economic competitiveness in line with the requirements of the European market. Alongside a strategic framework, Serbia is establishing - for the first time - a legislative framework for combatting climate change. The Law on Climate Change, which is an umbrella piece of legislation that’s very complex, establishes a system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to altered climatic conditions, creating conditions for the sustainable economic development of the country and reducing risks, damage and losses caused by elemental and natural disasters and catastrophes. » How much do you have available in terms of funding and what can Serbia really do with that?

- We’re already paying a high price for not caring for the environment; the bill is huge. I will note just a few statistics – in Serbia there are around 4,000 ‘wild’ [unregulated] landfill sites in Serbia and only 7.8% of wastewater is processed, which is unacceptable. According to the data of the World Health Organisation, 6,500 people die annually in Serbia due to air pollution. We have ourselves to blame for the

recognised as being among the areas with the greatest potential for investing in our country. The most important goal of our ministry is to compile project/technical documentation for the construction of regional landfills and wastewater treatment plants. Without that, it is not possible to launch construction works even on projects for which funds have already been secured. Along with our 450 million dinars for the preparation of documentation for wastewater treatment plants and 200 million dinars for the rehabilitation of landfill sites, we also expect 200 million euros of credit from the Council of Europe Development Bank for projects in the domain of the environment.

Serbia must no longer be the country of the region which allocates the lowest budget resources for environmental protection. Those allocations must be at least 1.2 or 1.4% of GDP, while they now stand at 0.34% of GDP. In cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, works will be intensified on the establishing of sustainable funding for the activities of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the establishing the full capacities of the Green Fund, which would be an investment mechanism for launching ecological development.

» What is your ministry’s assessment of the impact of climate change on Serbia’s economic growth?

- Serbia and the countries of this part of Europe will be among the most threatened regions of the world in We've strategically approached sustainable development climatic terms in the coming years. Serbia in previous years, already faced several through the preparation of the National Strategy for Combatting has, significant extreme climatic and weather Climate Change, the establishing of national goals in the area of conditions that have led to losses in human biodiversity and through the drafting of a strategic-legislative life and total material damage exceeding a framework for waste management value of five billion euros. More than 70% of losses are associated with drought and high temperatures. The most vulnerable sectors are human health, state of our environment being like it is. Now we have an opportunity agriculture, forestry, hydrology and water resources, as presented to change this by reaching the European standards of Chapter 27. in the scope of the Second Report of the Republic of Serbia accorThe draft negotiating position was prepared at least a year earlier than planned and will most likely be adopted by year’s end. Serbia ding to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is on the right track. I received that confirmation from European also includes proposed measures to adapt these sectors to altered Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella in our conversation in climatic conditions.

Bucharest during the Informal Meeting of Ministers of EU member states on 20th May, where I led our country’s delegation. » With this in mind, how stimulating is the framework being created by the state in that sense? For example, we still haven’t Harmonisation with European environmental standards implies seen the state declare insurance against flood damage or weather high initial costs, but saves money over the longer term, stimulates disasters as compulsory. Why? economic growth and employment and - most importantly - improves - This issue doesn’t come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of quality of life for our citizens. Environmental protection has been

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GREEN SERBIA

Environmental Protection, but we are nevertheless working intensively on linking the issue of combatting climate change with reductions in the risk of elemental disasters and catastrophes. We are working on the application of new legal provisions regarding natural disaster risk assessments, both at the national and local levels, including the mapping of risk.

We believe that such assessments will be a good basis for making informed decisions about the type of insurance that is most appropriate.

te-public partnership, represents a model good practise example and a world-class project that will bring the best solution to Belgrade and bring order to the issue of waste, and I consider it is an example that can be applied by other regions. » What are practical experiences like to date when it comes to charging for disposable plastic bags, and what effects do you expect from the repurchase of PET packaging?

- The campaign of charging for plastic bags is focused on raising public awareness and public attention regarding the problem of plastic pollution. This is just part of solving the issues of bringing order to all waste streams. In communication with the largest retail chains and associations of retailers, which started charging for plastic bags last year, and with the support of citizens, civil society and the media, we succeeded in securing cooperation and understanding for this problem, which resulted in an 80% reduction in their production.

We are also determined to address the issue of PET packaging. After an expert debate, we will formulate a proposal for a new system that will be the best solution for Serbia.

» With the support of the Global Environment Fund and the UN Development Programme, you are implementing the project “Local Development Resistant to Climate Change”. How interested and capable are local governments when it comes to delivering what’s expected of them?

- We are successfully implementing this project, which is an opportunity for municipalities, the business sector, civil society organisations and the scientific research community to combine forces in responding to the challenges of climate change, safeguarding the lives of people and providing encouragement to economic development through innovative solutions.

Local self-governments have expressed great interest since the launch of the Public Call. Some 15 local self-governments

» A large number of experts have stated clearly that the energy benefitd of mini hydro power plants (MHPPs) are minimal, while the environmental consequences For the first time after 30 years, we have an opportunity to launch are devastating. What else does the counwork on the design of 359 wastewater treatment systems and try need in order to end this practise? around twenty regional landfill sites - Mini hydro power plants cause damage to the biological balance, especially on small watercourses that are almost streams, and we consider it necessary applied for the Open Data Challenge, with eight of them receiving to ban their construction in the most valuable areas of Serbia. Many an award for innovation, while 16 applied for the Innovation Ideas countries of world and the region have abandoned the construction Challenge and two municipalities received awards, while the awarded of mini hydro hubs. The Ministry is preparing an amendment to the municipalities were joined by another two at the incubation stage.

Nature Protection Act with which we are proposing the prohibiting of their construction in protected areas. The idea is that those » The problem of waste is perhaps Serbia’s most visible and most MHPPs that have already been constructed in accordance with rewidespread ecological problem. Do you think the solution for Vinča is the right way for us to respond to resolving the waste gulations to continue functioning, provided they were constructed management issue? in a technically sound way, and for corrections to be made if they - We are working on a new Waste Management Strategy and are were not. Those who still want to build may continue to do so in collaborating closely with local self-governments and regions on unprotected areas, and we would protect the most value parts of the formulating of new solutions and the eliminating of obstacles our nature from further devastation, in a biological, hydrological and problems. The model of the solution in Vinča, which is a privaand geomorphological sense.

GREEN SERBIA

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INTERVIEW

Chapter 27 – The Most Technically Complicated Chapter 27 in EU accession negotiations is the most technically complicated and most expensive Chapter – with more than 200 EU regulations waiting to be transposed and implemented

IVAN KARIĆ, STATE SECRETARY AT THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

T

he Negotiating Group for Chapter 27 is currently in the stage of finalising the Negotiating Position. The official Negotiating Position is planned to be submitted by the end of 2019. A Directive Specific Implementation Plan (DSIP) for the most challenging areas, such as wastewater treatment, waste management and industrial pollution, are also at the stage of being finalised. The mentioned documents will form part of the Negotiating Position, as large financial investments are required that will need transitional periods.

DSIPs for all relevant regulations, which will include transitional arrangements, will be adopted by the Government of Serbia in 2019 and sent to European Commission, along with Negotiating Position. Alongside keeping pace with the ongoing transformation of the EU acquis in this area (such as with the Circular Economy Package adopted in 2018), it was noted that the biggest challenge will be the required investment – of more than eight billion euros – for the treatment of waste and wastewater. In the area of wastewater treatment, around 55% of the Serbian population is connected to the wastewater collection system, while only 7.3% of wastewater is treated biologically. It is necessary to construct 359 facilities for wastewater treatment and around 10,000 km of additional infrastructure for wastewater collection. In the area of municipal waste treatment, although

around 30% of generated municipal solid waste is disposed of at 10 sanitary landfills, there are still 3,500 unregulated landfill sites in Serbia. While the current EU requirement is for countries to reach 50% of recycling in this area by 2020, official data for 2016 shows that the percentage of recycling in this area in Serbia stands at only three per cent.

In addition to DSIPs, the preparation of the Multi-annual Investment and Financing Plan is underway. It will based on the developed list of infrastructure projects and the criteria for selecting priority projects, harmonising

in the field of horizontal legislation, air protection and chemicals.

Negotiating Group 27 is preparing the Negotiating Position transparently, in accordance with the established procedures of the negotiation process itself. In this regard, during the preparation of the Negotiating Position and documents that will form part of the Negotiating Position, Negotiating Group 27 organised a series of meetings with stakeholders (representatives of the civil sector, institutes, university, local government and economy).

The implementation of EU environmental standards, through Chapter 27, will provide clean water and air over the long term, reduce pollution, enriching and diversifying nature, which leads to the preservation of health for our citizens and our children investment needs and available or potential financial resources, and providing a policy proposal for closing the financial gap.

Finalisation of the Action Plan for Administrative Capacity Development for Chapter 27 is also ongoing. It will present the state of administrative capacities at the national, provincial and local levels, but also point out employment needs in this area at all levels.

With the support of the IPA 2014 project, preparations will be launched in the coming period for another eight DSIPs for directives

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The Ministry of Environmental Protection and all relevant institutions are doing their best to ensure the necessary legal acts are approved and measures taken, thus ensuring reforms have long-term benefits for the state and its citizens.

The implementation of EU environmental standards, through Chapter 27, will provide clean water and air over the long term, reduce pollution, enriching and diversifying nature, which leads to the preservation of health for our citizens and our children.

GREEN SERBIA

INTERVIEW

We Owe Planet Earth In just five years, as long as it has existed, the Centre for the Promotion of Sustainable Development has developed two projects that have yielded excellent results not only in Serbia, but also around the world. The first is the portal “Balkan Green Energy News”, which has already become a leader in the region, and the other is the project “Women in Sustainable Energy in Southeast Europe”

BRANISLAVA JOVIČIĆ, Centre for the Promotion of Sustainable Development

B

ranislava Jovičić, who the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce selected to join the Global Sustainability Leaders programme, is fighting determinedly to connect and network people from around the world, and especially from the region, who advocate strongly for sustainable development in their communities. » We treat nature like an unlimited resource that will always be there, regardless of how much we pollute the water, land and air, regardless of how many forests we clear-cut... We don’t perceive it as an asset, which is why we don’t protect it. Can that change?

- It is true that people today act irresponsibly towards nature and don’t consider the consequences of impacting negatively on the environment. The concept of sustainable development, although it is increasingly discussed, is still not fully accepted, and some basic knowledge about it is lacking. In order for us to better understand sustainable development and know how to

GREEN SERBIA

recognise how some of our activities impact on nature, other sectors, and the general quality of life of people in the immediate area or globally, because nature knows no borders, and nor does pollution, the chances of life on the planet again being suited to humans would be much higher.

We found out just a few days ago that the citizens of the European Union had incurred an environmental debt to the planet as early as 10th May. This means that by that date they’d already utilised all the ecological resources that the planet’s ecosystems can renew over the course of one year, as early as seven months and 20 days before the end of the calendar year!

This date shifts every year, with the date of entering ecological debt arriving ever earlier. The problem is that, when it comes to an ecological debt, there is no bank that can refinance people’s debt towards the planet until a way is found to allow ecologically neutral development in accordance with the principles

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of sustainable development, but not the corporate marketing kind, rather the true and essential kind.

Change is possible, examples of good practise in the responsible management of and relations towards the environment exist, but they relate mainly to economically powerful countries. However, it is essential for change to also occur in less developed countries, as well for three important elements to be provided: a legislative framework, financing and knowhow. A change of consciousness is also needed, and in the case of Serbia and the countries of the region – which are, compared to EU member states, in the category of “poor relatives from the village” – this means that we should create change for our own needs, and not because the European Union is seeking that we do that. The concept of a host who manages his estate responsibly, has a vision and works hard to provide a better, green and sustainable future for himself and his children is a concept that the countries of the region – with honourable exceptions – are struggling to accept.

on social networks by decision makers from the region, representatives of municipalities and cities; we are read by the business community, academia, civil society organisations, financial organisations, investors, citizens, and colleagues from other media outlets in search of good information and stories.

As someone who deals with communications and who maps interested sections of the public for clients and projects on an almost daily basis, I knew very well who would find our portal a useful tool. We have strived tried to ensure quality of information

» Your NGO, the Centre for the Promotion of Sustainable Development, has been involved intensively in promoting sustainable energy, climate action and environmental protection since 2014. Are you satisfied with your achievements?

- Yes, very! In the five years since the organisation was founded, we’ve developed two projects and and work reaches these people, but they also found us themselves while searching for a reliable source of information.

The second project that we’ve implemented is “WISE - Women in Sustainable Energy, Southeast Europe”, which set up and overviewed the nexus of women - sustainable energy - climate change - the environment. Within the scope this project, we conducted the first survey among women who deal with these issues professionally, with the goal of overviewing their role, position and attitudes, but also among women in households from the perspective of consumers. This research showed us, for example, that women strongly support the widespread use of renewable energy sources, that they would rather buy electric cars if they were supported by the state through subsidies, but also

The WISE SEE project will also have a regional component, which will certainly help in its expansion to several other countries both have achieved excellent results, not only in Serbia, but also around the world.

The first project is the “Balkan Green Energy News” portal.

The idea for this project emerged out of the period when I was doing my master’s thesis that dealt with the role and significance of PR in the promotion of renewable energy sources. In a study then conducted by consulting firm Ecorys, I found that the lack of information regarding RES represents one of the main non-financial obstacles on route to promoting RES. I added two and two, conducted research, and found that the same situation regarding the availability of information was a problem not only in the EU, but also in the region of Southeast Europe.

The “Balkan Green Energy News” portal is today the leading free bilingual portal in the region; it is an online platform and meeting place for all those who are relevant and important for this region when it comes to sustainable energy, climate change, the environment and mobility. Our portal is read and monitored

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GREEN SERBIA

that female entrepreneurs and women in agribusiness are very interested in finding out about the possibilities of applying green technologies in their business or how to improve energy efficiency.

Within the framework of the WISE project, we also created a database of nearly 200 women who deal with these topics professionally and who have different vocations: engineering, technical, economic, legal, social; women engaged in communication, media, academia, politics etc.

in the millions, while ours is who knows how many times smaller.

Last year I was also selected by the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce to join the Global Sustainability Leaders programme, which connects and networks people from around the world who advocate strongly for sustainable development in their communities.

This is a small step for humanity, but a great one for me personally.

» With the exception of a lack of money, what are the biggest obstacles in promoting “green topics”, whether that » Can the WISE SEE project be expanded means recycling, renewable energy, to the entire region? energy efficiency etc.?

- That was the idea when we planned - I don’t think money is an obstacle. Mothe WISE SEE project, but as we are a ney is offered by international financial small organisation, we didn’t manage institutions and local commercial banks, to immediately receive the funds for it is in EU pre-accession funds and in the a regional project, so we focused on budget, but some topics are obstacles, Serbia. At this moment we are planning and some are not in the focus of interest to continue the project in Serbia and of our decision makers. And that’s where we’re in the final phase of preparations the problem is with green topics. and have already two excellent partners.

Politicians don’t see environmental It is important to connect women protection as an important topic; our from the region who deal with sustaienergy establishment views renewable nable energy, climate change and the energy sources and energy efficiency as environment, for them to network and necessary evils, and not as a chance to get the opportunity for their voice to make the energy mix green, to reduce be heard, to be better represented harmful emissions of gases from outdain the media, and to advocate more ted thermal power plants, to rebuild one intensively for an energy transition. reversible hydroelectric plant in Serbia, This is very important, because our to introduce gauges... challenges are similar, air pollution is This lingering narrative, which sees the future of Serbia in waning coal reserSerbia needs an agency for the sustainable development ves and barely accepts new technologies of energy or climate action that would deal with the promoting and solutions, which sees a huge problem of green topics for the network in balancing energy with wind and solar, while on the other hand we promote ourselves as a “digital nation of innovation”, is an high (the list of the most polluted cities includes three from our incomprehensible and unacceptable situation for us. region: Sarajevo, Skopje and Belgrade), and we haven’t embraced Abolishing the Energy Efficiency Agency was wrong, as it could the energy transition and don’t even use it to the extent that we have taken charge of promoting green topics, sustainable energy could and should. development and climate action. We haven’t had a single national campaign in Serbia promoting renewable energy, educating the » What are you particularly proud of in your work to date? population on the possibilities of applying green technologies - I’m particularly proud of the excellent results that the “Balkan and advancing energy efficiency in businesses and households.

Green Energy News” portal has achieved. Last year, under the auIt is thus not surprising that Serbia is a country where not one spices of the platform “Best Climate Solutions 2018 Award”, the energy cooperative project has been implemented, that not a single portal was selected as one of the 42 best projects in the world in call has been announced at the national level for subsidising solar the field of climate change communications, which is a great result! panels in households, that subsidies have not yet been introduced After the vote, which included the participation of people from all for the purchase of electric vehicles, that it hasn’t been possible over the world, the project took 4th place, which for us shone with for years to introduce primary waste separation and that there are a golden glow, because it is an outstanding success to be fourth hundreds of similar problems and similar issues. in the world and compete with some projects that have budgets

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BUSINESS

Eating Away The Greenhouse Effect Swiss company BASNA d.o.o. (Ltd.) located in Serbia, has specialised in producing a semi activated charcoal that is designed specifically for applications as an animal feed additive

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deal pore size and pore distribution, as well as extra high carbon content, makes this charcoal specific in supporting animal growth. The effects in the animal are improved health and the balanced coexistence of microorganisms in the stomach. The animal’s body can “concentrate” on its main tasks, like “growing” and “metabolising food”, instead of fighting disturbances caused by illnesses or toxins.

The charcoal can be applied to all kind of animals, such as pigs, cows, chickens and fish.

As a result, the administering of antibiotics can be reduced and there is a clear improvement in meat quality: reduced medical and antibiotic residue, better meat-fat ratio, more unsaturated fatty acids and less cholesterol.

For the farmer, there are many immediate positive knock-on effects, like reduced odours in stables and easier handling of manure due to its homogeneous texture.

However, the more important effects from an economic perspective are an increased fodder conversion rate and reduced veterinary costs.

Furthermore, the charcoal doesn’t disintegrate in the intestines, but rather accumulates in the manure, where it is charged with essential plant nutrients and improves the fertilising effect over the long term. Eventually spread on the field, it builds up humus and equilibrates humidity during dry periods.

info@basna.net

SEMI ACTIVATED CHARCOAL SHOWS AN INTERNAL SURFACE AREA OF 400M2/G. IT HAS EXCELLENT ADSORPTION AFFINITY FOR TOXINS

It also prevents pesticides and nitrates from leaking into groundwater.

Looking at the big picture of applying charcoal to animal feed, it has a positive impact on the Greenhouse Effect by sequestering CO2 from the air.

During the growth of a tree, for example, CO2 from the atmosphere is assimilated into plant material via photosynthesis. The tree (its wood) will later be converted into charcoal. In this process, the C-atom from the assimilated CO2 is embedded in the carbon grid of the charcoal and ends up in a very

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stable form. At high carbonisation temperatures, the charcoal will not disintegrate for centuries – not even in an animal’s body.

Moreover, free energy can be exploited during the carbonisation process and used to produce heat or electricity. As a whole, this concept is not only “Carbon Zero”, but actually “Carbon Negative”!

The application of semi activated charcoal can shift the reputation of agriculture from being the scapegoat for many environmental problems to actively contributing to a healthier environment on the basis of climate farming. By integrating charcoal into the production processes, in Central Europe there are already entire farms sequestering more CO2 from the atmosphere than they emit into the atmosphere. The input of pesticides and mineral fertiliser is reduced, while quality and quantity of their product output is improved.

The application of semi activated charcoal can contribute to fight a wide range of the major environmental problems confronting our civilisation. Not only can the Greenhouse Effect be reduced, but waste management can also be optimised. The use of antibiotics, pesticides and fungicides can be minimised, while the leaking of harmful substances into groundwater can be avoided and the energy – consuming mineral fertilisers can be substituted – all that, while producing renewable energy simultaneously.

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BUSINESS

Can - Packaging As The Most Important Environmental Ally This “green planet” has been our home for millions of years. It is a home to which civilisation has not paid enough attention, which is why one of the main efforts of modern society is directed towards restoring the planet to its authentic condition – without waste and pollution JELENA KIŠ, SUSTAINABILITY AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MANAGER AT BALL

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oreign companies that are leaders in their business segments are doing business in Serbia and are very vocal when it comes to environmental protection.

“Our approach to sustainability balances economic, social and environmental impacts. We have been exerting efforts for Ball to be the top-of-mind choice and to provide a solution to the problem of plastic pollution, and to help our customers achieve their own sustainability agenda. The Ball Corporation recently took on an obligation to use 100% of energy from renewable sources in the U.S. by 2021. In this way, we additionally support energy efficiency and once again pledge to make the aluminium can the most sustainable packaging in the world,” says Jelena Kiš, Ball’s sustainability and regulatory affairs manager.

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The battle for “zero waste” is gaining momentum. An especially animated fight is being led for “zero plastic”, with the European Parliament recently adopting a decision to ban single-use plastic, which includes 10 items – namely Q-tips, straws and plastic cutlery – as of 2021.

“We have been engaged on education for years, and exerting efforts to raise awareness about the need to recycle. We choose the can because the advantages of beverage cans are really incredible – a can that has been made of a single material can be recycled regardless of design and size, while collection and recycling processes are simple and cheaper, and rely on already-existing infrastructure. Additionally, a metal can be endlessly recycled without losing on quality,

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and a new can can reappear on the shelves just 60 days after the start of the recycling process. It is important to highlight that 74 per cent of aluminium cans are currently recycled in Europe, while the plan is to increase this level to 90 per cent in the next ten years. Compared to other materials used for packaging, used aluminium has a price several times higher and practically pays out the entire collection and recycling process.”

Across the globe, the can is becoming increasingly popular as packaging for beverages, as it is recognised as a response to increasing concerns about the harmfulness of plastic packaging.

“In all countries in which Ball does business, we spread the idea of recycling, together with our customers. Intense campaigns promoting recycling as a lifestyle, which serve to educate the wider public in that direction, have been Ball’s trademark for years, within the campaigns of the Recan Fund and “Every Can Counts” programmes. We had an excellent campaign at last year’s Belgrade Beer Festival – we designed a special can for draft beer from the Craft Zone and thus prevented the use of 100,000 plastic cups, which cannot be recycled and would require hundreds of years to biodegrade.”

The management of packaging waste is a topic that’s ever more frequently discussed in our country, and has even prompted headlines related to the existing EPR system. It is all very topical due to accession negotiations with the European Union and Chapter 27, related to environmental protection.

“The possibility of introducing a deposit system has been discussed. However, the existing EPR is achieving national targets for the gathering and recycling of packaging waste in Serbia. SEPEN members prepared a study on packaging waste that concluded that it is necessary to improve the existing packaging waste management system with an additional investment totalling around 200 million euros over the next ten years, which would enable the gathering and recycling of around 64 per cent of packaging waste. On the other hand, the introduction and functioning of a deposit system would cost Serbia’s citizens 1.1 billion euros and would only improve collections of packaging waste by 10 per cent.”

The aforementioned study was realised by Deloitte and suggests that, in order to improve the existing system, a functional system of inspection oversight should be introduced, along with the introduction of the same rules

ling, new business models and a different approach to packaging design in order to adjust it to an easier collecting, sorting and viable recycling process. We have for years been implementing the programme “Every

for all participants, the obliging of households to sort out their waste and the inclusion of the informal sector in the existing system.

“Comprehensive support to the circular economy is necessary. It does not end with recycling, but rather includes overall recyc-

Can Counts” in Serbia, trying to help people recycle their cans whether they are at an event, in their office or at a shopping centre. With us, you can start implementing new habits within your companies and can launch recycling as soon as tomorrow,” concludes Kiš.

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GREEN SERBIA

INTERVIEW

Protecting Nature & Applying Global Multilateral Agreements The area of nature protection is encompassed, at the national level, by the legislative framework for environmental protection that has its basis in the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, provisions that define citizens' right to a healthy environment, as well as the duty of citizens to protect and improve the environment, in accordance with the law

JASMINA JOVIĆ, Assistant Minister in

the Sector for Nature Protection and Climate Change, Ministry of Environmental Protection

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he basic principles for protecting and improving nature are provided in the Law on Environmental Protection. This law regulates the management of natural resources, then preventative measures and environmental protection conditions, as well as remedial measures; a system for issuing environmental permits and approvals; access to information and the participation of the public in decision-making and other forms of environmental protection. The Nature Protection Act regulates the protection and conservation of nature, including biological, geological and landscape diversity.

Alongside the aforementioned laws, a number of other laws exist that are relevant to the area of nature protection, especially in the domain of using and protecting forestry, hunting, fishing and genetic resources for food and agriculture. The strategic framework for nature protection is defined through strategic documents and the Government’s commitment to EU accession, via the National

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Programme for Environmental Protection and through sector-specific strategies (agriculture, forestry, energy etc.).

Nature protection, which knows no borders, is largely based on generally accepted global and regional instruments that are aimed at harmonising the needs of different countries by adopting common protection measures, as well as the methods and order of their implementation. Global and regional multilateral agreements in the field of nature protection (commonly referred to as conventions) are precisely the result of cooperation between states that are signatories to these agreements, and they impact on the uniform and timely harmonisation of the application of measures for the protection of nature via the adopting of common standards and the developing of harmonised legislation in this field.

The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the 1992 World Summit on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection held in Brazil and was signed by 168 countries, including the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Convention entered into force on 29th December 1993, while Serbia ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on 3rd January 2002, with its Law Confirming the Ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The basic objectives and principles of this convention relate to the preservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of components of biodiversity and the balanced sharing of benefits arising

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this protocol. These provisions on harmonisation, as well as provisions that establish foreseeable conditions for access to genetic resources will contribute to ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits when genetic resources leave the Party that provides genetic resources.

Member states of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity for the 2011-2020 period at the tenth meeting of the Members Conference that was held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010. This plan aims to encourage the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity throughout the decade in all countries and among all stakeholders, as well as the inclusion of biodiversity issues in other sectors. This strategic plan comprises a common vision and mission, strategic areas and 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

The Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection continuously monitors all internationally accepted goals, defines national goals, measures and activities, and continuously develops and improves the strategic, legislative and institutional framework for their implementation. The Ministry has also planned to conduct significant capacity building activities through the creating of a large number of new jobs that are primarily intended for new expert personnel who will be ready to contribute to implementing these very ambitious goals.

It should always be considered that citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed right to a healthy environment is equally The opportunity to significantly link the country's economic as important as their socio-economic situation. If we lag behind in implemendevelopment to the protection of its natural heritage mustn't ting internationally accepted standards be missed, in order for us, as a society, not to find ourselves in a of nature protection, we can reach a situation where we later have to finance the restoring of those situation in which the effects of econoassets that we've already lost once mic growth are no longer sufficient for ensuring favourable living conditions for the population, and for the costs of conserving nature to of Serbia also adopted the Law on Confirmation of the Nagoya increase to incalculable levels. In contrast to this, it has been Protocol and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia proven that investments in nature conservation can represent took responsibility for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits strong economic potential, especially for the development of arising from their utilisation. This Protocol significantly improves local communities in areas that cannot be covered by conventhe third objective of the Convention by securing a solid basis for tional industrial development due to a lack of infrastructure. greater legal certainty and the transparency of both the providers The opportunity to significantly link the country’s economic and users of genetic resources. development to the protection of its natural heritage mustn’t Specific obligations that relate to support in harmonising be missed, in order for us, as a society, not to find ourselves in national legislation and regulatory requirements for those proa situation where we later have to finance the restoring of those viding genetic resources and contractual obligations confirmed assets that we’ve already lost once. under mutually agreed conditions are significant innovations of from the use of genetic resources and the biotechnology based on them. The obligations of member states as defined by the Convention are to harmonise existing national strategies, plans or programmes for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity and to integrate principles of the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity into relevant sector-based or cross-sector plans, programmes and policies.

Within the scope of the Convention, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted, as well as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation-ABS. The Cartagena Protocol regulates conditions for the protection of biodiversity against potential risks caused by living modified organisms (LMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can result from the application of modern biotechnologies.This is an international agreement that’s aimed at ensuring the safe handling, transport and use of LMOs that are created by modern biotechnology and that can have a negative impact on biodiversity, also taking into account risks to human health. With the adoption of the Law on the Confirmation of the Ratification of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, with annexes, the Republic of Serbia became an official member of the Cartagena Protocol in 2005.

In September 2018, the Republic

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INTERVIEW

International Cooperation On Environmental Protection By its nature, the environment extends beyond political and legal frameworks, and other boundaries created by man. International and cross-border cooperation between countries is vital if we want to address challenges that impact on all of us. These challenges vary from droughts and floods, to pollution and threats to the richness of biodiversity

BILJANA FILIPOVIĆ-ĐUŠIĆ, Minister’s Deputy, Sector for International Cooperation and European integration, Ministry for Environmental Protection

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ooperation on environmental protection is a significant means of ensuring peace and the road to strengthening international relations in the region, which is necessary to all countries for the purposes of development and the implementation of European environmental standards.

Improving the quality of the environment, protecting human health, wisely and rationally utilising natural resources and improving measures to address global and regional problems represent the most important goals of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

The Republic of Serbia recognises the importance of cooperation between countries, both at the global and regional levels, which is testified to, among other things, by the formation of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as a separate department within the Government of Serbia, with direct jurisdiction to deal with matters in this very important area.

With an awareness of the importance of orderly environments, the Ministry is dedicated to finding long-term sustainable and cost-effective solutions for their protection, as well as a response to climate change.

Through intense and successful international activities, it has imposed itself as a leader of the Western Balkan region with the intention of contributing further to strengthening political dialogue and improving

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cooperation on issues of vital interest, such as the reduction of pollution to water, air, land and natural resources, and the fight against climate change.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection develops bilateral cooperation, investing a lot of time and energy into building and improving relations with all interested countries and partners. Cooperation is most intensive with countries in the immediate neighbourhood. Trilateral cooperation is significant between the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro and Republika Srpska, aimed at continuing dialogue in the creation and implementation of environmental policy, especially in solving problems in the basin of the River Drina.

On the international front, stand out events include numerous bilateral activities and meetings with representatives of the region, Europe and the world stand. Minister Trivan’s meetings with senior representatives of countries like Germany, France, Japan, Czechia, the U.S., Korea, China, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria and the countries of the region have contributed to the signing of various agreements and protocols on cooperation, with the aim of protecting the environment and exchanging information, experiences and good practise.

Serbia is a signatory to numerous multilateral agreements in this area, which play a key role in the overall legislative framework and which, together with international environmental conventions, represent the most significant global efforts to address certain environmental problems. The country is a member of many international organisations and institutions, as well as the Bureau and working body in the scope of the UN system, which further contributes to it being recognised as a significant partner in international relations.

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The previous period was marked by very important international activities of the Ministry of Environmental Protection that pointed to the fact that Serbia is striving to leapfrog the years of lagging behind on environmental issues and turn towards the future, relying on an innovative approach and new technological solutions.

The most significant international event contributing to Serbia being set high on the bar of countries that are recognised as leaders in regional cooperation initiatives was certainly the Ministerial Conference held in Belgrade last December, under the organisation of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the UNEP Programme and the Government of Italy, entitled “Innovative Solutions for Reducing Pollution in Western Balkan Countries”, which mostly brought together representatives of the countries of Southern and Southeast Europe. Serbia advocates for new technological solutions and an innovative approach to economic growth that are essential for social and economic development that would ensure the reduction of pollution and preserving of resources.

The high level of cooperation between all representatives of the countries on issues of mutual interest, as well as the overlapping “Common Vision”, which – as a result of this Conference – was presented in March 2019 at the UN General Assembly in Nairobi (UNEA 4), testifies enough to the importance of this conference and Serbia’s dedication to developing this international process.

The election of Environmental Protection Minister Goran Trivan as one of the vice presidents of the Fifth Session of the Assembly for the Environment (UNEA 5, 2021), in Nairobi, is a great honour and acknowledgement for the Republic of Serbia, for it to be recognised around the world for its contribution to regional and global efforts in the struggle for the environment.

Continuing with regional initiatives and cooperation, a delegation of the Ministry of Environment Protection participated in a ministerial conference in Tirana in April 2019, entitled “Regional Climate Action in the Western Balkans”, once again linking political leaders of the region for the purpose of agreeing on joint activities and approaching funds intended for activities in the fight against climate change. The importance of environmental protection as an instrument for achie-

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ving development and improving living conditions and human health was emphasised, but at the same time also enhancing peace, stability and security in the region. The accepted Declaration on Joint Climate Change Activities in the Western Balkans Region, and the agreement to devise a “Joint Roadmap for the Region to accelerate the process of accessing sources of funding in the area of climate change”, will enable the continuation of links and common actions of countries to adapt to new climatic conditions.

Apart from cooperation with countries in the immediate region, the Ministry also focuses on broader cooperation, such as cooperation with South Korea and China, with whom it is possible to develop cooperative projects in the area of environmental protection, as well as exchanging knowledge, experience, technology and innovative solutions.

Within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is primarily aimed at connecting Asia and Europe, but which is also open to countries of other continents, Serbia has been participating since the start, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection has instigated activities for potential future cooperation with relevant Chinese institutions in the field of the environment, which will include different areas – from water and land protection, via biodiversity, to climate change.

It is significant to note the achievements of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the so-called “16+1 Cooperation”, which is on its way to becoming an influential platform for inter-regional cooperation. The Ministerial Conference “Endowment of the Future”, held in Podgorica in September 2018, saw the establishing of the Mechanism for Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, which implies political dialogue, technological exchanges and industrial cooperation in order to establish cooperation between the 17 countries and support national goals in the field of environmental protection.

Significant international environmental protection initiatives in which Serbia actively participates, such as the European Environment and Health Process, the Pan-European Transport, Health and Environment Programme and many others, have also contributed to Serbia being spoken of in the context of an ambitious and responsible member state.

GREEN SERBIA

NEWS EU

Norway

Europe is using up natural resources so quickly that the planet’s ability to replenish itself over the year would be exhausted by this Friday if everyone consumed as much, a new analysis has found.

It would take 2.8 planets to extend the EU’s rate of consumption of fuels, food, fibres, land and timber to all the world’s people, according to data collected by WWF and the Global Footprint Network.

The alarming report follows a warning from a UN panel that the scale and pace of biodiversity loss is now endangering the foundations of human society itself.

From 1 January 2020, 0.5 per cent of aviation fuel sold in Norway will be advanced biofuels, and the regulatory changes will be introduced in the Product Regulation.

Advanced biofuel is a climatefriendly fuel, which will contribute to reaching Norway’s climate targets.

“The decision to introduce a requirement is good for the climate, good for the environment and helps accommodate for Norwegian production of advanced biofuels,” the Minister of Climate and Environment, Ola Elvestuen says. The Government has set ambitious targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Norway. The target is to halve the emissions from this sector by 2030, and the government has set an ambitious target that at least 30 per cent of the aviation fuels sold in 2030 will be biofuels.

Europe Exploits A Fifth Of Its Bio Capacity

Germany

Exceeded 100% Demand From Renewables…

For A Few Hours Official data from Germany’s Federal Network Agency has suggested that renewable energy provided more than 100 percent of the country’s power.

The symbolic step took place during May Day when renewable output, bolstered by a bright and blustery public holiday, reached 53,987 megawatt hours (MWh) of power, consumption was at 53,768 MWh. Reports from the agency suggest that renewables maintained the high level of generation for about 2 and half hours during the middle of the day.

At their height, onshore and offshore wind farms were generating 27,246MWh, or 52 percent of all power; solar panels reached 19,668MWh, representing 37 percent. Hydropower and biomass filled in the rest.

France

The World’s First 'Fully Recycled' Road French company Vinci has built the world’s first stretch of motorway made entirely from recycled road materials.

The “fully recycled road” is a kilometre long and is part of the A10 motorway between Pons and Saint Aubin in southwest France. It was built by two subsidiaries of Vinci Construction, Eurovia and Vinci Autoroutes. The construction of the mobile plant was central to the project’s success as it had previously been impossible to produce asphalt mixes with 100% recycled content outside of regular plants. As a result, the 3,000 tonnes of material used for the kilometre of road were created on site.

This is of course not the first time recycled materials have been used in road construction. However, this new French road is different as it is the first time a motorway has been entirely made out of recycled roads. This research project won the ‘Route to the Future’ award by the French Environment & Energy Management Agency.

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More Advanced Biofuel In Aviation

US

Hotbed Of Climate Change Denial The US is a hotbed of climate science denial when compared with other countries, with international polling finding a significant number of Americans do not believe human-driven climate change is occurring.

A total of 13% of Americans polled in a 23-country survey conducted by the YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project agreed with the statement that the climate is changing “but human activity is not responsible at all”. A further 5% said the climate was not changing.

Only Saudi Arabia (16%) and Indonesia (18%) had a higher proportion of people doubtful of manmade climate change.

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BUSINESS

JUPOL Travels, JUPOL Connects Company JUB has marked the 50th anniversary of its JUPOL brand with birthday celebrations across all markets on which it operates, via its subsidiaries

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n Serbia, the JUPOL car greeted citizens of Prijepolje, Priboj, Zlatibor, Požega, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Niš, Negotin, Belgrade, Obrenovac, Novi Sad and Subotica.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the JUPOL brand, company JUB equipped a Nissan Navara vehicle that toured many of the region’s cities, bringing good wishes, positive thoughts and happiness to those most in need. JUB’s celebrations were launched on 21st March, with a journey

through North Macedonia, after which it continued its travels to the markets of Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina during April. The car then visited Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia during May, with the tour culminating in Slovenia in early June – after travelling a total of 5,000 kilometres.

Many of those who followed the JUPOL tour took advantage of the opportunity to offer recognition for the brand’s achie-

vements and results recorded to date by writing greeting cards or birthday messages via the JUB website. All greetings and congratulatory messages were subsequently collected on the website www.jupol50.rs, with the most interesting shared via social networks under the hashtag #JUPOL50.

The JUPOL car called in at important retail spots across the region, organising attractive games, creative workshops, gatherings and birthday cake tastings.

Philosophise GREEN!

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he Eco-Kids adventure is a concept of educational teaching that includes the fields of biology, ecology and environmental protection, and which is intended for boys and girls of preschool and school age. Within education, the imperative is given to interactive learning and research. With scientific collaborators, young children receive complete information about the main segment of natural laws, which are crucial for nature conservation.

These Green heroes – Eco-Kids – see their own roles and tasks perhaps a lot better and more responsibly than adults, and that

is exactly what they should do, by themselves – to convey a message about the preserving of nature and the environment.

The Eco-Kids adventure is education with environmental values, which will hopefully awaken some new ways for future doctors, engineers, bakers, designers, journalists, artists... The Eco-Kids adventure is a new wave of education that has a clear message: philosophise GREEN! The Eco-Kids Superheroes programme is designed for children, which represent the key generation for changing the relations of habits regarding the environment and

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natural resources, and by investing in their knowledge and skills we can expect changes in values regarding the anthropogenic influences, i.e. human impact, on nature and ecosystems. www.avantura-zelembaca.edu.rs

Powered by

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BUSINESS

Responsible Business Contributes To Environmental Protection Transparency in the daily work and communication, respect for the individual, local community and society, passion for quality and corporate social responsibility present the core values of the company

HEINEKEN is a proud, independent and responsible global brewer. Today, HEINEKEN is the number one brewer in Europe and the number two brewer in the world. It has operations in more than 70 countries globally, which makes it the world’s most international brewer.

HEINEKEN has been operating in Serbia for more than ten years. Along with brewing great beers, HEINEKEN Serbia builds great brands and is committed to surprising & exciting its consumers and beer lovers all over Serbia.

Through its global strategy “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all the stakeholders. To ensure the company addresses the most important issues for the business and all its partners, HEINEKEN Serbia defines its Brewing a Better World priorities through open and ongoing conversations and engagement – both internally and externally.

HEINEKEN Serbia is committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management.

By doing so, we have an opportunity to use

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our business as a positive force for change.

Helping communities prosper is good for society, and it is also good for our company.

As a socially responsible company and employer, our biggest contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of community we operate in, is through our core business the jobs we create, the businesses we support and the taxes we pay, whereas simultaneously investing in local community initiatives that

three artesian fountains in the town of Zajecar, where we brew our famous Zajecarsko beer.

Dating from late 19th and early 20th century, they represent a legacy to citizens of Zajecar who have used these fountains as places to meet and socialize for generations.

MAKING RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION COOL Beer is a natural fermented drink that, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a

HEINEKEN has been operating in Serbia for more than ten years.

Along with brewing great beers, HEINEKEN Serbia builds great brands and is committed to surprising & exciting its consumers and beer lovers all over Serbia support our strategy and sustainability commitments via either direct local contributions or shared-value projects.

HISTORICAL ARTESIAN FOUNTAINS In partnership with local government, NGO and the Ministry of Environment, we revitalized

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balanced lifestyle. However, when alcohol is not consumed responsibly, there are clear health and behavioral risks. For some people and on some occasions, it is better not to drink at all.

We, in HEINEKEN Serbia, are committed to promoting responsible consumption and to using the power of the global Heineken®

brand to make moderation cool. Every year, we direct 10% of media spend to promoting responsible drinking – with the focus on ‘When You Drive, Never Drink.’

To make moderation cool, we promote our message through various social responsible campaigns in cooperation with the Universities, National Road Traffic Safety Agency and Public Transport company so as to reach the young, educate them and provide a proposition for safe return home at the biggest festivals in Serbia.

‘Guys, who’s driving home? , our nationally recognized and awarded public campaign is organized during the festival season, in which for the last six years more than 210,000 people were transported home safely. As a part of our ‘When You Drive, Never Drink’ campaign we organized workshops for university students with the support of influencers emphasising

risks of drinking and driving.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing alcohol abuse and therefore we’re involved in local partnerships, working with local government, NGOs and other stakeholders to respond to local needs and customs so as to spread the responsible consumption message to the widest audience in Serbia.

We are proud of the result of more than 600 days without any employees’ accidents at our brewery in Novi Sad, and more than 3 years in our brewery in Zaječar.

SAFE EVERY DAY Our peoples’ safety is the most important and it requires constant effort. Our goal is simple: zero fatalities and ‘Safety First’ is our number one company behavior.

The 12 HEINEKEN Life Saving Rules help us to achieve it. They set out clear and simple ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’ for our highest-risk activities.

We identify high safety risk areas across our business and implement actions to tackle them, with a special focus on road safety.

’LET’S OPEN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM TOGETHER’ CAMPAIGN In 2018, we launched this unique campaign with our Zaječarsko beer. Every can of beer sold raised funds to support the renovation of the National Museum of Serbia, which has been closed for 15 years. A limited edition Zaječarsko highlighted the works of exquisite Serbian painters. We collected almost €50,000 for the reopening of this outstanding national cultural institution.

ABOUT THE COMPANY HEINEKEN is the world’s most international brewer and the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a powerful portfolio of more than 250 international, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders.

HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint, with leadership positions on both developed and developing markets. We employ approximately 85,000 people and operate 170 breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries.

HEINEKEN Srbija represents a brewer actively operating via two breweries. While the brewery in Zaječar is proud of its longstanding tradition and brewing expertise dating back to 1895, the Novi Sad brewery is one of the most technologically advanced and modern breweries in the region.

The Company’s core business is the production, distribution and sale of beer. The portfolio of brands comprises: Heineken, Heineken 0.0, Amstel Premium Pilsener, Kapuziner Weissbier, Krušovice Svetle, Sol, Zaječarsko, Zaječarsko Crno, Zaječarsko Pšenično, PilsPlus, Master and cider Bandit.

Transparency in its daily work and communication, respect for the individual, local community and society, passion for quality and corporate social responsibility represent the company’s core values. www.heinekensrbija.rs

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INTERVIEW

Managing Municipal Waters In Serbia There are about 45 existing municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Serbia, a very small number of which are functioning, and only a few fully satisfy all modern standards of environmental protection

FILIP ABRAMOVIĆ, Assistant Minister, Waste and Wastewater Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection

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he need for reconstructed and technologically advanced sewage systems and the construction of wastewater treatment facilities is very high, because the total length of sewage collectors, according to the Statistical Office of Serbia, is 16,000 kilometres, while about four million inhabitants (57%) are connected to public water collection, drainage and wastewater systems, which testifies to the fact that sewage systems – and particularly sewage treatment plants – aren’t sufficiently developed.

In a financial sense, according to data of the Republic Directorate from 2017, funds needed for works on atmospheric sewage and channelling and water protection through the treatment of municipal wastewater in the period up to 2034 amount to around €9.3 billion. Apart from securing the required funds, the biggest problem generally in preparations for constructing the systems of plants themselves is an insufficiently updated and comprehensive information system and accurate dana, as well as insufficient preparedness of technical project documentation.

For these reasons, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has

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exerted great efforts and established good cooperation with local government units and a very detailed information base on the situation in the field, and a study is in the course of being conducted in the field of wastewater management across the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia, with which will all data will be rounded up and consolidated, as well as the exact situation and needs to work further on organising the actual construction of plants.

The purpose of conducting this study is to provide comprehensive insight into the status of municipal wastewater management in local government units on the territory of the Republic of Serbia and encompass the following activities: determining the status of sewage and collection systems in local government units that include the state and age of the sewage network, the level of coverage of the sewage network, the state and age of the constructed main collectors and estimates of the required financial resources and time frame for construction of the complete sewage network.

Likewise, determining the current status and existing models of

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managing municipal wastewater treatment facilities that also encompass financial analysis of the operations of existing wastewater treatment facilities, financing methods – tariff revenues, other sources of financing, and then maintenance costs – energy consumption, the applying of energy sustainability principles, technical maintenance, staffing costs and the cost-effectiveness of the plant itself. Also analysed is the efficiency itself of wastewater treatment plants, in terms of plant capacity in population equivalents, with the plant to expand capacity of the central plant if one exists, the effective operation of the plant throughout the year in relation to the envisaged capacity, the identification of problems in achieving maximisation of the expected capacity, the quantity of leaked wastewater, the amount of sludge generated and disposal method, the degree to which wastewater is treated and the number of planned remote plants and their capacity.

After that is a proposal itself for short- and long-term measures for

up to the issuance of a permit and the launch of works.

The conditions to apply for the drafting of technical project documentation that had to be met by local government units was that they had settled all public service obligations, that they had not been allocated funds for the same purposes from the budget of the Republic of Serbia or the budget of the autonomous province, that they had completed a General Regulation Plan (PGR), that the location earmarked for the construction of the wastewater treatment plant is owned by the local government unit and that more than 60% of the associated sewage network for which technical project documentation must be prepared has already been built. This was necessary in order to produce valid technical project documentation that’s ready for the actual start of works.

I would also note that the Ministry will control all technical project documentation in order for the proposed technological solutions to first follow and choose the best in terms of environment, proven in practise and economically viable, and then to harmonise both the output product – According to data of the Republic Directorate from 2017, funds sludge – and standardise it by composition needed for works on atmospheric sewage and channelling and and usability, and upon emerging it became water protection through the treatment of municipal wastewater a usable component rather than a new in the period up to 2034 amount to around €9.3 billion problem, new waste for disposal.

In this sense, the Ministry has also developed its Strategy for Managing Waste Sludge achieving the sustainable management of municipal wastewater. and thus rounded off the entire process and procedure in the sense of On the other hand, the Ministry of Environment Protection has also a complete solution for the best environmental protection. begun providing tangible assistance in the form of expert assistance to At the same time, intensive work is also being done on creating a local government units aimed at strengthening the capacities of local model and securing the financial resources essential for the construction governments and strengthening local development in the field of enor reconstruction of wastewater treatment plants, because that aspect, as vironmental protection, thus the Ministry of Environmental Protection the crowning part, represents – as I have noted – very large investments, provides both operational and financial assistance to interested local and all available methods must be utilised to secure those funds. governments units, and even in drafting technical project documentaTo conclude, I would point out that environmental damage through tion for the construction of sewage treatment facilities. A public call to the negative impact of releasing untreated municipal wastewater into local government units to express a need to develop technical project our rivers and land is enormous, and that the Ministry of Environmental documentation for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities Protection considers that – in accordance with this impact – regulating was run during February, for them to express the interest and readiness this system is the highest priority in the field of environmental protection of municipalities, to which 60 municipalities and cities applied. in Serbia today, and so maximum efforts will continue to be exerted in The technical project documentation that will be developed for order to develop understanding among all institutions, associations and justification studies, design concept solutions, design projects, conindividuals regarding the importance of solving this problem, as well as struction permit projects, as well as projects for performing practically concrete measures for this system to be regulated.

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BUSINESS

Better Quality Water In Kragujevac Reconstruction of the Gruža pipeline will bring a better water supply NEBOJŠA JAKOVLJEVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, JKP VODOVOD I KANALIZACIJA KRAGUJEVAC

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inanced with 20 million dinars of its own funds, JKP Vodovod i kanalizacija (PUC Water and Sewerage Kragujevac) is rebuilding the main Gruža pipeline. The company has announced the completion of works by September and the automation of the distribution system » Wastewater treatment is one of the most serious problems in Serbia. There are not enough facilities, and only about 10 percent of wastewater is processed, while the European average is over 70 percent. A good example is the wastewater treatment plant in Kragujevac.

Can you tell us more about this? What is its capacity, how many users are projected, what kind of technology is it?

- The Cvetojevac central wastewater treatment plant was built with German technology and put into operation in September 1990. The capacity of the plant is 1,520 l/s, or 250,000 PE. In this facility, utility, industrial and faecal water are purified to a quality that can be released to the recipient, the Lepenica River, which is verified by the issue of a water permit by the competent ministries.

» In addition to its ecological importance, wastewater treatment contributes to green technologies by producing biogas. How is this done in your company?

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- The Cvetojevac plant delivers three products.

One is made up of water that, after purification of utility, industrial and faecal water, has such a quality that it can be discharged into the recipient. The second is separated sludge that is accumulated, compressed and deposited. The third consists of biogas as a product of the purification of water and sludge. Biogas is used for the production of electricity, which covers 70% of the plant’s electricity needs. An anaerobic purification of wastewater decomposes organic matter in the absence of oxygen molecules. If the process is conducted properly, a gas can form that can be used to heat digesters and business premises and generate energy

» JKP Vodovod i kanalizacija is beginning the necessary reconstruction - especially on the main Gruža pipeline, where some lengths have not been changed since 1982. What are the plans for further investment and reconstruction?

- On the main Gruža pipeline, which supplies 70% of consumers with water in the Kragujevac area, reconstruction and replacement of sector stopcocks has been completed, which is of great importance for the quality of the water supply to inhabitants of Kragujevac. In this way, it will be possible to wash out the pipeline, which will result in higher water quality across all parameters, especially turbidity. This pipeline was built in 1983 and since

On the main Gruža pipeline, which supplies 70% of consumers with water in the Kragujevac area, reconstruction and replacement of sector stopcocks has been completed, which is of great importance for the quality of the water supply to inhabitants of Kragujevac in gas generators. The total amount of gas produced is estimated from the amount of volatile solids that are decomposed. Gas production is directly related to the degree of digestion and the characteristics of the raw sludge, and depends on the process management. The basic components of the gas are: methane CH4 60-75% and CO2 3035%, with a small amount of 1-5% containing nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen.

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then no serious work has been undertaken on it. We started replacing the stopcocks in December 2018. The plan is to complete the entire job by September this year. All works are financed from company income, and the total amount of investment for these purposes is over 20 million dinars. For the coming period, we have planned the reconstruction of the entire main pipeline and automation of the distribution system.

BUSINESS

New Measures To Combat Mosquitoes Detailed monitoring, the application of new remedies, treatment of micropockets and the use of thermal devices yield good results in the fight against mosquitoes PRIM. DR. DRAGANA DESPOT, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR BIOCIDES AND MEDICAL ECOLOGY

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he Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology has been cooperating successfully with the City of Belgrade in combatting harmful microorganisms for many years, and thanks to it being adequately equipped, it is ready to make its capacities available to all other interested local governments.

» Since 2015, when the Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology took over the monitoring and combatting of mosquitoes on the territory of Belgrade, the system for combatting mosquitoes has improved significantly. How has it improved and what results have been achieved to date?

- The suppression of mosquitoes is primarily based on the results of monitoring larvae and adult forms of mosquitoes. Detailed and timely monitoring of mosquito larvae in habitats enables the subsequent successful implementation of larvacide. The development and application of new remedies that are more ecologically acceptable and have an extended effect contributes significantly to reducing mosquito larvae levels.

Contributing to the successful suppression of larvae and significant reductions in numbers of adult forms in some locations is the treatment of drains and micropockets, i.e., septic tanks in the Belgrade municipalities that don’t yet have a completely constructed sewage network.

Increasing the number of locations for monitoring adult forms provides a more reliable

picture of their number and allows localised mosquito control. The use of thermal devices for fogging in the city’s riverside, forested and green areas contributes to more efficient suppression of mosquitoes and the environmentally safer application of biocides. » The “fight” against ragweed has also begun.

During which period is action taken and what measures are applied?

- The weed plant known as ragweed, apart from being an invasive species, also has significance in terms of public health, because its pollen is a strong allergen and is the primary cause of 75% of all hay fever in humans. In order to protect the health of Belgrade residents, the Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology will again, during this growth season, take action to combat and destroy ragweed on unregulated public areas on the territory of Belgrade in two phases, with the following activities: Phase 1, from April to September, will encompass field monitoring with teams and the help of drones and GPS mapping of the prevalence of ragweed in unregulated public areas; Phase 2 includes the combatting of ragweed at mapped locations across the territory of Belgrade, which encompasses chemical measures carried out with the use of herbicides. » Your Institute has good cooperation with the City of Belgrade. Are there plans for the

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services and knowhow of your institution to be made available to other local governments?

- Apart from many years of cooperation with Belgrade, the Institute has also been cooperating excellently with other local governments for many years. For the municipality of Pančevo, the Institute’s multidisciplinary teams monitor harmful organisms throughout the territory of the municipality, as well as supervising actions aimed at combatting harmful organisms. For the municipalities of Kikinda, Kovin and Požarevac, the Institute’s teams carried out monitoring of mosquito larvae and adult forms both before and after the conducting of suppression activity.

The Institute also organises and conducts training of all enterprises on the territory of the Republic of Serbia that deal with DDD [disinfection, disinfestation and deratting] activities, but also for enterprises operating in this domain in Republika Srpska and Montenegro.

Among many institutions, the Institute has excellent cooperation with representatives of the World Health Organisation in Serbia and the reference laboratory from Italy for the detection of West Nile Virus.

The Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology is also equipped, in terms of personnel and financing, to make its capacities in the field of its activities available to all interested local governments.

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BUSINESS

Care Of Water Quality For 20 Municipalities Cooperation between numerous experts in reaching the best solutions MIROSLAV KRMPOTIĆ, DIRECTOR, HIDROGEOEKO INŽENJERING

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ompany HidroGeoEko Inženjering [HydroGeoEco Engineering] deals with design, engineering and consulting in the fields of geology, hydro-geology, environmental protection and related scientific and professional fields.

The backbone of the company is a team of design engineers with great expertise and significant experience. HidroGeoEko’s engineers, in cooperation with external associates and consultants, secure complete knowhow – from forming and shaping ideas and related research, to the production of complete documentation, such as design projects, reports and detailed studies, but also services during exploitation itself. » You are known as a company that brings together a team of skilled and experienced design engineers. What are all the kinds of services you provide and from which area?

- We profiled ourselves from the outset as a company that strives for a multidisciplined approach and we do business in accordance with that. I am of the opinion that it is rare for a challenge to have a single possible solution, but rather that it is almost always possible to find multiple different solutions and that it is only through the inclusion of a greater number of competent people that the best solution

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is reached. HidroGeoEko Inženjering is focused on work in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, environmental protection, construction, mining and related professional fields. We strive to provide our clients with complete knowhow and are capable of following a project’s entire life cycle. » You’ve collaborated with numerous companies, local governments and institutions, including the U.S. Embassy, which testifies to your expertise. Which projects would you single out and what are you currently engaged in?

- There have really been a lot of projects in the last 10 years, and we tried to grow as a company with each of them, and to advance our portfolio through challenges.

We had an opportunity to work with some of the largest companies operating in Serbia, such as Coca-Cola, Nectar, Somboled, Heineken, Henkel, Framaco etc. We also participate in large infrastructure projects, such as the construction of Corridor 10. Of the projects currently underway, I would especially like to emphasise cooperation with companies Gradina and Konstruktor, where we are engaged in activities to reduce groundwater levels for the purposes of construction, as well as the project for remediation and restoration of the contaminated zone of the District Heating Plant New Belgrade. Nevertheless, the projects that I’m proudest of relate to water supply works and the protection of sources from

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pollution. Through cooperation with local governments and public utility companies, we take care to ensure that the inhabitants of 20-odd municipalities always have the highest quality water available. » HidroGeoEko Inženjering is also a socially responsible company. What CSR activities have you undertaken to date?

- While working, we always in mind the need to care for the environment, the local community, our clients and employees. All of our processes are in accordance with standards ISO 9001, 14001 and OSHAS 18001. We try with our processes and creativity to support and encourage actions that will contribute to the community in which we operate and develop as a company. We sponsor the organising of various scientific/research gatherings and networking, will encouraging scientific publishing. Our employees are active members of relevant scientific associations and regularly publish works in professional and scientific journals. We participate in various panel discussions and workshops that are aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of resources, reducing pollution, green construction and the like. We organise professional work-placement practise for graduates, in order to provide them with initial insight into the vocation they’ve chosen as their profession. We are guided by the motto that it doesn’t only matter what you do, but also how you do it.

BUSINESS SERBIAN ASSOCIATION OF PACKAGING WASTE OPERATORS

We Will Recycle 230,000 Tonnes Of Packaging Waste Belgrade recently saw the founding of the Serbian Association of Packaging Waste Operators, which composes all seven operators of the packaging waste management system on the domestic market MILAN KASTRATOVIĆ

KRISTINA CVEJANOV

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he role of companies in managing the environment and packaging waste is very important. The establishment of an association that will handle and deal with packaging waste in an adequate way was an essential imperative, and now the state has a partner with which it can, through joint action, influence the creation of a system in this area.

The concept of extending a producer’s liability, which implies the responsibility of a producer for its product, including its packaging throughout its entire life cycle, emerged in 1992, while in Serbia it has been applied since 2009, when the Law on Waste Management and the Law on Packaging and Packaging Waste were adopted. But what is the purpose of this initiative?

MILAN KASTRATOVIĆ, president of the association and director of Tehno eko pak: “The aim is to create a comprehensive platform for improving the system of packaging waste management through corrective measures of the deficiencies that we’ve faced, as system operators, during the eight years that the system has functioned. For 2019, we are meeting the target of 60 per

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cent, which is also the EU’s target. In terms of quantities, this means that in 2019 the system’s seven operators will collect and send for recycling over 230,000 tonnes of packaging waste. National goals for reuse and recycling over the next five years should be adopted by the end of this year, while our goal is to form a working group within the framework of the ministry as soon as possible, in order for us to define the goals.”

KRISTINA CVEJANOV, general manager at Eko Star pak: “The measures that we propose are mostly aimed towards the better application of existing laws, which also implies improving inspection oversight across the entire waste management chain.

“Operators see a solution to this problem in the establishment of a regulatory body that will be engaged, among other things, in inspection oversight. This regulatory body would be formed with a view to the same kinds of bodies that already exist in Austria and Germany. In Austria, this way for the system to function has proven very efficient, and that’s the reason we want to adapt it to our conditions of operating.”

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VIOLETA BELANOVIĆ KOKIR, general manager of Sekopak: “Development of the system to date has been based primarily on the engagement of business, both the bonded and recycling industries. The law clearly defines that companies that place packaging on the market must ensure its collection in accordance with national reuse and recycling goals, which is an obligation they transfer to operators, while both bear the costs of legally defined sanctions in the event of a failure to fulfil this obligation. Such a mechanism for applying pressure doesn’t exist when it comes to local governments and public utilities companies.

Operators in the system are responsible for ensuring the collection of municipal packaging waste, but it is up to the state to impose the obligation of applying legislation in the field of waste management on local governments. It is for this reason that our initiative is directed not only towards the relevant ministry, but also towards the Ministry of State Administration and Local Self-Government.

“The Serbian Association of Packaging Waste Operators will intensify its activities in the period ahead, in order to reach all target groups in the chain of packaging waste management.”

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BUSINESS

Waste - A Resource For Economic Growth Serbia needs a systematic concept of waste management NEVENA ČOLIĆ MOHORA, DIRECTOR OF MITECO KNEŽEVAC

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ommunication with the European Commission regarding the EU’s enlargement policy for 2018 as it relates to Serbia indicates that there is still no data on industrial waste and facilities for its treatment.

Data on the exact amount of hazardous waste in Serbia is lacking, but there are some estimates that around 100,000 tonnes of hazardous waste is located in almost 100 locations. The approach to the issue of hazardous waste should be systemic, encompassing, among other things, solving the problem of exporting hazardous waste for treatment and final disposal. » MITECO is among the pioneers in the industrial and hazardous waste disposal

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industry in Serbia. According to your estimates, how much historical waste does our country have and what steps should be taken to ensure the proper disposal of this waste?

- Former industrial giants that became bankrupt enterprises in the previous period represent losers when viewed in economic terms. But if we look at them from the perspective of waste management, they can bring financial benefits.

We should look at waste as a resource, as a development opportunity for Serbia’s economic growth, within the framework of the circular economy. With the elimination of historical waste and historical pollution, greater potential would come for the development of various economic activities. However, it is essential for progress that there be a predictable economic environment, primarily legal and administrative, and without this condition neither foreign nor domestic investments are possible, nor successful models based on the principle of PPPs (public-private partnerships).

Serbia, as an EU membership candidate country, should define its own industrial policies and develop and analyse economic models. We need the implementation of a systematic concept of waste mana-

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gement, which is supported by both the state and the private sector. » MITECO has warned for years that it will soon be impossible to export hazardous waste from Serbia to the European Union, or to countries that already have adequate centres for the “incineration or physio-chemical treatment” of that waste.

More precisely, the prediction is that the deadline for this expires in 2020. However, despite the fact that the possibility of exporting waste to EU countries still exists, industrial and hazardous waste is still being dumped at landfill sites. Why is that?

- Yes, in the last two years we’ve witnessed serious quantities of hazardous waste being found that haven’t been adequately disposed of and treated. That kind of waste is hazardous to human health and has a very negative impact on the environment, given that the land (where the waste is buried) is contaminated with dangerous substances. Such accidents are just another consequence of the non-systemic handling of the issue of managing flows of hazardous waste.

Around 3,500 companies have an active permits for waste management in Serbia, while realistically that work is only done by

around 30 companies that have adequate technology, knowhow and capacities, but also insurance policies. The remaining firms don’t have actual capacities to dispose of waste, so they dump it at landfill sites, which is contrary to all rules.

Companies that are engaged professionally in industrial waste management must invest continuously in new plants and production techniques, which deve-

occurs, but rather this area in Serbia will be ordered legally and systemically. » The 2019 Budget Act, with which the money allocated for the treatment of waste in 2018 was determined, envisages a third less than the amount of costs that the recycling industry has already covered for 83,000 tonnes of waste disposed of during the last year. On the other hand,

waste management is one of the important segments in closing Chapter 27, and that in order for Serbia to complete standardisation in accordance with EU legislation successfully, major investments are required. The investment potential of waste management is high, but we must be aware of the fact that the survival of this industry is brought into question no incentive funds are secured. According to the latest estimates of the Fiscal Council, establishing an efficient waste management system in Serbia requires the securing of around 1.5 billion euros.

As such, it would be useful if independent financial institutions, such as the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, also dealt with this work. » In which direction will the future of your company develop?

- MITECO plans will be developed in the direction of investing in the Recycling Centre Kneževac. First of all, we will invest in new processes that return natural materials to a reusable state. The focus will be on the recycling of electrical and other industrial machines. These waste streams must be managed in an extremely professional manner, in order for dangerous components (which such machines contain) to be separated, recorded and

lop every year at the global level. MITECO annually exports about a thousand tonnes of hazardous waste that cannot be disposed of in Serbia. We export it to EU countries that have plants for its processing. The total budget for this is almost a million euros, which MITECO pays each year to plants abroad for final disposal of hazardous waste services.

Our obligation, as an operator that’s seriously engaged in this business, is to highlight the possibilities that can be offered by the private sector and to provide the best possible solutions, so that we won’t only deal with the waste management issue when an incident

Around 3,500 companies have active permits for waste management in Serbia, while realistically that work is only done by around 30 companies that have adequate technology, knowhow and capacities, but also insurance policies the Fiscal Council’s assessment is that a strong increase in investments in environmental protection is a budgetary priority this year and in the following years, and that it should total around 1.2 - 1.4% of GDP annually. Do you consider such an increase realistic at this time, and that the state has the possibilities and the “ear” for that?

- We should consider that the issue of

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transferred, via the Transfer Station, for final disposal. This can best be illustrated through the example of a transformer, as a device composed mostly of natural, recyclable materials. However, if the oil from a transformer, especially if it contains PCB, isn’t managed in an adequate way and enters the environment, it can have serious ramifications for the environment, but ultimately also for the health of people.

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INTERVIEW

Natural Environment & Security The natural environment is exposed to evident changes in terms of degradation in many segments, due to the ever more dynamic development of society, production and consumption. These changes are often also felt beyond the site where pollution occurs, even at great distances, which gives this problem an international character

ALEKSANDAR VESIĆ, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Environmental Management, Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection

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n order to achieve sustainable development that’s harmonised with the needs and constraints of nature, which the contemporary world has opted to pursue, it is necessary to ensure integrity and coherence between economic policy and protection policies, and improvement in the quality of the environment at all levels and in all other sectors and aspects that relate directly or indirectly to the environment.

With the increase in the destructive power of modern weapons, the harmful consequences of armed conflict have increased dramatically. If we add to this that potential targets and facilities that are vital to a large number of populations orwhich pose a potential environmental hazard (chemical plants, hydro and nuclear power plants, plumbing, electricity systems and the like), awareness is growing of the importance of the link between these two fields.

Linking aspects of the natural environment and security, and a systematic approach to solving this problem, represent a precluding factor, or the prevention of possible accidents in environments in potential conflicts or terrorist attacks.

Likewise, material wealth and natural resources are today con-

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fronted more than ever by various challenges and dangers. Environmental risks to material wealth and natural potential are represented by various chemical, radioactive and other pollutants, as well as uncontrolled operations in nature and excessive and uncontrolled use of natural resources.

The greatest ecological risks linked to disrespect for the natural environment are: » Industrial pollution as a consequence of non-compliance with safety and industrial production standards; » Inappropriate handling of toxic substances; » Failure to respect standards for the production, storage and handling of dangerous goods; » Radioactive and toxic pollution; » Uncontrolled disposal of waste, especially hazardous waste; » Inadequate management of water resources and pollution of watercourses, especially sources of potable water; » Failure to adhere to regulations related to the collection, treatment and disposal of waste, especially hazardous waste; » other areas.

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Ecological threats to some countries can also include the occasional endeavours of individual countries to sell and export to developing countries their “dirty technology“ and industrial plants that pollute the environment significantly and have many technical shortcomings.

Ecological threats to security can occur continuously in times of peace or war in various forms of manifestation as a discrete substance for destroying, ruining or paralysing everything or only certain potential opponents, such as human resources, material goods, natural resources, economic power and so on. As the end goal of endangering environmental security is the destruction and pollution of nature and the natural environment (water, air, land and biodiversity), which creates unfavourable conditions for life and the fighting of the armed forces of opponents and populations.

Alongside the usual forms of warfare, the modern world is confronted by the frightening possibilities of ecological warfare, primarily with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which could drastically alter the human environment

war since ancient times, with the dumping of dead bodies of animals and humans who died of illness into sources of drinking water is a phenomenon as old as human civilisation. The basic form of biological warfare would be the application of biological agents in the form of bioaerosols primarily through sabotage and terrorist actions.

Geophysical weapons, in ecological warfare, encompass those means and methods that can intentionally cause powerful environmental disorder with devastating effects. Geophysical weapons are divided into subtypes like meteorological weapons, ozone and seismic weapons.

Meteorological weapons, in ecological warfare, are directed towards causing artificial precipitation and causing climate change.

Ozone weaponry, in ecological warfare, is based on the possibility of depleting the ozone above an area of the Earth, causing the area targetted to be exposed to strong ultraviolet radiation, leading to a series of disorders.

Biotic weapons, in ecological warfare, are means for the mass destruction of plant life, which include, for example, effective herbicides.

National procedures for ecoEcological threats to some countries can also include the logical security occasional endeavours of individual countries to sell and must include a export to developing countries their “dirty technology“ combination of and industrial plants that pollute the environment legislative, admisignificantly and have many technical shortcomings nistrative and technical measures that are taken and implemented in order to protect and endanger its existence. the environment and human health.

Ecological war represents different forms of In the context of strengthening security in the endangers an enemies’ natural fundamentals field of environmental protection, it is necessary of human life in narrow or wider spaces, due to to strengthen – legislatively, organisationally and changing the conditions essential for the basic administratively – all management structures in conducting of human life functions over shorter this area, strengthening inter-sector cooperatior longer periods. Individual forms of ecological on, and especially inspection oversight, both at warfare can be conducted without a formal announcement of hostility, which means that there is an borders and within the borders of the country. open (public) but also secretive ecological war in In this respect, it is also necessary to continue the scope of special war, terrorism and diversion. harmonising domestic legislation with international laws, to continue intensive international Biological weapons in ecological warfare mainly cooperation in this area, but it also necessary imply the application of pathogenic microorganisms, agents of diseases in humans, animals and to build a system that will in future avoid overlapping responsibilities or a lack of coverage of plants. It is officially banned and falls among the an appropriate organisational and legislative cheapest and most effective means of endangering framework, in order for environment protection and destroying the living world – ecocide. to be managed responsibly and efficiently.

Biological weaponry has been used to wage

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AIR POLLUTION

Over 400,000 Premature Deaths In Europe Annually Despite considerable improvements in past decades, air pollution is still responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths in Europe each year. It also continues to damage vegetation and ecosystems

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ontinued improvements in air pollution levels are expected under current legislation, but beyond 2030 only slow progress is expected. Additional measures are needed if Europe is to achieve the long-term objective of air pollution levels that do not lead to unacceptable harm to human health and the environment.

Poor air quality adversely affects human health, the environment, and the climate. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution harms health. This harm occurs either via direct exposure to air pollutants, or indirectly via pollutants transported through the air, deposited, and then accumulated in the food chain. Air pollution also harms ecosystems by contributing to eutrophication and acidification of water and soil, leading to loss of flora and fauna.

Air pollution can also harm agricultural crops and forests causing yield losses. Furthermore, certain air pollutants affect the climate system by triggering positive or negative changes in global radiative forcing (see SOER 2015 briefing on the air and climate system).

Current European Union (EU) air pollution policy is underpinned by the 2005 Thematic Strategy on air pollution (TSAP). This strategy established interim objectives for air quality and also established

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measures to ensure progress toward the goals of the 6th Environment Action Programme (6th EAP), which ran from 2002 to 2012. The 6th EAP’s goal was to attain ‘levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on, and risks to human health and the environment’. To move toward achieving the TSAP objectives, EU air legislation follows a twin-track approach of implementing both local air quality standards and source-based mitigation controls.

These source-based mitigation controls include binding national limits for emissions of the most important pollutants.

The main policy instruments on air pollution within the EU include the Ambient Air Quality Directives and the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive, which contains emission ceilings for 2010 and years thereafter. In addition, there is source-specific legislation addressing industrial emissions, road and off-road vehicle emissions, fuel quality standards etc. Emissions are also addressed internationally under the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.

At the local level, the EU requires air quality management plans to be implemented in areas where exceedances of air quality stan-

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dards occur. These plans are required to bring concentrations of air pollutants to levels below the EU legislative limit and target values.

KEY TRENDS Vehicles, industry, power plants, agriculture, households, and waste contribute to Europe’s air pollution. Emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe have declined in recent decades (Figure 1), resulting in generally improved air quality across the region.

However, certain sectors have not followed this trend, and have seen emissions of some pollutants increase. For example, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted directly into the air from coal and biomass combustion in households and from commercial and institutional buildings, have risen in the EU by around 9% and 11% respectively over the period 2003 to 2012.[5] These sources are now the most important contributors to total PM emissions in the EU. Emission reductions of certain pollutants have resulted in a notable decrease of ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene (C6H6), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg). However, due to the complex chemistry undergone by certain pollutants in the atmosphere, emission reductions have not always produced a corresponding drop in concentrations. For example, there have been substantial reductions in emissions of many of the precursors for PM and O3 in Europe, but concentrations of these have generally decreased only slowly.

Emissions from wood burning and coal burning are an important source of directly emitted PM and carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These emissions come from households, and commercial and institutional facilities.

Emissions of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a PAH formed mainly from the burning of organic material, have increased by 11% between 2003 and 2012. Population exposure to BaP concentrations is significant and widespread, especially in central and eastern Europe.[5][6] MAIN AIR POLLUTANTS AFFECTING HUMAN HEALTH Around 21% of the EU urban population lives in areas where the EU air quality 24-hour limit value for PM10 was exceeded in 2012. For EEA-33 countries the estimate is 38% of the urban population. Exposure to PM10 levels exceeding the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines (AQGs) is significantly higher, comprising 64% of the total EU urban population in 2012.

14% of the urban population of both the EU and EEA-32 live in areas where the EU O3 target value for protecting human health was exceeded in 2012. The percentage exposed to O3 levels exceeding the WHO AQG standard is significantly higher, comprising 98% of the EU’s total urban population.

AIR POLLUTION IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEMS Significant improvements in reducing ecosystem exposure to excess levels of acidification have been made over past decades, largely due to declines in emissions of sulphur dioxide, one of the

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main acidifying compounds. However, this improvement has not been matched with a parallel improvement in eutrophication levels. This is because emissions of pollutants containing nitrogen — which can lead to eutrophication — have not fallen as much as emissions of sulphur.

Ammonia (NH3) emitted from agricultural activities, and nitrogen oxides (NOX) from combustion processes are the predominant eutrophying air pollutants. Exceedances of eutrophication critical loads occur across most of continental Europe. It is estimated that around 63% of European ecosystem areas — and 73% of the area covered by Natura 2000-protected sites — were exposed to air-pollution levels exceeding eutrophication limits in 2010.

The EU target value for protection of vegetation from O3 has been exceeded in a substantial part of the agricultural area in Europe, notably in southern and central Europe. The long-term objective for vegetation protection from O3 was exceeded in 88% of the total agricultural area in 2011.[7] PROSPECTS Air pollution is projected to further decline in future years, but beyond 2030 only slow progress is expected. In late 2013, the European Commission proposed a Clean Air Policy Package for Europe, which aims at achieving full compliance with existing air quality legislation by 2020, and at further improving Europe’s air quality by 2030 and beyond. The package proposes strengthening the implementation of existing legislation; introducing stricter national emission-reduction commitments; and reducing emissions from medium-size combustion plants.

As part of this package, the Commission has put forward a revised NEC Directive, which proposes new national emission-reduction commitments for 2020 and 2030. This revised NEC Directive would apply to the pollutants currently covered (NOx, NMVOC, SO2, and NH3) and would add two new pollutants, PM2.5 and methane (CH4). It would also promote mitigation measures for black carbon.

The proposals — if agreed and fully implemented — are projected to reduce health impacts (premature mortality due to PM and O3 pollution) by 53% in the EU by 2030 relative to 2005.

40% of this is estimated to be delivered by a full implementation of existing legislation. However, even with the implementation of these proposals, about 50% of the EU’s ecosystem area is projected to exceed eutrophication critical loads in 2030.

Beyond 2030, a time horizon of 2050 has been suggested as an aspirational year to achieve Europe’s long-term objectives of achieving levels of air pollution that do not lead to unacceptable harm to human health and the environment.[9] To achieve such longer-term air quality objectives, it will become increasingly important that air pollution and climate-change policy are considered in an integrated manner. Measures to abate air pollution and GHGs often target the same sources. Factoring air quality into decisions about how to reach climate change targets, and vice-versa, can deliver greater benefits to society.

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OPINION

The Only Constant In Life Is Change Having served in a local public administration, then moving on to the work in the central Government, and currently being in a position to guide and organise the work in Serbia for some of the world’s most successful companies and funds (and global success stories!) in the area of environmental protection, one of the key things I’ve learnt is that the only everlasting constant in business and life in general is – change MSC.ENG. MILAN STEVANOVIĆ, ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT EXPERT

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et, the ability to accept, predict or even be the change, does not readily appeal to our ways of thinking and working. We are quite reluctant to admit that there is indeed something (and a lot of it, actually!) that we do not know - which often leads to inability to ask: for assistance, guidance, exchange of ideas or simple information. The inability to ask, properly, eliminates the learning curve. Without learning, there is no change. Without change, there can be no progress. And why? Because we stopped ourselves from asking.

Environmental protection, globally speaking, is currently living its progressive revolutionary moments. The no-residue waste management technologies, CO2 reduction, capture and storage mechanisms, water purification, distribution and monitoring, top-notch wastewater treatment technological processes, IT start–ups focused on solving some of the greatest environmental challenges that our civilisation is facing, are booming in every corner of the world!

And while the “zero waste” concept everywhere in the world means that after

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a product becomes waste, the waste gets 100% reused or recycled – we consider it success if the zero waste is being thrown beside waste bins, or organised dumpsites.

Fact check: Serbia has around 3,500 organised and non-organised non-compliant non-sanitary plots for waste disposal, and the average collection rate of household waste is 60%. Yes, the other 40% ends up in the waters and/or on land. Somewhere.

Fact check number two: Sewage connection rate varies from 40 to 60%; it’s hard to tell exactly how many compliant wastewater treatment plants there are up-and-running, and nobody knows the exact amount and level of treated wastewater – it is estimated at around 8%. In other words, if the entire Serbian population was connected to the sewage system (which is not the case), 8 litres of water would be returned to our rivers, from which we get our tap water, a crystal sky blue hue, and 92 litres (almost 12 times more!) would be muddy brown.

Try picturing that in the glass of water next time you are thirsty.

The Ministry of Environmental Prote-

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ction, as a line national policy body, often states that the lack of funds causes the lack of results and progress in the environmental protection field in Serbia. I am very happy to challenge that, on many levels and using various perspectives.

For example: how much would be enough, and then, for which purposes? Who would design it, procure it, and implement it, having in mind the lack of administrational capacities, experience and specific human resources needed? Is it just the lack of funds or the issue of management as well? For instance, the success rate of Ministry for the fiscal year of 2018 was 70%, meaning that almost a half of what was intended remained unspent. In absolute numbers? Around €18 million left unspent. To illustrate in practical terms, this amount of money can almost pay off the entire debt to the recycling industry in Serbia; it can build and fully equip one waste management region, or a 100,000 PE wastewater treatment plant for a city the size of Kraljevo.

The bottom line is – the Ministry is not the investor, nor the investment fund. It

does not have proper human resources, the know-how and the funds. It is the regulatory body whose main purpose is to draft, discuss and adopt regulations and make sure it is properly enforced. It can easily create and open market for investments.

And our country is desperately in need of investments in environmental protection.

Two examples of regulations come to mind, which illustrate the potential of such power. One: the by-law stating that all the municipalities that have not resolved their waste management in a regional manner and with a compliant landfill, will be paying €50 to €100 per ton of communal waste that ends on a local dumpsite. Give them a transition period of four years to find the best possible solution and determine location, project design, funding, procurement, construction and operations. Whether it is a loan, a PPP or their own funds. And sit back, draft the standards of operations and watch the regions come to life! Why? Because it is much cheaper to pay €20 for a compliant landfill than 3-5 times more for a dumpsite! A very simple, environmentally friendly, yet efficient economic instrument that can be applied immediately.

Two: the by-law that prohibits septic tanks as a means of sewage water recipient in an urbanised area (not for the distant and rural) and sets the household connection rate in the urbanised area to the sewage system at 100% (or something in this or

similar manner, as the first step towards treatment facilities). The rest is pretty much the same – sit back, draft the standards and watch the investments pour into the sewage network (pun intended). Why? Because the sewage network or connection rate is the major setback when it comes to the investments in wastewater treatment.

With these two, relatively simple bylaws, the €1 billion market for investments would be open. Now. One could argue that the best way to invest in environment is via public funds, instead of loans or PPP, primarily because of repayment and the source of repayment.

But, let us not forget that public funds come from the same source, and that instead of being wired immediately, loans and PPP

only one that implies the highest available standards, efficiency (both construction- and operation-wise) and quality. Why? Simply because those are in the best interest of the contractor.

In the past seven years, Serbia has undergone noted and appreciated changes in the business environment as the result of reforms and efforts to attract foreign investments, which is best portrayed by the fact that Serbia has steadily held its position in the top 50 out of 190 on the List of Ease of doing business. Every investor wants efficient administration and permitting, safe and predictable business environment, easy access to infrastructure and finance, legal safety, reliable political and economic surrounding. And, for the

Serbia has around 3500 organized and non-organized non-compliant non-sanitary plots for waste disposal, and the average collection rate of household waste is 60% investments are financed through long-term financial instalments. However, in weighing the options, there is another, much more relevant, issue: the trinity of know-how, operations and management. Investments from public funds and loans imply that the cheapest bidder for construction of a facility wins the tender, constructs it and leaves it to some future public body to operate and maintain, while the PPP model is the

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dream to come true – a virgin market for its investments.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent and amazing people in the area of investments in environment. They have a remarkable, globally-built know-how, technology and experience, and are financially supported by international finance institutions, development banks and global corporations. Al-

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OPINION

though it might sound like a cliché, the most relevant criterium for project assessment is still project sustainability: economic, social and environmental. Has the project been wanted, accepted, and supported by all the relevant stakeholders? How can we offer and utilise our rich technical and operational knowledge and experience, for the best possible benefit of the population?

How can this investment be on the optimal affordability line? Along with more than 3000 different financial, technical, spatial, administrational, operational, business, project management, legal and other parameters to ensure the sustainable, best possible model and solution as a response to environmental protection needs. The best projects are not the ones that bring quick profit, but the ones that set standards.

In 1955, a Japan-based company delivered, installed and operated the first industrial wastewater treatment facility in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In the following decades, before its dissolution in 1992, Yugoslavia built around 37 municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

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In the past 20 years, roughly six plants were built, primarily financed by EU grants and loans. As an EU candidate country, if accepted into membership in 2025 and granted 15 years of transition period, Serbia will be obliged to build additional 320 wastewater

life is change. Once Serbia has set its path clear and straight, environmental standards will inevitably change. It’s a moving target that can only go higher up the ladder, especially if we consider the devastating effects of climate change on our civilisation.

In the past 7 years, Serbia has undergone noted and appreciated changes in the business environment as the result of reforms and efforts to attract foreign investments, which is best portrayed by the fact that Serbia has steadily held its position in the top 50 out of 190 on the List of Ease of doing business treatment facilities in the next 20 years, all of them fully operational. This is nine times more and 16 times quicker than in former Yugoslavia. Considering the economic standard then and now, such behemoth of an undertaking might be among the biggest challenges that we, as a society, will be facing.

But, one must always keep in mind the beginning of this text – the only constant in

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The future that we have once imagined has come, and we are living it, now. It looks like a powerful and terrifying tsunami, that only the most skilful, result-oriented, change-setting and visionary innovators can navigate. If you have just woken up and remembered that you should apply for swimming lessons – save your time and money – because, under this wave, you have already become a matter of the past.

INTERVIEW

Circular Economy The Circular economy represents an approach that transforms the function of an economy's resources. Apart from natural resources, in accordance with circular economy principles, the entirety of generated waste becomes a newly created resource. Waste from one factory becomes the raw material for some other manufacturing process

FILIP RADOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

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he circular economy represents an alternative model to the linear economy – led by the principle ‘take, make, use, discard’ – primarily with the aim of protecting natural resources. Observing global consumption of energy, we see that it doubled between 1800 and 1900, but then increased twentyfold over the course of the 20th century. According to projections, an increase of an additional 50 per cent can be expected by 2030. In addition to this, food consumption increased by 57%, while the amount of packaging disposed of in landfill sites increased by 47%.

The negative environmental and social impacts of this type of consumption are felt increasingly in Europe, which is why the European Commission adopted a package of four laws related to the Circular Economy, with which new legally binding targets and deadlines are established for recycling waste and limiting waste disposed of in landfill sites.

Managing waste more efficiently is the first step towards a circular economy, in which it is necessary for all products and materials to be recycled or used more than once. This legal framework sets out very ambitious targets for recycling and waste disposal in the EU. The fact is that only 40% of waste is recycled in Europe. As an example, the U.S. Environmental Agency report says that over 140 million mobile phones were discarded

in 2010, 90% of which ended up in landfills, despite it being known that mobile phones contain very valuable metals – copper, gold, gallium and others – that can be recycled and reused for the same purposes.

The EU’s new Circular Economy package of laws will help member states improve recycling efforts. These regulations introduce significantly stricter rules for recycling waste, particularly packaging waste, but also for calculating recyclability levels, which will help better track actual progress in accordance with the principles of the Circular Economy.

A recycling rate of 65% of total packaging waste should be reached by 2025, then 70%

rous fractions of municipal waste should be established by 2022, with biological waste seperated by 2023 and textiles by 2025. It is estimated that the EU can save billions of euros in this way.

The transition to a circular economy is inevitable for Serbia, primarily due to the need to adopt EU regulations in this field. It is estimated that introducing a circular economy to Serbia could create 30,000 jobs, as well as increasing the competitiveness of local businesses on foreign markets.

Applying a circular economy will also be felt indirectly in other segments of environmental protection, primarily in preventing

It is estimated that introducing a circular economy to Serbia could create 30,000 jobs, as well as increasing the competitiveness of local businesses on foreign markets by 2030. For paper and cardboard packaging, the level of recycling should reach 85% by 2030, while for plastic this percentage is 55%, though it is envisaged that all plastics produced be 100% recyclable.

In EU countries, separate collection is already an obligation for paper and paperboard, glass, metals and plastics, but that has also been extended to some other types of waste, and the separate collection of dange-

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waste accumulating and ensuring its reuse.

Proper waste management will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around four per cent annually.

In implementing the principle of the circular economy, the role of businesses is the most important and they will have to bear the greatest burden of its introduction, but will simultaneously be the first to see the positive effects of this system.

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INTERVIEW

Investing Towards The EU The Multi-Annual Investment and Financing Plan represents an innovative tool for investment growth

SLOBODAN PEROVIĆ, Assistant Minister in the Sector for Strategic Planning and Projects, Ministry for Environmental Protection

CURRENT STATE OF PLAY The challenge faced by EU Candidate Countries related to the need to invest in improved environmental infrastructure as part of the EU Accession process was well recognised by all partners and experienced during previous rounds of EU Accession. Experience shows that the financial challenge is worsened by the low level of charges for environmental services, the ability of governments and municipalities to raise funds, many conflicting demands on the funding available, as well as slow progress identifying, prioritising and preparing the required investment projects. While a lack of finance is often perceived as a major barrier, other factors – such as the need to identify all required projects to comply with the requirements of EU Directives, political support to local projects at the local level, as well as appropriate project preparation – play an important role in the process. In practise, EU Candidate Countries may request transitional periods if they are unable to implement environmental investment projects by the date of accession. In order for a transitional period to be approved, the EU Candidate County must provide a clearly defined programme

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through which the necessary investment will be implemented.

This programme needs to identify all projects and investments that will be required, sources of capital and the period over which the investments will be implemented.

At a directive level, Serbia prepares Directive Specific Implementation Plans for all directives for which we are seeking transitional periods in accession negotiations. DSIPs need to present a defensible case for the additional time required for their implementation. DSIPs has so far been prepared for several different directives, leading to competing demands on the available resources.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TODAY? The development of the environment investment plan is anchored in strategic considerations such as progress made in Serbia’s EU accession process, the overall macroeconomic situation in the country, as well as the Fiscal Council’s recommendations on environmental infrastructure development.

ABILITY TO ASSUME THE OBLIGATIONS OF EU MEMBERSHIP The most recent Report on Serbia 2018 highlights developments with regard to Chapter 27: Environment and climate change. In the strategic context of the environment investment plan, it is noted among other things that Serbia has some level of preparation in the area of environment and climate change, and some progress has been made in further aligning with the acquis, strategic planning and addressing 2016 recommendations; in the coming year, Serbia should focus on operationalising and adequately resourcing the

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mental protection amounts to about 1.2 to 1.4% of GDP (about 500m EUR). Public investments in the environment in the coming years are estimated at 8.5bn EUR; » An increase in environmental protection investments would improve budget structures and have a positive effect on economic growth in the short term; » Investments in environmental infrastructure would have a positive impact on health, quality of live and regional development, and provide an enduring incentive for the economic growth of the entire country; » There is currently fiscal space available in the budget that could be allocated for environmental investments. The fiscal consolidation launched at the end of 2014 allowed Serbia to avoid a public debt crisis – from the annual general government deficit of 6.6% of GDP (2.2bn EUR) in 2014, Serbia reached a balanced budget in 2017 and 2018, with public debt having dropped from almost 75% of GDP to about 60% of GDP. The Fiscal Council estimates that favourable fiscal trends will allow the Government to have fiscal funds at its disposal amounting to 1% of GDP in the 2019 budget, which can be used to increase public investments in environmental protection; » Public investments in environmental protection are funded from the national MACROECONOMIC SITUATION budget, but also from local budgets (cities Over the course of six years, and municipalities, together with local Serbia transformed itself from an public enterprises). Local governments should participate, on equal terms, in The most recent Report on Serbia for 2018 highlights developments the funding of environmental projewith regard to Chapter 27: environment and climate change cts, but they are currently unable to do so. Co-funding should remain the principle upon which the relationship between the national and economy characterised by stagnant growth, a high unemployment local governments relies. rate and twin deficits – to a low inflation economy with stable growth, an erased fiscal deficit, declining public debt, significantly MIFP – INVESTMENT AND COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK reduced external imbalances and labour market recovery.

An Accession driven investment planning process needs to Macroeconomic stabilisation contributed to stronger FDI provide the framework for making the necessary investments growth, up by 27.1% in 2017 (reaching 6.6% of GDP), and faand securing compliance with all relevant directives, as well as vourable trends continued in 2018. The stability of the Serbian to support bids for transitional periods where required. Several banking sector has been preserved and further reinforced. All of planning and implementation tools are used in this process. DSIPs the aforementioned created a favourable environment for the provide for the systematic assessment and identification of gaps acceleration of growth in the period ahead. in compliance, as well as proposing measures to close the gaps, Fiscal Council of the Republic of Serbia: investments in enviincluding capital-intensive environmental infrastructure projeronmental protection represent a social and fiscal priority cts. The Multi-annual Investment and Financing Plan provides a The 2018 report of the Fiscal Council calls for a strong increase comprehensive financing strategy by defining investment needs, in environmental protection investments, as a budgetary priority sources of finance and the timing of individual projects. Identified in 2019 and beyond. The key suggestions of the Fiscal Council projects then progress to the project preparation phase, where are summarised as follows: they may be supported by a range of project preparation facilities. » The necessary increase in budget expenditures for environnew Green Fund financing facility, and further improving inter-institutional coordination, in particular between the national and local levels; predictable financing based on the polluter pays principle that is needed to raise investment levels in the sector, while in waste management there is a good level of harmonisation with the EU acquis. Efforts aimed at improving implementation in this sector are ongoing. There is a need to update the National Waste Management Strategy and municipal waste management plans to reflect legal provisions on waste minimisation and waste separation at source, and to include quantitative targets for waste recovery and recycling. There is also a need for increased efforts to close Serbia’s non-compliant landfills more quickly, and to invest in waste separation and recycling; in the area of water quality, Serbia is moderately aligned. The Strategy for Water Management runs until 2034. A national strategy and action plan on water protection have not yet been adopted, while there is a need to exert significant efforts to further align its legislation with the acquis and to strengthen administrative capacities, in particular when it comes to monitoring, enforcement and inter-institutional coordination.

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INTERVIEW

Inspection Oversight & Education

ŽELJKO PANTELIĆ, Assistant Minister

In addition to the national inspectorate for environmental protection, numerous laws have also entrusted tasks of inspection overishgt to numerous local governments, the City of Belgrade and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Considering the extremely large number of laws and by-laws in the field of environmental protection, as well as their complexity, the national inspectorate has specialised and functions via specialised departments. All inspectors have undergone training through various EU capacity building projects

for Oversight and Prevention, Ministry of Environmental Protection

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he insufficient expert capacities of environmental inspectors of local government units to perform inspection controls entrusted to them from various areas of environmental protection were recognised in a timely manner, after which activities were undertaken to ensure their improvement, as well as activities on the establishment of coordination for inspection oversight activities in accordance with the Law on Inspection Oversight.

The Sector for Environmental Oversight and Prevention at the Ministry of Environmental Protection started training activities for inspectors in mid-2017 through five training courses for 100 local inspectors from 100 cities and municipalities. After conducting the training, it was concluded that advancing the uniformity, efficiency and quality of the

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implementation of regulations cannot only be carried out through inspection oversight, but rather it is also important to establish permanent education.

In order to institutionally establish permanent education in the Oversight and Prevention Sector, the Group for Education and Communication was sytematised and is in the process of being formed. The task of the Group for Education and Communication is, among other things, to prepare and organise the implementation of professional training and the training of inspectors within the framework of general and special programmes in accordance with needs, as well as the preparation of drafting procedures and instructions for conducting inspections aimed at harmonise the work of inspectors.

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conclusions for the coming period: » Continue permanent education during 2019; » Include the media in permanent education, as an important link in raising awareness regarding environmental protection; » Include IMPEL experts in future permanent education activities, with the aim of transferring the best European practises; » Approach the creation of an information system for connecting local and provincial inspectors for environmental protection with the national inspectorate; » Utilise e-Inspector - networking all inspectorates at the national level; » Strengthen the capacities of inspection services at all levels.

Reports and materials from the training conducted in 2017 and the seminars held in 2018 are available via the link: http://www.ekologija.gov.rs/organizacija/sektori/sektor-za-nadzor-i-predostroznost-u-zivotnoj-sredini/inspekcija-za-zastitu-zivotne-sredine/ For the year 2019, Budget funds are also planned for continuing permanent education activities in 2019 through the organising of two seminars. The first seminar is planned for June this Only through coordinated and permanent activities of all year and will include the participation stakeholders that can improve the level of protection of the of judges and prosecutors, alongside environment in any way can we expect visible results in terms environmental protection inspectors of establishing EU standards at all levels. At the second seminar, which is planned for September this year, environmental inspectors at all levels will be joined by resolving some of the most important issues in the field of representatives of the media and NGOs. environmental protection. The issues imposing themselves Permanent education via seminars is just one way to as a priority of all participants included: the protection and advance environmental protection. The most important aim preservation of natural riches, the construction of mini-hywe are striving to realise is the establishment of a training droelectric power plants in protected areas, the handling of centre, within the national inspectorate for environmental hazardous waste, municipal waste and wastewater, the improprotection, for the permanent training of environmental provement of the quality of ambient air and strengthening the tection inspectors at all levels, as well as other stakeholders capacities of inspection services and cooperation between (judges, prosecutors, businesses, media, NGOs etc.), which competent authorities. has imposed itself as a requirement.

Resolving the listed issues is neither an easy nor a quick Is it only through coordinated and permanent activities process, but rather a process that will require both financial of all stakeholders that can improve the level of protection resources and the maximum engagement of all competent of the environment in any way that can we expect visible state bodies, scientific institutions, NGOs and the media, in results in terms of establishing EU standards. order to legislatively raise the awareness of all of us regarding the preserving and protectng of the environment for future generations. Participants assessed this form of education positively, which represents a good path to utilise joint efforts and exchanges of experiences in order for us to improve environmental protection, as one of the strategic goals on the road to reaching EU standards.

The seminars held in 2018 resulted in the following

Permanent education in 2018 included, besides environmental inspectors at all levels, relevant inspectorates of other ministries, judges, prosecutors, licensing authorities, expert organisations, representatives of business, scientific institutions and non-governmental organisations, which are interlinked in multiple ways on the implementation of regulations in the field of environmental protection, within the scope of their competencies.

Permanent education activities were conducted in the Environmental Oversight and Prevention Sector via three thematic seminars in 2018, which were attended by more than 200 participants. These seminars included: Protection of Nature - Oversight and Prevention (Tara, 27th to 30th June 2018); Waste – oversight and prevention (Bor, 25th to 27th September 2018) and Industrial Emissions – oversight and prevention (Stara Pazova, 30th October to 1st November 2018).

A special novelty of the seminars organised during 2018 was presented by panel discussions that opened the door to the jointly coordinated resolving of many years of accumulated environmental issues. During the seminars held, and particularly through organised panel discussions, participants openly and transparently discussed methods and models of jointly

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SERBIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY

A Windy Attempt To Reach A Renewables Target

Serbia needs to do much more in order for its energy market to reach the standards required by the European Union. Better use of renewables is just the beginning

M

ostly reliant on domestic production for its energy needs, Serbia generates 70 per cent of its electricity from coal, with the remaining 30 per cent being provided mainly by hydropower. The national power utility EPS (Elektroprivreda Srbije – Power Industry of Serbia) dominates the country’s electricity market – it owns all the large generation capacities and supplies most consumers – 95 per cent of all electricity is supplied by EPS. In its Secretariat’s Implementation Report for 2017, the Energy Community, an international organisation which brings together the European Union and its neighbours to create an integrated pan-European energy market, states: “Serbia is generally doing well in transposing the Energy Community acquis, but with modest progress during this reporting period. The Energy Law and

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the adopted secondary legislation constitute a largely compliant legal framework.” Yet, the report highlights that implementation is lagging behind, in particular with regard to the unbundling of the transmission system operators, EMS (state-owned Elektromreža Srbije; Electricity Network of Serbia) in electricity and Yugorosgas Transport and Srbijagas in natural gas, which has led to an increase in infringement cases. Furthermore, the report adds that Serbia must also facilitate the implementation of agreements it has signed with Kosovo.

WIND THEM UP Despite Serbia’s dependence on coal, the country is seeking to boost its renewable energy production, the bulk of which

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comes from wind power. According to Euractiv Serbia, 2018 will be a crucial year for the country’s energy sector as 250 megawatts from renewable sources are to be connected to the grid, followed by the same amount in 2019. As of May 2018, wind power construction has been revitalised. In its energy strategy implementation plan, Serbia has committed to bring online more than 500 MW of wind power by the end of 2020.

The Čibuk wind farm is the largest not only in Serbia, but in the entire Western Balkans to date: it is a 300-million-euro project of 57 wind turbines supplied by General Electric and will cover an area of about 40 sq km. The windfarm has a capacity of 158 MW and is expected to provide electricity to around 113,000 homes, while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 370,000 tonnes. Čibuk is developed by a consortium that includes UAE-based renewable energy company Masdar, Finnish financial group Taaleri and German development finance institution DEG, part of KfW Group. The development of the wind farm will be funded by a 215 million-euro loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

KfW, a German government-owned development bank, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) initiated the Green for Growth Fund (GGF) in 2009, which is providing direct financial support for Čibuk. GGF’s website states that the Fund’s mission

as the country works to meet its commitment to produce 27 per cent of domestic power needs from renewable energy sources by 2020. The EBRD has worked closely with the government to develop and refine the regulatory framework for the sector and these efforts have now unlocked job-generating foreign investment and the first wave of renewable-energy projects.”

ACHIEVABLE TARGETS When it comes to renewable energy, GGF is also providing direct financial support for the Alibunar wind farm, as well as indirect support for the Malibunar wind farm, to assist the country in achieving the 27 per cent target. The Malibunar wind farm is the first project to be commissioned under the GGF framework. It has been operational since September 2017 and it is an 8 MW project comprised of four wind turbines. The larger 42 MW Alibunar wind farm is made up of 21 turbines and is in the final stages of construction. Earlier this year in April, German wind turbine manufacturer Senvion completed the installation of the 14th turbine at Alibunar and the wind farm is expected to produce enough energy to power around 27,600 households on average per year. Senvion entered the Serbian market with the installation of Malibunar wind farm in 2017.

Belgian renewable energy producer Elicio NV, the developer of the Alibunar and Malibunar wind farm projects, has been present in Serbia since 2010, when Coal production may continue to be a vital source of energy, but the legal framework for the renewable energy sector was established.

Serbia is taking steps to adapt its infrastructure towards renewable The Košava wind farm is yet another energy. And the government has been broadly supportive renewable energy project in Serbia.

Serbian renewable energy company MK Fintel Wind, a joint venture between MK Group and the Italian is, in the form of a public private partnership, “to contribute to Fintel Energia Group, started the construction of the wind farm enhancing energy efficiency and fostering renewable energies back in June 2017 near the town of Vršac, near the border with in South-eastern Europe.” GGF has since increased the total Romania. It is estimated to be completed by the end of 2018 and financing it has provided to final borrowers to over 600 million cost a total of 124 million euros. In addition, Danish wind turbine euros across more than 25,000 individual projects. producer Vestas is to deliver 20 turbines for the 69 MW wind Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, added: “At Masdar, farm, which is expected to supply electricity to approximately we are proud to be able to contribute our expertise and expe40,000 households. rience to the diversification of Serbia’s energy mix, working Only the first half of 2018 has passed, yet Serbia has already alongside our joint-venture partners. This project highlights seen increasing interest in its wind energy potential. Coal prothe attractiveness of the Serbian market for renewable energy duction may continue to be a vital source of energy, but Serbia investment and has the potential to be a hub for additional is taking steps to adapt its infrastructure towards renewable projects in the region.” energy. And the government has been broadly supportive. How The EBRD is providing a loan of 107.7 million euros, 55 million quickly Serbia is doing all this is a different question. In an article euros of which is syndicated to Erste Bank, GGF, UniCredit and written for Emerging Europe, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, president of Banca Intesa under an A/B loan structure. In parallel, the World the EBRD, states: “Today, climate change is perhaps the number Bank’s IFC is providing 107.7 million euros, partially through one global challenge” and that, “although green finance is on its Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Programme and partially the increase, we, including emerging Europe and Serbia, must through syndicated B loans. do more and quicker.”

Harry Boyd-Carpenter, EBRD director of power and energy utilities, stated: “The Čibuk wind farm is a breakthrough for Serbia

Source: Emerging Europe

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