CorD Magazine, March 2021, no. 197

Ambassador Of Poland To Serbia

Cardiologist, Writer

Here We’re All Vienna, Venice And The Levant

Not A Single School Day Was Lost

www.cordmagazine.com

Three Decades Of Amazing Evolution

GORAN MILAŠINOVIĆ

BRANKO RUŽIĆ

First Deputy PM Of Serbia And Minister Of Education, Science And Technological Development

MARCH 2021/ ISSUE NO. 197

H.E. RAFAŁ PAWEŁ PERL

interviews opinions news comments events COMMENT

Haunted March FOCUS

Has The Long-Anticipated Fight Against Organised Crime In Serbia Finally Begun?

Exclusive

DAVID MCALLISTER 783002 771451 9

Creating Trust Is Key

ISSN1451-7833

AFET CHAIR AND DEG CO-CHAIR, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

CONTENTS

06 HAUNTED MARCH

BY ZORAN PANOVIĆ Cemment

08 CREATING TRUST IS KEY DAVID MCALLISTER, AFET CHAIR AND DEG CO-CHAIR, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

H.E. RAFAŁ PAWEŁ PERL, AMBASSADOR OF POLAND TO SERBIA

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE

47 HERE WE’RE ALL VIENNA, VENICE AND THE LEVANT

MILOJKO ARSIĆ, Professor of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics

Martovski Festival

MY LIFE: GORAN MILAŠINOVIĆ, cardiologist, writer

JELENA GRUBOR STEFANOVIĆ, HEAD REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY IN CHINA

16 52 CHILL OUT 54 THE SECRET OF TIMELESS STYLE

GLOBAL DIARY

Focus

@CORDMAGAZINE

44 SEVEN UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

39 WEALTH OF DIVERSITY

12 T HREE DECADES OF AMAZING EVOLUTION

18 ARRESTS ON CAMERA ARE NOT ENOUGH

@CORD_MAGAZINE

24 NEW CHALLENGES – OLD BAGGAGE

Fashion

40 THE ART OF COLLECTING Art

56 CULTURE CALENDAR 58 FACES & PLACES

22 HOW ANGELA MERKEL’S CENTRIST POLITICS SHAPED GERMANY AND EUROPE Feature

CORD MAGAZINE

CORDMAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs DESIGN: Branislav Ninković b.ninkovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović,

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TRANSLATION & EDITING MRP EDITORIAL SALES MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihailo Čučković m.cuckovic@aim.rs

OFFICE MANAGER: Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs FINANCE: Dragana Skrobonja finance@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs PUBLISHER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

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Comment

Haunted March

BY ZORAN PANOVIĆ

C

hurchill is credited with having said on one occasion that the Balkans produce more history than they can consume. Serbia provides a significant contribution in this regard. The month of March is a factory of Serbian history, and the best thing would be for Serbia to declare the month of March as its own “ferragosto” - to head off on holiday and take a break from the traumatic conveyor belt of history. March is Serbia’s haunted month, packed with symbolic anniversaries, so the “Ides of March” have their own symbolism among the Serbs.

The primary symbolism is ancient Roman.

After he was proclaimed lifelong dictator, suspicions began spreading that Caesar intended, out of personal interest, to abolish the republic and establish a kingdom. The Senate was scheduled to meet in session on the day of the Ides of March and to confirm the allocating of the highest title to him, but the senators were uncompromising republicans who decided instead to kill him on that very day. When that morning he encountered a seer who told him of is impending death, Caesar is alleged to have smiled at him and said, “Behold, I’ve made it to the Ides of March,” to which the seer replied, “True, but the day has not yet passed.”

And there also can be no relaxing in Serbia until March passes.

Demonstrations against joining Hitler’s Tripartite Pact were held on 27th March 1941 and were followed by the horrific Nazi bombing of Belgrade on 16th April. It was in March that Prime

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Ferragosto, the feast of the Holy Mother of God, is a special day in Italy, and on that day, 15th August, the entire country celebrates. For Italians, Ferragosto doesn’t only represent that festival, but also their collective annual holiday Minister Zoran Đinđić was assassinated in front of the Government building, while it was also March when Slobodan Milošević died at the Hague Tribunal; the NATO bombing of Serbia began in March and a pogrom against Kosovo Serbs and Serbian cultural heritage sites in Kosovo was carried out in March 2004. Major demonstrations

The month of March is a factory of Serbian history, and the best thing would be for Serbia to declare the month of March as its own “ferragosto” - to head off on holiday and take a break from the traumatic conveyor belt of history against Milošević (in an attempted anti-communist counter-revolution), when Serbia had a chance, on the threshold of Eastern Europe, to overthrow the communism that had mutated under Milošević into hellish bureaucratic nationalism, took place on 9th March 1991. Given that this occurred immediately after International Women’s Day (commemorated on 8th March), Serbia could have had its own authentic ‘carnation revolution’, to use the Portuguese symbolism. The tanks that Milošević ordered onto the streets of Belgrade on that 9th March were later deployed to Croatia, to Vukovar.

It was in Belgrade on 23rd March 1903 that demonstrations were held against the regime of King Alexander Obrenović, which accelerated the wheels of history towards the “May Coup”(the assassinations of King Alexander and Queen Draga Mašin), which brought the Karađorđević dynasty to the throne and changed the course of Serbian history fatally. This event and its ‘murderous instincts’ were analysed by the New York Times (24th June 1903). Serbia had a terrible image at the time, and there was no Novak Đoković to fix it. However, already by 1922, when King Alexander Karađorđević married Princess Maria, the daughter of Romanian King Ferdinand, the correspondent of London’s The Times wrote on 9th June 1922: “We can recall this Balkan court, shunned by all European royal families just fifteen years ago, but now respected by everyone, with an awareness of the suffering and humiliating of the Serbs during the Great War, which ended with the triumphant resurrection of the Southern Slavs”.

This March marks four decades since the major Albanian demonstrations in Kosovo that lit the fuse on the Yugoslav crisis and promoted the slogan “Kosovo Republic!”

Yes – it was in March last year that the novel Coronavirus officially arrived in Serbia. I received this news at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, during a conference on the alliance between the U.S. and Serbia.

It would be nice if the words of U.S. Ambassador Anthony Godfrey and then Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, about partnership with and assistance to Serbia, were not devalued due to Trump’s defeat.

Interview Exclusive DAVID McALLISTER

AFET CHAIR AND DEG CO-CHAIR, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Creating

Trust Is Key The final report of the OSCE/ODIHR on the June 2020 elections gives recommendations on how to improve the overall conditions, including an independent media environment, for all political actors who wish to seek citizens’ support - David McAllister 8

March

By Ljubica Gojgić

ENLARGEMENT

REFORMS

NEGOTIATIONS

Enlargement reports and accession countries are very high on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Committee

According to the assessment of the European Commission, Serbia obviously still has some work to do on fundamental reforms

The progress on the rule of law chapters will determine the pace of accession negotiations

T

The resumption of the political dialogue in Serbia was announced to begin “after the Christmas holidays”. We are now in March, yet neither the format nor the dynamics of the discussions have been defined. How would you respond to the concerns of the opposition that the start of the dialogue is being delayed unnecessarily?

There are ongoing activities on the side of the European Parliament when it comes to the Inter-Party Dialogue. I have been in good contact with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ivica Dačić, to ensure continued facilitation under the auspices of the National Assembly. The process should start as soon as possible, taking into account the announcement of early parliamentary elections for April 2022. The European Parliament’s facilitation team will be led by current MEPs Vladimir Bilčík and Tanja Fajon. They will be supported in their tasks by former MEPs Eduard Kukan and Knut Fleckenstein.

Photos European Parliament

he discussion between David McAllister, President of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Policy, and Ivica Dačić, Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, marked the finalisation of preparations for the so-called second phase of the InterParty Dialogue, which, like the first phase, is dedicated to creating the conditions for fair and free elections. The European Parliament delegation mediating this dialogue has retained the same composition, says David McAllister for CorD Magazine. European parliamentarians will face a challenge, perhaps as early as this month, in helping to mediate the first official discussion between representatives of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the opposition parties that opted to boycott the June 2020 elections.

The electoral framework needs to be improved.

That’s why the European Parliament is ready to continue the Inter-Party Dialogue, which could assist in preparing the reforms Given that you initiated the political dialogue that preceded the 2020 parliamentary elections, are there any changes that you would suggest in the latest attempt to agree on fair elections?

During the first phase of the InterParty Dialogue, the participants reached a consensus on 17 commitments to improving electoral conditions, which need to be fully implemented by all relevant stakeholders.

The final report on the June 2020 elections by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) gives recommendations on how to improve overall conditions. It is key to create trust in institutions and a level-playing field, including an independent media environment, for all political actors who wish to seek citizens’ support. A group of MEPs from the ranks of the liberals recently requested that the report on Serbia include assess-

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Photos European Parliament

Interview Exclusive

ments by the OSCE/ODIHR mission that the parliamentary elections in Serbia were held with “significant shortcomings”, such as pressure on voters, officials’ campaigns and media bias. What does such a report say about the real scope of the political dialogue that preceded the elections?

The report can only be treated as being final after a vote is held in the plenary of the European Parliament. This text is currently still in the drafting phase. The political groups are carefully working on the specific contents. In general, the enlargement reports, including the one on Serbia, should be seen as a set of political messages and guidelines that the European Parliament wants to give, not only to the Serbian authorities, but also to the European Commission and the European Union Member States, in order to accelerate the accession process 10

March

For the European Union, Mr Biden is a president we can cooperate with better. He stands for trust, reliability and predictability. I am certain that our transatlantic partnership will get a new impetus When it comes to the European Parliament’s report on Serbia that the plenum will deal with in March, what would you say about the 600 amendments submitted to the draft

by Vladimir Bilcik?

As far as I know, 385 amendments were tabled. Enlargement reports and accession countries are very high on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The numerous amendments express a variety of positions of the respective political groups and interested MEPs. They refer to many aspects of Serbia’s relations with the EU, acknowledging the progress already achieved. At the same time, MEPs are also calling for improvements on democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, media freedom and the fight against corruption. At this stage, it is hard to predict the outcome, as the negotiations on the compromise text are ongoing. Do you share the concerns of MEPs regarding the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country, which has been emphasised in a number of amendments to the report on Serbia?

According to the assessment of the European Commission, Serbia obviously still has some work to do on fundamental reforms.

The progress on the rule of law chapters will determine the pace of accession negotiations.

The electoral framework needs to be improved.

That’s why the European Parliament is ready to continue the Inter-Party Dialogue, which could assist in preparing the reforms. Do you think the position of the group of European parliamentarians seeking a formal response to the “hate speech” of Serbian politicians, directed against members of the European Parliament, is well-founded?

Photos European Parliament

Democratic discourse requires the respect of certain rules and standards. This applies to every political discussion. Respect is fundamental for a liberal and pluralistic society. The key issue in the EU at present is the struggle against COVID-19.

How do you see initiatives to introduce “coronavirus certificates” to be used by citizens when travelling inside the EU?

It is understandable that countries which largely depend on tourism are calling for such an initiative. The situation is currently still very serious, especially in the light of the new variations. The EU heads of states have agreed to work on a standardised and inter-operable form as a proof of vaccination for medical purposes. At the moment, we need to concentrate our efforts on providing access to vaccination to as many citizens as possible and as soon as possible. Given that you’ve been critical of outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump, what changes in relations with the EU do you expect under the presidency of Joe Biden?

For the European Union, Mr Biden is a president we can cooperate with better. He stands for trust, reliability and predictability. I am certain that our transatlantic partnership will get a new impetus. On the multilateral stage, the United States will become more active again. The European Union will get back its traditional partner when it comes

I am optimistic that my CDU party and our sister party from Bavaria, the CSU, is well prepared and organised for the coming elections.

I look forward to an election campaign with fair conditions. I hope for tough debates on the political content, based on mutual respect and tolerance to the promoting of a rules-based global order. Also on the bilateral level, there is a lot to repair. It is the right time to define a new agenda for EU-US transatlantic relations in order to tackle common challenges.

How are Germany and your Christian Democratic Union preparing for Angela Merkel’s departure as Chancellor, as an event that has already be given the epithet of ‘historic’?

After almost 16 years, Angela Merkel has declared that she will no longer run the country as chancellor. Indeed, it will be an historic moment and the beginning of a new era. It will be a crucial year for Germany’s political future, with the Federal election on 26th September. In mid-January, my party, the CDU, elected Armin Laschet as the new leader. He is an experienced politician and a convinced European, having been an MEP himself from 1999 until 2005. I’m optimistic that my party and our sister party from Bavaria, the CSU, is well prepared and organised for the coming elections. I look forward to an election campaign with fair conditions. I hope for tough debates on the political content, based on mutual respect and tolerance.

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Interview If the art of creating the Brussels compromise consisted, for many years, of searching for solutions that are acceptable to both the “engine of European integration” and to the countries of the EU’s north and south, then in no case can it ignore the voice of the member states from Central Europe Rafał Paweł Perl

H.E. RAFAŁ PAWEŁ PERL

AMBASSADOR OF POLAND TO SERBIA

Three Decades of

Amazing Evolution

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n this jubilee year marking the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Visegrád Group, Poland finds itself presiding over this regional initiative, which also consists of Slovakia, Czechia and Hungary. In this interview for CorD Magazine, Polish Ambassador Rafał Paweł Perl says that the aim of the group is to continue to “strengthen its collective influence in the EU, while deepening cohesion within the Group”.

The member countries of the Visegrád Group support the expansion of the EU to encompass the countries of the Balkans, including Serbia, which they also see as a partner in the extended variation of regional cooperation dubbed V4 Plus. How much has the connecting of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia influenced political, economic and general social changes in your countries?

In the past 30 years, Central European countries – among them the countries of the Visegrád Group: Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia – underwent an amazing evolution. We entered the ‘90s as post-communist countries, associated not only with glorious battles against oppressive systems, but also with poverty and drab, economic

By Ljubica Gojgić

VISEGRÁD GROUP

REGIONAL COOPERATION

TRADE EXCHANGE

According to statistics, the V4 countries together represent the 4th biggest EU economy and the 5th biggest exporter in Europe.

V4 cooperation is a good example of the added value that regional cooperation creates – this is why we welcome and support all initiatives aimed at that kind of interaction in the Western Balkans

Our bilateral trade exchange amounts to approximately 1.3 billion euros, which, according to official statistics of the Serbian government, means that we are Serbia’s 8th largest trade partner

failure caused by a centrally-planned economy that spanned decades and USSR-allied Eastern Bloc countries. Difficult social and economic transformation was accompanied by, on the one side, the release of enormous energy aimed at strengthening the newly regained political sovereignty and, on the other, the developing of an entrepreneurial spirit and free competition. The result of the first tendency was a joint declaration that the then Czechoslovakia, the Republic of Poland and Hungary signed on 15th February 1991, when the then-leaders of our countries decided to work together towards EU integration.Thanks to consistent efforts of individual countries and cooperation within V4, we managed to achieve goals that had seemed very distant in the early ‘90s: NATO membership followed by the simultaneous accession of V4 members to the EU on 1st May 2004. This political success would not have been possible without the success of reform measures in the economic field – together with continuous GDP and investment growth, Central Europe became one of the flywheels of the European economy. According to statistics, the V4 countries together represent the 4th biggest EU economy and the 5th biggest exporter in Europe. What are the Visegrád Group’s priorities today?

The EU remains the main platform for V4 cooperation. It is through effectively influencing the EU agenda that our four countries can partially impact on the global order and make an actual impact on the immediate neighbourhood. One of the brands of V4 as a group is maintaining the existing rules of cohesion policy and providing constant support to the enlargement process. The main goals of the current V4 Polish presidency (running from July 2020 until end of June 2021) are the further strengthening of our collective influence on the EU decision-making process (i.e. in the field of sectoral politics or the digital agenda), cooperation and the coordination of action within the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and deepening of the

cohesion within the Group (with an emphasis on developing contacts between our societies and “V4-connectivity” links and synergy). The Visegrád Group has been viewed with respect in the European Union for decades, as a good example of regional integration within the EU. However, in recent years – starting with the emergence of the migrant crisis – you have often been dubbed “EU rebels”. How do you view relations between the V4 countries and the rest of the EU?

Thanks to consistent efforts of individual countries and cooperation within V4, we managed to achieve goals that had seemed very distant in the early ‘90s: NATO membership followed by the simultaneous accession of V4 members to the EU on 1st May 2004 V4 cooperation is a good example of the added value that regional cooperation creates – this is why we welcome and support all initiatives aimed at that kind of interaction in the Western Balkans. Continuation of the long-term partnership and usage of pre-accession proven mechanisms of coordination brought – and is still bringing – measurable effects in the form of the V4’s constructive influence on shaping the internal and external EU agenda. V4 representatives, at the level of prime ministers and foreign ministers, as well as heads of other ministries,

regularly meet ahead of most important EU meetings, in order to discuss individual countries’ stances or find a common denominator that would ease making decisions in favour not only of the EU as a whole, but our region as well. It is worth noting that, in Brussels, V4 leaders represent over 64 million EU citizens (the Visegrád countries together represent the 4th largest EU population) and, in light of the EU rules linking voting power to population, can and should be a determinant of certain aspirations related to shaping the future of the EU. If the art of creating the Brussels compromise for many years consisted of searching for solutions acceptable to both the “engine of European integration” and to the countries of the EU’s north and south, then in no case can it ignore the voice of the member states from Central Europe. Are there any grounds for criticism from Brussels insisting that certain public policies in the V4 countries contradict the EU’s fundamental values? The Polish law virtually banning women from exercising their right to abortions has been cited as the latest example.

With regard to critical opinions appearing in the public domain and relating to alleged threats against fundamental values in countries like Poland, it is worth noting that there has been a mix up of two conceptual systems that deal with two separate realms. Firstly, we can address a dispute between the Polish Government and the European Commission in terms of European law, within the so-called implementation of Article 7 that mostly deals with justice reform in our country. The impasse that has existed on this issue for several months results from the lack of support of several member states for the European Commission’s stance. Member states either support Polish argumentation or consider the European Court of Justice (whose judgements are strictly enforced by Poland) – and not the European Commission – as the competent authority in such complicated European law-related matters. A com-

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Interview countries have been active for a number of years within the EU’s informal “friends of enlargement” group, also known as the Tallinn Group. As V4, we have strived for years, by consistently supporting the pro-European aspirations of countries like Serbia at a political, expert and technical level, to put into practise the idea of a democratic, safe, stable and prosperous Europe. Serbia and other countries of this region, as countries in the immediate or close neighbourhood of the Visegrád Four, are particularly dear to us, which is reflected in regular high-level meetings organised in the V4-WB format by each subsequent Visegrád presidency. What forms the essence of the V4 Plus initiative?

pletely separate area relates to particularly sensitive issues, such as the anti-abortion/pro-life stance, same-sex marriages or euthanasia, which – also due to an historical, social or religious context – remain within the individual country’s jurisdiction and do not fall under the scope of EU law. It is important to point out that the only EU country to fully ban abortions is Malta, while the cited limitation (and not prohibition) of three to two prerequisites for terminations of pregnancies in Poland is a result of a legally unquestionable decision of judges sitting on the Constitutional Tribunal – the body responsible for interpreting the Polish constitution. The members of the Visegrád Group support the continued enlargement of the EU, including Serbia’s European integration. However, how do you view Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s proposal that Serbia join the V4 group, in some way?

The unequivocal conviction that the EU enlargement process needs to be continued remains deeply embedded in the thinking of successive V4 governments, which was already reflected in the text of the

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It is worth noting that, in Brussels, V4 leaders represent over 64 million EU citizens (the Visegrád countries together represent the 4th largest EU population) and, in light of the EU rules linking voting power to population, can and should be a determinant of certain aspirations related to shaping the future of the EU first Visegrád Declaration signed thirty years ago: “it is the conviction of the signatory states that, in the light of the political and economic challenges they face, as well as social renewal efforts, their cooperation is an important step on the road to pan-European integration”. The Visegrád Four

V4+ is a proven format of cooperation and consultation with the most important V4 partners, which can be both multilateral (V4 + Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, Benelux), as well as more individual (V4 + Japan, South Korea, USA or Israel). Regardless of the basic advantage, which is the possibility of building comprehensive political, economic or cultural relations covering the entire region of Central Europe and selected partners, from a practical point of view (in this case I refer to my personal experience as chief of staff to the foreign minister responsible, among others, for preparing the calendar and meeting agenda of two successive heads of Polish diplomacy), it is a solution that significantly eases the maintaining of regular, personal high-level contacts, which are reflected in the implementation of specific cooperation projects. Having arrived in Serbia last year, how would you now assess bilateral relations between Poland and Serbia?

Our bilateral relations are based on respect and partnership, resulting from a long history of mutual ties, historical and cultural similarities, as well as friendship between our societies. We have for many years been consistently supporting Belgrade’s pro-EU aspirations, both in the political sphere and by sharing our specific EU-related expertise within annual meetings of the so-called Belgrade Conference. I hope that very good contacts at the highest political level will also translate into further expansion of sectoral cooperation, where both sides have a lot to offer each other. Here I’m referring in particular to areas such as modern technologies and artificial intelligence, energy, agriculture, biotechnology and environmental protection.

An invitation for Polish President Duda to once again visit Serbia was extended during your first meeting with Serbian President Vučić. Is this invitation being considered?

We are grateful for President Vučić’s invitation and I am personally very much counting on the possibility of organising the visit of the President of the Republic of Poland to Serbia. Should the epidemiological situation in both countries permit, I hope that President Andrzej Duda will be able to pay a visit to Belgrade later this year. It should be recalled that the last visit at such a high level took place in 2009. It goes without saying that each visit of a head of state is a rather complicated ceremonial and protocol endeavour. Nevertheless, it is an excellent opportunity to bring new dynamism to our bilateral relations. The joint presence of high level officials and representatives of the business community from both countries usually leads to the achieving of tangible results, charting the path for future cooperation. Compared to the level of political relations, economic cooperation between Poland and Serbia is lagging behind. Do you see possibilities for the two countries’ economies to be brought closer together?

Although I do not fully agree with your assessment of Polish-Serbian bilateral economic relations, I do believe that they certainly have great potential for further development. Our bilateral trade exchange amounts to approximately 1.3 billion euros, which, according to official statistics of the Serbian government, means that we are Serbia’s 8th largest trade partner. Polish companies have so far invested over 250 million euros in Serbia.

Regardless of the English-sounding names of many products and brands, which are rarely directly associated with our country, Polish clothes, shoes and cosmetics are widely available on the local market. The inhabitants of Serbia are also buying Polish food (including organic products), furniture and medicines, use banks and services that operate thanks to Polish-made IT software, and fly planes that are serviced in Belgrade by a Polish-Czech company. Sectors such as ICT and new technologies (also in the field of urban space management), agri-food processing, mining and energy, environmental protection and biotechnology are particularly prospective when it comes to the further development of bilateral cooperation.

Polish companies have so far invested over 250 million euros in Serbia.

Regardless of the Englishsounding names of many products and brands, which are rarely directly associated with our country, Polish clothes, shoes and cosmetics are widely available on the local market Local media in Serbia recently reported on a joint initiative of Polish and Serbian students aimed at bridging the cultural gap between the two countries through the dissemination of country-specific

knowledge. It was then stated that Polish people know very little about Serbia, which they still view as part of the former Yugoslavia through the prism of war crimes trials. Is that also the impression you have; and do you intend to strengthen cooperation in the domain of culture?

I believe that expanding social, scientific and cultural contacts is certainly one of the best recipes for building the future of our bilateral cooperation and increasing mutual knowledge about our countries.

Although some representatives of older generations perceive Serbia only as a post-Yugoslav state, and Poland is seen as a poor and grey post-communist state, general public perception of each other is very positive. It is based on common values connecting Poles and Serbs: attachment to the family, respect for history and tradition, as well as legendary hospitality.

As the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Belgrade, I am also pleased to see growing academic exchanges (more and more Polish students choose to study in Serbia, within the EU Erasmus programme), as well as strengthening relations between our cultural institutions and local governments.

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GLOBAL DIARY

“Our supply is beyond what is needed by the citizens of Israel. We have more than enough to help where we can. It is mostly symbolic,” – BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL

METROPOLITAN PORFIRIJE OF ZAGREB AND LJUBLJANA A NEW PATRIARCH OF SERBIA The Holy Assembly of Bishops elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021. Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovac and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije.

Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

U.S. OFFICIALLY REJOINS PARIS AGREEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE

their greenhouse gas emissions in an attempt to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius - preferably below 1.5 degrees Celsius - compared to pre-industrial temperatures.

Rejoining the Paris Agreement was one of President Biden’s top priorities. Only hours after taking the oath of office, he signed an executive order initiating a 30-day process to reenter the pact.

The United States on Friday officially rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change designed to limit global warming and avoid its potentially catastrophic impacts.

Nearly 200 nations have signed on to the landmark accord and committed to limit

MARIO DRAGHI ITALY’S NEW PRIME MINISTER Mario Draghi has been sworn in as Italy’s new prime minister after forming a national unity government that faces the tough task of marshalling a recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

On 12 February, Draghi, a former president of the European Central Bank, was officially appointed by Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s head of state, in a ceremony held in the Italian presidential palace in Rome.

Draghi becomes Italy’s 30th prime minister since the birth of the republic in 1946 and, having won the backing of almost every large Italian party, will lead a mixed government of made up of a number of technocrats in central roles as well as politicians.

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“This is not the first time that significant security and diplomatic decisions are made behind the backs of the relevant officials, with possible harm to the security of the state, foreign relations and rule of law,” – BENNY GANTZ, ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER

NOVAK DJOKOVIĆ WINS NINTH AUSTRALIAN OPEN Novak Djoković continued his dominance of the Australian Open by overwhelming Daniil Medvedev to win a record-extending ninth men’s title. Top seed Djoković won 7-5 6-2 6-2 to claim his 18th Grand Slam, leaving him two behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the men’s record books. Novak has never lost a final at Melbourne Park and beating Medvedev is a third triumph in a row. Russian fourth seed Medvedev, 25, has lost both of his Grand Slam finals. After collecting the trophy, Djoković told the Rod Laver Arena: “I love you each year more and more. The love affair keeps going.”

Djoković clinched the title after one hour and 53 minutes with a backhand overhead volley, falling to the blue court on his back before lapping up the acclaim of the reduced 7,500 crowd.

DONALD TRUMP ACQUITTED IN SECOND IMPEACHMENT 45th U.S. President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial ended in a not guilty verdict on a vote of 57-43, short of the two-thirds majority required. The nine House impeachment managers presenting the charge against the former president argue that he betrayed his oath of office by inciting his followers to storm the Capitol on 6 January. Trump’s lawyers counter that he didn’t encourage violence and simply exercised his First Amendment rights “I always have, and always will be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement and the right of Americans to peacefully and honourably debate the issues of the day without malice and hate,” former President Trump said in a statement minutes after the effort to convict him failed in the Senate.

EUROPE AND COVID-19 VACCINATION PASSPORTS European Union leaders moved closer to an agreement on certificates showing that citizens have been vaccinated against COVID-19, a move that could revive international travel and save this summer’s holiday season.

Some countries want an EU-wide approach instead of a patchwork of national schemes that in many cases are not intended to serve as travel documents. Halfway through a summit of leaders on the pandemic, officials said “convergence on a harmonised approach” to certificates was emerging.

ALBIN KURTI AND HIS LEFTLEANING COALITION WON VICTORY IN KOSOVO Albin Kurti and his left-leaning coalition won a victory in Kosovo’s national election on 14 February — less than a year after he was pushed out as prime minister, under heavy pressure from the Trump administration. With 90 per cent of the ballots counted, the coalition between Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement (LVV) and independent candidate Vjosa Osmani is set to win just under 48 per cent of the vote, according to the Central Election Commission, the largest margin of support won in any election since NATO’s bombing campaign ended Serbian rule over Kosovo in 1999. Kurti’s win looks set to further complicate Western efforts to broker peace between Kosovo and Serbia. His party has argued there can be no compromise with Serbia, and Kurti’s confrontational style may not be well-suited for resolving ongoing disputes in an EU-sponsored dialogue that has made little progress for years.

March

17

Focus

HAS THE LONG-ANTICIPATED FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME IN SERBIA FINALLY BEGUN?

Arrests On Camera

Are Not Enough There is no doubt that the Government of Serbia has started its showdown with organised crime, as was announced in its expose. However, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will persist in detecting and proving such crimes. The first aspect is called into question due to the deep links between criminals and parts of government, while the second depends on the credibility of gathered evidence

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he fight against organised crime held a prominent place in the first hundred days of the term of the new Government of Serbia, but many observers recall that a large number of such

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actions didn’t result in successful trials or the condemning of the perpetrators to prison, both those who belong to these groups and those in higher echelons of power who have given them support.

BOJAN ELEK

RESEARCHER AT THE BELGRADE CENTRE FOR SECURITY POLICY

CRIMINALS MUST REMAIN BEHIND BARS WHAT IS LACKING IN ORDER FOR THE PUBLIC TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS REALLY A SHOWDOWN AND NOT JUST ANOTHER MEDIA MANIPULATION IS THE REVEALING OF LINKS BETWEEN THESE CRIMINAL GROUPS AND POLITICS, WHICH PORTALS HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND REPORTING ON FOR YEARS.

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xactly 100 days after the war against the mafia was included in the exposé of the new Government of Serbia, it seems that the state has finally started its showdown with organised crime, and it doing so from Veljko Belivuk’s group, which is close to the Kavač Clan. The media report constantly and in great detail on the arrests of members of this group, exposing horrific details of the crimes they’ve allegedly committed, as well as their connections within the police and judicial system. However, what is lacking in order for the public to believe that this is really a showdown and not just another media manipulation is the revealing of links between this criminal group and politics, which portals have been researching and reporting on for years.. It is worth reminding readers that the state previALTHOUGH JOVANJICA WAS VISITED BY ously arrested masses of famous names in its actions, such as PROMINENT NAMES, INCLUDING THE CURRENT Rezač, Skener, Tsunami et al, after which indictments were not INTERIOR MINISTER, THERE ARE NO NAMES filed and most of those arrested were released and allowed to go FROM THE WORLD OF POLITICS INCLUDED IN THE home without an epilogue. Taught by these experiences, citizens should wait to see criminals behind bars after trial, instead of INDICTMENT IN THIS CASE EITHER handcuffed in front of television cameras.

These events around Velja Nevolja has, however, cast the Jovanjica case into the background. Another indictment was recently confirmed in this case, which established that the alleged world-class drug lord, Koluvija, had associates in the police, the Security Information Agency and the military services. It looks as though this case is really composed like a “healthy, systemic story“, as one of the accused described in an intercepted conversation. Unfortunately, there are no names from the world of politics included in the indictment in this case either, although Jovanjica was visited by prominent names, including the current interior minister.

What Serbian citizens want to see are results in the fight against organised crime, given that public opinion polls show that organised crime is top of their list of internal security challenges. The European Union also wants to see this, with final indictments in cases of organised crime also included on its list of priorities regarding Serbia’s progress towards EU accession.

Let’s hope that this Government will not disappoint them all, despite its pre-term mandate.

March

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Focus

HAS THE LONG-ANTICIPATED FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME IN SERBIA FINALLY BEGUN?

MARKO NICOVIĆ

LAWYER, FORMER CHIEF OF POLICE OF THE CITY OF BELGRADE

SUPPORTERS AND JUDGES CRIMINALS UNDER THE GUISE OF “SUPPORTERS” ARE A BIG PROBLEM, BUT THEY’VE STRENGTHENED UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PART OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. TESTIFYING TO THIS INDIRECTLY IS THE FACT THAT THEY HAVEN’T COMMITTED ANY SERIOUS INCIDENTS IN THE LAST EIGHT YEARS. THIS SUGGESTS THAT CERTAIN FLIRTING HAS EXISTED BETWEEN THEM AND THE AUTHORITIES.

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uring these 100 days, the Government of Serbia has - among other actions and promoted objectives – launched its struggle against organised crime. Every action in the fight against crime should be welcomed and supported in any country. However, one should not be euphoric in that. Criminals under the guise of “supporters” are a big problem, but they’ve strengthened under the protection of part of the establishment. We need only recall that in the last eight years they haven’t once created chaos in the city like they did before. This leads to the consideration that certain flirting has existed between them and the authorities.

However, when they strengthened in terms of financing, status and WE SHOULDN’T FORGET THAT THERE ARE organisation, they became a problem that isn’t easy to solve now.

NUMEROUS ‘SUPPORTERS GROUPS’ IN SERBIA WITH They now have their own logistics among the ranks of the poTHOUSANDS OF MEMBERS ORGANISED ACCORDING lice, judiciary, political parties, media companies, football clubs etc.

TO A MILITARY PRINCIPLE We shouldn’t forget that there are thousands of them organised according to a military principle. The arrested Belivuk is the leader of the “Principles” group, but what is happening with others like the Ultra Boys, Alcatras, Bad Boys, Delije, Grobari and others.

Numerous professional murders have occurred due to the dividing of jobs and territories, which have not been resolved and were carried out by these groups. They are also well connected in the region and beyond, while their main business is drug trafficking, racketeering, extortion and blackmail. We are yet to see a fierce clash in this struggle, which will be neither quick nor easy.

VLADIMIR ĐUKANOVIĆ SERBIAN PROGRESSIVE PARTY MP, LAWYER

COURTS ARE KEY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIARY IN THE SEGMENT OF GATHERING ENOUGH SOLID EVIDENCE WITH WHICH THE PROSECUTION WILL GO TO COURT. THAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE JOB. 20

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he fight against organised crime is an essential need for this society, but we must always be careful when discussing it.

It is good that the Government of the Republic of Serbia has also proclaimed this, but I’m now speaking as a lawyer, so I must emphasise that the role of the Government in that situation is important but not crucial. Specifically, the Government of Serbia cannot make arrests or order investigations. That is done by the prosecutor’s office, with the Ministry of the Interior acting on the orders of the prosecutor’s office. Ultimately, the key is in the courts, because that’s where judgements are made.

So, cooperation between the executive government and the judiciary is very important in the segment where the Interior Ministry, in cooperation with the prosecutor’s office, gathers sufficiently strong evidence with I BELIEVE DEEPLY THAT THE STATE WILL NOT which the prosecutor’s offices will go to court. This is the most difficult ABANDON THIS FIGHT, BUT I THINK THERE MUST part of the job, because if you don’t have strong enough evidence that BE A CLEANSING OF CRIMINAL ASSOCIATES has been collected in a legally prescribed manner, then you can’t expect WITHIN THE SYSTEM... THEY RUN AS DEEP AS the courts to make judgements that the public might want. What is proof YOU LIKE TO DELVE to a layman isn’t necessarily also proof for the court. We often hear various stories about some events that essentially became public secrets and we all know that they happened, but we don’t have solid evidence proving that it was done by the person who is publicly mentioned as the perpetrator of that crime. In such instances the court cannot make the decision that the public would like, and then sticks and stones are thrown at to the judges. That’s why prosecutors must be cautious down to the most minute detail and must collect all the evidence in accordance with the law, in order for them to appear before the court with something that’s certain.

I believe deeply that the state will not abandon this fight, but I think there must be a cleansing of criminal associates within the system. Unfortunately, they run as deep as you like to delve. Only then will we be able to say for certain that the state has commenced a serious showdown.

March

21

Feature Auf Wiedersehen, ‘Mutti’:

How Angela Merkel’s Centrist Politics Shaped Germany And Europe

Since 2005, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has been one of the most stable and enduring of political forces, both in Europe and on the global stage. During her 16 years as leader, she has won four elections for her conservative Christian Democratic Party (CDU), faced the European refugee crisis, the global coronavirus pandemic, the threat of European populism, and challenging leaders such as US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

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By Binoy Kampmark, The Conversation

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n September 2021, when the German elections will be held, one of the longest serving leaders of postwar Europe will leave office.

She does so having steered Germany from being a “sick man of Europe” to becoming the world’s fourth largest economy.

She leaves her country and Europe with her own singular brand of “Merkelism”: the pragmatic politics of the centre marked by managing alliances and eliminating rivals; a considered pro-Europeanism and a belief in transatlantic relations; and a specific form of at times indecisive incrementalism.

SHE ‘WAITS AND WAITS’ For sociologist Wolfgang Streeck, Merkel is a postmodern politician with a premodern, Machiavellian contempt for both causes and people.

Educated in the communist former East Germany (DDR), she mastered the art, claimed biographer and Der Spiegel deputy editor-in-chief Dirk Kurbjuweit, of governing by silence, being cautious, and at times inscrutable, with her words: She waits and waits to see where the train is going and then she jumps on the train.

In 2003, she pushed her conservative party into the choppy waters of deregulation and neo-liberal economics, a move that almost lost her the election to the Social Democrat Gerhard Schröder, another market “reformer” who arguably set the conditions she would thrive in. After becoming chancellor, she proceeded to clean the party stables of neo-liberals and become a key centrist, with the assistance of the Grand Coalition comprising the remains of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In domestic policy, she abolished military conscription, accepted, after initial reservation, single-sex marriage, and supported the introduction of a minimum wage in 2015. In approaching COVID-19, she demonstrated enviable skills in crisis management, leading to approval ratings of 72%.

Crisis management also marked her European policy, notably in saving the euro during the global financial crisis of 2009. But this came with its costs, with Merkel devoted to balancing the books and maintaining tight budgets to preserve the monetary union. Indebted countries such as Greece risked bankruptcy and a possible exit from the Eurozone.

Merkel, through her stern Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, insisted on austerity measures in bailout negotiations. Greece would eventually be aided at the expense of its financial sovereignty.

ERKEL’S ABILITY TO MORPH HAS M SERVED HER WELL Throughout her chancellorship, Merkel has been able to change course abruptly to suit the political mood. Having convinced the Bundestag that phasing out nuclear energy born from the RedGreen coalition of 2001 was bad (an extension of operating times by eight to 14 years was proposed), Merkel proceeded, in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, to order the closure of eight of the country’s 17 nuclear plants with a despot’s urgency.

This became the prelude to the policy of Energiewende, the “energy transition” aimed at phasing out all nuclear power plants by 2022 and a sharp shift towards decarbonising the economy.

Merkel the shape-changer was again on show during Europe’s refugee crisis. She showed much

For sociologist Wolfgang Streeck, Merkel is a postmodern politician with a premodern, Machiavellian contempt for both causes and people

initial enthusiasm in 2015 for new arrivals, ignoring both German and EU law mandating registration in the first country of entry into the EU before seeking resettlement within the zone. Refugees gathered in Budapest were invited into Germany as part of “showing a friendly face in an emergency”.

This friendly face did not last long. A riot marked by rampant sexual assault at Cologne Central Station on New Year’s Eve in 2015, a good deal of it captured on smart phones, served to harden her approach to the new arrivals. She promised more deportations and reining in family reunification rules.

GERMANY’S PLACE IN THE WORLD In various areas of foreign policy, Merkel has also left her centrist, and at times inconsistent, mark.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 led to her persuading the EU to impose sanctions on Moscow.

She has also been a critic of Putin’s human rights record, notably towards dissident and opposition figures. But such human rights criticism comes with limits. The controversial Nord Stream 2 gas

pipeline, which will increase German dependence on Russian energy, has not been stopped.

Towards China, the chancellor has also taken divergent, at times eyebrow-raising approaches. The security risks of Chinese 5G telecommunications have been rebuffed, with Germany making an agreement with Huawei to build 5G networks in the country subject to safeguards. Merkel was also instrumental in pushing through an EU-China investment deal, despite criticism of Beijing’s human rights record towards Hong Kong protestors and the long-suffering Uighur minority.As Judy Dempsey observes,“Merkel’s support for human rights and the rule of law doesn’t square with her policy towards China”.

Like Merkel’s mentor Helmut Kohl was to discover, staying power is never eternal. Kohl lasted eight years as chancellor of West Germany before leading a united Germany for another eight. It is worth recalling who laid the final, cleansing blow to Kohl’s leadership in the wake of the anonymous donations scandal known as the Schwarzgeldaffäre: a certain Angela Merkel’s December 1999 contribution to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung calling for her former patron’s resignation and political banishment. “I brought my killer,” reflected Kohl ruefully. “I put the snake on my arm.”

Merkel has also found that power, in time, wears out those who wield it. Critics, such as Friedrich Merz, former leader of the chancellor’s parliamentary caucus, and Roland Koch, former minister president of Hesse, became bolder. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer was particularly critical of Merkel’s refugee policies.

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) now has a foothold in all 16 regional parliaments. The Greens have been polling strongly, while the Left Party and Free Democrats have doggedly maintained their presence. The day after the poor showing in the state elections in Hesse, Merkel announced she would not be seeking reelection as leader of the Christian Democrats. Nor would she be running again as chancellor in 2021.

Now, the CDU has another leader, Armin Laschet, who is very much committed to the centrist brand of politics Merkel made famous.

Whether he becomes the next chancellor is far from assured. Markus Söder, the Bavarian premier, is far more popular.

However, Laschet’s presence suggests that Merkelism, despite the departure of the leader many Germans call Mutti (mother), will continue in some form.

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Interview Milojko Arsić, Professor of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics

New Challenges – Old Baggage

There’s no high risk of a public debt crisis or a banking crisis in Serbia for now, but the country is confronted by unresolved systemic problems, such as legal uncertainty, inequality for market participants and high corruption.

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lthough the latest package of measures intended to help the economy can be considered as being economically ineffective, because the same effects could have been achieved with less money, there is still no reason to fear a possible public debt crisis.

Citizens and businesses today don’t consider these measures as being unfair, even though money is being given to both the rich and the poor, but a question remains as to how they’ll react when austerity measures are launched during the election year of 2022 - says Milojko Arsić, professor at the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade, with whom we discussed the short- and long-term repercussions of COVID-19 on economic activity in Serbia, the inflow of foreign investment and the creation of new jobs.

What should we remember about the first 100 days of the term of this Government of Serbia?

When it comes to the economy, the most important measures of the Government in the first 100 days included the adoption of the budget for 2021, the announcement of a new package of economic incentives, as well as the dispute with freelancers over the retroactive collection of taxes.

After the implementation of the announced package of measures, the result of fiscal policy for this year will be a fiscal deficit of around six per cent of GDP, as well as additional state borrowing totalling approximately two billion euros. Public debt will exceed 60% of GDP during the course of this year, but the country’s fiscal position will remain solid, meaning that the risk of a public debt crisis will remain low.

In order for fiscal policy to remain sustainable in the future, it is essential to reduce the fiscal deficit significantly in the coming year, in order to halt the growth of public debt. Reducing the fiscal deficit economically is relatively easy to achieve, because there was a one-off increase in public expenditure while public revenue decreased, but no increase occurred in the structural fiscal deficit. However, a sharp reduction of the fiscal deficit during the election year of 2022 will represent a political challenge.

The dispute with freelancers over the payment of taxes indicates that, instead of a systematic fight against the grey economy, we will continue to see the dominance of ad hoc actions that are legally and economically problematic. Introducing obligatory payments of taxes for everyone who earns an income in Serbia, including freelancers, is indisputable, but

Under the circumstances of a recession and the pandemic, justifiable reasons exist to apply an expansive fiscal and monetary policy, but that creates room for measures motivated by political reasons to be justified using economic and epidemiological arguments the imposing of retroactive tax payments is a blatant example of legal uncertainty, but also the unequal treatment of taxpayers. An additional problem is that this stifles a prosperous part of the economy that creates significant added value and provides a high inflow of foreign currency.

We have many announcements of a package of measures of the Government of Serbia intended for the economy and citizens, but that package has not been fully clarified. How do you evaluate the announced measures and their possible effects?

From the perspective of credibility, it is not good when the Government proposes a large package of incentive measures that implies a budget rebalance just a month or two after adopting the budget for 2021. No substantial new information appeared during the last two months that wasn’t already known in the period when the 2021 budget was adopted.

When it comes to the package itself, it is dominated by non-selective measures, which means

that a large part of this assistance will be given to enterprises and citizens who haven’t been hit by the crisis. In this sense, the package can be considered as being economically ineffective, because the same effects could have been achieved with less money, but also unfair, because equal assistance is provided for both rich and poor citizens alike. Despite these noted shortcomings, the proposed package will have a positive impact on the economy in the short term, as it will contribute to increasing domestic demand and preserving jobs and citizens’ standard of living. The long-term effects of the package are controversial, because Serbia will emerge from the crisis with higher public debt than it needs in order to achieve its economic and social objectives.

There is currently talk about the possibility of presidential elections, early parliamentary elections and elections for the City of Belgrade being held in one or two waves at the end of this year and the beginning of 2022. What kinds of effects

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Interview could this election activity have on the economy, and how, in that context, do you consider the latest announced package of measures of the Government of Serbia to help the economy and citizens?

Fiscal expansion on the eve of elections has the consequence of temporarily improving the performance of the economy, i.e. accelerating its growth, preserving employment, increasing wages and citizens’ standard of living. Under the circumstances of a recession and the pandemic, justifiable reasons exist to apply an expansive fiscal and monetary policy, but that creates room for measures motivated by political reasons to be justified using economic and epidemiological arguments. The presence of political motives in shaping fiscal policy during last year and this is visible primarily in the fact that the assistance provided to the economy and citizens is approved non-selectively, in order to gain the support of the broadest possible sections of the population. It benefits the government that most citizens don’t perceive these non-selective measures as being unfair, nor do they consider the fact that such a policy increases the public debt that citizens will have to repay in the future.

The pandemic has, to an extent, anaesthetised our ability to see long-term trends. However, after almost a year of working under the conditions of a pandemic, what can we say about the key trends?

The pandemic’s impact on economic activity over the next few years will depend on how many lasting consequences it has on the economy in the form of increased public and private debt, worsening credit quality, rising unemployment etc. If the pandemic causes a public debt crisis or a banking crisis in some large economy, that will have a negative impact on the recovery of the world economy, while if such a crisis hit a small economy it would only have negative consequences for that country. The slower recovery of the world economy in the medium term could be influenced by restrictive fiscal policy measures to prevent a public debt crisis, as well as increasing the interest rates that maintain monetary stability.

When it comes to Serbia, there is no high risk of a public debt crisis or a banking crisis for now, but the country is confronted by unresolved systemic problems, such as legal uncertainty, inequality for market participants, high levels of corruption, an inefficient state administration etc. I expect foreign trade exchanges to continue to grow rapidly after the end of the crisis, and for isolationist policies to be applied temporarily and sporadically.

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investments made beyond their home countries.

What could this mean in the long run when it comes to the Serbian economy’s growth model?

The tendency of companies to invest more in their own country than would be the case on the basis of economic calculations has been known for several decades. This tendency increases particularly strongly during times of crisis, when foreign investments decline significantly more than total investments. Total global investments last year are estimated to have fallen by about 10%, while foreign direct investments fell by about a third.

FDI is expected to grow again following the end of the crisis, but the geographical distribution of this investment will probably be somewhat different. One of the expected changes is a reduction in investments by European companies in China and other Asian countries, particularly when it comes to the production of goods that are sold outside of those countries.The basic reason for this is the rising cost of production in China, which has resulted in it becoming more cost-effective to locate production for the European market in less developed parts of Europe than in China, while an additional reason is the growing strategic rivalry between the West and China. This is one of the changes that could be accelerated by the pandemic, and which could benefit countries like Serbia.

Introducing obligatory payments of taxes for everyone who earns an income in Serbia, including freelancers, is indisputable, but the imposing of retroactive tax payments is a blatant example of legal uncertainty, but also the unequal treatment of taxpayers

The majority of experts believe that COVID has fundamentally changed or accelerated some trends, including the relocating of large multinational companies closer to home and reductions in

This whole situation is also predicted to have long-term ramifications for the labour market.

What is now visible to the naked eye in this respect and what awaits us in the future?

It is possible that the pandemic will accelerate digitisation and development of artificial intelligence, which will result in a large number of existing jobs being replaced by machines. It is likewise possible that technical progress in other areas will create new economic activities and new jobs. Technical progress since the start of the industrial revolution has created significantly more jobs than it has taken away, but there is no guarantee that this will continue in the future. Another change to the labour market that’s quite likely is an increase in the percentage of people working almost entirely from home, as well as those who occasionally work from home. This will result in lower workplace labour costs, which will impact positively on demand for labour. On the other hand, increasing work from home can have a negative impact on quality of life or increase the percentage of temporary and casual jobs, as well as encouraging the growth of the grey economy.

Leaders’

MEETING POINT

VLADIMIR VASIĆ, Secretary General of the Association of Serbian Banks

ALEKSANDAR HANGIMANA, Managing Shareholder for South East Europe at ManpowerGroup

GENERALI TURNS 190!

Proud of the Past Century

The Power of Making Decisions

Generali Launches Fenice 190, Worth 3.5 Billion Euros

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VLADIMIR VASIĆ, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SERBIAN BANKS

Proud of the Past Century The Association of Serbian Banks has spent a full 100 years improving the banking system and the services that banks provide to clients, but it also represents our banking sector in international associations and institutions. Through its committees, it brings together representatives of all 26 banks in Serbia

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espite the pandemic, which has lasted a full year, our banking sector is stable. We have a stable domestic currency and a level of risky loans that’s never been lower. This shows that a positive framework exists and we should use the opportunity in the period ahead to raise banking services to a higher level, says Secretary General of the Association of Serbian Banks Vladimir Vasić.

Near the end of this year, on 4th December 2021, the Association of Serbian Banks will celebrate the centenary of its operations.

This has been a period of many exciting years for the entire banking sector.

Many revolutionary events have occurred during this 100-year period, not only in the banking and financial sector, but at the level of civilisation. One of the things that has remained constant, and is most important to us, as an association of banks, is that banks still have a need to maintain a central base, through which they can organise and improve their operations.

Your aims have hardly changed since your association was first established, with the Association of Serbian Banks continuing to represent, protect and advance the operations of its members to this day.

Has something else changed?

If we look at the century behind us, almost everything is different now. Changes

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are today happening across all aspects of life, faster than ever. Digitisation is transforming us on a daily basis, and not just in our daily routines. The essence of business operations, as well as the survival and functioning of many businesses, demands adaptation to the digital environment. That is our reality now.

Until now, banks have been synonymous with large stone buildings in which serious businesspeople sit in their suits, but for the new generations a bank is a mobile application through which each client can manage their finances independently.

Can you tell us something about the way the Association functions, about its special organisational units, expert committees etc.?

The Association of Serbian Banks brings together representatives of all 26 banks operating in Serbia, engaging them in the work of its committees, each of which is designated to specific expert fields. It is a tremendous hub of knowledge in all segments of banking and finance in general.

In addition, the ASB has its own team of experts and its own Banking Training Centre, which is an important link for improving the entire banking sector. The Credit Bureau is also part of ASB – without it, banking would be impossible in Serbia today, and our individual lives themselves would be very different. There is no individual or company that hasn’t needed the ASB Credit Bureau to solve a certain financial issue at some

point. Through all these organisational units, the ASB primarily improves the banking system and the services that banks provide to clients, but it also strives to represent our banking sector in international associations and institutions.

How do you assess the current situation in the banking sector? How great an impact did the pandemic have?

The pandemic was a great practical test for the entire Serbian banking sector, and we are very pleased to have passed this test with flying colours. The banking sector not only managed to sustain itself during the crisis, but also provided support to citizens and the economy, both of which were threatened by the economic repercussions of the pandemic. From March 2020 until today, the banking sector has provided clients with three options for postponing the repaying of liabilities to banks. The Guarantee Scheme of the Government of the Republic of Serbia has been implemented through banks, which have been at the continuous service of clients, throughout the crisis, even during the complete lockdown, all the while maintaining their high-performance levels, stability and adequate capital coverage.

The value of activities with which banks have supported companies and citizens in Serbia totals around seven billion euros.

Does the existing legislative framework provide the necessary security and opportunities for the development of the Serbian banking sector?

The current stable state of the banking sector is indeed the outcome of many years of good work by the legislative and monetary authorities in Serbia. Thanks to their work, we now have foreign investors entering the banking sector, including the most recent purchase of Komercijalna Banka by NLB Bank, which is headquartered in Slovenia. We have a stable domestic currency and the historically lowest NPL risk. This shows that there is a positive framework and that it is up to us to use the opportunity to elevate banking services to a higher level in the coming period.

The banking sector provided support to citizens and the economy, both of which were threatened by the economic repercussions of the pandemic

You recently received a special Digital Life award for outstanding contributions to the digitisation of banking in Serbia, on behalf of the Association. How will digitisation progress and develop further?

This recognition award delighted us, because digitisation has been at the very top of the Association’s priorities for the last few years. If the public recognises that, it means that we have successfully progressed towards achieving this goal.

As for digitisation, it is now both inevitable and accelerated. It is quite clear that all jobs will be digitised, except for a small few where it is literally impossible and where a

share of manual labour is necessary. The sooner we understand this, the faster we will adapt, and we will be able to take an even greater advantage of the benefits brought by digitisation.

What are the trends for this year and next?

Will banks really be wherever we are, i.e., where our mobile phone is?

I would say that this is already the case now, and that this will become even more noticeable in the coming years.

We will also have some services at our disposal that we can hardly even imagine today. At the moment, most banks’ mobile applications offer practically all the services that exist on their websites and most of the services that customers could possibly need. With video identification and the linking of information systems of banks and some institutions, the need for clients to physically visit their bank branch will become less frequent. As for everyday life, the need for cash will either decrease or cease to exist entirely.

We can make non-cash payments, since we have the possibilities of using IPS QR codes, electronic and mobile banking, PayPal etc.

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“More than 1,000 Croatian companies in Serbia have invested 900 million euros,” – MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

LOCAL NEWS

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE COMPANY IN 2021 Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today doubled down on its long-standing strategy to embed environmental, social and governance considerations into every facet of its activities – and to assist its customers and business partners in achieving their own sustainability objectives. The announcement coincided with the news that Corporate Knights, a Canadian media and research company producing rankings and financial product ratings based on corporate sustainability performance, has for the first time recognized Schneider Electric number one of its annual index of “the Global 100 most sustainable corporations in the world”.

TWO INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY AWARDS FOR BEO SHOPPING CENTER

BEO Shopping Center has won two prestigious International Property Awards in the Best Retail Architecture and Best Retail Interior categories.

It is a great honor for MPC Properties team along with their partners Atterbury Europe to receive awards that celebrate highest levels of achievement, given by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. BEO SC is the first shopping center in Serbia to receive this level of international awards.

AMCHAM ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS At General Assembly Meeting, members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) elected two new Governors. Biljana Bujić of KPMG will continue in office as Secretary Treasurer, while Svetoslav Atanasov of Coca-Cola Hellenic Serbia & Montenegro has remained at the Board of Governors as Untitled Governor.

Zoran Petrović, President of the Board, presented achievements made over the past year and announced events to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of AmCham, Serbia’s leading independent business association.

KLM STARTING TO FLY TO BELGRADE Starting from 13 May 2021, the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will connect Belgrade and Amsterdam with direct flights. Initially, KLM planes will fly on this route three times a week, and according to the airline’s plan, from 11 June 2021, passengers will have daily flights at their disposal.

The flights will be operated by Embraer 190 aircraft, which can accommodate 80 passengers in economy and 20 in business class.

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“When I look at the 10 priority recommendations of Grey Book 13, I see that the common denominator for most of them is digitisation. I can promise that we will do our best to solve most of them,” – ANA BRNABIĆ, PRIME MINISTER OF SERBIA

Placements postings

&

appointments@aim.rs

H.E. GILES NORMAN, NEW AMBASSADOR OF CANADA TO SERBIA, MONTENEGRO AND NORTH MACEDONIA

SERBIAN EXPORTS, INVESTMENTS AND EMPLOYMENT STABLE, ECONOMY PLAGUED BY A DROP IN TURNOVER According to the statement from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Serbian economy, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and difficult business conditions, has preserved exports, investments and employment, and a sustainable trend in these indicators is expected in the first quarter of 2021.

The expected drop in turnover in the first quarter, estimated at up to 59 percent in some sectors, is what worries businessmen the most and where forecasts are most uncertain, and trade and the food industry are most affected, according to the latest quarterly survey by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

According to the results of the survey, which included 1,054 business entities with over 240,000 employees, almost half of the surveyed exporters hope for unchanged exports in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the end of last year, while 25 percent expect an increase or decrease in export activities. Of the total number of surveyed companies, 61% realized exports in the fourth quarter of 2020, mostly from the chemical industry.

Giles Norman (BA Hons, Lancaster University, 1990; LLB, Queen’s University, 1996) joined the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1999, after being called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario in 1998.

His overseas assignments include political officer in Ankara (2001 to 2004), political and trade counsellor in Colombo (2007 to 2009) and first-ever director of the Canadian International Centre for the Arctic Region in Oslo (2009 to 2012), where he also served as chargé d’affaires for nine months.

After Oslo, he was posted to New York City until 2016, serving as the counsellor (legal, human rights, humanitarian) and legal counsel at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations. At DFA Headquarters, he has held a series of posts in the Legal Bureau and served as deputy director of the Maghreb and Persian Gulf Division (2004 to 2007).

Prior to his arrival in Belgrade, he most recently held the position of executive director of the Defence and Security Relations Division.

H.E. SILVIA DAVIDOIU, NEW AMBASSADOR OF ROMANIA TO SERBIA

Silvia Davidoiu graduated in economics and completed two years of post-graduate studies in political science at the Faculty of Trade Relations of the Bucharest Economic Academy. From 1989 to 1990 she worked for the mineral trading company ICSM in Sinaia, then from 1990 to 1992 completed a master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

Joining the Romanian Foreign Ministry, she served as attaché and third secretary in the Department for North America from 1992, before serving as second secretary in the Department for Western Europe from 1995 to 1997. Her first assignment abroad was from 1997 to 2001, holding the positions of first and then second secretary at the Romanian embassy in Bonn, before moving to Berlin.

She served as counsellor and head of department in the Department for Western Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest from 2001 to 2002, then as counsellor, envoy and director general of the Directorate General Europe and Directorate General Extended Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2004.

She was appointed Romanian Ambassador to Ireland in 2004, and prior to her arrival in Belgrade she served as Andrei Corbea-Hoișie’s ambassador to Vienna from January 2009.

She is a married mother of one daughter.

VESNA PRODANOVIĆ, NEW JADAR PROJECT GENERAL MANAGER, RIO TINTO

Vesna Prodanović formally became General Manager of Rio Tinto’s local company in Serbia, Rio Sava Exploration, which is in charge of the Jadar Project, as of December 2020.

Prior to her current engagement, Vesna spent 25 years working with Belgrade-based engineering and construction company Energoprojekt, where she served as COO. She joined Bechtel in 2018, taking on the role of Deputy Study Manager for the Jadar Project, which she now heads as Project GM. Vesna has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Belgrade and a master’s diploma in project management from George Washington University. She lives in Belgrade with her family.

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REGIONAL NEWS

“The money intended for the Western Balkans through the European Economic and Investment Plan will have to be justified through projects,” – ŽELJANA ZOVKO, CHIEF NEGOTIATOR OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FOR IPA FUNDS

CROATIA

NORTH MACEDONIA

EU COMMISSION CUTS CROATIA’S 2021 GDP GROWTH PROJECTION TO 5.3%

KFW GRANTS 2.4 MLN EURO TO NORTH MACEDONIA FOR GREEN ENERGY INVESTMENTS

The European Commission has decreased its forecast for Croatia’s economic growth in 2021 to 5.3% from 5.7%.

“Real GDP is forecast to bounce back by 5.3% in 2021, as domestic demand should rebound once pandemic containment measures are phased out and more people are vaccinated,” the European Commission said in its Winter 2021 Economic Forecast report.

Pent-up demand, coupled with a gradual recovery in the labour market, is expected to boost private consumption, while investment should rebound on the back of the already strong dynamics in the construction sector, supported by rebuilding efforts following the strong earthquakes in the Banija region and Zagreb. “The recovery in external demand, however, is expected to be uneven. Goods exports are expected to increase strongly on the back of the improved global outlook but services exports are projected to remain subdued in both 2021 and 2022 compared to their 2019 levels. This is mainly because the recovery in the travel and hospitality sectors is likely to take several years,” it was noted by the EU Commission.

North Macedonia’s state-owned electricity company ESM signed a 2.4 million euro ($2.9 million) grant agreement with German development bank KfW for green energy investments. ESM will use the grant to finance the development of studies for the feasibility, environmental impact and social aspects of planned green energy projects, ESM general manager Vasko Kovachevski said in a statement. The grant will back studies for the installation of photovoltaic plants with a total capacity of over 140 MW at the REK Bitola thermal power plant, hydropower plants rehabilitation, the construction of a wind park in Miravci, the upgrade of the Energetika complex in Skopje and setting up a central heating network in Bitola. The implementation of these energy projects would increase electricity production by about 650 GWh, ESM added. The grant will also make available an additional 80.5 million euro in affordable loans for the construction of the energy facilities, North Macedonia’s prime minister Zoran Zaev said in the statement.

B&H

BOSNIAN POWER UTILTY PLANS 848 MLN EURO INVESTMENTS BY 2023 Bosnian power utility Elektroprivreda BiH said it will invest 1.7 billion marka ($1.0 billion/848 million euro) in the construction and reconstruction of its facilities in the next three years. EPBiH plans to invest 345.2 million marka in production, 206.4 million marka in power distribution and 5.4 million marka in supply and trade, it said in a press release last week, after adopting its 2021-2023 business plan. The power utility will also invest 70 million marka in a capital hike at its coal mine, it added. The list of priority projects envisages the construction of Unit 7 of thermal power plant Tuzla, mini hydropower plant Neretvica, hydropower plants Vranduk, Janjici and Una Kostela, and wind park Vlasic. The total value of the projects amounts to 4.23 billion marka, as EPBiH will allocate to them 1.02 billion marka in 2021-2023. The power utility plans to produce 18,433 GWh of electricity in the three-year period and procure 13.9 million tonnes of coal.

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ALEKSANDAR HANGIMANA, MANAGING SHAREHOLDER FOR SOUTH EAST EUROPE AT MANPOWERGROUP

The Power of Making Decisions Knowing that even Shakespeare himself had difficulties when trying to resolve his famous dilemma - to be or not to be - makes it more bearable for the rest of us when it comes to making decisions The great majority will opt for excuses that will only support their delusional beliefs. Others will make up the worst-case ‘what if’ scenarios without even taking the first step. Only the very few will pluck up the courage and see possibilities in places where others see only difficulties.

As for me, I see a decision-making process as a challenge, which I personally like. Making different choices is an

W

e constantly try to figure out how to make decisions that serve us well, each and every day. This usually tends to be a long process of changing habits and stripping away the layers of our old familiar feelings that actually lull us into a false sense of security.

But we have to start somewhere.

First of all, I’m not fully convinced that most people know what they want.

It’s more likely that people maybe know whose life or job they like, which doesn’t necessarily mean they will act upon that ambition or wish. There is a world of difference between the two.

Leadership is a matter of choice.

My standpoint here is that good leaders always place themselves in a position to create options, not to limit them. They have a clear understanding of who they are, what they value, and what they will or won’t compromise on

important part of self-growth and once I make a decision I like to put it into practice and make it work. What differentiates my point of view in making choices is that my focus is on what I can get by changing something, while others usually tend to focus only on what they might lose.

However, this shifts to a complete other level if we’re talking about making decisions where I’m not in the position of a single-minded individual but a leader.

The responsibility is huge and requires much more than a certain skill set.

Leadership is a matter of choice. My standpoint here is that good leaders always place themselves in a position to create options, not to limit them. They have a clear understanding of who they are, what they value, and what they will or won’t compromise on. When co-workers experience this in practice, there’s no need to convince or persuade them to do anything. Trust is essential and setting a personal example can help them realise that you actually live by your words. I therefore don’t seek anything of my colleagues that I’m unwilling to provide myself.

An interesting question when making decisions is what to listen to - your logic or intuition? Selecting between these two opposing forces isn’t quite as straightforward as it may seem, because no one is entirely logical or emotional all the time. There’s nothing wrong with intuition or emotions - it’s just that they sometimes aren’t enough. We need to shift them to something more tangible – to translate them into behaviour and then into a definite strategy. Only holding onto intuition puts us in the passenger seat, while taking action means that we take control and move to the driving seat.

Fortunately, not all decisions are life or death. What is more significant is to learn that not making a decision is also a decision.

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“If a business is built on misleading users, on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform,” – TIM COOK, APPLE CEO

WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA

FACEBOOK AGREES TO RESTORE NEWS IN AUSTRALIA AFTER GOVERNMENT MAKES AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED LAW Facebook has reached an agreement with the Australian government to reinstate news content on its platform in the country, the company announced on Tuesday, ending a weeklong standoff which had seen Facebook ban all news content for users in Australia in response to a proposed legislation that would force the company to pay news publishers.

CHINA

HUAWEI TO ROLL OUT ITS GOOGLE ANDROID RIVAL

GLOBAL

BITCOIN SINKS AFTER REACHING RECORD HIGH On 22 February the cryptocurrency bitcoin sank after reaching a unit price of $ 58,354 during the weekend, a historical record that almost doubled its value so far this year. Bloomberg reported a selloff in global equities slowed appetite for risk which cut 8% gains the most popular cryptocurrency of the world to reduce its value to 53 thousand dollars in it this morning and marks its worst day in a month.

The fall is framed by the fact that on 19 February bitcoin reached a market capitalization of one trillion dollars, driven by investments from companies such as Tesla, Mastercard and BNY Mellon.

In mid-2019, Huawei launched its own operating system — HarmonyOS — in response to U.S. actions that cut it off from Google software. It was the Chinese technology giant’s most ambitious mobile software push, one it hoped would help its handset business to survive. On 22 February, Huawei announced that HarmonyOS would begin rolling out on its smartphones from April.

Huawei phone users would be able to download it as an update. A spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that users outside of China would also be able to download it. The company’s new foldable Mate X2 device, launched on 22 February, would be one of the first to get HarmonyOS with other handsets to follow.

SWEDEN

SPOTIFY PLANS TO LAUNCH IN OVER 80 MORE COUNTRIES Audio streaming service Spotify is planning to almost double its geographic footprint and launch into 85 more countries, adding 36 languages to its platform in the process. The Swedish firm announced the international expansion on Tuesday at a livestreaming event that featured Justin Bieber, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Spotify said the expansion, into what are largely seen as developing countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean, will enable an additional billion people to use its platform. In the next few days, Spotify will launch in countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Samoa, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Belize.

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“Look, I’m sorry for what happened. I apologise, and I’m not going to say that Robinhood did everything perfectly and that we haven’t made mistakes in the past, but what I commit to is making sure that we improve from this,” – VLADIMIR TENEV, CEO OF ROBINHOOD

GENERALI LAUNCHES FENICE 190, WORTH 3.5 BILLION EUROS

GENERALI TURNS 190!

Generali announces the Fenice 190 project, a five-year investment plan worth €3.5 billion to support the recovery of European economies from the effects of COVID-19. The plan will first be implemented in Italy, France and Germany, followed by the other European countries where Generali operates

T

he Fenice 190 project involves investments to support small and medium-sized enterprises and the real economy, which already exceed the established amount of a billion euros. In addition to this initial amount, Generali is committed to allocating €500 million per year over the next five years for sustainable growth, through international investment funds, with a focus on infrastructure, innovation and digitisation, SMEs, green housing, healthcare and education.

According to Philippe Donnet, General Manager of the Generali Group, “Generali is one of the few companies in the world that can boast such a long history.

Thanks to its extremely rich knowledge and experience, the Group is able to face today’s challenges and at the same time contribute to a better future of the communities in which it operates, both as an insurer and as a social innovator. The celebration of our 190th anniversary coincides with this crucial year in which we must overcome the most serious global crisis of the post-war period and lay the foundations for global recovery. With the Fenice 190 plan, we want to be a leader on this journey, to leave behind a legacy for the future, to provide significant support to the most innovative, sustainable and strategically important sectors for relaunching the European economy, while at the same time encouraging the involvement of those hardest hit by the crisis.”

CELEBRATING THE 190TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENERALI Founded in Trieste on 26th December, 1831, Generali turns 190 this year. This historic anniversary will be celebrated over the course of 2021, through a series of initiatives employees, agents, clients and the communities in which the Group operates.

The President of Assicurazioni Generali, Gabriele Galateri di Genola, said: “Today, more than ever, in an unprecedented context, the Generali Group intends to build a shared, sustainable vision of the future for all stakeholders. This year, which we hope will mark the beginning of economic recovery, we are celebrating the jubilee through numerous initiatives that represent a fusion of past and future, in order to create new opportunities for growth and exchange. We are fully determined to participate in the development of the company and to contribute to its sustainability through the ambitious investment programme Fenice 190. At the same time, we intend to build on the company’s exceptional skills and historical legacy, so that we can encourage the development of new knowledge and inspire future generations.”

The restoration and renovation of the Procuratie Vecchie building in Venice will be completed in December, according to a project by David Chipperfield Architects, and will re-open to the public after 500 years, becoming the global centre of The Human Safety Net Foundation.

Others plans include the launch of the EnterPrize initiative in the coming autumn, which aims to encourage European small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt sustainable business models, while providing visibility to those that have already done so and encouraging public debate on this topic. At the same time, the first edition of the White Paper on Sustainability, dedicated to the effects of introducing the principle of sustainability to European SMEs and created in collaboration with Bocconi University, will be presented.

Trieste - the city where Generali was founded back in December 1831 - and its local community will take part in the celebration of the company’s 190th anniversary. In the new premises of the Palazzo Berlam building, which was recently renovated according to the project of architect Mario Bellini, the Historical Archive of the company will be open to the public, in an innovative interactive format.

In the spirit of the tradition of dealing with contemporary topics through advertising posters, under the scope of the project “This is tomorrow”, Generali will hire five young Italian and international artists who will present their interpretation of the five areas that are most important to the Generali Group through poster designs, presenting reality in a new way.

The main initiatives and content related to the history of the Generali company will be presented on generali.com, the website of the Group, in a new section dedicated to commemorating the anniversary.

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Enterpreneur ZUO HUI

ZUO CHAIRS HOMELINK, CHINA’S LARGEST REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRM

Billionaire Zuo Hui Dominates China’s

Property Transactions Market Mainland China didn’t yet have a billionaire back in 2000 when Beijing entrepreneur Zuo Hui struck upon the then-novel idea of selling homes to individual buyers. It was a bold move, as the average GDP per capita was around $1,000 and a government policy that allowed private property ownership had been launched only two years earlier. “At the time, there weren’t many people buying their own homes,” says Zuo, 49.

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oday, China is the world’s largest residential property market, as measured by gross transaction value (GTV). Despite the pandemic, total sales of both new and existing homes in China are forecast this year to be $3.5 trillion, up 3% from last year, according to research consultancy CIC in Hong Kong.

Zuo’s KE Holdings is sitting smack in the middle of many of those transactions. In the company’s lingo, it is China’s “leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services.” While the global real estate industry is often split into distinct silos—brokers, developers, contractors, listing sites—KE is close to a one-stop

shop. It has a network of 42,000 sales offices, with over 450,000 agents across the country.

Its Housing Dictionary is China’s largest site by listings of residential properties—with over 220 million in its database, including maps showing details such as the location of hospitals, schools and shopping.

KE works with developers to launch and market their new projects. It offers contracting and renovation services. It even has virtualreality technology to allow virtual property viewings, with 420 million views last year.

And it dominates its markets. KE, based in Beijing, is China’s largest housing transactions and services platform by GTV. Last year, KE’s GTV was $318 billion—up 85% from 2018. For the six months to June—covering the worst months of pandemic in China—its GTV hit $198 billion, up 49% year-on-year.

Some pundits have dubbed KE the Alibaba of China’s residential property market.

However, the company, which operates only in the mainland market, remains unprofitable due to spending on rapid expansion. Last year, it lost $326 million on $6.9 billion in revenues. (To be sure, in the first half of this year, the company recorded a profit but that was also true in last year’s first half.)

In August, Zuo, who is KE’s chairman, launched an IPO of the company, raising $2.4 billion, and listed its ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange. Listing at $20, the ADRs have more than tripled, to around $75. And Zuo is worth $20.6 billion—up almost tenfold since last year’s list, when he was at $2.23 billion. Zuo has also jumped from No. 145 on last year’s list to No. 15. A second KE executive, CEO Peng Yongdong, 40, also became a billionaire, due to the big jump in KE’s share price. KE’s strong showing likely also pleased major KE investors Sequoia China Capital, Softbank and Tencent.

Zuo says he chose the U.S. for KE’s listing because that’s where he figured he’d get the most value for this company. “Capital markets [in the U.S.] ultimately still look at an organization’s growth and the business itself,” he says. Despite uncertainty around U.S.-China relations, Zuo remains confident, saying the outlook is “still ok.”

Zuo has come a long way. He earned a

Today, China is the world’s largest residential property market, as measured by gross transaction value. degree in computer science in 1992 from what’s now called Beijing University of Chemical Technology—training that would help later when he went online with KE. After graduation, he then took a series of sales jobs in insurance and other industries. In 1998, Beijing introduced reforms that encouraged individual ownership of property. In 2001, Zuo founded Beijing Lianjia, at first just a traditional brokerage.

As a pioneer in the nascent real estate market, Zuo had an early-mover advantage, and was able to grow Lianjia into one of China’s largest brokerages. In 2008, Lianjia launched Housing Dictionary, and with the information it gathered, KE now has an enormous database on China’s residential market. In 2010, Zuo started Yiju Taihe, which offered property-related financial services. Four years later, he reportedly made his first online foray

with a system that linked brokers, but wasn’t available to the public. By 2018, Zuo’s Lianjia had offices and agents in 29 cities across China. That year Zuo also launched Beike, its flagship online platform and created KE Holdings, into which he put Beike, Lianjia and Yiju Taihe.

Two trends, Zuo says, should continue to propel KE’s growth. One is the pandemic, which helped boost traffic to KE’s Beike site.

“We were initially worried [about Covid fallout] but found that customers now spend more time at home and pay more attention to having a comfortable home,” he says. With rising incomes, Chinese buyers increasingly are seeking fancier digs. In top-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, 40% of all transactions in the last two years were buyers upgrading from their existing home.

An even larger secular trend is the ongoing modernization of China’s real estate market. Despite its size, the market remains fragmented and inefficient. For example, just 26% of all new residential sales are handled by brokers, compared to 70% in the U.S. (most developers of new homes in China handle their own sales). China also lacks a multiple listing service, which creates transparency in the U.S. market, resulting in many broker-

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Enterpreneur

ages having outdated, incorrect or even false information about the properties they advertise.

“The housing transactions and services industry lacked industry standards, infrastructure and professional service providers with experience and tenure, resulting in unhappy housing customers,” Zuo noted in a letter included in the KE’s IPO prospectus.

In comparison, KE has been promoting efficiency and transparency. Beike vets all listings for accuracy, and penalizes those found posting bad information. The KE site can also automatically flag properties that appear to be mispriced for their location. Brokers are rated just like Uber drivers, complete with customer reviews.

One of Zuo’s biggest innovations is the Agent Cooperation Network (ACN). “ACN, from its inception, is similar to the multiple listing service, or MLS, in the United States,” said Zuo in the prospectus. But ACN, he notes, is like MLS on steroids. KE breaks real estate transactions into discrete parts, and different brokers can take one or several roles. One broker might handle showing the

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There are still a lot of opportunities we can explore in China.

property to potential buyers, while another might aid in the closing. Each gets a split on the commission based on their contribution in the transaction.

KE does have competition—including from Alibaba. In July, Alibaba partnered with KE competitor E-House to create an onlineoffline residential property platform similar to KE’s model. Yet KE’s substantial lead over rivals is a major competitive advantage. KE can be “a bigger dog than the next big dog,” says Sam Crispin, greater China regional director for Cushman & Wakefield in Hong Kong.

Zuo appears unfazed by any challengers—and remains focused on dominating the China market. Sequoia China Capital’s Neil Shen describes Zuo as “hardworking and very tech-savvy.” To stay ahead, Zuo—with his computer science degree—spends heavily on research and development to improve KE’s capabilities. Last year’s total R&D spending was over $200 million, more than double the 2018 figure, and about 30% of the funds raised in the IPO—roughly $630 million—will help pay for more R&D. With China’s new and existing home sales forecast by CIC to hit $4.1 trillion by 2024, Zuo says he has no plans to look abroad for new business. The market at home, he says, has more than enough potential. “There are still a lot of opportunities we can explore in China,” he says.

Source: Forbes

PROFILE

Wealth of Diversity In retrospect, I believe that all of my major life and business experiences have prepared and led me to this calling and the job I do today. I’m finally where I should be a thin line that requires constant balancing.

It was when I gave birth to Sofija that I realised I wanted my children to also know that wealth of diversity. Thanks to my husband Nikola, that’s where our family adventure began, with us first going to South Korea, to Seoul, which will always have a special place in our hearts because that’s where our first son, Stefan, was born. And the road finally

JELENA GRUBOR STEFANOVIĆ, HEAD REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY IN CHINA

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nd this journey has been interesting every step of the way.

Already as a young girl, my first journey to another country was to faraway India, as the child of diplomats.

Being exposed to such a different culture over those four years defined my personality to a large extent. That was the beginning of my connection to everything with connotations of internationality – as was my choice to study International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science, and MBA studies in International Business in Italy. And why is everything international? Because no culture has ownership over universal and proper solutions to the human condition (regardless of how much some might think they do), and it is a real wealth to know as many existing solutions as possible and to take the best of everything. Living in an international environment does not reduce the importance of one’s nationality, as an essential part of an individual’s identity. That’s

No culture has ownership over universal and proper solutions to the human condition (regardless of how much some might think they do), and it is a real wealth to know as many existing solutions as possible and to take the best of everything

led us to Shanghai, where our second son, Luka, was born.

We came to China at the most interesting moment, during a time when it is shifting from a country that relies on exports of cheap products and copies in all sectors to a country that’s becoming a leader of the world’s fourth industrial revolution. It is extremely fascinating intellectually to be here at this moment and to experience it, both professionally and privately.

Such a life path as this has also required that I change jobs many times during my career, with all the advantages and disadvantages that brings. What I learned thanks to that is that the first question in a job interview should be - ‘What kinds of skills do I need to be successful in this job and in your organisation?’ If

those skills don’t match your character, then it’s not the job for you.

I’m an extroverted introvert who enjoys solving problems and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I chose between international politics and international business according to the process of elimination – in contrast to politics, trade takes its own course and the best course is the one led by the law of supply and demand, because trade between nations should primarily be fair. “Trade has always been a great catalyst for international peace that enriches people by creating understanding and links between nations.” It is thus a great honour for me to open the CCIS Representative Office in the country with the world’s second largest economy.

Apart from helping our companies to enter this market and position themselves successfully, I believe it is also of great importance to establish a platform for the transfer of knowledge between our business communities. “The global digital revolution creates many new opportunities for developing countries, because most essential knowledge and tools are available for free or at low cost through digital platforms, and key skills are learned through general education, the entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of the market.” It is thanks to these conditions that Serbia has the opportunity to accelerate the development that would enable its full integration into global production chains and allow it to cooperate more effectively with industrialised economies. That’s why I’m proud that we enabled the arrival of the first Serbian start-ups in China at the very beginning of the work of our office, with which all three companies showed - with their innovative solutions - that Serbia has always been fertile ground for innovation.

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Art

The Art of

Collecting 40

March

By Sara Brajović

It’s a beautiful thing when a person’s home tells a story and draws you into their personal life. Anais Nin once said: “luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are”. What draws us to collecting objects? Is it a personal desire to acquire beauty or a more calculated move to invest wisely?

MASSIMO LISTRI FOUNDATION, FLORENCE, ITALY

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he hobby of collecting is a practise that has a very old cultural history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. Egyptians collected books from all over the world, while the benefactors of Renaissance Florence, in the 14th and 15th centuries, were the first private collectors to destabilise the creative relationship that artists had with the Church and monarchs.

The art market has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to the origins of collecting in the cabinets of curiosities of the Italian Renaissance. There are still some spots in Florence that you can visit if you want to personally experience the Renaissance collecting habits, such as the Massimo Listri Foundation. The living room here is adorned with a prominent series of portraits and paintings from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and a selection of artefacts from far and wide: an Egyptian table made

from red porphyry rock, a narwhal tusk, a horn encrusted with precious stones, Chinese porcelain vases and more. The adjacent dining room is a captivating and intimate salon that was entirely painted in the 19th century. The dressing room is composed entirely of Japanese folding screens.

Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II was known to have collecting tastes that were eclectic to say the least. If you happened to be a guest at his opulent Prague Castle in the late 1500s, you might have been treated to a tour of his treasures, which included everything from magical stones, celestial globes and astrolabes, to painting masterpieces by the likes of Albercht Dürer and Titian. His collection was renowned throughout Europe, hailed as the era’s most comprehensive and wondrous ‘cabinet of curiosities’, which later provided the model for modern museums like the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum.

During the 18th century, and especially the th 19 century, we see an expansion of the antiques trade that was supported by developments in the

LOUISE BOURGEOIS, SPIDER

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Art

GEORGE CONDO, ANTIPODAL REUNION

banking sector. One of the first antiques galleries, Maison Jansen, opened in Paris in 1880. With the emergence of Le Goût Rothschild [the Rothschild taste] and the incredible work done by interior designer Henri Samuel, a certain trend began developing among collectors. The classical way of collecting objects from the same period began changing, with pieces from various earlier periods being placed together, side-by-side, with contemporary artworks and rare books. We can see examples of this later in the century, in the homes of the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Lauren and Pierre Bergé. Today one of the most impressive Parisian antiques gallery the Kuegel Gallery is situated in a Beaux Arts mansion on the banks of the river Seine.

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All collecting is perhaps marked by curiosity or a desire to expand one’s social circle and find likeminded people with similar interests.

What is the best recipe for collecting? Is it to buy pieces that speak to you, so you’ll never be stuck with art that you don’t feel a personal attachment to? If you want to collect just so you can get a return on your investment, then you should be looking at leading artists whose artwork has had a consistent value over years of sales, confirmed at auctions. This has resulted in well-established artists enjoying high starting prices.

If possible, collecting should be fun and based on one’s instinct and aesthetics. In the words of Belgian art collector and dealer Axel Vervoordt: “I always wanted to live with things that I love and create spaces where I can invite friends and clients into a private world”.

By author

GALERIE KUGEL

There are a couple of art foundations located in stunning places that are open to the public and provide insight into the minds of private collectors.

The Château La Coste is located in beautiful Provence, and whilst visiting this spectacular wine domain one can admire such works as Louise Bourgeois’s Spider alongside works by Tracey Emin and Alexander Calder.

Another beautiful trip that also takes us to France is to the Fondation Carmignac, located on the island of Porquerolles off the coast of the French Riviera. Of course, we can only be in awe of these great collectors, but they can inspire us to start collecting something. With a bit of courage, luck and good advice, a wise collector could have invested in artist George Condo, whose works were affordable 15 years ago. His Antipodal Reunion painting sold at Sotheby’s last year for a record 1.2 millions dollars. Impressive! Maybe you should visit your local market to see what’s available, or perhaps pop into a local gallery to view the works of emerging artists. What about a small porcelain collection? The possibilities are endless and can cater to any budget. So come on, start collecting!

VILLA CAMIGNAC A HYERES

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Culture

The Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival

Seven Unforgettable Days Since its inception and to this day, the Martovski festival [March Festival] has represented an important platform for the promotion of domestic documentary films, short features, animated and experimental films.

And this year chance has conspired to ensure that, from 22nd to 28th March, attendees will be able to enjoy a double edition of this festival.

O

ne of the oldest film festivals in Europe and anywhere around the world, the Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival (known popularly as the Martovski Festival) will this year last longer, running for a full seven days. And the reason is simple – last year’s 67th Martovski Festival was not held during 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so this year is a double edition: the 67th/68th Martovski

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Festival, which will take place from 22nd to 28th March 2021 at the Belgrade Youth Centre, which is also the event’s organiser.

Last year’s complete competition selection will be screened, along with films selected in the competition programme on the basis of the new ion contest. Festival awards will also be presented for both the 67th and 68th editions of the festival.

Audiences can expect a rich film programme in several cat-

egories of the national competition: documentary film with a runtime up to and exceeding 50 minutes, experimental film and video art, animated film and short feature film – which is a category that also includes an international selection.

Plans include numerous special screenings, professional programmes and forums for professionals and students, discussions with guests of the festival, master classes and other supporting programmes.

The new artistic director of the Martovski Festival is Dejan Dabić, a film critic and author of animated films who has spent many years as the selector of the Festival of Acting Achievements in Niš and editor of the film programme of the Cultural Centre of Niš.

The films included in the competition programme of the 67th/68th Martovski Festival were chosen by a selection committee comprising: Milan Nikodijević, film director, screenwriter and producer; Vladimir Šojat, film and TV editor, filmmaker and video artist; Nikola Majdak Jr., cameraman, animator, director and lecturer. The selection committee’s member for the selection of the competition programme of the 68th Martovski Festival is Dragana Latinović, film director and producer. The expert associate of the selection committee for the 67th Martovski Festival is Dragan Nikolić, editor of the Belgrade Youth Centre’s film programme.

The jury of the 67 th/68 th Martovski Festival will choose the winners of awards including the Grand Prix of the Martovski Festival, awards for best

Želimir Žilnik, film director, screenwriter and president of the Martovski Festival Jury

I Don’t Skip “March” Without the Martovski festival [March Festival], for all these decades, the domestic film scene wouldn’t only have been poorer, but I’m convinced it wouldn’t even have survived, says film director and screenwriter Želimir Žilnik, president of the Jury for the 67th/68th Martovski Festival.

What is the greatest significance of this festival, in your opinion, and how do you see its place today, in a contemporary context?

This festival has been, and today remains, a pillar of support for the survival, impulses and search for values in our profession.

Short film has been a format in which the first steps are taken since the very birth of moving pictures. Authors, collaborators and producers thus profile themselves, alongside viewers and film critics, checking themes and styles, offering provocative and taboo content.

Many screenwriters and directors have been inspired by some event, fateful act or story recorded in a short film to work further and articulate that in a feature film project.

Just as Scorsese, Godard or Buñuel debuted with short forms, so did Puriša Đorđević, Makavejev, Žika Pavlović and all the others.

The recognisability of our films abroad happened in the early ‘60s, thanks primarily to the quality of those works, but also to the Martovski Festival.

We’ve had agile production companies, registered for short and animated films, since the late ‘50s.

Dunav Film, Zagreb Film, Sutjeska Film, Viba Film etc. The Martovski Festival was like a kind of “state championship”.

I recall the entry into Trade Union House of “teams” of great authors: Krsto Skanata, Puriša, Štrbac, Živko Nikolić, Vera and Ljubiša Jocić, Majdak et al, from Dunav Film. Vukotić, Krešo Golik, Nedeljko Dragić, Zlatko

Bourek et al, from Zagreb Film.

Bato Čengić, Petar Ljubojev, Vefik Hadžismajlović, Suad Mrkonjić, Zlatko Lavanić et al, from Sutjeska Film, etc. etc. etc. The audiences applauded these maestros even before seeing the new films, because they knew what they’d already had an opportunity to see. And they knew what international awards they’d received between two editions of the festival.

Every March enticed at least ten to fifteen selectors and directors of the world’s most famous short film festivals to Belgrade. They would invite a selection of around a dozen of our films to participate in their own festivals.

We know that the first and only Oscar came to this area as far back as 1961, with Vukotić’s Surrogate.

You were the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Martovski Festival. Do you have any special, personal memory that connects you to this event as a filmmaker?

Every attendance of this festival was an event worth remembering, both because of the new films we watched and because of encounters with colleagues.

And the support of viewing critics and odd the award also aren’t forgotten.

Let’s return to the start. It was in 1967 that my debut documentary “Journal of Youth in the Countryside, Winter”, was included in the festival programme. The jury placed

it in the information section, to be watched early in the afternoon. The auditorium was half empty, but it felt like the film was well received.

It was seen by lots of film critics, who protested against its exclusion from the competition. The jury had no arguments, and the film aroused broader interest.

It received two awards in the end: the award of film magazine Ekran and the Youth Award, from critics who wrote for youth publications.

That was the first time I experienced the ability and strength of film, to manage to fight for its own survival.

I had two films at the next year’s festival: Little Pioneers and The Unemployed. They won the Silver Medal of Belgrade.

They were screened over the course of a month in Oberhausen. The Unemployed won the Oberhausen Grand Prix, for a documentary.

Award-winning short films were shown at that year’s Pula Festival, as curtain-raisers to premiering feature films.

Dragiša Đurić, the director of Avala Film, invited a few of us whose shorts were “well-received” to send screenplays for our debut feature films to Avala Film by 1st September. We were confused, surprised. Đurić said: “that’s an established practise. Take care to ensure the film is simple, low-budget, because we take risks.

We started shooting Early Works in October 1968.

Now you understand why I don’t skip “March”.

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Culture

The Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival

film (by category) and professional awards (for best direction, camera, editing and sound design/score). The jury will be composed of: Želimir Žilnik, film director and screenwriter (president of the jury) – Serbia; Vera Vlajić, film director, screenwriter and animator – Serbia; Igor Bezinović, film director – Croatia; Dimitris Kerkinos, professor of film and cinematic aesthetics – Greece; Radoslav T. Stanišić, doctor of dramatic arts: department of filmology and film and TV director – Montenegro.

In addition to the competition aspect, the Martovski Festival will include its traditional and rich film panorama programme, divided into the “World Panorama”, “Regional Panorama” and “Domestic Panorama” sections.

Audiences will have an opportunity to watch films that proved to be winners at major world festivals, as well as domestic, regional and world premieres, works by significant domestic and international filmmakers, as well as selections of works from important European short film

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festivals held in Clermont-Ferrand (France), Drama (Greece) and Berlin (Germany).

The first edition of the Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival was held

This is an opportunity for local audiences to see exciting, carefully selected current titles, which they otherwise don’t have an opportunity to see on the repertoires of cinemas. way back in 1954, within the scope of the Festival of Yugoslav Film that took place that year from 24th to 30th June in the Pula Arena, only for the Festival to relocate to Belgrade

six years later. Preserving its rich tradition in the 21st century, the Martovski Festival today keeps pace with contemporary trends in film art and technology, screening films of high artistic quality and encouraging the further development of domestic film production.

This festival’s patrons include the City of Belgrade, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia and the Film Centre of Serbia, while company Lukoil Serbia is the friend of the festival.

The price of tickets remains the same as in previous years – at 200 dinars, while students of film academies can present their student ID index booklet to gain free entry to screenings. www.martovski.rs // info@martovski.rs facebook.com/MartovskiFestival twitter.com/MartovskiF instagram.com/martovskifestival

My life Goran Milašinović, cardiologist, writer

By Radmila Stanković

HERE WE’RE ALL VIENNA, VENICE AND THE LEVANT As a cardiologist, he was the first in the world to implant some of the most modern types of pacemaker. As a professor at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, he has shown generations of future doctors the best path. As a writer, he has published around a dozen novels, two of which were shortlisted for novel of the year.

As president of the Government of Serbia’s Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, he warns that cultural genocide is currently underway, through which the historical, cultural and religious heritage of the Serbian nation is being alienated and stolen to the advantage of the Albanian nation.

As a father, he is proud of two successful sons: Dejan, a cardiologist; and Arsen, a philosopher and mathematician.

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My life

Goran Milašinović, cardiologist, writer

T

here are people who use their knowhow to reach the very top of the profession that they pursue. There are others who ennoble the human soul with their talent. But there are also those who, as great erudite people, educated and wellmannered, represent the best product of a society.

Goran Milašinović (62) is today just such a valuable person in Serbia, one composed of numerous qualities – a cardiologist, a full professor at the Medical Faculty in Belgrade, a writer and member of the Serbian PEN association, and president of the the Government of Serbia’s Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO. He was the first in the world to implant some of the most modern types of pacemaker. He is also among the few world experts whose name is engraved on one promotional model of a modern pacemaker.

He made his literary bow in 1997, with the epistolary novel Voltin luk [Walt’s Arc], which he authored together with celebrated director and writer Živojin Žika Pavlović. He went on to publish around a dozen novels, of which Camera obscura and Absinthe were shortlisted for the NIN Award for Best Novel of the Year.

He is a winner of the Branko Ćopić Award for prose book of the year for his novel The Vinča Case (2017).

He is the father of two successful sons: Dejan (cardiologist) and Arsen (philosopher and mathematician).

Born in Đakovo [Slavonija, Croatia], he grew up and completed his primary and high school studies in the Croatian city of Osijek, only to arrive in Belgrade in 1977, to study medicine, where he has remained. Recalling his early childhood, he notes that his father was a strict and ambitious lawyer, Ćopić’s funny uncle and two likeable uncles – who were, each in their own way, his first male authority figures. He says that the upbringing he received at home and the one he took away from the area where he lived, Coratia’s Slavonia, intertwine: “We are determined more by the cultural patterns in which we grow up, and according to which we are mentally and intellectually formed, than just our birthplace. In my case, that’s a blend of a bourgeois family in Yugoslavia, the Austro-Hungarian spirit that could be felt in Osijek and Belgrade’s simple innocence and directness, but also internationalism, so I’m

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We are determined more by the cultural patterns in which we grow up, and according to which we are mentally and intellectually formed, than just our birthplace apparently an example of the hybrid structure typical of our area, which carries within it the Central European and Oriental, and rational, and mystical, and fatal. Here we’re all Vienna, Venice and the Levant, some more, some less, myself included.

His generation did not have the opportunity to feel the magic of Woodstock, which our interlocutor was terribly sorry about, but he was awaited by Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple… but also our first rockers. Books were, and remain, his inexhaustible source of

knowledge, while for him rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t just music, rather also a cultural pattern, poetry, social engagement, world politics: “We in Yugoslavia, unlike the Eastern European states of the Warsaw Pact, largely had open access to world flows and trends, including music, film, new theatrical tendencies and contemporary literature. Thanks to that, we grew up and got to know the world in a way that was very close to our contemporaries from the West, which was very fortunate and unexpected for a communist, autocratic state. I was interested in everything, but I mostly stuck to books, because I immediately felt that was my future “world”. I remember Remarque’s war novels, filled with psychological and emotional nuance, as an example of literature that attracted me at the very start of high school, even before books that were compulsory reading, but also books on psychology, by Erich Fromm or Karen Horney, for example, which I “devoured”. It was then that I realised that it’s not possible to get to know man and the world only materially, through biology, physics, history and science, but that literature is also important, which

describes personalities and events through its resources, narration and psychological and effective analysis.

“And when it comes to music and film, my time was the time of the so-called New Wave, our punk rock scene, which was more passionate than it was authentic, given that it culminated, sooner or later, with ‘Comrade Tito, we swear to you’, or worse still, it melted away into some oxymoron wonders, like folk-rock or turbo-folk.

Likewise, FEST [the Belgrade International Film Festival] opened our eyes to the world, with the best films in the world teaching us about the time in which we lived, political events, Vietnam, the “deep state”, small, faraway nations, although FEST could perhaps have done more, by bringing forth some school or forming a specific creative direction, and not just remaining as the new capital event for displays of vanity. I would say that, as a generation, we had opportunities and could have done more than imitate the West, but our creativity was killed by excessive conformism.”

It was chance that wanted Goran to enrol in studying medicine, and not architecture.

We in Yugoslavia, unlike the Eastern European states of the Warsaw Pact, largely had open access to world flows and trends Just as his specialisation in cardiology was not determined by any special intention, rather again by chance. He was actually more attracted to architecture than medicine, but the order of entrance exams during that summer of 1977 determined the further course of events. He first took the entrance exam for Medicine, and easily found himself among the first on the list of future students. Apart from rationality, medicine also attracted him because of some sublime mysticism that’s hidden within it, and that also fit with the cultural pattern in which he grew up, with discipline and order, which is very close to medicine:

“My naive view of medicine (given that I didn’t have any doctors in my immediate family) has changed in the meantime, now I see much more humanity and empathy in it than science, or at least just as much, or actually that of an individual and specific patient, but as a person as a whole, and not only partially, through disease and diagnosis, which has similarities with literature due to immersion in the psyche and soul of man. I think young doctors should take some sort of “empathy test”, and anyone who’s unable to empathise and understand the patient should change their profession while there’s still time. In return, the doctor receives pure, sincere intangible gratitude, which fulfils and inspires.”

For Goran, medicine and literature, or writing, represent two parallel tracks on which the train of his life moves. At the time when he was just making his start in medicine, he wrote a collection of poems entitled Unexplored Pains, but he soon devoted himself to writing prose and has remained faithful to that to this day.

When he delved deeper into medicine and his literary work, he often found himself on the brink of physical and mental exhaustion, but he somehow managed to maintain harmony, despite him being aware that a debt will inevitably have to be paid for such an overstrained life: “Writing wasn’t a matter of choice. It happened spontaneously. It was early on that I felt that creative pleasure of inventing characters, plots, the imitative world. But not everyone who feels the “call of literature” becomes a writer. Serious work is required; there’s a lot that a writer needs to learn and improve on, from style and form, to the choice of topics and content, because, as Llosa says, and as Andrić similarly said, the writer has a responsibility to the reader to write well, as best he can. That’s why writing is a difficult profession, which demands seriousness, energy and dedication, and not fun, in which some people see only the infantile development of the imagination and the need for stories. My problem is that I thus found myself in two serious and demanding professions, but I never experienced those circumstances as a particular burden, except that I had to reduce many spheres of life, primarily social. Not that I had a choice, because whatever else I could have done, by giving up either medicine or literature, I would have been

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My life

Goran Milašinović, cardiologist, writer

awaited by a sense of dissatisfaction and the feeling of an empty, unfulfilled life.”

Under the conditions of a civilisation in which abbreviations are increasingly used instead of words and sentences, Goran, like many other writers, fears for the future of books. He believes in man’s deep need to convey his thoughts to another man.That’s something that we were born with as a species, that’s how homo sapiens functions: “There will be literature as long as there’s a need for a person to convey a thought to another.

If that wasn’t there, literature wouldn’t even exist, but just as forms of the written word have changed throughout history, we’ve had books since Gutenberg’s press, and just as we wrote and read before him, so it will also change in the future, and we are now on the threshold of the change from paper to electronic form. The

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I think young doctors should take some sort of “empathy test”, and anyone who’s unable to empathise and understand the patient should change their profession while there’s still time real problem is the lack of interest in learning, deeper analysis, detailed reading, given that new generations are enslaved to superficial “omniscience”, pseudo-information, and they

use the benefits of the cyber world to achieve competence without serious work, which is pseudo-competence (everyone knows “everything about everything”). But of that they read little, although sales of book aren’t declining significantly, just as queues for borrowing books from libraries aren’t reducing, which means that those who do read are reading increasingly more.

But one shouldn’t deceive ourselves – only five to ten per cent of the general population has ever read, with the rest being educated and formed with the help of visual media, which once upon a time meant mostly television, while today it’s the internet. Quite simply, it is human nature to choose easier paths and shortcuts. We also shouldn’t forget that we live in the time of Nietzsche’s Curse, the world of nihilism, materialism, excessive individualism

and terrible selfishness, which by no means represents fertile ground for spiritual activities, such as reading and literature.”

Even before this interview for CorD, Dr Milašinović said that the COVID-19 viral pandemic would lead to 20 per cent of the population experiencing some mental disorders. It is very important to prepare for that, and to combat it.

That’s because it seems that humanity can’t exist without some plague. When we don’t have wars and famines, then we have epidemics. This plague imposes itself on a specific a time and calls for complete discipline, given that the only thing we know about this virus is how it is transmitted.

He describes it as a kind of Decameronesque time. Just as Boccaccio imagined at the time of the great bubonic plague epidemic, when man must be confined to a small space and find a way to survive until it passes: “Twenty per cent of the people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is a rough estimate on the basis of experiences with humanity’s previous global traumas, though perhaps it will be even more. The reason is clear: first, fear for one’s own life; second, the complete stripping of routine and violent abandoning of habits; and third, the breaking of communication with other people, which is just as important a need for humans as the need for freedom. However, the problem is that some manifestations of PTSD are more difficult to notice, such as anxiety or mildly depressive behaviour, meaning that essential professional help – in the form of pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy – is often lacking and permanent adverse consequences remain. In other words, anyone who feels the need for a psychiatrist should seek one. But we can take some preventative actions ourselves, such as by creating a solid inner world, composed of small pleasures and hope that unfavourable circumstances will nonetheless pass, which will protect and defend us from more serious psychological harm.”

At the proposal of Professor Darko Tanasković, former Serbian ambassador to Turkey, the Vatican and UNESCO, Goran was selected to be the president of the Serbian Government’s Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO. The work of all members of this national commission is voluntary, with members having a desire to contribute as much and as well as possible to the recognisability of Serbia through numerous UNESCO activities

in the fields of science, culture and education.

The most important thing for Dr Milašinović is the fight to preserve the cultural identity of Serbia, because he sees that as the best way to preserve the country’s national identity. We asked him what the most difficult thing in that work is, if we take into account the fact that some of the country’s most important national cultural monuments are located on the territory of Kosovo: “We need greater awareness of the importance of cultural identity, and with the example of our cultural assets from Kosovo we see how causally and consequently they are connected with national identity. In this regard, cultural genocide is currently at work in Kosovo, though which the historical, cultural and religious

On the basis of experiences with humanity’s previous global traumas, twenty per cent of the people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is a rough estimate, though perhaps it will be even more. Anyone who feels the need for a psychiatrist should seek one heritage of the Serbian people is alienated and stolen to the benefit of the Albanian nation, since the previous project to destroy Serbian traces there failed. That’s why the Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO considers this topic as being the most important at the moment, but also why it emphasises the importance of monitoring all other programmes and projects that increase our visibility within UNESCO and raise our standing/image, which we need on all fronts, including the political.”

Goran Milašinović’s novel The Vinča Case is particularly interesting to the local public, given that it received the Branko Ćopić Award and was inspired by the little-known fact that on 15th October 1958, during an experiment in Vinča, six scientists belonging to the team tasked with

making an atomic bomb were irradiated! The irradiated atomic scientists were transferred to Paris for treatment, and were the first in the history of medicine to undergo a bone marrow transplant. That’s why this doctor and writer was so preoccupied with this topic: “When I started dealing with that topic in 2009, I realised it was about a series of paradoxes. Firstly, very little was known among us about something that was so important, such as the first organ transplant in the world, and performed on our unfortunate atomic scientists from Vinča. Moreover, some of the atomic scientists affected by that radiation were still alive at the time, but they weren’t inclined to talk about it and share their memories. It was as though they’d imposed a deliberate vow of silence on themselves from within. Secondly, it isn’t stated anywhere in medical scientific literature that this was the first bone marrow transplant in the world, although it was. However, it was unfortunately unsuccessful, as back in 1958 nothing was known about the importance of cell compatibility between donors and recipients, and all transplants led to transplant rejection, but they fortunately survived (except one of them) because they weren’t irradiated with a lethal dose of radiation. And, thirdly, the emphasis was erroneously placed on Vinča and the unfortunate irradiated atomic scientists, rather than on the five Frenchmen who, risking their lives, donated their bone marrow to complete strangers from behind the “Iron Curtain”. That all seemed like the ideal foundation for literature to me, and that fact that it was based on a real-life event, instead of pure documentary or some “credible recollection”, considering that only literature has the power to penetrate the emotional and mental states of those courageous Frenchmen, as well as anticipating their character. That was the reason why I published the novel Rascepi [Split] in 2011 and The Vinča Case in 2017, which observe the same event from two different literary perspectives. The film based on the novel The Vinča Case, which is being prepared

by Dragan Bjelogrlić, will shed light on this event with a new artistic language and give it another dimension, one that’s more attractive and popular than literature, so my initial premise - that something so important for us and the world shouldn’t be forgotten – will be realised to an even greater extent.”

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CHILL OUT Prince Harry And His Wife, Meghan, Expecting Second Child Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, are expecting their second child, their spokesperson said Sunday, a joyful bit of news after a turbulent year in which they broke away from the British royal family, started new lives in California and suffered a miscarriage that Meghan said brought “almost unbearable grief.” “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the spokesperson said in a statement, referring to the couple’s nearly two-year-old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Harry and Meghan, who are also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are “overjoyed to be expecting their second child,” it said. The statement did not say when the duchess was due to give birth or whether the couple knew the baby’s gender. They released an artful, black-and-white photo of them relaxing affectionately under a tree, a baby bump clearly visible on Meghan.

Theatre Stars Demand Deal With EU For Visa-free Travel To Europe For British Artists Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart and Dame Julie Walters have joined some of the biggest names in theatre to demand Boris Johnson renegotiate his Brexit deal with the EU to secure visa-free travel to Europe for British artists. In a letter from the Equity union to the Prime Minister, the post-Brexit travel rules are described as a ‘towering hurdle’ for the performing arts industry. The union said many people had already lost work because it is now more difficult to travel to the EU and warned there will be ‘irreparable harm’ caused if the situation is not remedied swiftly. The union said in the letter: ‘Before, we were able to travel to Europe visa-free. ‘Now we have to pay hundreds of pounds, fill in form after form and spend weeks waiting for approval – just so we can do our jobs.’

More than 280,000 people have signed a petition calling on the UK Government and the EU to agree to reciprocal cultural work permit arrangements.

Football Simulator Could Save Clubs Millions In Transfer Fees British Norwich City are set to become the first football club in England to install the futuristic SoccerBot360 simulator at their training ground. Costing £750,000, the German-made technology features a circular pitch surrounded by video walls onto which a series of projectors beam simulations of match scenarios. A player stands in the centre and makes passes towards the video wall with a football, which bounces back at them, developing reaction speed and decision-making.

The idea is to replicate the exact conditions of a match, when players have to process the quick movements of team-mates and opponents before making the correct pass.

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Nearly 4,000 Amazon Staff Were Incorrectly Told They Had Covid Nearly 4,000 Amazon workers were wrongly told they had Covid by the NHS Test and Trace service in the latest bungle for the ‘world-beating’ system.

The retailer uses PCR tests on staff at work as part of its own private scheme before sending the data to NHS Test and Trace.

Thousands of employees were tested at work and on February 12 told they had tested negative by Amazon.

However, after firms shared the data with the NHS, 3,853 workers received notifications on their Test and Trace apps on 13 February saying they had tested positive and had to self-isolate.

This sparked thousands of worried calls to the NHS hotline from employees querying why their results had apparently changed.

Later that evening the workers then received a new notification from their NHS apps confirming they had actually tested negative and blaming what happened on a ‘system error’.

Jaguar Will Be A ‘Pure-electric Luxury Brand’ From 2025 Jaguar Land Rover bosses have outlined the car maker’s future plans, including the intention for Jaguar to be an ‘all-electric luxury brand’ to rival Tesla from 2025.

The move will see Jaguar completely axe the petrol engines that made its name within the next four years.

Land Rover will also launch six new pure electric models in the next five years and every car in its range will have an electric option by 2030.

Jaguar Land Rover is one of the car makers hit hardest by the downturn in demand for diesel vehicles in recent years.

Its range of models across both brands relied heavily on diesel engines, which have seen sales tumble in the years since the VW emissions cheating scandal rattled the industry in 2015.

The World’s Longest, Fastest And Tallest Roller Coaster Excitement is building at pace for the Falcon’s Flight, set to become the world’s longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster - as the design process for the attraction is now underway. The ride will be the main attraction at Six Flags Qiddiya in Saudia Arabia, a ‘one-of-a-kind theme park’ that’s due to open in 2023 inside a resort called Qiddiya. The coaster will cover almost 2.5 miles (four kilometres) of track, hit a top speed of 155mph (250kph) and feature a ‘vertical cliff dive manoeuvre into a 160m-deep (524ft) valley using magnetic motor acceleration’.

A ride on it will last three minutes with up to 20 passengers at a time able to ‘experience the exhilaration of three electromagnetic propulsion launch systems as well as panoramic views of Six Flags Qiddiya and the Resort Core’. In addition, the roller coaster will also feature a ‘parabolic airtime hill allowing a weightlessness airtime experience’

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Rolex

€9,000

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March

Gucci Loafers €750

Saint Laurent

Diptyque

€1,692

€40

Chanel Tweed Suit

Dior

€2,800

€4,700

Max Mara

Cartier Love Bracelet

€6,000-25,000

€700

Manolo Blahnik €845

Hermes Kelly €9,00022,000

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Culture

calendar

67th Martovski Festival: Selection of Animated Film 22-28 March 2021

March The Month Of Francophonie The month of Francophonie 2021 will differ from the previous ones in that due to the health crisis, many embassies, cultural and school institutions will be prevented from organizing events for a wide audience. Despite these limitations, the organizers will endeavour to highlight, online or live, while respecting the prescribed measures, the richness and potential of the French language. Thus, the traditional “Francophone song” competition, whose finals have been organized in Nis so far, will be organized online on Instagram this year and will be called “I sing in French”. This year, there will be two categories of competitors - juniors and seniors, and the members of the jury that will evaluate them will be Bojan Zulfikarpasic, as well as the first advisers of the embassies of Switzerland and Tunisia. The Embassy of Morocco will present the last novel by the writer Mahi Binebin on 15 March. The Embassy of Canada will organize a round table on the topic of writing in multicultural environments with the writer Kim Tui Li. The Embassy of Egypt is organizing a seminar on peacekeeping missions in Francophone countries on 24 March. In addition to these, numerous other events are planned within the month of Francophonie.

The complete program will be available from 1 March on the French Institute in Serbia website http://www.institutfrancais.rs/doc/Francophonie2021-depliant.pdf

Since the 67th March Festival was not held during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, in accordance with the decision of the Festival Board, the next edition will be a double edition: 67/68. The March Festival will be held from 22-28 March 2021. Complete competitive selections from 2020 and 2021 will be shown, and festival awards will be given for both the 67th and 68th editions of the festival.

Deadline for submitting applications for the selection of the domestic competition program (documentary up to 50 minutes, documentary over 50 minutes, TV documentary, short feature, animated, experimental film and video art) is 1 March 2021.

Registration for the festival is done exclusively through the website: www.martovski.rs. The competition is also open to

authors and productions from abroad, for the selection of an international competition program in the category for short feature films.

The competition is valid for films produced in 2019 and later. Producers or authors of selected films will be notified no later than 12 March 2021.

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RECOMMENDS

KIMONO DESIGN: AN INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES AND PATTERNS Keiko Nitanai 2267rsd

Paint Like - Vincent Van Gogh 19 March 2021 www.somethinglessboring.co.uk

In this gently guided session you will be able to try out some of the techniques that the great artists used to define their unique styles. The aim is to replicate one of their classic works.

Kimono Design: An Introduction to Textiles and Patterns uses hundreds of photographs and a wealth of information on colors, fabrics and embellishments to paint a portrait of Japanese culture, art and thought.

Lavish classical patterns, sweeping scenes, and the many motifs that have been woven, dyed, painted or embroidered into these textiles reveal a reflectiveness, a sense of humor, and an appreciation of exquisite beauty that is uniquely Japanese.

HITLER’S NEW DISORDER: THE SECOND WORLD WAR IN YUGOSLAVIA Stevan K. Pavlowitch 2145rsd

You may choose a whole painting or a section to complete and you will enjoy an evening creating something similar to a great master! All welcome, great for beginners and improvers.

The session is run through Zoom using two cameras, so you get to see closely the details and instruction. On booking you will receive a confirmation email that includes a link which will take you directly to the meeting (if you intend to use a tablet or smartphone you will need to download the Zoom app first).

The history of the Second World War in Yugoslavia was for a long time the preserve of the Communist regime led by Marshal Tito. It was written by those who had battled hard to come out on top of the many-sided war fought across the territory of that Balkan state after the Axis Powers had destroyed it in 1941, just before Hitler’s invasion of the USSR. It was an ideological and ethnic war under occupation by rival enemy powers and armies, between many insurgents, armed bands and militias, for the survival of one group, for the elimination of another, for belief in this or that ideology, for a return to an imagined past within the Nazi New Order, or for the reconstruction of a new Yugoslavia on the side of the Allies. In fact, many wars were fought alongside, and under cover of, the Great War waged by the Allies against Hitler’s New Order which, in Yugoslavia at least, turned out to be a ‘new disorder’.

DISCOVERY (WORD CLOUD BOXED SET)

Editors of Canterbury Classics 4535rsd Discover the world of classic literature! Discover new realms of thought and fantasy in this exclusively selected boxed set! Four special-edition Word Cloud Classics are included: The Wizard of Oz, The Wind in the Willows and Other Stories, Hans Christian Andersen Tales, and Aesop’s Fables. Readers will be proud to display these works on their bookshelf when not reading folktales and detecting morals set forth by our ancestors - and the hot-air balloon cruising across the spines is sure to provoke many an interesting conversation.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

TALES FROM 1,001 NIGHTS

Robert Irwin , Coralie Bickford-Smith 2550rsd Part of Penguin’s beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality, colourful, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design. Every night for three years the vengeful King Shahriyar sleeps with a different virgin, executing her next morning. To end this brutal pattern and to save her own life, the vizier’s daughter, Shahrazad, begins to tell the king tales of adventure, love, riches and wonder - tales of mystical lands peopled with princes and hunchbacks, the Angel of Death and magical spirits, tales of the voyages of Sindbad, of Ali Baba’s outwitting a band of forty thieves and of jinnis trapped in rings and in lamps. The sequence of stories will last 1,001 nights...

HOME BODY Rupi Kaur 1740rsd

From the Number One Sunday Times bestselling author of milk and honey and the sun and her flowers comes her greatly anticipated third collection of poetry. Rupi Kaur constantly embraces growth, and in home body, she walks readers through a reflective and intimate journey visiting the past, the present and the potential of the self. home body is a collection of raw, honest conversations with oneself - reminding readers to fill up on love, acceptance, community, family, and embrace change. Illustrated by the author, themes of nature and nurture, light and dark, rest here.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Victor Hugo 1416rsd

This historically significant novel of love and betrayal led to a renewed interest in preserving the grand architecture of Paris. Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame was written in 1831, at a time when the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was falling into disrepair. This epic novel helped spark a preservationist movement that led to the cathedral being restored to its full glory. Set in 1482, the story tells of how four men - the hunchbacked bellringer, Quasimodo; the archdeacon of Notre Dame, Claude Frollo; the dashing soldier Phoebus de Chateaupers; and the poet Pierre Gringoire - vie for the love of Esmeralda, a young Romani woman. As the story unfolds, readers come to realize that the focus of the story is not only on the human characters but on the grand cathedral itself.

March

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&FACES PLACES 10/2/2021

Chinese Lantern Festival Held In Belgrade And Novi Sad The Chinese Lantern Festival, with the support of the Serbian government, the City of Belgrade and the City of Novi Sad, was held from 11 to 25 February in Belgrade on the Sava Promenade in front of the Belgrade Gallery and in Novi Sad in the Liman Park. The Chinese Lantern Festival was held for the third time in Serbia and the citizens of Belgrade and Novi Sad enjoyed the light effects of the lanterns every day from 17.00, with the respect for all epidemiological measures. In this way, the Chinese New Year was officially marked.

10/2/2021

Czech Prime Minister Visits Belgrade Prime Minister Ana Brnabić welcomed her Czech counterpart Andrej Babis, who arrived on a one-day visit to Serbia.

The official reception for the Czech Prime Minister was organised in front of the Palace of Serbia, with the playing of anthems of the two countries and the lining up of the Guard of the Serbian Army. The Czech Prime Minister also meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and later in the day prime ministers Brnabić and Babis visited the vaccination sites in Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair. PM Babis was welcomed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković.

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

15/2/2021

Statehood Day Of Serbia Marked Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stated in Orašac today that the spirit of Serbia from the time of Sretenje is guiding us and expiring even today, when Serbia is a strong and modern state that values its history and tradition and takes care of its citizens, its national interests and the economy.

Speaking at a state ceremony marking the Statehood Day of Serbia together with President of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, Brnabić said that we are marking Sretenje today in a world that we could not imagine one year ago, in a world faced with the biggest crisis since World War Two, in which due to the pandemic everything changed overnight and we are going through unparalleled challenges. Inspired by the spirit of Sretenje, Serbia has become a world leader, the best organised with its own forces in the fight against COVID and it helps others in the region, the Prime Minister pointed out and added that the voice and opinion of such a Serbia is respected in the international arena too.

15/2/2021

Decorations Presented On The Occasion Of Statehood Day Of Serbia On the occasion of the Statehood Day of Serbia, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, presented decorations to deserving individuals and institutions and said that Sretenje is a great day for Serbia, the day when the modern Serbian state was born.

Among those who received decorations at the Palace of Serbia were director Emir Kusturica, frontman of the group “Riblja Čorba” Borislav Bora Djordjević, as well as Russian sculptor Aleksandar Rukavishnikov, artist behind the Stefan Nemanja monument.

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&FACES PLACES 18/2/2021

Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana Porfirije (Peric) was elected today as the 46th head of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Monk Matej pulled out an envelope with the name of the new patriarch from the book of the Holy Gospels, which contained envelopes with the names of the three candidates who had the most votes. In addition to Metropolitan Porfirije, Bishop Irinej of Backa and Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka were also shortlisted. After the election of the new patriarch, the bells of the Temple of Saint Sava and the Cathedral in Belgrade rang.

The Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Church began today at exactly 12 o’clock in the crypt of the Temple of Saint Sava, and the Assembly itself was preceded by a liturgy attended by all its members.

19/2/2021

Ambassador Of Cyprus Visits CorD Office The CorD Magazine editorial office had the honour of welcoming the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Demetrios A. Theophylactou, on a visit.

CorD staff were happy to show Ambassador Theophylactou their busy newsroom and advertising department, while members of the CorD Magazine editorial and management team enjoyed conversing with this senior diplomat.

Ambassador Theophylactou’s visit was prompted by the feature interview with him that was published in the February 2021 issue of CorD Magazine, while the team at CorD and aim is always delighted to receive guests from the ranks of the diplomatic corps in Belgrade.

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Photo Tanjug

Metropolitan Porfirije elected 46th Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

23/2/2021

Russian Ambassador Honours The Memory Of World War II Heroes On the occasion of celebrating the national holiday of Russia - Day of the Defender of the Fatherland, Ambassador of Russia H.E. Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko together with the representatives of the Embassy of Russia in Serbia, laid wreaths at the military memorials.

The ceremony was held at the Memorial Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade.

The event was attended by senior Serbian officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps and citizens’ associations.

19/2/2021

Serbia Delivers Economic Reform Programme To The EU Minister of Finance Siniša Mali delivered at the Palace of Serbia to Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia H.E. Sem Fabrizi the Economic Reform Program (ERP), which contains a detailed overview of structural reforms that the Serbian government plans to implement over the next three years.

On this occasion, minister said the reforms cover eight key areas such as: energy market and transport reform; agriculture, industry and services, business environment and the fight against the grey economy, research, development and innovation and digital transformation, reforms in the field of economic integration, education and skills, employment and the labour market and social protection and inclusion.

March

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&FACES PLACES

24/2/2021

NALED Presents The Grey Book Establishing an electronic health record, improving the water treatment system and abolishing the conversion fee – these are the new priority recommendations of NALED’s Grey Book of bureaucratic procedures.

The 10 most important initiatives also include the reduction of tax burden for businesses, the abolition of paper payment slip, the establishment of an electronic registry of non-tax levies, an online registry of agricultural holdings and subsidies (eAgrar) and a unified certificate of paid taxes.

Each year, the Grey Book brings 100 recommendations for cutting the red tape, and what sets it apart from other publications are the proposed solutions for each of the administrative procedures that need to be improved. From the first edition of the Grey Book until today, 131 recommendations have been fully or partially resolved, out of a total of 268 that have been included in this publication.

21/2/2021

150,000 Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine Arrive In Serbia

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Minister of Health Zlatibor Lončar and British Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Sian MacLeod welcomed at the Nikola Tesla Airport the first contingent of 150,000 doses of vaccines against the coronavirus of the British-Swedish manufacturer AstraZeneca.

Vučić said that our country, along with the UAE, is becoming the only country in the world that has more than three vaccines available. Revaccination with this vaccine goes after 12 weeks, and we have a contract for new doses, so this means another 150,000 vaccinated people in Serbia.

He expressed his gratitude to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as well as to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, as the vaccine is made in India.

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BRANKO RUŽIĆ, FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF SERBIA AND MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Not A Single School Day Was Lost

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Serbia has been among the few countries that has managed, without postponements, to enable pupils and students at all levels of education to follow classes online from the beginning of the school year. We believe that we will end the school year equally successfully ~ Branko Ružić 4

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he most important thing for us is to preserve the health and safety of children and all employees in the education system - says First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Branko Ružić. This is also the key guiding notion that will determine how teaching the curriculum will be organised in this school year, as well

REFORMS

RESPONSIBILITY

INCLUSIVITY

It’s important to maintain the continuity of reform processes and continue to advance education and science in accordance with contemporary global tendencies

Everyone in the system – school pupils, educators and extracurricular staff – showed a high degree of responsibility, professionalism and self-sacrifice

Vulnerable groups of pupils were not excluded from the education system in any way during this period

as the return to school in the autumn. Thanks to the self-sacrifice of education workers, but also companies and pupils who attend classes in dual education, children had the opportunity to conduct all teaching units that are ordinarily performed in companies.

Thanks to the support of donors and the engagement of the ministry, classes can also be attended by children from particularly vulnerable groups without hindrance.

How resistant to the challenges of COVID-19 has the education system proved itself to be?

- The education system responded fully to the new and sudden circumstances that were imposed by the Coronavirus Pandemic and displayed great flexibility. I will remind you that we are among the few countries in Europe, and the only one in the region, to have enabled students at all levels of education to attend classes without postponements since the beginning of the school year. No school day was lost. Teaching has taken place in continuity, according to established models, and even under these difficult and unpredictable conditions, no one has been denied the right to an education. In this situation, everyone in the system – school pupils, educators and extracurricular staff – showed a high degree of responsibility, professionalism and self-sacrifice.

What are your key objectives when it comes to the successful completion of this academic year?

- Our goal is to successfully conclude this school year and implement all planned and envisaged activities, starting from enrolment activities to legislative amendments and other reform moves. However, the most important thing at this juncture is to preserve the health and safety of children and all employees in the education and training system. It has been shown so far that educational institutions are not places where the virus is transmitted,

because everyone in that system adheres to the prescribed epidemiological measures.

and primary schools, as well as enrolment in secondary schools and university colleges.

In the meantime we’ve seen significant progress on the digitisation of the education system. How many educational institutions are today equipped with the most modern e-classrooms?

- I would like every child in Serbia, even in the country’s most remote parts, to have an opportunity to use the most modern equipment. That’s why it’s important to maintain the continuity of reform processes and continue to advance education and science in accordance with contemporary global tendencies. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development is striving, through various projects and in cooperation with partners, to digitise the entire system to the greatest possible extent, but also to improve the teaching process and increase

What kinds of plans do you have when it comes to preparing for the next academic year? Will some of the teaching content still be provided online?

- It’s too early to discuss this topic. The organisation of classes will first and foremost depend on the epidemiological situation.

We expect mass immunisation and the implementation of epidemiological measures to lead to the normalisation of all segments of life, including teaching and the education process. So, when all teachers and pupils will return to their classrooms will depend exclusively on the epidemiological situation, which we are monitoring on a daily basis in cooperation with the Crisis Staff and the competent institutions. During the COVID-19 viral pandemic everyone had an opportunity

I would like every child in Serbia, even in the country's most remote parts, to have an opportunity to use the most modern equipment the skills and digital competencies of pupils and teachers. It is planned to equip another 10,000 digital classrooms in the second half of this school year, as well as to secure another 11,500 digital classrooms for the next school year. Plans also include the renewal of equipment in computer rooms, in order for pupils to be bale to use more modern computers. Apart from this, last year saw the start of the process of digitising the final exam for primary education, while this year we will advance this process even further.

As you know, alongside equipping rooms with IT equipment, digitisation also means, among other things, developing new electronic services that save time for our citizens. The e-enrolment service thus enables the easier enrolment of children in preschool institutions

to see the possibilities offered by online teaching for themselves, and this type of teaching will certainly be applied under certain circumstances.

To what extent were vulnerable groups of children covered by online classes and how will they manage to make up for the backlog in their schooling?

- One of the priorities of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development is to make education equally accessible to all pupils. Vulnerable groups of pupils were not excluded from the education system in any way during this period. For the small number of pupils who didn’t have the opportunity to follow remote teaching, teachers and professional associates provided teaching materials

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call of the Ministry and school principals to enable classes conducted on their premises with licensed instructors to be recorded.

The state maturity diploma represents a serious change to the education system. That's why we postponed its implementation until everything is completely ready and, when necessary, delivered them to pupils in the settlements where they live.

In order to enable greater access to education, we are implementing the project “Bridging the digital divide in Serbia for the most vulnerable children”, which will be implemented in 30 local governments. Under the scope of this initiative, “digital libraries” and “learning clubs” with 1,800 tablets will be established in 30 selected schools. Moreover, 900 teachers who work at these schools will have the opportunity to strengthen their capacities. This will benefit at least 12,000 children. The second area of focus will be on providing psychological and social support to schoolchildren from the Roma population.This project is being implemented by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, with funds provided through a European Union grant.

How were teaching processes in dual education conducted, considering that there were a lot of production delays within companies themselves?

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- We also enabled pupils of four-year and threeyear profiles of secondary vocational schools, who weren’t able to do their internship due to the epidemiological situation, to acquire practical knowledge remotely. Furthermore, intensive activities – through the preparation of video materials and broadcasting these materials on the RTS Planet portal - enabled pupils in dual education to acquire knowledge about learning through work under conditions when it was impossible to visit companies.

Some 1,200 lessons had been filmed by the end of last year, 764 of which can be found in the National Online Database of Lessons for Dual Education Profiles, which was created for eight areas of work.

Teachers from secondary vocational schools and instructors from companies jointly filmed the lessons. Responding to the invitation of schools was a significant number of companies that normally cooperate with schools in the realisation of learning through work experience. Companies that operate in Serbia showed a high level of social responsibility and responded to the

How much have your ministry’s long-term plans suffered as a result of COVID-19?

- As a result of the COVID-19 viral epidemic, changes were made in the organisation of educational work, but we organised all activities - such as enrolments in preschool institutions, primary and secondary schools and university colleges – in accordance with the plan under these altered circumstances.

As in other segments of society, there were slight shifts in deadlines, which didn’t have a long-term and significant impact on the flow of the educational process. Despite this, the “Power of Knowledge” Strategy of Science and Technological Development has been completed and adopted, while the Strategy for the Development of Education until 2027 will be adopted soon. The Law on Amendments to the Law on Higher Education has been prepared, which will enable the National Accreditation Body to return to full membership in the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), as well as the Law on Student Organisation that is being adopted in Serbia for the first time.

How will this be reflected in some of your plans, such as the plan to introduce the state maturity diploma?

- The state maturity diploma represents a serious change to the education system. I formed the Commission to monitor the activities of introducing the state maturity diploma not only because of the existing epidemiological situation, but also because of the essential exhaustive preparations that are required for its introduction into the education system.This commission will continuously and carefully monitor the preparation of each of the phases of the state maturity diploma, which will be postponed. Until the state maturity diploma is introduced, special attention will be paid to ensuring the detailed and proper informing of pupils and parents, teachers and other representatives of the professional public, regarding the importance of the maturity diploma, as well as all new introductions to the laws and by-laws regulating this area.

“IT’S NOT THAT I’M SO SMART, IT’S JUST THAT I STAY WITH PROBLEMS LONGER” ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN

March

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RADIVOJE MITROVIĆ PH.D., DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

Cradle Of Engineers Of The Future The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade has improved the quality and attractiveness of its study programmes over recent years, adapting them to global trends in order to open the way for students to pursue successful professional careers as mechanical engineers, which are in demand both in the country and around the world.

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he essence of higher education reforms should be based on the fact that learning is centred on the student, who – in addition to acquiring top theoretical knowledge – should also learn how to apply that knowledge and develop his ideas, says Radivoje Mitrović Ph.D., Dean of the Belgrade Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

You have pointed that the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering bases its work and successes on high-quality teaching, scientific research, international cooperation and cooperation with the commerce sector. That hasn’t changed?

-All of that is still among the key development priorities of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Our aim is to make a new quantum leap in operations in all segments of our engagement– through raising the quality of teaching, scientific research works, cooperation with the companies and international cooperation – which future generations will continue and develop further.

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Following our motto “Excellence now and in everything”, we primarily turned to focus on the best students, who will develop new products and technologies that will contribute to the economic development of the country and a much higher growth rate of national GDP. It is precisely the reason why we’ve established the Student Centre of Excellence, which currently

4.0”, which we are conducting together with the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Belgrade and with the active participation of leading domestic and foreign companies.

We are also very proud of our cooperation with the companies, not only in the fields of education and scientific research, but also through joint work on projects. A significant

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering generates more than 40% of its own income through cooperation with the economy brings together five student teams in the fields of motor vehicles, aviation, shipbuilding, robotics and biomedical engineering.

We participated successfully in the public call ‘Master 4.0’, which was implemented by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development on the basis of an idea of the Digital Serbia Initiative.The result is a new master’s study programme called “Industry

number of professors and associates have highly developed cooperation with the commerce sector and industry, through which we generate more than 40% of our own income.

When it comes to international cooperation, our researchers – as project leaders and participants – are involved in four Horizon 2020 projects, then in projects within the scope of the Erasmus + programme, as well as bilateral

cooperation projects funded by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development.

Is the reason for increased interest in enrolment in your faculty related to the re-industrialisation of Serbia, which enables graduates to find work in our country, but also the fact that the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering’s diplomas are recognised worldwide?

- Contributing greatly to the increased interest in mechanical engineering studies among young people are both the radical change in teaching methods and the permanent innovation and harmonisation of study programmes with the needs of industry as well as with the latest trends in mechanical engineering worldwide.

Our faculty distinguishes itself as one of the few in Serbia to offer students a wide range of fields and promising occupations, some of which are unique in the region. This is also one of the reasons why interest is growing in continuing education on master’s and Ph.D. studies.

The quality of studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has also been confirmed by the international accreditations ASIIN and RINA, while many companies have recognised the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as a place where top engineers are educated. Among them are German companies Brose, ZF (Cet-ef), Siemens, Messer Tehnogas, NIS, EPS, Zastava Arms, Sloboda, Metalac etc.

Cooperation with these companies means adapting the study curricula according to their needs, while they participate actively in the education process through scholarships, professional work practice and joint work on tangible projects, with the possibility of gaining employment even before our students defend their graduate thesis.

As of autumn, students in Serbia receive the opportunity to study according to the dual education model – developed according to the needs and specificities of the higher education system of the Republic of Serbia. The Law on Dual Studies envisages the introduction of a flexible model that higher education institutions would adopt and adjust themselves and connect with interested companies through their own engagements.

The contents of academic master’s studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering are conceived in such a way that they also contain, in addition to obligatory subjects, a group of elective subjects. This creates the possibility to

connections with the commerce sector. The most important projects that have resulted from this cooperation include: the Serbian crop field machine; development of HVAC equipment; the KOKAN 500s fruit picker; the device for dispensing and storing wine, and many others. One of the latest projects is a tractor platform for spectrometric reconnaissance of field crops.

The main carriers of these projects are Ph.D. students.

define topics and areas based on the companies’ needs that would be addressed through elective subjects - which would contribute greatly to further improving the quality of academic teaching.

What is a good engineer? One who graduates with the highest grades, one who completes their studies on time or one who thinks more broadly and sees further?

- The best students aren’t necessarily those with the highest grades, rather those who have a kind of engineering “x factor” - the ability to imagine, conceptualise, visualise and, ultimately, turn their ideas into an actual product. Our aim is to educate a new generation of engineers, who will develop new products and technologies. Our ambition is to become part of the creative industries, where newly created intellectual value is the greatest and which will enable the domestic economy to take its own place in the global value chain.

Could you single out some of the most significant projects of the Innovation Centre, which has already been in existence for 15 years?

- The basic role of the Innovation Centre is to transfer technology and improve the faculty’s

Do you agree with the assessment that the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering took a great leap forward in the educating of future mechanical engineers with the establishment of the Student Centre of Excellence? Why is it important?

- With the establishing of the Student Centre of Excellence, we provided the conditions and space for students to create their ideas, then to further develop them in the faculty’s laboratories, and finally to convert them into fully functional prototypes.

The goal is for students to build up and improve the knowledge they gained during the studies by working on specific projects, thus acquiring essential practical competencies and skills that are imperatives of the times in which we live. For them to learn, for example, how to present, explain and defend their projects in front of potential financiers, i.e. how to animate sponsors and companies to support them…

The idea is for the final year of studies to be filled with as much practical engagement as possible.

Do the professors and students of your faculty cooperate with major world companies, but also with small and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia?

-The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has been carrying out the cooperation with the industry for decades. That cooperation has intensified with the arrival in Serbia of the world’s leading companies. What is especially important is that, in addition to production facilities in Serbia, most of these companies, such as Brose, ZF, Siemens, Bosch, are also opening their own research and development departments. This creates room not only for cooperation through various types of training and teaching, but also for active professional cooperation and the exchange of knowhow and experience through research and development projects.

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UNIVERSITY OF YORK EUROPE CAMPUS, CITY COLLEGE

Study At The 1 Europe Campus Of A Top British University In The Region st

BACHELORS, MASTERS, EXECUTIVE MBA AT CITY COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF YORK EUROPE CAMPUS The University of York, one of the best universities in the UK and the world, has partnered with CITY College, which has now become the University of York Europe Campus.

Building on the 30-year legacy and experience of CITY College in delivering top British higher education in the region, the University of York Europe Campus is offering the excellence of British university education in the region in the post-Brexit era. Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes are offered in Thessaloniki, leading to the University of York degrees.

The University of York is one of the UK’s leading Universities and a member of the prestigious Russell Group. It is one of the world’s premier institutions for pioneering research.

CITY College, Europe Campus is the physical presence of the University of York in Europe and an integrated entity of the University. It has affiliate activities in 8 countries – Serbia among them - and connects academically the UK with Europe and the world.

BACHELORS AND MASTERS STUDIES IN THESSALONIKI BUSINESS STUDIES – PSYCHOLOGY – COMPUTER SCIENCE – ENGLISH STUDIES Bachelors programmes The high-quality bachelors programmes, all taught in English, allow students at CITY College, Europe Campus to enjoy a rich experience of mobility and internationalisation and to gain knowledge and skills that will open up their horizons. Students acquire a strong academic background and practical expertise that will enable them to proceed to postgraduate studies or start a successful career.

Masters programmes CITY College, University of York Europe

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Campus offers a wide range of specialised postgraduate courses (e.g. Marketing, Finance, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Web & Mobile Development, Translation and Interpreting, and many more) addressed to candidates who wish to deepen their knowledge in their field.

All postgraduate programmes take a hands-on, practical learning approach, enabling students to gain invaluable employability skills and pursue a successful career.

THE PRESTIGIOUS EXECUTIVE MBA IN BELGRADE AN MBA PROGRAMME WITH DUAL DEGREE FROM TWO LEADING UNIVERSITIES The University of York Europe Campus, jointly with one of the oldest and most prestigious European Universities, The University of Strasbourg (with 18 Nobel laureates and member of the LERU group of 23 Top European Universities), offers the Executive MBA programme in Belgrade. This is a truly international dual degree programme leading to two prestigious MBA degrees by two universities: The world-class UK University of York, and the leading European University of Strasburg. The programme is designed for today’s business professionals who need to improve their skills and knowledge for career and personal development. Students attend a variety of business subjects and specialisations, taught by professors of the Universities and international practitioners, participate in 3 study trips (York, Strasbourg, Thessaloniki) and build a strong international business network.

Join us Admissions are now open. Programmes commence in October 2021.

For more information: Email: serbia@york.citycollege.eu www.york.citycollege.eu

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OLIVERA GVOZDENOV, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ERNST KLETT PRÄSENZLERNEN OSTEUROPA GMBH – BELGRADE BRANCH; RADOSLAV VESELINOVIĆ, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE GALEB GROUP, ŠABAC

Welders Of World-Class Quality Cooperation between Klett EDU and the Galeb Group was initiated in 2019, with professional training in multidisciplinary mechatronics. It was concluded during the course of this cooperation that the situation is very poor in Serbia when it comes to welders and that there are very few of them. Today, two years on, that situation is improving tions is based on getting acquainted with and developing an understanding of the business of our clients. Cooperation with the Galeb Group is always inspiring and creates new opportunities, thanks among other things to the knowhow, wealth of experience and incredible energy of Mr Veselinović, which

art equipment and professional guidance through the learning process. Serving as a starting point for development was the way welding is taught in Germany and the Netherlands, through an applicable and active process, and we were helped significantly in this thanks to the experience of

The REL and MIG/MAG welding programme encompasses a theoretical part of the training, lasting 80 hours, and a practical part of 200 hours

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e together concluded that, with the knowhow of the staff of Klett EDU and Galeb’s decades of practical experience in welding and high-quality instructors, we could do something that has never previously been seen in this area. And it was a complete success, stress Olivera Gvozdenov and Radoslav Veselinović in this interview for CorD Magazine.

The Klett EDU training programme for welding is the only programme of its kind in this region. How did everything begin?

OG: One of the basic principles of our opera-

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motivate you to constantly look ahead and open new chapters. One of the topics we opened was the welding programme, which was set up from the outset through partnership relations.

Galeb’s many decades of experience in the field of welding and our mutual readiness to engage people with top practical and educational experience resulted in the new REL and MIG/MAG welding programme. The programme is conceived in such a way that it enables participants to acquire comprehensive knowhow and skills, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the entire team.

The REL, MIG/MAG welding programme represents an opportunity, at the training centre in Ub, to combine theoretical and practical work with the use of state-of-the-

our company, which has its head office in Stuttgart and is a leader in education across Europe. The programme encompasses a theoretical part of the training, lasting 80 hours, and a practical part of 200 hours. Our lecturers and instructors are experts and are highly motivated, because they have the opportunity to work with students who want to gain new knowledge in the highest quality and most applicable way.

How is the programme conceived? Are theoretical and practical training organised at the Galeb Klett EDU Training Centre for Welding in Ub? Is the programme accredited?

OG:The welding programme, which was devised by the expert team of both companies,

focuses on the applicability of knowhow and skills. After completing the 280-hour “Galeb-Klett EDU” welding programme, trainees fully master the REL and MIG/MAG welding procedures and are ready to engage in the work of companies immediately. It is precisely this fact that distinguishes us and sets us apart on the market. The training centre in Ub, with 16 units for each individual trainee, is a genuine example of what an ideal training space in the area of welding should look like. The protection of trainees is always a priority, which is why we use equipment

Wacker Neuson, Via Ocel and WKG, but we are certain that there will be ever more of them in the future, so we will use this opportunity to invite all interested parties to contact us.

How did you bring the decision to open the training centre for welding in Ub together with the Klett EDU school? How was it conceived?

RV: The cooperation with the Klett EDU school began in 2019, when we sent fifteen employees to complete a high-quality programme for mechatronics, and everything subsequently had

The training centre in Ub, with 16 units for each individual trainee, is a genuine example of how an ideal space for training welders should look from renowned brands like Lorch, Stayer, Plymovent and Esab.

A comparative advantage of the “Galeb-Klett EDU” welding programme is in the period of six hours that each trainee spends practising procedures on a daily basis. Welders trained in such a way won’t only be ready to work, but will also represent a valuable asset for the employer who has invested in their practical education. The Klett EDU welding programme is accredited by the Accreditation Agency, because it is important for both trainees and companies to receive a certificate upon the completion of training.

Who are your trainees and who are your clients? Are they domestic or foreign companies?

OG: The “Galeb-Klett EDU” welding programme aims to educate trainees and create value in Serbia. The very fact that the welding profession has a shortfall of personnel – not only in our country, but also across Europe – testifies to how much companies in Serbia are confronted by insufficiently trained and available staff. Our clients are both domestic and foreign companies whose current and future workers are trained by us to become welders, while they also apply for other “Klett EDU” professional training programmes. We adjust models of cooperation with companies depending on whether trainees are already employed by them or not. At this moment, trust has been placed in us by the companies

its own flown. We recognised the possibilities and potential to deepen our cooperation and here are the results...

The demo centre is not only equipped with the most modern teaching resources for theoretical training, but also with the most modern welding equipment for the practical part of schooling.The entire school is equipped with Lorch devices and a welding robot, and trainees use protective equipment of the highest level during their schooling.

Do the staff you train for the occupation that is in the shortest supply in Europe satisfy the EU’s strict standards?

RV: When you combine the knowhow and experience of the partners in this programme, you get staff who are trained excellently according to the latest standards. Galeb, as a company that has existed for half a century, always strives for the highest standards, so the Welding School is also conceived in such a way that it satisfies the EU’s criteria, which are very strict. Galeb’s welders have been working for the European market for almost two decades. That is why I note that it is always important to strive for the highest and that is the only way we can achieve success. I also told that to the school’s trainees.

Together with our partners, we have provided all the conditions for them to acquire the kind of knowhow that few others in Serbia would provide them with. And everything else is up to them. They have taken this message

seriously for now, and are working hard to improve themselves.

Are your participants fully trained for different types of welding upon the conclusion of the programme?

RV: Welders will have detailed knowhow of welding processes, safety procedures, materials and, most importantly, welding skills.

The programme encompasses training for REL, MIG and MAG types of welding. Thanks to the practical part of the programme, they are trained for production. They take a test with us at the end of their schooling, after which they are ready to start working. From the first generation, which served as a kind of test of the school itself, all those who completed the course successfully gained employment at Galeb. I expect from other employers to do the same when personnel educated at the Klett EDU and Galeb welding school appear. More and more companies from Serbia are working for foreign markets and these need high-quality welding staff.

This is also proved to us by great interest that exists in this school.

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EDUCATION NEWS

Children Yearn For School From 26th January 2020, when China closed all educational institutions, until 27th March, almost 90 per cent of educational institutions worldwide were shutdown. Classes shifted to the virtual world, but - believe it or not - almost no one was happy about that.

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fter a full year, which is how long has passed since the start of the pandemic and the shift to online teaching, neither pupils, nor their parents, nor even teachers and the educational authorities, are able to perceive the quality of current schooling, and it is even harder for them to evaluate the level of knowledge with which another school year is ending. Everyone agrees that there are many problems, while everyone also agree that a lot of work has been done, the best that could have been, but we have yet to face the results, or the gaping holes in education.

Until then, we will enrol another generation of first-year pupils, a new generation of highschool pupils and an army of new freshmen.

We wish them luck. They will need a lot of it.

HILDREN NEED KNOWHOW THAT C ENABLES THEIR SWIFT EMPLOYMENT

Gabrijela Grujić Ph.D., Assistant Minister for Dual and Entrepreneurial Education at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, recently discussed the improvement of the enrolment plan for dual educational profiles for the next school year at a meeting with the principals of secondary vocational schools of the Rasina and Raška administrative districts.

She stressed that the Ministry is obliged to create profiles in accordance with the needs of the economy, and to consider what young people will need in the future.

On the territory of Rasina District, classes are implemented in nine vocational schools in six municipalities, where work will be conducted

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on the verification of a new profile – forensics technician – at the initiative of the Chemical-Technological School.

On the territory of the Raška District, classes are implemented in 14 vocational schools in five municipalities, with 11careas of work represented. The enrolment policy is crucial for the City of Kraljevo due to the reduction of unemployment levels, which is only possible if schooling trains future personnel that are in demand and can satisfy the needs of companies with their knowhow and skills.

CIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL S DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ADOPTED Early February saw the Government of Serbia adopt the Strategy of Scientific and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2021 to 2025, entitled “The Power of Knowledge”. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Branko Ružić said that this Strategy recognises knowhow and science as the foundations of future economic progress and the development of education.

“The strategy of scientific and technological development enables the continuation of reforms launched in this area and brings measures that will provide the conditions necessary for the dynamic development of science, research and innovation,” said Minister Ružić.

This Strategy aims to speed up the development of Serbia, as well as its integration into the European research area, through the improvement of the scientific-technological and innovation system. The additional strengthening of scientific research institutions and investment in infrastructure are envisaged, while the Strategy also envisages greater investment in individuals to ensure that leading researchers are recognisable at the global level.

TATE MATURITY DIPLOMA POSTPONED S FOR AT LEAST A YEAR

“The State maturity diploma almost certainly won’t be introduced in 2022, due to the circumstances in which our society has found itself under the influence of the Coronavirus, but also due to the necessary triage,” said First Deputy PM and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Branko Ružić, though he did not specify a new date for its introduction.

He added that a working group has been formed to monitor the preparation of each of the phases of the state maturity diploma and that the right time to introduce it to the education system will be announced soon, and that higher education institutions should also be included in this process.

According to plans published previously, high school pupils should take a general maturity diploma exam, pupils of secondary vocational schools should take a vocational maturity exam, and pupils of art schools should take an art maturity exam. The general maturity diploma exam includes tests in Serbian grammar, mathematics and a third area from the list of general education subjects - foreign language (English, Italian, German, Russian, French, Spanish), history, geography, biology, chemistry and physics. University faculties then determine lists of subjects that they will score for enrolment, with pupils choosing which subject to take as an elective on the basis of the college they want to attend.

ARENTS AND SOME PUPILS STILL P PROTESTING DUE TO ONLINE CLASSES Judging by the claims of parents and teachers, but also the actions of pupils, online teaching carries lots of problems, primarily due to the fact that it has lasted too long and an approximate deadline for returning to school desks remains completely unknown. Parents, particularly those who work from home and have more than one child, have a problem organising their life and

work to be able to monitor teaching and learning, while they are worried about the lack of socialisation and interaction that every child requires, but also the fact that children don’t approach remote learning with sufficient seriousness.

On the other side, representatives of the Association of Teachers’ Unions of Serbia (USPRS) say that everything would be easier and better if the digitisation of schools, which was promised in 2016, had been implemented.

Parents and teachers were forced to cater for fast Internet connections, to buy new computers or laptops, because not all children and both parents can follow classes and work on a single computer... Online teaching has proven to be great challenge for many families who aren’t in an enviable financial situation, for children and teachers from small towns, remote and poor environments, where internet connections are very slow or even non-existent, which teachers believe will be reflected on the level of knowledge with which children will enter the next grades.

Tuition fees have been reduced for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Economics, for studies at the Faculty of Security, but also at the Faculty of Mathematics, where they say that the cost of basic academic studies has been reduced by 19,000 dinars. Tuition fees have only increased (by 50 euros) for foreign students in master’s academic studies at the Faculty of Organisational Sciences.

OW TO IMPROVE YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY H AND STRENGTHEN COMPANIES’ COMPETITIVENESS The Regional Challenge Fund organised a national conference for Serbia, via the Zoom platform, which saw the presenting of the possibilities and advantages of the Fund, which is the first financial mechanism of its kind aimed at improving the employability of young people and strengthening the competitiveness of companies in the Western Balkans.

This conference, which was dedicated to presenting the first call for submitting Expressions of interest, brought together representatives of international organisations and initiatives, regional organisations, public institutions responsible for vocational education and training, chambers of commerce, institutions that provide vocational education and training, and companies.

EDUCED TUITION FEES AT THREE R BELGRADE FACULTIES!

According to the plan for enrolment in the budget of the faculties of the University of Belgrade for the 2021/22 academic year, 14,924 students should be enrolled in basic academic studies, 9,587 in master’s academic studies and 1,913 in doctoral studies. There will be 9,597 budget places for basic academic studies, 3,983 budget places for master’s academic studies and 634 for doctoral studies.

Participants in the conference included Miloš Blagojević, Assistant Minister for Secondary and Adult Education of the Republic of Serbia, Christian Schilling, First Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Belgrade, Rudiger Hartmann, Director of the Belgrade Office of German Development Bank KfW, Mirjana Kovačević, Head of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia’s Education Division, Frieder Woehrmann, Team Leader of the Project Management Unit at the Regional Challenge Fund, and Ivan Stojanović, GIZ Serbia Senior Project Manager.

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DR SANDRA TINAJ, GENERAL MANAGER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DONJA GORICA - UDG

UDG Represents The Future The University of Donja Gorica has, 13 years after the founding of its first faculties, reached a number of 3,500 students and around 40 programmes, as well as strategic partnerships with the world's most successful universities Did they succeed in that because they made quality a priority from the very beginning?

- The University of Donja Gorica is focused on the transformation of the individual in Montenegro, with the hope that, in the future, it will influence the entire region and Europe as a whole, influencing its innovative and entrepreneurial orientation by building certain moral and ethical values, multicultural tolerance, and creating a responsible citizen of the world.

We can state proudly that, 13 years after the founding of the first faculties, we’ve reached a number of 3,500 students, around

accreditations and one international evaluation, each time receiving positive feedback from international commissions composed of respected professors.

Studies at UDG are not attended en masse, with lecturing conducted through work in small groups and through individual communication. Does that mean that there is almost equal insistence on the acquiring of professional knowledge and the acquiring of skills?

- All activities at the University of Donja Gorica are carried out in accordance with

All UDG activities are carried out in accordance with our equation S = z ∙ i², which expresses an innovative study model

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e are particularly proud to note that our greatest success is the success of our students, so we are especially proud of all of our alumni, who – seven to ten years after graduation – hold respectable positions in the private and public sectors, NGOs, serving in managerial or leadership positions - says UDG General Manager Sandra Tinaj It was almost 15 years ago that the founders of UDG set out in their convinction that they could create a system that would prepare young people successfully for all the challenges posed by the global business environment.

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40 programmes, strategic partnerships with the world’s most successful universities, internationally accredited programmes such as Vatel - International Hospitality and Management, Emos – Official European Statistics, with about 300 professors and associates that we bring together from Montenegro and around the world, around 50 international projects from the H2020 programme, Erasmus, IPA, national and international research and development projects, laboratories equipped with the latest technology, such as 3D Laboratory, the Centre of Excellence for Food Safety, the HPC Competence Centre, laboratories for Information Systems and Technologies and many others. In the relatively short period of UDG’s existence, we have passed two national

our equation S = z ∙ i² (“Professor’s equation”), which expresses an innovative study model.

An innovative study model means that a student’s happiness and ability depend on knowledge, but also on the intensity of life squared. What does this mean precisely? It means that, in addition to the traditional type of learning, students must also go through life conditionally speaking, and that means all those elements through which students are trained and prepared for the challenges that are brought by life, and the profession as part of that life. The intensity of life are all study stays, seminars, training, projects, research, excursions, socialise events, sporting activities etc. This represents cultural capital that is built among young people through the

various aforementioned elements of activity.

Based on these principles and the essence of the model S = z ∙ i² , it can be seen that the emphasis of our studies is on the student’s very being. The student’s being encompasses all of their personal spiritual and character features, system of values, way of thinking and view of the world, coupled with their humanity and emotional intelligence. This teaches them how to acquire as many skills as possible during studies, developing a better sense of responsibility and speed of decision-making, thus acquiring qualities that are important for coping in the global world.

Which of your study programmes attract the greatest interest? What have youngsters recognised as the vocations and skills of the future?

- When it comes to enrolment in the University of Donja Gorica, we have seen a growing trend in the last few years. On the one hand in quantitative terms, when it comes to the number of students, and on the other hand in qualitative terms, when it comes to the success of high school students enrolling in our faculties. Considering that we generally deal with trends in education at the international level, we must state that, similarly to development trends, the greatest interest is in IT and other technical faculties (areas encompassing data science, biotechnology etc.)

If you were to determine UDG’s success on the basis of the success of your graduates, would you have reason to be very satisfied and proud?

- As we have already stated, in addition to all of the successes that we note institutionally, our greatest success is the success of our students. We are sincerely proud of our young people, who achieve excellent results in various competitions, at conferences, as holders of international scholarships, but also subsequently as young and responsible people in working positions. We are proud to point out that today we have alumni students who hold responsible positions in international institutions, as young activists, as founders of companies that employ dozens of employees, innovators, successful young people in academia and research, as well as Ph.D. students at successful universities around the world. In addition to being proud

of their results, we are also proud of our connection with them, as well as their need to support and engage students, their young UDG colleagues, in certain activities.

Few universities in our region have campuses like yours, with amphitheatres for several hundred students, a huge library, state-ofthe-art computers, laboratories and even a gym... And you also boast top lecturers and teaching assistants from all continents...

To what extent has the global pandemic impacted on the organisation of UDG’s work? What is happening when it comes to international student exchanges, guest lecturers from abroad?

- It is indisputable that the pandemic changed all segments of life, and that it has had a direct impact on education, but we will only see the full changes and consequences in a few years.

The University of Donja Gorica has for years used the metaphor of swimming in the river

We have impressive infrastructure at our disposal, an integrated information system and the outsourcing of sports fields located in the vicinity of UDG - The University of Donja Gorica has impressive infrastructure at its disposal, an integrated information system and the outsourcing of sports fields located in the vicinity of UDG. However, we don’t stop there, but rather strive continuously to improve our infrastructure, equipment and laboratories, so that our students have the opportunity to really use modern technologies like our 3D laboratory, supercomputing (High-Performance Computing - HPC), drones etc. Infrastructure is a necessary but insufficient condition, in view of the fact that professors, assistants and associates form the human capital of UDG, which represents this university’s uniqueness, especially the symbiosis of different sciences and research areas in one building and one creative atmosphere.

and pool within the UDG Almanac of Studies, the author of which is the UDG Rector, as a message of the uncertainty that surrounds us and is certainly expected to increase in the future. We proudly point out that UDG, as a team, has done its best to provide students with continuity of education regardless of barriers, to create and then improve the quality and offer of online teaching. We have attempted to organise everything during the winter and summer semester according to a hybrid model, striving – in addition to the virtual segment of teaching – to organise everything possible, while still respecting all issued measures, in the university building and in direct interaction and cooperation with students.

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DR VALENTIN KULETO, PRESIDENT OF LINK GROUP

Premium Schools In Serbia And Beyond innovative trends in education and teacher training. LINK group has forged partnerships with, and received accreditations from, some of the most influential companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Adobe and Autodesk, as well as institutions like the British Council, Pearson VUE, Chartered Management Institute, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the European Council for Business Education (ECBE) and the University of Cambridge, among others.

High quality education is the only road to a better life for us and future generations. This is the motto of LINK group, which is a pioneer in online education

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aradoxically enough, today’s educational institutions employ cohorts of teachers who are unprepared for challenges in online teaching and learning. “We do it differently.

We have set off with the notion to understand our students’ needs,” says Dr Valentin Kuleto, President of LINK group, advocating the company’s mission in educational management.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, we switched to fully online-moderated lessons in a matter of a day. Our IT architecture supported this transition quite easily, allowing teachers and students to embrace a new normal, not only with digital materials, but also with digital

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mindsets,” continues Dr Kuleto, emphasising the accessibility to learning his company offers.

LINK Educational Alliance gathers 20 educational institutions in 12 locations across the world. In Serbia, Savremena Secondary and Primary School, International School and IT High School lay the foundations for tertiary education institutions, ITS School and Faculty for Contemporary Arts. In the U.S., the newly acquired Allison Academy offers a premium education in Miami. On the other hand, upskilling and reskilling are offered at the ITAcademy, BAcademy and InternetAcademy, while the Institute for Contemporary Education promotes

LINK group has almost 25 years of experience in vocational, secondary and tertiary education. How is your educational system organised and how do you deal with the modern day challenges in this area?

- Having created a modern educational philosophy, we proudly provide dozens of educational programmes and hundreds of online courses globally. Our team is large and comprised of various experts.The programmes are designed and delivered by academics, learning specialists and experienced educators, along with the design and video production support team. From beginning to end, there’s a synced workflow: from those who make sure the educational materials are teachable, through those who make sure they are duly delivered, to those who provide undivided support to our students while ensuring that the educational potential is fully sourced.

Our mission is to help people become more successful. This is where we embark.

We have embedded our mission into every process, decision and approach, accounting for our professional academic service. We strive to make our educational programmes most accessible, our teachers best-versed, our equipment highest-tech and our staff kindest of a kind.

The learning loss caused by the global pandemic has challenged traditional pedagogy and its impact on the learning society. What do you think the remedy should look like?

- It is high time that schools relocated from the industrial age to the 21st century. With Europe heading digital in many ways, we have to adapt our educational philosophy to new demands. This paradigm shift is widely discussed today, yet it can be easily overcome with visionary leadership. We have no time to waste while waiting for this to happen.

This is the very reason why we have built our microcosm, in which we have both the right and the opportunity to change... to change the lives of young people.

Having realised that we have much more to offer globally than locally, we decided to offer our services in the international educational arena, where every trifle matters. Unlike many automated learning systems, particularly those based solely on video clips, we have insisted on the changed role of teachers in scaffolding students - they are now mentors and leaders. Competing under these rules enables us to create high-quality services

based on globally-recognised standards.

With this in view, We’ve also welcomed a new school into our educational alliance - Allison Academy, based in Miami, USA. There are twenty educational institutions that operate under the scope of the LINK Educational Alliance. What educational profiles and levels do you offer to students?

- We respond to the new European initiatives emphasising upskilling and reskilling

We have created schools for a new age, new people and new leaders who step courageously towards professional success and confidently navigate the digital world.

Right now, we offer more than a hundred, and counting, internationally-recognised diplomas and certificates. We incessantly look for new opportunities to ensure the best possible competences. Let me share with you an interesting piece of information.

We have students from around the globe

We strive to make our educational programmes most accessible, our teachers best-versed, our equipment highest-tech and our staff kindest of a kind by offering educational services both horizontally and vertically. Our students can start developing their skills in our primary and secondary schools, then seamlessly integrate upwards to our tertiary educational institutions. Reskilling is available at our academies, which offer diverse professional development programmes and certifications related to IT and business.

at our International School, some of whom are among the best 1% of Cambridge students worldwide. We scaffold them on their academic path and provide a premium education, which prepares them for the future.

We hope to re-plant the same learning and teaching enthusiasm in our new Miami-based school, Allison Academy. www.valentinkuleto.com

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CHARTWELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Chartwell: A World Of Its Own C

hartwell International School, which is situated in a beautiful, quiet, residential area of Belgrade, has spacious, brightly-lit classrooms, with park like gardens and many sports fields. Chartwell has been providing education to kids from the ages of two to 18 in seven spacious premises for more than 20 years, guiding its students in their aspirations to become global citizens by immersing them in a world of multiple languages and cultures, inspiring them to learn through inquiry.

With over 40 different nationalities of students, Chartwell is a world of its own. In a tightknit establishment that celebrates cultural diversity, the unifying factor is its accreditation from Cambridge University, which recognises Chartwell as an international school, and its registration with the Serbian Ministry of Education Academic standards are keenly monitored at Chartwell International School, with class sizes that are small enough, with a ratio of as little as 1 to 3, tailored to suit the academic needs, interests and potential of each child, including additional personalised tuition if needed.

A wide range of subjects is offered throughout the school – from foundation to secondary level, designed to stretch and challenge each individual, providing everyone with the opportunity to discover and examine their own particular interests and talents. Contemporary teaching methods are applied with an interdisciplinary approach to subjects.

Although the Chartwell management team (Owner, Heads of Schools, Coordinators, finance officers etc.) lead the way, the success and heart of the school are the Chartwell teachers. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have various experiences, but what they all have in common is a love of teaching, empathy for their students and a commitment to their education. All are well qualified for the role they play. Encouragement and motivation are keywords in Chartwell’s teaching philosophy.

Lessons are taught in English at Chartwell International School, but a variety of world languages are offered alongside. Cultural diversity is very important at Chartwell. The school traditionally celebrates UN Day, promoting

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Spreading across seven spacious facilities that combine the highest standards of education traditions with the most contemporary top-quality teaching equipment, Chartwell provides a safe and caring environment for all its students

Encouragement and motivation are keywords in Chartwell’s teaching philosophy tolerance and respect. Evenings of poetry and music are organised, at which children recite poems and sing in their mother tongues and the languages taught at the school. British traditions are respected, celebrating Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas, while Chartwell is the only school in Belgrade to celebrate Bonfire Night.

Chartwell fosters a strong family atmosphere and is not governed by rules, rather by respect for others and common sense. This is a place where students come for more than just study – Chartwell is a home away from home.

This is what makes the school a unique, tension free environment, where students and teachers chat during breaks, play sports

together, resolve problems and participate together in various projects. Regardless of their many cultural differences, students and teachers respect each other and work closely to achieve the best possible results.

Realising that education encompasses much more than the academic programme, great emphasis is placed on that extracurricular activities that are offered on a daily basis and range from sports to fencing, dance, drama and languages, while Chartwell students are also involved in the life of the community.

“Our goal is to provide our teachers and students with conditions in which each will be able to attain best results. We will continue to optimize class sizes to be able to tailor the curriculum to suit individual student’s needs.

Likewise, we have implemented the latest air purification technologies in our new buildings, using HEPA filters and UV lights, which provide fresh air for better efficiency and concentration of our students and staff. In addition, our own catering service provides healthy meals for our students and staff.

ALEKSANDAR IGNJATOVIĆ, EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL, CHARTWELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Happy Students Are The Best Reference

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ncouragement and motivation are keywords in the teaching philosophy at Chartwell. When they leave the “Chartwell world”, students are equipped to meet the challenges they will face in a rapidly globalising and competitive world Cambridge University and the Serbian Ministry of Education have accredited Chartwell as an international school and examination centre.

Does this mean that your teaching curriculum is based on the British national curriculum?

- The school’s programme is the Cambridge International Education Programme, based on the British National curriculum, the keywords of which are the balance between skills and knowledge, creativity, community engagement and environmental awareness. All classes are taught in English, which is the official language of the school. In order to enhance the academic process, in accordance with the British National Curriculum and best practices of other global curricula, Chartwell offers extra-curricular activities to provide and all-encompassing education. When our students leave Chartwell, they do so with excellent academic rankings and qualifications that are recognised and valued by prestigious Universities worldwide.

Likewise, Chartwell International School is also a member of COBIS and ECIS. Is the nurturing of specificity and the respecting of individuality the future of education?

- Each student is a unique individual, different in cognitive and affective development, social maturity, ability, motivation, aspiration, learning styles, needs, interests and potential. The fu-

ture of education lies in the realisation of this fact and the fact that education encompasses much more than the academic programme. Although schools tend to group students according to age, class sizes should be optimised so that the academic programme can be tailored to suit the needs of every student, thus ensuring that each and every one of them is challenged just enough to develop in accordance with their respective abilities. An emphasis should also be placed on extracurricular activities, which should be offered on a daily basis and should range from sports to languages, drama and more. Students should be involved in the life of the local community through humanitarian work and visits to exhibitions, theatres etc.

The essential task of a school should be to teach the child to learn, to seek independently and find the knowledge and skills they need in all of life’s situations. To do this, the child must

develop a love of learning and an enthusiasm for enquiry that spills over from school into all aspects of life.

The Knowledge Review magazine has ranked you among the 10 best international schools in Central Europe. Is this the best reference for parents who are considering where to enrol their child?

- Although it is an excellent reference that we are extremely proud of, and it can certainly assist parents in their decision when it comes to choosing the right school for their children, there is a much more important reference. That is the smiles on our students’ faces when they come to school in the morning and leave in the afternoon. Happy children, children who feel loved, cared for and secure, are children who can develop academically, and this is what Chartwell students are.

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MILOŠ LONČAR, CLIENT SOLUTIONS LEAD FOR SEE, DELL TECHNOLOGIES

IT Sector Can Continue Growing

Dell technologies believes in the value of people. The company's strategy is designed to help it attract the world's greatest talents and the goal is to ensure that Dell is a compelling destination where employees feel valued, engaged and inspired to develop

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erbia is lagging behind in terms of modernising devices for education and we still don’t see this trend, but we believe it will come. I hope this will change soon, as a technology-educated workforce is very much needed for us to remain competitive, and not only in the IT market - says Dell Technologies’ Miloš Lončar

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Interest in remote working and learning has grown over the past year, resulting in companies and individuals striving to make up for the shortfalls in digitisation and connectivity. Do we have the potential for that?

- To answer this it is first necessary to understand what is meant by remote working or

teaching. We know the benefits, but what about the challenges? What we are seeing worldwide is that an understanding of remote working boils down to buying any device and giving it to an employee to work from home. At the beginning of this unprecedented situation, this was an emergency measure that was necessary to cope with the situation. But what came out of this is that, due to the prolonged situation, it didn’t turn out to be suitable. Challenges in collaboration, business processes, logistics etc. started to emerge and impact on productivity.

Questions are also being raised about the status of remote workers, with a need to introduce new government regulations to cover and organise this area.

With regard to education, we saw the swift response of the Government and the implementation of teaching material via television broadcasts, as the first emergency measure. As was the case in companies, they also discovered additional challenges associated with this. Among them are how to ensure attendance, how to explain materials to pupils if they don’t understand during viewings of pre-recorded presentations; how can a teacher reach them and how can they gauge their acquiring of knowledge? All of this was pretty simple when it was done in classrooms, face-to-face with teachers who can easily track their classes and adjust as required. As I also learned from my teachers, every solution brings new challenges to overcome. However, to get back to your question, yes, we have potential, in a reasonable time frame, with help of technology, to make a flexible system that can give us a possibility to be ready to discover new challenges on the remote working/ teaching approach. Technology will empower us to make easy adjustments when and where needed, without impacting negatively on our core business or purpose.

There have been insufficient investments in equipping schools with computers for a long time, which proved to be a special problem during the period of the pandemic and online teaching. What is the situation like at present?

- Digital classrooms are trending around the world and lots of the surrounding countries in our region are investing in the digital transformation of education. The pandemic has just sped this up to the maximum. Around the world at this moment we are witnessing unbelievable demand for devices and IT equipment intended for education, and here we are talking in the millions. Serbia is lagging behind in the modernising of devices for education and we still don’t see this trend, but we believe it will come. I hope this will change soon, as a technology-educated workforce is very much needed for us to remain competitive, and not only in the IT market.

Does the IT sector demand lifelong learning and training to a greater extent than any other sector?

- It does. In order for someone to deal successfully and actively with information technologies, it is necessary for them to constantly upgrade their knowledge and improve their skills. IT is itself evolving at an incredible rate. By choosing this kind of vocation, we have chosen a path that demands constant learning. This education develops in various directions, considering that IT is an integral part of every branch of industry. In order for us to be able to propose adequate solutions and respond to the requirements of customer, we must understand the way particular industries operate...

The beauty of IT is actually in constantly upgrading and improving knowhow, because, as the saying goes, a man learns as long as he lives.

The IT sector is among the largest exporters in Serbia, while it is growing at an annual rate exceeding 20 per cent. Are we educating enough IT professionals?

- The IT sector is experiencing a major boom in Serbia and looks like it can continue to grow with even bigger numbers. Yes, I definitely see potential here. I’m happy to hear that every year there is an increase in interest in applying for IT departments. We already see a shortfall that could become an obstacle to growth in this field in the coming years. This should be done in a way that increases the quality of education. I think the implementation of dual education that the government is conducting represents a good way to enable students to get much needed hands-on experience that will help them in their future careers.

The average salary in the IT sector is almost three times as high as it is in other sectors of the economy. Is that one of the motivating factors prompting ever more young people to express an interest in studying for various IT professions?

About 1,500 newly qualified IT workers appear on the Serbian market every year, while it is estimated that we need at least five times as many as that. Is their level of knowhow and competencies sufficiently high?

- Dell technologies believes in the value of people. Our strategy is designed to help us attract the world’s greatest talents and the goal is to ensure that Dell is a compelling destination where employees feel valued, engaged and inspired to develop. Diversity and inclusion are important for us when it comes

The beauty of IT is actually in constantly upgrading and improving knowhow, because, as the saying goes, a man learns as long as he lives to building a future workforce that champions racial equity, values different backgrounds and celebrates unique perspectives. While we always look for experienced professionals, we make sure that we give a chance to new graduates through our graduate programme.

This programme allows new graduates without any experience to apply for work at Dell and gain much needed experience and continue their personal development. With this we are making a positive social impact on the world and empowering the workforce. Unfortunately, we don’t have a big presence in Serbia with regard to our facilities, but we do have that in the region.

As Dell is remote-work friendly, I believe that a greater percentage of Serbian graduates have quality knowhow and can join the Dell family, where we can help them gain experience.

- The level of earnings certainly has an impact on young people when it comes to choosing the area in which they want to advance and forge their careers. Serbia also has a very large base of young people who love this profession, and the most qualified workers are usually hiding among them. When the IT sector was in its infancy in Serbia, they were the ones who were most responsible for its development and the arrival of foreign companies. One worrying current trend is the major outflow of skilled labour from Serbia, which can represent a great threat to the development of this industry. Alongside measures applied to spur the development of this industry, it would be good to provide incentives that enable the retaining of the existing workforce.

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“THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT LEARNING IS THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU” ~ B. B. KING

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“WITHOUT THE RIGHT SUCCESSION PLANNING PUT TO PLAY IN HUMAN RESOURCES, WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE WITHOUT A FUTURE.” MMANTI UMOH

By Miloš Belčević

Natal Dank, Agile HR Pioneer; Author and Keynote Speaker

New Challenges

- NEW HR

AI, global pandemic and new ways of working; developing leaders for jobs that still don’t exists, and preparing organizations for new and changing contexts…

HR has some great challenges. But are there also hidden opportunities, and some exciting times, as a silver lining?

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fter spending more than a decade working in senior HR positions, Natal Dank is considered a pioneer of Agile HR. The founder of PXO Culture, co-author of one of the most influential Agile HR books, “Agile HR: Deliver Value in a Changing World of Work”, she was a co-founder and director of the AgileHR Community and has helped numerous organisations achieve their full potential through this new way of approaching HR.

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You’re seen as one of the pioneers of Agile HR, but how did you discover Agile and what attracted you to it back in the day?

One thing that Agile represents, for both organisations and HR, is the new way of working. I worked in senior HR positions for a number of years and started to recognise a need to work differently. We have a lot of businesses at different stages of this Agile journey, and I thought there was a need for HR processes to also get back to being both about the human and about what the business was trying to achieve.

I was in a large, senior HR role, and we were using a 25-box matrix to assess the talent. This is just a huge process and we were collecting all this data, but then we didn’t really do that much with this information, and it wasn’t really connected to making great decisions around developing people and building talent. So, I left that role a bit

disheartened with where HR was at, and I was fortunate to work with a company that was very agile – they were originally a start-up, but they’ve grown bigger and most of their teams, especially in the tech area, were still working in a very agile way.

I was challenged to work differently – to work in a more evidence-based way, to experiment, test and learn, which are all themes of ‘Agile’.

What came out of it is that I found this was a much better way to create HR solutions, because you create them with other people, building the change together, and you tested that, listened to feedback (does this work or not? If it doesn’t, then don’t do it). This is also how businesses are working now; this is what you’ve got to do for your customers, and this is why some businesses are proving very successful by using this approach. Businesses have understood for quite a while that we need to be more collaborative, more responsive; that we need to be innovative. I realised that HR needed to update. We needed to update the way we work in order to get better results, but we also needed to update HR processes to support businesses in a new way.

Besides changing your professional life, did Agile also influence you personally, and if so how?

Definitely! A lot of people in the Agile world talk about Agile as a sense of being, it’s an all-life experience, so it definitely changes your outlook. From little things, like sometimes you work too long on trying to find a perfect solution, where actually you should just start somewhere, give it a go, and learn from it and then build upon it. You can do that a lot in your personal life; you can overthink and try to plan it all out, but it’s not until you give it a go that you realise what’s going to work out or not. I think I became more open to experimentation in general in that sense, that test and learn.

In Agile there’s a way of working that’s about visualising your work and prioritising what you do on the basis of value. A great way to start with Agile is to use a Personal Kanban. Kanban is about visualising your work and knowing what’s

The market is more complex, there’s more uncertainty and more disruption. Everyone is trying to find the answers to all of these problems, and Agile gives you a way to try to find these answers

the most important thing to work on, at what stage and why. And then it’s about not overcommitting – seeing how much work you have underway and what you can commit to. It’s very interesting to start bringing those methods into your own ways of working at a personal level, because that gives you an idea that there is so much that you want to try and get done in your life – whether that’s your personal life, work, or things you need to do with the family – and you’re never going to get all that done. By focusing on one thing and doing it well and getting that through to the ‘done column’, you can have a little sense of achievement around it. And then there’s also all those other things that you’re probably just not going to get to, and that’s okay. It gives you a better way of managing everyday life –

Agile influences everything in many ways.

You’re co-author of the book ‘Agile HR: Deliver Value in a Changing World of Work’. For whom is this book intended?

The book is intended for HR professionals, professionals that work in learning and development, organisational development, organisational design, change management etc.; everyone who works in that area of people and culture. And it was intended to be very practical. I receive positive feedback that it is very toolkit-based, there’s a lot in there that people can go and apply immediately to their scenarios and roles, and that’s the way we intended it to be. The idea is: if I was starting again, and I was starting with HR, I’d need a book to help me do March

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that, and this is meant to be that book.

And what would be the single major takeaway from the book?

I would stay it is: understanding the problem that you are trying to solve. In the world of HR, there are major topics that we are trying to tackle: we’re focusing on well-being – but what does well-being mean? That’s such a big and complex topic. We’re building a hybrid office for the future of work – that’s huge. We’re developing leaders for roles of the future that we don’t yet know... All of these topics are really, really big and complex, and Agile is about helping you break that down, defining the problem you’re trying to solve for your organisation and then going after that.

Basically: what problem are you trying to solve; why are you doing it; and then focus on that one thing first and get it done.

What is the most important thing to have in mind for HR to successfully embrace this Agile transformation?

A word of warning here: Agile HR is very contextual, so your context will influence your approach. If you’re working at a small start-up that’s being ‘Agile’ from where it goes and there’s a different kind of culture and values, you’re probably going to be able to do a lot more and maybe work in a different way at a faster pace.

If you’re working at a more traditional company, more hierarchical, more bureaucratic, and there’s a bit more of a legacy, then the changes might be a bit slower; you might need to build change over time. Your context definitely influences your approach. I think it’s important to be very clear about your context and to just be quite realistic about it: where do I start and why.

Agile is something traditionally tied to tech, but more and more non-tech teams are moving towards the Agile way of working. Why do you think that’s the case?

The Agile mindset is about placing your customer at the heart of what you’re doing, 6

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I would encourage professionals to embrace this new way of working. If we start having that Agile, product development mindset in our HR teams, we will build an entirely different approach to how we do HR and incrementally, bit by bit, slice by slice, delivering that value to your customer.

What’s happening is that people are trying to do that everywhere in business.

Everyone’s saying ‘we need to be more customer-centric, we need to innovate, we need to deliver value faster, we need to be more collaborative’…

We know that successful companies build their entire customer experience in a more holistic way. Netflix has changed the way we watch television, Tesla is changing the way we drive cars. These companies are coming to the market not just to disrupt, but they’re thinking about how to do it in a fundamentally different way. The market is more complex, there’s more uncertainty and more disruption.

Everyone is trying to find the answers to all of these problems, and Agile gives

you a way to try to find those answers.

Finally, what would your advice be for the younger people – who aren’t only new to Agile HR, but to HR generally ?

Don’t even think about learning it in the traditional way (laughs). Like organisations, the HR profession is now composed of people who have worked for a number of years in a traditional way and want to change; people that are perhaps still working traditionally and a whole new bunch of people who don’t have any of that legacy, and that’s awesome. I would just encourage them to embrace this new way of working.

If we start having that Agile product development mindset in our HR teams, we will simply build an entirely different approach to how we do HR.

Always Striving

TO BE BETTER Although we are already one of the most desirable employers, we will strive to be even better in the future!

Jovana Ivanović, HR Director, Coca-Cola HBC Serbia

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ajor global companies realised the relevance of HR managers and the role of this position long ago. Jovana Ivanović, the new HR director of Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, reveals how Coca-Cola HBC Serbia motivates its employees and contributes to their professional development, and why the HR role is so important. With the decade of experience in the HR sector that she brings to this position, she will contribute to even greater successes in improving employee performance, capabilities and engagement, as well as the company’s overall business culture.

How did the COVID-19 Pandemic change your approach to employee management and the HR role?

A strange year, to say the least, is behind us. A lot changed, but our commitment to employee well-being did not. In the first weeks, we demonstrated skills that we’d only trained in theory before. This primarily relates to agility and adaptation to the changes in the working environment on an almost daily basis.

I am particularly proud of the fact that our employees expressed incredible collegiality and solidarity by creating a safe place for work, caring for their own and their colleagues’health, together with the company management.

Under such circumstances, I can say that the role of a HR manager is even

more complex, because, for instance, we have people who continued to work in the field, then those who’ve been working from home for a year now, and those who have to come to the plant due to the nature of their jobs. Our aim is to offer everyone the same level of ‘service’, specifically in the sense of effective communication, opportunities to educate themselves online and psychological support via free sessions with experts. When

sense, we support their development, both vertically and horizontally, enabling them to explore their preferences and short- and longterm professional aspirations. Additionally, as our company operates on 28 markets worldwide, there are myriad opportunities to gain global knowhow and experience.

Another important element is our authentic corporate culture, practised by existing employees and developed further by

The title of the most desirable employer is a result of years of hard work on ensuring good working conditions and creating a working atmosphere that generates creative development, critical thinking and healthy competition now, nearly a year after the outbreak of the pandemic, employees perform their activities with even stronger commitment and still feel a bond with their colleagues and the company, you know that a good job is being done and that the HR role has achieved its purpose.

Coca-Cola HBC Serbia has been at the very top of various survey-based rankings of the most desirable employers for years.

What contributes to these excellent results?

Just as the Coca-Cola recipe is a secret, how Coca-Cola HBC Serbia has managed to stay in the position of the most desirable employer will also remain a secret. What I can tell you is that the title of the most desirable employer is a result of years of hard work on ensuring good working conditions and creating a working atmosphere that generates creative development, critical thinking and healthy competition.

Our employees have an absolute opportunity to reach their full professional potential. In that

new ones. All that combined makes us a good employer for more than 1,400 employees and a highly desirable employer for those who wish to join our winning team.

What will be in the focus of the CocaCola HBC Serbia HR sector in the period ahead?

Our absolute priority in the coming period is the simultaneous development of employees and new technologies, especially bearing in mind that our company and the whole society have undergone an accelerated digitisation process during the previous period.

We will continue to listen carefully to the professional preferences of people in the company and strive to successfully harmonise the ambitions of employees with the jobs they perform, being professional and fair in selecting and assessing future recruits. In short, although we are already one of the most desirable employers, we will strive to be even better in the future!

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Infostud

Tanja Ikić, Head Of Human Resources - Infostud Group

HOW CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL GROWTH

AND DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPANY

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s companies grow bigger and bigger, so does the complexity of the role of HR in their systems. Setting aside all differences of industry and culture, the main goals of HR remain the same: enable the right culture to get the right people and keep them motivated to deliver business results. In order to do this well, HR departments, and especially the chief human resources officer (CHRO), have to be really good at a couple of things.

KNOWING THE CONTEXT OUTWARD-FACING ASPECT Assuming you are a CHRO, you have to be mindful of the overall circumstances and the context in which the organisation is working. Summing up all the possible risks and opportunities is one of the CHRO’s main tasks, and looking at it through the lens that asks “how great an impact does this have on my company?”. We’re talking about the classic PESTLE analysis – looking at the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental context in which you operate.

These contexts are really useful for business strategies and analysis, but looking into it further, from the perspective of the workforce, is very important for creating the right HR strategy.

It’s a well-known fact that a company’s success is dependent largely on its people. Having a great team of skilled, motivated and proactive employees is becoming a number one priority for managers and business owner wanting to ensure long-term growth. However, the road that leads there isn’t always quite a clear. And that’s where HR comes in 8

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INWARD-FACING ASPECT BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE Having a deep understanding of the company’s mission, vision and strategy is crucial for delivering value to that company. This ensures that you can make sense of the causes and effects of certain business moves, in order to get ahead of it, to be prepared and have HR initiatives in line with them, and even ahead of them. True value is thus created – people are ready for the upcoming changes and can achieve their full potential.

PEOPLE PERSPECTIVE To really know which initiatives could deliver the right shift in your workforce (when required), it is crucial to know your people, as well as the practises and processes that are in place. Having a clear idea of the current culture, management style and systems in place can ensure that you are really aware of the effect that could result from each shift. You should also know if you’re looking to make too big of a shift, one that your organisation can’t get on board with, at least not just yet. If that is the case, considering the current state of affairs, you can suggest gradual shifts that will ease people in and make that change transparent and acceptable to most.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE? With both a deep understanding of the strategy and the inner workings of the company, you can get to the point where you can really see where you want your workforce to be over the long term. Some of the questions to ask yourself are: • Is your company strategy going to be best supported (and realised) with the most experienced, highly specialised individuals, or the most innovative, almost disruptive specialists, or a mix of both?

• Do you have all the competencies in the company that will ensure a successful realisation of the strategy? If not, how can you get them: by internally training such people or hiring them?

• Is your line management onboard and aspiring to the same goals? Do they understand the strategy?

• Are your people engaged and motivated to support your mission? Is your vision in line with their passions?

• Are your culture and values reflective of the vision?

These questions are just some of the starting points to get a clear picture of where you need to be in terms of the people in order to achieve the results that your company is striving towards.

HOW DO WE GET THERE? Now that you know the “where you want to be”, it’s time to assess how long the road to it is, so that you can progress to making it happen. Always have in mind where your workforce needs to be, and align that with

potential shifts in company strategy.

The road itself can now become your HR strategy and to make it happen; your role as CHRO is very important. Of course, that then becomes a shared goal within the HR department, and it’s wise to really get your people to see the required shifts and get them to help you chart the way.

By doing this, you’re letting your HR team do their best work.

Your job at this point is slightly different.

You need to have your eyes on the charted map and to look at the obstacles down the road, anticipate them, and see how to overcome them and who can help you to do so.

You also need to keep an eye on the engine that is getting you where you want to go – are all the indicators of its health positive?

How to ensure the way you’re going gets easier over the long term?

This is where people skills really come to the fore. A CHRO has to be really at-

tentive to the needs and aspirations of all key stakeholders in the company – board members, business leaders, C-suite etc., but also needs to have an understanding of their core values and personal goals.

All this is required to build a strong connection of trust with the key stakeholders.

You really need to understand how they define success and how they see the road to it. You should also be mindful of how comfortable they are with taking sidetracks to ensure that success is more of a long-term achievement and not just a short-term win.

In this way, when sidetracks are required, or you run into some setbacks and know the way around them, you’ll be able to frame the issue so that you ensure some leeway from the stakeholders that will help you keep on track.

Of course, it is of paramount importance that you make good on your promises and deliver results, otherwise the next sidetrack or setback won’t be as easy to navigate.

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Robert Jenovai, Chief HR Officer, Nelt Group

PEOPLE- ON THE TOP OF

NELT’S AGENDA Sincere care for employees through structured people development and regular two-way communication should be the number one priority for all leaders. This way we strengthen motivation, generating the ambition to perform and the ambition to achieve results. Without such culture in place, there is no personal development of employees, nor development of the company business on building trust in employees, partners and clients, with a high level of responsibility for the broader community.

Apart from regular reinforcements through most talented external candidates, internal movements are also frequent. Therefore, many of high positions are held by our employees, who have developed themselves and gradually progressed within the company. They represent Nelt’s best ambassadors.

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ignificant changes to organizational structure of Nelt Group and new approach toour modus operandi secured us stability and helped us gain new businesses in 2020, an extremely challenging year for the entire economy.

Significant changes to organizational structure of Nelt Group and new approach toour modus operandi secured us stability and helped us gain new businesses in 2020, an extremely challenging year for the entire economy.

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During its 29 years of operations, Nelt Group has become synonym for the successful business system. Does most of the credit for that belong to employees?

Great credit certainly goes to employees and teams. In addition, continuous learning, as a characteristic of our organisation, has contributed greatly to us building a successful and sustainable business system.

Through its vision, clear strategy, commitment and orientation towards goals, Nelt Group bases its

Across all markets where Nelt operates the company has as many as 4,000 workers. How do you succeed in ensuring that they all see Nelt as their home and share Nelt’s value system?

We strongly believe that the long-term success of the company is dependent on two equally important factors: financial capital and human resources. That’s why on all levels we are committed to the company values – a winning mentality, innovation, ownership, long-term perspective, and caring mentality. These values are turned into specific behaviours, so every single employee can understand and reflect them in daily operations.

We communicate our values in a very structured way through the organization. On the top, we build a culture in which everyone lives the values of Nelt through personal example.

Our values will be a key factor in the realisation of our vision and strategic goals over the next 29 years of operations.

How do you encourage innovation, ownership, commitment, and a winning mentality among employees?

We provide a working environment in which everyone can give their best.That gives rise to personal responsibility, innovativeness and a winning mentality, which leads us to the desired result.

We improve our processes based on employee suggestions and ideas; we support changes and don’t accept the status quo.

Our starting point is complete trust in our employees, in their competencies and skills, while the leaders in the organisation create an environment in which their teams provide suggestions, make decisions, and take responsibility.

Or, stated more specifically, employees can feel both autonomy and support within the scope of their responsibilities.

What is a pleasant and stimulating working environment for you? What can and should a good worker expect from their employer?

We endeavour to create a working environment in which everyone can contribute in the best way, but also to achieve personal ambitions.

Besides modern workplace, we provide lots of other benefits through comparative earnings and rewarding system for personal and team contributions. Apart from this, the company also supports the career aspirations of employees, and provides certain flexibility and fair work life balance.

It’s crucial to provide purpose to employees: “…connect me with the company values, vision and mission, provide me a meaningful job and help me to feel that I belong here...”.

Everyone wonders how they should motivate their employees, but we just need to stop demotivating them. We need a more adaptive approach that’s more focused on individuals, focused on what motivates each and every one of us.

Could you tell us a little more about your “Good Start” program, which you launched five years ago?

The eight months long development program is targeting final year students, graduates and master’s students, who are willing to learn through practical on-the-job experience. Each “good starter” receives a mentor with whom they go through all phases and tasks, and as part of their preparation, and gets a training at the beginning of each phase. At the end of each phase, through the presentation, participants show what they have learned and how they would solve a specific real life business task, while mentors are to provide their feedback.The program results in a complete project that the trainee should present,

We endeavour to create a working environment in which everyone can contribute in the best way, but also to achieve personal ambitions summarizing all their newly acquired knowledge.

We consider this program as being special for three reasons. First of all, it is very important for the whole organisation, because more than 60 colleagues participate in the process, through training, mentoring, assessments, field work and providing feedback. The HR function and Business are equally included in the program, giving it greater value and significance. Secondly, the program includes both internal and external candidates. Internal candidates transfer company values and make integration easier, while external candidates provide freshness, new ideas and a different perspective. Thirdly, more than 90% of participants from previous generations were hired.

They represent a talent pool that will very soon be ready for their next roles and responsibilities, improving and developing Nelt’s operations in the coming years.

How have you handled the pandemic that has now been going on for a year? What does the “new normal” look like at Nelt?

Unity is the key word which describes us in this time of the pandemic. Additionally, the values we nurture have bubbled up to the surface and become even more visible. During the moments of crisis, we clearly saw that our employees truly live our values, which show that we did the right things during the previous period. We demonstrated a winning mentality and the ability to very quickly adapt, organise and do our job, even in

situations where that seems impossible.

We organised an internal “Crisis Team”, which spent the whole time taking care of the consistency and timeliness of all activities, but also transparency in communication through the organisation, which we gave special importance during this period. We provided full support to our colleagues in the field, in order to ease the situation for them in these times of extraordinary circumstances. As a company, in the pandemic, we justified the importance of our role in the FMCG supply chain inall markets in whichwe operate. Thanks to the efforts of everyone in the Nelt Group, shops are well supplied, and citizens have access to required products.

Many companies have been forced to reduce their employee numbers and salaries, to close facilities and abandon markets, while Nelt is announcing job vacancies... You’ve had no reason to change plans?

Last year was for sure the year which required change over plans. We deeply analysed and re-examined our processes, and adjusted the “route to market”, considering new requirements and digital trends, and we did all of this with the aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the company. In that sense, 2020 was a year of significant changes, but with the winning mentality of our organisation, timely decisions and a clear orientation towards achieving goals, we are today talking about hiring new employees.

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Marina Matić, HR Director, MPC Properties

The Time Has Come To

OVERCOME FEARS Thanks to the clear defining of rules of conduct at work during the period of the pandemic, the lives and health of employees were preserved, while the actual operations of MPC Properties were improved thanks to reorganisation.

Discussing all of this for CorD Magazine is MPC Properties HR Director Marina Matić

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n the period that lies ahead of us, the HR sector will have a role that is extremely demanding, much more demanding than the one it previously had. It will be our job, among other things, to help people overcome their fears in a healthy way and to return to normal flows of life and work.

Working with people is neither easy nor simple even under the most normal circumstances, never mind under the conditions of a pandemic. How has 12

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MPC Properties dealt with this?

From the very outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we defined very clear rules of conduct, while keeping things

in order for us to work together to build an awareness among employees that these rules, although they sometimes appear strict, are necessary for all of us to have

Working from home is good, but only to a certain extent, because humans are social beings who have a need for social contact, and neglecting that is not good under control implied a strong connection between the human resources sector, corporate security and all line managers,

the luxury of coming to work during these times. Our rules defined in such a way were accompanied by a flexible ap-

Working from home is good, but only to a certain extent, because humans are social beings who have a need for social contact, and neglecting that is not good. I don’t believe that anything excessive is good. It is neither normal for us all to be in the office non-stop, which is something I thought even before the pandemic, nor for us all to now constantly work from home. It also isn’t good for us to succumb to a state of collective lethargy, where isolation and life without social contacts and interaction lead, because we aren’t even aware of how difficult it is to pull ourselves out of that later. I’m afraid that we’ll be forced to return to normality unless we find a healthy measure in everything during these days.

proach, which means that we approached each case individually, maintaining direct contact with each employee who is ill or under isolation, and monitoring the situation constantly. The percentage of those infected among our team has not exceeded 15 per cent of the total number of employees over the past year, which we consider a great thing that has helped us maintain the continuity of our operations.

Many companies offered people psychological assistance at the very beginning of the pandemic, while we considered that people should first be given an opportunity to grow accustomed to what was happening to us.They had to get used to us having to wear masks all day, to no more than three people being in the meeting room at the same time, but also to get used to various other restrictions. Then, after that initial shock has subsided, we introduced psychological support for employees, which they really use and which we will definitely continue providing.

Many companies had to reduce their number of employees and salaries. Did you also face this need?

We used the time of COVID to carry out a serious reorganisation of the company, and since November we’ve also had a new CEO. Apart from introducing changes at the highest level, we also looked to optimise certain things.

Some people are no longer with us, but we also sought to promote some exceptional people and provide them with an opportunity to find themselves in new, higher positions with new responsibilities, so that they could show their potential and continue developing in a business sense.

Working from home represented an exception prior to the pandemic, but it

Our rules defined in such a way were accompanied by a flexible approach, which means that we approached each case individually, maintaining direct contact with each employee who is ill or under isolation, and monitoring the situation constantly has now become an everyday norm for a year. Will that also be our future?

As a psychologist first and foremost, and not just as an HR specialist, I must emphasise that I don’t believe working from home will become a common thing.

What are all the channels you utilise to communicate with employees?

We’ve strived from the very beginning to strengthen communication and to communicate all information – both related to the pandemic and everything else related to business – to everyone as transparently as possible. We’ve had one-on-one conversations with people who report having symptoms or contact with people suspected of being infected, while an “open door policy” is certainly something that’s characteristic of our HR team. Due to the fact that more work was nonetheless done from home, we somewhat pushed communication by email, in order for us to reach everyone, and at the end of the year we organised an online town hall meeting at which we shared some important information about our operations with employees. As of March we’re introducing something called ‘the team of ambassadors of organisational values’, where a team of 15 people from different sectors of the organisation will, once a month, discuss ways to improve communication and transparency within the scope of our organisation.

March

13

Care Workers

No Care For

CARE WORKERS

Decades of public neglect and underspending have brought us to the point that even an unprecedented global health emergency and economic collapse are not enough to make mistreatment of lowpaid essential workers socially and politically unacceptable. Our applause is no longer enough to keep them keeping us safe 14

March

T

hose who thought that a pandemic would make everyone realize the crucial role of care workers should think again. With the coronavirus still spreading rapidly, frontline workers are more essential – and at greater risk – than ever, yet public attention has shifted elsewhere.

Worse, as economies collapse and labor-market conditions deteriorate, em-

ployers in the private and public sector alike have grown more cynical in their treatment of essential workers. Far from instilling a deeper appreciation for their employees, the pandemic-induced surge in unemployment has enabled employers to exploit workers even more.

Capitalism has always had an uneasy relationship with care work. Although capitalist production relies heavily on unpaid and underpaid labor performed by women, migrants, and other disadvantaged social groups, it has historically pushed that work off the books and underground, into informality. As a result, all the varied tasks associated with social reproduction are barely recognised, much less rewarded or remunerated. Because so much care work is performed for free by women and girls within families and communities, it is simply taken for granted and, because it is outside the market, not counted as economic activity.

Unpaid work performed by women who have no other choice thus creates a vicious cycle of devaluation. When women do enter labor markets, their wages tend to be lower than those of men, not only because they are willing to work for less, but also because so much of their work is available for free. Hence, occupations dominated by women – such as in the care sector – tend to be lower paid; even men doing similar work suffer a wage penalty.

In the case of health care, there are additional occupational hierarchies to navigate, from highly paid “professionals” like specialist physicians down to nurses, ward attendants and cleaners. Unsurprisingly, the gender balance within each occupation changes as one goes down the pecking order, with women concentrated in the lower-status, worst-paid positions.

Globally, women hold 70% of all health-care jobs. But they are more likely to be nurses, midwives, and community health workers, while men comprise a disproportionate share of better-paid occupations like surgeons, physicians, dentists, and pharmacists. Community health workers are perhaps the most exploited of all health workers, especially in developing countries. They often aren’t recognised as workers at all, but rather as “volunteers”. As such, they rarely benefit

from formal contracts that provide job security and a fair wage, let alone protections like health care.

Women healthcare workers are also more at risk in the current pandemic, because they are more likely to be involved in activities that require close physical contact with patients. For a brief period after the pandemic first erupted, these workers were widely recognised for their

For example, in the United States, a brief period during which some companies offered their frontline workers slightly higher wages was soon followed by reversion to the norm: wages returned to their previous lows – and sometimes went lower. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked the immigrant nurses – “Jenny from New Zealand”, “Luis from Portugal” – who saved

Community health workers are perhaps the most exploited of all health workers, especially in developing countries. They often aren't recognised as workers at all, but rather as “volunteers”.

critical contributions to society. Around the world, political leaders and members of the public applauded essential workers, singing their praises from balconies and leaving flower bouquets outside hospitals.

But while health-care workers at all levels were rightly described as “heroes,” that seems to have represented the extent of their reward. The public acclaim has not translated into better working conditions or higher wages, and certainly not systematic efforts to ensure their physical safety during the pandemic.

his life when he was hospitalised with COVID-19. But then he had no problem trying to slap a surcharge on immigration fees (ironically for the purpose of funding the National Health Service).

The situation in developing countries is even worse. Governments faced with falling tax revenues are practicing austerity in the midst of a health emergency and recession, slashing non-COVID-19 health spending, forcing pay cuts and longer hours on health workers, and avoiding the expense of procuring personal protective equipment.

March

15

Aleksandra Dutina, HR Director, Carlsberg Srbija

The Synergy Of Diversity

YIELDS RESULTS

Carlsberg Srbija, as a company that operates at the global level, and as a responsible company, endeavours to develop and foresee its business plans, risks and challenges on time. Although this isn’t always possible, it’s important to follow the company’s strategy, and to familiarise and connect employees with it

f you have a clear objective, if you believe that your people will work to the best of their abilities, if you give them the tools and support, if you take responsibility when that’s required and are capable of making difficult decisions if and when necessary, then the result will not be lacking - says Aleksandra Dutina in this interview for CorD Magazine, revealing the secret of Carlsberg’s success.

year, while alongside that you also managed to preserve the lives and health of employees.

How did you organise your work? Beer cannot be made from home...

We realised very quickly, following the outbreak of the pandemic, that it was necessary for us to adapt to the new circumstances as soon as possible, because they would last.

We introduced work from home where that was possible, due to the nature of the work, physically dividing our employees into teams, in order for us to ensure people’s safety and the sustainability of the process. We had open communication with all employees from the outset, while managers had the flexibility to organise their team’s work in the way that best suits that team. Security, trust and constant and open communication were our basic principles during the state of emergency and the pandemic generally. We thereby provided our employees with the sense of certainty and trust that was essential to all of us during the difficult period that hit all of us.

before the pandemic, not to mention what it’s like now. To what extent does this complicate the work of the HR sector? How did you deal with situations that were impossible to foresee?

Sometimes you find yourself in an unpredictable situation that forces you to think and react quickly, to view things from different perspectives and make an estimate based on the information you have at your disposal, which is also often incomplete. The HR sector strives to follow the company’s strategy in the best way possible, to familiarise and connect employees with it, to provide tools for successful operations, while at the same time taking care of all employees and their needs. Now that those needs are changing at lightning speed, it is necessary to have great flexibility and understanding; to have discussions and action plans that will support the company’s strategy in the best way. Our sector represents the point of contact between business and people, and we endeavour to integrate everything together through conduct that reflects our culture.

Despite the pandemic, the Carlsberg Group achieved stable financial results over the past

The business environment, both locally and globally, was challenging and unpredictable even

How important is the HR sector in large systems like that of Carlsberg? Can strategic

I 16

March

goals be set and implemented without you?

The team that deals with human resources is an important link in every major system, starting from the operational part to the strategic.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the opinion of business, for differing justified and unjustified reasons. Nevertheless, HR should provide credible support to management, participating in and initiating many strategic proposals, setting and nurturing culture, dealing with its people and participating in the devising of long-term plans. HR should have integrity and should enjoy the trust of employees, because that’s the only way employees and management can move in the same direction and head towards the same goal.

How much time, effort and knowhow do you invest in the process of selecting and evaluating candidates? How important are a candidate’s skills and competences , and how important is their ability to adapt to a team?

The recruitment and selection process is very important to us and we develop it continuously, in accordance with needs and the market. That’s a two-way relationship, of the candidate towards the company and vice versa.

Competences are important to us, but potential is more important to us, as well as the actual values that new employees will bring us, and whether we correspond mutually in that sense.

Carlsberg fosters certain business and human values, and it’s nice when they match the values of the candidate. We aren’t looking for someone who will adapt to us, but rather someone who will fit into our family, because the synergy of diverse people working together is the most valuable resource a company can possess.

The needs of different parts of the organisation are certainly specific and candidates with a certain level of experience are very often sought, but nevertheless, in every selection we conduct, we strive to integrate a new colleague into our culture and thus enrich it.

Does Carlsberg encourage personal initiative, personal development and healthy ambition? Do you believe that learning on the job – with colleagues and from colleagues – is as important as a formal education?

I firmly believe in the continuous advancement of individuals and teams. Formal education provides the basis for doing a job, but in my opinion it’s also equally important to have

Apart from formal education, it's equally important for a job to have healthy ambition, a competitive spirit and way of thinking, personal values, trust and results achieved

healthy ambition, a competitive spirit and way of thinking, personal values, trust and, in the end, results achieved.

When it comes to additional training, like it or not, constant additional training is essential in today’s world. The whole world is changing, from ways of communicating to the business process itself, and there’s no possibility of remaining with the same level of knowledge and advancing at work.

Is it possible to achieve good business results over the long term without a good team spirit?

How do you build team spirit?

Everything is very closely connected. Good results are built with good plans, exchanges of ideas, respect for deadlines, taking responsibility and placing trust in your employees. So, if you have a clear aim of where you want to be, and you give your teams autonomy to do their best, you give them the tools and support, take responsibility when required and make difficult decisions sometimes, then you’ll most

often also achieve a good result. Sometimes the circumstances under which you operate help a little, but in most cases joint effort and the work of all participants are required for a good result.

Other than monetarily, how do you reward loyalty, dedication, striving for high achievements, agility etc.?

This relates to the overall experience that an employee has while working at the company – with whom they work specifically, where they work, under what kind of conditions, whether they have the freedom to express their own ideas, suggestions, concerns and fears... This is that feeling in the stomach when you arrive at work or start your workday online. Earnings are certainly an important factor, and both tangible and intangible benefits, but so are recognition, praise, sincere feedback, education, the practical implementing of one’s own ideas etc. The best reward is when you feel good that you belong to a team and a company, when you are its ambassador in the best sense.

March

17

Youth Fair – The Region’s Biggest

EMPLOYER BRANDING EVENT The Youth Fair, as the biggest employer branding event, has been the most important career event in this part of Europe for years, attended each year by thousands of students and graduates from all over Serbia and the region who want to meet the best employers and take the first steps in their careers

T

he idea of the project is to encourage the development of young people by connecting them with employers, companies and institutions.

With this, organisers want to improve the quality of life of today’s youth, helping them to invest in their future and, ultimately, take a step towards keeping young potentials and future professionals in our country.

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March

Accordingly, the main goal of the event is to provide jobs and internships to candidates, as well as providing them with informal education through workshops / lectures that equip them with new theoretical knowledge and practical skills in their areas of interest.

Despite the pandemic, the first ONLINE version of the Youth Fair was successfully organised in October 2020.

The sixth Belgrade Youth Fair was held last year and gathered together over 4,200 young people from all parts of Serbia and the biggest employers in the country. However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it was held online for the first time in 2020, connecting young people with employers through online activities like: chat with employers, simulations of job interviews, numerous lectures,

workshops and a knowledge quiz.

The companies and organisations participating in last year’s event were: PepsiCo, Nelt, Hemofarm, UniCredit Bank, Metro, Atos, Bosch, Mercator–S, Milsped Group, Futura kid, MPC Properties, TPA, Bambi, Atlantic Group, Phoenix Group, Karanović&Partners, Trizma, Delhaize, Coca-Cola HBC, Sanne, P&G, Adecco, Naj Student, Nestle, PwC Srbija, ERSTE Bank, DDOR Osiguranje and SBU. The Big HR conference attracted great interest from the start of the event, precisely because young people are interested in constant improvement under the scope of the topics presented through panel discussions: Representatives of Bambi, Hemofarm, UniCredit, Bosch, Sanne and a moderator from the Employer Branding Agency discussed the first panel, with the topic “From studying to a great job”. They shared stories about their career paths and highlighted some important career tips. The panel participants also emphasised that formal education is not an obstacle to doing the job you want and that you should always be true to yourself.

In the panel discussion entitled “Modern Human Resources - New Methods and Techniques”, representatives of PepsiCo, PwC, Mercator-s and MPC Properties provided advice and spoke about the solutions that their companies have taken in response to current world events. They stated that flexibility and the good organisation of work and employees were key principles, while noting that it is also important to preserve mental health and a balance between one’s business and private life.

How important is talent management, what values and criteria form the basis for their selection, how can the right talents be found for certain positions... These were among the issues discussed in the panel of the same name that included representatives of Nelt, Delhaize, Erste Bank, Adecco and Coca Cola HBC. The second day of the Youth Fair saw lectures given on specific topics by representatives of companies. Some of the topics included “News in Digital Marketing and how to use Insight analytics”, presented by PepsiCo and including discussion of development programmes, training courses and the function of digital marketing, detailing the

job and its advantages and disadvantages, …

An extremely useful and practical lecture for young people was given by the Karanović & Partners Law Office on the topic “Towards the first employment: rights and obligations arising from the establishment of employment”.

Another popular topic of great importance for young job seekers was addressed in Nestle’s lecture “How to look for a job and how to prepare for an interview?”, which summarised what this company has done to date and what this new reality has brought in the process.

The Youth Fair managed to connect young people seeking internships and employment with the best employers, but also to resolve many of the doubts that young people face when preparing for their first job, and we are sure that this approach is of great importance to individuals who want to be well-informed and to take the first steps towards their future careers, as well as for companies that want to provide them with that opportunity.

Youth Fair is also in online format this year The 7th Belgrade Youth Fair, the biggest career event in the region, will be held in Serbia on 22nd and 23th of April. And this year it will be also in an interactive online format, where young people will have the opportunity to connect with many employers in order to secure an internship or employment, but also to gain numerous knowledge for which they will receive a free certificate.

The program will last from 10 am to 5 pm, and will consist of a fair and conference part.

“This year as well, due to the conditions

of the pandemic we are in, Belgrade Youth Fair will be organized in an interactive online format, but with the fulfillment of all expectations of candidates and employers. This year, numerous internships and employment programs will be presented, also the benefits that each of the companies can offer, and all those who present will be able to participate in interview simulations, CV counseling as well as numerous workshops, prize quizzes and panel discussions. Also, an even bigger number of different employers are expected this year, so there will be more chances to find an internship / job and learn new skills, “said Miloš Čevizović, project director.

Some of the activities that await you: • Chat with employers • Employer profile • Internship / job ads • Big HR conference • Job interview simulations • IG live interviews • Online company knowledge quizzes • CV database available to employers throughout the year • CV Counseling Some of the topics of the conference part of the project, which will be held by the greatest experts, will be: • How to look for a job and how to prepare for an interview; • How do I choose the best employer for me?

• How to find the ideal job; • Marketing and HR trends, business, information technology.

Applications for this year are open and you can apply via website: www.youthfair.rs

March

19

“NOTHING WE DO IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HIRING PEOPLE. AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU BET ON PEOPLE, NOT STRATEGIES.” ~ LAWRENCE BOSSIDY

20

March

MINISTRY OF MINING AND ENERGY

BLY PLUS trading agency for

mining and construction equipment Email: bly@sbb.rs; violetabilic@sbb.rs Phone: +381 11 317976; +381 63 202 661 Address; Generala Mihajla Nedeljkovica 84b, 11070 Novi Beograd bly_plus_mining_equipment BLY PLUS

ABOUT US! Already in 1993 BLY PLUS has started its journey as a representing agency for the company BOART LONGYEAR WHO DO WE REPRESENT? We also represent some of the biggest and most popular companies in this field like WEIRMINERALS-GEHO, PAUS, BRIDON BEKAERT, MINOVA! AREA OF REPRESENTATION Areas where BLY represent manufacturers include: Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia.

MONARK-NORWAY is one of the world leading producers off percussive drill steel, like integral drill steel, tapered rods, plug hole rods, threaded rods, button bits and furnace tapping equipment

www.bly.co.rs

MINING SECTOR 2021

CONTENT

06

CAN SUSTAINABLE MINING BE LESS OF AN OXYMORON?

COMMENT

08

MINING CAN BE 18 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

H.E. JAN LUNDIN, SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

MINING HAS SERIOUS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

32

EXPECTING NEW INVESTMENTS

SLOBODANKA LAZAREV, CEO, JANTAR GRUPA

ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ PH.D., DEPUTY SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF MINING AND ENERGY

NATURE IS NOT 33 EXPLOITED, BUT PRESERVED

MINES BRING 40 NEW NEW TECHNOLOGIES

BRANKO ZEČEVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE GEOLOGICAL AND MINING ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA (GRAS)

MIHAILO DVOJAKOVIĆ, DIRECTOR, Mg Serbien

20

MINECO: MINING FIRST, GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION SECOND

BOJAN POPOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF LONDON-BASED MINECO LIMITED

12

WE GLADLY SHARE OUR KNOWLEDGE

H.E. GILES NORMAN, AMBASSADOR OF CANADA TO SERBIA

26

DR MILINKO RADOSAVLJEVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE MINING INSTITUTE OF SERBIA EDITOR IN CHIEF Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Branislav Ninković b.ninkovic@aim.rs

JADAR PROJECT – DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SERBIA

PHOTOS Zoran Petrović

OFFICE MANAGER Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen mrpeditorial@mail.com

EDITORIAL MANAGER Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs

4

CHRIS JAMES, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, TARA RESOURCES AG

CONSTRUCTION WASTE 47 IS A VALUABLE RAW MATERIAL FUTURE IS 37 MINING’S DIGITAL

IVAN JOVANOVIĆ, MINING BUSINESS DIRECTOR SOUTHEAST EUROPE, FLSMIDTH

FINANCE Dragana Skrobonja finance@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs PUBLISHER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs DIRECTOR Ana Novčić

SLOBODAN DRAGANOVIĆ, TEHNICAL DIRECTOR, ŠUTEX D.O.O.

THE 42 CHASING BALANCE UNDER AND 52 TREASURE ABOVE GROUND

VESNA PRODANOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER OF RIO SAVA EXPLORATION D.O.O.

PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihailo Čučković m.cuckovic@aim.rs

42 NEWS HISTORY, GREAT 46 LONG FUTURE

INVESTMENTS IN THE MINING SECTOR OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY OF SERBIA - EPS PAUL CRONIN, CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ADRIATIC METALS PLC.

15

DRAGOMAN RABRENOVIĆ PH.D., DIRECTOR OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF SERBIA / SERBIAN GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

PROJECTS FOR A 22 STABLE ENERGY FUTURE

24 YEAR OF BIG PLANS LINKING SCIENCE AND PRACTISE

FOR THE 34 PLEDGE FUTURE

a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica MINING 2021 Published by: alliance international media Prote Mateje 52, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia

Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs; office@cordmagazine.com www.aim.rs; www.cordmagazine.com No 24 ISSN: 2560-4465 All rights reserved alliance international media 2021 The views expressed in this publication are those

of the presenter; they do not necessary reflect the view of publications published by alliance international media THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE

This is Epiroc

Our segments

Epiroc is a leading global productivity partner for the mining and infrastructure industries. With groundbreaking technology, we develop and produce innovative, safe and sustainable drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and tools. We also provide world-class service and solutions for automation and interoperability.

The Equipment & Service segment provides equipment and solutions for rock drilling, mechanical rock excavation, rock reinforcement, loading and haulage, ventilation systems, exploration drilling, drilling equipment for water, energy, oil and gas. It also provides related parts and service and solutions for automation and interoperability.

Equipment & Service

We have a strong operating model characterized by focus on innovation, a strong and resilient services business, and an agile and decentralized operational setup. Our world is changing and our ambition is to be the leader in automation, interoperability and fossil-free operations.

Surface equipment

Underground equipment

We are a 147-year old start-up – a dynamic new company, but with proven expertise and experience.

Epiroc means at or on rock, coming from Greek and Latin roots. It reflects our core business, our proximity to customers and the strength of our partnerships.

Parts & Service

Automation and digital solutions

Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenues of SEK 41 billion in 2019, and has more than 14 000 passionate employees supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.

Epiroc was part of the Atlas Copco Group, founded in 1873, until June 18, 2018, when Epiroc was distributed to the shareholders of Atlas Copco and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm

Tools & Attachments

The Tools & Attachments segment provides rock drilling tools and hydraulic attachments that are attached to machines and used mainly for drilling, demolition and recycling as well as rock excavation. It also provides related spare parts and service.

Rock Drilling Tools

Hydraulic Attachment Tools

5

MINING SECTOR 2021

COMMENT

Can Sustainable Mining Be Less

OF AN OXYMORON? The best modern mining practises represent a huge step forward in terms of maintaining a more sustainable environmental footprint. In order to progress in a responsible way, Serbia's private and public sectors need to cooperate.

F

ollowing the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, nine of the world’s largest mining companies decided to initiate a project aimed at examining the role of the minerals sector in contributing to sustainable development, and how that contribution could be increased. Almost two decades on, this quest continues.

The best modern mining practises represent a huge step forward compared to previous practise. Most of the world’s leading mining companies are today committed to making continuous progress on environmental performance. However, the holy grail of sustainable mining remains hard to achieve. Even the best modern operations may have some undesirable environmental impacts, while good practises are slow to gain ground across the industry. The objective of improved performance is to ensure that critical natural resources are maintained and ecosystems are enhanced, if possible.

6

Many underdeveloped and developing countries view mining as an opportunity for economic growth. However, the overall positive impact of the mining sector is much greater if there are strong linkages to other industries. Serbia hopes to rebuild some of those links.

That is to say that mineral wealth should not only contribute to economic development, but also to net environmental continuity. The challenge is huge, both in the short and medium term.

It is often said that the private and public sectors need to cooperate in order for progress to be achieved in a responsible way. That is exactly what foreign investors, the Serbian government and academia are

trying to achieve with amendments to the Law on and Geological Research, the adopting of a whole set of new by-laws and the introduction of e-mining. These steps must secure increased investments in the mining sector, solid planning and the preservation of Serbia’s mineral wealth.

Many underdeveloped and developing countries view mining as an opportunity for economic growth. However, by definition, the overall positive impact of the mining sector is much greater if there are infrastructure benefits and strong linkages to other industries, especially through domestic procurement. Most of those capacities in Serbia were devastated in the 1990s, during the civil war and economic crisis in Serbia, so there are today high hopes that foreign investments will also mean that Serbia will gain some processing facilities and that more value added products will be made within the country’s borders.

With the use of highly advanced technologies, mining today doesn’t offer many jobs. However, employment related to the mining sector was very high in countries where linkages were strong, even before taking into account the multiplier and fiscal expenditure impacts. Cooperation between the public and private sectors seems to have been essential to increasing such linkages. Moreover, mining firms have often made substantial contributions to local and regional development, at times due to legal requirements but often not. This now seems to be one of the most pressing issues in those parts of Serbia where mining sites are concentrated.

MINING SECTOR 2021

7

MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ PH.D., DEPUTY SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF MINING AND ENERGY

Mining Has Serious

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL The value of Serbia's mineral wealth totals in excess of 200 billion dollars, and that wealth should be used in a sustainable way – in order to contribute to economic development and growth, and for that to be responsible towards the environment and, finally, for us to see the effects of that in Serbia's national budget.

O

ur aim is to create the conditions to invest in mining in Serbia, for investors to be able to rely on transparent and efficient procedures, but, on the other hand, for us as a state to take care of our mineral resources, of the income that’s generated from their use, and for all projects to be in compliance with requirements that relate to the environment. - This is how Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlović summarises the directions of the ministry’s activities in the field of mining for the period ahead. ou started your term by announcing reforms in the sectors of energy Y and mining. What are the preconditions for these two sectors to become development drivers of the Serbian economy?

Mining and energy are sectors that have long been “sleeping” and have not developed in the previous six years at the speed required for Serbia to be energy secure and to utilise the potentials that exist in these sectors. Mining is a sector that has been stalled for a long time completely undeservedly. We want to fix this injustice, because mining has much greater potential than is currently utilised. The value of Serbia’s mineral wealth totals in excess of 200 billion dollars, and that wealth should be used in a sustainable way – in order to contribute to economic development and growth, and for that to be responsible towards the environment and, finally, for us to see the effects of that in Serbia’s national budget. It was with this aim in mind that the Ministry prepared draft amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological Research, with which we want to create the conditions for Serbia to gain a modern and much more successful mining sector. This means that we want to attract new investments to Serbia, and for the share of mining in GDP to increase over a period of about three years to be close to 4%, instead of the current 1.9%. With this in mind, it is important to better protect our mineral resources, and to secure higher revenues for the state, because 8

mining resources are non-renewable. Last but by no means least, we want the development of mining to be sustainable, and for everything done in this area to be carried out with adherence to all regulations and the highest environmental standards.

Juxtaposed to that, Serbia is in a period of major and serious changes to the energy sector, because we are turning towards climate-neutral development, which implies increased investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, while electricity production from coal – as part of the energy transition – will be gradually reduced in the coming decades. The beginnings of these changes are already visible in the draft laws prepared by the Ministry. By amending the Law on Energy and introducing new laws on renewable energy sources and a law on energy efficiency and the rational use of energy, we will enable the energy sector to operate more efficiently and orderly and to be harmonised with current regulations and processes applied in the European Union. At the same time, we are starting to establish new directions in our energy policy, in which we want to raise energy efficiency to the level of the national goal and national project, as well as creating opportunities to invest in and use much more energy from renewable sources. Among other things, with the new law we’ve provided the possibility for customers to also be energy producers, to have solar panels on the roofs of their houses, residential buildings, production facilities and sports halls. ou’ve announced e-energy and e-mining, or the digitisation of Y procedures. Will that require more or less work compared to building permits? How much have we progressedin the digital transformation of administrative procedures as a country, at both the national and local levels?

With the introducing of e-permits in construction we showed what we are capable of doing as a country when the political will, knowledge, commitment

MINING SECTOR 2021

MANDATE

REVENUE

TURNAROUND

Serbia as a state should play a key role in managing its own mineral wealth, and that should be recognised in all legal solutions, as well as strategic documents

By increasing the mineral exploitation royalty charge, we will value our mineral wealth more as a country, while on the other hand that will impact significantly on increasing the budget of the Republic of Serbia

Mining is a sector that has been stalled for a long time completely undeservedly. We want to fix this injustice, because mining has much greater potential than is currently utilised

Serbia is in a period of major and serious changes to the energy sector, because we are turning towards climateneutral development, which implies increased investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency and a clear goal exist. From a country that was ranked 186th in the world in the field of issuing building permits, we’ve reached 9th place on the list of the World Bank’s Doing Business Index. We said that we want to apply this model to other areas, and now we’ll do just that in the fields of energy and mining, through e-energy and e-mining. The legal basis for digitisation has been created through proposed amendments to the law, which will enable the introduction of electronic procedures. This will bring great changes not only in energy, but also in mining, where a digital procedure is being introduced in mining to obtain documentation for the first time. This means that permits will be issued under shorter deadlines, falling on average from the current 150 days to around 15 days, while investors will be able to monitor the exact stage that their procedure has reached. In other words, the effi-

ciency and electronic procedures that we introduced for the issuance of construction permits will now also exist in mining, as well as in energy. ou’ve also announced the creation of conditions for the entry of Y private capital in the field of energy and mining. The experience with mini power plants didn’t prove to be the most fortuitous concept.

How will you progress?

Neither mining nor energy can advance without new investments, and without their significant increase. Our task is to create the conditions for that, for us to have clear and transparent procedures that are equal for all investors, while at the same time protecting the interests of the state, for example when it comes to taking care of mineral resources.

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INTERVIEW The same applies to renewable energy sources, where the goal is for that potential to be better utilised, which – together with investing in increasing energy efficiency – should enable us to generate about 50 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The focus in this area will primarily be on new medium-sized and large hydropower plants, which can most quickly ensure energy security and compensate for the gradual reduction of coal-fuelled electricity production. In addition to this, the use of solar energy is especially important in all parts of Serbia, as well as greater use of biomass potential, particularly in heating plants, while we also expect continued investment in the use of wind energy. When it comes to the construction of small hydropower plants, one of the basic and most stringent criterion from the aspect of environmental protection relates the conditions issued by the Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia and its agreement to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study. That’s precisely why we will stipulate in the Draft Law on RES that qualification for participation in auctions envisaged for each project must include a confirmed Environmental Impact Study, which has been confirmed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in order for us to eliminate any project that would harm nature in any way.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy will continue its analysis of the application of possible models for mineral exploitation royalty charges and their increasing, starting from the fact that we want amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological Research to provide an environment in which Serbia’s mineral wealth, which has a value exceeding 200 billion dollars, will be valorised in a sustainable and responsible way, with its full contribution to economic development and growth. By increasing the royalty charge, we will value our mineral wealth more as a country, while on the other hand that will impact significantly on increasing the budget of the Republic of Serbia.

A priority for us, as the Government, is for everything in mining to be done with the highest level of technology, and the highest degree of environmental protection, because there is no amount of money and investment that can justify the destruction of the environment

ou’ve also announced the way mineral Y exploitation royalty charges are to be determined. We saw in the previous period that this is an issue that has its own political weight. What are you striving for as the ideal variant of change, and what would it be realistic to expect?

The level of royalty charges, i.e. fees for the exploitation of mineral raw materials, is regulated by the Law on Fees for the Use of Public Goods, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. We have forwards an initiative to the Ministry of Finance to amend the level of fees, with the aim of securing greater funds for the budget of the Republic of Serbia from the mining sector, and the Ministry of Finance - as the competent ministry - will analyse and evaluate this initiative and make a decision.

Mineral royalty charges in Serbia are today the lowest by far compared to all surrounding countries. For example, in Romania this fee ranges from two to 10 per cent of the value of mining production, and in Hungary it ranges from two to 12 per cent. In North Macedonia the fee is 1.5 to 15 per cent of the value of sold mineral raw materials, while in Russia this fee ranges from 3.8 to 20 per cent, depending on the value and type of mineral raw material.

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I n your opinion, what is the best way for Serbia to retain part of the value created on its territory – not only at the moment of exploitation, but also when production ceases?

Firstandforemost,Serbiaasastateshould play a key role in managing its own mineral wealth, and that should be recognised in all legal solutions, as well as strategic documents.

Security for investors, in terms of a predictable and stable legal framework, must be accompanied by greater security for the state in terms of providing essential quantities of raw materials that will be processed in our country and getting the final product created from them. We thus create an environment for the sustainable use of mineral resources with clearly defined rules for its further treatment, and we do so with a special emphasis on human health and environmental protection.

hat are your most important priorities when it comes to current W projects, including lithium exploitation?

The Jadar Project is the project with perhaps the greatest development potential of all projects in the mining sector, due to the high level of investment and the number of people to be hired, but also due to the possibility of organising the production of batteries for electric vehicles in Serbia. which is particularly important to us. However, a priority for us, as the Government, is for everything to be done with the highest level of technology, and the highest degree of environmental protection, because there is no amount of money and investment that can justify the destruction of the environment. Only when all the analyses and studies have been carried out, especially the environmental impact study, will we discuss and examine the final decision on this project. What we certainly won’t allow is for this project to be politicised, and for panic to be spread among citizens in order for someone to score political

MINING SECTOR 2021

important institution in this field, via the University, to professional aspoints by spreading untruths about the project’s environmental impact.

I understand the fear that people have, because I’m very well aware of sociations. Through amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological the experiences that citizens had with the Zajača Mine, and that’s why Research, it has been proposed that the competencies and role of the everything related to this project must be completely transparent, in Geological Survey of Serbia be strengthened, as this is an institution order for the citizens of Loznica and Podrinje to be informed about every with a great international reputation, where all data from geological step, and the Government has formed a special working group to monitor this project.

In the area of renewable energry sources the focus will primarily Of the remaining projects, the launch of operations be on new medium-sized and large hydropower plants, which at the Čukaru Peki copper and gold mine, by company Serbia Zijin Mining, are planned for the second half of can most quickly ensure energy security and compensate for the the year, with which conditions will be provided for the gradual reduction of coal-fuelled electricity production exploitation of these mineral reserves with an annual capacity of 3.3 million tonnes and an increase in the production of copper concentrat, which is also significant because of research will be collected. Moreover, the Geological Survey will give the impact on GDP and job creation. The total value of the investment its opinion on all feasibility studies and general projects for capital in the entire project is 474 million dollars. The construction of flotafacilities of importance to the Republic of Serbia. An important intion plants in Majdanpek by the Serbia Zijin Copper company is also novation in amendments to this law is that licenses are to be introexpected to be completed by year’s end 2021. duced for individuals and companies engaged in mining and geology for the first time. These licenses will be issued by the profession, i.e. the Chamber of Mining and Geology that will be established on the When it comes to the reform of the mining sector, to what extent model of the Serbian Chamber of Engineers, in order for us to have does Serbia utilise its human resources when it comes to our scia fully organised and reviewed system in this segment too, which is entific community at universities and institutes? important not only today, but also for all those who will deal with this There can be no development of mining without a strong foothold profession in the future. in the profession, from the Geological Survey of Serbia, as the most

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

H.E. GILES NORMAN, AMBASSADOR OF CANADA TO SERBIA

We Gladly Share

OUR KNOWLEDGE We welcome the intention of the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy to further develop the mining regime and adjust it to the needs of the most important stakeholders: citizens of Serbia and the mining industry. Canada is committed to support that process and we will continue to discuss details of that cooperation with the Ministry.

C

anadian companies are responsible for some of the major successful exploration projects that are currently developed in Serbia, representing an important cornerstone in Serbia’s decision to further develop its capacities in the mining sector. We spoke with H.E. Giles Norman (Designate), Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, about possibilities for transfers of knowledge and best practices in sustainable mining.

I n 2013, previous Canadian ambassador to Serbia Roman Vaschuk expressed surprise that many in Serbia “neglect the importance 12

of the mining potential for the development of the entire Serbian economy”. How have things changed in the meantime; and how much has Canada contributed to this change?

Mining has a long tradition in Serbia and it is my understanding that local communities are well aware of its importance, considering that several regions in this country, especially in Eastern Serbia, are economically dependent on mining. Serbia plans to strategically develop the mining industry’s share of GDP from the current 1.6% to 4%, and to do so largely thanks to excellent mineral deposits, which are recognised by international mining investors, including those

MINING SECTOR 2021

RECOGNITION

OPPORTUNITY

ENVIRONMENT

Canada is recognised globally for its leadership in developing sustainable mining standards

We will be looking for opportunities to partner with Serbia in successfully transitioning away from coal

I am encouraged by the Serbian local authorities’ commitment to cope with challenges related to pollution of air, water and soil

from Canada. That said, I would say that Serbia is heading in the right direction in leveraging from its good geographic position and mineral deposits richness, and that the government has recognised the opportunity to develop the mining industry to its full potential.

Canadian companies discovered Serbia’s mining potential almost 20 years ago and are responsible for some of the country’s major successful exploration projects, including the development of the globally famous copper-gold deposit Čukaru Peki in Bor. We are also proud that Canadian mining investors, who have a proven track record in developing sustainable operating mines in the region, are also developing projects in Serbia, and we look forward to the further progress of these projects.

Several years ago, SNC Lavalin led the project of the new smelter construction in RTB Bor, which contributed to reducing air pollution in that city. Our companies have developed partnerships with some of the biggest mining investors in Serbia on exciting and innovative projects that are focused on critical minerals, such as lithium.

My impression so far is that Canadian investors enjoy a good reputation in Serbia, as they were one of the first foreign investor groups to expand to the Serbian market, transferring their responsible business conduct standards and knowhow in exploration, which is a very important stage in the life cycle of a mining project. ustainable mining is becoming more important every day.

S How do you deal with these issues at home, and what would be the key lessons you would like to share with the Serbia public?

Mining is often perceived as a dirty, polluting industry, given that a traditional view of the typical mine would be an open pit with an enormous environmental impact on surrounding territories. Major stakeholders in mining: local communities, the private sector and governments, long ago recognised that, while mining remains critical for our everyday lives, its direct and indirect impact on environmental and social well-being must not exceed its benefits.

This resulted in the development of strict national and international environmental, health&safety and social standards in mining, innovative technologies and an increase in strategic and inclusive project development communication, which led to what we today call ‘sustainable mining’.

Canada is recognised globally for its leadership in developing sustainable mining standards, which our companies need to respect regardless of whether their projects are in Canada or abroad. The Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard is a globally recognised sustainability programme that supports mining companies in managing key environmental and social risks. TSM was the first mining sustainability standard in the world to require site-level assessments and is mandatory for all companies that are members of implementing associations. Through TSM, eight critical aspects of social and environmental performance are

evaluated, independently validated, and publicly reported against 30 distinct performance indicators.

Increasingly, other mining associations, governments, investors and manufacturers are looking to TSM as the global best practice in sustainable and responsible mining. In recent years, mining associations in Spain, Finland, Norway, Botswana, Argentina, Brazil and the Philippines have adopted the programme. We hope to work with Serbian mining authorities on the adoption of this standard in this country as well.

The Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard is a globally recognised sustainability programme. We hope to work with the Serbian mining authorities on the adoption of this standard in this country as well ustainable mining is increasingly related to digital and innovaS tive solutions. Serbia just embarked on the e-mining road. What is the Canadian experience in this area?

The transparency, predictability and efficiency of the permitting process are crucial for the successful realisation of mine development, given the reality of the mining project life-cycle that can span over a 30-year period.

After adopting the new Law on Mining in 2015, which relies on the best international practices from countries like Canada or Australia, Serbia was ranked very high in the international mining community for 13

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INTERVIEW its regulatory framework. We welcome the intention of the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy to further develop its mining regime and adjust it to the needs of the most important stakeholders: citizens of Serbia and the mining industry. Canada is committed to support that process and we will continue to discuss details of that cooperation with the Ministry.

of bilateral trade by 20%, despite COVID-19, while the total value surpassed CAD100 million for the first time in 10 years. Our Embassy remains committed to support this increased cooperation, with a focus on the “green agenda” and sustainable economic recovery based on investments in reducing pollution, water and wastewater treatment, waste management and decarbonisation.

ur two countries already have very vibrant O economic cooperation in the area of mining.

How could we raise this bar even higher in this and other areas of importance, such as the energy sector?

Similar to the other countries of Central and Southeast Europe, Serbia has certain challenges with pollution of the air, water and soil. I am encouraged by the local authorities’ commitment to cope with these challenges, and also by the international community’s readiness to offer a supportive hand to the entire region in that process.

Canada is strongly committed to the realisation of the Paris Agreement and the fight against climate change, which poses a substantial threat to our planet. We are glad that we share a partnership with Serbia in that agreement. Serbia, like many countries in this region of Europe, is dependant on coal as its prime energy source, which creates high emissions of GHG and results in pollution and challenges to nation’s health status. The diversification of energy sources in Serbia, including switching to alternative energy sources (water, solar, wind and biomass) will Trade relations between Canada and Serbia are growing and in 2020 we to the realisation of the government’s witnessed the increase of bilateral trade by 20%, despite COVID-19, with contribute plans to cope with pollution challenges. Canada the total value surpassing CAD100 million for the first time in 10 years is recognised for its successful transition away from coal, as well as for its technology in the water and wastewater treatment and the solar and wind sectors, Minister Mihajlović was very successful in introducing an eand we will be looking for opportunities to partner with Serbia in permitting system to the construction sector and has received praise solving some of these challenges. for that from the international community, including the World Bank.

Canada has vast experience in introducing e-permitting in mining, The two countries have been in talks about a regular direct flight as a majority of our mining jurisdictions are already using it. We will between Belgrade and Toronto for a long time. When might that gladly share that expertise with Serbia, in the hope of introducing be expected, given the current challenges posed by COVID-19? the system soon, to the benefit of all mining stakeholders.

Canada and Serbia signed their Air Transport Agreement in May 2018, amid an ongoing process to acquire the necessary permits for How many Canadian companies operate in Serbia today and on direct flights between Belgrade and Toronto that was initiated by Air which issues do they seek your support?

Serbia. The Embassy of Canada supports the Serbian national carThe Canadian business community in Serbia gathers companies that are active in the following sectors: food&beverage, automotive, rier’s efforts in receiving these permits, but the decision on further ICT, real estate, agriculture, mining and others. Our biggest invesdevelopments lies with Air Serbia. The introduction of a direct flight between Canada and Serbia will be highly welcomed by the large tors in Serbia are Molson&Coors (Apatinska Brewery) and Magna Serbian and regional Diaspora in Canada, as well as by businesses International, while five companies are developing mineral resources from both countries, as it would ease the further expansion of growexploration projects in all regions of Serbia. Trade relations between Canada and Serbia are growing and in 2020 we witnessed the increase ing economic ties between the two countries..

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MINING SECTOR 2021

DR MILINKO RADOSAVLJEVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE MINING INSTITUTE OF SERBIA

INTERVIEW

Linking Science

AND PRACTISE The Mining Institute of Serbia, one of the country's pre-eminent scientific institutions, consists of three reference laboratories and two design institutes. It is accredited as a research and development institute, which shows the great importance of the link between science and practise, and has done so for a full six decades. responsible and professional way, with respect for the multidisciplinary approach in finding the best solution. Representing a guarantee of quality is the 60 years of experience of the work of the Mining Institute, which has amassed more than 8,000 projects for a large number of mines in the former Yugoslavia and for several other countries around the world.

We have an exceptional partnership with EPS and realise up to 80% of our total income through that cooperation

O

ver the many years of its practical work, our institute has adapted its activities to the needs of the market, while the primary goal has always been to raise the quality of services to a higher level, and that will also be the case in the years ahead, announces Dr Radosavljević oes the Mining Institute represent the D best address for everyone interested in investing in Serbia’s mining sector, but also for those seeking to improve and expand their operations?

Setting out from the fact that an investor can receive, in one place, the service and support they need in preparing the complete investment and technical documentation that’s required, we remain the best address. Every single problem is approached in an extremely

Alongside our two design institutes, the Mining Institute comprises three accredited laboratories that are well referenced and well known in their field: the Laboratory for Geomechanics; the Laboratory of Solid Fuels; and the Laboratory for Environmental Protection and Work Safety. In addition to this, the Mining Institute is accredited as a research and development institute, meaning that this link between science and practise is extremely important. our experts have participated in numerous Y large and important projects around the world. What are you currently working on?

Over recent years, if we excluding the surrounding countries, all of our activities have been focused on the Serbian market. The institute had to change and adapt, and today it is a stable company that uses its potentials rationally. The Institute continues to strive to strike a balance between modern science and the scientific achievements and development projects that it realises on the market and under

market conditions. In this sense, we generate most of our revenue – in excess of 95% – on the market by selling our services, whether that be design services or the services of our accredited laboratories. We have an exceptional partnership with EPS and realise up to 80% of our total income through that cooperation.

Projects are carried out in accordance with the Law on Mining and Geological Research, or in accordance with the Law on Planning and Construction, depending on their specific needs or requirements. Some of the important projects that we’re currently working on relate to the problematic issue of disposing of ash and slag from thermal power plants in the EPS system and environmental issues: testing emissions of pollutants into the air from our thermal power plants.

Are you preparing for the 8th Balkan Mining Congress? How important are such major gatherings of experts for the development of the sector, the advancement of cooperation, exchanges of knowledge etc.?

This year’s 8th Balkan Mining Congress was rescheduled due to the pandemic and should be held in Belgrade from 25th to 27th May. Papers have so far arrived from around 30 countries worldwide, which shows that this congress has long since surpassed regional frameworks.

Such gatherings are an opportunity to establish new contacts with the aim of exchanging knowledge, but also establishing cooperation in the mining sector between our companies and companies from around the world. We will also host some prominent experts, one of whom is academic Valentin Chanturia Ph.D., a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

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MINING SECTOR 2021

MINING IS A PATIENT GAME AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE - CLIVE PALMER 17

MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

H.E. JAN LUNDIN, SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

Mining Can Be

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY With great natural resources, Serbia has the potential to grow a strong and sustainable mining industry. Sweden and the EU remain open to collaboration with Serbia in ensuring that, together, we enable better prerequisites for good new mining projects.

S

wedish technological knowhow and a firm policy in addressing global climate emissions can serve as a valuable example to Serbia in developing a sustainable mining industry, says H.E. Jan Lundin, Swedish Ambassador to Serbia. Given that Sweden is the EU’s leading nation for mining and minerals, we spoke with Ambassador Lundin about the pros and cons of having a developed mining industry.

Confirming that Sweden is indeed Europe’s leading mining nation, accounting for 91% of iron production throughout the continent, Ambassador Lundin adds: “we are also one of the largest suppliers of lead, zinc, copper, silver and gold within our continent. Therefore, with regard 18

to pros, I can say that the mining and mineral industry has been of great importance to Sweden’s prosperity for almost a thousand years”.

This industry has been contributing around three per cent to Sweden’s GDP annually over the last several years, which translates to billions of euros annually. The industry also provides over 15,000 jobs in the country, while the goal is to triple mining production in the second half of this decade, creating close to 50,000 new jobs in the process. Other benefits include a high level of technological and innovative progress, resulting in efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly mining processes.

“Speaking of the cons, growing global demand for metals and minerals

MINING SECTOR 2021

PROGRESS

HARMONY

SUPPORT

We believe that a sustainable mining industry creates positive conditions for future growth.

For Sweden, mining must occur with great respect for nature and human life, ensuring, for instance, that both reindeer grazing and mining can go on in harmony.

Sweden is ready to help Serbia make the switch to the use of fossil-free energy sources in the future.

has led to a serious ecological imbalance over time. However, global air and water emissions have been dropping gradually, and the Swedish mining industry is well-positioned internationally, with its climate-smart production, to lead on addressing these issues,” says our interlocutor. ccording to the Swedish Minerals Strategy, the mining and minerals A industry has to be in harmony with the environment and cultural values. What does that mean in practical terms?

It’s important to control all phases in the life cycle of a mine, from exploration stages to the eventually closure and rehabilitation of a mine, in order to minimise the environmental impact of the mine. Investigations of potential exploration areas, documenting environmental effects, creating action plans, keeping an eye on ground movements and showing the effects of previous actions are all of great importance for sustainable mining. The potential impact must be documented in accordance with Swedish environmental laws and it is up to us to do so in the smartest and most resource-efficient way. For Sweden, mining must occur with great respect for nature and human life, ensuring, for instance, that both reindeer grazing and mining can go on in harmony. ow close is Sweden to its goal of developing an innovative mining H and minerals industry with a strong knowledge base?

The overwhelming success of the Swedish mining industry can be primarily attributed to the fact that we have been able to combine a specialised academic base with an industry that’s driven by innovation. By establishing close cooperation and partnerships between the academic knowledge base and the industry, Swedish mining became a testing ground for the development of innovative and environmentally friendly products and processes that may be adaptable by other countries, such as Serbia.

For example, this strong link between innovative industry and academic knowledge led to Sweden being a leader in the manufacturing of mining equipment, accounting for nearly 60% of all underground equipment. ow are Sweden and Swedish enterprises contributing to developing H a sustainable mining industry in developing countries?

Over the years, Sweden has managed to develop environmental and worker safety legislation that guarantees the use of energy-efficient methods in delivering finished products to the customer, while greatly reducing the overall environmental impact. We believe that a sustainable mining industry creates positive conditions for future growth. By having world-class facilities and expertise for processes like recycling and the handling of mining waste, the goal is to continue contributing to the reduction of global emissions by supplying the world market with both climate-smart metals and environmentally smart technology.

What does this mean in the case of Serbia?

Serbia is also a country with great natural resources potential and a growing mining industry. Swedish technological knowhow and a firm

policy in addressing global climate emissions can serve as a valuable example to Serbia in developing its mining industry sustainably. We are all aware that about two-thirds of Serbia’s energy needs currently come from opencast lignite coal mines that power thermal power plants, and Sweden is ready to help Serbia make the switch to the use of fossil-free energy sources in the future. ou were among the organisers of a large conference in Serbia Y devoted to the development of mining in the country. How has the mining sector evolved over the last two years, and which are the most important issues in terms of closer cooperation between the EU and Serbia in that respect?

Actually four years in a row, from 2016 to 2019, we hosted a conference in Belgrade at which participants from the mining industry across Serbia, Sweden and the EU gathered to discuss important topics, such as creating a sustainable mining industry through partnerships and how Serbia’s mining can contribute to a successful Europe. Although the COVID-19 crisis has had an impact on the mining industry around the world, especially in areas like the financing of exploration activities and delays in supply chains, new methods continue to emerge, creating more efficient mining

The development of the innovative and environmentally friendly products and processes that Swedish mining is renowned for may be adapted by other countries, such as Serbia operations that respect human, environmental and local cultures. Sweden and the EU remain open to collaboration with Serbia in ensuring that we can together enable better prerequisites for good new mining projects. ithium is seen as an important element in the development of the L European automotive industry. What will Serbia get from that? Is it realistic to expect that Li-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles could be manufactured in Serbia?

So-called innovation critical metals and minerals like lithium are needed for the advancement of the use of renewable energy sources, such as energy storage batteries, where lithium is seen as a key component.

The European Commission has said that the lack of production of these metals and minerals may hinder the development of green technologies, which could be one of the reasons why a Swedish company, Northvolt, is currently building a four-billion-euro factory that will produce Li-ion batteries for electric cars and energy storage in the north of Sweden.

This and other future battery factories will need to source lithium from places where it’s mined, therefore hopefully Serbian officials and a Serbian company looking to develop a lithium mine are closely evaluating the potential for such a mine in the west of Serbia, as well as evaluating future global demand for Li-ion batteries.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

BOJAN POPOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF LONDON-BASED MINECO LIMITED

Mineco: Mining first,

GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION SECOND When we read or hear ‘base metals’ and ‘Serbia’ in the same sentence today, the usual association is with the many media articles that we can read about encouraging drilling results announced by some Canadian, Australian or British junior exploration company. For the most part, these are intended to capture the imagination of a far-away prospective investor or provide a degree of comfort to those that have already taken the plunge and are funding the promise of future riches. Alternatively, we can think of the large, world-class copper mine in Bor that was established many decades ago, or even the ‘Jadar’ lithium project – both of which are of strategic importance to the Serbian State in their own right.

H

owever, amongst all the hubbub, one privately-owned company was the first to recognise the mining potentials of this region and invest its own resources, firstly into mining and secondly into geological exploration. The Mineco Group is today synonymous with lead and zinc mining in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is why we spoke with Bojan Popović, director of London-based Mineco Limited.

How do you see Mineco; what is its past?

Mineco started out nearly twenty years ago, when experienced physical traders in base metals and concentrates formed their own 20

trading business. Capitalising on their wealth of knowledge of the international metals markets, Mineco quickly achieved successes in delivering solutions for producing mines, other trading companies and end-users by facilitating sales, purchases and deliveries.

The opportunity for diversification into mining presented itself in 2004, when the bankrupt Rudnik lead and zinc mine near Gornji Milanovac was offered up for privatisation. At a time when the mining industry in the former Yugoslavia was struggling, the assessment was reached that Mineco possessed both the resources and the capability to relaunch operations at this mine, modernising and running it as a successful

MINING SECTOR 2021

business. Sometime later, the Rudnik case study was singled out as an example of an excellent privatisation in the mining sector, not just due to its commercial success, but also due to the creation of additional employment and improvements in safety records and environmental protection. By 2009, two more inactive lead and zinc mines had been acquired on both sides of the River Drina: the first near Srebrenica, which had been damaged heavily during the Bosnian civil war, and the second near Ljubovija, where the tailings dam had previously burst and flooded the underground horizons. Both mines received substantial funding from the Group, in order to repair, replace, modernise and reemploy workers that had previously left. Water management systems were redesigned and constructed to ensure the mines’ tailings facilities would not endanger the Drina and its river basin. By 2010, Mineco had successfully transformed itself from a pure trading company into a group that acquires, develops and operates mines in this region.

Where is Mineco today? How has it evolved?

The accomplishments with those three mines have not gone unnoticed. Aside from creating new employment, each of them became the principal generator of economic prosperity within their respective municipalities. With CSR principles being embraced from the outset, the goodwill that was generated equipped Mineco well to pursue additional capital projects and investments. Whereas the first three mines were ‘brownfield’ class, in 2010 and 2012 Mineco embarked on two ‘greenfield’ mining projects. The Bosil-Metal lead and zinc mine near Bosilegrad in southern Serbia and the Geomet lead mine in Olovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina both required a full range of works – from permitting, geological exploration and planning, to construction. Bosil-Metal is currently, since 2017, operating a pilot processing plant for the gathering of data and experience for the design of the commercial-sized plant. Meanwhile, a brand new gravitational separation plant has been built in Olovo, with the first tonnages of concentrates delivered in 2019.

This increased mining activity led to more geological explorations being conducted, especially in exploration projects such as the one in the Čelebići area of eastern Bosnia, where we have submitted a verified mineral reserves statement, obtained the exploitation concession and are now planning construction of the sixth mine. Our group companies, in Serbia and B-H, are licensed to conduct exploration drilling campaigns using their own drilling rigs.

Further afield, through large capital investments Mineco has acquired and developed a lead recycling plant in the Moscow region. We are presently the largest producers of refined lead and lead alloys in Russia.

Where is Mineco heading? What is planned for the future?

We recently announced that our long-term plans in rebuilding and opening the old “Suva Ruda” lead & zinc mine in the municipality of Raška is gaining pace. Since 2016, when legal due diligence was performed, our local company, “Vavrina d.o.o.”, has purchased all land plots comprising the land area of the old mine and tailings facility, as the highest bidder in public auctions, and applied for exploration rights. Once the required licensing and permitting is issued by the Serbian Ministry of Mining & Energy, Mineco will be on a fast track to perform all required steps to ultimately commission, alone or with partners, another operating mine in Serbia. Our capability to carry out this process will generate much

needed workplaces and investments in the Raška District, as well as regular mining royalties and other tax revenues for the State and local authority. On reflection, the Mineco Group has thus far invested and re-invested close to $200 million in its mining assets.

We will continue working towards upgrading the Bosil-Metal mine in 2021, as well as optimising the Geomet mine, while planning for the construction of our Čelebići and Raška mines. he Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy is planning to adopt a T new Mining Law. Has Mineco participated in public consultations?

As was the case previously, when the current Mining Law was drafted, we have again taken part by voicing our views and recommendations in relation to the drafting of the new Law under Minister Mihajlović.

On this occasion, the chosen forum was GRAS, which had put forward

Once the required licensing and permitting is issued by the Serbian Ministry of Mining & Energy, Mineco will be on a fast track to perform all required steps to ultimately commission, alone or with partners, another operating mine in Serbia a lengthy list of amendments to the Ministry’s first draft. Successive Serbian governments have stated that they see the mining industry as a prominent segment of the economy that increasingly contributes to the country’s GDP. FDI statistics illustrate that the current mining law has already achieved this year on year, with more foreign junior exploration companies than ever now being present in Serbia. Deservedly, it has been praised as one of the best mining laws in the world, making Serbia – an EU membership candidate country – a favourite destination for miners and mineral explorers. We think it is important that the new law continues to promote this industry internationally, not at the expense of its people but for their benefit, observing the sentiments of an ever more observant public. Lawmakers should ensure that certain provisions of the new law are not in conflict with provisions and principles of other existing laws, to ensure clarity.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

BUSINESS

INVESTMENTS IN THE MINING SECTOR OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY OF SERBIA - EPS

Projects for a Stable

ENERGY FUTURE For public enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia - EPS, the mining sector represents one of the most important business segments and the backbone of electricity production. The announcement of new investments in electricity and mines provides an incentive for EPS to accelerate previously launched projects and launch as many new ones as possible soon.

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ithout investing in existing production capacities and building new ones, there can be no stable energy future, and the current and planned investment projects in EPS confirm that the country’s largest energy company has a secure future. At various locations there are increasingly more works, construction sites and launched projects.

When many jobs in the region and around the world halted in 2020, EPS’s investments reached a value of almost half a billion euros, while development projects undertaken over the last five years were worth around two billion euros. Plans indicate that next year should be the most successful for EPS in terms of investment, enabling Serbia’s largest energy company to guarantee energy supply stability for approximately 3.6 million customers.

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Although many projects found themselves stalled or on the brink of termination just a few years ago, the efforts of EPS management and experts led to an investment cycle being launched. The objective is for EPS to improve existing thermal power plants, hydro power plants and mining mechanisation, to open modern mines and build new “green” power plants. The announcement of new investments in electricity production and mines provides an incentive for EPS to accelerate previously launched projects and launch as many new ones as possible soon.

The mining sector is one of the most important business segments for EPS and represents the backbone of electricity production. As much as 70 per cent of electricity in Serbia is generated from coal, as a domestic resource, and that represents the main pillar of our country’s energy independence. At the same time, the aim is to strive to bring coal production in

MINING SECTOR 2021

line with European norms, to maximally modernise the production process and improve environmental protection conditions. That’s why projects to improve production at the Kolubara Mining Basin and the Drmno Open pit mine in Kostolac have been realised with commitment for years. About 39 million tons of coal is extracted annually from these two branches of EPS. A “green” project has been completed at the Kolubara Mining Basin, bringing improvements to coal mining technology, ensuring uniform quality of lignite, the increased efficiency of thermal power plants and reductions in negative impacts on the environment. This complex project was implemented through three mutually connected parts.

The first included the procurement of a new ECS System (excavatorconveyors-spreader) for the production of tailings at the Field C open pit mine, the second saw the procurement of interlayer overburden for Tamnava-West Field, while the third included the management of coal quality and homogenisation in the western part of the lignite basin. This “green” project has a value of 181 million euros. It has been financed by loans from the EBRD (80 million euros) and KfW (65 million euros), with help provided by the German government (nine million euros) and the participation of EPS (27 million euros).

One extremely important part of this “green” project is the introduction of the system for managing the quality of coal and homogenisation in the western part of Kolubara. Thermal power plants will be supplied with coal of a balanced quality, thus ensuring that their work will also be more efficient. Studies have shown that this will reduce the consumption of coal at thermal power plants, while emissions of harmful gases will also be reduced, along with the levels of ash and slag. The uniform quality of lignite increases the utilisation of boilers at the Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plants and provides for a product of guaranteed quality. The Kolubara Mining Basin has to date had varied quality of supply, depending on the deposit. In future, software and sensors will ensure that they know at any time how much coal has been mined and what kind, which will enable homogenisation and balanced supplies to thermal power plants.

The opening of new, modern mines is one of EPS’s key investment jobs. The new Field G Mine is working already, while projects to open Field E are also being implemented, which is the reason that relocating part of the Peštan riverbed has been initiated, as well as the opening of the Radljevo Mine. With this EPS will have secured additional quantities of coal until the middle of the century. At the Radljevo Open pit mine, which is Kolubara’s youngest active mine, product has been extracted since October 2019. Given that production from this mine will contribute significantly to the certainty of coal and electricity production in the thermal sector, the Radljevo Mine is of extremely great importance to the Kolubara Mining Basin and EPS as a whole. That’s why miners working at this mine have a major job to do when it comes to extracting overburden as efficiently as possible, in order to reach the first tons of coal. Total investments for the entire period of exploitation at this mine are around 977 million euros. The key objective of opening the Radljevo Mine is to provide replacement capacities for the Field D and Field C mines. It is estimated that reserves total more than 300 million tonnes of coal.

Another major EPS investment project is the construction of the new unit B3 at Kostolac. Alongside the construction of a new unit of 350 megawatts, a new Excavator-Conveyor-Spreader system was procured

that will enable an increase in coal production at the Drmno Mine from the current nine million tonnes of coal per year to 12 million. This ECS system is worth as much as 97.6 million U.S. dollars.

On the Kostolac-West stretch near Velika Morava, research has confirmed that a rich coal deposit exists that could yield 350 million tonnes of coal. An additional advantage is the fact that the complete overburden consists of the highest quality Moravian gravel, which can be used in the construction industry. Study documentation for the opening of the Western Kostolac coal deposit is in the final phase. Investments of 100 million euros are expected in the coming years, to cover the basic mechanisation of the open pit mine. The start of excavations to clear the overburden from the open pit mine is expected to being in 2025, with the exploitation of coal expected to commence in 2028.

Every investment job also includes the participation of domestic companies, which is very important for the country’s economic growth.

Energy crops at RB Kolubara EPS recently signed a letter of intent with company E3 International, within the scope of the SLLES project that’s supported by the Austrian Development Agency, on the implementation of a pilot project to plant energy crops on the site of one of the RB Kolubara mines. The idea is to establish plantations of fast-growing willows on 3.8 hectares, in order to make maximum use of the territory and reclaim land where coal was previously mined. This contributes to better protecting the environment and provides a cleaner energy resource.

EPS has a direct impact on GDP growth equating to three per cent at the annual level, as well as another three per cent provided indirectly, through construction and other industries. The production of electricity from all resources and the implementation of environmental protection projects contribute to a sustainable energy balance and enable important competitiveness for the Serbian economy. That’s why it will also be essential to include domestic companies in all future projects.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

PAUL CRONIN, CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ADRIATIC METALS PLC.

Year of

BIG PLANS Adriatic Metals Plc is a British-based precious and base metals explorer and developer. The company is listed on both the London and Australian stock exchanges and owns the world-class Vares Silver Project in Bosnia-Herzegovina and holds licences across the Raška District in Serbia.

Following extensive research of old archived Yugoslav state documents, we identified two targets in Bosnia, which we believed had not had their full potential previously realised, namely: Veovaca, a disused open-pit mine; and Rupice, a high-

We would like to develop a world-class mining company with multiple assets

A

ll in all, 2021 will be an exciting year for Adriatic. Not only because we plan to start construction at Vares in Bosnia, but also because we are expecting a lot of exciting exploration results from Raška in Serbia - says Adriatic Metals CEO and MD Paul Cronin. lease give us a brief overview of P Adriatic Metals and explain how you arrived in the Balkans?

I first came to the region in 2016, following an invitation from a local contact.

It was quite apparent to me that there has been lack of exploration across the Balkan region over the past 25 years, and that there are plenty of undeveloped opportunities to explore using modern exploration techniques.

24

grade underground deposit 12km from Veovaca. These two silver-zinc deposits make up the Vares Project, which we plan to start mining within the next two years. In addition, we have also recently acquired an exciting lead-zinc project in Serbia, called the Raška project. hat was the reasoning behind acquirW ing the Serbian assets?

In five years’ time, I want Adriatic Metals to be a mining company with multiple world-class mining operations across the Balkan region. Realising this vision requires finding and developing mineral resources across multiple locations that have the economic potential. We identified that potential in the Raška Project, which is why we acquired Tethyan Resources in May 2020.

Along with the acquisition, we inherited a very experienced team, which complements the existing geological team in Bosnia.

Since the acquisition, both teams have

been working well together and sharing their knowledge about the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, on which both the Vares and Raška projects are situated.

I believe that the Raška Project could be the second mine that Adriatic puts into production, so it is our focus right now to determine a large enough mineral resource for this to happen. This is why we shall be dedicating two-thirds of our total exploration budget to Raška this year. So that once the Vares Project is built and operating, in two years’ time, we can turn our attention to Serbia. ell us more about Adriatic’s exploraT tion of the Raška Project. What sort of potential does this project offer?

The Raška project consists of two deposits, called Kizevak and Sastavci. Both deposits are former producing open-pit mines and we are confident, from the work we’ve done to date, that there are significant resources left behind that are yet to be mined.

As with all mining projects, there is significant up-front investment before you can determine whether the resources in the ground are economically viable enough to build a mine. We are currently in the middle of that investment phase. This year we shall be drilling 25,000 metres of exploration holes at Raška, as well as conducing other exploration surveys, with which we expect to identify further mineralisation and delineate a resource base large enough for a commercial mining operation.

MINING SECTOR 2021

25

MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

VESNA PRODANOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER OF RIO SAVA EXPLORATION D.O.O.

Jadar Project – Development

OPPORTUNITY FOR SERBIA Rio Tinto has been responsibly developing “Jadar” for a full 17 years through the various stages of planning, design and approvals. We are committed to partnership, with the Government of Serbia, the local government and our communities. We have a joint commitment to responsible mining and operating to the highest environmental standards. of lithium and also boron. However, in order for us to develop that potential in the right way and achieve the best results, it is necessary to make a long-term commitment, work in real partnership, and leverage global expertise, in order to continue our progress from exploration, surveys and studies to developing this project.

The processing of jadarite will be performed in a modern industrial plant, using a unique, innovative and stable technology

O

ur goal is to develop the project hand in hand caring for and preserving the environment, says Vesna Prodanović, who approaches the further development of Jadar with a great personal motivation and tenacity to build something of great value to both Serbia and the world.

I t sounds really unbelievable that one of the world’s most important lithium deposits is located in Jadar... If that is indeed the case, then we aren’t even aware of how great a chance this represents for the economic development of Serbia as a whole...

Lithium is increasingly called the material of the future, because it has a huge role to play in the further development of modern society.

The development of modern lithium-ion batteries represents a genuine revolution in energy use, not only in terms of Electric Vehicles and the supporting industries, but also because of its use in the devices that we use on a daily basis, such as phones and laptops.

I think we are becoming aware of how great the potential is for Serbia, considering that we have one of the world’s most important deposits 26

hat are your employment plans like, given that we know that W more than 2,100 workers will be engaged during the phase of constructing the mine and processing plant?

The most valuable assets of our company are our people, and we understand that the success we achieve is linked directly to the abilities and engagement of our employees. That’s why the development of knowledge and skills is a priority for us. We are highly appreciative of the fact that Serbia’s education system and work ethic are very strong, which gives us a distinct advantage while we work on the development of employment plans and strategies for future skills and roles, from construction through operation. Jadar is planned as a mine of the future, using cutting-edge technology. The project will need a wide range of new skills and produce products key to a low carbon future.

We already have a team of talented, highly-educated Serbian experts who are working on the project. We are working towards maintaining 90% of future employees also being from Serbia, as is the case today.

We need not only miners and chemical engineers, also innovators, entrepreneurs and talented youth with passion and vision. That’s why we’re planning partnerships with universities, secondary schools and adult education systems. We will try to demonstrate, with our own example, what modern and sustainable mining in the 21st century looks like.

In order for us to support our current and future employees, we will develop training programmes for the unique skills and specific domains we will require, using state-of-the-art training methods and equipment, including AR/VR and process simulators.

MINING SECTOR 2021

I s the public aware that this project’s development could bring Serbia a chance to entice other investors, as a green economy destination?

That is well recognised by the national Government, the local government and, increasingly, by our host communities. The world is also closely following Jadar and the way Serbia is developing this potential.

Jadar can strengthen and reposition Serbia on the world market as an excellent investment destination for the implementation of large, successful projects.

Jadar is a first for Serbia – an entirely new project, which will use many technologies and processes for the first time. Here, communication is key. We pay special attention to this within the company, we believe that if we aren’t able to explain what we do in a simple way then we aren’t doing it right. As with any new technology or development, there will be concerns about its impact – particularly ecological and environmental. One of the most important tasks for our team at this stage is to present an accurate picture of all aspects of the project. We are certain that, with the results achieved to date, we have the expertise to build this project as a responsible, safe and environmentally sound way.

I s it accurate that your company has developed innovative technology that has improved significantly over a series of years? Is it possible for an environmental challenge to exist that cannot be resolved in the 21st century?

Jadarite is a unique mineral that’s found only in Serbia, it was discovered in the vicinity of Loznica in 2004. It required the development of a completely new technology for processing.

Jadarite will be processed in a modern industrial plant, using a unique, innovative and stable technology that’s been developed by a team of leading domestic and foreign experts – that is has been proven at a pilot plant purpose-built in Rio Tinto’s Australian operations. Around 2,000

Investments in environmental protection will total a minimum of 100 million dollars, with around 40 million dollars to be invested in the water treatment plant alone tests were performed in order for us to ensure that we’ve developed the optimal solution to create the final industrial products of lithium carbonate, boric acid and sodium sulphate.

We’ve also had five independent audits conducted by relevant experts in different fields in order to validate the entire process and we are very satisfied with the results achieved. We invested significant resources and a lot of time before confirming that the processing technology is technically sustainable and stable.

The world continues to be confronted by challenges in the 21st century, but from my point of view none of those challenges are impossible.

We’ve approached every aspect of the project’s development from the perspective of long-term sustainability. We encountered many technical challenges, but we continued seeking solutions so we could ensure good results. We’ve achieved great success in the area of industrial waste, which has been totally transformed, through the development

Rio Tinto, Jadar integrated continuous pilot plant, Bundoora Australia

of technology, from fluid, sludge waste to a solid mass – which allows much safer storage with a much smaller footprint.

We will continue investing in systems and solutions that will enable the safe implementing of production activities, taking care to minimise the impact on the natural environment and the surrounding area. According to current estimates, investments in environmental protection 27

MINING SECTOR 2021

will total a minimum of US$100 million, with around US$40 million to be invested in the water treatment plant alone. Systems for monitoring impacts and regular measurements are also a priority, and all of this leads to us being able to say with certainty that Jadar will only be considered for development f it meets all the conditions to be a safe and sustainable industrial activity. inister Mihajlović has repeated on multiple occasions that eveM rything that’s being done must be undertaken with the highest degree of protection, because there is no amount of money and investment that can justify the destruction of the environment.

How would you comment on that?

We are in complete agreement! Our priority is safety, responsibility and a fair relationship towards the environment in all region where we operate. We have been developing the Jadar Project responsibly for a full 17 years, bringing sustainable planning and design solutions in the process. We are developing this project in partnership with the Government of Serbia, the local government and communities, and we have a joint commitment to protecting the environment, as one of the preconditions for the project’s further development.

Our approach shows that responsible mining and processing is indeed possible with care for the environment. We will always strive to minimise any potential negative impacts, as well as optimising the long-term benefits that we share with the community. ow is it possible to reassure citizens and environmentalists H who believe that this project’s development will destroy many watercourses, including the River Jadar? Do they know that you will install a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant? What will you do with the waste generated during the exploitation and processing of jadarite?

Let’s be clear – this project will not destroy any watercourses. All water used during production activities will be used several times, and that will be done in a closed, circular system, and prior to surplus water being released into the environment, specifically into the Jadar river, it will be treated in a water treatment plant, where it will reach the legally specified quality before being discharged into the river. Approximately US$40 million will be invested in the water treatment facility.

Rio Tinto, Jadar integrated continuous pilot plant, Bundoora Australia 28

When it comes to waste, the mine and processing plant will produce two types of waste: rock material from the underground mine, and industrial waste following the processing of jadarite concentrate.

This waste will be converted into solid filter cakes that will be stacked, levelled and compacted at the landfill site. A certain part of the total waste from processing plant, approximately 30 per cent, will be used in a mixture that’s specially made for filling the excavated space within the underground mine. This solution will simultaneously contribute to reducing the amount of total waste deposited on the surface and prevent the possibility of land subsidence.

We are committed to transparency and engagement. We have two information centres, in Loznica and Brezjak, but we are aware of the need for us to do more to ensure that accurate information reaches all stakeholders, most importantly our host communities. We are working on this with diligence and will complete this task and engage even more intensively. ou’ve worked on projects in Russia, Nigeria and Belarus and large Y and complex projects in Serbia. You spent a quarter of a century working in construction, at Energoprojekt and Bechtel dealing with projects above the ground, while now you’ve decided to “delve” under the ground. Has this change suited you?

That’s interesting insight, I must admit, and thank you for that. I must say that I’m extremely grateful for the experience I gained while working for Energoprojekt and Bechtel, and not only for the experience that built me professionally and personally, but also for the time I spent with a great team and colleagues, working on projects that really do rise

MINING SECTOR 2021

high above the ground. All of this served and helped to ensure that I can today state with certainty that I approach the further development of Jadar with a great desire and perseverance for us to bring something that’s valuable to Serbia and the whole world.

I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to work on such a significant and unique endeavour as Jadar and I feel proud that Serbia has such

Rio Tinto will strive towards ensuring that 90% of those engaged in the project in the future also come from Serbia, as is the case now an opportunity. However, in order to successfully realise that potential we need to continue developing and strengthening our existing partnerships at all levels, to build new ones and continue cooperating with all parties.

Changes are always welcome. Jadar is much more than a mining project – actually, bigger part of the project are complex industrial plant with landfill and associated infrastructure, and each part of the project is equally important. rior to your arrival, the previous head of this project was also a P woman, Marnie Finlayson. Does this mean that ever more women are occupying important positions in the world of mining?

Yes, and that’s wonderful. But there is still a lot of work ahead of us in that segment and I consider it necessary for more women who are top professionals and experts to find themselves in the positions that

they deserve, both in this and other industries. There is a long-standing prejudice that claims mining, construction, mechanical engineering and technology are “men’s jobs”, but I believe this concept was overcome a long time ago. I will personally dedicate myself and advocate for this, and that is one of this project’s goals – for gender equality and the empowerment and development of all talents, especially women, in our industry to become a practise that will be followed by others.

Rio Tinto, Jadar integrated continuous pilot plant, Bundoora Australia 29

SIMPLIFIED JADAR PROCESS FLOWSHEET MINING SECTOR 2021

LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES GLASS AND CERAMICS

Li

GREASES MEDICINE AIR TREATMENTS

CERAMICS GLASS

B

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS INSULATION AGRICULTURE

TEXTILE INDUSTRY POWERED DETERGENTS

Na

GLASS

3 FINAL PRODUCTS

BORIC ACID

LITHIUM CARBONATE

SODIUM SULPHATE

EV

30

OUT: Lithium and sodium sulfate solution

LIMING The lithium liquor is combined with lime, which reacts with certain components of the liquor to form solids, thereby allowing remaining impurities to be filtered out.

SODIUM SULFATE CRYSTALLISATION Finally, the leftover liquor from lithium carbonate crystallisation is evaporated to yield sodium sulfate for sale.

Sodium sulfate

OUT: Sodium sulfate liquor Lithium carbonate (>99,5% purity)

LITHIUM CARBONATE CRYSTALLISATION The crystallisation stage separates lithium carbonate from the sodium sulfate solution and refines it to produce high-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate for sale.

EV

MINING SECTOR 2021

Operations at Jadar will go well beyond mining, extending into the downstream chain to deliver added value for both Serbia and Rio Tinto. A Serbian and international team of technical experts, chemical and processing engineers has worked on the development of this new technology over several years.

INDUSTRIAL WASTE LANDFILL

To Water Distribution

2 34 Beneficiation, Digestion and Liming Residue

Natural gas OUT: Waste truck 1. B eneficiation Fines From Classifying Water management Industrial facility waste landfill

BENEFICATION FINES FILTRATION

Aggregate gas

Backfill Plant OUT: Lithium liquor

Boric acid

2. Beneficiation Residue OUT: Backfill to mine

BORIC ACID CRYSTALLISATION Mother liquor is flash-cooled in a vacuum which creates boric acid crystals, which are filtered out and dried to yield boric acid for sale.

Production shaft

Ventilation shaft

DIGESTION Jadarite concentrate is mixed with dilute acid. This combination “digests” the crushed ore, producing a liquid rich in lithium and OUT: boron known as the “mother liquor”.

Mother liquor OUT: Jadarite concentrate

BENEFICIATION During beneficiation, the ore is crushed to deliver a consistent stream of ore slurry to the processing plant. At this point, clay and impurities are extracted.

IN: Jadarite ore

A modern 21st century underground mine will perform the underground exploitation using the latest methods and the best available technology to ensure the safety and sustainability of expropriation and processing and minimize the possible impact on the environment. In the mine, an almost entirely electric fleet of vehicles will be used, minimizing emissions and energy consumption. Almost ~30% of total waste coming from the processing will be used to fill in spaces in underground structures. This solution is providing limitation of the amount of waste that is stored in the industrial landfill and preventing subsidence of the terrain surface.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

SLOBODANKA LAZAREV, CEO, JANTAR GRUPA

Expecting

NEW INVESTMENTS Jantar Grupa has been engaged in exploration and consulting in the fields of geology, mining and environmental protection for a full 20 years. The group has expanded its activities beyond the borders of Serbia, both in the region (North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania) and the Far East (Laos, Vietnam, North Korea).

C

urrent legislation is quite good, but space exists to eliminate problems indicated in practice. Work is currently underway on amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological Surveys, and it remains to be seen what kinds of changes this will bring us, says Jantar Grupa director and CEO Slobodanka Lazarev.

How much has your job and area of work changed over the course of the previous two decades?

The period after the 5th October changes of the year 2000, when the Jantar Grupa began dealing with this business, was a time filled with unknowns. We then organised a major 32

round-table event called “Geology, how to proceed” and brought together leading experts from the economy and the university faculty.

The turning point in geological research in Serbia came in 2001, when the state began also granting approvals for mineral exploration to companies established with foreign capital. Along with foreign companies came greater investments of resources in exploration, as well as the transfer of knowledge and research procedures.

Jantar Grupa was among the first domestic companies to establish cooperation with the world’s leading companies conducting geological surveys in Serbia.

The geologists of Jantar Grupa – as members of the European Federation of Geologists and the American Institute of Professional Geologists – are recognised internationally as professional geologists, which enables us to also produce reports for foreign markets (stock exchanges, banks etc.)

How would you assess the current legal possibilities in Serbia for exploring and exploiting mineral resources, as well as for launching and developing projects?

Many changes have occurred since Jantar Grupa first entered the sphere of geological research, with the law governing the field of geological research alone having changed several times. It is crucial that we harmonise legislation with European laws and modern world practice (PERC, YORC), particularly in terms of the classification and categorisation of resources and reserves.

Geology and mining imply a long period of time elapsing from initial exploration to the

opening of a deposit. It is therefore necessary for the basic postulates of the legal regulations – as the direct link between exploration and exploitation, mining royalties – to be stable.

The mining sector’s contribution to the economic development of Serbia and the region has been increasing year on year. Are you expecting the arrival of some new major foreign companies?

Serbia has done plenty on the promoting of the mining sector in recent years. Over the last few years, representatives of the Ministry have had a notable presence at the annual convention of the PDAC, the largest gathering covering investments in geology

Jantar Grupa was among the first domestic companies to establish cooperation with the world’s leading companies conducting geological surveys in Serbia and mining, which is held in Toronto. Together with the engagement of domestic consultants and companies, this has led to Serbia being recognised as a regional leader when it comes to interest in investing in the mining sector. Unfortunately, the current situation (COVID pandemic) has slowed the arrival of new investors to an extent, but it is encouraging that contacts are being maintained and great interest still exists. I hope the new amendments to the law and the end of the pandemic will contribute to the arrival of new investors in Serbia.

MINING SECTOR 2021

MIHAILO DVOJAKOVIĆ, PRESIDENT AND OWNER , Mg Serbien

INTERVIEW

Nature Is Not Exploited,

BUT PRESERVED Mining and metallurgical company Mg Serbien manages the Lokva dolomite mine and the Bela stena magnesite mine. This company doesn't perceive the issue of environmental protection as an imposed obligation, but rather as its strategic commitment with high levels of purity. We can state with pride that our deposit today represents one of the most complete mines when it comes to documentation. We have all adequate studies, exploitation rights and fields, a usage permit as well as certified reserves of 25,610,914 mt, while potential reserves total C 20,000,000 mt and D 100,000,000 mt.

Lokva is considered a textbook example of a well managed mine, which is evidenced to a great extent by its quality and potential.

I

t is evident that, despite the pandemic, our president and our government are fighting to maintain capital investments in infrastructure, which is why we are obliged to support Serbia in that direction with our deposits and large reserves, notes company director Mihailo Dvojaković

he spectrum of works dealt with by your T company is very diverse, while you are currently focused on a dolomite mine. What are the reserves like there and how is the quality?

Mg Serbien d.o.o. Is a company that consists of two main sectors of activity, mining and metallurgy. We are predominantly an exporter with world-renowned references: Fiat, VW, ZF, Autoliv, Peugeot, Renault and Citroen, while today we also operate two active mines: the Lokva dolomite mine and the Bela stena magnesite mine. The Lokva Mine is located in the south-western part of the Studenica series and is believed to be the source of dolomite

hy is this mineral so special? Apart for W the primary production of magnesium, what else is it used for?

Dolomite is a two-tone carbonate of calcium and magnesium. It gained great industrial significance with the development of the ThomasGilchrist Basic Process for steel making in 1879.

Apart from this, dolomite has a very wide range of economic applications. It is used for: * Primary magnesium production 99.9% (MgO exceeds 21%); * Glass industry (the only deposit that does not stain glass due to low Fe); * Road industry (we possess all European certificates; sand equivalent totals a record 92%); * Construction industry; * Fertilisers for PH correction in acidic soils; * Mineral supplement for animal feed. ou use waste as a primary raw mateY rial, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and operating in an environmentally friendly way... Is it true that you invest a lot in environmental protection?

I’m glad that you have recognised the issue of the environment and ecology as

being important and crucial to our sector of business, because that really represents our primary focus. As a socially responsible and environmentally conscious company, we consider it our collective responsibility and obligation to view environmental protection

We carry out regular measurements of air emissions, measurements of waste, technical water and groundwater, whilst also periodically measuring noise and soil pollution levels as a primary goal and imperative; not as an imposed obligation, but as a responsibility of national importance.

Mg Serbien carries out regular measurements of air emissions, measurements of waste, technical water and groundwater, whilst also periodically measuring noise and soil pollution levels. The investments and funds that we set aside for basic measurements, conducting studies, consulting services, equipment servicing and waste disposal are really large. These costs are included in the regular budget of Mg Serbien and we finance everything ourselves.

As a consequence, we don’t exploit nature, but rather are focused on recycling and the circular economy concept based on the utilisation of materials from waste and reprocessing them through the use of value.

The company’s management remains focused on improving the field of environmental protection and finding the most efficient methods or models to do so.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

DRAGOMAN RABRENOVIĆ PH.D., DIRECTOR OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF SERBIA / SERBIAN GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

Pledge For

THE FUTURE The adoption of a new, improved and modern Law on Mining and Geological Research, as well as an entire set of new by-laws, coupled with the introduction of e-mining, will increase the security of investments in the mining sector, but also domestic planning and the preservation of our mineral wealth.

T

he new Law on Mining and Geological Research provides transparent and stable conditions for investments in mining and geological research, both in the exploitation and processing of mineral resources, and in the area of concessions. “We will define the long-term goals for the development of mining and the geological research of mineral resources, as well as the projection of needs for all types of raw minerals, taking into account technical and technological development, not only through its application in mines and the processing of those raw materials, but also the possible substitution of the same in Serbian industry. This will create better conditions for the more efficient and rational geological research of 34

mineral raw materials,” considers Dragoman Rabrenović Ph.D., director of the Geological Survey of Serbia. he EU’s new raw materials strategy envisages Europe returning T to its own sources of mineral raw materials. What does that mean for Serbia and its base of raw materials?

Europe cares about knowing what mineral resources it possesses on its territory. It determines this in a number of ways, one of which is generally through the EuroGeo Survey (European Association of Geological Surveys), which conducts and maintains a unique database of minerals. It is in the EU’s interests for European mineral resources to

MINING SECTOR 2021

POTENTIAL

STAKEHOLDERS

PARTNERSHIP

Serbia is among the leading countries when it comes to some mineral raw materials that are today important or strategic

Serbia's mining sector and mining industry are carried by large systems like Kolubara, Kostolac and Bor, but also the large research projects of foreign companies

The Geological Survey of Serbia can be the best partner when it comes to making positive decisions in areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Mining and Energy

be produced and marketed on its own territory, and Serbia is among the leading countries when it comes to some mineral raw materials that are today important or strategic. The EU’s new raw materials strategy, which envisages Europe returning to its own sources of mineral resources, in order to ensure the security of supply, returns Serbia to the position it enjoyed in the past, as a highly rated base of raw materials. In addition to traditional ores of copper, gold and lead, Europe is particularly interested in our deposits of minerals, both lithium and boron, but also other rare elements that can be applied in new technologies. Due to the balance reserves of certain minerals in Serbia, especially boron, major foreign companies – from Canada, the U.S. and Australia – are interested and have invested substantial funds in researching and proving the raw mineral potential.

It was in 2014 that EU member states promoted the TAIEX directive, intended for the mining sector. This is an instrument for technical assistance and information exchange that provides support to partner countries in terms of adapting to and implementing European Union legislation. Through this instrument, the state can adopt good policies in the field of concessions, while the state has a function of planning in the national interest (who offers the best mineral extraction technologies, innovative solutions, promotes sustainable or “green mining”), through the selection of the best environmental vulnerability studies. Environmental impact studies should be available to a wide range of government institutions, public health institutions, regional and local stakeholders, while all stakeholders can freely make non-binding decisions on whether a concession is acceptable.

EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) currently brings together 38 geological survey institutes from Europe. As of March 2015, the Geological Survey of Serbia has been a full member of the EGS organisation, among its 33 full members (with voting rights). EGS brings together the geological survey institutes of Europe with the aim of performing jointly in accessing the financial funds of the European Union, adopting common strategy priorities in geological fields, as well as in cooperation with geological institutes in the form of expert and administrative councils, the possibility of cooperation between experts, as well as for the needs

How prepared are we for these steps in a technological sense?

Post-war studies revealed more than 95% of various deposits, while many mines have been opened. New local investments in the expansion of research were needed, then came the arrival of foreign research companies in our country, which to a great extent led to many research projects and activities being launched, which simultaneously also represented a good opportunity to employ domestic knowhow - our geologists and miners. And thus many Serbian geologists and miners secured jobs at these companies, either as managers or research team associates. With their already proven local knowhow – gained both through the acquisition of new knowledge and their introduction to new, contemporary exploration methods and technologies – our geologists provided a great contribution to this research with their professional engagements. On the other hand, with this our country gained, among other things, new, renewed and strengthened research potential, which is also important for the future of Serbian geology.

If the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry responsible for geology and mining want the Geological Survey to be present through the Law – not only in geology and mining, but also in many state projects – it is necessary to strengthen the Geological Survey through the renewal of personnel and technical capacities

I n 2015, the Geological Surveys of Europe organisation granted full membership status to the Geological Survey of Serbia. What does that mean for you?

of harmonising practises and regulations with the current relevant regulations and priorities of the EU. Another advantage of this project is the harmonisation of methods in geological practises, which leads to regional comparability and the continuity of geological data.

An example of the work of the Geological Survey of Serbia within the EGS association is its participation in the GeoERA ERA-NET programme financed with funds from Horizon 2020. Participation in this programme includes 48 national and regional organisations/institutions for geological research from 33 European countries, which have joined forces to develop the ERA-NET action to co-finance projects intended 35

MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW to establish a European Geological Surveys Research Area (GeoERA) to deliver a geological service for Europe.

The GeoERA encompasses four thematic areas: geo-energy, groundwater, mineral resources and an information platform, while the Geological Survey of Serbia participates successfully in five GeoERA international projects, in the fields of geo-energy, hydrogeology and mineral resources.

The fact that the Geological Surveys of Europe organisation granted full and equal membership status to the Geological Survey of Serbia in 2015, despite Serbia not yet being an EU member state, shows the exceptional importance that is given to our raw mineral potentials hat could the announced changes to the Law on Mining and W Geological Research mean for the Geological Survey of Serbia?

Given that the Law on Mining and Geological Research (Official Gazette 88/2011) established the Geological Survey as the national geological body, it was assigned the competence to deal with basic geological research. Amendments to the same Law, from 2015, did not expand any new competencies that the Office was advocating for at that time, such as to be included in the domain of issuing investigative exploitation rights and monitoring the situation in that area. The Geological Survey of Serbia didn’t have access to geological data of interest to its activities in the manner that’s defined in all geological surveys and institutes of the EU. Taking into account its knowhow, vast experience and access to a huge fund of geological documentation, the Geological Survey has a stance to be better positioned as a profession in amendments to the new Law, exclusively for the needs of the Republic of Serbia in the fields of mining and geological research. Our proposal was supported on the part of the Ministry of Mining and Energy by the statement of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlović Ph.D., who stressed that “there can be no development of mining if the Geological 36

Survey of Serbia does not get its proper place, if it is not made a much more recognisable and unavoidable address for all geological research.”

Some of the jurisdictions provided in the draft Law relate to the submitting of opinions on feasibility studies and general projects for capital facilities that are of interest to the Republic of Serbia.

The Geological Institute should, in part, be recognisable in the domain of issuing permits for the geological research and exploitation of mineral resources through the e-mining electronic service, with which the procedure would be accelerated and deadlines shorten to the optimal level.

The Institute should have a stake in monitoring research, from issuing acts with information for the drafting of projects and the performing of planned geological works, through oversight in geological research, to the revision and defence of studies, in accordance with European practises, and of course with the expert control of the Minister of Mining and Energy.

The draft law should define the assigning and availability of geological data, through the fund of geological documentation of the Minister of Mining and Energy, with the aim of producing various geological maps and improving the management of the geological information system. he Serbian Geological Institute was once a powerful institution T that operated in more than 40 countries of Europe and Africa.

What is required today for the Geological Survey of Serbia to be recognisable for its capacities?

The history of the geological profession and science in Serbia have traversed a very complex and dramatic period, but it has managed to resist all the challenges of social happenings from the very beginning. As an organised profession, its beginning lie in the formation of the “geological service” under the scope of the mining department of Majdanpek Mine (1848), under the management of the Ministry of Finance of the then Principality of Serbia. With the strong support of the Serbian Geological Society and a “decree”, the Geological Institute of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was established in 1930 as an “independent state institution” tasked with “studying the soil and deeper parts of the earth, mineral wealth and groundwater, according to an established plan and modern scientific methods”. The scientific “Journal of the Geological Institute of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia” was also founded. It was the predecessor of Geozavod, which was founded after World War II and reached the highest level of its development from 1951 to 1973, when more than 1,100 highly educated engineers and technicians were employed. It was also in 1948 that the Geoinstitute was established, for the needs of researching and developing nuclear and other mineral raw materials, which had a staff numbering over 400 engineers and technicians. The Geoinstitute reached a high level in the field of applying new methods in the research of nuclear raw materials, which ranked comparably to many institutes around the world. Alongside nuclear geology, research was carried out on mineral deposits and the geological map of Yugoslavia, while other work was also done abroad. The decision to integrate and merge these two geological houses into one was brought in 2005, with the Law on Mining and Geological Research forming the basis for the Geological Survey of Serbia to be established in 2011 as a special organisation of the state administration, tasked with the jurisdiction to perform basic geological research throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia.

MINING SECTOR 2021

IVAN JOVANOVIĆ, MINING BUSINESS DIRECTOR SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, FLSMIDTH

INTERVIEW

Mining's Future

IS DIGITAL FLSmidth is a leading supplier of sustainable productivity to the global mining industry.

We deliver engineering, equipment and service solutions that enable customers to improve performance, drive down costs and reduce their environmental impact green transition is putting even more pressure on miners to deliver minerals needed for wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, refrigeration and other electronics. Electric vehicles contain metals like copper, lithium and cobalt, and they require four to five times more copper than a combustion engine vehicle.

But it is true to say that a transition to renewable energy sources is only possible with an increase in mining and a rise in the recycling of minerals. But that is, of course, possible.

Europe is a key area for FLSmidth: it makes up 19% of our revenue and is a region where we see significant growth

T

he future of mining is about sustainability and digitisation. FLSmidth is a company that believes that digitisation and automation are central to sustainable mining, as they allow mines to use fewer resources, such as energy and water, and to reduce emissions. conomic growth and urbanisation drive E the ever increasing demand for minerals, especially specific, non-renewable resources that must be used rationally.

Can existing known reserves satisfy those needs?

We are seeing factors, such as population growth, a growing middle class and increasing urbanisation, driving the need for mining. The

It is how we get there that can be challenging.

Mining must deliver more minerals but in a less resource-intensive manner. Our response has been the MissionZero ambition, where we set a goal to collaborate with our customers and partners to work towards zero emissions, zero water waste and zero energy waste by 2030. ould you tell us more about your comC pany’s position and role in the mining industries of Serbia, Europe and the world?

Our operations span the globe and our close to 10,700 employees are present in more than 60 countries. Europe is a key area for FLSmidth: it makes up 19% of our revenue and is a region where we see significant growth. In Serbia we are long term partners of the two biggest mining operators and have worked with them on many significant projects, especially over the last five years. To be the trusted partner of the biggest miners is proof of our strong

presence in this market and our position as a key OEM for mining equipment. It also shows our strong commitment to supporting Serbia in transforming its mining operation to be safer, more environmentally friendly and sustainably productive. onsidering the aspects of digitisation C and sustainability, how do you see the future of mining?

Digital already gives operators more control over operations and availability. But the real value will arrive with fully interconnected data over the full mine’s flow sheet and even beyond. What will then be available is an uninterrupted stream of data and processes that can be flexible enough to self-optimise and self-adapt to changing conditions in real-time, or close to real-time. round 20 international companies curA rently operate in Serbia. What do we have to thank for the expansion of mining activities?

Significant growth and expansion has come from the Law on Mining and Geological Explorations that came into effect a few years ago. This has been the base for a lot of the current activities of major miners in Serbia.

The second factor is the strong commitment of the government to the mining sector.

The share of mining in Serbia’s GDP is 1.9%, while the intention is to raise this further to 3.5-4% over the next three years. This is a clear signal to mining operators that they will have full support related to local legislation and approvals. We will be there to help them with our market-leading engineering, equipment and service solutions that improve productivity and throughput, whilst minimising the environmental footprint.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO COME OUT OF A MINE IS THE MINER

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MINING SECTOR 2021

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

BRANKO ZEČEVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE GEOLOGICAL AND MINING ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA (GRAS)

New Mines Bring

NEW TECHNOLOGIES If the version of amendments to the Law on Mining is finally adopted, we will receive one of the best laws in Europe and the world. This is one of the preconditions for Serbia to be able to fully utilise its capacities in this area and enable intensive momentum for mining In the past few weeks, GRAS has been working intensively with the Ministry of Mining and Energy on a proposal to amend the Mining Law. I think that, in the end, we reached a jointly harmonised version that will satisfy both the state and investors. If this version of amendments to the Law on Mining is finally adopted, that will mean Serbia receiving a law that can be considered one of the best in Europe and anywhere in the world. ow can it be ensured that the shortening of procedures still satisH fies the large number of conditions for the entire process to be led transparent and responsibly?

The introduction of e-government to the process of submitting applications and issuing solutions will speed up the process itself, as

Serbia must redevelop its base industry to a much higher level than it is at today, and I’m hopeful of some practical steps in that direction well as rendering it more transparent. However, a large number of steps and necessary permissions, approvals and other documents exist that are not issued by the Ministry of Mining itself, so it remains for us to see what these changes will mean in practise.

R

est assured that no one will open a new mine in Serbia tomorrow using twentieth-century technology - says Branko Zečević, president of the Geological and Mining Association of Serbia (GRAS). The foreign companies that are coming to Serbia apply the latest technologies and solutions in mining, which relate to both the efficient exploitation of ores and a positive relationship towards environmental protection.

I n your opinion, to what extent will the announced amendments to the Law on Mining impact on improving procedures in this area?

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I s this enough, or will it be necessary to make changes to some other laws and regulations?

This is an essential first step. After that, work should continue with other ministries and administrative bodies on the harmonisation of laws and regulations, in order for us to ease and accelerate the issuance of permits and approvals. The process is complex and there is still a lot of work ahead of us. lthough we always consider mining as being an extremely labourA intensive activity, we are witnessing the grad entry of Industry 4.0. and digital transformation into this sector. Where are we in this; and what can we hope for in the coming period?

The vast majority of mining and geological companies that are active in Serbia monitor the latest advances in our industry. Some of them

MINING SECTOR 2021

investments by major world players in new plants (Zi Jing, Rio Tinto). It is are also world leaders in their fields, so mining will certainly be in step also noticeable that the state has a desire to attract more investments with world trends. The planning of new mines is today done with the in this area, in order for us to make the optimal use of our resources. world’s highest environmental standards in mind, while production itself is envisaged in accordance with the latest technological achievements. Rest assured that no one will open a new Mining must be environmentally and socially acceptable, and mine tomorrow using twentieth-century technology.

that means that it mustn’t harm local communities, rather it should include them in the process itself, in such a way that local communities see their own advantage from mining projects

o what extent are local experts and other resources T engaged in this revival of mining as a branch of industry?

I believe that all existing professional resources in Serbia are already included in the development of mining. Mining has become an increasingly attractive branch of the economy in recent years, so the existing number of experts are constantly being joined by new generations of geologists and mining engineers. I hope that even more young people will opt for a career in this field, because it offers the prospect of fast employment with the possibility of advancement for those who are ready to keep learning and follow the latest achievements worldwide.

ountries with valuable raw materials very rarely manage to retain C the added value because, apart from mining the ore, they lack the processing capacities. Where are we in this equation and what could we realistically do to produce higher value products in this sector?

Serbia can’t be viewed as a country that only has ores and lacks expert personnel or an industry that can utilise such resources for the production of goods with a higher level of processing. It is true that a lot of the potential and capacities of the base and metallurgical industries has been lost during transition, but we are also witnessing

Serbia must redevelop its base industry to a much higher level than it is at today, and I’m hopeful of some practical steps in that direction. hat are the fundamentals of sustainable mining today, and what W are the essential prerequisites for that?

Sustainable mining is something of an awkward notion, because mining by definition exploits non-renewable resources. This means that every mine is destined to stop working at some point, because the resources will be depleted. As such, planning the work of a mine must start from the end, i.e. from how the operations of a mine will end and what will be left behind. It is quite possible to carry out land reclamation and construct facilities that can be very attractive. Mining must be environmentally and socially acceptable, and that means that it mustn’t harm local communities, rather it should include them in the process itself, and should do so in such a way that local communities see their own advantage from mining projects. Mining must use resources in the most optimal way, so that they yield the highest possible value for the wider community.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

NEWS

Mining Represents The

FUTURE OF SERBIA In a drive to increase the share of mining's contribution to the country's GDP from 1.9 to 3.5 per cent over the next few years, which is one of the strategic goals of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Mining and Energy has launched a procedure to amend the Law on Mining and Geological Research

A

mong the goals of these amendments are attracting investors, increasing mining royalties and ensuring greater protection for human health and the environment.

NO MINING DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlović discussed plans for the development of mining in Serbia and support for scientific research institutions in this sector with Mile Bugarin, director of the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Bor. “It is important for the future of mining in Serbia to take care of domestic scientific research institutions, which should also play an important role in developing the national plan for the climate and energy and new energy development strategies, as well as being engaged in all activities in the domain of mining, especially when it comes to environmental protection,” noted Minister Mihajlović.

Bugarin said that the Institute, which emerged within the scope of 42

RTB Bor, has been operating independently since 2007 and today boasts modern laboratories, is strengthened in terms of personnel and generates its own revenues on the market, through its participation in projects and provision of services both in the country and abroad.

MINING SECTOR 2021

DUNDEE PRECIOUS METALS (DPM)

CORPORATE

Leader In

RESPONSIBLE MINING Dundee Precious Metals (DPM), an international gold mining company based in Canada, delivered record operational and financial results in 2020, while also continuing to successfully implement its key development projects worldwide. DPM is committed to adhering to the principles of responsible mining and maintaining the highest industry standards “2020 was another milestone year for DPM, as we delivered record gold production and met or exceeded our production guidance at each of our operations,” says DPM President and CEO David Rae. “Our impressive operating results throughout the year reflect outstanding efforts by our teams to effectively manage the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to prioritise the health and safety of our workforce and local communities.”

WE’LL TALK ABOUT A GREEN SERBIA IN THREE DECADES

The aim of the changes initiated in Serbia’s energy sector will be to secure sufficient quantities of good quality energy and increase the level of energy generated from renewable sources, in order for us to be able to green energy and a green Serbia by 2050.

These changes are taking place through amendments to key laws, the reforming of large enterprises and the increasing of investments in the energy sector.

DPM has a successful track record of incorporating into its operations advanced technological solutions that satisfy the highest environmental standards DPM has a successful track record of incorporating into its operations advanced technological solutions that satisfy the highest environmental standards. DPM’s Krumovgrad operation was declared Investor in Environment of the Year in Bulgaria in 2020. Under the auspices of the Bulgarian Investments Agency, DPM’s Krumovgrad operation was also recognised with the Annual Grand Award for Investor of the Year 2019. In addition to its successful Krumovgrad and Chelopech mining operations in Bulgaria, DPM also operates a smelter in Namibia and has ongoing exploration activities in Bulgaria, Canada and Serbia. DPM is an active citizen within the communities where it operates and supports sustainable development programmes tailored to suit the needs of those communities.

DPM has been active in Serbia since 2004 and currently has the rights to ten exploration sites. DPM’s current leading project in Serbia, Timok Gold, is advancing to a feasibility study and represents important development potential for the Municipality of Žagubica and the region of Eastern Serbia.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

The line ministry has prepared drafts of four laws from the fields of energy and mining, while relevant by-laws are set to be completed in three to six months.

With these new laws in the pipeline, the competent authorities have noted that no decision and no investment in the fields of mining and energy can be made today without being linked to environmental protection.

BRITS PLAN TO OPEN MINE NEAR RAŠKA

British company Adriatic Metals is conducting extensive geological research in Serbia with the aim of investing and launching the construction of a new mine in Raška by 2024. Paul Cronin, general manager and director of Adriatic Metals, said that the company had recognised Serbia as a successful economy with a good legal framework and great potential in the field of mining.

“A great thing for Serbia is that some of the world’s largest companies from the field of mining are already present in the country, and I believe we can also implement this project successfully in Serbia. Our company is already present in this region, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where we have a strong focus on environmental protection and cooperation with the local community, and we will have the same approach in Serbia,” said Cronin.

MINING RESERVES IN SERBIA REACH 200 BILLION DOLLARS

The value of confirmed reserves of mineral raw materials in Serbia has reached almost 200 billion dollars, while the state is tasked with creating the conditions for mining to develop. The goal is for both the state and citizens to benefit from this, through a healthy environment, higher incomes, the creation of jobs and high-quality investments. It is essential for the development of mining to provide a legal framework and introduce e-mining, in order for the country to have simpler and more efficient procedures.

“No one should be privileged if they want to explore and subsequent exploit some ore, and that’s why we’ll propose the shortening of exploration rights, as opposed to having someone do that for eight or nine years, occupying a certain area,” said Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlović Ph.D. 44

MINING SECTOR 2021

VACCINATION ENCOURAGES RECOVERY OF METAL AND MINERALS MARKETS

Miners and manufacturers of metal can hope for the recovery of the market they operate on, as they are awaited by a more favourable pricing structure, with all prices of minerals and metals – with the exception of iron ore – expected to rise in 2021, according to predictions in the latest report of Fitch Solutions.

According to official data, about two per cent of Serbia’s GDP is generated by the mining sector. In terms of structure, about 90 per cent is accounted for by coal, oil, natural gas and copper, with the structure of the remaining 10 per cent consisting of the production of lead and zinc and non-metallic mineral raw materials, mainly stone aggregate, sand and gravel, and raw materials for the cement industry.

A major expansion of mining activities is underway in Serbia. The most common activities at present include the exploitation of copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold, which leads experts to note the importance of developing the supporting industry in parallel with the opening of mines.

They also emphasise that notably more attention is being paid to environmental protection in the mining sector than was previously the case.

According to data from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Association for Energy and Energy Mining, Serbia has 200 exploitation fields and approximately 125 exploration fields where major research is being conducted. The highest level of investment over the next three years is expected in the Čukaru Peki Mine and the Jadar project, as well as investments in the mines of Bor, which are now owned by the Chinese Zijin Mining Group.

GOLD TO REMAIN WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER COMMODITY

Although metal prices have recovered unexpectedly positively compared to the decline recorded a year ago as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, they are set to remain lower than expected. Contributing to the recovery of mineral and metal prices is the fact that global economic recovery has become more certain since vaccination programmes have been launched worldwide.

MAJOR EXPANSION OF MINING CURRENTLY UNDERWAY IN SERBIA

Global demand for gold has grown continuously over the past decade, with the pandemic only helping to strengthen that historic growth in 2020, with similar predictions for 2021. According to a McKinsey & Company report on metals and mining, this clearly demonstrates that gold remains one of the most sought-after commodities in the world and one of the most profitable investments.

The pandemic and its devastating impact on the global economy have increased demand for gold, as the safest commodity. Also contributing to this increase are the low interest rates that have rendered stocks, government bonds and other securities less attractive than gold.

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MINING SECTOR 2021

INTERVIEW

CHRIS JAMES, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, TARA RESOURCES AG

Long History,

GREAT FUTURE The Brksovo Mine has a long history, with mining operations first recorded in the thirteenth century, while today the Brskovo Mine has excellent prospects as a large scale open pit zinc, lead and copper mine, and potentially the lowest cost zinc mine in Europe as a large scale open pit zinc, lead and copper mine, and could potentially be the lowest cost zinc mine in Europe, due to its attractive ore grades, low mining strip ratio and low operating costs in the region.

The Brksovo Mine has a long history, with mining operations first recorded in the thirteenth century, with small-scale silver mining operations and a mint producing coins called the “Grossi de Brescova”. Small scale mining operations also

We believe the Brskovo Mine presents an excellent opportunity to develop a leading European zinc mine in Montenegro

ne of the greatest assets of the project location in Mojkovac is the local community, which has experience in, and a long tradition of, mining, and which is largely supportive of the development of the project and the employment and growth it will bring to the region.

took place from 1976 to 1991. In 2010, a new exploration and mining concession was issued to an Australian exploration company, and drilling was conducted to grow the resource.

Tara Resources acquired the project in 2018 and completed significant additional drilling to expand the resource. In 2021, we intend to complete all local permits and approvals, as well as our international Feasibility Study to support financing and construction.

Your company is dealing with the development of Montenegro’s Brskovo Mine.

Does it really have the potential to be one of Europe’s largest and lowest cost open pit mines for the production of zinc, lead and copper concentrates?

Yes! Having recently completed our international Pre Feasibility Study, we can confirm that the Brskovo Mine has excellent prospects

part from a long tradition and rich deposA its, is one of Brskovo’s greatest advantages its quality infrastructure, such as road connections with the international Port of Bar? Like many projects in the Balkans, Brskovo benefits from excellent infrastructure in the local town of Mojkovac, which is approximately 100km northeast of the capital Podgorica.

Highways provide excellent connections to

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smelters and ports, and there is a high voltage power substation close to the site. ou have a commitment to protecting the Y environment, promoting the health and safety of employees and improving the living standards of local communities.

What are you doing in this context on the territory of the municipality of Mojkovac?

The management team of Tara Resources has a track record of developing and operating mines in accordance with EU and international regulations for the protection of the environment.The health and safety of employees is also of paramount importance to Tara Resources, where the team utilises modern equipment and best practices in safety training and procedures.

Tara Resources is committed to developing strong relationships and engaging with the local community in Mojkovac and the surrounding communities in the northern region of Montenegro. The company will primarily hire and train employees from the region, creating employment and opportunities for new businesses. As in many Balkan countries, state royalties will be shared with the local municipality, thus funding improved services.

The company also supports regional initiatives in health and safety, sport, education and other charitable initiatives.

We believe the Brskovo Mine presents an excellent opportunity to develop a leading European zinc mine in Montenegro, in line with global best practices for safety and the environment, and we look forward to bringing employment and growth to the local communities and building on the long tradition of mining at Brskovo.

MINING SECTOR 2021

SLOBODAN DRAGANOVIĆ, TEHNICAL DIRECTOR, ŠUTEX D.O.O.

INTERVIEW

Construction Waste Is A Valuable

RAW MATERIAL

Šuteks is a company that has been dealing with the disposal of rubble, refuse and waste for 18 years. The company has ever more work, not only in Belgrade, which is one big construction site, but also across the country

Darko Draganović, Šuteks general director, and Slobodan Draganović, Šuteks technical director

T

he most important thing for construction waste management is to ensure the obligation to secure sorting and separating for reuse and recycling at the point of origin.

That will then significantly ease the further management of this waste - explains Šuteks Technical Director Slobodan Draganović

uteks has also worked for Š the Rio Tinto subcontractor?

What was specific about that cooperation?

Yes, we also worked for this large, world-renowned company, and that cooperation was very important for us. Foreign companies in our country work according to our laws, but also according to their own, in the case that they are more stringent than ours, which only shows how responsible they are and how much attention they

pay to environmental protection.

Although up to 80 per cent of rubble and other construction waste can be reused, it still ends up in landfill sites in our country. Do you think that problem could be solved through changes to regulations and laws?

The construction industry, as one of the leading contributors in terms of the consumption of raw materials, has gradually become an increasing source of pollution due to the huge amounts of construction waste it generates. The issue of construction waste has not yet been resolved in Serbia. EU member states and other developed countries, such as Japan, have long viewed construction waste as a significant raw material for sustainable development and green building, while in the Netherlands and Denmark up to 90 per cent of all construction waste is recycled.

It is estimated that between a million and 1.5 million cubic metres of construction waste is generated in Serbia annually, while the percentage of construction waste that is recycled is negligible. The most prevalent construction waste items – concrete, asphalt, wood, brick, tiles, ceramics, steel, aluminium, iron, copper, gypsum and glass – can be recycled and have their own market value and many application possibilities. That’s why it’s important for the competent institutions to create the necessary preconditions for the recycling of this waste by amending the legal framework. This would allow this type of waste to be treated as a raw material, and not as waste.

The EU has long since adopted a package of measures relating to the transition from a linear to a circular economy, and that is a direction that Serbia will have to follow on its road to EU accession.

Otherwise, mining waste can be used as a building material, for making barriers, for local rural roads, for raising embankments during floods, and even for covering fires.

How can our companies be equipped to work according to European standards, given that none of them have a license to create new material from waste?

There is no existing legislation that prescribes such licenses. That’s why it’s essential to amend the exist-

ing legal framework, with which the obligations and responsibilities of all participants in the waste management process will be clearly defined, and which will at the same time ensuretheconditionsforprotectingthe environment.There is huge potential for the reuse of waste materials and the recycling of construction waste,because–inadditiontosaving resources and raw materials – that also enables additional savings to be made in the economic domain, in terms of the price of materials, transport and mechanisation.

Are the potential for savings in construction and the preservation of the environment sufficient reasons for the state to priorities addressing this issue?

As a socially responsible company, Šuteks d.o.o. certainly monitors and fulfils all legal obligations and has all essential permits required to ensure that, primarily, waste management is carried out in a safe way for the health of Serbian citizens and the environment. Simultaneously, we also expect the state to take a serious approach to solving this problem in the coming period, because construction – as one of the leading industrial activities – will be an ever growing consumer of raw materials and natural resources, and consequently an ever growing producer of solid waste and a source of air, water and land pollution.

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Chasing

THE BALANCE According to market and consumer data company Statista, the mining industry's market size is expected to increase worldwide by 10.1% in 2021. As such, mining is considered a highly desirable area of activity from the perspective of GDP growth and the creation of new jobs. However, with modern societies requiring ever more rare minerals in order to function, questions related to sustainability are becoming even more important.

D

o we need mining? It comes across as an awkward question. Indeed, the mining sector represents one of the world economy’s strongest engines. The revenue generated by the top 40 global mining companies, which represent a vast majority of the whole industry, amounted to around 692 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, according to Statista. The market size of the mining industry is expected to increase worldwide by 10.1% in 2021. As such, mining is considered as being highly desirable from the perspective of GDP growth and the creation of new jobs.

However, mining contributes across the world to erosion, deforestation, biodiversity loss, the use of significant water resources, wastewater disposal issues and the contamination of soil, all of which contribute to the degradation of health in the local communities where mining takes place.

How can these two be brought closer together? In the future, modern societies will certainly demand, produce and purchase metals and minerals in even larger quantities than today. Rare minerals will be needed, for example, in infrastructure, communications equip48

ment and sustainable energy systems (solar cells, wind turbines, batteries etc.).

Under such circumstances, pressure is mounting for the mining industry to adhere to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In order to be considered sustainable, a mining community needs to adhere to the principles of ecological sustainability, economic vitality and social equity.

The mining and minerals industries have an impact on all three dimensions of sustainability, both positively and negatively. However, experts warn that without the industry’s contribution, not least in supplying materials for the necessary technological transformation of global energy systems, climate change would become difficult to solve.

Sustainable mining itself might be an oxymoron, given that every single mine has a limited lifespan and is ultimately abandoned when a mining company loses the ability to extract minerals profitably, which depends entirely on the percentage of a mineral contained in the ore. In that respect, mineral resources are viewed as finite and non-renewable.

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As previously mentioned, new technologies are also contributing to the development of 21st century mining.

The latest technological trends in mining indicate a compelling shift in the industry towards sustainability. By effectively using new technologies like geospatial data, the mining industry gains insights into mine systems at a reduced cost and with a reduced impact on the environment. Industry experts observe that it will soon be pos-

In deciding how to mine, states and companies today rely on an integrated assessment of ecological, environmental, economic and social impacts.

Decision-making processes usually entail making choices and trade-offs between competing interests

When discussing sustainability, therefore, we highlight the environmental concerns that can be addressed through different types of measures, including shifting to new technologies. Economic aspects include social development, prosperity, competitiveness, resource management and the circular economy. Environmental considerations must take into account emissions, waste management, post-extraction remediation, the conservation of nature, energy use and climate.

In summary, modern mining processes involve prospecting for ore bodies, analysing the profit potential of a proposed mine, extracting the desired materials and carrying out the final reclamation of land after a mine has been closed. These practises include measures like reducing the consumption of water and energy, minimising land disturbances and waste production, preventing the pollution of soil, water and air at mine sites and conducting successful mine closures and reclamation activities.

As such, environmental criteria have to be embedded in today’s investment and business decision-making processes from the very outset. The use of new technological solutions represents the backbone for ensuring operations and processes are made more efficient, collaborative in nature and more traceable. Those are some of the values being embraced by modern mining in the 21st century.

The new consensus on sustainability has resulted in strategic alliances being forged between the mining industry and some of the largest conservation organisations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Conservation International and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

sible to virtually construct and deconstruct buildings, plants, mines and all associated infrastructure before ground is even broken, thus creating a truly intelligent mine.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are an integral tool that allows a deeper look at how mining can be made more efficient in terms of location and accessibility.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) is also in use in advanced mining firms. Those companies use smart data and machine learning to improve operational efficiency, mine safety and production workflows. Implementing AI technology generates day-to-day data in half the time than was previously the case on the ground. As a result, companies can more easily find minerals by using high-performance AI technology. Furthermore, firms across the globe are increasingly using autonomous vehicles and drills in their pit-to-pit operations.

This is resulting in drilling systems being simplified and representing much safer workplaces. Consequently, using mining equipment that encompasses AI helps to ensure safety and reliability for both miners and the land that mines occupy.

Over recent years, advanced mining companies have increasingly been using drones or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to replace helicopters , thereby reducing their costs.

These new technologies also allow mining companies to efficiently use lower ore grades, work under extreme weather conditions, access deeper deposits, or treat harder rock mass and high-stress environments.

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A DIAMOND IS A CHUNK OF COAL THAT DID REALLY WELL UNDER PRESSURE - Hendry Kissinger 51

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SERBIA

Treasure Under and

ABOVE GROUND There are more than 200 mines in Serbia, and, several dozen deposits, so the value of the country's mineral wealth is estimated at more than $ 200 billion.

E

xperts believe that mining in Serbia could be the main competitive advantage of our economy over the coming years, contributing to economic growth and development, being environmentally friendly at the same time. The competent persons intend to enable a modern and more successful mining sector in Serbia, to attract new investors to comply with all the regulations and the highest environmental standards, in order to protect the beautiful nature of Serbia around the existing and future mines.

BEAUTIFUL NATURE OF BOR CANNOT BE HIDDEN BY MINE DUST

One of the largest mines in Serbia is located in Bor, with Veliki krš and Mali krš mountain ranges in the immediate vicinity, about ten kilometres northwest of the city. Some of the favourite cycling routes are located on those mountains, attracting cyclists from the whole Europe. On the 52

Dubašnica mountain, near Bor, there are the Samar Gates. Gates are the remains of caves, manifested as splendid gates that, when observed from the ground, show the magnificence of nature, and how small we are in relation to them and to those rock giants.

Near the village of Zlot there is a huge cave system, one of the largest in Europe, with a dozen caves and pits. The best known are Lazar’s Cave and Vernjikica.

There is also the Bor Lake, an artificial lake formed in 1959 when the dam and accumulation for the water of rivers Valja Žoni, Marecova and a part of the basin of Zlotska River were constructed. The lake is located at the foothill of the Crni vrh Mountain, whose clear mountain springs fill the lake with water. The bathing season lasts for more than two months, which is a rather long period compared to other lakes. Few know that there is the Tilva Njagra volcano cup over the Bor lake. The Lazar’s Canyon might be the largest and the most beautiful attraction

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NATURAL RESOURCES OF MAJDANPEK ATTRACT NUMEROUS TOURISTS

White Spring

Near Majdanpek, there is a natural stone brigde Valja prerast, the natural monument of exceptional importance. It was placed under the state protection in 1959, with the “Beli izvor” site with a 17-metrehigh waterfall near it and about fifty tufa lakes. This natural resource may promote the tourist offer and complete the wonderful picture of Majdanpek – the mining town.

People in Majdanpek believe that Valja prerast and Beli izvor will soon become well-known tourist destinations in the country.

“BELA STENA” SURROUNDED BY AMAZING CREEKS, STREAMS AND RIVERS

in the Bor municipality. Its robustness and impressiveness are beyond words. It is about 4.5km long and up to 350m deep on the left side and more than 500m on the right side, below Malinik. The smallest length of the riverbed and the Canyon is between three and four metres.

There are no walking trails along the Canyon, and it is impossible to get down into the Canyon or get out of it. The sides of the canyon are very steep, mostly vertical.

Lake Bor

Ibar river

The “Bela stena” magnesium mine is located near Baljevac in the Municipality of Raška. This small town is tucked away between Kopaonik and Golija mountains, in the valley in which first the Trnavska River flows into Raška, and then Raška flows into Ibar, and it is no wonder that it is visited by hikers, rafters, paragliders, fishermen, and skiers throughout the year. There are some of the greatest medieval monuments like Studenica, Gradac, Končul, Nova and Stara Pavlica monasteries. The natural resource of this region consists of numerous watercourses, with the most important rivers like Ibar, Jošanica, Brvenica, Radošićka, Rudnička, and Raška. Due to numerous rivers, this whole region is full of other hydrological resources, such as: healing thermal springs and 53

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SERBIA numerous wells and lakes, the best-known of which are the Semetsko Lake, and Kazanovske bačije i Marina voda radioactive springs. These healing thermal springs are exploited, and everybody knows of Jošanička Spa near Raška.

Apart from hydrological potentials of the rivers and the wonderful nature surrounding them, Raška is tucked in between Golija and Kopaonik mountains, visited by increasing numbers of tourists every year.

WHAT IS MORE VALUABLE - SIJARINSKA SPA OR LECE MINE?

The “Drmno” deposit is located in the eastern part of the Kostolac Coal Basin, east of Mlava River, covering the area of about 50 km2. Some 25 % of lignite in Serbia is produced in the Kostolac Basin, supplying the Kostolac thermal power plant.

Kostolac is located in the middle of Braničevo, with Stiška Plain, the rivers Danube, Morava and Mlava, artificial lakes, Homoljske Mountains, thermal springs, medieval fortresses in Golubac and Ram, monasteries, churches and archaeological sites. Near the old Kostolac there is the church of the Great Martyr St. George. It is located on the hill called Mali grad, overlooking the surroundings of Kostolac, the estuary of Mlava into the Danube, and with a view of Banat.

SENJE MINE - STILL A SYMBOL OF MINERS AND MINING IN SERBIA

Sijarin Spa

God, they say, was not frugal when he gave the natural resources and beauty to Medvedja and its surroundings. Sijarinska Spa got the most of it, with more than 20 healing springs, geyser, clean river, thick forests and spacious meadows, with Lece Hill with ore resources worth billions of dollars under it. The Sijarinska Spa is located on the river banks of Jablanica, at the foothill of the Goljak Mountain, at an altitude of 250 meters. The Spa includes springs of sulphur-iron-radioactive and carbonic acid water and a natural geyser, the only one in this part of Europe.

THE KOSTOLAC BASIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRANIČEVO DISTRICT

Lisine waterfall

Homolje mountain

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Senje Mine, the oldest dark coal mine, is surrounded by mountains and hills full of beech, oak and pine forests, as well as mountain rivers.

In Senje Mine, there is the Coal Mining Museum, opened in 1980, and declared a cultural monument of great importance three years later. At the foothill of the Beljanice Mountain there are the Veliko vrelo spring and a 20-metre-high Veliki buk waterfall, the largest natural waterfall in Serbia. On the territory of Despotovac there is also the Prskalo waterfall. Only a few kilometres from Veliki buk, there is a small river Resava carving its way through the stones of the Kučaj Mountains.

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Overlooking the river, there are the rocks of the canyon, a few hundred meters high, approaching each other at only a few meters.

The Resava Cave is located in the limestone hill called Babina glava at an altitude of 485 metres. It is 45 million years old, and it is one of the oldest explored caves in Serbia.

Manasija Monastery is 2 km from Despotovac. It was built next to the right river bank of Resava in a picturesque canyon made up of the high slopes of the Beljanica Mountain. Manasija is the endowment of Despot Stefan Lazarević.

The head office of the Serbian part is located in Zvečan, and it includes two active mines, Crnac and Belo brdo. The most significant sites of the Municipality of Zvečan are located in the village of Banjska, with a spa for rheumatic and skin diseases, known from the Roman times. There is a medieval monastery Banjska, too, the endowment of Stefan Uroš II Milutin, attracting numerous believers and tourists. In the immediate vicinity, there are also the Sokolica and Devine vode monasteries, representing significant destinations for religious and cultural tourism in this Municipality.

BEAUTIFUL NATURE OF PODRINJE IS CONCENTRATED AROUND ZAJAČA AND JADAR

Banjska Monastery_Photo_Vanjagenije

KOLUBARA MINING BASIN IN THE KOLUBARA AND TAMNAVA RIVER BASINS

Žeravijsko Spring

The nature of Podrinje, consisting of parts of territories of the town of Loznica and the area of Jadar, is rich and versatile. In Zajača, the populated place near Loznica, there is the antimony and lead mine, with Jadar, the largest lithium deposit in the world from which a mine and a tailings pond should be formed. The wonders of this part of Podrinje are supported by the geographically interesting Lešnica, Rađevina and Azbukovica. The most beautiful sites are the Drina River, Banja Koviljača and Banja Badanja spas, Gučevo and Cer Mountains, and Tronoša and Čokešina monasteries. The following sites to be visited in this region, too, are the following: Žeravijsko vrelo, the spring of Žeravija stream, boiling and erupting to surface, Skakavac waterfall that is more than 7m high, and distant 1.5 km from Budimlija, “Rajsku dolinu”, a unique botanic garden in the village of Lipnica, with more than a thousand plant species growing, blooming and smelling on about two hectares of land...

TREPČA WILL ALWAYS BE OUR LARGEST MINE IN KOSOVO

Since it is located on Kosovo and Metohija, after the division into the Serbian and the Albanian parts, Trepča, as the largest domestic lead and zinc mine, still has the status of a socially-owned enterprise.

Tamnava River

The Kolubara Mining Basin is a coal mine with a melting plant located near Lazarevac, south of the River Sava, in the Kolubara and Tamnava River Basisn. In the village of Ćelije, above the Ibar Highway, there is the Vrače Hill eaching a height of 240 metres, overlooking the surroundings.

It is believed that the holy sorcerers Cosmas and Damian spent part of their lives in the monastery on this foothill that people from Lazarevac enjoy visiting, and that the hill was named after them.

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