CorD Magazine November 2020, issue no. 193

H.E. NIKOLAUS LUTTEROTTI

H.E. SUSANNE SHINE

H.E ANTHONY GODFREY

EC Report Presents A Fair Picture Of Serbia’s Accession Process

Going Green

Change Is In The Air

US Ambassador to Serbia

NOVEMBER 2020/ ISSUE NO. 193

Ambassador of Denmark to Serbia

www.cordmagazine.com

Ambassador of Austria to Serbia

interviews opinions news comments events COMMENT

Technical

Government FOCUS

Stuck & Stubborn

Exclusive

783002 771451

The Europeanisation Of North Macedonia

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PRIME MINISTER OF NORTH MACEDONIA

ISSN1451-7833

ZORAN ZAEV

CONTENTS

06 TECHNICAL GOVERNMENT ZORAN PANOVIĆ Comment

26 COMMITTED TO BUILDING BETTER LIVES

50 I REGRET THAT I GREW UP IN FRONT OF CAMERAS

08 THE EUROPEANISATION OF NORTH MACEDONIA MICHELA TELATIN UNOPS Serbia

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE ZORAN ZAEV Prime Minister Of North Macedonia

12 GOING GREEN

H.E. SUSANNE SHINE Ambassador Of Denmark To Serbia

16 GLOBAL DIARY

40 THE MAN WHO BUILT RAP SNACKS, THE OFFICIAL SNACKS OF HIP-HOP

SLAVKO ŠTIMAC Actor

56 CHILL OUT 58 FACES & PLACES

60 COLOURED LEATHER Fashion

Enterpreneur

43 WORLD IN MOTION

62 CULTURE CALENDAR

18 HOW TO INTERPRET THE LATEST EC REPORT ON SERBIA? STUCK & STUBBORN Focus

@CORD_MAGAZINE

@CORDMAGAZINE

23 RETHINKING RESILIENCE IN BUSINESS FEATURE

64 AFTER WORK

“CorD does not criticise or critique. We are a place where people can inspire and be inspired by others”

CORDMAGAZINE

Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić, Ljubica Gojgić Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić, Miloš Belčević

DESIGN: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović,

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44 HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL Art

CORD MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs

DEJAN NIKOLIĆ Director Of The Belgrade Marathon

November

EDITORIAL MANAGER: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen

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

DIRECTOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o.

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Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs office@cordmagazine.com www.cordmagazine.com www.aim.rs ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2020

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

Comment

Technical

Government

BY ZORAN PANOVIĆ

D

ačić has become the parliamentary speaker too late, because his social intelligence would surely have enabled him to create a better democratic environment than was done by his predecessor Maja Gojković, during whose mandate the opposition was so irritated by their treatment and the atmosphere that they abandoned the Assembly.

It now sounds absurd when Dačić says that he will respect different opinions, given that there is no opposition in the parliament. Even some more agile government MPs have already started arguing from the parliamentary benches with those who are outside. Or, in the absence of an opposition, they are replicating the MP from the Bosniak minority list en masse. Đorđe Vukadinović, an opposition MP in the last convocation of the parliament, compared Dačić’s role with that of a “beach guard in winter”, which is the name of a cult film of celebrated Serbian director Goran Paskaljević, who recently passed away. There are several reasons to invoke the political symbolism of Paskaljević’s films – from the allegory of totalitarianism in ‘Special Treatment’ (1980), to the phenomenon of waiting and hope in the aforementioned

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Although Serbia’s political system is still formally a multiparty system, its National Assembly is essentially monistic, while the opposition is treated as being anti-systemic by the authorities. Ivica Dačić hasn’t been demoted massively by being reassigned from the position of foreign minister to the position of parliamentary speaker, rather he’s been demoted because he now head a de facto single-party parliament, because the Progressives’ coalition partners (Dačić’s SPS and Šapić’s SPAS) are merely parts of Vučić’s “catch all” Beach Guard in Winter (1976). So, in ‘Beach Guard’, one guy (played by Irfan Mensur) is told constantly by his father (played by Bata Stojković) that ‘Dunjić will come’ and take him away to Sweden.

And, as the director stressed to me in one interview, Dunjić was inspired by Godot, and that was completely natural because the young generation at that time was unsuccessfully waiting for some better tomorrow.

However, in the end, Dunjić nonetheless arrives, unlike Godot. And the train heads to Europe, or does it just head into a tunnel?

The symbolism is still valid today: the train to EU membership, or just the train for new guest workers?

Dačić will not have the opportunity, unlike Zoran Lilić – the SPS parliamentary speaker during Milošević’s time – to tell the demonstratively departing opposition to “to please close the door”. Although, to be fair, Lilić later apologised for saying that.

Vučić wants to shorten the duration of the parliament as it stands, because it damages his image in the West, which is why the Government is termed – technical in essence, with the large percentage of women in it merely representing a staged sensation. Vučić’s key men are still there. Following a rotation (changing

of uniforms), Nebojša Stefanović is more acceptable to the West as defence minister, while Aleksandar Vulin is more unacceptable to the opposition as interior minister.

In his address when he promoted/demoted Dačić (it was a Tuesday), Vučić also showed that he understood the success of the boycott better than the opposition, which only grasped that expressly the next day, Wednesday, and thus began threatening a new boycott. That Tuesday evening for Vučić was also the official launch of the next election campaign, and you can view the “concentration” government that followed as a kind of election general staff. When speaking about his ministers, Vučić also sent messages to the opposition - make a spot check and run around the field!

Vučić will need Dačić for the presidential elections – either for him not to run when they are announced or, in possible constitutional arrangements if Vučić opts for the chancellery system (thus becoming prime minister), Dačić will be ideal as the president of Serbia elected through the parliament.

And Šapić? The New Belgrade municipal president and SPAS leader is almost the ideal ally for the Belgrade elections, where the Progressives are at their weakest.

Interview Exclusive ZORAN ZAEV

PRIME MINISTER OF NORTH MACEDONIA

North Macedonia expects the formal start of its negotiations on EU membership by the end of the year, which it was promised in 2018 following the concluding of the historic agreement with Greece on the country’s official name. Although it seems that all preconditions for the launch of that process have been fulfilled and support for the start of negotiations has been secured from all EU bodies, doubts are being raised by voices from Bulgaria. This Macedonian neighbour is highlighting unresolved bilateral issues related to language and interpretation of history, which could pose a problem for Bulgaria when it comes to giving the green light to North Macedonia on its path to EU membership. Speaking for CorD Magazine, North Macedonia’s Prime Minister says that the Macedonian language is an integral part of the country’s national identity and expresses hope that these two countries, which are NATO allies, will find ways to improve their mutual relations. Prime Minister Zaev, you have again been chosen to lead the government of North Macedonia. What are your priorities on the internal and international fronts?

Our goal during this mandate will be to bring complete transformation and the Europeanisation of the Republic of North Macedonia. In this regard,

The Europeanisation Of

North Macedonia

Our intention is to activate the fast track of negotiations through chapters with the full and unconditional fulfilment of our EU agenda... We will not allow further delays. We accept the new principle of reversibility of the process if there is a degradation of the democratic environment in our country, but I would stress that our solemn obligation is not to allow that in the name of the future of the state and its citizens ~ Zoran Zaev 8

November

By Ljubica Gojgić

EU ACCESSION

We are on a path of no return. We have spent considerable time on conflicts instead of resolving them. The benefits of our work are felt presently and will continue to benefit future generations

this will be a period in which we will be focused on more efficient institutions, the transformation of the domestic economy, protecting the population from the COVID-19 crisis, accelerated economic growth in the post-COVID period, and on implementing European standards as our domestic standards. Here I’m primarily referring to ensuring the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

We showed in the previous mandate that we can work honestly, responsibly and professionally in the interest of citizens and the interests of the State. In the coming period, we will continue to be focused on implementing our agenda even better and even more. Speaking during the election, you announced that your country is awaited by a “stable political period, a period of predictability”, and that everyone needs to “grab this moment”.

What is the source of such optimism in a year that’s proved as turbulent and unpredictable as 2020?

I draw my optimism from achievements made during the previous mandate. We showed in the past three years that we can provide higher economic growth that creates new jobs and at the same time provide higher salaries. We demonstrated that the historically lowest unemployment rate can be achieved, and the minimum wage can be increased by as much as 60 per cent, from 9,000 denars to 14,500 denars, in less than three years.

We demonstrated that we have an ambitious and complete concept for continuing the positive policies that we launched, thus undertaking bold, coordinated, negotiated and effective policies that adapt our economy to the current situation.

This is an additional source of motivation for us to work twice as hard and not only to get out of the COVID-19 crisis with fewer consequences, but also to quickly return to previous growth rates.

We have a plan for an innovative, stable and competitive Macedonian economy, ready to respond to new challenges and offer a chance to everyone.

In such an economy, salaries will continue to rise.

During the crisis, we made a commitment to retain the minimum wage of 14,500 denars.

After the end of the crisis, the Government will continue with its proven efforts: increase of the minimum wage by 20 to 40 per cent by the end of the mandate and increase of the average salary by 20 to 30 per cent by the end of the mandate, depending

TRADE

I can conclude that economic relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia are excellent and that Serbia is one of our most important trade partners

on the length and impact of the coronavirus crisis on the world and domestic economy.

Our goal is to put our economy on a path to solid and sustainable growth of four per cent by the end of the mandate. We need stability and predictability to achieve that. That’s why it’s important for the new government to complete its entire four-year mandate. Following the latest European Council meeting, which was held last month, what are your expectations regarding the actual opening of EU accession negotiations? Will that happen by the end of this year, and is North Macedonia ready for that?

We hope that discussions on the negotiating framework in Brussels will have a successful conclusion at the General Affairs Council, GAC, on 10th November, after which it will be realistic to expect the first intergovernmental conference to be held in December Our intention is to activate the fast track of negotiations through chapters with full and unconditional fulfilment of our EU agenda. On our part, we will not allow further delays. We accept the new principle of reversibility of the process if there is a degradation of the democratic environment in our country, but I would stress that our solemn obligation is not to allow that in the name of the future of the state and its citizens.

We hope that discussions on the negotiating framework in Brussels will have a successful conclusion at the General Affairs Council, GAC, on 10th November, after which it will be realistic

COOPERATION

We must introduce the European principles of cooperation and functioning to our region. We must bring Europe to the Balkans in each of our countries

to expect the first intergovernmental conference to be held in December.

Despite the health and economic crisis that has impacted our country, as well as other countries around the world, the Government will remain focused on creating conditions for a new cycle of dynamic economic growth, sustainable development, effective rule of law and strong institutions, modern education and a stable society and internal cohesion.

We are on a path of no return. We have spent considerable time on conflicts instead of resolving them. The benefits of our work are felt presently and will continue to benefit future generations. With every step, with every open chapter in accession negotiations with the EU, with every problem solved, we work to improve the quality of life for all citizens. You’ve said that you’re convinced that neighbouring Bulgaria will not oppose the start of your country’s negotiations on EU membership. However, Bulgaria has forwarded a memorandum to EU member states detailing your disagreements regarding the language and relations towards historical events. This, in turn, has prompted the EU’s enlargement commissioner to call on you to resolve these disagreements, noting how similar disputes with Greece have also been resolved. From your perspective, how much room exists to reach a compromise with Bulgaria, if that is required for the sake of EU integration?

We are NATO allies with the Republic of Bulgaria; we have a common obligation and duty to improve our good-neighbourly relations, cooperate mutually and build our friendship.

The Agreement on Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria creates a legal framework and offers instruments for managing bilateral issues, and we are committed to its implementation.

The rights to self-determination and self-identification are fundamental European values and benefits of civilisation. The uniqueness of the Macedonian language and Macedonian ethnic identity is an indisputable fact.

The Macedonian language is an integral part of North Macedonia’s identity card in the United Nations and part of the many accepted and recognised modern languages that are taught at universities around the world.

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Interview Exclusive in the European integration and for the successful completion of this process.

It is especially important that significant political decisions are expected in the coming period to facilitate the initiatives of business communities between the two countries, such as agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and protection of investments. How would you comment on the announced EU economic/investment plan for the Western Balkans and its allocating of nine billion euros for the region over the next six years?

The Agreement on Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation is a reflection of mutual respect and friendship and implies and requires responsibility and active participation on both sides, and that is exactly what we need to do in the coming period.

In the spirit of goodwill and friendship, our position is that the historical figures and events should be discussed and a common language must be found by the members of the Macedonian-Bulgarian Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Educational and Historical Issues, and we should focus on strengthening relations between both countries.

Hasty steps from either side are counterproductive.

It is much more important to have responsibility to the present and the future. How is work progressing on implementation of the action plan for the Prespa Agreement with Greece? What work is being undertaken by the expert committee for historical, educational and archaeological issues?

The Interdisciplinary Committee on Historical, Archaeological and Educational Matters, established by our country and the Republic of Greece, in accordance with the Prespa Agreement, will soon hold its fifth meeting, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thus far, a level of constructive cooperation in the Committee has been achieved within the provisions of the Prespa Agreement, and common directions have been established for reaching solutions for the recommendations that this Committee should submit to the governments of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Greece, as a good foundation for finding concrete solutions for historical narratives that will educate future generations in the European spirit of understanding and cooperation.

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The spirit of the Prespa Agreement should be an inspiration for other issues, with a single and common goal: strengthening good neighbourly relations, in accordance with European values and international law, and thus the future of the generations for whose prospects we are responsible The Prespa Agreement is not only a solution to the name dispute between the two countries, but also an agreement on a long-term strategic partnership and the development of a broad-based relationship between the two countries.

The spirit of the Prespa Agreement should be an inspiration for other issues, with a single and common goal: strengthening good neighbourly relations, in accordance with European values and international law, and thus the future of the generations for whose prospects we are responsible.

In that regard, meetings with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou were held in a very positive atmosphere in Athens in September this year, when it was emphasised that the Republic of Greece remains a strong partner, supporter and lobbyist for our country

The €9 billion financial support through the IPA III funding, set out in the EU’s Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans in the form of a combined grant and favourable loans to support the economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the European Union, is a strong message of support for the region’s European perspective and the complementarity of the reform processes with accelerated economic development.

North Macedonia has already determined the list of national projects that will have a serious social impact, such as projects in the field of waste and wastewater management, use of the country’s hydro power potential and improvement of the gas network.

Of course, when I mention the gas network, I also mean the regional connection through gas corridors as new or alternative gas supply opportunities for the region, as well as other projects for the improvement of the road and railway infrastructure network along Corridor 8, which the Government of North Macedonia, along with the governments of other countries in the region, submitted to the European Union.

This support of the European Union is important for North Macedonia and the region as a whole. The EU Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans contains all the ideas in the areas where one can contribute the most to the economy’s recovery of in the fastest sustainable way.

This opens the possibility, through a swift procedure, by smartly managing the serious amount of financial support to realise all the selected initiatives, which best reflect the priorities and will contribute to changing the landscape of the region in the economic field and lead to the Western Balkans becoming an effective region where investment has been made and where the living conditions for the people of the region will be improved. The borders between North Macedonia and Serbia have now reopened. How high are the economic losses caused by the tougher conditions for communication/movements in the region?

Despite the complete closure of both countries during the crisis, the border between North Macedonia and Serbia was never closed for the movement of goods.

This is primarily a result of the excellent cooperation

that exists between the two countries in the framework of bilateral cooperation, as well as within the CEFTA Secretariat.

The result of our efforts was the introduction of the so-called Green Corridors between the two countries, as well as within CEFTA. With the concept of Green Corridors, the customs and police services of the two countries committed to ensuring that, even under the most difficult conditions, the border between the two countries should not be closed for goods, in order to maintain the smooth movement of goods. In addition to the Green Corridors, with a joint effort of the customs services, a Priority List of Goods was introduced, listing what goods should have priority when crossing the border.

The Priority List includes agricultural and food products, medications and medical equipment.

Despite the existence of police curfews and bans on free movement, the governments of both countries never allowed the closure of borders for the movement of goods, which confirms the extremely high level of good neighbourly relations and friendship, which also exist on a personal level with the President and Prime Minister of Serbia.

It is important to note that North Macedonia and Serbia have joint controls at the border, through the so-called ONE STOP SHOP, and confirmation of this project’s success and continuity in the movement of goods through the Green Corridors was provided by the recent visit to the Tabanovce-Presevo joint border crossing by the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council, the Director of the CEFTA Secretariat and the Director of the Western Balkans Transport Community.

As regards trade, there was a specific trend of a slowdown in trade between the two countries during the period from March to September 2020, compared to the same period of 2019, which is a result of the global pandemic and the disruption of global supply chains.

However, I can conclude that economic relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia are excellent and that Serbia is one of our most important trade partners, and we are striving to constantly enhance these relations. The next priorities are the further expansion of the Green Corridors towards external borders and the completion of the initiated process for mutual recognition of the Authorised Economic Operator approvals, which should contribute to further facilitating trade. How would you evaluate the current level of total bilateral relations with Serbia?

North Macedonia and Serbia nurture long-standing and traditionally good bilateral relations that are additionally strengthened each passing year. We have an intense and friendly political dialogue, confirmed by regular and frequent meetings and high-level visits.

The advancement and upgrading of mutual relations

Despite the existence of police curfews and bans on free movement, the governments of both countries never allowed the closure of borders for the movement of goods, which confirms the extremely high level of good neighbourly relations and friendship is our guide that will be passed on as an invaluable treasure for present and future generations.

Our mutual respect and appreciation, our cooperation, and the ties that exist between the Macedonian and Serbian people have always been our advantage, which we should develop with devotion.

It is our common serious contribution to building a better future for our people, our countries, and the entire region.

The opening of the system for joint border management at the Tabanovce-Presevo border crossing, according to the One-Stop-Shop principle, is of great benefit to our citizens and the economies of both countries.

Each step forward provides additional impetus to further enhance and deepen bilateral relations and regional cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, and is a great example for other countries of how

to improve and facilitate overall communication.

Infrastructure connections, as part of regional cooperation, are gaining a greater dimension. We need to identify common interests and joint action in order to receive support for the implementation of transport, infrastructure and energy projects and initiatives, in line with the guidelines of the Berlin Process. How do you see the regional ‘Mini Schengen’ initiative?

The essence of the regional cooperation initiative lies in our joint contribution to the realisation and fulfilment of the content of the four EU freedoms in the Western Balkans - for the free movement of people, products, services and capital in our common region.

This is an authentic process of our country, Albania and Serbia, and we immediately called on other countries in the region to join us. We are open to all initiatives that move in the direction of strengthening regional cooperation and accelerate the EU integration process for all Western Balkan countries.

The initiative for greater regional cooperation is nobody’s exclusive property or closed club.

There is a lot of untapped potential in increasing regional cooperation. We will receive more respect and support from the EU if we independently show political leadership and care for the promotion of cooperation.

I believe that strengthened regional cooperation can provide a serious contribution to the relaxing of political relations in the region.

We must introduce the European principles of cooperation and functioning to our region. We must bring Europe to the Balkans in each of our countries.

That is an integral part of our homework for integration into the European Union.

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Interview H.E. SUSANNE SHINE AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK TO SERBIA

The new Danish ambassador to Serbia, Susanne Shine, very enthusiastically shares the experience of the so-called green transition in her country, which encompassed everything from building awareness of the need to protect the environment, through changing life habits, to finding a new way to organise the economy. In her first interview for CorD Magazine, Ambassador Shine says that she sees an opportunity for new connections between Danish and Serbia companies in the extraordinary conditions imposed by the struggle against the COVID-19 virus. Your Excellency, having arrived in Serbia in September, what are your first impressions of our country?

Going

Green

Serbia is a very liveable country with welcoming and generous people, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my first two months in Belgrade. I have noticed that Serbians love food and that the food here is delicious. It has been fun to experience some of your fantastic restaurants and wineries, and I’m happy that the first selection of Michelin starred restaurants in Belgrade will be announced this December. The quality of your food and restaurants deserves recognition.

It has also been a delight to see how strikingly green Belgrade is, with its many trees, parks and forests. The presence of so much natural beauty is precious for a city and its people. It was a real honour to participate in an event on World Clean-up Day 2020 that was co-organised by the Danish Embassy and Serbian basketball stars Jasmina and Nemanja Aleksandrov in order to help preserve Belgrade’s natural environment.

I want to stress that the green transition in Denmark has been hugely beneficial for the Danish economy. In fact, the green economy has created more than 75,000 new full-time jobs in Denmark and added around EUR 10 billion in exports - Susanne Shine 12

November

By Ljubica Gojgić

ECONOMY

I see many opportunities for Danish companies, especially in environmental protection, climate solutions and wastewater treatment

Together we removed rubbish from Zvezdara Forest. It felt good to join Serbians and thousands of other volunteers around the world in a joint effort to make our planet a cleaner, more enjoyable place to live.

I am now beginning to venture beyond Belgrade. So far I’ve been as far north as the edge of Fruška Gora and as far south as the southern border. It is a beautiful country with amazingly productive farmland and marvellous national parks. You stated at the beginning of your residency in Serbia that your goal is to bring more Danish companies to the Serbian market, emphasising the possibility of relocating production operations from distant markets to Europe. You assessed that Serbia offers excellent business conditions?

Yes, I am confident that there are opportunities for Danish companies in Serbia. Denmark is a small, open economy that’s dependent on foreign trade, notably in pharmaceuticals, machinery, electrical equipment and agriculture. As a result, Danish companies are global in their outlook and have production sites around the world, including in far away countries. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has shown how vulnerable extended global supply chains can be.

Denmark’s most important trading partners are its neighbouring countries. From that perspective, it makes sense to have production available closer to those markets. This reduces lead times and increases responsiveness to market changes while keeping products competitively priced.

This is where I think Serbia, with its competent labour force and competitive costs, could offer excellent business conditions.

Danish companies already present in Serbia prove this point. For example, Grundfos, which is the world’s leading producer of circular pumps, has a production site in Inđija. Another example is Kentaur, which produces professional cloth-

EU

Denmark considers the Western Balkan countries to be a natural part of the EU and has consistently supported giving them a European, merit-based perspective

PEOPLE

Given an opportunity and a fair chance, people here will certainly excel individually and collectively. There are stunning examples of such success already, both here and in the diaspora

ing and launched its operations in Vranje last year. Today it employs more than 100 people and expects to expand further over the coming years. These are examples of Danish companies that competitively service European and global markets from Serbia. This is good for Serbia and good for Denmark, so I intend to encourage more Danish companies to follow.

I also see opportunities in healthcare, digitisation and IT, agriculture and manufacturing.

Danish companies have already created thousands of jobs in Serbia, and I expect more to come. It is, however, vital for foreign investors that Serbia offers the right business environment, including transparent tenders and straightforward bureaucratic requirements.

In your opinion, which branches of the economy could be of particular interest to Danish companies?

Serbian officials have emphasised the importance of Denmark’s support for our country’s EU integration process.

What is the Danish stance regarding EU enlargement?

Danish companies have already created thousands of jobs in Serbia, and I expect more to come. It is, however, vital for foreign investors that Serbia offers the right business environment, including transparent tenders and straightforward bureaucratic requirements I see many opportunities for Danish companies, especially in environmental protection, climate solutions and wastewater treatment. There is a growing need for more sustainable and green solutions everywhere in the world, including Serbia. For instance, if you want to build green and energy efficient houses, Danish companies that are already in Serbia are world leaders in insulation (Rockwool), windows (Velux), heating applications (Danfoss) and pumps (Grundfos).

And there are many more Danish companies with cutting-edge expertise in green solutions.

Denmark has long played a significant role in the enlargement of the EU. The accession criteria, or Copenhagen criteria, as they are also called, were established during the Danish EU-Presidency of 1993. They are the essential conditions that all candidate countries must satisfy in order to become member states. Additionally, the largest expansion of the EU, with 10 new member states -- the so-called ‘big bang’ – was negotiated and agreed during the Danish EU-presidency of 2002. This is something I remember well, as I was part of the Danish delegation during the critical final meetings in Copenhagen. And it was under another Danish EU-presidency that the European Council granted Serbia candidate status in 2012.

Denmark considers the Western Balkan countries to be a natural part of the EU and has consistently supported giving them a European, merit-based perspective. Serbia has been negotiating on its EU membership for the past six years, with just half of accession negotiation chapters opened to date. In your opinion, what is the most important thing a candidate country must do to speed up the accession process?

The speed of accession is largely in the hands of a candidate country. It is, of course, essential

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Interview

COPENHAGEN HARBOUR BATHING, PHOTO_BIG + JDS

that accession countries satisfy the Copenhagen criteria, which are crucial cornerstones in building and ensuring institutional stability. The more a candidate country accelerates reforms – for example, by increasing the rule of law, including in the fight against organised crime and corruption, and expanding media freedoms -- the faster it will progress through the accession process.

Many countries have successfully entered the EU. Along the way they took challenging steps, but I’m confident that accession has made them more successful countries for their own citizens.

The European Commission’s recent ‘2020 Report on Serbia’ offers a detailed roadmap of what is expected in the different negotiation chapters, along with clear policy recommendations. Denmark is trying to assist. For instance, Denmark is running a twinning project in Serbia, financed by the EU, to improve the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and to align Serbia’s approach with European standards.

Denmark looks forward to seeing Serbia meet the accession requirements and enter the EU as a valued and close partner. During your meeting with Belgrade Mayor Zoran Radojičić, you spoke about the importance Denmark attaches to ecology and the environment. How is awareness of the

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Because the municipality chose to move polluting industry out of the area and to clean wastewater before it reached the sea, today Copenhagen is one of the few cities where the harbour water is clean enough for swimming importance of preserving the environment built up or changed with the public?

You are raising a very important question. Building awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and of the many environmental, economic and social benefits that come from doing so is not ahcieved overnight. It takes political will, serious planning and consistent effort. It was an honour to meet Mayor Radojičić and discuss this critical issue with him.

Denmark’s green transition started in the 1970s. Denmark was then entirely dependent on imported oil and other fossil fuels. With oil prices spiking dramatically in 1973, a strong

public mandate for change emerged. As a result, the Danish Government began to pursue a new strategy to meet the country’s growing energy needs, including introducing incentives for environmentally sustainable solutions. This gradually transformed Danish society. For instance, children were taught to preserve water and electricity.

Houses were insulated and double glazed windows were installed. Glass bottles were recycled and wind turbines began appearing all over the country. Bicycle lanes were added in larger cities and public transport was expanded. More and more people started leaving their cars in the garage, and we even experienced traffic jams in cycle lanes.

People became aware of the cause and effect of individual behaviour on the environment. And support grew as awareness increased.

Because of this transformation, Denmark is now an environmentally conscious society, and the greening of the country can be seen everywhere. One example is Copenhagen harbour. When I was young its water was polluted and unsafe. No one would dare swim there.

However, because the municipality chose to move polluting industry out of the area and to clean wastewater before it reached the sea, today Copenhagen is one of the few cities where the harbour water is clean enough for swimming.

In fact, in summer I thoroughly enjoy jumping in the water with other Danes at one of the many public harbour baths.

Another example of Denmark’s green transition is the use of bicycles. More than 60 per cent of commuters in Copenhagen today go to work or school on a bicycle and there are five times as many bicycles as cars in the city. Many of our government ministers, like others in the public and private sector, ride bicycles to work.

I want to stress that the green transition in Denmark has been hugely beneficial for the Danish economy. In fact, the green economy has created more than 75,000 new full-time jobs in Denmark and added around 10 billion euros in exports.

I’m not saying it is easy to make a green transition, but – as Denmark is demonstrating – it can be done successfully, with tremendous environmental, economic and social benefits for the entire country. Denmark recorded an increase in the number of people infected with the COV-

ID-19 Coronavirus during September. How has the pandemic impacted the Danish economy?

Even though Denmark responded promptly and effectively to COVID-19 in mid-March, the virus outbreak, the containment measures and the associated changes in behaviour reduced economic activity. Consequently, the Danish economy was hit by a historically large setback during the first half of 2020.

To mitigate the economic impact, the Danish government introduced relief packages to help prevent people from losing their jobs and companies from going bankrupt. For example, the government offered to pay 75 per cent of the wages for eligible companies’ workers if those companies would pay the remaining 25 per cent and keep the workers employed. At the same time, the government deferred those companies’ payments of VAT and tax to increase their liquidity and help them meet their fixed costs.

After Denmark ended its lockdown, the economy gained momentum. However, the pandemic is still with us, and the Danish economy will continue to have to confront and overcome COVID-related challenges. It seems that people across Europe and worldwide are today finding it more difficult to accept the introduction of restrictive measures as a method of preventing the potential spread of infection.

How are Danes coping with that?

It took time to adjust to the new reality and rules, but Danes are doing their best to respect COVID-related measures that benefit society as a whole.

Denmark is a society built on trust. We believe that there are immense social and economic advantages when people can trust each other and their government. Our trust also extends to our institutions, like our health service, police and foreign ministry, which have all done an excellent job of providing guidance and the regulations needed to keep Danes safe and our economy functional in the face of COVID-19.

In fact, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Centre, 95 per cent of Danes believe the government has done a good job in handling the COVID crisis. This is the highest rating among the countries covered in the survey.

Due to the existing trust between people and

The largest expansion of the EU, with 10 new member states – the socalled ‘big bang’ – was negotiated and agreed during the Danish EUpresidency of 2002. This is something I remember well, as I was part of the Danish delegation during the critical final meetings in Copenhagen institutions, Denmark has fought the pandemic comparatively effectively. Now, however, Denmark and many other countries are experiencing a new surge of infections. We will all need to redouble our cooperation and work to confront this continuing crisis. You have served your country as a diplomat in Egypt, the USA, Australia, Ireland and Canada, and have now ar-

rived in the Western Balkans for the first time. How do you see this region today and what do you think it will look like by the end of your term?

It really is a privilege to represent Denmark in the Western Balkans. I have only been on the ground for two months and am just beginning to see, understand and appreciate the region. To my mind, it is human potential that contributes most to a region’s future. Historically – through creativity, resourcefulness, resilience, and determination – the people and the culture here have emerged intact and undiminished from some of the most trying circumstances imaginable. Given an opportunity and a fair chance, people here will certainly excel individually and collectively. There are stunning examples of such success already, both here and in the diaspora. Recognition in the arts includes a Nobel Prize, Academy Awards, a Palme d’Or, a Venetian Golden Lion, a Pulitzer Prize and Poet Laureate of the United States.

In the sciences, people from this region have helped found NASA and had craters named after them on the moon and Mars as recognition of their achievements. And, of course, every time we turn on a light or otherwise use electricity, we should think of the potential here. On that note, it seems natural to say that, with the right opportunities, I see a very bright future.

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15

GLOBAL DIARY

“The winter will be difficult. Four long difficult months, but it will end,” – ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

FRANCE ANNOUNCES SECOND LOCKDOWN French President Emmanuel Macron has announced new lockdown measures for France. There were more than 36,000 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The country will enter a new coronavirus lockdown until at least 1 December.

New restrictions imply that people can only leave home to go to work, to go to school, for a medical appointment, to give assistance to loved ones, for essential shopping or for one hour of physical exercise. People will need to show documentation when leaving the house. Travel between regions is banned while the international borders will remain largely closed. Bars, restaurants and nonessential businesses will be closed.

TAIWAN MARKS 200 DAYS WITHOUT DOMESTIC COVID-19 INFECTION Taiwan has reached 200 days without any domestically transmitted cases of Covid-19, underlining its success in keeping the virus under control as cases surge in other parts of the world. The country’s Center for Disease Control last reported a domestic

SPAIN’S CATALONIA REGION CLOSES ITS BORDERS TO CONTAIN PANDEMIC Catalonia announced a 15-day ban on entering and exiting its territory, the latest in a series of restrictions taken by Spanish regions to try and contain rampant COVID-19 contagion. The wealthy north-eastern region, home to Barcelona, has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Spain, itself one of Europe’s worst hotspots. Catalan officials said the new measures, which also include closing cinemas and theatres and extending a shutdown of bars and restaurants, were essential to make sure hospitals can cope. “Our health system cannot deal with this level of stress. It can’t take much more,” Catalan health chief Alba Verges said.

During weekends, Catalonia residents will not only be banned from leaving the region but also their municipality.

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case on 12 April. CDC officials thanked the public for playing a role in reaching the milestone, while urging people to continue to wear masks and wash their hands often.

Taiwan has recorded 553 cases of Covid-19 and just seven deaths since the pandemic began. While it has stopped domestic transmission, it continues to record new cases in people arriving from abroad.

“We think that we will suffer a bit this month but by gritting our teeth a bit with these restrictions, we’ll be able to breathe again in December,” – GIUSEPPE CONTE, PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTS NEW SERBIAN GOVERNMENT The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia elected tonight a new government of the Republic of Serbia.

227 MPs out of the 232 present voted for the programme of the new government and the Office of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, 5 were against, there were no abstentions and 16 MPs did not attend the voting.

After the voting, the Prime Minister and members of her office took an oath, which marked the beginning of their mandate.

NIGERIA’S ANTI-POLICE BRUTALITY PROTESTS Nigerian protests against police brutality continued with demonstrators fending off attacks from gangs suspected to be backed by the police, warnings from the Nigerian military, and a government order to stop because of COVID-19. In Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city,

protesters blocked the road to the international airport and the main highway into the city. The Lagos-Ibadan highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest, is the main road linking the port city to the rest of Nigeria. Protesters in the capital, Abuja, dedicated the day to Nigerians they charge have been killed by the police Special Anti Robbery Squad, known as SARS. The unit has killed and tortured many Nigerians, according to human rights groups.

OXFORD COVID VACCINE WORKS IN ALL AGES

POPE FRANCIS BECOMES 1ST POPE TO ENDORSE SAME-SEX CIVIL UNIONS

Vaccine being trialled by Oxford University and AstraZeneca offers hope for all age groups. One of the world’s leading COVID-19 experimental vaccines produces an immune response in older adults as well as the young, its developers say, raising hopes of protection for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus that has caused social and economic chaos around the world.

The phase 2 trials have shown that people over the age of 56 – and some over 70 – produced the same sort of antibody response as younger volunteers. Whether older people would be protected has always been a key question for the vaccines being developed.

The body’s natural immune system and therefore its ability to fight any virus weakens with age, which is why the Covid death rate rises in older people.

Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions in comments for a documentary that premiered in October, sparking cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives, given the Vatican’s official teaching on the issue.

The papal thumbs-up came midway through the feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which premiered at the Rome Film Festival. “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said.

November

17

Focus

How to interpret the latest European Commission report on Serbia?

Stuck

& Stubborn It is almost certain that Serbia won’t open a single EU accession negotiation chapter this year. And this year will be, according to this criterion, the worst since the start of negotiations. But even more important is the fact that the number of criteria for membership is increasing, which we’ve imposed on ourselves, and interest in enlargement within the EU is weak

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he new enlargement methodology, adopted in March 2020, puts even more emphasis on the rule of law and democratic institutions, precisely the areas where Serbia faces the greatest problems, says our interlocutor Nikola

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Burazer, Programme Director at the Centre for Contemporary Politics and the Executive Editor of the European Western Balkans. This is probably the most daunting problem when it comes to the longterm prospects of the pace of enlargement.

DR MARKO SAVKOVIĆ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BELGRADE FUND FOR POLITICAL EXCELLENCE

IN THE WRONG STREET WITHOUT PROGRESS ON KEY CHAPTERS, 23, 24 AND 35, MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS COULD GRIND TO A HALT. MAKING MATTERS EVEN WORSE, AS A SOCIETY WE’VE BECOME VERY “DISTANCED” FROM THE IDEAS OF MEMBERSHIP

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nfortunately, it is increasingly certain that Serbia will not open any new chapters in accession negotiations with the European Union this year. This is, by the way, the first year that’s happened since negotiations started in January 2014.

There has been no progress in those key chapters, 23, 24 and 35 and, as is well known, without progress on these chapters membership negotiations can grind to a halt. At the same time, as Vlada Međak rightly noticed, we “imposed” additional criteria on ourselves: for example, how leading politicians communicate in public regarding the EU. Obviously badly, otherwise there would be no such criteria.

Making matters even worse, as a society we’ve become very “distanced” from the ideas of membership. Just look at that drop in support among young people, while Euroscepticism is completely mainstream as if we were a member state and not a candidate country, undermining the role and assistance that the EU provides… that’s why opening new chapters is so important. The continuity of the process is important, the impression that we’re moving towards something. However, closure is also important – KOSOVO HAS BEEN USED FOR TOO LONG AS AN I would remind you that, to date, we’ve provisionally closed only EXCUSE TO STRENGTHEN AUTHORITARIAN RULE, two chapters: 25 and 26 (education and science).

RENDER MEANINGLESS DEMOCRATIC INSTITU-

One can often hear that the EU is suffering from a crisis in the TIONS - ABOVE ALL THE PARLIAMENT - AND Western Balkans, in the form of a lack of credibility, and I believe WEAKEN THE ROLE OF OVERSIGHT BODIES Brussels is aware of that. That’s why its last strategic programme document from February 2018 was entitled “Towards a credible perspective on enlargement”. However, credibility is a two-way street. It is true that not much enthusiasm for further enlargement exists in the EU, especially in the context of the pandemic and post-pandemic period, when many will interpret this as an unnecessary cost in the context of economic recovery. The image of the Western Balkans isn’t great either: we can present peace and stability to each other as achievements, but during that same time some other parts of the world are developing rapidly, grabbing development opportunities, while people remain our most valuable “export product”. We have forgotten about democratisation, while hybrid regimes have strengthened their grip.

The negotiation process is a political process, but clear criteria are defined within it – you progress (both) according to your merits and there is no other excuse not to do that, except political interest. It is true that it takes too long and that there are too many opportunities for member states to slow down the process, due to various, often very political, reasons; but the successes of candidate countries in the field of reforms and critics undermine that argument. Just look at North Macedonia.

It is a fact that Serbia is in a specific situation with Kosovo - similar, but only similar, to the one in which Cyprus found itself on the eve of 2004. Of course, Belgrade’s refusal to continue the dialogue would also result in the suspension of accession negotiations (regardless of achievements on the other side, the “reform” side). But Kosovo has been used for too long as an excuse to strengthen authoritarian rule, render meaningless democratic institutions - above all the parliament - and weaken the role of oversight bodies. Hence the new criterion of “functioning democratic institutions” as a response to the situation in Serbia.

November

19

Focus

How to interpret the latest European Commission report on Serbia?

NATAŠA DRAGOJLOVIĆ Photo TANJUG

COORDINATOR OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE EUROPEAN UNION

NO PROGRESS WITHOUT A CHANGE IN APPROACH BOTH THE EU AND MEMBERSHIP CANDIDATE COUNTRIES NEED TO CHANGE THEIR APPROACH. CANDIDATES NEED TO WORK FASTER AND MORE DECISIVELY, AND THE EU NEEDS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT, AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE COUNTRIES OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE.

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he European Commission’s country report is the most valid instrument to verify everything that a country has done on the path to European integration, an an indicator of whether a gap exists (and how wide it is) between a declarative commitment to EU membership and the actual performance in meeting the membership criteria. That report should not be interpreted at all. It should be read as it is written literally and consistently. At the National Convention we carefully read the latest Report and compare it with the evaluations and recommendations that were provided by civil society in the Book of Recommendations six months ago. So, the European Commission isn’t the only body that sees things in Serbia in a certain way. The obstacles and consequences of the action and inaction of the Government are also visible to both experts and citizens of Serbia.

There has been no progress on half of chapters in the observed period, with only partial progress achieved in agriculture, for example, although Serbia has withdrawn only seven million of the 175 million euros from the IPARD programme. For us at the Convention, that is not progress. Then there are the chapters that cover the areas of transport, tax, economic, monetary and industrial policy, while some progress compared to previous years has been noted in chapters 24, 30 and 31. The Convention agrees with the assessment of the European Commission in this regard, as well as its assessment of progress on Chapter 8 - Competition Policy. Chapters 25 and 26 have been closed temporarily, but the members of the Convention see education and science as crucial in a number of policies where little or no progress has been made. We agree with the European Union that there has been no progress on the chapters covering public procurement, the judiciary, the rule of law and environmental protection. Political criteria also remain at an unsatisfactory level: from electoral conditions, freedom of speech and freedom of the media, to relations with civil society organisations, the position of the National Assembly or the treatment of independent and regulatory bodies and authorities. Serbia’s administrative capacity is increasingly weakening and this is a concern for both the European Commission and civil society.

The rule of law certainly remains the biggest problem for Serbia, with very negative assessments of the state of democracy, which also come from other sources and not only from the European Commission or civil society organisations from Serbia. As these are preconditions for progress on any other chapter and any policy, Serbia has not opened a single chapter this year. However, the same problem exists in Montenegro, yet it still opened chapters. Thus, Chapter 35 still dominates in the case of Serbia. Unfortunately, it remains the chapter of all chapters.

The European Union has adopted its EU Enlargement Strategy for the Western Balkans until 2025. That remains a valid document and an opportunity to carry out the necessary reforms, albeit under the much more difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year was an election year in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro. We hope that the new governments will be more decisive in establishing the rule of law and respecting the principles of democracy. This will also be a condition for the use of funds from the new EU investment plan for the Western Balkans, which accompanies this Report. Progress will be monitored according to new methodology. Although very uncertain times are ahead of us and it is difficult to predict anything, one thing is certain: both the EU and membership candidate countries must change their approach. Candidates must work faster and more decisively, and the EU must provide the kind of support it did in the case of the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Otherwise the prospects of membership become more uncertain than ever.

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NIKOLA BURAZER

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR AT THE CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY POLITICS AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT EUROPEAN WESTERN BALKANS

SERBIA NEEDS TO DO MUCH BETTER: DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW ARE KEY THE CRITICAL TONES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPORT MAKE IT UNLIKELY THAT SERBIA’S EU ACCESSION PROCESS WILL SPEED UP SUBSTANTIALLY, THOUGH THAT REPRESENTS A REQUIREMENT FOR ITS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION BY THE END OF THE DECADE

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his year’s European Commission report on Serbia can be considered as the most critical report in recent years. It assesses that Serbia has made only minimal progress when it comes to its readiness for EU membership and is particularly critical regarding the rule of law and the state of democracy, both of which are fundamental requirements for EU accession.

These assessments do not come as a surprise, as there is now a broad consensus among researchers and international observers that democracy has deteriorated in Serbia over previous years. The June 2020 elections were especially criticised by the OSCE/ODIHR, Serbian civil society and the European Commission report itself.

The report comes after a period of Serbia’s very slow progress towards EU membership, precisely because of member states’ concern about the rule of law. Serbia opened only four chapters in the previous two years and didn’t open a single one in 2020. The overall result of 18 out of 35 chapters opened and only two closed is a poor result for a country that has declared EU membership as being its strategic goal.

THERE NEEDS TO BE The critical tones of the European Commission report make it unlikely that Serbia’s EU accession process will speed up substantially, though that represents a requirement for its successful completion by the end of the decade. Moreover, considering the positions of certain member states, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Serbia fail to open any new chapters in 2020. The new enlargement methodology, adopted in March 2020, places an even greater emphasis on the rule of law and democratic institutions, precisely the areas where Serbia faces the greatest problems.

POLITICAL WILL TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS, THE RULE OF LAW AND MEDIA FREEDOM, AS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS DETERMINING THE PROSPECTS OF EU MEMBERSHIP

If Serbia aspires to achieve EU membership by 2025, as was envisaged in the European Commission’s 2018 Western Balkans Strategy, or by the end of the decade, as now seems more realistic, it needs to do much better. Most importantly, there needs to be political will to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and media freedom, as the most important factors determining the prospects of EU membership. Other reforms also have to be accelerated substantially, with their timely implementation assured.

Serbia certainly remains the key country in the Western Balkans, but it may well lose its “frontrunner” status.

North Macedonia and Albania both expect to begin accession negotiations in the coming months, while Montenegro could make progress with the new government in position. Unless things improve drastically, Serbia could find itself ranked last among the four candidate countries.

November

21

Focus

How to interpret the latest European Commission report on Serbia?

SUZANA GRUBJEŠIĆ CENTRE FOR FOREIGN POLICY

WILL THE NEW GOVERNMENT KNOW BETTER? FOLLOWING THE FINDINGS OF THE EC PROGRESS REPORT, THE NEW SERBIAN GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO REDOUBLE ITS EFFORTS AND SPEED UP THE REFORMS THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO SERBIA’S EU ACCESSION

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erbia has failed to open a single negotiation chapter this year. The EU’s progress report notes the shortcomings on the issues of judicial reform, corruption, media freedom and in many segments of the political criteria. Coupled with the rocky normalisation process with Kosovo, the lack of progress in key areas could harm the prospects of opening at least one negotiation chapter by the end of the year. The economic situation is more encouraging, and even this year’s outlook seems stable despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its detrimental impact on economies worldwide. Regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are high on Serbia’s foreign policy agenda. As a frontrunner among the current accession candidates and the largest country in the Western Balkans, Serbia is key to the region’s stability. Serbia is actively involved in numerous regional initiatives, some of which offer real prospects of enhanced cooperation and the easing of sometimes tense political relations. The formation of a common market and the implementation of four fundamental freedoms of the European EVEN IF THE ACCESSION Union would significantly increase the region’s capacities to meet PROCESS ITSELF SEEMS the demands of the EU single market in the future, and the challenge of simultaneous economic and political transition.

INSURMOUNTABLE

AND UNENDING, IT IS Following the findings of the progress report, the new Serbian IN SERBIA’S BEST INTEREST government is expected to redouble its efforts and speed up the reforms that are crucial to Serbia’s EU accession. Democratic governance anchored on stable institutions, efficient public administration and an independent judiciary able to eradicate corruption and organised crime should undoubtedly remain strategic priorities, which can only materialise if the level of motivation to pursue domestic reforms remains high in the future. Even if the accession process itself seems insurmountable and unending, it is in Serbia’s best interest to become a modernised and Europeanised state.

The prospects of membership have always been among the most important arguments giving wind to the sails of pro-European political forces. The political choice of wanting to join the EU should be met with the political will to accept new members. The “European perspective” has been on the table for almost 20 years and now risks becoming an unconvincing notion. Stronger engagement of the EU would finally bring much needed positive dynamics to the enlargement process, reduce the risks of alternative external influences and thus (re)build a resilient alliance with all Western Balkan partners.

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UNOPS

Committed To Building Better Lives MICHELA TELATIN

UNOPS SERBIA HEAD OF OFFICE, UNOPS REPRESENTATIVE TO SERBIA, NORTH MACEDONIA AND MONTENEGRO

Our support for Serbia’s response to COVID-19 is continuing today, thanks to EU funds to support the hiring of 200 medical professionals working in hospitals and laboratories across Serbia. As the United Nations Agency with a mandate on procurement, we remain ready to support the Government of Serbia in its challenging response to COVID-19

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NOPS - the United Nations Office for Project Services has been active in Serbia since the year 2000, while the operations of the UNOPS Serbia Office have expanded to encompass North Macedonia and Montenegro since 2017. This UNOPS Office has been a reliable partner – initially to the Government of Serbia, and later to the governments of North Macedonia and Montenegro – in providing support for socio-economic reforms and easing accession to the European Union. It has also supported these countries in responding to major crises, such as the floods that hit Serbia in 2014, or the COVID-19 pandemic that is still challenging the region.

In cooperation with the European Union and with funding from the EU, the Kingdom of Norway, the donor governments of Switzer-

land and Sweden and other national governments, as well as UN agencies, the UNOPS Serbia Office implements 14 projects focused on sustainable socio-economic development, social cohesion, housing, employability, business growth, security, healthcare and education, as well as emergency response.

All projects are implemented within the mandate on project management, infrastructure, procurement, HR and financial management, while good governance, gender equality and care for the most vulnerable are transversal spheres of all initiatives included.

When UNOPS started working in Serbia 20 years ago, it was a new United Nations agency that had only started receiving funding five years prior, in 1995. What are its main characteristics and the values of this organisation today?

UNOPS was founded with the mission to support people in building better lives and support countries in achieving sustainable development. It is a unique United Nations agency in many aspects: it is the only agency within the UN system to be completely demand-based, as it focuses on partners’ demands and the needs of countries. This means that it does not receive core funding, but rather operates to ensure its own financial self-reliance. This is not just its modus operandi, but also defines its organisational culture, structure, values; it is its DNA. Headquartered in Copenhagen, UNOPS is a decentralised agency working in more than 80 countries, employing 13,000 people along an operational spectrum from development to humanitarian issues, peace and the security sector.

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UNOPS It is also an eclectic organisation, where private sector jargon is commonly used and applied in framing the strategic substratum of the organisation from business plans to risks analyses, from donor visibility requirements to project monitoring. However, UNOPS is also anchored in the United Nations’ values,

conceptualised as the values that support the narrative of the organisation in terms of excellence, accountability, transparency and operational relationships with donor and recipient governments.

All this, and much more, constitutes the UNOPS identity.

ROMA CHILDREN IN FRONT OF A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SOCIAL HOUSING BUILDING, OBRENOVAC, 2016

guidance and responsibilities.

In this regard, UNOPS also differs from other UN agencies in that it does not have a mandate in a functional sector, such as health, or a target population. UNOPS’ core mandate covers infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial management services.

These pillars allow UNOPS to be able to offer its expertise in a vast array of areas and to various stakeholders, while fulfilling international standards. UNOPS has been awarded global project management certificates; it has achieved the gold level in the Sustainable Procurement Review by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); in the domain of infrastructure UNOPS collaborates with several universities and international federations of experts, in order to guarantee the application of international best practices.

I also see the uniqueness of UNOPS in terms of its organisational culture, which is

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There is a wealth of expertise within the UNOPS offices, and my wish is to be able to take this expertise outside of these walls and support people in need and improve their lives. This is what UNOPS is about: a better life for all UNOPS is a project-based United Nations agency that receives funding from various donors to implement a diverse portfolio of projects. What are your areas of expertise and why is UNOPS chosen as a preferred implementing partner?

We focus on the implementation of projects; we design context-specific projects in response to countries’ needs and seek collaborative partnerships with other United Nation agencies, local organisations, national governments and local governments.

What we want with our projects is to make a tangible impact for people. We do this by expanding the implementation capacity of the government, the United Nations and other partners, and we support the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda. We manage a vast portfolio of projects, from infrastructure to procurement, from sustaining small businesses to enhancing local governance, providing technical advice to the government in building clinical centres, supporting environmental projects and responding to national emergencies.

UNOPS in Serbia has offices in Belgrade, Niš, Novi Pazar and Vranje. What is the strength of your organisation?

The biggest strength is our people: we have a wonderful team of 100 dedicated people working at four offices in Serbia, and also offices in North Macedonia and Montenegro. They bring with them a wealth of expertise in the private and public sectors, academia and civil society. They are highly skilled and certified professionals who are able to implement complex projects and manage stakeholders at different levels.

There is a need for capacity building in Serbia, and through our projects we apply international standards of excellence and share our expertise.

Having skilled people, understanding the context and having international certifications of excellence is not enough without commitment, hard work and professional integrity. And this makes the difference, with the commitment of the team ensuring that beneficiaries improve their quality of life and that donors’ taxpayer contributions are spent meaningfully. I would like to thank my team for all of this. This commitment is part of our UNOPS identity.

Serbia, like the rest of Europe, was hit severely by heavy flooding in 2014, causing damage to people’s homes, roads and public buildings, and leading to people losing

their lives. Was UNOPS able to provide any tangible support to the country during that emergency?

UNOPS was one of the key partners of the Government of Serbia and donor governments, such as the EU, Kingdom of Norway, United Kingdom, France and Canada, in implementing the emergency response in 2014, implementing projects with a total value of 22 million euros.

Interventions included constructing nearly 100 new houses and reconstructing over 300, renovating almost 40 public facilities in education, healthcare and culture, constructing 12 kilometres of roads with dozens of landslides, rehabilitating nine existing bridged and constructing five new ones, as well as restoring 20 river embankments. UNOPS also assisted the Government of Serbia in improving the national disaster prevention and response system and establishing the Office for Flood Affected Areas Assistance and Rehabilitation, to be later transformed into the Public Investment Management Office.

the Government of Serbia, but also in North Macedonia and Montenegro, where we also have offices, thanks to funding from the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway, and in coordination with the UN Country Teams.

The strength of our response was our capacity to implement a multi-pronged strategy

We are living in the global COVID-19 pandemic that challenges the capacities of our healthcare system and economy, and impacts the most vulnerable sections of the population in particular. What is UNOPS doing in Serbia to support the people during these difficult times?

In this pandemic, solidarity is equally as important as effectiveness, and this is an orchestrated effort of all actors in all nations. Of course, the United Nations plays an important role, with each Agency mobilising its own expertise.

With the recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, UNOPS activated its Emergency Procurement Procedures globally, in order to enable a faster response. Medical and personal protection equipment were the most demanded items globally, and with the shortfalls between demand and supply coupled with numerous bans on transportation and export, the market was severely disrupted and procurement became extremely challenging.

We nonetheless managed to procure medical and non-medical items worth 11.5 million euros, which were required not only by

UNLOADING COVID-19 MEDICAL SUPPLIES, BELGRADE, APRIL 2020 (PHOTO BY EU DELEGATION TO SERBIA)

UNOPS projects are contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework and objectives, as well as national strategies and priorities

that included simultaneous dialogues with governments to understand their needs, the mobilisation of donors, agility in applying the quickest technical instruments to make funds available, market research and contacts with suppliers, so that we could launch our response plans successfully within days.

You have been heading UNOPS in Serbia for more than two years now. What are your impressions of the country?

When I arrived here I knew that I was going to lead a dynamic and diversified office, a team with a history and a strong sense of purpose. I was impressed to see not just the capacity, but the willingness of the team to work hard to respond to the needs of the people with meaningful projects. The office

has expanded in the region in the last two years, so we now have offices in Montenegro and North Macedonia, with projects linked to economic development, infrastructure and environment. The commitment of the team is not only national, rather it has become regional.

After 20 years in the country, what is your vision for the future of UNOPS in Serbia?

I head an office that has achieved a robust level of maturity in terms of project implementation capacity, contextual knowledge and operational relations with the government and donor countries. My vision is to maximise the capacity of this office fully, and to ensure stronger implementation synergy between donor states and the government in areas such as infrastructure, environment, procurement and project management.

We saw, for instance, during spring, when the COVID-19 epidemic started to hit Serbia, how fundamental public procurement was, and we succeeded in that; donors’ support was mobilised and we assisted the government in procuring medical and non-medical items, which was a lifesaving procurement.

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Feature

Rethinking Resilience In Business COVID-19 is forcing firms to reimagine resilience. Instead of trying to strengthen their ability to resist change, companies must learn how to adapt and adjust if they are to continue to exist as employers, value creators for shareholders, and trusted members (and servants) of communities around the world

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OVID-19 is the biggest public health crisis in a century and has caused the deepest economic recession of the modern era. The pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in public-health systems and social safety nets around the world, brought vast inequalities to the surface, and demonstrated how major disruptions can snowball through interconnected systems. Clearly, our societies and economies are not nearly as resilient as we had believed.

One reason we have found it so difficult to react to COVID-19 is that we have vigorously removed “slack” from our systems. Businesses have become disciples of the gospel of efficiency and just-in-time production, fiscally stretched governments struggle to provide even basic services, and we have pushed natural systems to their limits. Now that a crisis has arrived, we see that what was perceived as excessive slack was necessary redundancy.

More crises await, from domino effects stemming from COVID-19, to the full impact of climate change and other disruptions of the natural systems on which we rely. Some crises will inevitably arrive as “black swans,” without warning, but many others will be what Michele Wucker calls “gray rhinos”: highly probable, high-impact threats that we know about but tend to ignore.

All chief executives should anticipate at least one major shock during their tenure, and prepare and lead accordingly. Although there is a growing body of analysis concerning the impact of COVID-19 on business, most of it is still focused on the immediate response. Our work builds on discussions

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with members of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and a series of interviews with firms headquartered in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It also incorporates insights regarding the pandemic’s impact from the 2020 GlobeScan/ SustainAbility Leaders Survey, and further draws on a broader review of long-term resilience and business responses to COVID-19.

The brief highlights three key lessons for business. First, we cannot hide from gray rhinos or black swans. Companies must prepare better for both known and unknown threats – in part by returning slack to our systems.To withstand future shocks, businesses must change and extend their view of long-term resilience. Critically, they must accept that a company’s resilience is determined not only by what’s inside its four walls, but also by ecosystems, communities, economic conditions, the rule of law, effective governance, and more.

Second, businesses need to embed resilience, once established, more deeply in their language and especially their practice, to prevent it from atrophying. Firms that do so will be able to anticipate and prepare for all future scenarios, minimize the impact of the shocks that do hit, and recover more quickly from them. We found that companies whose values and purpose are deeply embedded and widely understood at all levels can be more agile and decisive during crises. Cultural alignment on purpose and vision within an organization helps to build trust and openness, which are essential for effective and authentic internal and external communication, as well as collaboration.

Third, companies can build greater long-term resilience through improved approaches to corporate risk management, human and social capital, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. In each case, firms need to emphasize certain steps.

Improving the management of human and social capital requires listening and responding to people both inside and outside the organization, and ensuring that the insights gathered are used to define and uphold the company’s vision. Furthermore, companies should consider extending workforce protection measures originally designed for their employees to supplier workforces and nonpermanent employees throughout the value chain.

Finally, firms must continue to improve ESG disclosure, especially by accelerating the adoption of common standards and metrics, and providing more information on issues critical to business resilience during the pandemic (such as employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and safety).

Resilience is less about maintaining a steady state than about adopting agile, dynamic, and transformational behaviors and actions in response to pressure – in other words, being adaptable. This, in turn, requires firms to emphasize purpose and values in leadership, improve stakeholder engagement, and redesign supply chains. But above all, firms must embrace longer-term thinking and new and sustainable business models and behaviors.

Keryn James and Peter Bakker, Project Syndicate

Leaders’

MEETING POINT

RADOŠ GAZDIĆ, THE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SERBIA

MIODRAG MITROVIĆ MITECO KNEŽEVAC

GENERALI OSIGURANJE

We Have Reason For Satisfaction

Miteco Introduces New Services

1st Place For Most GenderSensitive Company

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PAGE /31

PAGE /34

MTU MAINTENANCE SERBIA

MTU Aero Engines Establishes New Repair Facility PAGE /35

RADOŠ GAZDIĆ, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SERBIA

We Have Reason For Satisfaction Despite COVID-19, in the first half of 2020 Serbia already surpassed the results of our two previous best years when it comes to the value of projects we have supported with incentives. RAS expects more good news by the end of the year

D

uring the initial outbreak of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, economic systems worldwide showed a great deal of caution when making business decisions, especially when it comes to new investment. However, the plans and operations of companies have gradually gained momentum. “That period of investor caution didn’t last long, or rather it didn’t equate to long-term inactivity, rather only temporarily listening to events on the global scene,” says Development Agency of Serbia Acting Director Radoš Gazdić. “A

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reactivation of interest and initiatives by interested investors quickly came about.”

He notes that the period required to decide to invest in a country, as well as the realisation of investments, lasts much longer than the current pandemic has lasted, so the beginning of the COVID-19 period saw the implementing of investments that were planned during a time when there was no pandemic on the horizon.

“I consider it a great success that no investor overturned their decision to invest throughout the entire duration of the pandemic,” says our interlocutor. “We can be very satisfied with the work and results that we’ve achieved in the past few months, and in existing conditions – given that current statistics show that we have a total of 20 confirmed contracts on the granting of incentives in 2020, and that these investments are worth 1.16 billion euros. Procedures are underway for another nine agreements on granting incentives, with those investments planning to invest 502.1 million euros and create 1,783 jobs,” says Gazdić.

He notes that this year has been extremely good if we check out the figures and compare them with previous years that were exceptional in terms of attracting investment. “In the first six months of 2020 alone, the contracted investments that received incentives are worth 1.14 billion euros and - for the purposes of com-

parison – throughout the whole of 2018 we had supported projects with a value of 203 million, while for 2019 as a whole projects supported by incentives – and there were 40 of them – were worth about 780 million euros,” states the RAS executive director. “So, only halfway through 2020 we exceeded the results of the two best years we’ve previously had when it comes to the value of projects that we’ve supported with incentives.”

Which investments implemented during COVID-19 would you single out in particular as being important for the Serbian economy?

Among the more significant agreements signed during this period are the agreement with Chinese company Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems, which is building a plant in Niš worth 60 million euros and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the automotive lighting sector. Then there is the investment of Kyungshin Cable in Smederevska Palanka, as well the expansion of the production capacities of companies Cooper Tires and Henkel in Kruševac. Now we are also seeing the launch of the implementation of additional new investments, the most significant of which is the construction of the factory of Toyo Tires in Inđija, where we expect construction to begin soon. Interestingly, just a few days ago RAS received an

award of the UAE Ministry of Economy at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) as the second best IPA agency in the region of CEE and Turkey thanks precisely to the Toyo Tires Corporation project.

Alongside this, we will also have the opening of the new factory of company Magna in Aleksinac and the plant of SMP Automotive in Ćuprija, while Irish company APTIV, which manufactures parts for the automotive industry, should arrive in Zaječar create about 2,500 new jobs in the coming years.

Here I would also mention the investments of domestic companies, such as the investment project of company Chemical Agrosava, which will soon construct a pet food factory in the municipality of Pećinci. There is also the expansion of the capacity of the Inmold factory in Požega, with sophisticated technologies, and ITN in the same city, although in the domain of the food industry. We can also proudly announce the domestic projects of Natura Trade in Loznica, GIR in Kraljevo, Planet Bike from Kruševac, as well as new tourism and hospitality facilities that will enliven spa tourism in Vranje and Kuršumlija: Hotel Žubor in Kuršumlija and the reconstructed hotel complex in Vranjska Banja. All of these projects demonstrate the stability of the economy at the moment, particularly given that they are Serbian companies, and the strong will of the state to support investments and their unhindered progress.

It is, of course, very important for Serbia that works commence on the R&D Centre of Germany’s ZF Friedrichshafen, which should happen very soon, then the project of another German investor, Keoning Metall, in Ivanjica, the launch of production activities at the Fischer Automotive factory in Jagodina and the expansion of production capacities of Yanfenga, which opened its first plant in Kragujevac less than a year ago. By the time this edition goes to print, there will probably be public announcements of some new investments that I cannot talk about before they are realised, but I can say that they relate to extremely technologically advanced projects and products that will imply hundreds

From an investor’s point of view, every cost is now evaluated in great detail and every type of incentive is extremely welcome and viewed as an important factor in making a decision to invest

of millions of euros of investment and jobs for several hundred people, mostly engineering personnel.

In your opinion, what impacted on investors remaining loyal to Serbia as an investment destination?

First and foremost, Serbia has always offered, and continues to offer, a stable business environment, economic and political stability, which are important for investors. In addition to that, the most important factors that influences the decision of investors are that Serbia has educated and highly qualified workers, competitive business costs and an optimal geographical position, which is very

important to investors from the perspective of logistics. Also no less important is access to a market of over 1.3 billion consumers, which is enabled when doing business in Serbia thanks to free trade agreements that have been signed and are in force. Of course, there are also investment incentives that the state offers, but also good results in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrate the seriousness and responsibility of the country under the current circumstances.

In addition to all of that, this time of crisis was a period when many companies began to consider reorganising their operations and perhaps even relocating some activities to environments where their business will be more profitable. It is for these reasons that interest in Serbia among investors didn’t drop during the pandemic, in fact it even seems to us that the number of inquiries is growing.

Under the new conditions, what support was needed by investors at the national and local levels?

Investors, like all companies in general, needed state support when it comes to maintaining liquidity, which the measures of the Government of the Republic of Serbia clearly targeted and achieved (with

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online operations and the digital nature of work. Our work of promoting and attracting direct investment now includes large video conferencing that has replaced the former ordinary meetings, appointments, regular summits and conferences. There are no major events, fairs or working visits that were previously among the most important ways of presenting Serbia and its investment potentials, rather we’ve adapted to the virtual way of functioning.

An additional activity that we often have as part of investor inquiries is information about the health situation and system in Serbia, but these relate more to the personal needs of investors to gain insight into existing norms and functioning if they come for a working visit and don’t influence the actual implementing of investment projects.

moratoriums on loans, deferred payments of taxes and contributions, direct payments, deferrals of income taxes and liquidity loans etc.). In a desire to correct the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and for us to be proactive in finding solutions to potential problems of investors, but also to attract new investments and create a good system of cooperation across our entire economy, RAS is working to create programmes with activities that will encompass three sets of action. One set relates to Aftercare activities, which means maintaining contact and support to existing investors, while the second set relates to the targeting of new investors and is a kind of Outreach campaign directed towards attracting new investments. The third segment of that programme will focus on local suppliers and strengthening their capacity and business performance. The idea is for all three elements to be networked and directed towards one another, and for that to be a good functional base for our economy.

The general impression is that, under the current circumstances, interest in incentives for direct investments is ever increasing. From an investor’s point of view,

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By year’s end we expect the signing of more investments that relate to extremely technologically advanced solutions and products that will imply hundreds of millions of euros of investment

every cost is now evaluated in great detail and every type of incentive is extremely welcome and viewed as an important factor in making a decision to invest.

How did RAS adjust the way it promotes Serbia as an investment destination in response to the new circumstances?

The biggest change in the way Serbia is promoted as an investment destination doesn’t differ much from the changes that have occurred in the world of business in general, and that is the dominate role of

Viewed over the longer term, what are the biggest changes that have taken place in this segment? What has changed in terms of investor preferences and to what extent can Serbia respond to these changes?

Restrictions on travel and movement lead to aggravated conditions for doing business in general, and they make it particularly difficult for companies that have production sites or suppliers in locations that are a long way from their headquarters - for example in the east. For that reason we are seeing the emergence of the tendency, or trend, if you want, for companies to relocate activities - most commonly based in the Far East - to some closer destinations similar to Serbia.

Here I’m primarily referring to European companies that conduct some parts of their production far from their parent company and companies from the East that want to be closer to their clients in Europe. Serbia can certainly see its own opportunity here and can, with its very attractive geographical position, along with all other optimal factors for doing business, find itself on the shortlist of countries in which the aforementioned companies could invest, or relocate their business activities.

MIODRAG MITROVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF MITECO KNEŽEVAC

Miteco Introduces New Services The Kneževac Recycling Centre was founded in 1966, as an enterprise for the bulk collection of secondary raw materials. Miteco revived this old plant through a brownfield investment, giving it new purpose and creating a representative European centre for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste

S

erbia is a very specific market for doing business and it is primarily essential to understand how it functions in order to make the right investment decisions, explains Miteco president Miodrag Mitrović, emphasising that Miteco financed all investments from its profits, and in so doing carefully selected areas for investment.

Apart from recycling electrical machines, environmental remediation and the disposal of hazardous waste, what else does your company deal with today?

Miteco is a modern European centre that provides an holistic approach to the management of flows of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and has several separate units, and our plant for the reconditioning of metal and plastic packaging should become operational soon.

This represents a completely new service on our market that will aim to restore packaging for reuse. The technology itself was imported from Italy and is based on the principles of the circular economy, with water used to cleanse packaging of chemical residues, but without that water and chemical residues being released into the environment, rather the entire process is performed within a closed system.

There is an expectation for your company to be different and innovative. Does this mean that you have to find new integral and sustainable solutions for protecting the environment?

Technological procedures for managing waste are changing both around the world and in our country, and are changing in such a way that it makes economic sense. That’s precisely why it’s necessary to listen to the needs of the market and adjust one’s services to meet demand.

For example, removing polychlorinated

This year we’re celebrating the coming-of-age of the Miteco forum, as an informativeeducational platform

biphenyls (PCBs) from the environment and conducting soil remediation are things that we will have to work on a lot in the period ahead.

Miteco is implementing a project that we’ve contracted with UNIDO and which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and relates to the removal of PCBs from the environment in Serbia. This is an

innovative procedure that we’ve developed with the Nikola Tesla Electrical Engineering Institute and that will become a reference for the future removal of PCBs in Serbia.

Serbia is a very specific market for doing business. For example, it is not commonplace here to replace or renew energy equipment after the expiry of its depreciation period, but rather the energy system uses very old devices. This results in energy efficiency being extremely low, which is not the case in many European countries.

The VI Miteco Forum will be held again this year, as has become a tradition. What will it address?

With our belief in the importance of exchanging information, ideas and knowhow, we will organise the 6th International Miteco Forum at Belgrade’s Hilton Hotel on 26th November. Under the slogan “I know, so I can”, our idea is to gather together experts from various fields in order to reach new knowledge and conclusions that can further represent important guidelines for creating an improved social, economic and ecological environment. We could say that we are celebrating the coming of age of the Miteco Forum this year, while we will also be presenting ideas about the directions in which this informative-educational platform could develop further.

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“Special potential to further increase the exchange of services lies with the fast-growing Serbian ITC sector” – MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

LOCAL NEWS

BROSE TO INVEST €180M IN SERBIA

EIB AND ERSTE BANK SERBIA SIGN €30 MILLION LOAN The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Erste Bank AD Novi Sad (EBS) have agreed on a €30 million loan to enable the strong recovery of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in Serbia in response to the COVID-19-induced contraction. The loan will allow EBS to on- lend to companies severely affected by the pandemic, helping them retain jobs, preserve liquidity and ensure business continuity. This is the first operation in Serbia as part of the EIB’s €400 million financial programme earmarked for the private sector in the Western Balkans to ensure a fast response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as announced at the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Zagreb in April 2020.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with Urlich Schrickel, Chief Executive Officer of the Brose Group, which started the construction of a factory of auto-moto parts in Pancevo and plans to employ 1,100 workers and invest in Serbia at least €180 million by the end of 2026.

Brnabic expressed her gratitude to the representatives of this successful German company for the trust to invest in our country.

She pointed out that her goal and vision of the government, which is to encourage exactly these types of investments and the arrival of companies in Serbia that recognise not only a good market, but also the capacity and quality of professional staff, which coincides with the economic and strategic priorities of the government, which is an economy based on knowledge and innovation.

EL AL LAUNCHES BELGRADE FLIGHTS El Al Israel Airlines will inaugurate flights between Tel Aviv and Belgrade starting 1 November. The carrier will operate the service six times per week (each day except Fridays from Belgrade and Saturdays from Tel Aviv), with a midday departure from Israel’s largest city.

Flights will be maintained with the 175-seat Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, which features sixteen seats in business class and the remaining 159 in economy. Tickets are already on sale. Currently, Israir Airlines’ operates daily to the Serbian capital, while Arkia maintains three weekly rotations. Demand for flights from Tel Aviv to Serbia has grown significantly since mid-September when Israel dropped the country from its travel restrictions list, allowing locals to travel without the need to quarantine upon arrival back home.

AMCHAM’S SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW SERBIAN GOVERNMENT Aiming to safeguard jobs while promoting recovery, AmCham has developed four priority objectives for improving the capacity of public administration and ensuring the economy picks up as quickly as possible.

These are: developing e-government; enhancing the rule of law and judicial efficiency; improving healthcare services; and increasing the predictability of taxation and parafiscal levies. The American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia (AmCham) welcomed the appointment of the new Government of the Republic of Serbia and acknowledges efforts made by all stakeholders in addressing the health challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, while recognising the issues faced by the country’s economy and proposing concrete measures to overcome them.

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“We want to further expand our membership base by including sectors such as the pharma sector, IT and renewable energy, and thus achieve stronger advocacy results” – MIKE MICHEL, FOREIGN INVESTORS COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TELENOR SERBIA

Placements postings

&

appointments@aim.rs

UDO EICHLINGER, DIRECTOR OF SIEMENS SERBIA, NEW PRESIDENT OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE GERMAN-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (AHK)

Alongside the electing of the new president, AHK member companies also voted to elect new vice presidents Diana Peshkir (Stihl) and Milan Grujić (ZF Serbia), as well as five board members: Ronald Seeliger (Hemofarm), Ivan Smiljković (ProCreditBank Serbia), Bojan Predojević (Profine), Christian Braunig (Confida Consulting) and Dragan Simović (M&M Militzer & Munch). “The German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, as the largest bilateral association of businesspeople in Serbia, will continue in the period ahead to advocate for the advancement of the business environment in Serbia, provide support for economic reforms and support the efforts of the Government of Serbia in implementing reforms.

On the other hand, the Chamber will focus on effectively representing the interests of member companies in front of governmental and non-governmental institutions, as well as in the public sphere. We will be a stable partner of the Serbian economy, as we have been to date, with the aim of providing a high-quality contribution to improving the business climate in the country,” said newly elected AHK Serbia President Udo

DEYANA KOSTADINOVA, NEW UNICEF REPRESENTATIVE IN SERBIA

CLEAN AIR CHALLENGE UNDP Serbia, in cooperation with UNICEF and WHO, has announced the Clean air challenge to call proposals for innovative products and technological solutions to reduce air pollution in Serbia and improve air quality.

As part of the innovation challenge, UNICEF is especially looking for solutions to mitigate/reduce air pollution’s impact on children. Category number 5, unlike the first four, also accepts individual applications and is primarily intended for young people, university students, NGOs and the private sector. It is also essential that the solutions proposed in this category are in line with the principles of digital development adopted by UNICEF, including open-source principles. More: www.cordmagazine.com

Prior to this assignment, she was the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Nations Office at Geneva and has participated as a member in the work of the Human Rights Council. Ms. Kostadinova has also worked as the Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, when she oversaw the organizing of the political activities of the President, as well as international negotiations. As an advisor to the Republic of Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister, she provided political analysis and proposals for political decisions concerning social, cultural, and legal issues.

Ms. Kostadinova held the position of Director-General of the “Monitoring on Child Rights” Directorate. After graduating from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” as a Master of Law, Ms. Kostadinova began her career as a lawyer at her private practice, specializing in human right. She primarily worked in the area of child rights.

JOSÉ LÓPEZ THOMÁS DE CARRANZA, NEW ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE EMBASSY OF SPAIN TO SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

José López Thomás de Carranza studied Law and Business Administration and Management at the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, before completing his Master’s Degree in International and Diplomatic Relations of the European Union at the College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium). He served as a member of the team of the Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation and has represented Spain, among other areas, on the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the African Development Bank. He also participated actively in negotiations on the 7th General Capital Increase of the African Development Bank. He currently belongs to the High Corps of Spanish State Economists and Trade Experts, an elite body of the Spanish administration responsible for formulating and executing the country’s official economic and trade policies.

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GENERALI OSIGURANJE, SRBIJA

SANELA KUČ, GENERALI OSIGURANJE SRBIJA (LEFT)

1st Place For Most

Gender-Sensitive Company Insurance company Generali Osiguranje Srbija is this year’s recipient of the Award for Most GenderSensitive Company. The award was presented on 28th October within the scope of the event Flower of Success for a Fearless Woman, which is organised by the Association of Business Women of Serbia.

F

or us, the Award for Most GenderSensitive Company is confirmation that we care about our employees and their needs and ambitions in the right way, by nurturing a creative working environment that’s motivating and offers every individual equal opportunities and by us favouring expertise, dedication and results achieved. We achieve this through multiple measures and benefits aimed at achieving a balance between the private and working lives of our employees. We are proud that

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gender discrimination doesn’t exist within our company. We believe that this sets us apart and we also want the public to recognise us as a modern company that nurtures diversity and inclusion, and offers all employees equal opportunities, - said Sanela Kuč, labour law associate of the Generali Osiguranje Directorate for Human Resources and Organisation, who accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the company.

The Award for Most Gender-Sensitive Company was created under the auspices of the

project Gender Equality in Value Chinas, which is jointly implemented by the Association of Business Women of Serbia, the Coordination Body for Gender Equality and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Serbia. It is awarded to large companies that apply the UN’s five Women’s Empowerment Principles and provide the best model for the inclusion of women in supply chains.

The award was first presented in 2018, within the scope of the event Flower of Success for a Fearless Woman.

MTU MAINTENANCE SERBIA

MTU Aero Engines Establishes New Repair Facility MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer, is a company that is a technological leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors and turbine centre frames, as well as manufacturing processes and repair techniques

M

TU is now expanding its worldwide network of locations with a new engine parts repair shop in Serbia’s Stara Pazova: MTU Maintenance Serbia d.o.o. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged this commitment as an essential and decisive step in the development of the aviation industry in Serbia.

MTU is building its new repair facility on an existing greenfield site. The newly designated industrial area of the municipality of Stara Pazova is located just 25 kilometres from Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International Airport and, as such, has excellent transport connections.

“The industrial park has growth potential – for example, for attracting our suppliers and partners”, says Rainer Becker, project manager and managing director of MTU Maintenance Serbia.

The worldwide locations of MTU Maintenance log about 1.9 million repair hours annually. The new shop in Serbia is a further reinforcement of these operations. Starting in 2023, MTU repair specialists in Stara Pazova will work on the first engine parts.

“In a first step, we plan to have a capacity of about 400,000 repair hours per year,” says Holger Sindemann, head of MRO operations and also responsible for MTU Maintenance Serbia.

A team of about 30 MTU specialists

from the areas of repair technologies, quality, logistics, finance and human resources is currently working to establish the site.

The project team has already defined the plant and process technologies. Complex machines with long delivery times can thus be procured early on.

“All planning is done in close cooperation with the relevant authorities in Serbia, in order to ensure that the new building complies with all regulations and specifications,” explains the project manager.

With the construction of this new repair facility, MTU is also starting to recruit qualified employees and train future skilled workers. Its cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Education, as well as universities, schools and the Aviation School in Belgrade, have shown that the level of qualifications is high.

“We started an advertising campaign early on, made contacts and introduced ourselves. We are delighted with the openmindedness, great interest and constructive cooperation,” says Hans Triebenbacher, who heads the subprojects “Training Centre Serbia” and “On-the-Job Training in Serbia.

In order to support existing qualifications, training will be established within the company in Serbia. MTU and the Government of the Republic of Serbia last year signed a declaration on close collaboration in the dual training of skilled workers – as practised in Germany. This will ensure the technical foundations required for a hightech industry like aviation. The “on-the-job training” will initially take place at MTU locations in Germany and Canada, with the aim of conducting this training exclusively in Serbia, starting in 2024.

According to project manager Rainer Becker, “We want to attract the most talented employees to MTU and create a working environment in which they can perform to their best. We are making targeted investments in the training and development of our talents and supporting them in expanding their expertise and developing their potential. MTU Maintenance Serbia will provide many people in the Stara Pazova region with a professional future”

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“The private sector is moving the economy. Western Balkans chambers of commerce are our key partners in achieving the goal of onestop-shop, with the aim of minimising waiting times for transportation” – MATEJ ZAKONJŠEK, DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN BALKANS TRANSPORT COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT

REGIONAL NEWS

HUNGARY

WESTERN BALKANS

WESTERN BALKANS REGULAR ECONOMIC REPORT: FALL 2020 A semi-annual report on recent economic developments and economic policies in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) was issued by the World Bank. The report analyses the economic performance and outlook for the Western Balkans and specific factors that affect the region’s development.

As elsewhere in the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged countries in the Western Balkans into a deep recession. While the outlook remains uncertain, economic activity in the region is projected to contract by 4.8 per cent in 2020.

The primary causes are the drop in both domestic and foreign demand, and disruptions in supply chains due to imposed containment measures, such as lockdowns.

WESTERN BALKANS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE’S INITIATIVE The Chambers of Commerce of all six Western Balkan economies, members of the Chambers Investment Forum, in a joint letter to the prime ministers, called on the governments of the Western Balkans to reach a joint agreement on tougher “green corridors” for goods, to establish “green lines” for the unhindered movement of businessmen and their workers who have to travel and stay in

RAS AND HEPA SIGN MOU ON COOPERATION ON FOREIGN MARKET GROWTH PROGRAM The Development Agency of Serbia (RAS) and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, defining cooperation within the new program of the Government of Hungary “Foreign Market Growth Program” which provides support to the activities of Hungarian companies abroad.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the agencies by the acting Director of the Development Agency of Serbia, Radoš Gazdić, and the new Director-General of HEPA, dr. Kristóf Szabo. The agreement was signed during the visit of a high delegation of HEPA to the Development Agency of Serbia.

The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Hungary to Serbia, H. E. dr. Attila Pintér, as well as the head of the HEPA office in Belgrade, Nemanja Milutinović, and representatives of HEPA and RAS.

other countries in the region due to their work.

“Our goal is to facilitate mutual business of our companies, reduce their costs and enable them to carry out their business activities in the region on time and fulfill their contractual obligations during the pandemic, due to which not only owners and managers but also employees in their companies must they travel and temporarily stay in other countries in the region”, says Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Investment Forum of the Western Balkans.

CROATIA

CROATIA PLANS 46 MLN EURO BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGE Croatia’s government plans an additional financial package of 46.2 million euro to support local business in coping with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it said. The package, aimed at preserving jobs by providing financial support to employers who have cut working hours, as well as to micro-entrepreneurs who faced a decline in turnover, is expected to be approved on 22 October, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said. The government will support companies which reduced working hours by 70% with subsidies of up to 2,800 kuna per employee and between 2,000 kuna 4,000 kuna per worker will be paid to micro-enterprises which saw their revenue drop by at least 40%.

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“I look forward to working with the Serbian PM, government & parliament on EU related reforms and the implementation of the Economic & Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, for the benefit of all.” – OLIVER VARHELYI, EU COMMISSIONER FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENLARGEMENT SLOVENIA

ROMANIA

Dutch-registered PPF Group said it wrapped up the acquisition of media and entertainment group Central European Media Enterprises (CME) and now fully controls CME’s operations in the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. “Shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and Prague Stock Exchange have been delisted and now cease to exist following the completion of the acquisition. Holders of CME’s Class A Common Shares immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will receive $4.58 per share,” PPF Group said in an e-mailed statement. Effective immediately, Didier Stoessel will assume the position of CEO at CME responsible for the Czech, Romanian, Slovak and Slovenian markets, while Lubos Jetmar has been named CEO of CME Bulgaria and will be responsible for operations, strategy, and growth development plans for the local market.

UK-based payment solutions provider PayPoint has signed an agreement to sell its Romanian business to CEE-focused private equity firm Innova Capital for around 52 million euro.

The deal is subject to competition and regulatory approvals, as well as other conditions precedent, and therefore completion is anticipated to take place on 31 March 2021. The 47 million British pounds cash consideration is based on current exchange rates on a debt free cash free basis, subject to a net working capital adjustment on completion, the company said. PayPoint has been operating in Romania since 2007 through PayPoint Services SRL and PayZone SA, partnering-up with local retailers through around 19,000 sites to enable people to make cash bill payments, money transfers, road tax payments and mobile phone top-ups.

MONTENEGRO

N. MACEDONIA TO PRIVATISE ITS POSTAL OPERATOR

PPF GROUP COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF SEE-ACTIVE CME

MONTENEGRO COULD CLOSE PLJEVLJA TPP BY END-2020 Montenegro may be obliged to close the Pljevlja thermal power plant by the end of 2020, as it will exceed the maximum operational hours set under the Large Combustion Plants Directive. According to the Energy Community, the Pljevlja TPP has operated for 14,812 hours out of a total 20,000 allowed under the opt-out clause of the Large Combustion Plants Directive and its expected closure date, calculated based on the extrapolation of the average usage ratio in 2018 and 2019, is November 2020.

PAYPOINT TO SELL ROMANIAN BUSINESS TO INNOVA CAPITAL

N. MACEDONIA

North Macedonia’s government said it approved legislative amendments that will open the way for a partial or full privatisation of the country’s postal service operator. The government approved a draft amendment to the postal services law that will be put to the vote in parliament and mandated the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, the economy minister and the director of North Macedonia Post to initiate the preparation of a feasibility study for a public-private partnership or privatisation.

The potential privatisation of North Macedonia Post will help continue the process of liberalisation of postal services in the country, in line with EU regulations, the government noted.

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“Under the proposed Digital Services Act, online platforms will have to check sellers’ identities before they can use their services in a move aimed at countering illegal and dangerous content.” – MARGRETHE VESTAGER, EUROPEAN COMPETITION COMMISSIONER

WORLD NEWS

ETIHAD AIRWAYS MAKES UAE’S FIRST COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TO ISRAEL The first commercial passenger flight to Israel by a carrier from the United Arab Emirates landed near Tel Aviv on Monday, further cementing a normalization deal between the two countries.

Etihad Airways Flight No. 9607 landed at Israel’s Ben-Gurion international airport just after 7 a.m. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed for Abu Dhabi later Monday with an Israeli travel and tourism delegation on board, according to an Etihad statement.

Etihad said it plans regular passenger flights between the countries in the future and was launching a dedicated Hebrew website.

Etihad previously sent to Tel Aviv an unmarked cargo plane flying aid to assist the Palestinians in fighting the coronavirus. In August, a Star of David-adorned El Al plane flew from Israel to Abu Dhabi, carrying a high-ranking American and Israeli delegation in the firstever direct commercial passenger flight between the two countries.

EU STATES AGREE ON AGRICULTURAL POLICY REFORM Agriculture ministers from the EU member states have reached an agreement on reforming the Common Agricultural Policy. The deal, several years in the making, will place a bigger focus on environmental protection.

EU member states announced Wednesday morning in Luxembourg that they had come to an agreement over reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Talks lasted almost two days before agriculture ministers were able to reach an agreement following a proposal by German Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner.

The CAP allocates billions of euros and as such constitutes the biggest share of the EU’s budget, roughly a third of the EU’s €1.1-trillion ($1.3-trillion) budget for 2021-2027. Many farmers depend on money from Brussels in order to stay in business.

VOLKSWAGEN RETURNS TO PROFIT AS PANDEMIC RECOVERY CONTINUES Volkswagen announced it had returned to profitability in the third quarter, helped by a surge in demand for premium cars, despite an overall drop in global vehicle deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The German multi-brand car and truck maker said that excluding one-time items, its third-quarter operating profit came in at 3.2 billion euros ($3.78 billion), compared with 4.8 billion euros in the year-ago period.

COCA-COLA’S FIRST PAPER BOTTLE PROTOTYE Coca-Cola is working to create a bottle made 100% from paper – an innovative packaging technology that may help achieve a World Without Waste.

Imagine a world where each and every piece of packaging produced and sold is also collected and recycled after use – a World Without Waste. That’s Coca-Cola’as stated goal: it aims to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030, while also substantially reducing the use of virgin packaging materials, and only using packaging materials that are 100% recyclable.

It will take continuing investment in innovation, exploration of different technologies and, crucially, partnership and collaboration to get there. This is fundamental to compay’s approach, across both the collection and recycling of its packaging but also its design.

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“We support the ideas around transparency and industry collaboration that are being discussed in some of the current bipartisan proposals, and I look forward to a meaningful dialogue about how we might update the law to deal with the problems we face today.” – MARK ZUCKERBERG, CEO, FACEBOOK

FORD BLOWS AWAY EARNINGS EXPECTATIONS

PARIS CDG OVERTAKES LONDON HEATHROW AS EUROPE’S BUSIEST AIRPORT

Ford Motor blew away Wall Street expectations as well as the company’s forecast earnings for the third quarter on stronger-than-expected demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ford more than doubled its adjusted pretax earnings from a year earlier to $3.6 billion in the third quarter. The company’s net profit was $2.34 billion during the third quarter, up from roughly $423 million a year earlier. Its total revenue also increased by about $500 million to $37.5 billion from the third quarter of 2019.

Ford’s profits in the third quarter were led by its operations in North America, which made $3.18 billion on revenue of $25.3 billion. That included strongerthan-expected demand and a rich mix for popular Ford trucks and SUVs as well as commercial vehicles.

London Heathrow, for decades the busiest airport in Europe, has lost the title to Paris Charles de Gaulle. The revelation was made by the chief executive of Heathrow, John Holland-Kaye, as he announced heavy financial results for the third quarter of 2020 – covering the peak summer months of July, August and September. Passenger numbers for the quarter fell by 84 per cent. The airport lost £1.5bn in the first nine months of the year, an average of £5.5m per day.

FIAT, PSA TO WIN EU APPROVAL FOR $38 BILLION MERGER

MODERNA PREPARING FOR THE GLOBAL LAUNCH OF COVID VACCINE Moderna is prepping for the global launch of its potential coronavirus vaccine, already taking in $1.1 billion in deposits from governments awaiting the potentially lifesaving drug, the biotech firm said in its third-quarter earnings report.The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said it was in ongoing talks with the World Health Organization-backed COVAX initiative on a tiered pricing proposal for its potential vaccine, which it’s tentatively calling mRNA-1273. It already has supply agreements in North America, the Middle East and in other regions of the world.

“We are actively preparing for the launch of mRNA-1273 and we have signed a number of supply agreements with governments around the world,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a press release. “Moderna is committed to the highest data quality standards and rigorous scientific research as we continue to work with regulators to advance mRNA-1273.”

Fiat Chrysler and PSA are set to win EU approval for their $38 billion merger to create the world’s No.4 carmaker, people close to the matter said, as they strive to meet the industry’s dual challenges of funding cleaner vehicles and the global pandemic.

The green light from the European Commission would formalize the creation of Stellantis, a carmaking group that could tap hefty profits from selling Ram pickup trucks and Jeep SUVs to U.S. drivers to fund the expensive development of zero-emission vehicles for sale in Europe and China.

The all-share merger announced late last year would unite brands such as Fiat, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Maserati with the likes of Peugeot, Opel and DS - while targeting annual cost cuts of 5 billion euros ($6 billion) without closing factories.

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Enterpreneur

JAMES LINDSAY CEO OF RAP SNACKS

Photo By David Cabrera

The Man Who Built Rap Snacks,

The Official Snacks Of Hip-Hop

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Rap Snacks is the popular U.S. potato chip brand that features the faces of rappers like Cardi B, Migos, and Fabolous

Known as “The Official Snack of Hip Hop,” CEO James Lindsay founded Rap Snacks Inc. in 1994 and began packaging the chips with a cartoon image of rap stars in 2003 after signing a deal with Universal Music Group. Each rapper is also given their own distinct chip flavor. Now, more than two decades later, Rap Snacks are being distributed via the highest-grossing company in the world.

“I am extremely excited to work with Walmart. If you think about the overall Walmart consumer options, as it related to food, Rap Snacks and Patty Pies are really the only African American branded products in Walmart,” he wrote in an email. “I am also excited to expand the overall brand, potentially opening up doors for other consumer product companies owned by African Americans to follow the same path.”

Lindsay says he landed the deal with Walmart about two months ago after a buyer at the retail giant reached out to his team.

“She said that she had been seeing the brand and had actually reached out to my team on LinkedIn, wanting to put us in stores.”

Lindsay launched the company after raising $40,000 with the help of family and friends, according to RapSnacks.net. He knew the chips

Lindsay launched the company after raising $40,000 with the help of family and friends

would be a hit after he sold 800 cases of the product in his first meeting with a distributor.

Eventually, Rap Snacks grew into a 7-figure business but temporarily stopped its production from 2010 to 2015 due to the smaller size of the bags, which wasn’t as profitable for its producers. During that five-year stint, Lindsay

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Enterpreneur

The next goal is to make Rap Snacks into an international brand and continue to inspire people of colour to become entrepreneurs worked as a brand manager for rapper Meek Mill, which provided him with deeper insight into the power of the artist. The brand then revamped and relaunched in 2016 with larger bags and selling for a higher price.

Rap Snacks announced two new vegan chip flavors in partnership with Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based vegan burger restaurant. The new flavors launched in over 100,000 stores across the country. Lindsay says the collaboration will help spread awareness about healthier food choices to underserved communities that may experience less access to vegan options otherwise.

“I am truly excited to partner with Slutty Vegan to bring our first-ever Rap Snacks vegan chip option to our customers,” he said in a press release. “Slutty Vegan has been immensely influential in introducing veganism to the culturally rich community of Atlanta

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and beyond. It’s always exciting to join forces with a brand that shares the same underlying mission as we do here at Rap Snacks—to push culture forward through food.”

Pinky Cole, who founded Slutty Vegan

in 2018, says partnering with Rap Snacks has given her the opportunity to educate and empower disenfranchised communities. “It is especially important to me that this partnership allows Slutty Vegan the opportunity to introduce healthy vegan options to urban and underserved communities throughout the country,” she said. “Slutty Vegan and Rap Snacks complement each other perfectly, when someone walks into a Slutty Vegan restaurant they are greeted with hip-hop on the stereo and amazing food, and we can’t wait to expand our vegan movement nationwide with our new Rap Snacks line.”

Lindsay says his next goal is to make Rap Snacks into an international brand and continue to inspire people of color to become entrepreneurs. “My goal for Rap Snacks is to make it one of the biggest brands in the world.

Hip-hop is one of the biggest streaming genres in the world today and our potential in that space cannot be limited. I want our community to believe that you can create momentum and brand recognition outside of just the music and expand globally.”

Source: Black Enterprise

PROFILE

World In Motion The world is in constant motion. That sounds logical, but is it really the case? Technological development and the general progress of mankind separate modern man from the primordial way of life

DEJAN NIKOLIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE BELGRADE MARATHON

T

he modern running and marathon movement has opposed this in recent decades, returning man to nature and movement. That’s why it’s called the “Health Movement” and is said to be without barriers.

My entry into the Health Movement occurred by accident in Los Angeles in 1988, when I met Fred Lebow, the founder of the modern running movement, founder of the New York Road Runners organisation (NYRR) and the founder and long-time director of the New York Marathon. Fred made a modern urban spectacle of the New York Marathon, which connects all five New York boroughs and is the largest event of its kind in the world, with 55,000 participants and almost two million spectators each year.

Fred also had the mission of spreading the running movement around the world, and he decided that one of the destinations on that road would be Belgrade, or the Belgrade Marathon.

Since 1994, when Lebow passed away, the Belgrade Marathon has been awarding the Fred Lebow Trophy to the winners of the Belgrade Marathon, as a sign of gratitude and recognition for Fred’s contribution to the Belgrade Marathon’s creation and development.

The universality of Fred’s message that the running world has no boundaries and is constantly evolving and moving is also reflected in the fact that even popular geography classes wouldn’t be so interesting if they didn’t explain how it is possible that marathons are held in all capitals and many other cities around world, as well as in thousands of other places, such as the Antarctic, the Galapagos Islands, the Polar Circle, the Sahara Desert, the Great Wall of China, the French Riviera, the Petra Desert, Tibetan Plateau, Bagan Temple, Laguna Phuket, Walt Disney World and many other unusual places.

There are even more creative names of many marathons which – with their attractiveness and combining of history, culture and leisure – spread and develop the idea of running and invite hundreds of thousands of people around the world to get moving. Here are just the names of a few marathons: Athens Marathon the Authentic (naturally), The City of Art, Hans Christian Andersen, Loch Ness, Flying Pig, Pharaonic, Romeo and Juliet, Alexander the Great, Volcano, Star Wars, Pyramids, Robin Hood, Gold Coast - who wouldn’t attend one of these events?

A long time has passed since the period of Philippides, the Greek soldier, disptachrunner and perhaps the most famous “mara-

thon runner”, who – as legend has it – ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to inform the Athenians that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon, after which he promply dropped dead.

What distinguishes the “modern Philippides” who have since appeared from the one who ran in 490 BC is that these people today run for pleasure and their own health.

Running is their lifestyle and they create their other habits and organise trips in accordance with that. That’s also why it’s said that running migration is one of the largest and most active in the world.

And given that almost no conversation of late can begin or end without mention of the Coronavirus pandemic, perhaps this is a good opportunity to mention that, just recently, the UN recognised the importance of physical activity, running and walking, through the initiative of 118 member states that called on the UN and all other member states to – regardless of their many other current priorities – include physical activity, particularly running and walking, in their recovery plans for the post-COVID-19 era, and to give them a special place that reflects their importance in building public health.

And running is a simple activity that’s available to everyone, individually or with friends. It is easy to apply in various areas and under diverse weather conditions, and is acceptable for both sexes and all age categories. It also serves to heal both body and soul.

It seems that there’s nothing else for us to do but get moving.

It’s possible that Fred realised something before any of us.

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Art

EL GRECO (DOMÉNIKOS THEOTOKÓPOULOS) CARDINAL FERNANDO NIÑO DE GUEVARA (1541-1609), CA. 1600 “EL GRECO IN NEW YORK” AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK (2014-2015)

History

In A Nutshell

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“I don’t believe in accidents. There are only encounters in history. There are no accidents.” ~ Pablo Picasso

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ PORTRAIT OF PHILIP IV OF SPAIN, CA. 1638 KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM, VIENNA

EL GRECO (DOMÉNIKOS THEOTOKÓPOULOS) A VIEW OF TOLEDO, 1598-1599 “EL GRECO IN NEW YORK” AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK (2014-2015)

F

rom paella to Picasso, bullfighting to Basque country, the history and culture of Spain may conjure easy associations.

But, as the former seat of the vast Habsburg Empire, long the site of tumultuous political conditions and colonial histories, and home of literary greats Cervantes and Garcia Lorca, Spain is heir to a rich and complex past. Its visual art offerings are no exception; the extraordinary Upper Paleolithic cave paintings at Altamira in northern Spain are considered some of the oldest known artworks; and, take a spin around any one of Madrid’s trifecta of world-class arts

institutions known as the “Golden Triangle of Art”—Reina Sofia (the home of Picasso’s Guernica, no less), El Prado, and, Thyssen Bornemisza Museum—and you’ll find yourself eyeball-deep in Spain’s fascinating cultural history.

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ LAS MENINAS, 1656, MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO

EL GRECO Dubbed “el Greco” (the Greek) in Spain, Domenikos Theotokopoulos is considered the preeminent figure of the Spanish Renaissance and way ahead of his time, having rejected naturalism in favor of a more conceptual approach to representation and a spiritually expressive use of paint.

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Art

Spanish Art

FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES THE THIRD OF MAY, 1814 MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO, MADRID

FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES VICTOR GUYE, 1810, NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON D.C., PERMANENT COLLECTION

In View of Toledo, he depicts the Spanish town that was his home for almost 40 years, under the shadow of a tempestuous sky that recalls Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ The most famous artist in early modern Spanish art history, the name behind one of Spain’s national treasures, Las Meninas, and a virtuoso painter of the human form and landscapes alike, Velázquez served as a court painter for Philip IV—a vigorous patron of the arts and supporter of Velázquez—who appears here in Portrait of Philip IV of Spain around the year 1638. Velázquez’s skilful modeling of light and shadow and atmospheric compositions drew the admiration of the influential Impressionist painter Manet.

PABLO PICASSO FIGURE (FEMME ASSISE) (FIGURE, SEATED WOMAN), 1930 FONDATION BEYELER

PABLO PICASSO LE RÊVE (THE DREAM), 1932 PRIVATE COLLECTION

FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Once a draughtsman of lighthearted etchings and cartoons, Francisco Jose de Goya was deeply affected by the atrocities he witnessed the Spanish suffer at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invading troops in 1808. He was moved to address the brutality of war, resulting in his “Disasters of War” series, a collection of etchings and aquatints that depicted dismembered limbs and individuals wracked with famine, imagery that was shocking and disturbing for 19th-century sensibilities.

PABLO PICASSO A global household name about whom little has

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JOAN MIRÓ PAYSAGE (PAYSAGE AU COQ) (LANDSCAPE, LANDSCAPE WITH ROOSTER), 1927 FONDATION BEYELER

By author

SALVADOR DALÍ THE ENIGMA OF DESIRE, OR MY MOTHER, MY MOTHER, MY MOTHER, 1929 PINAKOTHEK DER MODERNE, BAYERISCHE STAATSGEMÄLDESAMMLUNGEN, MUNICH JOAN MIRÓ PAINTING, 1925 GALERIE HANS MAYER

ANTONI TÀPIES RELLEU NEGRE PER A DOCUMENTA (BLACK RELIEF FOR THE DOCUMENTA), 1964 FONDATION BEYELER SALVADOR DALÍ UNTITLED (SURREALIST COMPOSITION), 1930 YALE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY

been left unsaid, the extraordinarily prolific artist Pablo Picasso produced artwork that spanned Cubism, Surrealism, Neoclassicism, and Expressionism. With simplified, distorted forms and bold, flat colors, his painting La Rêve (The Dream) (1932), of his then-mistress, showcases the artist’s revolutionary approach to representing reality.

JOAN MIRÓ Interested in exploring the human psyche, Joan Miró produced painting, sculpture, and prints in his fantastical language of figurative signs and symbols. Miró painted the surreal landscape in

Paysage (Paysage au coq) (Landscape, Landscape with Rooster) (1927) from memory, drawing on time spent in the Catalonian town of Montroig as a child, where his parents had a farm.

SALVADOR DALÍ Heavily influenced by Freud’s writings on psychology, Salvador Dalí painted and drew strange, Surrealist compositions comprising subconscious desires and dreamscapes, such as in The Enigma of Desire, or My Mother, My Mother, My Mother (1929), whose title alludes to Freud’s concept of the Oedipus Complex.

ANTONI TÀPIES Antoni Tàpies’s textured, sculptural wall works express the artist’s experience living through the

ANTONI TÀPIES ECRITURE SUR LE MUR (GRAFFITI ON THE WALL), 1971 FONDATION BEYELER

Spanish Civil War under the regime of the brutal dictator Francisco Franco. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding urban landscape of graffitied and vandalized walls, Tàpies approached works such as Relieve negro perforado (1961) as records of shared histories engraved with people’s fears, desires, and discontents from social and political unrest.

EDUARDO CHILLIDA One of Spain’s most celebrated sculptors, Eduardo Chillida produced monumental abstract forms in rusted metal and curvilinear and geometric shapes. The product of a long tradition of Spanish metalworkers and stone-carvers, Chillida was a hands-on craftsman with enormous respect for his material.

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Art

Spanish Art

CRISTINA IGLESIAS PHREATIC ZONE III

CRISTINA IGLESIAS SIN TÍTULO

CRISTINA IGLESIAS A Madrid-based artist and former representative for Spain at the Venice Biennale, Cristina Iglesias creates sensual, immersive environments and installations that suggest psychological spaces, caves, or labyrinths. Hollowed-out structures such as Sin título (Pared vegetal III) suggest refuges composed of organic materials.

LARA ALMARCEGUI Lara Almarcegui represented Spain at the 2013 Venice Biennale by turning the pavilion into a monumental heap of rubble, smashed roofing tiles, and bricks. Fascinated by urban transformation and dereliction, Almarcegui has produced “guides” to modern wastelands and urban ruins, evoking the rapid changes experienced by Spanish (and other European) cities today.

Source: artsy.net

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LARA ALMARCEGUI EXCAVATION FROM BASEL

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My life

Slavko Štimac, Actor

PHOTO: MILOVAN MILENKOVIĆ

I REGRET THAT I GREW UP IN FRONT OF CAMERAS

He was aged just ten when he was picked to play the lead role in the film The Lone Wolf. At the age of 18 he realised that there was no other way for him than the one that placed him in front of the camera and on stage. He worked with, and learned from, the best actors, so he didn’t even enrol in the academy of dramatic arts. He performed almost 70 roles in film and TV series, receiving the most significant accolades. Due to his minimalist acting style, he became the acting ideal of Emir Kusturica, and one of the favourite, most beloved characters among the public. His official biography states that he is Serbo-Croatian, but he would prefer to say of himself that he is a Yugoslav actor 50

November

By Radmila Stanković

C

hild actors find it hardest to survive on film and to endure.

Slavko Štimac turned 60 this October, after having spent almost half a century in front of the camera. While he rarely appears on the theatre stage, when he does so he is brilliant and convincing: “It seems to me like someone deliberately created a division between film and theatre actors. The theatre wants to lead you in a manner that the camera can’t stand, and television wants that too, but everything boils down to the fact that you either have charisma or you don’t. The same goes for both theatre and film.

“I watched Al Pacino and Kevin Spacey in the theatre, and realised that they are just as strong on stage as they are in films. An actor is an actor on the stage, and where that stage is, what it is made of, what kind of stage it is does not change the essence of his greatness and strength.”

This actor endures and preserves himself from the public eye. In the harsh world of film, he is a rare favourite among protagonists that directors desire and praise, and a safe partner that colleagues look forward to working with.

It was a long time ago that Neda Arnerić testified to me how much pleasure she got from working with him for the film Who’s Singin’ Over There, while Goran Paskaljević said that he couldn’t have found a better hero than Slavko Štimac for the character of Petar Cvetković in the film The Elusive Summer of ‘68. Both Neda and Goran departed to the heavenly world of eternal film during the last year.

In the career of Slavko Štimac, everything began in 1971, when Maja Gluščević, the wife of director Obrad Gluščević, came to Slavko’s school class and asked the teacher if there was a boy who recited well and would be good for the lead role in a children’s film. The teacher chose a few, but Maja liked little Slavko the most. She was delighted with how he recited,

FILM SPECIAL EDUCATION, 1977, PHOTO CREDIT_YUGOSLAV CINEMATHEQUE

Today I don’t think it’s so bad to gain fame early, if you have to, when you’re still a child. Because I didn’t prepare for something like that, I didn’t dream about it. It simply happened, they found me and she ran back to her husband Obrad to tell him that she had the main actor. That is how Slavko secured the status of a child actor with his very first role in the film The Lone Wolf.

This is how he recalls that time: “The team from the film arrived in Lika, in my hometown of Perušić. They chose boys from the schools and there were many of us at the audition. Director Obrad Gluščević chose me in particular. After that roles came one after another. I didn’t have time to think about whether or not I even wanted to pursue a career in acting, rather I just accepted all the challenges and roles. My only regret today is that I grew up in front of cameras. It was because of acting that I didn’t have time

to play with other children. I had my worst traumas because of school, because I was always a good student, and since I filmed a lot I was afraid that I would slacken off at school. I studied during breaks from filming, sometimes at night. A teacher came to my sets to help me make up for the material I’d missed, so I completed primary school with great success. Only I didn’t enrol in acting studies after high school because I was already going from film to film.”

Slavko’s father, Pava, dealt with construction and worked in Germany for a while. They had an estate. His mother was a housewife who took care of the father and three sons. If a little one would sometimes get carried, she was always there to flap his wings and bring him back down to the ground. That’s why, despite his popularity, Slavko never acted like a star. He believed that would be degrading.

His parents didn’t visit him during filming.

His father died early, he lost his mother in 2010 and was left without his eldest brother last year. He regularly sees his other brother, who lives in Zagreb, and it’s easy for him to get in his car and visit his closest family: “We have good relations; we’re close.

My father died when I was 23 or 24. He was ill with cancer. He suffered a lot during his final years. It seems to me that there was

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My life

Slavko Štimac, Actor

always a tacit promise between us that we would one day sit down together and talk well. We didn’t get to that, and that’s it. That stayed with me as something... When he was dying, I was beside him, but somehow I think that he wanted to tell me something.

I never found out what my father thought about what I do for a living.”

The general public fell in love with Slavko in the series The Farm in the Small Marsh.

Screenwriter Arsen Diklić was waiting for the series to be shot by Branko Bauer, a renowned Yugoslav director who Slavko remembers as a man and an artist of large formats: “We spent a year working on that series and film, and Branko Bauer is very important in my life. He in some way laid the foundations of my craft, although throughout my entire life I learned the craft best from other actors, like Cica Perović and Slobodan Aligrudić.

“I remember Slobodan ‘Cica’ Perović as a calm and somewhat introverted man, although they are nonetheless the memories of a child.

He was very attentive towards me and I can’t remember a single awkward situation while we were filming. Paja Vuisić also seemed to me like an introvert, a closed man. Admittedly, I was a child and I couldn’t expect them to play with me.

“With Slobodan Aligrudić the situation was completely different. When we made the film Do You Remember Dolly Bell, I was older and he was a goatherder, infinitely charming, who could talk nicely and joke around, who was imaginative and full of energy. We worked wonderfully together, had an outstanding relationship, one of the best in my work. Just like father and son at their best.”

And great actor Slobodan Cica Perović said of Slavko after filming the series The Farm in the Small Marsh: “The boy is unbelievable. It’s very difficult to work with children, I know that from experience, but with Slavko it is a real song. He doesn’t even know how to act. He’s just as natural in front of the camera as he is in life”.

That series brought Slavko great fame: “You can’t imagine what that looked like. In the mid-1970s, you had only two TV channels in Yugoslavia, and the whole country - like it or not - would sit and watch The Farm in the Small Marsh on Sunday evenings at eight

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FILM WHO’S THAT SINGIN’ OVER THERE, 1980, PHOTO CREDIT_YUGOSLAV CINEMATHEQUE

I went through life trying not to hurt anyone else.

The older I get, the more I believe that the most important thing is to have a clear conscience, to fall asleep easily. Quite simply, to live normally o’clock. Every Yugoslav has watched at least one episode. There was literally no place where I could appear without being noticed. Everyone knows you, the entire country. And I wasn’t even fifteen years old. And I was really trying to remain normal. Today, for example, I don’t think it’s so bad to gain fame early, if you have to, when you’re still a child. Because I didn’t prepare for something like that, I didn’t dream about it. It simply happened, they found me.

In that sense, I never made a special effort to

get a job, never went behind someone else’s back or harmed anyone. I went through life trying not to hurt anyone else. The older I get, the more I believe that the most important thing is to have a clear conscience, to fall asleep easily. Quite simply, to live normally.”

He completed primary school in his hometown of Perušić: “The first film I watched, and remembered, and Perušić, of course, was called The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. It starred John Wayne and Lee Marvin. Among us kids, cowboys and films about Tarzan were popular. As one friend of mine says, we grew up under the direct influence of American propaganda. At the age of 11-12, I listened to Jimi Hendrix, so let someone explain today how he got to Lika!”

He enrolled in high school in Gospić, but at the age of 16 came to Belgrade and has remained here. He was 15 years old when Sam Peckinpah was shooting his film Cross of Iron in Istria and Slovenia, and someone told him that he could entrust one of the roles to a boy who had already performed in our Yugoslav films.

When my father was dying, I was beside him, but somehow I think that he wanted to tell me something. I never found out what my father thought about what I do

FILM DO YOU REMEMBER DOLLY BELL, 1981, PHOTO CREDIT_YUGOSLAV CINEMATHEQUE

This is how the famous director called Slavko: “It was planned for the filming not to last long – just a day or two – but Peckingpah liked it and decided to continue. He extended my role. When I’m asked how I experienced the great Sam Peckinpah, I always answer that I was just 15 when I made a film with him. I’d already watched some of his films, but not The Wild Bunch. When you’re 15, you can’t consider the greatness of Sam Peckinpah. I simply did what he told me I should. And that is all.”

He was then chosen by Goran Marković for his debut film Special Education. Slavko was still just 15 when filming began, and he turned 16 during filming. It was on 25th May 1977 that the most prestigious film magazine, Variety, published a light-hearted critique of the film, and Štimac in particular: “Special education provides us with numerous opportunities to gain insight into the lives of juvenile offenders and their problems, somewhat in the manner of Buñuel’s The Young and The Damned and De Sica’s Shoeshine.

“Slavko Štimac, as a juvenile delinquent

who steals and acquires his special education in order to survive and live, represents a real acting discovery. (he can also be seen in Sam Pekinpah’s Cross of Iron)…”

When Emir Kusturica’s debut film, Do You Remember Dolly Bell, appeared in cinemas in 1981, it was the first meeting between the future great director and already renowned actor. Štimac remembers the persistence of the novice director in enduring with what he’d imagined, which he has remained consistent in to this day: “We enjoyed ourselves during shooting, but none of us even dreamt that the audience would receive this film so fantastically.

I was just aware that I’d played a good role.

But a film isn’t one actor, nor three of them.

A film is – everything together… In Do you remember Dolly Bell, in the way of acting, in the relationship with the film’s father, Slobodan Aligrudić, I had my father in my head, my relationship with him... But Aligrudić himself was very inspiring. After all, contact with a partner is half the battle.”

In this subtle story from the Sarajevo

Bazaar, about his first love and growing up in Sarajevo during the 1960s, Štimac brilliantly portrayed the young Dino, the hero of this anthology film. Director Kusturica and actor Štimac got together again for the films Underground and Life is a Miracle. The black comedy Underground was awarded by the jury of the Cannes Film Festival in 1995 as an anti-war film, awarding it the famous Palme d’Or. The filming of Underground lasted three calendar years. For the first six months the film was shot in Prague, then in Belgrade, and subsequently in Bulgaria. It was the largest and most expensive film in Europe that year.

Slavko also had a monkey as a partner: “Those were really awful years. From Prague I monitored what was happening in the former Yugoslavia. I was ashamed; I was desperate because my country was falling apart in that way. I don’t know who said it, but I was really withdrawn and suffered like an animal. One fails to find solace and clings to the smallest straw… During those years most people were gripped by insane nationalist hysteria, especially in the beginning. They all somehow stuck to their own side. But I wondered what my side was. Although I knew very well that my side was in a large minority.

After all, normal people are always a minority

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My life

Slavko Štimac, Actor

PHOTO: MILOVAN MILENKOVIĆ

during such times. Family, a few close friends and... The war was great nastiness. A man is suddenly confronted by horror…

“Towards the end of Underground there’s a scene that I’m always happy to watch. And it happened by accident. Sometime around two or three o’clock in the morning, in some Bulgarian tunnels, the monkey and I met again; we finally found each other. He approached me and hugged me, somehow sincerely, from the heart. Incredible! I remember that the late Vilko Filač, as soon as he finished filming, showed me how he himself got goosebumps.

It was a touching scene. I guess I carried some emotion inside me that the monkey recognised, received, and hugged me like... ” Immediately after the completion of Underground in 1996, Slavko went to America.

Not as an emigrant, but for family reasons: “My wife lived in New York, so I went.

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We had a solid base of film workers, a beautiful country, beautiful nature. Yugoslavia had architecture ranging from Oriental and Austro-Hungarian, to that which belongs to the Mediterranean. What a wealth that was! We were able to provide foreigners with great film shooting services

I actually know from experience that changing your place of residence means nothing. It doesn’t help... Quite simply, a person can’t get out of their own skin. In New York I did a little work around film, but mostly some other things. For example, I got a job at the National Library, in the department for Slavic languages.

I was helped by my knowledge of the culture of the Slavic peoples, knowledge of Cyrillic and Latin scripts. I’m not sure I missed acting much during those years. I realised on time that not everything in life revolves around acting, there are other things. Admittedly, from time to time I used to walk down the street and see people shooting a film, pulling lights; something would always tremble in me.

Something would catch me ... I don’t know what to call it. Yearning, nostalgia?”

He returned from America in 2002, only to shoot Life is a Miracle with Kusturica.

The Yugoslav film in which this actor also has a significant share also belonged to the family of world film, primarily European film: “We had a solid base of film workers, a beautiful country, beautiful nature. Yugoslavia had architecture ranging from Oriental and Austro-Hungarian, to that which belongs to the Mediterranean. What a wealth that was!

We were able to provide foreigners with great film shooting services.

“On one occasion, quite by accident, I met Miloš Forman. My friend, a lady journalist, went to meet Forman for an interview, and she was terribly nervous, so she took me to make it easier for her. And so the two of us chatted a bit. I was especially glad when Foreman, who had just filmed Hair, spoke most beautifully and with great respect about his friend Aleksandar Saša Petrović. I experienced that as another of the many testimonies to the greatness of the former Yugoslav film.”

On one occasion, quite by accident, I met Miloš Forman. I was especially glad when he spoke most beautifully and with great respect about his friend Aleksandar Saša Petrović. I experienced that as another of the many testimonies to the greatness of the former Yugoslav film If there is a character synonymous with Slavko Štimac, then it is Dobrica. Dobrica with whom you can’t be angry, because he doesn’t want to talk about his adult son, an economist, and his wife, because he has protected and preserved his private life. And those who’ve spent at least a moment with him will tell you that Dobrica (Goodness) is actually his middle name. That’s also how director Srđa Penezić decided to entrust him with the title role in

FILM, THE ELUSIVE SUMMER OF ‘68, 1984 PHOTO CREDIT_YUGOSLAV CINEMATHEQUE

the film Name: Dobrica, Surname: Unknown.

The film begins with two elderly people finding a baby in a basket beside a bakery. They take him and give him the name Dobrica, because he is in good spirits and always smiling…

But they don’t know who he is and where he’s come from. And that Dobrica is full of good will, that’s how he was born. Whatever happens in his life, good or bad, he accepts with a smile. But nevertheless, on the other hand, he is intelligent and very aware of everything happening around him. Slavko talks about that Dobrica from the film as follows: “This film shows how being good doesn’t have to mean that, according to the folk saying, good and crazy are born as brothers. A good man cannot be crazy. Madness is a disease. The world is full of good people who only show their true nature under certain circumstances. It all depends on how we approach them. Because people change when they’re alongside good people. Goodness lurks deep in every man…

“Difficult stories have always existed and there have always been difficult times. Now we have leapt a little into harsh capitalism, so it is more pronounced, but there are definitely people like Dobrica. Goodness is love, love is creation, and hatred is destruction. We exist thanks to love, and that is goodness. If people like Dobrica didn’t exist, this world would fall

apart and we definitely wouldn’t have a chance.”

His official biography states that Slavko Štimac is a Serbo-Croatian actor: “What can I do? I would call myself a Yugoslav actor, but… We are witnesses to the chopping up and creation of states and mini states that are still going on; we are witnesses of primitive chauvinism and you can’t do anything to those who dictate that. They do it on their own, they push, some do one thing, others do another…

“I was brought up as a man, first and foremost, and I was born and raised in Yugoslavia.

It is very toxic to think about who you are, what you are, how you are determined by your place of birth.”

We’ll conclude this story by summarising the film journey of this actor: Slavko performed nearly 70 roles in films and TV series, receiving the most significant awards - Aleksandar Lifka, Živojin Žika Pavlović, the Golden Mimosa, the Heart of Sarajevo… until the latest, an Honorary Ernest. He was an acting discovery, he was 17 years old when he received his first award, which was the then so significant Seven Secretaries of SKOJ, as its youngest recipient.

He became the acting ideal of Emir Kusturica, thanks to his minimalist acting, and was one of the public’s favourite, most beloved actors from the world of former Yugoslav film.

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CHILL OUT USA

Apple’s iPhone 12 Hailed As ‘The Most Durable Smartphone Ever’ Apple’s new iPhone 12 boasts a Ceramic Shield that the tech giant says is ‘tougher than any smartphone glass’ – and Allstate put this claim to the test.

The American insurance company dropped both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro on a rough sidewalk from six feet in the air. The smartphones were landed face-down, back-down and sidedown to see if the shield actually provides up to four times the drop protection, as Apple has stated.

The tests reveal that the improved display helped the iPhone 12 withstand the drop ‘significantly better’ than the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S20 families, and Allstate says the ‘iPhone 12 is the most durable smartphone’ they have tested.

UK

UK Ticket Holder Scoops £79 Million EuroMillions Jackpot A UK ticket-holder has scooped a £79 million EuroMillions jackpot, with players being urged to check their numbers. The winning numbers in the draw were 13, 15, 28, 32, 44 and the lucky stars were 03 and 12. According to Camelot, the exact amount won by the UK ticket-holder was £79,315,197.70.

One UK millionaire was made in the Millionaire Maker Selection, with the code being JJPX91107. No-one bagged the Thunderball jackpot of £500,000 but two ticket-holders matched four of five numbers in the EuroMillions HotPicks to bag £30,000.

WORLD

Record Broken With The Most Expensive Mask Jacob & Co. offers The Diamond Fashion Mask, designed like a mesh rib, all in white gold with 3’040 diamonds. It weighs 1,569kg and is inspired by medieval duels. It is unclear whether the ornate mask is in compliance with medical standards.

NEW ZEALAND

‘Avatar 2’ Has Filming Finished, ‘Avatar 3’ Is 95% Complete James Cameron has finished shooting “Avatar 2,” while “Avatar 3” is 95% complete. Disney announced that it had moved the Avatar sequels back a year with “Avatar 2” set for 16 December 2022; “Avatar 3” slated for 20 December 2024; “Avatar 4” to debut on 18 December 2026; and “Avatar 5” on 22 December 2028.

The second “Avatar” installment, which was originally aiming to open in 2014, will debut 13 years after the original “Avatar.”

Producer Jon Landau announced on May 21 that he and the “Avatar” cast and crew would be returning to New Zealand to resume production. The “Avatar” sequels had to halt production in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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PORTUGAL

Cristiano Ronaldo Tests Positive For Coronavirus The Portuguese soccer federation made the announcement of his diagnosis, according to the Associated Press. The sports organization said that Ronaldo is doing well and does not currently show any symptoms of coronavirus. He’s also being isolated from other teammates and staff.

Ronaldo left the Portuguese national team following his positive test, according to ESPN. Other players on the Portugal team took coronavirus tests, which all came back negative. The team will be without their star player when they face off against Sweden in the Union of European Football Associations’ Nations League game.

ISRAEL

The $250 Beauty Device That Works Like ‘Photoshop For Your Face’ Israeli beauty-tech firm Pollogen has launched a sleek new device that can give you a ‘superfacial’ in less than 10 minutes, without having to go to the salon.

The egg-shaped Geneo Personal is a handheld oxygenation system that taps into a process known as the Bohr Effect to give you clearer, fresher skin at home.

Instead of simply ‘rubbing air bubbles on your face,’ Geneo Personal stimulates oxygen from beneath the skin’s surface, according to the firm. Pollogen unveiled the product in an Indiegogo campaign this month for a discounted $109 ahead of its official release next year, when it will retail at $249.

DENMARK

Danish Authorities Investigate TikTok The Danish Data Protection Authority has opened a case regarding the popular video app TikTok to clarify whether it complies with the rules of GDPR. “TikTok is very popular among children,

There Is Water On The Moon NASA has confirmed, for the first time, that there is water on the sunlit surface of the moon.

The revelation means it is possible water is easily accessible and not just in the deep, permanently shadowed craters of the south pole, as was previously thought. A separate piece of research found these so-called ‘cold traps’, which are always in shadow, may contain up to 15,000 square miles (40,000 square km) of water.

The discovery means future missions to the moon could be prolonged by making use of these water molecules which are scattered across the moon. Astronauts could use the natural resource, which may have arrived via comets or solar winds, and turn it into oxygen or drinking water to sustain a future colony. Scientists also say the water could be used to make rocket fuel, lightening missions and slashing mission costs to make interplanetary space travel easier and cheaper.

who, according to the GDPR rules, are entitled to increased protection of their information,” said the Danish Data Protection Supervisor, Cristina Angela Gulisano.

“We are, therefore, looking into the processing of personal data in the app and what the legal basis for the processing is. In addition, we are investigating a number of security aspects of TikTok,” added Gulisano.

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&FACES PLACES 6/10/2020

European Commission Annual Report On Serbia Presented At the government building, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia handed over to Ms. Jadranka Joksimovic, Minister for European Integration, the 2020 European Commission Annual report on Serbia, as well as the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans which the European Commission adopted today.

This year’s presentation of the Progress Report was accompanied by a comparative presentation of the announced Economic and Investment Plan, which was prepared with the intention of ensuring sustainable and stable development of the region, in the circumstances of improved enlargement methodology and crisis resulting from the current coronavirus pandemic, in order to support its economic and social development.

20/10/2020

Belgrade Liberation Day In The Second World War 76 years ago, Belgrade was liberated from the Nazi occupiers in the Second World War, which lasted from 12-20 October 12, ending the 1,287-day-long German occupation of Belgrade.

On the occasion of the Liberation Day of Belgrade, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, laid a wreath at the monument to the Unknown Hero on Avala.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense and the General of the Army of the Republic of Serbia.

20/10/2020

Farewell To H.E. Kati Csaba, Ambassador Of Canada To Serbia An informal Farewell coffee/tea gathering in the Official Residence of Canada on the occasion of the departure of H.E. Kati Csaba was held on Tuesday, 20 October 2020, for her contribution to strengthening political dialogue between the two countries and cooperation in various fields, especially economy, during her three-year diplomatic post in Belgrade.

H.E. Kati Csaba, Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro, and her husband, Mr. Nećko Krupalija warmly welcomed the guests in the pleasant atmosphere of a sunny day on the terrace of the exceptional premises of the residence. This was a unique opportunity to say goodbye to to departing ambassador and to wish much success in her future private and professional life.

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23/10/2020

75th Anniversary Of The United Nations The United Nations in Serbia marked its 75th anniversary at a time of great upheaval caused by the global health crisis, with serious economic and social consequences affecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

“This is a unique moment in Serbia: the new government will take office and will have the opportunity to direct an inclusive recovery from COVID-19, to ensure the well-being of all, to reduce inequalities and to direct the collective efforts of all communities,” said Francois Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

“Today, on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, as stated by our Secretary General, multilateralism is essential and it is necessary to be present globally, as well as locally,” said Simona-Mirela Miculescu, a representative of the UN Secretary General and head of the UN Office in Belgrade.

27/10/2020

European Day Of Justice On the occasion of the European Day of Justice – 25 October 2020, the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade and the EU Delegation in Serbia, hosted an exchange with Judge Dragomir Milojević, Acting President of the Supreme Court of Cassation and President of the High Judicial Council (HJC) and peer-elected members of the HJC. The discussions were focused on the joint plans of the European Union and the Council of Europe, aiming at strengthening independence and efficiency of the judiciary, in co-operation and co-ordination with the highest representatives of the Serbian judicial branch.

Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade Mr. Tobias Flessenkemper during his address recalled that Serbia embarked on important constitutional reforms to strengthen judicial independence and impartiality. He underlined that this work is carried forward as a matter of priority by the National Parliament and the government.

28/10/2020

Presentation Of MICS 6 Results New data on the situation of women and children in Serbia show progress in key areas, including breastfeeding and preschool attendance, but also stagnation in the areas of child marriage and violent disciplining of children.

The data, released today by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) and the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, comes from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS 6), the most comprehensive single source of data on the state of women and children in Serbia.

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Coloured

Leather

Chloe

The best thing about autumn is the fact that it's officially leather weather. Designers gave us something fresh and even more exciting to look forward to this season.

Leather is one of fashion’s most emblematic materials, and this season designers have reinvented the silhouettes to give them an ultra-modern vibe. The casual outlook standout is the ‘90s look.

Square Sunglasses €310

Alexander Wang

Longline Leather Jacket €1,300

ff Vivien Sheri Trilby Hat €210

Vince

Leather Safari Jacket €1,470

Loro Piana

Reversible Shearling Jacket €6,800

Saint Laurent

Tag leather tote bag €1,480

Brunello Cucinelli

Suede Biker Jacket €5,300

t Isabel Maranoots

ee B Suede Dern €490

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Chloe

Susanna Studded Ankle boots €970

Rubinacci re d cashme

Knitte

Belstaff

Fraser shearling jacket €1,695

hat €109

Jacques Marie Mage Hickok Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses €532

Burberry

Lambskin trench coat €4,088

Belstaff

Fieldbrook jacket €1,095

Loro Piana

Waterfall bomber €4,650

Hermes

ves Nervure Glo €585

Smythson

Ludlow full-grain leather holdall €1,385

t Saint Laurene

Wyatt Sued ots Chelsea Bo €560

Saint Laurent

Slim Fit leather Blazer €3,087

November

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Culture

calendar

Gabriel Feltz and Tijana Milošević

5-7 November, Belgrade Philharmonic Hall Conductor: Gabriel Feltz / Soloist: Tijana Milošević, violin Program: J. Sibelius „Valse triste“ S. Barber „Adagio“ / Vivaldi „The Seasons“

Lena Kovačević Concert

10 November, Zvezdara Theatre After the concert in Serbia, the region and abroad, Lena Kovacevic and her musicians are preparing an intimate and special evening at the Zvezdara Theater on 10 November.

Lenin’s voice is currently heard from the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Africa and Turkey. Single Cafe experienced international success and made Lena, as an artist from Serbia, appear on the covers of important magazines in Turkey.

The evening at the Zvezdara Theater will be a kind of musical journey that at this special time tells the story of music, on boards that mean life. This Belgrade hall has a special meaning for Lena herself, who in a way grew up behind and in front of the backstage of this theater.

Tickets are on sale at the Zvezdara Theater box office and online. The number of tickets is limited.

The concert is organized with the support of the Serbia Creates platform, of which Lena is the ambassador.

French Week

23-29 November French Chamber of Commerce, French Embassy and French Cultural Institute have been thinking about the best ways to organize this year’s French Week, and in accordance with the epidemiological measures for the fight against COVID-19.

This year, the Beaujolais nouveau event will not be organised. As part of the French Week, this year French Week will have an Online Employment Fair where companies will present themselves, and visitors will be able to virtually visit each of the online stands of companies.

In cooperation with the Embassy of France, on 24 November, French Chamber of Commerce will organize a conference / round table called Smart construction: building a sustainable future, which aims to present French expertise in the construction sector through the most advanced projects of companies that will testify.

French lifestyle fair Bonjour France will be held on 28 November at Zmaj Jovina 11 (in front of the French Institute), which will present a dynamic, contemporary and diverse image of France to the general public.

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RECOMMENDS

Concert: Barcelona Gipsy balKan Orchestra 3 November, Belgrade Youth Center

The international music ensemble Barcelona Gipsy balKan Orchestra is embarking on a tour throughout the region, and the good news is that they are coming to Serbia as well. After the sold-out and postponed March concerts in Italy, there was a break, and now, to our great surprise, they continue their tour and come first to Kragujevac on October 30, to Sombor on November 1, Belgrade on November 3 and 4 and Novi Sad on November 6.

This band announced the promotion of a new album called “New Era” with the new singer Margherita Abita from Italy, with which they recently published a cover of the jewels of Balkan music “Mario deli bela Kumrijo”.

Many critics have already rated this arrangement as a great performance and the new singer Margherita as a phenomenal refreshment of this band.

THE LABYRINTH

Ben Argon , Gary Cox

GoetheFEST

until 4 November, online This year, due to the epidemiological situation, GoetheFEST is being held online.

IX GoetheFEST under the slogan New Time, New World from 29 October to 4 November 2020 on the mojoff.net platform.

There are seven films on the program, six of which will have a Serbian premiere. All movies will be shown

DEEP FAKES AND THE INFOCALYPSE Nina Schick

Uroš Đurić, The Last Contemporary Art Exhibition

Until 5 November, Art Gallery – Cultural Centre of Belgrade

Uroš Đurić, present on the art scene for three decades, has never followed any established rules or guidelines nor belonged to any art movements. Back in 1994, when he, together with Stevan Markuš, wrote the Autonomism Manifesto, Đurić laid the foundations of his ideology and since then he has been developing his expression and poetics, faithful exclusively to his own beliefs about art that reflects the (class) society in which it is created. The Last Contemporary Art Exhibition will present to the Belgrade audience, for the first time, Đurić’s works from the Art for Class Society Series, started in 2012, together with his latest works. The intriguing title of the exhibition raises numerous questions about the phenomenon of the contemporary and the contradictions that the expression “contemporary art” involves. How to define contemporaneousness, how long does it last, when does it end and what comes after?

An original look at the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre - told in cartoons As graduates embark on the next phase of their lives, what better way to get them accustomed to the rat race they are about to enter than by introducing them to the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre? Cleverly told through the story of a pair of rats trapped in the labyrinth of existence, this allegory humorously conveys the key ideas of Sartre’s existential philosophy in graphicnovel form - accessible for students and readers of all ages.

In addition, two reputable Sartre scholars have contributed the introduction and afterword: Gary Cox, a British philosopher with a doctorate from the University of Birmingham, and Christine Daigle, professor of philosophy at Brock University in Canada.

for free on the online platform mojoff.net, and will then be available for viewing for 24 hours from the time specified in the program.

At the opening, a great film production Berlin Alexanderplatz by German director of Afghan origin Burhan Kurbani is waiting for us. Before us is a new adaptation of one of the most important novels of German modernism from 1929, Berlin’s Alexanderplatz by Alfred Deblin. After the film The Story of Franz Biberkopf by Phil Jucius from 1931, then the very influential TV series of the great Fassbinder in 1980, Kurbani with his film 2020 opens many important questions on the topic of migration, racism and modern slavery. A special recommendation for this extremely provocative sound-visual arrangement of an epic drama with a multitude of subtexts.

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“Deep Fakes and the Infocalypse is an urgent, thoughtful and thoroughly-researched book that raises uncomfortable questions about the way that information is being distorted by states and individuals. So-called ‘Deep Fakes’ are not only a real threat for democracy but they take the manipulation of voters to new levels. They will also affect ordinary people. This crisis of misinformation we are facing has been dubbed the ‘Infocalypse’.

Using her expertise from working in the field, Nina Schick reveals shocking examples of Deep Fakery and explains the dangerous political consequences of the Infocalypse, both in terms of national security and what it means for public trust in politics. She also unveils what it means for us as individuals, how Deep Fakes will be used to intimidate and to silence, for revenge and fraud, and how unprepared governments and tech companies are.

THE TALE OF GENJI Murasaki Shikibu

The first complete new translation for 25 years of the acknowledged masterpiece of Japanese literature. Lady Murasaki’s great 11th century novel is a beautifully crafted story of love, betrayal and death at the Imperial Court.

At the core of this epic is Prince Genji, the son of an emperor, whose passionate character, love affairs and shifting political fortunes, offer an equisite glimpse of the golden age of Japan. Royal Tyler’s superb new translation is scrupulously true to the Japanese original but appeals immeadiately to the modern reader. This edition also includes notes, glossaries, character lists and a chronology to enable the reader to appreciate the richness of this classic of world literature.

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AFTER WORK 10 OCT IWC BELGRADE GATHERING The International Women’s Club Belgrade (IWC) held its monthly Coffee Morning event on October 8th at the In Hotel in New Belgrade. More than 40 people, guests and members, were in attendance. Nonna Handmade, a company that provides authentic Serbian crafts and patterns for clothes and accessories, home goods, and gifts, displayed their products. IWC President Milica Lundin spoke, welcoming new members, alerting members to upcoming events, and giving an update on the latest IWC fund-raising project, a book titled “Belgrade Through the Eyes of Foreigners.” Proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward funding Covid-19 relief projects throughout Serbia.

14 BSF: TO REMAIN COMMITTED TO OCT VALUES AMID CRISIS This year the Belgrade Security Forum titled “No trust – No Peace” is happening under very specific circumstances, deprived of one of its main assets networking.

However, moderator Marko Savković led an inspiring discussion on what has been done in the past 10 years since the first iteration of the Forum.

Sonja Licht, President of Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, has remembered the very beginning of the Belgrade Security Forum. Following the example set by the great events in Europe, as the Munich Security Conference, GLOBSEC, and the Brussels Forum, the idea was to raise some of the most challenging issues important for the Balkans and beyond, approach them in an innovative way, respect and open debate about those issues by respecting different points of view.

13 COOPERATION BETWEEN SERBIA AND OCT THE EU IN EDUCATION The Tempus Foundation held a two-day online event “Cooperation between Serbia and the EU - Creating opportunities for improving education through the Erasmus + program.”

Given the end of the Erasmus + program (2014-2020) and the beginning of the next program (2021-2027), the goal of this event was to point out the importance of cooperation between Serbia and the EU through Erasmus +, program results and its impact on the development of institutions and organizations in Serbia.

Ambassador Sam Fabrizi, Head of the EU in Serbia, spoke about creating opportunities for improvement of the education through the Erasmus + program.

Also speaking were Ambassador of Germany Thomas Schieb and Ambassador of France Jean-Louis Falconi.

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19 OCT OPENING OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE WEEK Ambassador of Italy to Serbia Carlo lo Cascio opened the week of the Italian language in the World. Italian Language Week in the World is a manifestation that every year in October the Italian diplomatic network and the network of Italian cultural institutes mark with a rich cultural program whose focus is on the promotion of the Italian language. The 20th edition of the Italian Language Week in the World, which took place from 19 to 25 October 2020, deals with the topic “Italian between words and images: graffiti, illustration, comics”, which is the guiding thread for the organization of numerous activities that are organized simultaneously all over the world.

17 KOREAN PIANIST PERFORMS OCT IN BELGRADE South Korean classical piano star Yeol Eum Son held a concert at the Kolarac Hall in Belgrade. The young musician first drew international attention when she appeared as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Lorin Maazel in 2004. Her awards include the Silver Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition 2011, in which she also received the Best Chamber Concerto Performances and the Best Performance of the Commissioned Work.

This is Son’s second concert in Belgrade after her amazing performance with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2018, under the baton of Maestro Howard Griffiths.

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AFTER WORK

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28 MARKING OF THE COMPLETION OF OCT RECONSTRUCTION OF VALJEVO COAST FORTIFICATION 23 BSF: COMMON MARKET TO OCT BRING COMMON GROUND IN THE WESTERN BALKANS European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, opened today’s discussion on the perspectives and approaches towards the region of the Western Balkans by stating that the region was a priority for the Commission and that it started working on the renew of cooperation since the day one in the Office.

He mentioned three ways in which the EU Commission has already pushed the process forward – the new enlargement methodology has been set, and the accession talks were opened with North Macedonia and Albania, and finally the new investment plan for the whole region that could potentially rise up to 20 billion Euros.

Várhelyi pointed that the EU wants to create and support long-term plans which would lead to reforms aiming to transform the region into investment attraction and to create new jobs.

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November

In the last six years, the EU has set aside more than 170 million euros for flood prevention, as well as for recovery and rehabilitation, and Valjevo is only one of the cities that has benefited from that money. The rivers Kolubara, Obnica and Jablanica are protected from floods in a total length of six kilometres.

Reconstruction of the coastal fortification in Valjevo is one of the most demanding endeavours in this sector, they said from Srbijavod. The real test was in June this year when the entire facility withstood the flood without any consequences, and the water flow was almost at the maximum level. All this led to the fact that Valjevo is probably one of the most protected cities. To mark the completion of the works, the head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, Ambassador Sam Fabrizi, the director of the Austrian Cultural Center Adrian Feix on behalf of the embassy of that country, as well as the mayor of Valjevo Lazar Gojkovic, director of Srbijavod Goran Puzovic and director of the Office for Public Investment Management Marko Blagojević met near the Veselinovic bridge.

2020

USA - SERBIA

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CONTENT

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs DESIGN: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

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CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

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IT REPRESENTS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL ECONOMIC BRANCHES, INCLUDING MEDICINE

H.E ANTHONY F GODFREY, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

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GREAT STEP TAKEN AS A REGION AND AS BILATERAL PARTNERS

MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

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WE CAN ALWAYS DO BETTER

ZORAN PETROVIĆ PRESIDENT OF THE AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS

CASH IS EXPENSIVE AND RISKY

JELENA RISTIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER, MASTERCARD

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MIKE DE LA ROSA, USAID MISSION DIRECTOR

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INNOVATION IS THE BEST DRIVER

ZORAN DALJEVIĆ, CEO OF THE ATLANTIC GRUPA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SERBIA

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PANDEMIC HALTING INVESTMENT

SCIENCE

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29 30 32

BE ADAPTABLE

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RECYCLING IS OUR CHANCE

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U.S. BEST COLLEGE RANKINGS FOR 2021

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NEW LEADER, NEW PROGRESS

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (DFC)

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BUILD A FUTURE INSTEAD OF PREDICTING ONE

DRAGOLJUB CIBULIC, SENIOR PARTNER AT BDK ADVOKATI

NCR SERBIA SUCCESS STORY NCR

NEW APPROACH TO PROMOTING GROWTH

U.S. COLLEGE

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EDITORIAL MANAGER: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs

GENERAL MANAGER: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs

44 ART

PUBLISHER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

150 YEARS OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

DIRECTOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica PARTNER ROAD TO NEW PARTNERSHIP

ĐORĐE ĐOKIĆ, PARTNER, VUJINOVIĆ & ĐOKIĆ LAW OFFICE

VUJADIN ŠĆEKIĆ, DIRECTOR OF JUGOIMPEX D.O.O. NIŠ

OFFICE MANAGER: Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

FINANCE: Dragana Skrobonja finance@aim.rs

DIANA GLIGORIJEVIĆ, CO-OWNER, TELEGROUP

IVAN STANOJEVIĆ, OWNER OF STANTECH D.O.O.

KSENIJA KARIĆ, CEO OF SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

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MAN, SCIENTIST, PATRIOT MIHAJLO PUPIN (1854 – 1935)

TELEGROUP CREATES THE FUTURE

TOTAL DEDICATION TO CLIENTS

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

MIROSLAV VRANEŠ, DELL TECHNOLOGIES, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

HOW THE DFC WILL SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN SERBIA?

VLADIMIR POPOVIĆ, INGRAM MICRO MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE ADRIATIC REGION

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NATURAL BEAUTY

VLATKO SEKULOVIĆ, SEKULOVIĆ LAW OFFICE

19 WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO SERBIA’S PROGRESS

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10 BREATHTAKING U.S. CANYONS

Year: 2020 ISSN No. 2560-4465

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BIG TECH’S DOMINATION OF BUSINESS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS TECH

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

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COMMENT

Change Is In The Air The success of Serbia is not a partisan issue in the United States and our positive momentum will continue, regardless of the outcome of our November 3rd national election. We have much more work to do together, and I truly believe we are on the cusp of the greatest days yet for Serbia and the United States

H.E ANTHONY F GODFREY, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

T

he longer nights and crisp days of fall are reminders for us to slow down, focus on the family and home, and indulge in a little bit of nostalgia. I remember crisp October afternoons playing football with friends, or taking my children to Halloween parties, back in the days when we only used masks as part of costumes, not for everyday activities.

I will not indulge in nostalgia here for the “normal” way of life we had before COVID, apart from expressing my sadness for the many people who are no longer with us today because of this terrible virus, including my father and the family members of several people from my Embassy team.

Despite the challenges of 2020, we have reasons for optimism. I am hopeful a vaccine will soon be with us – arriving in record time, thanks to the concerted efforts of our best scientists. Change is also in the air regarding relations between the United States and Serbia. One year ago, when my family and I arrived in Belgrade, we were greeted with traditional Serbian hospitality, but it was no secret that the relationship between our nations was not where it should be, nor where it could be.

Although our official relationship was cordial, professional, and, frankly, a bit stuck, the connections between businesses and citizens were stronger than ever. As I traveled Serbia during my first year, I met so many people who talked about their relatives and friends in Chicago, Los Angeles, or my home state of New York. And I was amazed to see the entrepreneurial energy here in Serbia and the growing business relationships.

I even started to notice more American tourists “discovering” the great food, culture, and scenery of Serbia. Luckily, there’s more than enough pljeskavica, ajvar, and rakija to share. In fact, through USAID, we’re even helping Serbian companies to sell ajvar abroad.

Washington and Belgrade also seemed to have gotten the message that the time was ripe for a change in our official

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relationship. Presidents Trump and Vučić understand the importance of making decisions and then moving on them without delay. That’s exactly what they did, focusing on something both countries can easily accept: the need for better business and investment conditions.

There are still many political questions to be addressed.

In the meantime, we can work together to improve the region’s economy. The United States wants a strong and united Europe and Serbia to be a full member of the European Union. We also see business and investment opportunities in the Western Balkans, especially if the region can tear down trade barriers and become a dynamic emerging economic center in Europe.

Neighbors don’t always get along, but it doesn’t make economic sense to turn your back on business opportunities next door.

Just look at the United States: our largest trading partners are not China, Germany, or Japan – but Mexico and Canada.

Serbia can be the powerhouse economy of the Western Balkans. I applaud President Vučić for recognizing this potential, and for listening to the entrepreneurs who are driving Serbia’s economic engine. He also understands the importance of slowing the brain drain, by giving Serbia’s best and brightest minds reasons to stay home and help build their nation. These businesses and young people understand the importance of not allowing politics to block prosperity.

The success of Serbia is not a partisan issue in the United States and our positive momentum will continue, regardless of the outcome of our November 3rd national election. I am very proud of the renewed respect and friendship between the United States and Serbia. We want nothing more than to see our old friend succeed. This will not change, no matter the season. We have much more work to do together, but I truly believe we are on the cusp of the greatest days yet for Serbia and the United States.

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INTERVIEW

We Can Always Do Better ZORAN PETROVIĆ

PRESIDENT OF THE AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS

National authorities have plenty of room to influence the economic and business environment even under the conditions of a global pandemic. We expect the new Government, as has been the case to date, to work together with us to build a good business environment, but for us to work together more intensively, faster and more efficiently •••

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his year certainly isn’t a regular year for businesses worldwide, and that also goes for AmCham member companies in Serbia. “People’s health is endangered, and we are witnessing that public health systems are extremely sensitive to such shocks, and that they are very quickly overburdened,” says Zoran Petrović, President of the AmCham Board of Governors. “That certainly doesn’t

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change the fact that, even in these challenging times, businesses must continue to operate under the new conditions.”

It is up to governments around the world to show sensitivity and understanding for the given juncture to businesses that must be higher than ever, says Petrović. According to our interlocutor, the Government of Serbia responded fairly quickly, comprehensively and efficiently, helping companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to overcome the first blow of the crisis, primarily in order to maintain relatively stable employment levels. “The rating for the business climate is moderately satisfactory, and that also goes for expectations for 2021, where we see crucial obstacles to an improved business climate in the continuation of the COVID-19 virus epidemic, inefficient public administration

(especially in the areas of taxes, customs, forex operations, property rights, labor and the predictability of legislative changes) and the availability of labor,” says the President of the AmCham Board of Governors.

Has COVID-19 caused changes to the business environment and, if so, how? Can we blame the pandemic for all the changes that have taken place?

- The viral pandemic has impacted greatly on the way almost all companies do business. Digitization processes that had already started were further accelerated, and we were compelled to reorganize almost all business processes to the extent and in a way that we continue to provide services and deliver our products to our customers. Some coped better, some handled it worse, but they all worked very hard and fast to transform their business models. The majority of AmCham member companies still have more than half of their employees working from home, and this model is so far yielding good results. The question of what the post-epidemic period will look like remains, as well as what long-term effects it will have on the way business is done. The last decade

because we must no longer allow ourselves to pass laws and regulations concerning the economy without first consulting the economy, or without enough time being set aside to provide quality inputs on the contents of regulations. We need, together with the Government, to create an environment with clear rules of the game, and an environment in which the rules of the game are the same for everyone. When we reach that level, we are left with real market competition and real competition for the benefit of citizens, the state, and undoubtedly business. We expect the new Government, as has been the case to date, to work together with us to build just such a business environment, but for us to work together more intensively, faster and more efficiently.

In which areas is it possible to progress, and what kind of progress can be made? Is that progress in the legislative domain or in the practical application of regulations?

- In the annual “Investor Satisfaction and Confidence” survey, AmCham member companies consistently point out the problems that torment them in doing business. Institutional reforms are increasingly in the focus of our members, from year to year. Improving the rule of law, the efficiency of the judiciary and the fight The opening of the Belgrade office of DFC, i.e. the American against corruption are increasingly menDevelopment Bank, will be a positive signal to future tioned as indispensable preconditions for investors planning investments in Serbia and the region, realizing the effects of any sector-specific but will also provide support to existing investors who plan reforms. The predictability of amendments to expand their business activities in this region to legislation is no less important, while their consistent implementation has been high on AmCham’s reform agenda for years. Combined can be dubbed the decade of accelerating and transforming progress in all of these areas will provide a positive incentive business models, and the epidemic only further accelerated for existing domestic and foreign investors, but also act as and forced a shift in those ill-suited changes. It is no less a magnet for attracting new investors. important that none of the changes implemented are - and mustn’t be - to the detriment of the health of employees.

What kinds of expectations do your members have: What results will they end this year with; and will they manage What are the business sector’s expectations of the new to retain all the workplaces that they provided prior to Serbian government? If we take the Fiat factory in Kragujethe pandemic? vac as an example, which repeatedly postponed and halted - According to research on the negative effects of the production due to the global situation, and not due to the pandemic that AmCham conducted on two occasions, our situation with the pandemic in Serbia, can we see that as members expect a 25% drop in profitability and a 30% proof that national governments have very little room to drop in investment, but most of them don’t expect to face influence the economic environment? liquidity problems. The biggest cause of the decline in busi- National authorities have plenty of room to influence the economic and business environment. Governments are the ness activity, for as many as 68% of respondents, is falling drivers of changes in the business environment, and without demand for products and services, which is particularly political will, and cooperation with the business sector, these evident in the sectors of tourism and hospitality, transport changes come very slowly, and often include cardinal errors. and real estate. Apart from the majority of companies that In other words, without public-private dialogue between the intend to maintain the same number of employees until the state and businesses there is no progress, and that is what end of the year (71%), the number of those that plan to hire AmCham has been principally committed to for many years. new workers (14%) and those expecting to make layoffs We must have a broad, thorough and timely public discourse, (15%) is relatively similar.

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years already, and domestic private investment, the level of Many companies accelerated their digital transformation which should be higher. This bank cooperates directly with processes and organized work from home during the previous the private sector, primarily in developing countries. The period. How well ordered is the area of work from home? sectors that are financed by this bank are usually relate to - The mass directing of employees to work from home the infrastructure, agriculture, health and energy sectors, happened because of the epidemic. This was nothing new but also new, advanced technologies. No less importantly, for many of our member companies, as employees had DFC pays special attention to the SME sector and the that opportunity before. What was new was that we were development of women’s entrepreneurship. And these are forced to reorganize our businesses so that we could diprograms that work in cooperation with commercial banks. rect most employees to work from home. At this moment, All of this is important for us, because our economy also large sections of employees are still working from home, has great potential in the sector of micro while we are trying – depending on the and small companies, and we mustn’t epidemiological situation – to return forget that it is just such companies that employees to offices bit by bit, following represent the backbone of the success the instructions of the Governmental of every economy. It should be noted that crisis task force. Our colleagues from European institutions, such as the Eurothe AmCham HR Forum discussed both the positive and negative effects of pean Investment Bank and the European working from home in great detail. They Bank for Reconstruction and Developare considering whether permanent ment, have also been present with their work from home could be a lasting offices in Belgrade for a long time and option for some jobs and some industhat they have helped, and continue to help, in the development of the private tries, and it is to be expected – due to and public sector, with significant funds. the new circumstances - that working from home will become more frequent than has been the case to date. On the Could the DFC’s arrival influence the deciother hand, there are challenges in the sions of private investors from America individual motivation of employees and to invest more in Serbia? monitoring their performance, but also - The opening of the DFC office in Belin preserving and building a team spirit, grade only serves to further confirm that nurturing the corporate culture and Belgrade is becoming the financial center hiring and introducing new colleagues. of the region and that some projects will There are also sectors in which frequent soon find themselves on the radar of supsocial interaction among employees is crucial, so in that sense the significance of According to research on the negative effects of the pandemic the team, communication and leadership that AmCham conducted on two occasions, our members is very important.

expect a 25% drop in profitability and a 30% drop in investment, while expectations vary regarding employment levels

What could the arrival of America’s Development Finance Corporation (DFC) mean for Serbia? How can we take advantage of the opportunities provided?

- The opening of the Belgrade office of DFC, i.e. the American Development Bank, will be a positive signal to future investors planning investments in Serbia and the region, but will also provide support to existing investors who plan to expand their business activities in this region. The arrival in Belgrade of such an important financial institution from the U.S. places our country on the list of desirable investment destinations and creates the possibility for us to strengthen both the inflow of foreign direct investment, which has contributed to a high share of GDP for several

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port thanks to the physical presence of the DFC. Alongside the implementation of the mini-Schengen initiative, this will provide a positive impetus to the economic development of the region, encouraging a faster flow of people, goods, services, and capital. Additionally, it is expected that in the future U.S. companies planning investments in Serbia or the region will turn to the DFC for information on the potential for investment on the ground, which will help them in making decisions. Of course, there are still a lot of tasks that we need to resolve, and AmCham member companies highlight the rule of law, corruption and predictability in the adopting of regulations that impact on doing business.

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INTERVIEW

We Remain Committed To Serbia’s Progress MIKE DE LA ROSA

USAID MISSION DIRECTOR We’re confident that the new Serbian government will remain committed to our shared priorities: Serbia’s EU accession and stimulating the economy. We’ll continue assisting government institutions to meet the public’s demand for improved accountability and responsiveness, as well as making Serbia a more attractive place to do business •••

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e spoke with Mike De La Rosa, USAID Mission Director, ahead of the finalization of the new USAID five-year strategy for Serbia. We also took the opportunity provided by this interview to briefly discuss USAID’s accomplishments over the course of almost two decades.

USAID has been in Serbia since 2001. How much assistance has USAID provided and what has changed during that time?

- You’re right, and next year we’ll actually be celebrating 20 years of our successful partnership with Serbia. So far, the U.S. has provided over $1 billion in assistance during this period, with nearly $840 million provided directly by USAID. Our focus has, from the start, been centered on supporting good governance and creating the right conditions for economic

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growth, but we’ve also provided emergency assistance over the years, to help Serbia with crises such as flooding and, more recently, COVID-19.

One of our biggest initial priorities was to help people to more directly participate in decision making and governance at the local level. We brought people together to discuss pressing needs and to decide which ones they wanted to partner on. Through just one of our programs, for example, we undertook more than 5,000 separate activities ranging from renovating health centers to supporting small businesses. Having garnered trust at the local level, we then began working with forward-looking partners at the national level, to help drive needed reforms. Most people who run for government, and work in government, really do want to be more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses, but they often lack the right tools to do so. We provide those tools.

On the economic growth side, we’ve always approached the obstacles to doing business from both the supply and demand

sides. This means helping the Government to reform policies and regulations to bolster legitimate private sector development, while working with entrepreneurs on the demand side to help them better compete on the local, regional, and international markets. Wherever we work, we consult with our government and non-government counterparts to understand the challenges and to see how best to drive transformation and sustainable change. We then figure out what is doable with the resources we have, roll up our sleeves, and get to work.

What will be your priorities for cooperation with the new Serbian government that’s currently being formed?

- We’re not expecting major changes in how we partner with the Government. We’re confident it will remain committed to our shared priorities: Serbia’s EU accession and stimulating the economy. We’ll continue assisting government institutions to meet the public’s demand for improved accountability and responsiveness, as well as making Serbia a more attractive place to do business.

We’re currently in the process of finalizing a new fiveyear strategy that will build on the work we’ve already done, but we’ll also be looking to explore new opportunities. One

tries where we work, and hopefully our partnership with Serbia will evolve similarly.

The pandemic has actually served to illustrate how much progress Serbia has made on its Journey to Self-Reliance. As with most countries, the Serbian health system endured significant strain, and the economy suffered a big hit – but, overall, Serbia has displayed tremendous resilience. This isn’t a particularly easy time for any country, but the hard work of everyone here – from doctors to street cleaners – has been paying off. We’ve seen civil society organizations and companies, many of which are our partners, delivering food for the elderly or making masks for health workers. With winter coming, Serbia will need to continue to stand strong. Going forward, we’ll work with Serbia to mitigate the impact of this and future crises, and to continue along its path of economic and democratic development.

In addition to helping Serbia become more resilient in the face of future crises, how have you directly assisted Serbia in responding to the challenges of the pandemic during these last six months?

- We’ve actually provided quite a bit of assistance to battle the pandemic during these last several months. USAID funded and partnered with One of the overriding themes of our new five-year different UN agencies to help meet Serstrategy will be to help halt the brain-drain by driving bia’s most pressing needs, including the reforms that show youngsters that they can build provision of COVID test kits, oxygen contheir futures here in Serbia centrators, pulse oximeters, patient monitors, X-ray machines, and testing containers for health facilities. of the overriding themes will be to help halt the brain-drain We also worked through UNICEF and the Serbian Red Cross by driving reforms that show youngsters that they can build to provide food parcels, hygiene, sanitation, and educationtheir futures here in Serbia. We know that improving the environment for doing business will allow innovative companies al kits for thousands of vulnerable families. Ahead of the recent elections in June, we provided the Election Commission to create more and higher-paying jobs, but good jobs are only part of the equation. People also want to know that they with a COVID Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategy and can enjoy the same rights and opportunities they would have helped them to inform voters about effective safety measures. abroad. Stimulating regional economic growth is a U.S. priorAnd we’re working right now with the regional COVID hospital ity, as reflected by this year’s efforts of Special Presidential in Pančevo to get its heating and hot water system working Envoy Richard Grenell. properly and efficiently. Meanwhile, other sections of the U.S. Government, like the Department of Defense, stepped up to Did your post-COVID strategic priorities change as a result send Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other items of the pandemic? If so, in what sense? requested by the Serbian Government.

- We’ve certainly had to adjust the way we work, and while we may be exploring other sectors to work in, such as health, Based on the surveys you’ve conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which areas do businesses need assisour development priorities have not fundamentally changed. tance the most?

Wherever we work, our goal is to work ourselves out of a job.

- For small and medium-sized enterprises, which we commonTo do this, we work to help countries along what we call the ly refer to as SMEs, the short answer is financing and digitizaJourney to Self-Reliance. An excellent example of how this tion. This pandemic has required most businesses to pivot in works is one of our largest beneficiaries of U.S. assistance some significant way. While half of businesses were able to from years ago – South Korea. Today, the Korean equivalent transition some employees to telework, we also saw that 20 of USAID actually partners with us in some of the other coun-

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percent of respondents reduced business operations and near- I believe that when you create a strong business enabling enly 15 percent had to temporarily shut up shop. Overall, nearly vironment, you make investing in Serbia more attractive for 90 percent of companies expect revenues to drop this year. both domestic and international investors. For a country like We knew that having eCommerce capacities was imporSerbia, you need foreign investments to create jobs, but, of tant for SME growth even before the pandemic. USAID actucourse, you want to make sure these investments are benefially helped the Government of Serbia to produce its E-comcial for local communities and the country without hampering merce Development Program and Action Plan, which was adthe growth of viable businesses that already exist. opted several months before the pandemic hit Serbia. This Regarding our partner SMEs, we were working with them capacity for eCommerce has now become indispensable for even before the pandemic to introduce digital solutions and most businesses. The exponential growth in food deliveries diversify their markets. This has definitely helped them to this year shows how this works. Restaurants could keep makmitigate the impact. Online sales are here to stay, and domesing food and continue serving their customers. Brick and mortic online payments in Serbia have skyrocketed over the last tar shops also began dipping their toes into two years. We saw that once the pandemic online marketplaces, but this shift is still in hit, many SMEs quickly transitioned to selling more online, accelerating digital transits infancy. Buyers need to feel that shopping online is both convenient and safe. In formation and essentially mainstreaming order for this to happen, companies need it. Our partner, the Shopen.com platform, to invest in things like cybersecurity, which facilitated this transition free of charge in requires financing. order to help SMEs switch to online sales.

Speaking of financing, helping busiSMEs all over the country took advantage nesses to more easily access credit would and now more than 500 are actively using hugely spur Serbia’s economy. In this regard, the platform. Another great example is the USAID recently partnered with the Minisstartup Gajbica.rs. They pivoted from cortry of Agriculture to develop a $91 million porate to home food deliveries and experienced a 500% increase in orders and even loan guarantee for a wide range of SMEs hired more staff. Even in the post-COVID-19 operating in the agriculture sector. In just period, we expect that many of these drathe first year, the commercial banks with matic shifts in how businesses do their work which we’re working have already provided $20 million in loans, and they expect to will in fact continue, and we’ll work with our provide another $20 million in loans in the partner SMEs to transition into this brave next couple of months, as a result of our new world. loan guarantee. Given USAID’s tremendous success in the agricultural sector, USAID helped the Government of Serbia to produce the we’ll also be exploring sizable loan guarE-commerce Development Program and Action Plan, which antees in the media and energy sectors, was adopted several months before the pandemic hit Serbia. where an inability to access credit is alThis capacity for eCommerce so problematic.

Additionally, we assisted the Ministry of Finance in creating the new Alternative Investment Funds EU accession is by far the most important goal for Serbia.

Law, which is instrumental in supporting the private equity How do you plan to assist this process in the coming period? market. We helped develop the new law along with a novel - We obviously support Serbia’s decision to pursue EU membership – it’s our top priority as well. So, all our programming set of tax incentives to spur local equity investment. Adopted a year ago, this new law represents a cornerstone of the is aligned with Serbia’s efforts to move in that direction. Regardless of when Serbia enters the EU, the actual process of improved financial system in Serbia, since it helped with the adopting and executing the required reforms to legislation establishment of a local investment fund market and broadened the range of available equity financing options. to meet this goal ultimately benefits Serbia, and the country’s people. As such, we coordinate closely with our EU colSome people suggest that, under these new circumstances, leagues, especially in the areas of rule of law, media reform, Serbia needs to change its growth strategy by focusing on and anti-corruption, while our private sector assistance focuses on creating a functioning market economy to help Serdomestic companies. How well are the companies that were bia become increasingly more competitive. supported by USAID handling the challenges of the pandemic?

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NCR

CORPORATE

NCR Serbia Success Story U.S.-based NCR Corporation first launched its operations in Serbia in 2011, as a small customer support center with 300 employees. Nine years later, the number of employees has increased more than tenfold, with NCR Serbia today employing around 4,000 people who contribute significantly to NCR’s various development projects

S

haping the future for 135 years, NCR the priorities of NCR’s global strategy for the NCR’s talented and dedicated Serbia emCorporation is the world’s enterprise digitization of business processes. ployees provide proactive, remote, multilingual technology leader for restaurants, Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the support in 20 different languages, investing retailers and banks, and it stands NCR Corporation has over 34,000 employees their knowledge and creativity to simplify their at the forefront of transactions that run the in 160 countries, and NCR office in Serbia is customers’ operations. Their projects range world around us. The No.1 global POS software among the largest, boasting around 4,000 from software development and programming, provider for retail and hospitality, and the No.1 employees. via engineering and automation, to Robotic provider of multi-vendor ATM software, NCR NCR has come a long way in Serbia since Process Automation (RPA) design. creates software, hardware and services for its beginnings nine years ago, when around 300 Encouraged by the excellent customer its clients that run the enterprise from the employees were mostly providing customer dedication and business results of its Serback office to the front end, and everything service support to NCR’s clients across the bia employees, the company decided to in between. strengthen its presence in Serbia Long known for manufacturwith the construction of a new Encouraged by the excellent ing cash registers and ATMs, NCR state-of-the-art office: the Belcustomer dedication and business results is today a leading software- and grade campus. This 30,000 squareof its Serbian employees, the company services-led enterprise provider, ofmeter building is NCR’s biggest decided to strengthen its presence in fering its clients advanced software campus in Europe, and it reflects Serbia with the construction of a new solutions and digital connected the NCR culture as well as its role state-of-the-art office: the Belgrade campus services. From its early days as as a global technology leader. The the inventor of the paper receipt technologies and standards apand mechanical cash register, to its recent globe. NCR Serbia team was soon recognized plied in its construction are the first of their software solutions and services, NCR’s sucas efficient, professional and innovative, and kind in Serbia. The building holds the LEED cess has come as a result of changing the the number of employees has been increasing Gold certificate, confirming that is efficient, way things are done across the company. An every year. Business operations at the Serbia cost-effective and good for both occupants innovative and proactive approach to doing office have transformed over these nine years, and the environment. The construction of business enables NCR to always respond to with Serbia having become a strategic hub this world-class work environment will be customers’ demands quickly and efficiently. for NCR’s further business development and completed in the first half of 2021, when it In today’s digital world, digital connected innovation, especially in the area of digital will serve as a platform for further growth services and digital transformation are among connected services. and transformation of NCR’s Serbia team.

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INTERVIEW

Great Step Taken As A Region And As Bilateral Partners MARKO ČADEŽ,

PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

America's active engagement, and a new, constructive, economic approach to solving complex and difficult topics representing the biggest obstacle to economic and political normalization in the region, have unblocked the cooperation process and introduced a new dimension to bilateral relations. I am deeply convinced that this will contribute to maximizing the potential to strengthen our economic ties ~ Marko Čadež

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hamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia (CCIS) President Marko Čadež has no doubt that a new chapter of bilateral relations, and especially closer economic relations between the two countries, was opened at the highest level during recent talks in Washington. “The agreement reached in Washington, and the speed with which its implementation began with the international Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the work on defining specific projects, are important for the normalization of economic relations between Belgrade and Priština, and for the growth and development of the entire region, but also for future economic and overall relations between Serbia and America”, says our interlocutor. Čadež believes that America’s active engagement, and a new, constructive, economic approach to solving complex and difficult topics that haven’t only burdened relations between Belgrade and Priština for year, but which also represent the biggest obstacle to economic and political normalization in the region, have unblocked the cooperation process. “At the same time”, he adds, “it also

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brought a turning point, a new dimension and new prospects to Serbian-American bilateral relations. I am deeply convinced that this will contribute to maximizing the potential to strengthen our economic ties. Not only because of the significant funds with which the U.S.’s state development bank and its partners will support projects, but also because the U.S. administration is thereby sending an excellent message to its own business community, and the international one, that Serbia and the region represent a place worthy of their investments”, says the CCIS president.

How important are the infrastructure projects that will be supported by the DFC at this time when the country is confronting the COVID-19 pandemic?

- Strengthening regional economic integration and cooperation, building a common Western Balkan space as soon as possible and ensuring the deeper inclusion of the region in the unified legal and economic system of the European Union are of crucial importance for the economies of the region to recover from the consequences

of the Coronavirus pandemic. Stronger regional connectivity and the faster recovery of the Western Balkan economies will also be supported by capital transport and energy infrastructure projects, the implementation of which will be supported by the DFC, but also investments in equipping industrial zones in terms of infrastructure will also be extremely important for attracting new investors. Projects like the construction of the Niš-Pristina Highway, the construction and modernization of the railway on the northern and eastern branches towards Priština, and their further connection with the port of Drač (Durres) on the Adriatic coast aren’t only important for Belgrade and Priština, but also for the economy of the entire region. These projects are important for the economy, because of all the benefits that infrastructure development brings as a prerequisite for better economic coopera-

building of a common regional market without barriers and the Western Balkans as a single investment destination represents a significant step forward in the realization of the Mini Schengen initiative. I believe that Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina will recognize the interest of their business communities and will also join us very soon.

That’s because, let me remind you, that the construction of a common regional market will expand the operational space of domestic business people. It will reduce costs significantly, increase competitiveness, accelerate trade and enable growth in the trade exchange within the region and with the world. At the same time, it will make the Western Balkans more attractive for the international business community, for foreign companies that are already present and want to expand in the region, but also for future investors who will be able to count on a large regional market of 18 million consumers.

The transformation of the Western Balkans into a single investment destination, which is now being joined by Priština, according to the Washington Agreement, represents a significant step forward in implementing the Mini Schengen initiative tion, greater competitiveness and doing business more efficiently.

They will also ease the implementation of the “Mini Schengen”, as the zone of a common regional market and the free movement of people, goods, services and capital.

It is equally important for our economies that support be provided to the SME sector, through a guarantee scheme and a special credit line, as well as support for private sector investment projects, companies in the areas of manufacturing and services - from energy and security, via the food industry and logistics, to IT and high technology.

Could it be said that the Mini Schengen idea has now gained momentum and significance?

- The fact that, according to the agreement from Washington, Priština is joining Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania in the

Is there positive energy from all sides when it comes to strengthening economic cooperation between Belgrade and Priština, and the Western Balkans as a whole?

- The start of the implementation of the Washington Agreement within a period shorter than three weeks after it was signed is the best proof of that positive energy, and the interest of the business communities is the best incentive for those agreements and deals to be realized. It is up to us to make the best use of the opportunities creates by this agreement, to prepare and implement projects as quickly as possible, so that the economy and citizens feel progress as soon as possible.

The projects envisioned by the Washington Agreement that will be supported by the DFC are important for our member companies, but also for the development of the entire region, and for stronger regional economic connections, which the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce advocate for and are already working on together.

The formation of a joint team to support more efficient project implementation provides an additional contribution to the imple-

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mentation of the Agreement, economic normalization, connecting our business people and regional cooperation, which we have been advocating for years and which we are working on together with other members of the Chamber Investment Forum.

What, if anything, are the challenges?

- Since the agreement was reached in Washington, I’ve been asked often what the guarantees are that the deals signed will be respected and the agreement will be implemented. The Washington Agreement is a framework that obliges politicians to implement specific projects. In addition to this, I see no reason not to fulfill the obligations undertaken, especially since this is one of those agreements that ensure no one loses anything and we all win together.

It provides us with a great opportunity to make the best use of opportunities that open the way to a better life for the people who live in this area and the more successful operations of businesses.

Business people support the agreement, because they recognize the benefits, as it will make their operations easier and enable them to earn money, hire people, and maintain their businesses.

This also applies to the deals reached and agreements signed within the scope of the Mini Schengen initiative. Their consistent and urgent application has been requested by the joint regional chamber of the Western Balkan six to all governments in the region.

Following the recent establishment of the Business Council, as the advisory body of the Chamber Investment Forum, the Forum will monitor progress on removing mutual obstacles to more successful business on the ground on a daily basis, and will regularly inform the governments of the region about that, proposing measures to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, thus making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business and reduce costs.

How is the current structure of the trade exchange between Serbia and America, and what would you like to see in this regard?

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- Economic cooperation between the two countries was primarily marked by the investments of American companies in Serbia during the previous period. There are ever more American investors in Serbia every year, and their contribution - through production, exports and employment - is increasing constantly. According to American sources, the total investments of U.S. companies in Serbia, including investments from their European branches and through global acquisitions, amount to about four billion dollars. I believe that the engagement of the DFC and other U.S. government agencies in Serbia and the region, as well as the new opportunities created for potential investors with the construction of a common Western Balkan market, are also excellent signals for U.S. private capital.

When it comes to mutual trade between Serbia and America, despite significant proportional growth over the past two years, the level of exchange achieved - 854.4 million dollars, including Serbian exports worth 303 million dollars - is far below the realistic possibilities. The potential for the growth of trade and greater utilization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is really large. The capacity to increase exports to the U.S. market and strengthen cooperation can be found in the agri-food sector, the metal (auto parts and metal processing), textiles, special-purpose and furniture industries, and in energy (wind farms, solar farms).

The exchange of services has become increasingly important in the total exchange of the two countries in recent years. Last year, along with the growth of both exports and imports by a third, the value of these services exceeded 800 million dollars. Unlike the trade exchange, which is burdened by a deficit, in the exchange of services Serbia, with exports last year worth 596 million dollars, has a surplus that exceeds the value of exported goods to America. Special potential to further increase the exchange of services lies with the fast-growing Serbian ITC sector, which the world and American media have dubbed the Silicon Valley of the Western Balkans, and which has innovative products that are already being used by American companies and institutions. This is particularly important for us, given that America holds a third of the world IT services market, is among the most innovative countries in the world and is the home of the largest multinational technology companies.

I discussed this at the beginning of the year, during my stay in America, with the leaders of the Council for the Information Technology Industry (ITI), from whom we received support for the initiative of CCIS and its members to open a Serbian house in Silicon Valley, which would host entrepreneurs and experts in technologies from Serbia and the Western Balkans and strengthen ties with this global technology hub. I believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has only temporarily postponed the agreements we reached at the time with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce regarding the visit of an American business delegation to Serbia and one of business leaders from Serbia and the region to America.

JELENA RISTIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER, MASTERCARD

CORPORATE

Cash Is Expensive And Risky Mastercard is a company that stays on top of payment trends by carefully monitoring consumer needs, while its combination of safe and flexible technologies, data insights and partnerships ensure that Mastercard can accelerate the digital shift in a meaningful way

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crisis can be a generator of thinking that’s out-of-the-box, and considerations that innovations should be market-relevant and tailored to actual needs. People are now increasingly relying on the practicality, safety and speed of electronic payments, but it remains to be seen how they will use them

actually tried Ecommerce for the first time during the lockdown. What we need to bear in mind is that today’s changes are pioneering tomorrow’s innovations.

Given that Serbia has been a predominantly cash market, do we need additional education on how to use modern technologies? What role does Mastercard play in this?

- The cash economy is still massive and what we need to understand as a society is that cash is an expensive and risky burden for future growth, and that technology actually helps make markets more resilient and sustainable.

Only when parties understand how technolo-

support. We are strongly aligned to partners throughout the ecosystem and some of our most recent educational initiatives include the Guide for Safe and Secure Online Shopping with USAID, SurfShop intensive workshops with the Association of young businessmen of Serbia, the eCommerce Association Academy, on-boarding support for existing and new online shops in partnership with OTP Bank, etc.

We’ll continue with education and relevant launches to ensure that each party maximizes the potential that digital technologies have to offer.

The pandemic brought some new trends.

Would we be right in saying that some innovations planned for next year were introduced in a few months of this year?

- If there is something positive in the pandemic, it is the openness with which consumers Are you ready for the dynamic growth of embraced new payment methods users among both consumers and and the readiness of retailers and retailers?

Only when parties understand how financial institutions to cater to - The on-going digital evolution technologies and concrete solutions work the continuing shift in consumer will only accelerate further and will they be willing to try habits. The growth of cashless, businesses that bravely embrace contactless and online payments innovations will have the highest are such examples – the recommendations gies and concrete solutions work will they be chances of achieving sustainable growth. The of the WHO promoting card usage drove willing to try them out, and then practice builds digital economy is needed more than ever people away from excessive amounts of cash habit and usage. before and we mustn’t forget that it implies and ATMs. We’re seeing a strong push among Focusing on Ecommerce, there is a need a global scale. Mastercard’s forte is our global retailers for contactless payments, which to continue educating cardholders on how to network, which processes more than 87 billion consumers strongly support, so in this light navigate online shopping. At the same time, transactions per year and enables us to easily we increased the limit for PIN-less contactless retailers need to be online in order to avoid scale upstream and downstream demand, while payments from 3,000 to 4,000 dinars, as an falling off shoppers’ radars, as well as to excel our unique position within the payment ecoadditional element promoting peace-of-mind at end-to-end customer service. Financial and system ensures that we can provide relevant when people shop in-store. But it’s online payregulatory sectors must facilitate the growsupport to all stakeholders in their efforts to ments that have become the new first choice ing demand, and the best way to do that is to expand. We are looking forward to this dynamic for consumers, with our latest MasterIndex adapt global success stories. All these can be growth, because it will confirm that the market Serbia study showing that 10% of people achieved with proper, timely and educated is safely headed along the digitization route.

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CORPORATE

DRAGOLJUB CIBULIC, SENIOR PARTNER AT BDK ADVOKATI

How Will The DFC Support Infrastructure Projects In Serbia?

Over a month has passed since DFC's representatives visited Belgrade, and now might be a good time to highlight a couple of points related to the announced arrival of the DFC in the region

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and how many additional major infrastructerms of the potential to ease tensions t the outset, it is worth recalling ture projects the treasury can sustain. PPP between Serbs and Albanians and achieve that the Development Finance and concession structures are also more long-term stability.

Corporation (DFC) is already desirable from the perspective of competiThe DFC approach to developing infrapresent in the region. This newly tiveness and transparency of the approval structure differs from the approach of other created U.S. development bank is the process. Their downside, however, is in the development banks, in that DFC does not successor to OPIC, which was involved fact that they are more time consuming lend directly to governments but instead in a number of projects in Serbia and the and, at the end of the day, may still require a supports private investments in such proregion, primarily in issuing guarantees for certain level of governmental support if the jects through public-private partnerships sector-specific lending programs carried development of the relevant infrastructure and concession structures. In order to utilize out by local banks. is not bankable on its own. the DFC’s funds in the development of vital What’s new is that the DFC has an inSerbia is currently showered with offers infrastructure projects, Serbia will have creased lending capacity of $60 billion of significant development funds from the to adjust its preferred structure for the (twice that of OPIC) and an expanded remit world’s three superstates – the allowing it to invest in equity and U.S., EU and China. Some of these project pre-development studies.

In order to utilize the DFC’s funds investment offers overlap. The However, the most important for the development of vital infrastructure Serbian Government has so far change is its mission, which is shown readiness to go beyond to advance U.S. foreign policy projects, Serbia will have to adjust its the usual and even split a proand offer “a robust alternative to preferred structure for the development ject between interested parties state-directed investment that of infrastructure, which has been to (with the Belgrade Metro, for often leaves countries saddled take out a sovereign loan from example). However, it will not be with debt”. Obviously, the DFC’s a development bank to finance easy to maintain that approach, mission is to counter the Belt works carried out by a contractor given that different actors have and Road initiative and provide conflicting interests. The Serbian an alternative source for develGovernment should choose the appropriate development of infrastructure, which has oping countries to finance infrastructure structure for specific investments carebeen to take out a sovereign loan from a development. fully, and the optimal source of financing development bank to finance works carried It is therefore not surprising that the for them. Most importantly, the selection out by a contractor. A different approach flagship projects featured during meetings of projects should be based on a national could be beneficial for the national budget, between the DFC and Serbian officials investment strategy that’s coherent and which has taken a major beating from the are two transport infrastructure projects publicly scrutinized. ongoing pandemic. It is questionable whether that are of major political significance in

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CORPORATE

VLADIMIR POPOVIĆ, INGRAM MICRO MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE ADRIATIC REGION

New Leader, New Progress Ingram Micro is a company that continues to build good relations with its partners and vendors. To date it has done so in the Non-EU region, but also in Croatia and Slovenia, while the goal of the new managing director for the Adriatic region is to continue with its successful trend on new markets

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ork from home represented a new opportunity for the IT industry, because it was necessary to create a safe environment in which employees within a single organization will be able to exchange all information in a secure way, explains Vladimir Popović, Ingram Micro’s new MD for the Adriatic Region.

Your impressive career has also included executive positions at companies SAP and New Frontier. You’ve been with Ingram Micro for the last three years and recently took charge of the entire region.

How much more work and responsibility does that entail?

- From the start of my career, I’ve approached every obligation extremely seriously and responsibly, striving to give my all, and to do everything in my power to improve the operations of the company at which I was working. This new position also brings with it new challenges, but I will also approach them in an extremely professional and dedicated way. The responsibility is greater because, in addition to the territories I’ve managed to date, I now also manage two developed EU markets that need to be further developed.

The IT market is growing despite global difficulties, but Ingram Micro is also expanding its competencies and field of

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work. What are the company’s dominant areas of focus in our region?

- As has been the case to date, the main focus of Ingram Micro is on continuing to build good relations with its partners, on the one hand, and with vendors, on the other.

We endeavor to support our partners in responding to market demands and challenges in the best possible way. We’ve so far done that successfully in the Non-EU region, and we’ve also done it in Croatia and Slovenia. My goal is to develop even more competencies and knowhow in order to continue the successful trend in the Adriatic region.

How much has the global situation caused changes to the market situation? Has the introduction of work from home changed infrastructure and solutions?

- The global pandemic has confronted all of humanity with the kind of challenge that no one has previously experienced.

Changes have occurred in all walks of life, so our industry has also sustained huge changes. The new reality opened our eyes and showed us what employees really need in order to do their jobs efficiently. Although it was thought that working from home, at a distance, would have an adverse impact on team atmosphere, this didn’t happen in our case.

Interestingly, one of the biggest challenges of working from home is security,

which many companies only started thinking about with the outbreak of the pandemic.

Our product range includes a whole range of excellent security solutions for every situation and challenge that can confront our partners’ clients.

How did you organize training under the new conditions? Have all the advantages of cloud infrastructure now been demonstrated?

- Part of the training has been transferred online, but there are still educational activities that are performed at our training center, with all preventive measures.

We’ve also established a partnership with Pearson VUE, thereby making available to our partners and end users a large number of certificates and tests according to the highest world standards.

It was expected that expansion of cloud infrastructure and cloud-based operations would come, because there are countless advantages in the fact that something exists virtually, with everyone able access it wherever it is located.

Is it difficult to be a high-ranking manager during such times of change? What are your personal motives and driving force?

- There are many possible answers to this question, but here I would like to be short and sharp: Every success of my team gives me new energy to deal with all challenges.

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CORPORATE

KSENIJA KARIĆ, CEO OF SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Build A Future Instead Of Predicting One Schneider Electric is recognized worldwide as an essential business that provides service continuity to critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, data centers, IT networks, temperature-controlled food supply chains, energy, transportation, and water cycle management

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waste reduction, and energy efficiency. power supply reliability is essential. n the future, digitized energy systems “Our company has developed solu“Uncertain situations and crises highmay be able to identify who needs energy and deliver it at the right tions that help customers achieve the light the importance of using emerging time, in the right place and at the norms of the industry of the future. To technologies and innovations in healthlowest cost. But getting everything right achieve the promised benefits of the care systems. To ensure best-in-class will not be easy. Overall, the year 2020 next generation industrial environment, patient care at all times, it’s mandatory marked the culmination of the decade underlying technology infrastructure for healthcare facilities to have a resilient, of digital transformation, while 2021 will designs will need to incorporate and sustainable and future-ready ecosystem”, define the beginning of the decade of support industrial stakeholders who says Karić. smart transformation and intelligent prioritize investments leading to innovaSchneider Electric has curated inautomation, with AI-based solutions tive software and services that enable sights from experts and the finest minds already progressively permeating all the gathering and analysis of data, rather in the healthcare industry to develop a industries. than to traditional hardware”, adds Karić. complete solution for hospitals – the “This year we’ve been challenged to On the other hand, our new reality and EcoStruxure for Healthcare platform, do things differently, to think in a disrupthe continuing coronavirus crisis has also which provides consistent energy for hospital equipment. The main tive way, and to find solutions characteristic of this system is to issues never previously adSchneider Electric has curated insights that you make data-based decidressed. The new reality has from experts and the finest minds in also imposed different patterns sions and optimize resource the healthcare industry to develop a of behavior on us all. And IT is availability in all healthcare taking over industrial operainfrastructure—power districomplete solution for hospitals – the tions”, says Ksenija Karić, CEO bution, IT, and HVAC. EcoStruxure for Healthcare platform, which of Schneider Electric Serbia “We plan to dedicate ourprovides consistent energy for hospital and Montenegro, adding that selves to this business segment equipment. The main characteristic of the architecture of industrial in the coming period, and will be this system is that you make data-based automation has done a good job happy to join any initiative that decisions and optimize resource availability of advancing industry to where aims to increase the efficiency in all healthcare infrastructure—power we are today. of hospital systems”, says Karić, distribution, IT, and HVAC Her advice for industrial noting that Schneider Electric facilities is for them to build a together with the Development competitive advantage by focusing on the Center for ADMS in Novi Sad - is one the prompted Schneider Electric to focus implementing of digital solutions if they biggest IT companies in Serbia, as well as more on the solutions used in medical want to experience the benefits of such a being a leading company in the digitizafacilities. The application of IoT solutions transformation in terms of higher speed, in hospitals is of great importance, while tion and automation of energy solutions.

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MIROSLAV VRANEŠ, DELL TECHNOLOGIES, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

CORPORATE

IT Represents The Foundation Of All Economic Branches, Including Medicine The current year differs completely from all previous years, in terms of being challenging, demanding and unpredictable. Clients are demanding the fast and efficient transformation of their own operations, and Dell EMC – as a technology leader and one of the world's largest companies - helps with digital transformation in order to adapt operations to the new situation as easily as possible.

We are witnessing the great responsibility and high level of awareness of our users, as well as a swift change of priorities in the implementation of projects adapted to existing challenges

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pandemic and to what extent did those channels impact on traditional business models?

- We use all communication channels and platforms that are already generally accepted, such as Zoom,Teams and Skype, for daily communication, both internal between employees and for external communication with our partners and users. They are very easy to use How can the positive aspects of work from and exchange all digital materials. home be preserved even when the On the other hand, the number of threat of the pandemic abates?

By using virtual communication channels “virtual” meetings has increased - Dell Technology switched to fully we gain additional opportunities in the significantly, which requires better working from home about ten days form of fast exchanges of digital materials, personal organization of time and before the state of emergency recording contents, easier follow-up, easy priorities. was declared. “Workforce Transsearches and returning to a desired formation”, as one of the biggest part. Likewise, it is much easier for all The owners of your company, initiatives of our company, enabled participants to stay on topic Michael and Susan Dell, donated us to instantly switch to adapting more than $100 million for the to work in a virtual office. audio and video content and participate in the struggle against COVID-19?

The pandemic merely accelerated the actual conversation, while for others you’re - That’s right... Through their foundation, the transformation of human resources and aware of whether they are even actaully Dells invested large sums of money for the showed us the direction in which we need to present, whether they are listening to you testing and development of a medicine for develop further and what to strive towards. and whether they contribute to the discussion COVID-19. Being a technology leader also There are numerous advantages of working in any way. Naturally, in a real “face to face” requires corporate social responsibility. IT from home, while no time is lost travelling environment that looks completely different. has entered all aspects of all branches of to and from work, going to meetings, etc. the economy, including medicine, so in this On the other hand, it brings great personal Which new channels of communication did respect IT will only serve to accelerate the responsibility, with employees unable to companies establish during the COVID-19 inventing of a medicine or vaccine. “relax” too much in their daily responsibilities,

ll praise for active work and quick adjustment should go to the Serbian Government’s Office for IT, which “launches” online services for the simpler, faster and safer functioning of various economic processes on a weekly basis.

given that they are working from their “safe” locations, i.e. from their homes.

Technology is completely ready to move the virtual environment closer to the real one, though some human adaptation and changes in habits are also required. In one virtual panel discussion, with dozens of people present, it can happen that only a few individuals “share”

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CORPORATE

ZORAN DALJEVIĆ, CEO OF THE ATLANTIC GRUPA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SERBIA

Innovation Is The Best Driver Thanks to a conglomerate of renowned brands and excellent diversification of production capacities in the region, Atlantic Grupa has managed to achieve sales revenue growth and maintain its market leader position even under the conditions of the global pandemic

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e will focus on the further development and strengthening of key categories in the food and beverage segment, strengthening distribution capacities and digital transformation, while also adapting to current business conditions, as is now the case with the pandemic, announces Mr. Daljević

ground, and also enabled us to achieve business results with minimal negative consequences.

We are especially proud of the fact that, with all the measures to protect our employees, we maintained a good epidemiological situation in the company, despite production operations having worked continuously.

Thanks to a stable financial position, we were able to help the community with a donation of 4.6 million euros to fight the pandemic in all key markets.

development and market research, to communication with our customers and investing in people as a key factor of our success.

Our focus is on being regional leaders in the categories in which we have renowned brands, which provides a good foundation for further internationalization. One example is “Smoki”, which is a leader in the corn flips category in the region and represents one of the main pillars of the company. The essence is that, in relation to the further development of brands and an ambitious approach, we act with maximum rationality and social responsibility on every market.

You recorded sales revenue growth of 6.6 percent, at almost 169 million euros, in the first quarter of this year. Isn’t that a huge success considering all the restrictive measures and Atlantic Grupa today operates in all countries restrictions caused by the global pandemic? of the region and has some of the most recog- It is indeed a great success, because in the context of the overall economic What are the strategic priorities Thanks to a stable financial position, we disruption caused by the COVID-19 of Atlantic Grupa and how difficult were able to help the community with a pandemic, the strategy and operais it at present to develop a busidonation of 4.6 million euros to fight the tions of Atlantic Grupa showed a ness plan for 2021 and the years pandemic in all key markets high level of stability during the first to come? six months of this year. In the first - We will continue investing in our quarter we recorded an increase in revenue, and nised brands, and you’ve manage to maintain people, core brands and business practices, in the first half of the year - with sales revenues stable operations despite the crisis. How would and our goal is to raise the efficiency of internal exceeding 327 million euros - we recorded a you interpret your successes? business processes, transparency and the minimal decline of just 0.9%.

- It is precisely this conglomeration of renowned timeliness of market feedback, as well as to It has been shown that the Atlantic Grupa, brands and excellent diversification of producestablish best business practices at the level thanks to its diversified portfolio of strong tion capacities in the region, along with our own of the entire company. Consumers remain in brands, was highly resilient to the crisis caused distribution system, that represent the key to our focus, and our plan is to offer them new by the pandemic. The optimization of business our success. Apart from that, our business sysproducts of an even better quality, to expand our processes, a stable financial position and hightem’s driver is the philosophy of innovation and position on the markets where we are already quality strategic management enabled us to the continuous improvement of all processes, present, but also to conquer new ones. All of maintain job security even under the conditions which implies investing in every segment of this also implies openness to new acquisitions, of teleworking and challenging work on the operations – from production, procurement, provided the right opportunity arises.

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VLATKO SEKULOVIĆ, SEKULOVIĆ LAW OFFICE

CORPORATE

Pandemic Halting Investment Over the course of less than three decades, the Sekulović Law Office has become one of the leading players in the field of commercial law. And in recent years it has focused on developing strategies for attracting foreign investors

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ccording to Vlatko Sekulović, investments that are realized through financial transactions are less sensitive to restrictions on freedom of movement, while those that imply the building of new facilities are more susceptible to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What do your operations look like under the conditions of the global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus?

- The fears and anxiety of people worldwide have increased due to the pandemic, so flows of people, and thus capital, are limited by the measures taken by countries to prevent the spread of the virus.This certainly doesn’t favor new cross-border investments anywhere in the world. As the situation improves, the greater mobility of people will lead to a revival of investment. This relates in particular to those types of investments that imply the locating of production capacities in Serbia, and which thus require the personal experience of a foreign investor regarding the conditions under which he can conceive his investment.

However, regardless of the pandemic, every government can improve the general

legal framework for doing business, and in that area – at least when it comes to the economy – the application of laws remains the main challenge. It is essential for the efficiency of courts to increase, especially higher ones, as well as to have uniformity of court practices, because we face a situation where two different chambers of the same appeal court have contrasting stances regarding cases that are exactly the same in terms of facts and legality. When it comes to tangible changes to the legal framework, it is essential to harmonise or replace various bylaws, e.g. regulations governing certain technical aspects that haven’t been amended since the 1970s.

• 30 years of international experience, 20 years in the Western Balkans - based in Serbia since 2010 • 300+ successful renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal enterprises in the Western Balkan region • Working with financial partners to scale up investments to achieve a low carbon, resilient future • Leading the Sustainable Land, Livelihoods, and Energy Initiative-Serbia, in partnership with Vojvodina Province and major domestic and international organizations to: • Restore Serbia’s degraded and abandoned agricultural land through investments in short rotation biomass coppices and other renewable resources.

• Ensure the highest technology level and standards to expand financing for green investment and job creation • Advance Serbia’s Green Economy, Climate and Sustainable Development Goals through innovation

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CORPORATE

DIANA GLIGORIJEVIĆ, CO-FOUNDER , TELEGROUP

TeleGroup Creates The Future The TeleGroup system currently covers the markets of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia and Germany, while it is also linked to the markets of the Middle East and Africa via partner companies.

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part from its core business areas of IT, telecommunications and energy, TeleGroup has also in a big way conquered e-health, solutions and applications for improving health systems, ITS systems for the modernization of traffic & transport, as well as the agritech industry, which will be one of the backbones of TeleGroup’s future development, explains TeleGroup co-owner Diana Gligorijević.

TeleGroup Belgrade was founded in April 2001 and today has been operating successfully on the market of our region for almost 20 years. What did the beginning look like?

- We started by identifying the needs of our clients, and not what we want to sell to them, and that was a turning point. TeleGroup was indeed created on April 1st 2001, but we are no April Fool’s joke, because over this period of almost 20 years we’ve developed, transformed and positioned ourselves extremely well on the market of the region. We’ve been operating successfully for the past two decades, and we are even doing well under these extraordinary conditions.

Our system is now divided into companies in technological terms, so the part of TeleGroup that was mostly dealing with design and infrastructure construction is now organized in one company, while those who were more involved in IT are in another company, and experts in cyber security and technical security are also specialized in separate companies.

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In which industries are you present?

- Alongside the basic IT industry and telecommunications, where we predominantly operate, we have entered the healthcare industry in a big way, especially in the form of various e-health solutions and applications. We are present in the clinical centers of our country, and in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but also in the Clinical Center in Podgorica. I think we made a good decision when we stated five years ago that we would move from health food to a healthy person, as if we had felt that IT, in and of itself, would become an industry that penetrates many other branches of industry. We are also present in the energy sector, which is a sector in which many changes are taking place, and have yet to take place, in terms of new energy sources. We acquired the Greensoft startup from Novi Sad six years ago, which deals with IT in agriculture. This is one of the backbones of our future development when it comes to software engineering.

Digital technologies are the main driver of innovation, but they simultaneously contribute to the collapse of some traditional industries. How much have we been changed by digital technologies?

- Many technological discoveries are still ahead of us, from infrastructure that serves to exchange information around the world, via machines that communicate with each other independently of people, to solutions based

on the concepts of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics that should provide us with a more relaxed future in terms of technology and quality of life...

TeleGroup deals seriously with projects that are based on the technologies of the future. We offer a great deal of them to the market, because our innovative offers have been recognized and supported by Horizon 2020 programme, GIZ and UNDP, which provided us with financing for the development of our ideas. Thanks to all this, TeleGroup can approach the global market, and not just the regional or local markets.

You offer customers optimal solutions for connecting, digitizing, automating and protecting all segments of their business. Has that now become particularly prevalent during this time of the pandemic?

- Much of what TeleGroup does at this moment will help in the future, because pressure on health facilities will force healthcare workers to rely more on artificial intelligence and robotics. The absolute imperative of today’s business, and future business, is a safe and healthy working environment. Also heading in that direction is our cooperation with American company Steril-Aire, which is the absolute leader in the development of high performance germicidal UVC solutions for the decontamination of air and solid indoor surfaces.

IVAN STANOJEVIĆ, OWNER OF STANTECH D.O.O.

CORPORATE

Total Dedication To Clients StanTech is a company that deals with the design and production of machines and systems intended for automation in production. Hailing from and headquartered in Belgrade, it covers more than 20 EU countries and the U.S. They export and successfully implement their high-tech solutions in production plants around the world

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tan Tech records its most significant results in industries that produce milk, meat, coffee, frozen fruits and vegetables and the confectionery industry. It primarily works with clients whose production has reached an advanced stage of development.

inspired today by the fact that high-tech solutions created with domestic smarts are exported and successfully implemented in production facilities worldwide.

How important is it in your business to follow trends and apply the latest technological solutions? Is that why you hire young professionals with innovative ideas?

- We live in a time when information is gener-

nity to develop professionally in their own country. With the help of new technologies and a healthy team spirit, we encourage their development and a level of innovation that’s essential to achieve the kind of top results that we are strategically committed to as a company.

Can you tell us a little more about your What makes you so competitive on very company and what inspired you to start demanding foreign markets? this work?

- Your statement is supported - StanTech designs and manuby the fact that we export more We primarily hire young engineers because factures individual machines than 70 percent of our projects we want to offer them the opportunity to and multi-machine systems that to the U.S., which is one of the develop professionally in their own country perform different tasks when it most demanding markets when comes to product packaging. Such it comes to customer expectaally available, which enables our clients to gain tions, but also to very strong competition. systems are implemented in the last phase an insight into the most modern methods I would say that this is primarily influenced of production, better known as “End of line”, used in production. In our clients’ desire not by our total dedication to our clients and and relate to the automatic packaging of one to lag behind one another, their requirements their needs, but also our ability to offer them product or a group of products in a box, as become increasingly complex and, as such, solutions that are on a par with the world’s well as automatic palletizing. Due to the lack imply the applying of the most modern largest manufacturers in terms of the level of adequate manpower, the demand for this technical and technological solutions. When of innovation and quality. Our clients have type of automation is increasing year on year. we take this into account, I consider the the opportunity to see for themselves I expressed a need for innovative problem solving at a young age, and these later application of such solutions in projects as that we ultimately take all our projects became professional challenges presented being crucial and something without which very personally, and that we also follow to me by this calling. These challenges forced it is impossible to survive on the market. their work when they leave the premises me to give my all from project to project We primarily hire young engineers beof our company and start their lives in the cause we want to offer them the opportuand to progress in a professional sense. I’m production plants of our clients.

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DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (DFC)

New Approach

To Promoting Growth

MINISTER OF FINANCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA SINIŠA MALI, WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DFC AND EXIM, THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

DFC and the authorities of Serbia and Kosovo are currently discussing four projects to which DFC could contribute, thus enhancing the region's growth and development while promoting the rule of law and fair business practices

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he U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) opened an office in Serbia this September, while DFC and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) recently signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) with Serbia and Kosovo, in order to help finance the important projects identified through the U.S.-brokered agreement on the normalization of economic relations between Kosovo and Serbia,

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signed in Washington on September 4th by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti.

Speaking in a recent press briefing, DFC Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler said that four projects are currently being discussed in Serbia and Kosovo. The first two are the Peace Highway and the railway connecting Serbia to Kosovo.

Some projects are already underway and are multi-phased, and DFC’s approach to them will aim to broaden the financial tools and resources available to both sides, in support of their efforts to better lay the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation. The third project is a lending framework to help support small and medium-sized enterprises and so-called local small–mid caps. Here DFC is reviewing a proposal tabled by the Serbian Government. Lastly is a project representing an effort to better promote entrepreneurship between young Serbs and Kosovars, both cross-border but within Kosovo.

DFC is a fairly new agency that emerged via the BUILD Act

has operated for over 18 years without any significant update to become a new developmental entity endowed with more or expansion of its original authorities. This resulted in the lack resources and a broader mandate to place development and modern, development-finance mechanisms needed to counter growth at the center of its work, compared to its predecessors: the state-driven model of countries like China, or to cooperate the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and USAID’s with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) of U.S. allies like the Development Credit Authority (DCA). It’s enhanced authority is United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Japan, which are investing intended to enable it to compete more effectively with the supheavily throughout developing world countries. In contrast to OPIC port provided by China and Russia for infrastructure in emerging and the DCA, which had budget authorization on an annual basis, markets,, and to combine its efforts with those of the State the DFC will have multi-year authorization, in order to reassure Department and USAID. U.S. businesses and allies that the U.S. Government will continue As stated in the President’s National Security Strategy, “the to co-invest with the private sector in order to increase global United States must today compete for positive relationships development and support countries’ journeys to self-reliance. around the world. China and Russia target their investments in As commentators note, among the enhancements are the the developing world to expand influence and gain competitive doubling of the maximum size of the agency’s portfolio to $60 advantages against the United States. China is investing billions billion (up from OPIC’s $29 billion), its authorization to make equity of dollars in infrastructure across the globe. Russia, too, projects investments, and the abolition of U.S. eligibility requirements its influence economically, through the control of key energy and for the beneficiaries of guarantees and political risk insurance. other infrastructure throughout parts of Europe and Central Accordingly, these resources and authorities are seen as suffiAsia... The United States provides an alternative to state-directed cient to engage the American business community in advancing investments, which often leave developing countries worse off.

America’s development and foreign policy goals, and to promote The United States pursues economic ties not only for market the rule of law and fair business practices, as well as the more access, but also to create enduring relationships to advance sustainable development of the countries that are recipients of common political and security interests”.

The executive summary prepared for the Congress states that the new instituThis newly formed development finance institution will have tion would be better placed to advance sufficient resources and authorities to engage the American development and national security policy business community in advancing America’s development and goals in the developing world, which is critiforeign policy goals cal to promoting American prosperity and national security. Furthermore, the DFC DFC support. Emerging trading partners are expected to adhere would be better aligned with development and national security to free market principles and provide transparent, rules-based goals, designed to better manage U.S. taxpayer risk, streamlined governance. Developing relationships with the countries that to increase effectiveness and operational efficiencies (making are recipients of the support will, over the long term, result in more funding available for programming), focused on mobilizing a strengthened geopolitical position of the United States, as private sector funding, and modernized with a 21st century toolkit well as providing the economic foundation for future alliances. that allows the DFC to compete and cooperate globally.

The objectives of the DFC are to deploy development finance The new institution combines the resources and expertise to support economic growth as part of a long-term strategy to of OPIC and the DCA, boasting similar tools to OPIC and DCA transition countries toward self-sufficiency; coordinate with today, e.g. loans, guarantees, and insurance. Furthermore, the DFC U.S. firms to facilitate new market entries, when appropriate; will be able to support development finance related feasibility align development finance as a core tool of U.S. national security, studies and other tools as authorized. Its governance structure, including as a counter to the rise of other countries’ influence in which is more connected with the State Department and USAID, developing markets; and promote sustainable and economically will drive better pipeline and programming coordination among responsible policies that help partner countries on their own different agencies. Therefore, for example, the DFC will be able to journey to self-reliance and prosperity. support a feasibility study and subsequent early-stage financing The aim of the DFC is to be a catalyst for investment, as well for a new project in high priority countries, while USAID will fund additionally ensuring private sector resources while taking care economic-policy reforms that aim to strengthen the enabling not to displace private sector investment by deploying developenvironment and attract more private sector investment. ment finance in selective circumstances, where markets are Prior to this modernization, OPIC spent the last 15 years otherwise unable to attract quality, stand-alone private capital. operating without significant legislative updates, while the DCA

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CORPORATE

ĐORĐE ĐOKIĆ, PARTNER, VUJINOVIĆ & ĐOKIĆ LAW OFFICE

Be Adaptable The Vujinović & Đokić Law office has rich experience in the field of business law, representing and consulting for the largest domestic and foreign corporate and financial businesses, while it recently also received great acknowledgment for its work

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iscussing the situation on the real estate market, lawyer and partner Đorđe Đokić believes that further development will be dependent on many conditions. He considers that investors who are able to sense the needs of the market could create good business opportunities even under these circumstances.

the business environment is constantly changing its form, which we’ve been reminded of by the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is clear that easy and quick adaptability to circumstances is essential.

As such, our task is to recognize the client’s business philosophy, and thus support them in achieving results.

the clear position of the state that the epidemiological situation must not result in work stopping on construction sites was certainly an excellent signal to investors. On the other hand, fear exists among investors regarding the future development of demand, and investments are undeniably slower and more cautious.

Your team has rich experience when How important is it in your work to it comes to advising foreign and do- You recently received a major acknowladapt to the individual and specific mestic investors conducting transac- edgment. Did that surprise you, given needs of each client? tions linked to real estate. How do that the moment and the atmosphere - Adapting to clients and their business you assess the current situation on aren’t ideal for financial arrangements system is no longer an advantage, but this market? and projects? rather absolutely essential - We are proud of the fact if the goal is to provide highthat renowned international The turnover of housing properties has quality services. Globalization, legal directory IFLR 1000 proven to be more resilient to the crisis, which has created a drastic ranked our office among but current prices are unsustainable over increase in supply and an inSerbia’s leading law firms the longer period in the fields of financial and creasingly complex business corporate law. This shows that environment, has led to successful companies today being the ones - At this juncture, the real estate market a well-planned business strategy that’s that have found a unique and original can be assessed as being relatively adaptable to changing conditions can approach. After business models that calm, but uncertain. The turnover of convert any circumstance into an ideal were for decades based on traditional housing properties has proven to be one. This acknowledgment, which we principles, modern business has set more resilient to the crisis, but current received as a relatively young office, creativity and courage as values that prices are evaluated as being unsus- confirms that our principles and values are highly rated. tainable over the longer period. When have been set well, and it will certainly When you add to this the fact that it comes to large investment projects, motivate our further work.

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VUJADIN ŠĆEKIĆ, DIRECTOR OF JUGOIMPEX D.O.O. NIŠ

CORPORATE

Recycling Is Our Chance Jugoimpex d.o.o., from the city of Niš, is one of our country's leading companies when it comes to the bulk collection and processing of raw materials, and the recycling of electrical and electronic waste.

After commemorating 30 years of successful operations recently, it is entering its 4th decade with great optimism and major plans

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he pandemic showed us how vulnerable we all are individually, how difficult it is to function and do business when borders are closed, and how important it is to develop one’s own potential. I hope for the strengthening of our economy, because only a strong economy can handle strong blows, says Jugoimpex Diector Vujadin Šćekić

know that our goal shouldn’t be to open an EU accession negotiation chapter and work on it in an administrative sense, rather to implement that chapter in all segments of the state and society, for those principles to be accepted by everyone, from the economy and citizens, to the government and administration.

Could you explain the concept of the circular economy to us? How do you assess NALED’s estimate that 30,000 new jobs could be created in Serbia by 2023 on the basis of the circular economy?

- The essence of the circular economy is finding and giving added value to raw materials that we previously considered waste. So, everything that is classed as waste should be

from good will and the vision to create 30,000 new jobs, we also need a realistic and positive investment climate. That would contribute to products from ecological processes having a priority and an advantage on the domestic market, to be marked with a “green apple” or some other label that shows that they were created in a process that preserved our natural resources and reduced imports of raw materials. Such products and manufacturers should have an advantage and a better position, both on shelves and in tenders.

A special problem in our country is represented by industrial and other waste collected in the recycling process that we have to export because we don’t have sufficient processing capacities. This represents another great potential that could be realized if we had a good investment climate.

How would you evaluate the situation in the domain of collecting, processing and recycling waste? Is Serbia advancing in this area?

- Although the situation isn’t great, I must mention that things are slowly changing for the better. In this phase, the education of society as a whole is better, with understanding of the importance of what we are dealing with growing from year We export industrial and other waste to year, and thus along with it the collected in the recycling process because we understanding of the importance don’t have sufficient processing capacities of environmental efforts. We are How much does your memberseeing growth of the number of ship in the American Chamber products made from recycled raw materials separated, recycled and prepared to be part of Commerce mean to you? on the market, but there is also growing awareof the raw materials that can be processed to - We are proud of the fact that our company create a product for the market.

That product is a member of the chamber of the world’s ness that our entire society has an obligation should have the same quality as a product strongest economy, because that says a lot to implement quality technologies as much made from primary raw materials. about us. They do a lot of work to improve as possible, and to recycle them.

The potentials are extremely high, and conditions for doing business in Serbia, and In that sense, we are slowly moving closer when it comes to the number of potential new to support their members. This membership to Europe, both in terms of quantities and jobs I’m more optimistic than NALED. However, is important to us because of the exchanges in terms of the quality of recycling. I’m an none of that can be implemented without a of experience, because of contacts and posoptimist, so I believe that we will approach system that’s regulated regarding the use of recycling and the obligation to recycle with sibilities to cooperate with the best, and to products from the circular economy. Apart greater understanding in the period ahead. You learn from the biggest and the best.

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US COLLEGE

U.S. Best College Rankings For 2021 U.S. News & World Report released its 2021 Best Colleges rankings today, featuring rankings of more than 1,400 colleges and universities that grant baccalaureate degrees. It’s the 36th year for the rankings, a testament not only to its unusual longevity but also its outsized influence for students, families and the general public

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or the tenth straight year, Princeton tops the National University list, followed, also as in years past, by Harvard in second. Columbia was third, and MIT and Yale tied for fourth. Williams College heads up the list of National Liberal Arts Colleges, and UCLA once again claimed first place among Top Public Universities.

Here are the five top-ranked schools in several of the major categories.

BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES (389 SCHOOLS) 1.Princeton University 2.Harvard University 3.Columbia University 4.Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yale University (tie) Of the top 20 national universities, 19 were private, not-forprofit institutions. UCLA was the only public school in the top

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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

20. All the schools ranked in the top 20 National Universities in 2021 were in the top 20 in 2020, albeit in a slightly different order. This ranking inertia has come to be expected, the product of both institutional continuity and - despite small, annual revisions - a largely repetitive rankings methodology.

BEST NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS (223 SCHOOLS) 1.Williams College 2.Amherst College 3.Swarthmore College 4.Pomona College and Wellesley College (tie) BEST NATIONAL PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (209 SCHOOLS) 1.University of California, Los Angeles 2.University of California, Berkeley 3.University of Michigan 4.University of Virginia 5.University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Remarkably, of the top 11 national public universities, six were the various campuses of the University of California.

BEST PUBLIC LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES (23 SCHOOLS) 1.U.S. Naval Academy 2.U.S. Military Academy 3.U.S. Air Force Academy 4.Virginia Military Institute 5.St. Mary’s College of Maryland BEST HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (79 SCHOOLS) 1.Spelman College 2.Howard University 3.Xavier University of Louisiana 4.Tuskegee University 5.Hampton University

if schools continue to resort more often to pass/fail grades? What does average class size really matter if everyone is attending only remotely? Ditto for the student:faculty ratio. And how are student services being delivered, let alone measured, if only a fraction of students live on campus?

The 2021 U.S. News rankings were based on data from 2019. They reflect the pre-pandemic college scene. How much those rankings will need to be changed to reflect post-pandemic realities, some of which may linger for some time to come, remains to be seen.

Count it as one more example of how much higher education has changed in the last year.

By Michael T. Nietzel

TOP PERFORMERS ON SOCIAL MOBILITY NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES 1.University of California, Riverside 2.University of California, Irvine 3.Rutgers University, Newark 4.University of California, Santa Cruz 5.University of California, Merced

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES 1.College of Idaho 2.Lake Forest College (IL) 3.Thomas Aquinas College (CA) 4.Spelman College 5.University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Overall, this year’s rankings reflect a small, but welcome, shift toward educational outputs, as opposed to incoming student credentials or institutional inputs. Although it remains too easy for schools to game the system, and too much weight is still focused on the highly subjective reputational measure and the various proxies for institutional wealth (e.g., faculty salaries and per-student spending), the methodological changes that U.S. News made this year represent clear improvements. Regarding the reputational survey, it’s of note that of the 4,816 academics who were sent questionnaires in 2020, only 36.4% responded, a substantial decline from the 43% response rate in 2019. It’s an increasingly questionable measure, one that should be discontinued.

Of special interest is the extent to which the pandemic and its many disruptions to the traditions of a college education - including admissions, classroom instruction, mentoring, residence life and even graduation ceremonies - may be rendering ranking systems less meaningful. How much does high school class standing mean

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

YALE UNIVERSITY

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10

NATURAL BEAUTY

Breathtaking U.S. Canyons

NINE MILE CANYON, UTAH

America is filled with countless varieties of natural beauty. From towering Redwood forests, majestic mountains, and the sparkling beauty of the coasts, this country is definitely not lacking in Mother Nature’s bounty

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ome of our most impressive assets, however, must be our dramatic canyons and gorges. Check out these jaw-dropping canyons across the U.S. that will absolutely take your breath away.

BRYCE CANYON, UTAH

1. NINE MILE CANYON, UTAH Some of the most spectacular rock art in Utah is to be found in Nine Mile Canyon northeast of Price. The canyon is actually 40 miles long, do not let the name deceive you. Nine Mile Canyon is remote, hostile, unblemished and roughly beautiful. Called “the world’s longest art gallery” it is home to numerous rock art panels, including the famous “Hunter Panel”. Most of the rock art was created by the Fremont Indians who occupied this area some 1,000 years ago.

2. BRYCE CANYON, UTAH This place is known for its crimson-colored hoodoos, or spire-shaped rock formations. The Bryce Canyon area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who built his home in the area in 1874.

One of the most scenic overlooks is Inspiration Point, where you’ll be able to take in all the incredible texture and rich

ZION CANYON, UTAH

color of the Bryce Amphitheater from a lofty aerial perch.

Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown, when the sunlight makes the canyon’s rocks glow.

3. ZYON CANYON, UTAH One of the most intimate and favourite parks of visitors from all over the world. Elevations in the canyon range from 1,219 meters at the valley floor to nearly 2,743 meters at the highest point. A favorite of rock climbers and hiking enthusiasts, the vertical climbs and zigzagging trails will take you to pinnacles, domes, arches and spires. Hanging gardens, canyon waterfalls and natural stain-lined canyon walls create a tropical paradise in the middle of an arid desert climate.

4. GLEN CANYON, ARIZONA Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportu-

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CANYON DE CHELLY, ARIZONA

nities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history.

5. CANYON DE CHELLY, ARIZONA Located in northeastern Arizona, it is within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and lies in the Four Corners region. Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly known as Anasazi) to the Navajo. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States

BUCKSKIN GULCH, PARIA CANYON, UTAH

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6. BUCKSKIN GULCH, PARIA CANYON, UTAH Located in the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of Utah and Arizona, this spectacular and unique hike winds through one of the deepest and longest slot canyons in the world. Wavy sandstone walls twist their way to the sky for nearly thirteen miles, creating surreal patterns of light and sound. The canyon walls often soar hundreds of feet above the wash and are sometimes only a few feet apart. Buckskin Gulch is truly an amazing place, and visitors are sure to appreciate it’s a stunning beauty.

7. SANTA ELENA CANYON, TEXAS The majestic Santa Elena Canyon is the most impressive in Big Bend National Park - it is visible for over 10 miles away, as the Rio Grande changes direction abruptly after following beneath the straight Sierra Ponce cliffs for several miles and heads due west, cutting through the mountains via a deep, narrow gorge. This sharp

SANTA ELENA CANYON, TEXAS

PALO DURO CANYON, TEXAS

bend in the river was formed by movement along the Terlingua fault zone that crosses the park. For many miles upstream the river is trapped beneath the high walls, eventually emerging into a wider valley at the small town of Lajitas.

8. PALO DURO CANYON, TEXAS Palo Duro Canyon is the most spectacular and scenic landscape feature in the Texas Panhandle. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and the West Texas wind.

With a descent of some 800 feet to the canyon floor and more than 16 miles of paved road, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers fantastic scenic views and historical sites.

9. THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable

THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

landmark—a natural wonder you must see to believe.

Stretching 277 miles from end to end, its rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River traces a swift course southwest.

Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their life. In 2019, the Grand Canyon celebrated its 100th birthday as a national park.

10. WAIMEA CANYON, HAWAII Waimea Canyon, located in Waimea, Hawaii is dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Canyon was formed when the Waimea river carved its way through the lava and basalt formations of the region. The central volcano that lay on the canyon collapsed 10 million years ago, playing a vital role in forming the canyon. Consumed with wild foliage, tropical cliffs, green-and-pink scenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and striking rainbows, the Waimea Canyon is truly the nature lover’s paradise.

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SCIENCE

Man, Scientist, Patriot Mihajlo Pupin (1854 – 1935) Together with Nikola Tesla and Milutin Milanković, Mihajlo Pupin is the third scientist of Serbian origin born in the 19th century whose scientific achievements in technical sciences placed him on the list of 100 most influential scientists of all time and who left his legacy for mankind.

Without his inventions in telecommunications, today’s world of communications would be very hard to imagine

PORTRAIT OF MIHAJLO PUPIN (PAJA JOVANOVIĆ, NATIONAL MUSEUM, BELGRADE)

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ihajlo Pupin was born on 8th October 1854 in Idvor, a small village in the region of Banat in northern Serbia. The territory of Banat, inhabited mostly

by Serbs, used to belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and after WWI, the collapse of Austria-Hungary and the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, it became a part of the Kingdom

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of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

The friendship of Pupin and the American president Woodrow Wilson significantly influenced the rightful determination of boundaries so Idvor found itself in Yugoslavia, i.e. Serbia, and not Romania, due to the territory’s history and predominant Serbian inhabitants.

U.S. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (PUPIN IS SITTING FIRST ON THE RIGHT) Although illiterate farmers, Mihajlo Pupin’s parents Konstantin and Olimpijada put their best efforts into the education of their son. Mihajlo finished primary school in his birth place as one of the best students in his generation. Led by the motto that “Knowledge is the golden ladder over which we climb to heaven”, his mother persuaded her husband to let their only son continue his education, so Mihajlo enrolled in the Pančevo Grammar School, at that time one of the educational, cultural and national strongholds of Serbs in that part of Europe. Because of his rebellious character and too openly expressed national feelings, he was expelled from school. The local Serbian church helped him to continue his schooling in Prague (Czech). When his father passed away near the end of his secondary school leaving him no funds, he embarked the Vestphalia Hamburg America Line steamship heading to New York on March 12th, 1874, as a third-class passenger, with his mother’s blessing not to come back onto the land but to follow the path of knowledge.

He arrived in America as a penniless 20-year-old, without any knowledge of English, without finished school and without any practical skills. The first five years was an extremely difficult battle for survival. He accepted all kinds of jobs; he was a farmer, coachman, logger, factory worker, etc. When he got a steady job at a biscuit factory, he saw his chance in the factory’s evening school and the Cooper Library. His goal was to prepare well for the entrance exam at the Columbia College, which he did and became a student in 1879. During his studies, he supported himself with odd jobs and not very substantial money awards for being an exceptional student. After graduation, his wish to continue postgraduate studies in technology prevailed over language studies and he found himself in Europe - Cambridge with a scholarship, eager to learn more about Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory.

His improved knowledge of mathematics and physics, with a support of Professor Tyndall, a good Faraday’s friend, brought him a scholarship for the Berlin’s laboratory of the then-world

RECOGNITION FOR PUPIN’S CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE leading authority in experimental physics, Professor Hermann von Helmholtz. He successfully defended his doctoral thesis in physical chemistry entitled “Osmotic Pressure and its Relation to Free Energy” four years later. Pupin’s academic career began at a newly established Department of Electrical Engineering in the School of Mines of Columbia College, where, together with his colleague Coker, he put into practice the idea that electrical engineering, a new field of technology, can develop independently of mechanical engineering and physics. Lectures and scientific research went hand in hand. His first research papers from that period concerning electric current flow through rarefied gases helped him later to be among the first ones to produce x-rays after Roentgen’s discovery.

As an expert on electricity, he was invited by the Institute of American Electrical Engineers to give a lecture on alternating currents in Boston. His lecture entitled “Practical aspect of the theory of alternating currents” was a major success which contributed to the victory of another Serb, Nikola Tesla, i.e. to the victory of the system of transmitting and distributing alternating currents over the system of direct currents, advocated by Edison.

The first major success came in the field of the harmonics of alternating current sources. With the oscillatory circuits, resonators, he singled out particular harmonics from the complex-periodic alternating current while measuring their

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PUPIN’S BIRTHPLACE IN IDVOR, SERBIA

MIHAJLO PUPIN AND ALBERT EINSTEIN intensity. In some way, this is analogous to the examination of the harmonics of sound, which his mentor Hermann von Helmholtz was doing in Berlin; however, the measurement technique itself was original as well as the rest of the method.

Pupin’s invention of multiple telegraphy, a universal technique for the transmission of multiple signals along the same physical transmission path, the so-called frequency multiplex, is based on these works. This invention is patent protected. The technique itself is still applied, even in most modern telecommunication systems, allowing tens of thousands of telephone or television signals to be transferred along a single transmission path. At the end of the nineteenth century, in 1895 to be precise, the world was excited by Röntgen’s discovery of unknown rays that can go through paper, wood and thin metals leaving traces on a photographic plate. When he heard about the discovery, Pupin remembered his forgotten vacuum tubes from the time he had studied electricity flow through rarefied gases and used them to generate X-rays, thus becoming one of the first few in America to make X-ray photographs. His experimental results led him to the conclusion that the impact of primary X-rays generates secondary X-radiation, which gave an entirely new dimension to the discovery of these rays.

Pupin’s most significant invention concerns a mathematical solution to the problem of transmission of alternating currents

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in telephone lines. The problem with the transmission of signals lied within the capacitance per unit length. Pupin started solving this problem by first looking at a mathematical Lagrange’s solution for taut wire vibration. He developed a new mathematical theory of oscillations transfer through the wire with distributed masses, which led him to the necessary dimensions of an analog electric line model with periodically inserted inductance.

In order to verify his theory, Pupin had to build an artificial line to examine, under laboratory conditions, the propagation of telephone currents in lines. The construction of this line simulator required a lot of experimentation and calculations.

The equivalent of 400 kilometers of a cable was packed into five boxes of four cubic meters. For every mile he could insert a special coil or turn it off. Without the coils, it would have been just an ordinary line, i.e. a cable. He was thus able to compare the transfer along both the loaded cable and the unloaded one and to unequivocally confirm his theory. His epoch-making discovery, patent protected, found its way to implementation very fast. Pupin’s patent rights were acquired by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in America and by the Siemens in Germany.

After this discovery, the name of Mihajlo Pupin became widely known, not only in the world of science. In the period from 1884 to 1924, Pupin’s 24 patents published in the United States got recognized - almost all from the field of telephony, telegraphy and radio technology. He became famous and very wealthy, but never forgot who he was, where he belonged and from where he had started off into the world. As a full professor at Columbia University, Department of Physical Mathematics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, Pupin lectured from 1901 until he retired in 1929. Being a student of Pupin’s was a remarkable privilege.

Among them were a famous Nobel laureate Millikan and Edwin Armstrong, inventor of frequency modulation in radio technology, who would later say in his memoirs: ‘’ When I studied under Pupin in 1912, his discoveries in telephone technique, his systems of

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY electrical resonance and his electrolytic detector, were known throughout the world. But what many did not know was that, in a wonderfully simple way, he was a source of inspiration to all who worked with him. We were captivated by his knowledge, human and scientific candour, richness of his linguistic expression, by his assertiveness and trust showed towards his associates ‘’. When another Nobel laureate, Isidor Rabi, an associate of Pupin’s at the time, talked about the scientific greatness of Pupin, he said: “Even after his retirement, he continued to lecture at the University of Columbia, and when the age took its toll and his legs could not sustain him anymore and he could not move around without the wheelchair, the university made a special door for him so he would still be able to lecture and come to his lab”.

As a highly respected scientist, in 1915, at the height of World War I, Pupin was appointed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson for a member of the National Research Council, i.e. for the President of the Commission for Aeronautics, which in some way was a precursor to NASA. His direct contribution to the victory of the Allies i.e. Entente Powers, were the systems for submarine detection and systems for maintaining radio communications with aircraft in flight. After he had left the Commission in 1922, then-President Warren Harding sent him a letter publicly thanking him on behalf of the people of Mihajlo Pupin was an extremely prolific writer. In addition to scientific papers and books in the field of science, he also wrote fiction. For his autobiography published in 1923, entitled “From Immigrant to Inventor” and dedicated to his mother Olimpijada, he won the Pulitzer Prize, the largest literary award in the U.S. By a White House decision, the book was made compulsory reading in schools, colleges and the U.S. Army because of its content, great style, message and its ethical and educational values. He also published a book on the monuments of the South Slavs in 1919. This book introduced the world public to the South Slavs that had just formed their common state which would become known as Yugoslavia.

In addition to being a great scientist, Pupin was a great humanist, patriot and skillful politician. In a very critical moment after WWI when the borders of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, i.e. future Yugoslavia, were in the process

AN X-RAY PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN BY PUPIN ON 2ND JANUARY 1896 of shaping, on 19 April 1919, Pupin sent a memorandum to the President of the United States exposing essential facts upon which three days later US. .President Woodrow Wilson issued a statement of the non-recognition of the Treaty of London formed by Allies with Italy and Romania by which entire areas where South Slavs of different faiths lived were supposed to be given to Italy and Romania as a part of the bargain for their help in the war. Thus Yugoslavia got Bled with its surroundings (Slovenia), parts of Dalmatia, Medjumurje and Baranja (Croatia) and a part of Banat (Serbia).

Serbia and the United States has had diplomatic relations since 1882, and Pupin was the first Honorary Consul of Serbia in the United States. He held that position from 1912 to 1920.

A world-renowned institute in the field of electronics and telecommunications in Belgrade, Serbia, is named after him, and an amphitheater at Columbia University bears his name.

During his lifetime, Mihajlo Pupin was an honorary professor at twenty universities around the world. He was a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, the French Academy of Sciences, the Serbian Academy of Sciences, and was the first president of the New York Academy of Sciences born outside the territory of the United States [6]. One could say no more about a man who was a friend with the science’s greats like Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla, except that he was one of them, one of the scientific titans of the world.

By Miroslav Jandrić, Military Technical Institute Scientific Technical Review, 2014

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ART

150 Years of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art It’s time to celebrate 150 years of the Met! The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is America’s largest and most important art museum.

It’s also one of the world’s most significant museums

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t has a vast, encyclopedic collection, exciting exhibitions, high-level scholarship, and a spacious building on the Upper East Side. According to the museum’s website, you can “experience 5,000 years of art at The Met”, and

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that’s undoubtedly true. Every art lover will find plenty to enjoy there.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Statement of Mission, adopted in 2015.

THE MET FIFTH AVENUE MAIN ENTRANCE WITH STUDENTS CELEBRATING FLAG DAY ON JUNE 14TH, 1916. IMAGE COPYRIGHT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART OPENING RECEPTION ON FEBRUARY 20TH, 1872, IN THE PICTURE GALLERY IN DODWORTH MANSION (681 FIFTH AVENUE), THE FIRST HOME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. WOOD ENGRAVING FROM “FRANK LESLIE’S ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER,” MARCH 9TH, 1872. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

In 2020, the Met celebrates its 150th birthday with a year of special events. To kick things off, let’s look back at some milestones in the 150 years of the Met.

was a Neo-Gothic brick building designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould. This original structure still exists, but it’s been absorbed on all sides by later additions. You can see a portion of the old brick facade in one place. Just enter the Lehman Wing from the medieval galleries and look back the way you came.

20TH CENTURY December 1902 – The Met as we see it today took shape when Richard Morris Hunt’s now-iconic Beaux-Arts facade and Great Hall opened to the public.

1917 – Among the Met’s 1917 acquisitions was a small, blue faience statuette of a hippopotamus. It was made in Twelfth-Dynasty Egypt (c. 1961-1878 BCE), buried in a tomb, and excavated in 1910. Ancient Egyptian faience animals, including hippopotami, are relatively common, but the Met’s

19TH CENTURY 4th July 1866 – American lawyer and diplomat John Jay (1817-1894) first proposed founding an art museum in New York City. He made the suggestion to influential Americans attending a Fourth of July party in Paris, and his idea quickly gained traction.

13th April 1870 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art was officially incorporated with the state of New York. However, it The Metropolitan Museum of Art collects, studies, did not yet have art to display conserves and presents significant works of art across all nor a place to display it. times and cultures in order to connect people to 20 th February 1872 – The museum opened to the pubcreativity, knowledge and ideas lic. Its first home was a leased version became particularly popular with visitors. Christened space in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue, near William in the 1930s, he is now the Met’s mascot. The Met the present-day MOMA. Store sells William the Hippopotamus-themed souvenirs, like 1874-6 – The Met acquired the Cesnola Collection of socks, flash drives, and Christmas ornaments. To celebrate ancient art from Cyprus. This was the first of many major William’s centenary in 2017, Conversation between Two Hipprivate collections to find a home in the museum. It also represented the Met’s first big step into the world of claspos displayed him beside a modern version by Carl Walters.

10th May 1938 – The Cloisters, the Met’s medieval art sical art, since the majority of its earlier acquisitions were outpost, opened with an initial collection formed by George Old Masters. Collector Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904) Grey Barnard (1863-1938). It’s located in Fort Tryon Park, in became the first director in 150 years of the Met. northern Manhattan, on land donated by the John D. Rock30th March 1880 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art moved to its long-term address at the corner of Fifth Avefeller, Jr. (1874-1960). The medieval-inspired building is a 20th-century construction, but it contains many real Gothic enue and 82nd Street, just inside Central Park. It was on this and Romanesque elements. These include four medieval date that the museum’s first permanent building opened. It

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THE MET CLOISTERS. PHOTO BY BRETT BEYER

cloisters and the apse of a 12th-century Spanish church. All were purchased from their original sites in Europe, dismantled, sent to New York, and installed into the fabric of the museum. This makes the Cloisters a rare place where you can experience genuine medieval architecture in North America.

The Cloisters large collection of medieval treasures includes the Unicorn Tapestries, the Cloisters Cross, and the Belles Heures of Jean, Duc de Berry. Although the Met Cloisters has never been as well known as the main building on Fifth Avenue, it gained visibility in 2018 when it hosted part of the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.

1946 – The Museum of Costume Art joined the Met to became the Costume Institute, a repository of historical and contemporary fashion. The Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibitions have become much-anticipated events.

THE MET FIFTH AVENUE. PETRIE COURT. PHOTO BY BRETT BEYER

a long-range master plan and executed a major expansion

by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. This massive project created many of the spacious, light-filled galleries we enjoy today, such as the American Wing in 1980 and the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing for arts from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas in 1982. This construction campaign included new galleries for the next two milestones on this list.

1975 – American banker Robert Lehman (1891-1969) spent decades assembling a world-class art collection that he displayed in his New York City townhouse. Upon his death, Lehman left almost 3,000 objects to the Met under the condition that his entire collection be displayed together in a replica Encouraging and developing the study of fine arts and of his townhouse. Unusually, the the application of the arts to manufacturing and practical life, Met agreed and built the Robert of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and, Lehman Wing to fulfil these wishes. The Lehman Collection to that end, furnishing popular instruction and recreation includes Old Master paintings, The Met’s 2009 acquisition of the Brooklyn Museum’s vast masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, costume collection has only enhanced them further. The Met early Italian art, Renaissance furniture, and precious objects Gala, a glamorous, celebrity-studded event that opens the of porcelain and metalwork. yearly exhibition, first took place in 1948.

1978 – The Met added a very special object to its 4th February – 4th March 1963 – The most famous painting collections. The Temple of Dendur is a first century BCE temple from Roman-ruled Egypt. When Egypt built the in the world came to New York in the winter of 1963. Leonardo Aswan Dam in the 1960s, the temple and numerous other da Vinci’s Mona Lisa appeared in the Met’s medieval hall historic sites in the flood zone faced certain annihilation. for about a month; she also visited the National Gallery of Through efforts by UNESCO, fifty countries contributed Art in Washington D.C. Attendance was spectacular. People money and expertise to record and save as many of these waited in line for hours in the freezing cold to see the Mona monuments as possible. The Egyptian government gave Lisa. Over 60,000 people saw the painting in one day alone.* the Temple of Dendur to the United States in gratitude 1971-1991 – Under directors Thomas Hoving (1931-2009) for the country’s major contributions. The Met beat out and Philippe de Montebello (b. 1936) the Met put together

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THE MET FIFTH AVENUE. GREAT HALL. PHOTO BY BRETT BEYER

THE MET FIFTH AVENUE (NEW YORK, NY). THE TEMPLE OF DENDUR. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MET

several other American institutions to get the temple, largely because of an inspired plan to house it.

The Sackler Wing was designed and built specifically for the Temple of Dendur. This massive pavilion has a sloping glass wall so that the temple retains the appearance of being outside while actually enjoying protection from the elements. An artificial waterway runs around it. Visitors can walk through the Temple of Dendur, and I highly recommend the experience. The Sackler Wing also hosts many performances and cultural events set against this unforgettable backdrop. Two U.S. Presidents have held state dinners there.

21ST CENTURY 2000s – The end of the 20th century marked the last major expansions in the 150 years of the Met. Instead, the museum has focused on renovation, giving existing galleries fresh new quarters that have allowed curators to update and re-imagine permanent displays. The Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia (Islamic art) were completely renovated and reinstalled in 2011. The American Wing got a face lift in 2012, and the Costume Institute’s basement galleries were updated in 2014. Continuing this trend, newly refreshed British decorative arts galleries opened on 2nd March 2020.

2011 – The Costume Institute’s summer shows are always well attended, but none before or since has ever taken off quite like Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. This 2011 exhibition of dramatic couture by the recently-deceased British fashion designer attracted 661,509 people. The museum had to extend both the duration of the exhibition

THE MET FIFTH AVENUE, THE CHARLES ENGELHARD COURT IN THE AMERICAN WING. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MET

and daily museum hours to meet the demand.

2016 – The Met acquired its second outpost in the Breuer building, formerly home to the Whitney Museum of American Art. It is located on Madison Avenue not far from the Met’s main building. When the Whitney moved out in 2014, this iconic building’s future was uncertain until the Met signed an eight-year lease on the space. The Met Breuer, as it’s now called, focuses on modern and contemporary art, which have not traditionally been well-represented in the main building. However, rumour has it that the Met may leave the Breuer building soon. If so, the Frick Collection will likely exhibit there during its upcoming renovation.

2020 – The Met turns 150. The museum is celebrating 150 years of the Met with events all year long, including the special exhibition Making the Met, 1870-2020. There were also three days of festivities from 4th to 6th June.

By Alexandra Kiely/Daily Art Magazine

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TECH

Big Tech’s Domination Of Business Reaches New Heights As the economy contracts and many companies struggle to survive, the biggest tech companies are amassing wealth and influence in ways unseen in decades

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merican tech titans flew high before the coronavirus pandemic, making billions of dollars a year.

Now, the upheaval has lifted them to new heights, putting the industry in a position to dominate American business in a way unseen since the days of railroads.

A rally in technology stocks elevated the S&P 500 stock index to a record high on Tuesday even as the pandemic crushes the broader economy. The stocks of Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Facebook, the five largest publicly traded companies in America, rose 37 percent in the first seven months this year, while

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all the other stocks in the S&P 500 fell a combined 6 percent, according to Credit Suisse.

Those five companies now constitute 20 percent of the stock market’s total worth, a level not seen from a single industry in at least 70 years. Apple’s stock market value, the highest of the bunch, reached $2 trillion on Wednesday — double what it was just 21 weeks ago.

The tech companies’ dominance of the stock market is propelled by their unprecedented reach into our lives, shaping how we work, communicate, shop and relax. That has only deepened during the pandemic, and as people shop more frequently on Amazon, click on a Google or Facebook ad or pay up for an iPhone, the companies receive a greater share of spending in the economy and earn ever larger profits. This is why investors have flocked to those stocks this year at the expense of the scores of companies struggling in the health crisis, and are betting that their position will be unassailable for years.

“Covid was the perfect positive storm for these guys,” said Thomas Philippon, a professor of finance at New York University.

The companies’ deeper encroachment into American lives can be seen in web traffic numbers for Alphabet, Facebook and Amazon, which own the four most visited sites in the country. The traffic on these sites was immense before the pandemic, but daily visits increased sharply in March, when stay-at-home orders began, with Facebook up 15 percent and YouTube 10 percent, according to SimilarWeb, an online data provider.

The web traffic has held steady at the higher plateau, with more than one billion daily visits to the big four sites in the United States alone. And the same pattern is evident worldwide. Facebook reported that the number of daily users of its services globally in June was 12 percent higher than a year earlier.

Amazon’s business, already towering over competitors in e-commerce and cloud computing, has become even more important to businesses and households.

Its stock is up over 50 percent from its pre-pandemic

high, underscoring just how much investors think it has benefited from the disruption.

Critics say the companies have grown in part because of a range of anticompetitive practices. European regulators are investigating whether Apple’s App Store breaks competition rules. American regulators are looking at whether large tech firms committed antitrust abuses when acquiring other companies. Some antitrust scholars believe the rise of industry-dominating companies has led to stagnant wages and increased inequality. Last month, tech chief executives were grilled by members of the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee.

“Any single action by one of these companies can affect hundreds of millions of us in profound and lasting

ways,” said Representative David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat, in his opening statement at the hearing. “Simply put: They have too much power.”

According to some competition experts, the concentration in some industries is greater today than in the late 1800s, when Congress passed sweeping antitrust legislation to curb the power of the railroads.

Jan Eeckhout, an economics professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain, said that in 1929, Sears and A&P accounted for 3 percent of retail sales, a situation that stirred up concern in Congress and helped give rise to additional antitrust laws in 1936.

Today, he said, Walmart and Amazon jointly account for 15 percent of retail sales.

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In a recent study, researchers at the RAND Corporation used public filings, other data and statistical inference techniques to model the connections among top companies. Its leading example was Amazon, with its e-commerce marketplace used by thousands of retailers and its cloud computing arm, Amazon Web Services, powering so many online businesses.

On a typical work-from-home day, a person might communicate with colleagues using Slack, attend videoconferences on Zoom, order takeout food via DoorDash and in the evening watch a movie on Netflix, said Jonathan Welburn, a lead author on the RAND study. All of them run

their businesses on Amazon Web Services.

“Amazon is a very central digital hub, and it epitomizes the direction our economy has taken,” Mr. Welburn said.

The growing importance of cloud computing, the digital engine rooms of the modern economy, shows how tech firms are building on their dominance. Global spending on cloud computing rose 33 percent to more than $30 billion in the second quarter, according to Synergy Research.

To be a full-service cloud provider like Amazon, Microsoft and Google is an immensely expensive endeavor.

Each spends an estimated $10 billion to $15 billion a year on its data centers and cloud networks, said John Dinsdale,

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chief analyst at Synergy. That is just the capital-spending table stakes to compete. Only a handful of companies in the world can afford them.

The companies say their huge spending helps the U.S. economy and ends up lowering prices.

“Our engineers are helping America remain a global leader in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, self-driving cars and quantum computing,” Sundar Pichai, Google’s chief executive, said in his prepared testimony at the recent House hearing. “Competition drives us to innovate, and it also leads to better products, lower prices and more choices for everyone.”

In his testimony, Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, asserted that Apple did not have a dominant share of any market in which it did business.

And during an earnings call in July, Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, said his company could not indefinitely thrive while the rest of the economy and other industries struggled. “The world needs to do well for us to do well in the long run,” he said.

It is still possible for new companies to make inroads.

Users of Zoom, the videoconferencing company, have ballooned during the pandemic, and its stock is up over 150 percent since the end of February. And TikTok shows that it is still possible to build a highly popular social media app, though Microsoft may soon acquire it.

Of course, the searing rally in the stocks could be the result of excessive optimism and the stocks could fall. But if the Big Five keep reporting huge profits, they should still make up an outsize share of the overall market. In the 12 months through the end of June, they earned nearly $500 million a day in net income combined.

“The stock market has the great advantage that it’s looking at the stream of future profits,” Mr. Philippon said.

“They think they are high today — and going to remain very high in the future.”

By Peter Eavis and Steve Lohr

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AUSTRIA - SERBIA

Mutual Support for Shared Goals

2020

CONTENTS

05

EC REPORT PRESENTS A FAIR PICTURE OF SERBIA’S ACCESSION PROCESS

H.E. NIKOLAUS LUTTEROTTI, AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRIA TO SERBIA

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YEAR OF IMPORTANT LESSONS

DEJAN TURK, CEO OF VIP MOBILE AND A1 SLOVENIA

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THE EUROPEAN UNION IS A LOYAL PARTNER

FRANZ SCHAUSBERGER PH.D., FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE REGIONS OF EUROPE (IRE)

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TECHNOLOGIES THAT TRANSFORM EVERYDAY

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NEW FORMULA FOR NEW TIES

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STRONG TIES WEREN’T THREATENED BY THE PANDEMIC

MIHAILO VESOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION FOR STRATEGIC ANALYSES, SERVICES AND INTERNATIONALISATION AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS AN IMPERATIVE

NOVOMATIC

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AUSTRIAN WATERFALLS

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

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INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE

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A GOLD AND THREE SILVERS FOR FRAGARIA WINES

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FROM MOZART TO MAHLER

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TRADITIONAL AUSTRIAN SWEETS & DESSERTS

ADRIEN FEIX, DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRIAN CULTURAL FORUM

UDO EICHLINGER, CEO, SIEMENS AND SIEMENS MOBILITY

DR ERHARD BUSEK, COORDINATOR OF THE SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COOPERATIVE INITIATIVE (SECI), CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE FOR THE DANUBE REGION AND CENTRAL EUROPE

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IMMOFINANZ BRINGS GLOBAL TRENDS TO THE SERBIAN MARKET

JOŠKO PITEŠA, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT IMMOFINANZ SERBIA, CROATIA AND SLOVENIA

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GROWTH

SUPPORTING BUSINESS, PROMOTING

ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR OF THE AUSTRIAN EMBASSY

PHD SLOBODAN VUJIĆ AND PHD SAŠA VUJIĆ, OWNERS OF BOUTIQUE WINERY FRAGARIA

THE 10 BEST AUSTRIAN COMPOSERS

CULTURE

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November

November

5

COMMENT

Approach From The Smart Side Serbia, which has the largest economy in the region, would by definition be the best candidate to reap the benefits of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, but it needs to reform faster. And Austria would strongly support such an approach.

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s a result of the pandemic, this year’s celebrating of Austrian National Day in Serbia will be turned into an audio-visual 3D event that was developed through the hackathon organised with students of the Laboratory for Interactive Arts at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. It is inspired by this year’s 25th anniversary of Austria’s membership in the EU and the music of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the anthem of the European Union.

Apart from being prompted by health and safety issues, the way this event is being organised shows the strength of innovation, creativity and collaboration, but also ideas that are larger than life. It might also symbolically represent the way Austrian-Serbian bilateral cooperation could be shaped in the future. The underlining topic is the EU integration process, which - in the case of Serbia - needs to be reinvigorated. Reforms leading to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, media freedom and the functioning of independent institutions and public administration need to be addressed with new strength and more faith. For EU member states that have been strong promoters of the enlargement process, like Austria, this would provide a clear signal to proceed with efforts to advance the topic of the future EU membership of the countries of the Western Balkans, including Serbia, in a more convincing manner.

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November

At the level of the economies, the two countries are seeking to return to the heights of bilateral trade reached in 2019.

While that certainly won’t be possible in 2020 cooperation might be returned to a desired level in 2021, when both countries should record robust growth. Given the developments already noticed in the previous year or two, when Austrian investors became interested in innovation capacities in Serbia,

nomic convergence of the region with the EU. These respectable sums – if spent in a smart way – could be a game-changer for the economies of the region.

The Investment plan has been conceived with the idea of rewarding successful, determined reform efforts by a countries’ “phasing in” to selected EU policies and programmes, even before achieving membership, which is why reforms are important.

The long-awaited new Serbian government, even with a shortened mandate, already faces a long 'to do' list. Rule of law, judicial independence, the fight against corruption, media freedom and the functioning of independent institutions and public administration are among the key priorities. it is highly likely that some new players will enter the scene, and some projects, such as the one of the Centre for Bioengineering at the University of Kragujevac, will attract the interest of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

These sorts of projects and ideas are needed the most if Serbia wants to utilise the promise offered by the new EU-led effort in the Western Balkans.

Indeed, the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans is envisaged as a powerful instrument that would be able to spur long-term economic recovery, boost economic growth and support the socio-eco-

Without them it would be highly unlikely that the countries will be able to absorb and implement financial support programmes.

Serbia, which has the largest economy in the region, would by definition be the best candidate to attract these funds, but it first needs to reform its public administration.

Judged from the Austrian perspective, the Serbian economy has demonstrated a good performance in recent years, as a result of continuous government efforts leading to high fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability. And this led in turn to increased investments and solid growth. Now the spirit of reform has to be restored. ■

November

7

INTERVIEW

H.E. NIKOLAUS LUTTEROTTI, AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRIA TO SERBIA

EC Report Presents A Fair Picture Of Serbia's Accession Process We agree with the EC report's conclusions: the need for more tangible progress on reforms and the implementation of reforms on the so-called fundamental issues: the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, media freedom and the functioning of independent institutions and public administration - Nikolaus Litterotti

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he much-discussed latest EC progress reportshouldbeconsideredbySerbiaas a guide on how to proceed with reforms, says Austrian Ambassador Nikolaus Lutterotti. In this interview, he adds that Austria is ready to consider a proposal for Serbia to open a new accession negotiation chapter (the only one in 2020) by the end of the year. However, support is not unconditional and a green light would only arrive “as long as the overall balance of progress on fundamentals – such as the rule of law,pressfreedom ordemocraticinstitutions,and other more technical chapters – is not seriously compromised”.

• Your Excellency, you commemorated Austrian National Day at the end of October. How do such

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November

celebrations look today, under the conditions of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

- Austrian National Day is 26th October. It was on this day in 1955 that the Austrian Parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, a fundamental commitment to regain Austria’s full independence after WWII. This year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will not host our traditional reception, which we’ve organised at Belgrade City Hall in recent years.

It is not a time to celebrate. Instead, it is time to show solidarity with each other and adhere responsibly to the recommendations and rules necessary to minimise the spread of the virus and keep the healthcare system working properly.

I hope that next year we will again invite fellow Austrians, Serbia’s national and local represent-

atives, and many friends of Austria with whom we work together each year. This is a welcome occasion every year to thank Serbia, as our host country, and to highlight our excellent bilateral relations.

However, we will mark our National Day with an audio-visual 3D show on the Embassy’s building on Kosančićev Venac, for a period of three days.

The show, which is the result of a hackathon that we organised with students at the Laboratory for Interactive Arts of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, is inspired by this year’s 25th anniversary of Austria’s membership in the EU. The music of Ludwig van Beethoven will accompany the show, in honour of the 250th anniversary of his birth. I hope that many citizens of Belgrade will have the chance to enjoy the show and be inspired

TRADE

EC REPORT

EU CHAPTERS

We witnessed an increase in Austrian shipments of pharmaceuticals to Serbia, while Serbia exported almost twice as many frozen fruits as last year during the same period

The reform of public administration will be a critical issue for Serbia, as outlined in the European Commission’s report

It will be crucial to see the new government’s firm commitment to EU-related reforms based on the report’s recommendations

by Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the anthem of the European Union.

• Experts have been speaking about a new wave of the Pandemic, with the number of infections also rising in Austria. What kind of strategy are the Austrian authorities pursuing – the tightening of security measures or just increased precautions?

- The COVID-19 Pandemic is on the rise all over Europe again. Unfortunately, this is also the case in Austria, where we have seen a very worrying increase in new infections. Our healthcare system has so far remained well equipped: hospitals, including intensive care units, have the capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. The Austrian government’s primary focus is to stop

through the Austrian Development Agency?

- Serbia and Austria have communicated very well and supported each other during the COVID-19 crisis. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and European Integration Minister Karoline Edtstadler visited Serbia during their first foreign trip after the onset of the COVID emergency. We cooperated well in efforts to repatriate our respective citizens. The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was exceptionally helpful. Austria provided Serbia with basic medical needs for vulnerable groups and people in asylum centres, through the International Red Cross Austria, UNHCR and UNDP. The work of the Centre for Bioengineering at the University of Kragujevac stands out due to the smart and innovative approach to develop

Although difficult to predict, we hope that our bilateral trade will grow again next year. That will depend equally on our two countries’ economies and a global economic recovery, given the extent to which our companies are part of international production chains and reverse the trend and bring new infections down again.Together with the nine federal states (Bundesländer), the government strengthened measures to achieve this goal, including extending the obligatory use of masks and increasing social distancing rules in public spaces, such as schools, restaurants, shops and on public transport. Even in private areas there is now a recommended limit of six persons at indoor gatherings. The government has also adopted a targeted strategy for testing to be as efficient as possible in containing the virus’s spread. Austria maintains travel restrictions that are subject to regular review. In order to simplify information and transparency, the Austrian government introduced a “COVID-19 traffic light system”.

• You visited the University of Kragujevac recently. It has an existing bioengineering centre where a 3D printed medical respirator has been designed and produced. What led to you deciding to help the work of that centre,

a prototype 3D printed medical ventilator. It supports the local production of ventilators by enabling lower costs and shorter production timesthanthestandardindustrialmethod.Hence, this is a quick and affordable solution for Serbia’s healthcare system. We are therefore pleased to support this UNDP-led project with financial assistance from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

• How much has the Coronavirus Pandemic impacted on the economic situation in Austria?

- The Coronavirus Pandemic has severe ramifications for the global economy. The Austrian economy has also been hit severely, although the third quarter of this year has shown some surprisingly good results. Projections are difficult given the uncertainties of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Nevertheless, Austrian research institutes estimate an economic contraction of around 6% this year, and a recovery of +4% next year. Our economy is very much export-driven.

Exports generate six out of every ten euros.

As such, much will depend on the development of European and global markets. In his recent budget proposal, the Austrian Minister of Finance presented a sizeable financial package to support the economy and employment, improve education, strengthen the healthcare system and provide security.

• Austria is among Serbia’s most important economic partners, which prompts the question of how much the situation with COVID-19 has impacted, and will continue to impact, on economic cooperation between the two countries and investment in Serbia?

- Austria has been among the biggest investors in Serbia for decades. More than 400 Austrian companies are invested in Serbia and employ around 21,000 people. Experience has shown that Austrian companies in Serbia pursue a long-term perspective and retain their locations and employees even during difficult times. I have no indication that things will be any different this time around. Despite all the uncertainties related to the pandemic, most investors assume that there will be a robust economic recovery in Serbia in 2021.

Regarding the development of bilateral trade, we registered an all-time high of 1.5 billion euros in 2019. However, this year we witnessed a decline due to the pandemic. Based on the latest data – covering the first six months of this year – our bilateral trade has fallen by roughly 17%. All the product groups have been impacted, which reflects the overall contraction of demand in Europe. Against this general trend, we witnessed an increase in Austrian shipments of pharmaceuticals to Serbia, while Serbia exported almost twice as many frozen fruits as last year during the same period. Although difficult to predict, we hope that our bilateral trade will grow again next year. That will depend equally on our two countries’ economies and a global economic recovery, given the extent to which our companies are part of international production chains.

• The EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans envisages nine billion

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euros for the region from IPA funds. On top of that, the ambition exists to encourage banks and investors from the EU to contribute to Balkan economies, so that they could receive up to 20 billion euros in donations and loans.

Do you believe this is a realistic expectation?

- The Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans is a powerful instrument to spur long-term economic recovery, boost economic growth and support the socio-economic convergence of the region’s countries with the EU. If you count the nine billion euros earmarked from IPA funds for the next seven years, together with the 20 billion euros that the Commission hopes to mobilise through guarantee schemes, we have a total of 29 billion. For a region with a total annual GDP that amounts to about 100 billion euros, this is certainly a more than respectable amount, and – if spent wisely – could be a game-changer. The main point is not so much the sums of money involved, but rather the strategic approach of smart, forward-looking investments in critical areas, such as infrastructure, energy, environment, digital transition, SMEs and the region’s integration into EU value chains. A crucial element of the Plan for the Western Balkans is the option to reward successful, determined reform efforts by a countries’ “phasing in” to selected EU policies and programmes, even before achieving membership.

Another essential aspect to keep in mind is a country’s capacity to absorb and implement financial support programmes. Hence, the reform of public administration will be a critical issue for Serbia, as outlined in the European Commission’s report.

• The European Commission presented its annual report on Serbia at the same time. Do you agree with the general assessment that Serbia is making progress in the economic domain, but not when it comes to fulfilling the so-called political criteria for EU accession? The report notes a lack of progress in the fields of the judiciary, election legislation and media freedom. What attention will be paid to such assessments in Austria?

- The country report is a fair and objective assessment of the situation in Serbia. We agree with its conclusions: the need for more tangible progress on reforms and the implementation of reforms on so-called fundamental issues.

Here I’m referring primarily to the rule of law,

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the independence of the justice system, the fight against corruption, media freedom, and the functioning of independent institutions and public administration.The report also recognises that Serbia has made progress in harmonising its legislation and adapting legal standards,

Enlargement, is accepted, Serbia could open its first new accession negotiation chapter in 2020 during the coming months. Will Austria support such a proposal?

- There is still some time for such a decision in December. EU member states will first discuss the country report on Serbia in more depth. It will be crucial to see the new government’s firm commitment to EU-related reforms based on the report’s recommendations. Austria is ready to consider opening chapters case-by-case, as long as the overall balance of progress on fundamentals, such as the rule of law, press freedom or democratic institutions, and other more technical chapters, is not seriously compromised.

• Has the Coronavirus crisis impacted on the arrival of migrants in Austria, and does cooperation still exist between the Austrian and Serbian police when it comes to preventing illegal border crossings?

-ThePandemichasimpactedonmigrationandthe arrival of migrants and asylum seekers. Looking at the numbers, we can see a drop of about 31% in asylum applications in the EU compared to the preceding years. In Austria we have 9,400 asylum seekers this year, which is only 0.6% less than the figures for 2019. However, many refugees and migrants still use the Western Balkans as a major transit route. Serbia plays an important role in coping with these challenges and assisting

A crucial element of the Plan for the Western Balkans is the option to reward successful, determined reform efforts by a countries’ “phasing in” to selected EU policies and programmes, even before achieving membership particularly economic issues. In our view, the Serbian economy has demonstrated a good performance in recent years, thanks also to a mix of government measures that led to high fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability.

Austria has great respect for these reforms.

In our view, the report provides a fair picture of Serbia’s accession process. More importantly, it acts as a useful guide for the Serbian government regarding priority areas for reforms that would accelerate the accession process.

• In the case that the proposal of Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and

this very vulnerable group of people. And Austria continuestocooperateverycloselywithSerbiaon this. Based on the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe, Austria and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced internal security cooperation in 2015, and then signed a renewed MoU again this year. In 2015 there were 10 Austrian police officers who were engagedforsixmonthstosupportSerbianborder police in preventing illegal border crossings. Since the beginning of August this year, 10 Austrian police officers with technical equipment have supported Serbian border police at the border to North Macedonia. ■

UDO EICHLINGER, CEO, SIEMENS AND SIEMENS MOBILITY BUSINESS

Technologies That Transform Everyday

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e believe that if one does not solve the mobility challenge, it will be problematic to live in our cities.

This is why mobility projects are so important for society and the quality of life, and this is why we are constantly seeking solutions for this problem - Udo Eichlinger • Are there any mobility projects that you are working in Serbia?

- I am very excited that we are working on a new, modern traffic management system that will cover about 300 junctions in Belgrade. The goal is to respond efficiently to the challenges Belgrade is facing with its constantly growing population and rapidly increasing tourist needs. Once fully implemented, the system

it is a powerful motivator, so I’m proud to say that they all contribute actively and do their part to improve quality of life in the capital.

• You previously organised your business on the basis of the key four Mega Trends.

How are those Megatrends impacting Siemens today?

- Yes, there have been at least four Mega Trends that have impacted us over the last seven to ten years. These include urbanisation, globalisation, demographic changes in terms of ageing populations, and climate change. Over the last five years, we have added a fifth – digitisation. It differs from the others in that it is related to technology while the others aren’t. But digitalisation has

We are working on a new, modern system of traffic management that will cover about 300 junctions in Belgrade will increase street capacity by adapting to traffic circumstances in real time and giving priority to public transport. In parallel, these effects will also have a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions and noise pollution.

I must emphasise that this team has some very young members, fresh out of university. It’s really special to us to support such young and talented people. We believe that young people should be given true responsibility and that

had such a huge impact on all of our markets and is rolling on so massively and in such a fast way that we’ve added this global Mega Trend to the existing ones that we believe are changing all markets.

One interesting example from this area of business is what we call the ‘digital twin’, which is basically fed by our software portfolio, our software suite. This part will also grow tremendously quickly in the future. I believe

that the digital twin will be the backbone of any future industry or manufacturing industry, because it is so powerful. Once you have the digital twin of your products or systems, they can be optimised in a much faster way and can be developed more rapidly, while development times will be shortened drastically.

• How has such a large system as Siemens’ confronted the challenges imposed on us all by the global pandemic?

- We all fear not being in control, which is usually kept in check by our daily routines.

The pandemic has really magnified this trait.

But this is exactly what has helped us manage this precedent – creating new routines for the new normal. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic surprised everyone, but it did not completely succeed in catching us off guard, since we always put such effort and emphasis on EHS standards. The No. 1 priority for us has always been, and always will be, the well-being of our employees and anyone who sets foot into our operations or works with us on projects. We continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation, taking all necessary steps to protect our community, and so far we’ve safely and successfully minimised its disruptions to our day-to-day operations and ensured business continuity.

My advice for everyone would be to focus on what you can control and remember to take care of yourself and others. ■

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Photo: Nebojša Babić

Siemens today has an industrial software business that's worth $5 billion and is among the world's 10 largest software companies. The company's Digital Industry Business is focusing successfully on all core industries in Serbia, providing support to clients on a daily basis

INTERVIEW

DR ERHARD BUSEK, COORDINATOR OF THE SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COOPERATIVE INITIATIVE (SECI), CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE FOR THE DANUBE REGION AND CENTRAL EUROPE

New Formula For New Ties

The challenge of “deepening and widening in Europe” has not yet been answered, either from the side of the Western Balkans or that of EU countries. And therefore questions that are apparently old, such as “why is Serbia still far from Europe”, have new actors and answers. And, no, this has almost nothing to do with the latest European Commission report on Serbia.

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t was back in early 2000 that Dr Erhard Busek was appointed as the Special Representative of the Austrian Government on EU Enlargement by then Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel. He has since served in various positions that have seen him press for the Western Balkan countries to be admitted into the EU. Among many other things, this makes him an excellent interlocutor when it comes to the current state of affairs regarding the accession process. Furthermore, unlike many other interlocutors who offer vague answers, Dr Busek – who is the current Coordinator of the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) and Chairman of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe – uses fresh language and provides answers that cut straight to the heart of the matter. As this interview shows, there are many new facets of the seemingly similar picture of the EU integration process.

• You spoke almost ten years ago at a conference in Belgrade addressing the question: “how far is Serbia from Europe?”.

First and foremost, why are we still struggling with that same question today?

- Your analysis is totally right - we are still struggling with the same question, not only in Serbia’s relation to Europe, but in general for southeast Europe as a whole. I would like to go further by also noting that the European Union is unable at present to resolve a lot of issues for these countries “to come nearer”. There are several reasons for this development: first, there are still a lot of conflicts, battles and a lack of mutual understanding in Southeast Europe, but also between EU member states. We have not yet answered the real challenge of “deepening and widening in Europe”; and, second, other sides have a greater influence on this development. Serbia declares that it wants to join the European Union, but in a similar way the government is quite close to Russia, while China is also jumping in, and so on. Therefore, we now don’t have the same questions as before! We have new questions, and it is up to the capacities of all governments within

the EU, and also Serbia’s government, to answer them in the best way.

• According to some analysts, Serbia is pretending that it wants to become an EU member state and the EU is pretending that it wants Serbia as a member. Is that the case?

- I believe that the European Union is interested in having Serbia as a member, and I also believe that the Serbian government is officially stating that it wants to approach the EU. However, the steps taken forward so far have been limited and there is no real drive behind this.

• Austria has been one of the strongest promoters of the EU accession process for Serbia. How successful has this effort proved to date and what factors have impacted on the outcome?

- Austria is generally very heavily engaged in Southeast Europe, including Serbia. The capacity of Austria to solve problems like Kosovo, but also Serbia’s relations with neighbouring states, is also limited. The Austrians

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• When it comes to the trends shaping developments in Europe, what are the latest insights provided by the European Forum Alpbach?

- There is a clear message from Andreas Treichl, the new president of the European Forum Alpbach, stating that the enlargement process of the past has come to an and. We will skip this formula and maybe look to another strategy, for example to deepen relations in different areas, like infrastructure, investment, education and so on, separately and on this basis reach agreement on different fields. The previous strategy for developing new communities, as was done for energy, trade, transport and so on, might be the right way to go in this direction. Moreover, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) has an important role to play here for the younger generations.

are always speaking about being a bridge, but in this context it isn’t really working...

• What are the dominant trends in the Western Balkans today; how is the situation influenced by the current stage of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the recent Montenegrin elections?

-The dominant trends in the Western Balkans remain a lot of local conflicts, border issues, misunderstandings and so on. Concerning the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, we have a problem that five EU member states have not yet recognised Pristina, which generates hope on the Belgrade side that we can turn history around and go back to previous situations. What the recent Montenegrin election means is not yet clear to me.

• Considering the outcome of Serbia’s latest elections, do you think that a single winner eases the decision-making process, for example when it comes to the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue?

- If we are coming to results of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, it is necessary for a broader understanding to exist. It is not only a matter of elections, it is also a question of mutual dialogue between the citizens of both states. A single winner of an election is no guarantee of a broad majority in the mood of the citizens of a country.

• One of the hotly debated issues in Serbia -

• COVID-19 represents an unprecedented event that could still shake Western Balkan societies to their core. How do you see the role of the EU, and Austria in particular, when it comes to supporting the region and preventing it from falling into a precarious state?

- Mutual support is necessary between Western Balkans societies, members of the European Union and so on. We have to learn from the experiences of others and develop a programme of mutual assistance.

Please do not overestimate the reports of the European Commission. I think that if there is a clear will in Serbia and within the European Union, then we can overcome all the difficulties and analyse what is missing, what has to be done and so on. We need a broad discussion in Serbia and in EU member states to be in favour of Serbia’s membership.

• As we know that you are fond of music, we would like to conclude this interview by asking you what role you think music, coupled with art, has played in our struggle to stay sane and mentally strong during this difficult time?

- Not only music, but the arts in general, literature and so on, play an important role in developing mutual understanding.

If I look at the situation in Austria, Serbs have a strong presence in every field of cultural expression. This should be supported and generally promoted to cover the whole of Europe. ■

Despite apparently looking the same, questions related to the accession process are new, and the capacities of all governments within the EU, and also the government in Serbia, are limited when it comes to solving them in the best way is the latest European Commission report, which notes both positive and troubling developments in Serbia. Viewed from the perspective of long term commitments – in terms of investments, financial support and inclusion of the Western Balkans in many EU-led processes – how important is one less favourable report or one less chapter opened?

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DEJAN TURK, CEO OF VIP MOBILE AND A1 SLOVENIA BUSINESS

Year Of Important Lessons Vip mobile has behind it a number of years that were excellent in terms of business results, and the company's top man even expects the growth trend to continue this year, despite the crisis. Vip manages to make the most of every situation, even this one, and to offer more to satisfy the needs of their users to the greatest possible extent

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or Vip mobile, as the first recipient of the Family Friendly Certificate in Serbia, the health and safety of employees and their families remain an absolute priority. Investing in their well-being is considered the most important investment in the future, regardless of whether they operate under the Vip or A1 brands.

• It was planned for Vip mobile to change its brand to A1 this year. Did the pandemic influence that plan and, if so, to what extent?

- The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted on shifting the focus and strategic goals of companies in all branches of industry. During times of great uncertainty, people come first – the health and safety of employees and users are our top priority at this moment.

From the outset, like the rest of the A1 Group, under the auspices of which we operate, we monitored the development of the situation, formed a crisis team and began preparing various scenarios for protection against the virus. We quickly started introducing preventative measures, in order to protect people, but no one could have predicted the scale of the pandemic. Quite simply, you have to adapt to the situation.

• The new conditions have led to increased demand for the services of mobile operators,

apart from roaming. Will you record a profit at the end of 2020?

- Apart from a stable network that can support the increase in mobile traffic, the crisis has given rise to some new products and services, and we have also tried to be a reliable partner in this segment. We have supported the development of telemedicine - through the DokTok platform, Serbian citizens nationwide can consult doctors from various fields free of charge and thus avoid having to go to a health centre. We also launched the first virtual shop on the market and went a step further when it comes to the advanced user experience.

During this summer we also restored the most

in obstacles, I believe that we will soon look at 2020 as a year of important lessons that inspired us and taught us to be better.

• With more than a billion euros invested, Vip mobile remains the largest greenfield investment in Serbia. Will your Telekom Austria Group continue to invest in our country?

- I’m glad that, with a more than 25 per cent share of the domestic market, we are among the companies that influence its advancement. Our plan is to maintain the continuity of our sustainable growth and continue further investments, but we remain flexible enough to be able to adjust our short-term goals to the situation and needs

We supported the development of telemedicine, launched the first virtual shop on the market and also started the project dedicated to empowering the oldest favourable NEO tariff, and since October - the month dedicated to the elderly - we have been empowering the oldest members of society, enabling them to share their wisdoms with the world within the project Stari znalci.

However, it is still too early for a final prognosis.

We are awaited by a quarter of the year that could change a lot, given that a new wave of the pandemic is predicted. As an eternal optimist and someone who sees an opportunity

of the market. Serbia has so far being worthy of praise for the way it’s handled the challenges of the pandemic, and - despite global uncertainty the domestic market has remained competitive and receptive to foreign investors, while there are no indications that it will abandon long-term investments. I have emphasised repeatedly that Serbs are an extremely hard-working people, dedicated and creative, and those are qualities that investors recognise and value. ■

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INTERVIEW

FRANZ SCHAUSBERGER PH.D., FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE REGIONS OF EUROPE (IRE)

The European Union is a Loyal Partner

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PHOTOCREDIT_IRE

The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) recently organised a conference entitled “Europe and Corona: Dangers and chances”. We asked Franz Schausberger Ph.D., Founder and Director of the IRE, which conclusions from that event he would consider as the most important when it comes to our part of the world. We specifically addressed the issue of candidate countries that might be afraid both of the coronavirus and the economic and political disintegration of the EU, caused partly by the pandemic.

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t is of high importance, not just for the Western Balkan Region but for all of Europe, to increase cooperation and solidarity between states and regions.

The European Union showed quick and massive solidarity by helping the Western Balkan region with an aid package of 3.3 billion euros. There was no dispute on that within the European Institutions and member states - says the IRE founder and director.

“Furthermore,” adds our interlocutor, “not just the region but many European countries have to improve their healthcare system. In general, a conclusion we drew at the Summit is that research and healthcare systems should be much more at the centre of political attention.”

“No one needs to be worried that the EU will disintegrate because of pandemics. It is the other way round: after the initial shock, many regions and states showed solidarity and received intensive care patients from other countries, while the European Commission has been distributing medical and protective equipment to European states.

Even the point where the states showed some kind of disagreement – on recovery funds – was not a general disagreement, rather a discussion on the technical details of financial aid,” says our interlocutor, before adding that there is certainly always the danger that some political groups will try to demolish Europe when an economic situation renders it vulnerable.

• On the positive side, what are the opportunities presented by this situation and

which forces are able to bring them to life?

- We all learned that, first of all, we have to be much better prepared for global crises like pandemics. European coordination networks have to be improved. There are chances, for example in the field of digitisation. Many companies, schools, universities or public service institutions were forced to bring their digital infrastructure into the 21st century. Though physical distancing is a challenge that society has to cope with, today’s technological possibilities helped bring people together even though they weren’t able to get together personally. So, family members could at least see each other virtually and business could also be done online. And, as mentioned above, perhaps the field of research and medicine is now getting more attention.

• How has the IRE responded to the challenges, both through its scientific networking and within its own network?

- In the first period of the pandemic, in spring, we switched to home offices and worked on a remote basis. We had online meetings every day and prepared the Salzburg Europe

PHOTOCREDIT_IRE

Serbia and Kosovo should rely on the talks in Brussels. The talks with the United States have to be viewed under the aspect of the election campaign; they will be without any substantial outcome Summit. Very quickly, at the end of April, we decided and communicated that we would hold the Summit as a presence event.

This was a clear positive signal in Salzburg.

After going back to normal office work, we certainly worked to a basic prevention and sanitation concept, with distance, disinfection and attention. But we always wanted to show our members and our network that we work normally for the sake of our members.

So we conducted meetings, discussions and events on various topics online, published our members Magazine, worked on our scientific journal “Occasional Paper” and organised the Salzburg Europe Summit.

Furthermore, we organised a video meeting between member Region Ajara (Georgia)

and an expert from our Health Ministry, took part in an online debate about tourism in Romania and – together with a regional newspaper – conducted an online debate with Martin Selmayr, the representative of the European Commission in Vienna. During the lockdown, we initiated a project called “Voices from the European Regions”, which saw dozens of people from our member regions send video messages about the Corona-situation in their region and how they feel about it. We are very proud that our efforts paid off and we gained many new members (regions and companies) during the time of the pandemic. This shows that there is a desire for cross-regional cooperation, especially in challenging times!

• You are a special advisor to Johannes Hahn, the former EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and, as such, your focus is on better information on the European Union being available in regions and municipalities within EU member States, but also in the countries encompassed by the European enlargement and neighbourhood policy.

Which challenges have arisen in communication there?

- I see two main challenges: First of all, the issues that the European Union (Institutions) are working on are very complex and not always easy to understand. There are many issues to deal with in a globalised world. On the other hand, there is lack of information in the regions and municipalities regarding the ways European decisions and programmes impact on the regions and municipalities.

Mayors and regional authorities often have little information about the EU and its institutions. To have and disseminate this information would be very important in times of pre-accession. Here we have to work

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order to receive and exchange information about the situation confronting cities and municipalities in Serbia.

PHOTOCREDIT_IRE

much more to break down the information.

That’s why Commissioner Hahn and I want to expand the Austrian initiative called “EU-Counsellors” to the villages, cities and municipalities of other European countries.

• To what extent has the situation created by the pandemic become fertile ground for misinformation when it comes to communication regarding the EU’s enlargement policy?

- I don’t see special misinformation regarding EU enlargement or the Western Balkans during the pandemic. It is more a general misinformation campaign aimed at playing down the risks of this pandemic or undermining trust in institutions. We all have to work hard to tackle the growing numbers of conspiracy theories regarding this Coronavirus.

• What role did the IRE networks play in communicating the EU’s efforts to support Serbia in terms of medical support and overall assistance?

- We followed the EU’s assistance to the Western Balkans, and therefore also Serbia, very closely during the pandemic. We informed our network about how the EU, through different member states or re-

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• What has changed with regard to the approach to enlargement between the old and new European Commissions; and what has changed when it comes to Western Balkan states?

- The European Commission is dedicated to bringing the Western Balkans closer to European Union, though we have to keep in mind the different stages of development they’ve reached when it comes to negotiations or candidate status. It has to be a win-win-situation, where the authorities in the Western Balkan states conduct the necessary reforms as quickly and efficiently as possible, while the European States retain their support for EU Enlargement. As far as I can judge, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi is dedicated to this issue. Commissioner Johannes Hahn

Mayors and regional authorities often have little information about the EU and its institutions. That’s why Commissioner Hahn and I want to expand the Austrian initiative called “EU-Counsellors” to the villages, cities and municipalities of other European countries gional initiatives, supports the region. The EU, as the main partner of this region, has supported Serbia with 93 million euros for economic recovery and emergency assistance since March. Furthermore, the European Union has also paid for the hiring of 200 additional medical workes and has financed the purchase of 800,000 protective masks, 100 triage containers, 100 oxygen concentrators, 75 devices for anaesthesia and ventilation, 300 infrared contactless thermometers, 100 oxygen concentrators, uniforms, emergency items and support for the most vulnerable sectors of the population, such as elderly people, single mothers and the Roma community.

As Co-Chairman of the Joint Consultative Commission “Serbia” (JCC Serbia) of the European Committee of the Regions, I am constantly in contact with my Serbian CoChair, Niška Banja Mayor Dejan Jovanović, in

laid a perfect foundation in his former role as enlargement commissioner. The regular reports of the Commission on the situation in the Western Balkan countries provide a good overview.

• In your opinion, what does the future hold when it comes to the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue?

- The solution is as simple as the situation is difficult: dialogue has to be kept up! There should be no provocation between the political authorities of both countries, rather mutual respect and steady dialogue. The talks with the United States have to be viewed under the aspect of the election campaign; they will be without any substantial outcome.

Serbia and Kosovo should rely on the talks in Brussels. They are less spectacular, but more sustainable. The European Union will be a loyal partner. ■

JOŠKO PITEŠA, BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER AT IMMOFINANZ SERBIA, CROATIA AND SLOVENIA

IMMOFINANZ Brings Global Trends to The Serbian Market Austria's IMMOFINANZ, one of the largest commercial real estate groups in Central and Eastern Europe, has activities focused on retail and office segments, with a property portfolio worth more than five billion euros. The company owns and manages office and retail properties, while its portfolio is concentrated on three brands: 'STOP SHOP' and 'VIVO!' for retail and 'myhive' for offices.

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hen it comes to commercial real estate and the retail industry in Serbia, the market has huge potential thanks to significant demand for retail space. That’s why IMMOFINANZ came to Serbia with its STOP SHOP brand in 2015, when our initial investment amounted to 60 million euros. By the time of the opening of our 10th STOP SHOP in Serbia, which is as many as there are today, that investment had increased to roughly 112 million euros.

A concept such as a retail park is ideal for countries like Serbia. STOP SHOP is a decentralised retail format, while our biggest advantage and opportunity in terms of competition is the fact that we’ve decided to focus on small cities, with a catchment area of 30,000 to 150,000 residents, and to bring them global brands. There is free market potential that we want to utilise.

Moreover, when we created the STOP SHOP concept we took care of another thing: everything in the SEE region is concentrated in capitals and many people in smaller cities are eager for various contents and seeking additional ways to spend their free time together.

Many customers also no longer want to travel an hour or two to the next large shopping centre, opting instead to visit our smaller STOP SHOPs, which is why we have such good growth rates.

So it was very important for us to explore the general environment in which we’ve been planning our business and to be informed about customers, both in terms of their purchasing power and their social habits. STOP SHOP

at STOP SHOP retail parks includes fashion, furniture and household items, supermarket & food, electronics, health & beauty and sports.

All of our STOP SHOPs offer a wide range of culinary and entertainment contents, as well as a good quality of stay.

These are some of the reasons why IMMOFINANZ has been recognised as one of the most successful companies in the region’s

The typical tenant mix at STOP SHOP retail parks includes fashion, furniture and household items, supermarket & food, electronics, health & beauty and sports. All of our STOP SHOPs offer a wide range of culinary and entertainment contents, as well as a good quality of stay retail parks create an optimal atmosphere for price-conscious families, while providing a broad range of products with convincing cost-benefit ratios. We have implemented a mix of leisure, sports and entertainment brands, and even cinemas or ice-skating extensions in green surroundings. Thus, the typical tenant mix

commercial real estate sector. The company received the award for the Best Retail Developer of the Year at the ceremony for the CRE Awards 2019, which is why we are encouraged to further expand our STOP SHOP retail parks on the Serbian market. So, as we promised, we are here to stay. ■

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INTERVIEW

MIHAILO VESOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION FOR STRATEGIC ANALYSES, SERVICES AND INTERNATIONALISATION AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

Strong Ties Weren't Threatened

By The Pandemic Considering that the strong growth of economic activities is predicted in Austria for 2021, as well as a recovery of the consumer trend, we should expect the growth of Austrian investments in countries that are its traditional trade partners. That should certainly be seen as an opportunity for Serbia.

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mmediately upon the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, one of the biggest challenges to maintaining Serbian-Austrian economic cooperation was maintaining unhindered trade activities and enabling unhindered and continuous transport under circumstances that were marked by the introduction of various restrictive measures that related to the partial or complete closing of borders, the introducing of various rules related to the control of the health condition of drivers, the withdrawal of air transport and restrictions on the movements of workers. “It should be emphasised that the outstanding efforts of the Chamber of Commerce &

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Industry of Serbia, through its representative office in Austria, as well as all institutions in the chain of international cooperation that partly participated in creating new procedures and procedures, enabled – under the shortest possible deadline - the continuation of the transporting of goods during this period,” says Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Division for Strategic Analyses, Services and Internationalisation at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, continuing: “although trade between the two countries has largely recovered since the first wave of the pandemic, there is a noticeable decrease in consumption among the population, so in

the period ahead we should certainly expect the adopting of measures that would impact positively on the growth of consumption”.

• How do the two chambers help connect businesspeople under the new conditions?

- Cooperation between the two chambers has remained intensive even under the altered conditions, but it was necessary to introduce new ways of communicating. The beginning of the crisis was marked by constant communication on ways to ensure the continued functioning of transport corridors, as well as the easier implementation of new procedures that accompanied the newly emerged situation.

Both chambers exerted remarkable efforts to ensure the continuous, 24-hour, availability of data and information on changes to regimes.

The launch of various platforms for exchanging information and data on the availability of certain types of goods that were in short supply was particularly important for overcoming bottlenecks that arose due to the crisis situation. It should be stressed that, through cooperation between the two chambers, digital communication between companies has been enabled, primarily through the participation and placement of information on digital stock exchanges that were initiated by both chambers.

• How is this new situation reflected in the inflow of Austrian investments in Serbia?

- Measures that were taken by the state authorities of both countries, with the aim of preventing the spread of the virus, brought Austrian investment in Serbia to a halt, but what is encouraging is that there is still great interest among Austrian investors. According to the stats of the National Bank of Serbia, the net value of Austrian investments for the first six months of 2020 totalled 65.8 million euros.

On the other hand, the Austrian government is certainly taking efforts to stimulate its investors and for this purpose has allocated incentive funds amounting to a billion euros, which have been available since 1st August this year and which will subsidise part of the funds invested by domestic investors in their own country.

Considering that the strong growth of economic activities is predicted in Austria for 2021, as well as a recovery of the consumer trend, we should expect the growth of Austrian investments in countries that are its traditional trade partners.

The current crisis has also highlighted the need to relocate the production capacities of some key industries that are dislocated from the European continent. Thus, relocating production operations from Asia and the Far East closer to the European Union should certainly be seen as an opportunity for Serbia, which stands out as a logical destination thanks to its favourable geographical position, conditions for doing business and international free trade agreements.

package of economic measures that both countries have introduced, and which are intended to aid economic recovery and the preserving of economic flows.

• What would you point out in particular when it comes to joint work on the digitalisation of the Serbian economy?

- One of the first steps towards establishing a model of support for digital transformation was the establishment of the CCIS’s Centre for Digital Transformation (CDT) and the creation of a network of consultants with knowhow and experience in processes related to the digitalization of entire operations.

tivities are aimed at ensuring the efficient digitalisation of the Serbian economy through education, consulting and the creating of strategic partnerships with technology leaders, on the one hand, and companies that would apply these solutions in their operations, on the other.

Since the establishment (CDT) in 2018, 43 consultants and 6 CDT trainers for digital transformation have been certified according to the standard ISO 17024. In excess of 750 companies have applied to participate in the CDT’s programmes, 300 of which are companies that are in the process of developing and implementing digital strategies, while 130 companies

During the period of the pandemic we've encountered numerous difficulties in the implementation of dual education, but we've also received support from our Austrian colleagues The development and establishment of this centre was supported by GIZ – the German Organization for International Cooperation, and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce - WKO, while the CDT’s ac-

have already implemented digital solutions in their operations.

• You are included in the organising of dual education with employers in Serbia.

• How is your cooperation with the Austrian Chamber organised under the new conditions?

- Cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce is largely realised through the representative office of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia in Vienna, but also in direct communication. Considering the restrictions in terms of movements and the impossibility of organising visits of institutional and economic delegations, communication between businesspeople and officials takes place via online platforms.

We should mention in particular the exceptional cooperation and contribution of the two chambers in designing the

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due to visits to employers becoming more difficult, which for the same reasons makes it difficult to organise training for instructors in dual education.

In the context of overcoming the challenges, our colleagues from Austria provided us with great support in the development of online training of instructors, in order for the accreditation process to be able to run smoothly. Furthermore, they also shared with us their guidelines and regulations related to the organising of activities in the field of dual education during the mentioned epidemiological situation, which imply recommendations for the organising of activities while taking into account the health status of all participants.

• What are your priorities for this cooperation in 2021?

- Next year, which is forecast to bring strong economic growth for both countries, is certainly a year that should be used to further strengthen economic cooperation. According What challenges have you faced during this school year and what kind of advice did you receive from your Austrian colleagues?

- The dual education system is extremely important when it comes to cooperation with Austria. One of the preconditions for enticing a larger number of Austrian investments in Serbia is a qualified workforce, and the applying of the dual education model in our country should contribute to this. Through the CCIS and Austria Chambers project, since February 2017 the Trade School in Belgrade has organised education for an entire generation of first year pupils in the three-year subject of trader, including 120 pupils, who underwent trained for traders according to the dual model and had work placement training at Delhaize, dm drogerie market, Univerexport, Mercator S, VIP mobile and Metro. Since the start of the 2018 academic year, in addition to traders, the start of implementation of the educational profile of logistics and forwarding technician began, while the 2019 academic year saw the start of the implementation of the educational profile of basic construction works operator.

Testifying to the exceptional cooperation in this field is the support of the Austrian

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Through cooperation between the two chambers, digital communication between companies has been enabled, primarily through the participation and placement of information on digital stock Development Agency, which supported the continuation of the project, worth 1.8 million euros, which will be implemented over the next four years. And in addition to the existing Austrian and Serbian Chamber partners, the project also includes the participation of the Institute for Advancing Education and the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce. This project, which is of national importance and has the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, should enable the full implementation of the Law on Dual Education.

During the period of the pandemic, which made it more difficult to do business in all fields, we’ve encountered numerous difficulties in the implementation of dual education, especially when it comes to issuing confirmations on the fulfilling of conditions for learning through work placements with an employer, partly

to estimates taken prior to the outbreak of the global pandemic, 2020 should have been another in the series of record-breaking years when it comes to economic exchange between the two countries. In the last three years, since the economic exchange between Austria and Serbia first exceeded a billion euros, trade between the two countries has been increasing continuously. According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, foreign trade between Serbia and Austria amounted to 688 million euros in the first eight months of 2020, which is a fall of almost 15% compared to the same period of 2019. That’s why our goal is for Serbian and Austrian economic cooperation during 2021 to reach the results of 2019, where a trade exchange of 1.3 billion euros was realised (including exports worth 567 million euros and imports worth 674 million euros). ■

VLADIMIR SPASIĆ, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, DELL EMC BUSINESS

Our Future Is Digital Dell EMC is one of the world's most influential companies, which provides infrastructure for building the digital future, transforming the IT sector and protecting information.

As an important part of the most technologically advanced industry, Dell EMC successfully handles the most complex tasks and problems of users

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t is indisputable that new technologies will replace people in certain segments, thus it is necessary for people to expand their knowledge and follow market demands to the greatest possible extent, in order to create new jobs for the future, explains Dell EMC account executive Vladimir Spasić • What will our digital future be like?

- The digital revolution, which is one of the greatest challenges of our time, has a great impact on people’s private and working lives.

As such, it creates a range of opportunities that should be taken advantage of, because investing in digitization brings efficiency and productivity. Our future is digital, with the internet and digitisation shaping our lives.

The digital future isn’t a meaningless phrase, rather it describes the world of that which

of pupils; we’ve seen professors who didn’t previously use email now suddenly lecturing on Zoom. All this shows that our digital future will be uncertain, but still interesting. With the application and development of new technologies, connectivity will increase ever more, and for now there’s no end in sight.

Digital transformation brought us organisational changes through the use of digital technologies and the improvement of business processes reflected in the successful management of operations.

• How much has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the expectations and demands of your clients?

- COVID-19 represented a great test for all our clients; it compelled them to check the condition of their IT infrastructure and con-

The digital future isn't a meaningless phrase, rather it describes the world of that which large multinational companies call ambient computing large multinational companies call ambient computing. Just as today’s consumers are constantly connected, so companies will operate entirely in this way in the near future.

Consider the changes we’ve seen since February... In just a few months, we’ve seen schools change and serve the networking of millions

nectivity. As has been the case to date, and particularly in these unpredictable times, our company’s focus is to ensure that customers have what they need to keep their IT environment stable and for them to progress. It is natural for clients’ expectations to be high, especially during the time of a pandemic, so

we meet those expectations according to the possibilities. I can say that the expectations and demands of our clients are understandable, considering the current situation, and that they’ve remained at the same new level they were at before the pandemic.

• What is changing the fastest today In terms of products, solutions and services; which of these three segments of your business requires the most investment and research?

- As applications and software generally evolve, it is necessary to adapt solutions that can satisfy market demands. Without products we wouldn’t be able to create solutions, and to use them to perform certain services, so I could say that these three segments represent a whole that must be developed in parallel and thus presented to the market. Considering the industry we belong to, it is important for us to strive for the constant development of products, solutions and services, to establish market trends instead of waiting for the market to send us its demands. If I had to single out the line of business that is changing the fastest and requires the greatest investments, that would certainly be products, because they are the core of every solution.■

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INTERVIEW

ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR OF THE AUSTRIAN EMBASSY

Supporting Business, Promoting Growth After a very successful 2019, the Austrian-Serbian trade exchange fell by roughly 17% in the first six months of 2020. However, with the support of Advantage Austria, companies from both sides of the aisle are trying their best to preserve contacts and cooperation

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rika Teoman-Brenner, Commercial Counsellor of the Austrian Embassy, had previously faced challenging moments in her previous postings, such as the financial crisis of 2008/2009 or terrorist bombings in her immediate surroundings. “However,” she insists, “this pandemic is nothing like anything before”. Yet, throughout all these perplexing times, the greatest strength of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA has been its commitment to connect people and build partnerships with value. That’s also exactly what they’re doing now, by helping companies to navigate their ways through complex issues of maintaining physical contacts and spurring innovation.

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• What kinds of trends have you noticed in the trade exchange between Austria and Serbia during 2020? What are the forecasts like as we head towards 2021?

- After a very successful 2019, with bilateral trade achieving an all-time high of 1.5 billion euros, we witnessed a decline this year, due to the pandemic. Based on the latest data – covering the first six months of this year – our bilateral trade has declined by roughly 17%. Basically, all product groups have been impacted, which reflects an overall contraction of demand in Europe. Against this general trend, we witnessed an increase in Austrian deliveries of pharmaceuticals to Serbia, while

during the same period Serbia exported almost twice as much frozen fruit as last year. It is practically impossible to predict developments for the next year, given the uncertainty of the evolution of the pandemic, but we certainly hope that our bilateral trade will grow again. This will not only be a function of the situation in our two countries, but more that of a global economic recovery, given the extent to which our companies are integrated into international production chains.

• How did Austrian companies that operate in Serbia cope with the altered circumstances for doing business?

- First and foremost, they ensured that their employees were as safe as possible by maintaining all necessary social distancing protocols. At the outbreak of the pandemic, the biggest challenge was probably to deal with the interruption of supply chains and the implementation of all necessary systems to support remote working. In order to get a clearer picture, though, we are awaiting the results of our upcoming annual investors’ survey. In any case, what we have witnessed so far is that our companies adapted very quickly to these extraordinary circumstances.

innovation? How active have Austrian companies been in this field?

- We probably all agree that COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of life, from the way people live and work, to the ways

you tell us more about the outcomes of these initiatives?

- We are indeed involved in a joint initiative of the Austrian Development Agency and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency

• What challenges are today confronting the companies that address you most often; how much have those challenges changed since the outbreak of the pandemic?

- When we talk about challenges to doing business in Serbia, they have remained quite unchanged over the years. They are generally linked to administrative and regulatory issues, but also to low growth of domestic consumption and investments. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, our companies

Austrian companies took every action to protect not only the health of their employees, but also to preserve their workplaces, and by doing so they contributed greatly to maintaining employment in these difficult times. have obviously had to face a number of unexpected problems. On a practical level, travel restrictions were probably the most challenging, given the geographical proximity and close business relations between companies in Austria and Serbia, and - last but not least - the large number of Serbian citizens commuting between the two countries. It is fair to say that our office has become a very important – and appreciated, if I may add – point of reference for Austrian and Serbian companies seeking up-to-date information on travel regulations.

• What has represented the positive side of the COVID-19 crisis when it comes to

companies operate and interact with their customers. As a response to this, a number of innovative products and services have entered the market. Looking at Austrian companies, there have been some interesting innovations, such as a contact tracing app for the hospitality industry or a DIY Corona test kit sold through drug stores.

Another start-up offers free Youtube workshops for maintaining mental health during times of crisis.

• At the same time, you are also involved actively in fostering innovation as a way of supporting sustainable development in the region of the Western Balkans. Can

that aims at supporting the establishment of cross-border partnerships between Austria and the Western Balkans that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through so-called frugal innovation, a concept that is quite new in this region. We are still in the initial phase, but the talks we’ve had so far with potential partners have proved promising.

• How have Austrian companies contributed to Serbia combatting the consequences of the pandemic?

- Immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic, a number of Austrian companies in Serbia donated protective equipment and ventilators to various Serbian organisations.

But what is probably more important is that they continue to be totally committed to their operations in Serbia, and to their employees in particular. They take every action to protect not only their health, but also their workplaces, and by doing so they contribute greatly to maintaining employment in these difficult times. ■

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BUSINESS

GORAN MILJKOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BELA PALANKA

Life Is Returning To Bela Palanka Bela Palanka is a place that ensures an increasingly better quality life for citizens through the creation of a favourable business climate and the construction of infrastructure. This municipality's Sustainable Development Strategy defines industry, agriculture and tourism as its pillars of economic development

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GRS is a company that will employ 100 workers in Bela Palanka in the first phase of its investment cycle, then in the second phase – in January 2022 – it will launch production activities at a new factory in the “Murica 1” industrial zone. According to Bela Palanka’s municipal leader, another 250 citizens will be employed at this factory.

• You have seriously committed yourself to enticing investors and leading the economic recovery of Bela Palanka. Have better days finally arrived for your municipality?

- Using all available resources, as well as our good strategic position – given that Corridor 10 passes

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through the municipality, as well as a first class state road covering a distance of 32 kilometres – we strive to achieve economic progress.

In terms of industrial development, today we have the Murica 1 and Murica 2 industrial zones, encompassing a total area of 13 hectares in close proximity to Corridor 10, as well as two brownfield locations where companies Trendtex and TGRS operate. There are large investments on the territory of the municipality in the area of renewable energy sources, so we have two mini-hydro power plants installed on the River Nišava, while preparations for the construction of three more are underway. We help entrepreneurs directly by allocating funds

• After the arrival of Trendtex, you secured another investor in the form of Austrian company TGM Services, which will produce vehicle steering wheels in Bela Palanka. Tell us more about this...

- In creating conditions for the arrival of new investors, we repurchased the plant of the former Femid factory a few years ago. We completed the reconstruction of the facility, investing a total of around a million euros, and leased it to a new investor, TGRS, for the opening of an auto parts factory. The Municipality of Bela Palanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the new investor, according to which 100 workers will be employed in the first phase of the investment

We have two mini-hydro power plants installed on the River Nišava, while preparations for the construction of three more are underway for the implementation of self-employment and new employment programmes.

We have made great progress in agriculture thanks to land consolidation. We have already attracted investors, so today we have about 50 hectares of cherry orchards, quince trees covering 10 ha, 1000 ha of immortelle plants, 30 ha of lavender and other medicinal herbs covering an area of 32 ha. We are the first municipality in Serbia to start granting subsidies to young people wanting to engage in agriculture and remain in rural areas.

Our commitment to the goal of tourism becoming a driver of economic development is shown by the results of the 2019 Banica Days event, which was visited by more than 40,000 tourists. Thanks to the large number of visitors, our priority will be to construct accommodation capacities that are lacking.

We will continue investing in tourism infrastructure and will work on the development of rural tourism.

cycle. In the second phase, to be implemented by the end of 2021, company TGRS will build a factory in the Murica 1 industrial zone, where production will start in January 2022 and 250 people from Bela Palanka will be employed.

• Bela Palanka is part of the IRE network, which currently encompasses more than 120 regions, cities and municipalities... How important is that for small and underdeveloped municipalities like yours?

- The Municipality of Bela Palanka has been a member of the Institute of European Regions since 2014, which provides us with logistical support, enables us to be present at conferences to exchange experiences and promotes education through examples of good practice. We are networked with municipalities from European countries via the IRE to ensure the successful application of all European standards, which is of great importance given that our country is in the process of integrating into the EU. ■

NOVOMATIC BUSINESS

Corporate Social Responsibility As An Imperative

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ovomatic, a world leader in the field of gambling technology that operates in our country under the brands “AdmiralClub” and “AdmiralBet”, is this year marking 40 years of successful operations.

This anniversary represents the result of the dedicated and responsible work of all employees of this company, but also excellent cooperation and trust built with numerous business partners.

As a company, Novomatic continuously sets high goals for itself, not only when it comes to expanding its business, but also in the segment of corporate social responsibility, which is a strategic commitment of the company. In accordance with that, company founder Professor Johann Graf and the board of directors donated, during the height of the pandemic, 10 million dinars to Serbia for the fight against this coronavirus outbreak. These donations came in the form of respirators and medical equipment sent to the National Health Insurance Fund and KBC Kragujevac. What is also important is the fact that Novomatic retained all its employees, around 1,300 of them, and their jobs are safe, which is undoubtedly the biggest help to the country, which is still awaited by the struggle to handle the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis.

Serbia isn’t the only country to receive funds donated by Novomatic to fight the pandemic, as it has also provided assistance to North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Republika Srpska.WhenitcomestoMontenegro,Novomatic donated 10 pallets of asepsol antiseptic and six televisions to the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, while it secured several refreshment packages to the Red Cross of Montenegro, in the form of drinks including coffee and juices. Several hospitals in Bulgaria received disposable masks and gloves, as well as disinfectants, protective clothing and helmets. The recipients included the University Hospital in Sofia, the University Hospital of Dr Georgi Stranski in Pleven and the Rockefeller Hospital in Petrich. Novomatic allo-

Company Novomatic is commemorating 40 years of successful operations

Company founder Professor Johann Graf and the board of directors donated, during the height of the pandemic, 10 million dinars to Serbia for the fight against this coronavirus outbreak. These donations came in the form of respirators and medical equipment sent to the National Health Insurance Fund and KBC Kragujevac. What is also important is the fact that Novomatic retained all its employees, around 1,300 of them, and their jobs are safe, which is undoubtedly the biggest help to the country, which is still awaited by the struggle to handle the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis catedasmuchas160,000eurosforequipmentfor the Medical Advance hospital in Skopje, including beds, inventory equipment and disinfectants.

Moreover, Novomatic donated 213 3G routers to ensure the smooth functioning of online teaching in Republika Srpska.

Additionally, Novomatic has launched its current social responsibility project under the title “Novo ime” (New Name), presented through the online platform novoime.rs, thanks to which talented youngsters from all over Serbia have

an opportunity to present their knowledge and skills to the world, thus winning over the affection and votes of the public, but also valuable monetary rewards that will help convert their dreams into reality. This project will run until the end of the year in Serbia, North Macedonia and Republika Srpska, with votes declaring one winner each month, who will receive an opportunity to advance their talents and realise their dreams and ambitions with grants amounting to up to 2,500 euros. ■

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WATERFALLS

The Most Beautiful Austrian Waterfalls Cool in summer, sculptural in winter, wreathed in myths and fringed with plants, there’s something truly magical about waterfalls. Tumbling over cliffs and down steep-sided gorges, they add a delightful extra dimension to walks and hikes

KRIMMLER WATERFALL

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eing close to a waterfall promises not only refreshing coolness on hot summer days, it also has a proven calming effect. Studies have even shown that it can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies and asthma. Many are conveniently accessible via hiking trails, walkways and bridges. Some even give the impression of being a gateway to another world. Five of Austrian most beautiful waterfalls are listed here.

KRIMMLER WATERFALL The Krimml waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and the largest waterfall in Austria. A must see if you visit the country.

With a total hight of 1,250 feet, the waterfall is split in three different stages. About 400,000 people visit this waterfall every year.

GOLLINGER WATERFALL

GRAWA WATERFALL

GOLLINGER WATERFALL The gollingfall, located in the state of Salzburg, is one of the most beautfiful waterfalls in Austria.

The waterfall consists of two stages with a total drop of about 240 feet.

WILDENSTEINER WATERFALL

WILDENSTEINER WATERFALL The wildensteiner wasserfall is located in Carinthia.

With a drop of 177 feet, this beautiful waterfall is still reletivly unknown by tourists so be sure to pay it a visit.

STUIBEN WATERFALL The stuibenfall is located in the state of Tyrol.

About a 30-minute hike trough the forests and across streams leads you to this beauty. With a drop of 540 feet, you can enjoy the view from the platforms around the waterfall.

STUIBEN WATERFALL

GRAWA WATERFALL The grawa fall is located in the state of Tyrol and lies within the stubaital. The waterfall drops almost 400 feet and has a restaurant within a five-minute hike of the viewing platform. â–

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INTERVIEW

ADRIEN FEIX, DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRIAN CULTURAL FORUM

Investment In The Future

Austrian artists often deftly manage to build upon our rich cultural history without rendering it sacred – in my view, this approach is an invaluable asset

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he Austrian Cultural Forum’s presence in the life of Belgrade has become a daily and important element, particularly for the culture scene of the Serbian capital. For example, from the beginning of autumn - despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic – contemporary Austrian art has been present at many local festivals, included in projects and events, while many interesting projects will emerge thanks to an open invitation to everyone planning to cooperate with Austrian participants

in the areas of culture and science. Apart from the topics noted, here we speak with Adrien Feix primarily about his working experiences in Serbia to date.

• We spoke a year ago, immediately after your arrival to take on the position of director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Belgrade. Given that you stated at the time that you had high expectations of your new environment, we must pose the question of whether those expectations have been met?

- Those expectations have not only been met, but far exceeded. I realised that although I travelled across Serbia as much as possible and met with hundreds of people active in culture, one year is only enough to scratch the surface of the diversity of cultural and scientific life in Serbia. One surprise for me was to discover the density of the Serbian cultural network throughout the country, with very dedicated culture centres, libraries and archives. Of course, the pandemic made things more difficult – and it is a challenge to catch up on the time lost.

despite the pandemic – we managed to be very active in September and October, with Beldocs, Danube Dialogues, digitally at the SAXperience festival, as well as with the street art programme and the first part of “Overview Effect” at the Belgrade Museum of Contemporary Art. But you are right that we have also been working during the pandemic to extend and deepen our partnerships by supporting projects that deal with current challenges – related to the pandemic, climate change, innovation and regional cooperation. We are convinced

the stance of Austrian artists regarding this issue?

- We try to square the circle between valuing tradition and fostering innovation, as expressed in our motto IZvan tradicije. On our social media channels, through which we have expanded our activity dramatically during past months, you will see this blend of old and new, of excellence and provocation, of traditional beauty and irreverence. Austrian artists often deftly manage to build upon our rich cultural history without rendering it sacred – in my

• October was a very active month for the ACF. You organised three events in the first week alone that had an impact on the life of Belgrade, including the Weekend of Street Art and the “Overview Effect” programme, which deals with enview, this approach is an invaluable asset.

One surprise for me was to discover the density of the Serbian cultural network throughout the country, with very dedicated culture centres, libraries and archives vironmental issues. I get the impression that the ACF sees its mission in Serbia as extending beyond cultural exchanges between our two countries. Could you please comment?

- Our primary mission is indeed to support cultural exchange between Austria and Serbia, and I was delighted to see that –

that broadening the scope of our activities is an investment in the future.

• Austria has a rich tradition in all areas of culture. You have noticed that in Serbia there is a prevailing opinion among part of the public that the legacies of the past hinder contemporary creativity. What is

• According to the ACF website, Serbia is among the geographical priorities in the scope of your foreign cultural policy.

How precisely is this position reflected?

- Besides the Austrian Cultural Forum, we have Austrian libraries and Austrian lecturers in Belgrade and Novi Sad. There are a great number of scholarship recipients and artist-in-residence programmes for artists from the Balkans, not only through the Foreign Ministry, but also through Austrian provinces such as Styria, Lower Austria and Vienna. Additionally, our universities

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cooperate on dozens of research projects through the CEEPUS network and Austrian partners are deeply involved in developing dual education programmes with Serbia.

Clearly, not all of these programmes are

did you implement those courses under the conditions of the pandemic?

- We have excellent cooperation with the Austrian Institute, which proposes language courses and which has made a

How would you evaluate the translating of literary works between our two countries?

- The cancellation of major book fairs throughout Europe and the world is a huge blow to the book industry and to literature.

We are very lucky to be able to rely on the Traduki-network, supporting translations from German to the languages of Southeast Europe, and on our strong ties with Serbian publishers, a number of which publish Austrian literature. Nevertheless, we are working on strengthening these ties with specific programmes and events for literary translators.

• With the end of the year fast approaching, which programmes of the Austrian Cultural Forum would you recommend to our readers?

- With the project “Ode to Beethoven”, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, we joined forces with the Laboratory for Interactive Arts of the Belgrade Faculty of Dramatic Arts to invite students from all over Serbia to work in

suitable for front page news, but they make a real difference and are effective at establishing lasting connections.

• The ACF has invited all those planning to cooperate with Austrian participants in culture and science to apply for your support. What kind of response have you received; what are the most common projects in which cooperation takes place?

- After the first phase of shock in spring, we are receiving ever more proposals for excellent, innovative and ambitious projects. We have created very good experiences with professional digital or hybrid formats, such as the AloneTogether series with KC Grad, the opening concert of SAXperience or the four Austrian documentaries shown at Beldocs, as well as a screening at this year’s Festival of Children’s Theatre in Subotica.

• German language courses represent an important part of the ACF’s mission. How

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We try to square the circle between valuing tradition and fostering innovation, as expressed in our motto IZvan tradicije very smooth and successful transition to online courses – so if you’re interested in learning German, the pandemic is no excuse not to enrol! Our Austrian lecturers at the universities of Belgrade and Novi Sad continue to do an excellent job of teaching German and Austrian culture and engaging with their students despite the difficult situation. And the Cultural Forum is working increasingly with schools through travelling exhibitions, film programmes and teaching materials – one of my priorities is to initiate a dialogue between our cultures and people at the earliest age.

• It is highly likely that this year’s International Book Fair in Belgrade, which is as important as, for example, the Leipzig Book Fair, won’t even be held in December.

teams and develop their ideas related to Beethoven, Europe and Austria during a hackathon. With over 60 participants and a lot of excellent ideas, it was a great success.

We rewarded the two best projects and they will be presented as an audio-visual 3D show on our embassy building. I think this is a great way to combine music, art and diplomacy, and to involve the vast creative potential available in Serbia. Furthermore, we are planning a number of exciting hybrid formats in theatre, dance, science and literature (with an exceptional culinary aspect!), as well as a digital platform for exhibitions and exchanges of artists between Austria and Serbia. Due to the current situation, the precise dates are still not set in stone, so be sure to follow us on social media to get the latest updates! ■

PhD SLOBODAN VUJIĆ AND PhD SAŠA VUJIĆ BUSINESS OWNERS OF BOUTIQUE WINERY FRAGARIA

A Gold And Three Silvers For Fragaria Wines Testifying to the idea that the best things in life are created on the basis of tradition and family history is the Fragaria Winery from the Lukarevina field in Župa, where grape varieties from vineyards that surround the winery are used to make high-quality wines that are awarded in the world.

W

e want our wines to be special and for us to be recognised as a small family boutique winery that’s seeking its own niche on the wine market of Serbia and beyond - reveal Slobodan and Saša Vujić, owners of Fragaria Winery, speaking to CorD Magazine • Your winery is newly built, but your family has been producing wine for more than a hundred years. What have you modernised and what do you still do in the traditional, old way?

- The wine industry is today global, and the way wine is consumed has even evolved. Fragaria Winery is located in Župa, Aleksandrovac, Lukarevina field, where each family has had its own vineyards and wines for hundreds of years.

Here people traditionally drank wine from their father’s cellar, or from their children’s basement.

That’s why we also wanted to continue the family tradition, even though we’ve been engaged in

other jobs in Bosnia-Herzegovina for almost our entire working lives. (Slobodan Vujić PhD was the director of VB Leasing Bosnia-Herzegovina for 18 years, and Saša Vujić PhD worked for the World Bank on microcredit projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina and as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Economics).

We invest a lot in the development of our vineyards, which we’ve modernised, because we consider that good wine emerges already in the vineyard. “Jagoda” is an endemic wine grape variety that we use to make wine in limited quantities, while we are particularly proud of the traditional way of making the Fragaria Red limited edition blend, from the Bela zemlja vineyard. The winery also has modern technology that we use for other Fragaria wines.

• Does room exist for the development of wine tourism, at least in your area, which has been known for wine since time immemorial? Can

winemakers do that themselves, or do you need assistance from the state or local government?

- We’ve travelled a lot, but in Župa Alexandrovac we saw huge potential for both wine and tourist.

Here we were delighted by the landscapes, the country, the parish winemakers and their devotion to local varieties and traditions.

This is something that can serve as a basis to attract tourists who want to assimilate into the local culture during their stay in Župa.

Now is a time when wine production levels exceed consumption and all winegrowers and winemakers are thinking about how they can express their uniqueness and be seen as special. Of course, without the help of the state and local government that is a very long and uncertain path, and the region of Župa must have a clear development strategy. The potential definitely exists.

• All four of the wines that you sent to this year’s competition in Vienna won awards. Where there any golds among them?

-Yes,wewononegoldandthreesilvers.Goodwine requires good grape vines, soil, climate and people who do the work, but the way all of these factors interact is also important. We consider that in the Lukarevina field, where our vineyards are, and in our winery there exists a mutual harmonisation of these factors, which is why our wine is of high quality. Considering that we are a young winery, we lacked the international recognition of the quality of our wines that came with AWC Vienna InternationalWine challenge 2020. In competition among 11,232 wines and 1,510 producers from 41 countries, the Fragaria Winery won a gold medal for its Fragaria Red 2018 and silver medals for Fragaria White 2019, Fragaria White Sauvignon Blanc 2019 and Fragaria Red 2017.■

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CULTURE

THE 10 BEST AUSTRIAN COMPOSERS

From Mozart To Mahler

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

MOZART Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the world’s most recognisable composers and an Austrian superstar of the classical era.

The prodigy originally hailed from the city of Salzburg, where his legacy continues to live on today – the home in which he was born is now an extensive museum. He died in his homeland aged just 35, having written more than 600 works. There are countless conspiracies about his death, including one version theorising that he was poisoned by rivals.

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Often heralded as the ‘capital of classical music’, Austria is a honeypot for those who consider themselves connoisseurs in concertos and masters of Mozart.

This city is a wonderful place for enthusiasts to delight in the numerous concerts available, or those who want an introduction to opera and discover the joys of immersing themselves in a dramatic symphony. Here’s our guide to the country’s top composers.

SCHUBERT Second to Mozart, Schubert is probably Austria’s most prolific composer, having created over 600 secular vocal works in his short lifetime (he died aged just 31). Sadly, as is the case with many artists, his work was not fully appreciated by the wider public until after his death. However, he was highly respected in elite circles in Vienna and is now considered one of the top composers of the classical era. In Vienna’s Stadtpark, there is a statue of the composer, and he has a park named after him in Währing.

STRAUSS Johann Strauss II, not to be confused with his father Johann Strauss I, is one of Austria’s betterknownmusicalgeniuses.BorninVienna in 1825, he became one of the country’s most prolificcomposers,writingover500works.He was especially respected for his 150 waltzes that earned him the nickname ‘theWaltz King’.

You can listen to seven of his best here.

SCHOENBERG A far cry from the conservative compositions of Amadeus Mozart, Schoenberg (1874 – 1951)

IGNAZ VON SEYFRIED

is one of Austria’s experimental musicians, writing in an expressionist style that helped redefine music at the time. His compositions were incredibly influential in terms of tone and technique, and he passed on his knowledge to many respectable composers at the time, including John Cage and Anton Webern. Labelled by the Nazi party as someone making “degenerate music”, Schoenberg was forced to relocate to the U.S. during WWII. FRANZ XAVER SÜSSMAYR Süssmayr is perhaps best known for fin-

FRANZ SCHUBERT

JOHANN STRAUSS II

FRANZ XAVER SÜSSMAYR

ARNOLD SCHOENBERG

ishing Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, left unresolved following the composer’s untimely death. Born and raised in Upper Austria, he was a student and cantor in a Benedictine monastery and, after moving to Vienna, composed a variety of operas.

IGNAZ VON SEYFRIED NativeVienneseSeyfriedwasoneofMozart’s pupils and produced a huge body of work, including operas, ballets, symphonies and chamber music. Despite being extremely prolific, he never gained great notoriety.

JOHANN NEPOMUK HUMMEL Originally born in neighbouring Bratislava, relocating to Vienna as a young child, Hummel was not just a composer, but also a fantastic pianist. He is considered partially responsible for moving the classical style into the romantic era and was a friend of Beethoven, who was also residing in Vienna at the time. Although at the time of his death, he was very well known, his music was soon overshadowed by his contemporaries.

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MARIANNA MARTINES

JOHANN NEPOMUK HUMMEL

GUSTAV MAHLER

MARIANNA MARTINES Martines was primarily known as a singer, but she also composed a variety of works, writing in an Italian style. Raised in Vienna, Martines performed for the royal family at the time but was professionally held back as it was not considered acceptable for a woman in her social class to perform on stage.

MARIA THERESA VON PARADIS Despite losing her sight at a relatively early age, Maria Theresa von Paradis was a successful performer and composer, creating a variety of works for voice and keyboard. While living in Vienna, she set

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MARIA THERESA VON PARADIS

up her own music school and taught piano and singing to young girls.

MAHLER Gustav Mahler is one of Vienna’s finest composers and was hugely influential throughout the romantic era. Despite coming from a relatively poor family and suffering per-

secution under the Nazis who banned his music from being played, Mahler enjoyed a hugely successful career. His symphonies are among his most famous works, although they were highly controversial at the time, due to their unique style. Mahler’s grave is situated in the Grinzing cemetery, Vienna. source: theculturetrip.com

CULTURE

Traditional Austrian Sweets & Desserts

SACHERTORTE

Viennese cuisine is famous and much loved for its variety of sweets. Whether hot or cold, as a starter or dessert: enjoy the sweeter side of Vienna!

SACHERTORTE (SACHER CAKE) In 1832, Prince Metternich asked his court kitchen to create a special dessert for a reception. Due to the illness of the chef, it fell to the 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher (1816-1907) to dream something up: and thus the Original Sachertorte, now famous all over the world, was born ...

KAISERSCHMARREN Kaiserschmarren is prepared from pancake dough and – besides the Sacher Cake – one of the most popular sweets of the Viennese cuisine. Enjoy this imperial Viennese delicacy!

KAISERSCHMARREN

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One of the many legends about the origin of Kaiserschmarren says that Emperor Franz Joseph I liked to have Palatschinken (pancakes) for dessert. If the cook made them too thick or torn, they were served to the staff as “Kaiserschmarrn”, because they were not good enough for the Emperor.

APFELSTRUDEL (APPLE STRUDEL) In Vienna, there is disagreement about whether the apple strudel filling should be prepared with or without crumbs. Even though the famous Hotel Sacher supposedly resolved this issue once and for all, the debate continues. You will have to see for yourself which version of this Viennese delicacy you like better!

MARMORGUGELHUPF (MARBLE BUNDT CAKE) Marmorgugelhupf (marble bundt cake) is a traditional Viennese pastry. The name can be traced back to the Middle High German word “gugel” (hood) which describes the shape of this Viennese delicacy with beautiful marbling. During the period of Biedermeier the Gugelhupf went on its journey around the world, starting off in Vienna. Today, it is served at any time of day with coffee and tea. Emperor Franz Joseph loved the Marmorgugelhupf even for breakfast.

APFELSTRUDEL

TOPFENPALATSCHINKEN (CURD CHEESE PANCAKES) The history of the “Palatschinke” started in Roman times. The Romans called it “placenta”, which means cake. After having passed Hungarian and Slovakian regions, the “palacinka” finally reached Austria.

Viennese cuisine has been using the term “Palatschinke” in cookbooks since the 19th century. The “Palatschinke” has managed to

MARMORGUGELHUPF

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become one of the most delicious desserts of the Viennese cuisine, and it tastes best with a curd cheese filling.

BUCHTELN MIT VANILLESAUCE (BAKED YEAST BUNS WITH VANILLA SAUCE) Viennese desserts have multi-cultural origins. The “Buchtel” (yeast bun) for example comes from the Czech-Bohemian cuisine, where it is known as “buchtičky”.

TOPFENPALATSCHINKEN

In Vienna, the Buchtel has become famous during the period of Biedermeier due to an enterprising innkeeper: Originally, yeast delicacies were filled with jam or fruit. The smart innkeeper filled the Buchteln with lottery cards und sold them at a good price.

The Viennese were enthused and bought many, many Buchteln. Today, the Buchtel is still very popular in Vienna. It tastes especially delicious with vanilla sauce!

PUNSCHKRAPFEN (FONDANT FANCIES) They are a classic of Viennese baking tradition. The Punschkrapfen punch cakes seduce the sweet-toothed with fine sponge cake,

BUCHTELN MIT VANILLESAUCE

PUNSCHKRAPFEN

a sweet filling of jam and rum, all covered with a pink punch glaze. They’re almost irresistible!

WIENER SCHLOSSERBUBEN

WIENER SCHLOSSERBUBEN (PRUNE FRITTERS) During carnival time the Viennese „Schlosserbuben“ (literally: locksmith boys) are especially recommendable. However, we are not talking about craftsmen. These delicacies from the Viennese cuisine quite simply denote baked plums. They are fried in lard or oil and are therefore an ideal alternative to the popular Viennese carnival doughnuts.

By the way: The “Schlosserbuben” have a perfect counterpart in the Viennese cuisine: Baked apricots are called “Wäschermadeln” (literally washerwomen)! source: wien.info

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