Cord magazine no144

A CLOSER EU WILL BE OUR RESPONSE TO BREXIT

SERVING CUSTOMERS AT BEST

FEAR OR MIGRANTS RAISES FENCES

Ambassador of Belgium to Serbia

Director General of ETNO

Executive Director, Asylum Protection Center

LISE FUHR

RADOŠ ĐURIĆ

www.cordmagazine.com

OCTOBER ’16 / ISSUE No. 144

H.E. LEO VINCENT M. D’AES

interviews opinions news comments events PRICE 300 RSD

HALF A CENTURY OF THE MATHEMATICAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BELGRADE

Mathematics is Poetry, Not The Boogy Man INNOVATIVE DRUGS INACCESSIBLE TO PATIENTS IN SERBIA

Enough Money, Good Will Lacking A Gram of Luck or a Kilo of Brains DOBRIVOJE TANASIJEVIĆ – DEN TANA

SIR SUMA CHAKRABARTI EBRD PRESIDENT

We Have Great

E XC L U S I V E

EXPECTATIONS FROM SERBIA ISSN1451-7833

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COVER SIR SUMA CHAKRABARTI, EBRD President

We Have Great EXPECTATIONS OF SERBIA PAGE 8

CONTENTS

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Serbia is very important to the EBRD and to me, as President. I believe it is one of our benchmark relationships. Provided that reforms continue, I believe there is potential to increase EBRD investments in Serbia and to make it one of our top five investment destinations

FEAR OF MIGRANTS RAISES FENCES

Radoš Đurić, Executive Director, Asylum Protection Center (APC)

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AFTER WORK

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WELCOME TO PLANET JAZZ

32nd Belgrade Jazz Festival

WE HAVE GREAT EXPECTATIONS OF SERBIA

A CLOSER EU WILL BE OUR RESPONSE TO BREXIT

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MATHEMATICS IS POETRY, NOT THE BOOGY MAN

FACES & PLACES

PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

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INNOVATIONS & INVESTMENTS

COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen

Telecommunications in Serbia 2016

ENOUGH MONEY, GOOD WILL LACKING

Innovative drugs inaccessible to patients in Serbia

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PARADISE BEYOND CIVILISATION Travels

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CHILL OUT TIME FOR “BLACK TIE” INVITATIONS Fashion

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ONLY TOGETHER CAN WE MOVE BOUNDARIES Ivana Parčetić Mitić, Founder and editor of the portal Marketing Network

ALL CLASSES IN ENGLISH Bikram Yoga belgrade

@CorD_Magazine

A GRAM OF LUCK OR A KILO OF BRAINS Dobrivoje Tanasijević – Dan Tana

Srđan Ognjanović, Director of the MATHEMATICAL high school

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CorD

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović, Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić, Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić

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GLOBAL DIARY

ART DIRECTOR: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs

CULTURE CALENDAR

H.E. Leo Vincent M. D’Aes, Ambassador of Belgium to Serbia

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EDITOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs

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Sir Suma Chakrabarti, EBRD President

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October 2016

CorD Magazine

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

TRANSLATION: Snežana Bjelotomić, MRP Editorial PROJECT MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Aleksandra Ebilji, a.ebilji@aim.rs Ljiljana Knežević, lj.knezevic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović, n.trifunovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER: Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs FINANCIAL MANAGER: Dragana Skrobonja d.skrobonja@aim.rs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs GENERAL DIRECTOR: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: cordeditorial@cma.rs www.cordmagazine.com www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2016

On the cover page of CorD Magazine issue #143, we published the wrong photograph in the place reserved for the image of H.E. British Ambassador Denis Keefe. We apologise to Ambassador Keefe and our readers for this mistake.

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COMMENT

Fear Of Migrants

Raises Fences

The continued influx of refugees and migrants towards Europe, despite the closure of the Balkan route and agreement between Turkey and the EU on stopping migration, as well as mass, suicidal crossings of the Mediterranean from the coast of Libya towards Italy, are a serious concern for the countries representing their ultimate goal or those located along their route to reaching that goal RADOŠ ĐURIĆ, Executive Director, Asylum Protection Center (APC)

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There is growing anxiety of a new wave of refugees We are practically the last country before entering Europe, or emerging out of Turkey – from Greece, through the Hungary, which accepts barely 30 asylum seekers per day. Those countries of the former Balkan route, to the north of Euwho attempt to illegally cross the border are roughly rejected and rope. All are afraid of what October will bring, which is returned to the cross-border space with our country. Thus, at the deadline by which the EU, as demanded by Turkish President present there are more than 7,000 people stuck here, and those Erdogan, should introduce visa liberalisation for Turkish citizens. numbers are growing. Despite the obstacles, refugees arrive via Failing that, Erdogan warns, “Ankara will no longer respect the Macedonian, the Bulgarian border, new routes heading via KosoMarch agreement.”. vo and Montenegro... Those who have been returned (they also And the number of refugees in Greece is growing again. It has return from Croatia beaten), cannot be returned by Serbia to any reached a total of 60, 000. of the countries through which they came.

(The numbers of those who arrive on the Greek islands are Here they are located in 13 reception and asylum centres, but small compared to those trying to get from Africa to Italy.) many of them are located in the so-called grey zone, out in the Humanitarian organisations and the Greek authorities warn open, near the communication and transportation links, which that they can barely control the situation enables them to exchange information on in overcrowded refugee camps on the ishow to go further. According to the claims Faced with the fact that lands, and that winter is coming. of the authorities, Serbia has the capacity they have to sacrifice Prime Minister Tsipras has appealed – to accommodate 6,000 people, while new the future of the continent will be called themselves for the sake of centres are being prepared. However, apart into question if the EU member states do from accommodation and food, there is the common good, many also a need to deal with the increasing not fulfil their obligations aimed at resolving the migrant crisis psychological, social and health problems countries insist on their However, there is no solidarity and of these people, particularly given that loown, narrowly defined agreement between European countries. cal governments lack money and support. interests and will of their Faced with the fact that they have to sacThat is why Serbia should use internarifice themselves for the sake of the comtional forums, discussions with countries ever more dissatisfied, mon good, many countries insist on their and international organisations, to seek terrorised, electorate own, narrowly defined interests and will pledges and apply directly, without interof their ever more dissatisfied, terrorised, mediaries, for the greater financial assiselectorate. The countries of the Visegrad Group do not want tance it needs to adequately care for these people. It must make to accept the prescribed quota on the distribution of refugees its state machinery as efficient, professional and fast as possible among member states; Austria believes refugees should be kept in managing the migrant crisis, and always take into account both on the Greek islands; Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia the needs of migrants and the local communities where they are and Hungary are strengthening their interstate barriers and anlocated. nouncing new wire fences to avoid illegal entries into their counSerbia is not the ultimate goal of refugees and migrants. They tries. There are increases in the presence of the police, army and do not want to stay here, but this fact should not be the basis for the quantity of technical equipment at borders, and intimidathe country’s strategy towards the migrant issue. While they are tion of refugees to discourage them from going further. The here, these people need to be cared for, have their health promoney allocated by numerous funds is directed equally towards tected, certainly registered, visible to the system, involved in the the protection of borders as it is to the assistance and care of local community. They need psychological and all other forms of migrants and refugees. support – both because of themselves and because of the comSerbia is in a very difficult and delicate situation in this case. munities in which they are residing. ■ 6 |

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INTERVIEW

We Have Great

EXPECTATIONS OF SERBIA SIR SUMA CHAKRABARTI EBRD PRESIDENT

Serbia is very important to the EBRD and to me, as President. I believe it is one of our benchmark relationships.

Provided that reforms continue, I believe there is potential to increase EBRD investments in Serbia and to make it one of our top five investment destinations

EXCLUSIVE

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here is a clear reform momentum across the region, which the EBRD will continue to support, says EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti, who is a true supporter of the Western Balkans (WB) future in the EU. We spoke with him on the occasion of his visit to the countries of the region. In the interview, we covered the reform prospects of the WB, its EU future and the bonding role of the EBRD in uniting positive economic forces at the level of governments and large infrastructural projects, as well as at the level of small and medium-sized enterprises. “EU approximation is a strong reform anchor across the region, especially in Serbia, which has a relatively large and developed economy,� says Mr Chakrabarti. He also notes the important role of China, which has emerged as an increasingly important trade and investment partner for Southeast Europe and a major sponsor of flagship 8 |

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ECONOMY

WESTERN BALKANS

REFORM

Having in mind that the EU countries have just started a new round of talks about the future of the Union, we first discussed the EU economic prospects after Brexit

I would like to make clear that trade and economic cooperation with the European Union, and especially the EU approximation process, are extremely beneficial to the Western Balkans

A successful privatisation of Komercijalna banka and further deep reform within energy provider EPS and Serbia Gas would be seen as important positive signals for investors

transport and energy projects in the region, one of the key focuses of the EBRD. Considering that the EU countries have just started a new round of talks about the Union’s future, we first discussed the EU’s economic prospects after Brexit.

■ What do you see as the EU’s ma-

jor economic challenges following Brexit? Were the negative ramifications for both the EU and the UK exaggerated, or it is still too early to assess them properly?

■ How is the EU performing on its weakest peripheries, in Greece and Cyprus, where the EBRD is currently involved?

- We are now working in Greece and Cyprus on a temporary basis with our mandate to invest ending in 2020. The Economic Adjustment Programme in Cyprus can be considered a success

- We are at a very early stage of assessing the possible effects. We still do not know when the UK will exit the European Union, and we do not know the economic effects it may have on EBRD countries of operation. So far, we have not noticed any pronounced effects of the UK referendum on our region. Our initial assessment is that countries where the EBRD invests will be affected indirectly, should EU growth slow down.

■ If we add the sluggish recovery, terrorist threats and the ongoing migrant crisis, how do you see the mid-term growth prospects of the EU?

In order to avoid “catching story – Cyprus exited the - Indeed, the EU economic recovery programme in March this a cold when the EU is relatively slow. GDP across the EU year, two months ahead of is now, on average, just three per cent schedule, and the economy sneezes”, the Western above the pre-crisis level, whereas is growing again. The EBRD Balkans must have GDP in the U.S. is 10 per cent highis contributing to Cyprus’s resilient, diversified er than before the crisis. Mid-term recovery through our ingrowth depends on many factors, investments in the financial economies which are cluding some mentioned by you, but and corporate sectors and integrated within the they don’t have to necessarily stunt our support for privatisagrowth. The EBRD response to the region, as well as with the tion and private sector inrefugee crisis focuses on building the volvement in the infrastrucEU, and opening up to economic resilience and sustainabilture and energy sectors. We other trade partners, ity of host and refugee communities will also be hosting our Analike – for example, we support Turnual Meeting in Cyprus in like China key’s plans to give migrants working May 2017. permits, which would both enable them to make a living The situation is obviously more difficult in Greece, and give a boost to industries like manufacturing. Most but the authorities have made significant efforts to staEU countries are still burdened with large public debt, bilise the economy and advance with reforms, and we bank lending is still low, while levels of non-performing are supporting them strongly through policy dialogue loans (NPLs) are high. But as issues such as NPLs and and through our investments, including in the banking other structural issues continue to be resolved, growth sector. We have already signed 10 projects in less than should pick up. a year and only recently (on 12th September) arranged OCTOBER

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a huge €339 million syndicated loan for the acquisition of bonds issued by Greek telecommunications company OTE. While €150 million came from our own funds, the remaining €189 million was syndicated among international and local banks and funds. The transaction sent a strong signal of confidence to the market.

In Greece and Cyprus – as everywhere else really, including the Balkans – we believe there is a lot of economic potential, although a lot of work is clearly needed.

■ Considering that the prospects of Western Balkan

countries are very much dependent on the economies of the EU, how much do the Western Balkans “catch a cold” today when the EU sneezes?

- First of all, I would like to make clear that trade and

SIR CHAKRABARTI SUMA and Serbian Prime Minister ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ

for Southeast Europe. FDI links, however, are stronger in Southeast Europe, with FDI stock from the EU reaching 57 per cent of GDP (against just 38 per cent in CEE). But CEE has overall higher standards of living and more investment.

In order to avoid “catching a cold when the EU sneezes”, the Western Balkans must have resilient, diversified economies which are integrated within the region as well as with the EU, and opening up to other trade partners, like China. In a speech I gave in Belgrade during my recent visit, I stressed that only openness and cooperation can bring growth and increase incomes in the Western Balkans and other regions. Those who want to build walls between neighbours and partners are not acting in the economic interest of the people.

■ The FT recently published your column in which you passionately advocate the EU future of the Western Balkans. Are you a lone supporter of further EU expansion, or do the ideas set down in Thessaloniki, and later through the Berlin Initiative, have more true promoters?

- There are many true promoters of the Western Balkans’ EU future, and most importantly that is the EU and the Western Balkans countries themselves. All six countries have formal contractual arrangements with the EU through Stabilisation and Association Agreements. All six have leaderships that believe in regional integration and a European future for their countries.

The EBRD cooperates closely with the European Union, promoting reform and investment. As President of the EBRD, I am indeed a passionate supporter of dialogue in the format of our Western Balkans Investment Forum, bringing together the Western Balkans’ six prime ministers, which was launched at our Headquarters in London in 2014 and soon started bearing real fruit, including through the Berlin process. We held another successful Western Balkans Investment Forum in February this year. EU approximation and associated reform is a subject that is minutely discussed by prime ministers and other delegates at these forums.

economic cooperation Promoting cross-border with the European Union, integration is a vital part and especially the EU apof the EBRD’s strategy proximation process, are extremely beneficial to the throughout the region.

Western Balkans. Again, That is why we are it is important to look at supporting, with our the bigger picture. EU approximation is a strong partners, a number of reform anchor across the major transport and region, especially in Serbia, which has a relatively large energy projects in the and developed economy.

Western Balkans Hopefully, as the business climate further improves as result of these reforms, investment will also grow.

■ As you mentioned, GDP per capita in the Western Balkans is half that of eastern EU countries, a third These countries are already very connected to the EU that of southern EU members and a mere quarter of market in many ways (including through FDI, trade and the richest EU members in Western Europe. What aplabour and remittance flows), though to a lesser degree than Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), a region that is peal can the WB region have for the EU? much more integrated into EU value chains.

- We and other investors view the region as an inLet me give you some numbers – while exports to the creasingly attractive destination for FDI. Serbia, for EU represent 24 per cent of GDP in CEE, it is 13 per cent example, (under the IMF stand-by arrangement) has 10 |

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taken large steps ahead in consolidating its public fithe judiciary reform in Albania and the EU Stabilisanances, including the right-sizing of the public admintion and Association Agreement entering into force for Kosovo. Serious challenges remain, and we are keen to istration, restructuring and privatising state-owned companies and improving the business environment. work with the countries in meeting these challenges and overcoming obstacles to reform. These are twoThese are the policies that make a country or region attractive for investors, together with the availability fold – on the one hand, infrastructure questions like of an educated labour force and good market access. the connectivity of transport and energy networks; Labour productivity is also on the other hand, questions of quite high, and comparable to A successful privatisation the business environment like central and eastern Europe. efficiency of judicial systems, of Komercijalna banka Western Balkan countries, of speed of the administration, course, should think ahead and complexity of regulations and and further deep reform improve their economies’ commany similar issues. within energy provider petitiveness. They should conEPS and Serbia Gas would ■ The EBRD helped thousands of tinue with prudent fiscal polismall and medium-sized entercies and improvements in the be seen as important prises in WB-6 with finance and business environment.

■ How much vigour for reforms

positive signals for investors

and the EU accession path are you seeing in the WB countries that you have been visiting these days?

- There is clear reform momentum across the region, which the EBRD will continue to support. Evidence of this is the progress Montenegro and Serbia are making in negotiating chapters of the acquis, but also the progress on the reform agenda in Bosnia-Herzegovina,

business advice. Is the reform progress visible at the level of these small engines for growth?

- There are indeed signs of improvements in the business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is also evidenced by the progress that most countries show in the World Bank “Doing Business” surveys. Generally, obtaining permits seems to be getting easier in many countries while serious issues remain in the area of the rule of law. SMEs are a priority for us, and

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we have indeed worked with thousands of them – and sometimes a small project takes more time and effort than a massive investment. But in order to succeed they also must become more competitive.

■ What could the cross-border integration that the EBRD supports bring to the WB countries?

- Promoting cross-border integration is a vital part of the EBRD’s strategy throughout this region. That is why we are supporting, with our partners, a number of major transport and energy projects in the Western Balkans. The aim is to bring the quality of crossborder links up to the standards of Western Europe.

This will take time, but it will bring long-term ben-

■ Some of the countries in the region, both in CEE and SEE (Serbia among them), see China as a distant but appealing partner. How does the EBRD, which recently accepted China among its shareholders, sees this move?

- China is an increasingly important trade and investment partner for Southeast Europe, and a major sponsor of flagship transport and energy projects in the region. China became an EBRD shareholder (but not a country where we invest) in January this year, and we see Chinese investments as a welcome complement to other sources of funding for major infrastructure projects, including the “Belt and Road” Initiative.

In May this year, the EBRD and the Central European Initiative hosted a major conference in Trieste on the “Belt and Road” Initiative, with a focus on SEE. You can read some EBRD analysis of this matter on our website. ( h t t p : / / w w w. e b r d . c o m / news/2016/how-chinas-belt-androad-initiative-could-boost-southeastern-europe.html)

■ What is your message for Serbia, now that it has a new government?

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- During my visit in early September, I met with Prime Minister Vučić and several key members of his cabinet, including the ministers of transport, finance, energy, economy, public administration, agriculture and EU integration, as well as the Mayor of Belgrade, which is the EBRD’s largest municipal client in the region. With the Prime Minister, we discussed Serbia’s economic efits in terms of enhancand the EBRD’s support I believe there is potential progress ing cross-border trade for the Serbian economy through to increase EBRD and bringing further FDI investments and policy dialogue, to the region. investment in Serbia and and also regional and European integration. to make it one of our top ■ Large infrastructure We also discussed specific steps, projects are seen as a new such as potential donor funds from five investment but quite expensive glue the Serbian Government to expand destinations to bind the Balkan counour work with SMEs. I also stressed tries. How can these exthat a successful privatisation of pensive advancements pay off if there is little that Komercijalna banka and further deep reform within WB countries may exchange among themselves when energy provider EPS and Serbia Gas would be seen as it comes to goods and services? important positive signals for investors. We agreed to - The main focus of large transport infrastructure inspeed up the implementation of projects that have alvestments is to create a “core network” of transport ready been agreed and went through some other spelinks that connect the countries within the region cific topics. and the region itself with the surrounding EU counSo, we are in constant dialogue with Serbia, its tries. It also helps to connect parts of the same coungovernment and our partners. This was my fourth vistry, especially where challenging geography means it to Serbia. The country is very important to the EBRD that it is difficult to travel from one part of the counand to me as President. I believe it is one of our benchtry to another. Bosnia-Herzegovina is an example of mark relationships. Provided that reforms continue, I this. Therefore, it is not just the movement of goods believe there is potential to increase EBRD investment between the countries of the region that benefits in Serbia and to make it one of our top five investment from these kinds of investments. destinations.■ 144

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INTERVIEW

A Closer EU Will Be Our

RESPONSE TO BREXIT H.E. LEO VINCENT M. D’AES AMBASSADOR OF BELGIUM TO SERBIA

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he exit of the UK from the EU is the loss of a large force, but Belgian Ambassador Vincent M. D’Aes is convinced that the Union will survive. Recalling that Belgium is one of the founding countries of the EU, he says that daily life and the challenges the union faces, from economic to security, confirm how much European countries depend on each other. The future of the EU also implies reforms, says CorD’s interlocutor, in order for countries that remain strengthened by mutual ties and administration to respond efficiently to the wishes and needs of citizens. One of the challenges that the EU will also have to respond to is the migrant crisis and a

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Six decades of EU integration have brought enormous benefits to EU citizens. These benefits now often seem be taken so much for granted that the long arduous path to reach it is ignored. Reversing common policies into national ones would prove to be very costly in many respects – says Ambassador Leo Vincent M. D’Aes possible new wave of refugees who will try to enter the countries of the EU, says D’Aes, adding that helping those in need remains a principle European countries, but that they must also strengthen their borders in order to protect their citizens from the kind of terrorism that has rocked European cities over the past 15 months.

■ Your Excellency, after the series of terrorist attacks in Europe, Belgium finds itself in the middle of the fight against terror and extremism. How do you think that happened?

- By housing the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Brussels attracts a lot of international at-

EU TERROR

UK RELATIONS

SERBIA

I see a common determination to join forces and put together all available means to be as effective as possible in preventing terror

It is our wish to keep the relations with our close neighbour as warm and cordial as they are today, and I see no reason why that would not be possible

We follow Serbia’s EU policy very closely, encouraging it to maintain the required efforts in order to slowly but surely get there

tention, mostly beneficial, but sometimes with evil intentions. Belgians now also share the tragedy, burden and sorrow inflicted by terrorism. This only reinforces our commitment to wage the fight against terrorism in close cooperation with our partners, especially our direct neighbours, and with the appropriate EU institutions.

■ How disturbing for the Belgian authorities and citizens is the fact that some terrorist cells are based in Belgium?

- In close consultation with our mentioned partners, we need to analyse and understand how and why these cells are operating from within Belgium, and how we can prevent them from carrying out these vicious acts. That is a constant effort. This consultation and cooperation has been intensified since last year, and it is quite obvious that we will continue on this path of solidarity in the fight against terror.

■ In a statement you gave at the beginning of the year, after the terrorist attack at Brussels airport, you said your country was powerless when terrorist attacks happen, despite all the measures taken at the national level and in cooperation with neighbours. How do you see that fight today, with the terror having continued in other cities, in Nice and Munich?

- I see a common determination to join forces and put together all available means to be as effective as possible in preventing terror. We learn from shortcomings and try to transform lessons learned into best practices in the field, for the benefit and the efficiency of the work of the many security, intelligence and police officers, whose commitment to our common security is literally boundless.

■ Do you believe that fear of terrorism might turn the Belgian people towards some right wing political options, perhaps towards those who advocated to split the country between Flemish and Walloons?

- I do not see a link between the fight against terrorism and the

What is certain, for a founding-father like Belgium, is that we will continue our fundamental policy of safeguarding and reinforcing the European Union project, that is, an ever closer political union, with everything that entails

■ How does the fight against terrorism change everyday life in a country like Belgium, which has served as an example of stability and prosperity?

- The impact of the terrible acts of 22nd March (but also of the vicious attacks elsewhere) was shock, rather than fear. Everyone seems suddenly very vulnerable. You cannot generalise too much; every person reacts differently to this threat. So, there is a mixture of anxiety, fatalism, caution, but equally confidence in our common ability to overcome this. Like in other countries where it happened, there certainly is a determination not to give in to this brutal and bloody intrusion into our daily lives.

separatist movement. Quite the contrary, I would say: the blind violence we have experienced unites us in the fight against it.

■ Do you believe the EU-Turkey relationship might deteriorate after the coup attempt in Ankara and President Erdogan’s counter measures?

- Turkey is a candidate for membership, and in the meantime a strategic partner of the European Union, with which we need to cooperate closely, despite us having substantial differences of opinion in important fields. It is the role of diplomacy to try to find enough common ground to keep working together productively in matters of common interest, i.e., the fight against terrorism, migration, managing and ending the Syrian conflict, or the movement of people and goods, to name only these few examples.

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■ Serbian authorities are warning of a growing number of refugees on its borders. Do you think the EU is ready for a new wave of migrants?

- The EU has for quite some time been reassessing its migration policy, taking into account the unexpected events of the last 15 months. The Common European Asylum System will be reformed into a fully-fledged European Union Agency for Asylum. Migration and our external borders need to be better managed, whilst making sure that protection is received by those who really need it. In the meantime, close consultations with non-member states, like Serbia, will obviously continue.

■ To what extent could terrorism against Europe impact on Belgium’s readiness to accept refugees, and the country’s general attitude towards immigrants?

- Belgium is ready to take its share of the burden, as agreed within the EU. As in any other country of asylum, we have specialised, competent institutions determining whether an asylum application fulfils the criteria. This basic principle, protecting those who need it, on the basis of objective standards, remains valid. Obviously, within the regular meetings of the Justice and Home Affairs Ministers, views are exchanged on the difficulties member states encounter in the application of the immigration laws, notably taking into account the terrorist threat.

The EU responds adequately and responsibly to the said global tasks, which concern us all. The new strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy is a major step in that direction.

political union, with everything that entails. And we are certainly not alone in this vision: witness the recent meetings, at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of the six founding states of the EU, on the way forward.

We are aware that question marks are raised about the future of the EU, and we of course remain ready and willing to discuss ways and means of making the EU ever more responsive to the aspirations of its citizens. It’s not the first time that such fundamental questions have been raised. In the meantime, however, in these volatile and uncertain times, we remain convinced of the absolute necessity of further coordination, consultation and cooperation with and between our EU partners, and of the need for EU institutions to continue functioning smoothly.

■ Does Belgium already have a plan for future bilateral relations with the UK? - It is our wish to keep the relations with our close neighbour as warm and cordial as they are today, and I see no reason why that would not be possible. We have our differences (especially in EU matters), but history has created bonds that remain as firm ground for the continuation beautiful bilateral cooperation, also outside the EU.

■ Many right wing political options in EU countries, which are gaining popularity, are anti-EU orientated.

Could that endanger the future of the Union?

- The EU is facing multiple crises of a transboundary nature. We are indeed witnessTurkey is a candidate for ing some political parties urging a kind of membership, and in the go-it-alone policy, tempting potential voters ■ After the Brexit vote, do you think meantime a strategic with an alternative “way-out”. In practice, the EU is closer to, or further away however, we realise how much EU counfrom, reaching a common policy on partner of the European depend on each other (and on the EU’s immigration?

Union, with which we need to tries partners) to effectively address these global - The EU as it stands cannot turn away cooperate closely, challenges, whether that’s in the field of the from the challenge of migration into Eueconomy, migration or security. rope. Hence, the afore-mentioned move despite us having Six decades of EU integration have towards an Asylum Agency. That’s besubstantial differences of brought enormous benefits to EU citicause everyone was taken by surprise opinion in important fields zens. These benefits now often seem by the massive influx last year, so a new be taken so much for granted that the common policy on migration could not be long arduous road to reach it is ignored. Moreover, in my view, developed as gradually as we would have liked. But we simply have reversing common policies into national ones would prove to no choice: we have to act together or face increased confusion. be very costly in many respects. So, as long as mere anti-EU rhetoric is actively countered by what I consider to be the right ■ How do you see the EU after Brexit? perspective on the EU, then the Union is not in danger. I am - With Brexit, the EU loses a major power. Like many others, I confident that the EU has a future. It is, of course, important, regret this. There is lots of speculation about the future of this firstly, that EU institutions and the respective governments reEU-minus-UK. What is certain, for a founding-father like Belgium, main responsive to citizens’ needs and concerns, and clarify is that we will continue our fundamental policy of safeguarding how the EU is working for the common good of its members. and reinforcing the European Union project, that is, an ever closer 16 |

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vast) as that. The road ahead is clear, so are the required ef■ Serbia opened two new chapters in the EU membership forts and the means and assistance to get there. negotiation process last summer. How do you see that process?

■ How do you see the current level of bilateral relations - It wasn’t just two new chapters, but the essential chapters 23 between Serbia and Belgium? and 24, covering the Rule of Law in a large sense. We, of course, - These relations are, of course, first and foremost coloured by welcome this new stage in the negotiations, because it is a reward Belgium’s fundamental pro-EU policy, from which flows a natufor the arduous preparatory work of the administration, and beral sympathy for those wishing to join us cause it will provide impetus to planned in this historic endeavour to have peace reforms. We are aware of the many difIt has been confirmed and prosperity prevail over war and misficulties involved in these two chapters, through many different ery. So, we follow very closely Serbia’s and naturally remain ready to help Serbia EU policy, encouraging it to maintain where we can. channels that the the required efforts in order to slowly Thessaloniki promise but surely get there. Both our countries ■ How well founded are analyses sugstands: those Balkan enjoy developing bilateral police and gesting that there will be no new EU enlargements soon and, in that restates wishing to become justice cooperation, which serves our recitizens well. Commercially, we spect, how do you see the future of members are welcome, if spective seek to gradually expand our businesses the Western Balkans? and when they fulfil all here, and we welcome Serbia’s policy (in - EU Commission President Juncker has cooperation with the EU and the EBRD) stated clearly that he does not foresee the conditions of encouraging the activities of SMEs, any new memberships during his fivewhich are key to economic development year term. I think that is a realistic as(and to the expansion of our trade). Contributing to gradually sessment. On the other hand, it has been confirmed through expanding these relations in all fields of society, in cordial comany different channels that the Thessaloniki promise stands: operation with the Serbian officials, civil servants and civil sothose Balkan states wishing to become members are welcome, ciety, remains a fascinating mission. ■ if and when they fulfil all the conditions. It’s as simple (and as

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HUMAN RIGHTS

GLOBAL DIARY

“The large forced displacement of populations is now a global crisis that requires a collective effort by the international community. We have to work together to define a clear path forward guided by international refugee law, human rights and humanitarian law.” - Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General

JUBILEE 50TH BITEF OPENS ▶ American theatre director and playwright Robert Wilson opened the 50th Bitef at Belgrade’s National Theatre, comparing this Belgrade festival with the core that reflects the universe, with a cathedral where the inhabitants of a medieval village seek enlightenment and knowledge.

In the packed hall of the National Theatre, the 50th Bitef officially opened with the play of China’s “Tao” theatre. The opening ceremony was attended, amongst others, by Serbian Minister of Culture and Information Vladan Vukosavljević, representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as the creators who have marked this festival’s five-decade-long history.

Until 2nd October, under the slogan “On the back of the raging bull” a total of 12 plays will be performed, while a significant segment of this jubilee Bitef is represented by the 28th Congress of the International Association of Theatre Critics.

MICK JAGGER 'CONCERNED ABOUT BEING A FATHER AT 73'

in December. He has given her legally binding assurances, which include monthly payments of €13,200 and a promise to buy her a house wherever she chooses to live. The payments, up until when the child is 18, would add up to €2.9million.

and migrants, and bring countries together to hash out a more coordinated approach to this worrying global trend. The roundtable was co-chaired by Jordan and Canada, with the participation of representatives from twenty nine other countries.

QUEEN RANIA URGES MORE SUPPORT FOR JORDAN

CAMPAIGN FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

▶ Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan,

▶ Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger

is expecting the latest addition to his brood with ballerina Melanie Hamrick, 29 - but he is said to have mixed feelings about the impending new arrival.

A source told New York Post ‘He hasn’t responded to people sending him congratulations. Family is extremely important to him, and he is unhappy at the thought that when he should be teaching his kid to play catch, he’ll be 80 years old.’

Though Mick and Melanie - who were first romantically linked in 2014 - had been spending a lot of time together earlier this year, the ballerina hasn’t been seen backstage at his gigs since their show in Bogotá, Colombia, in March.

The claims follow reports that Jagger has agreed a financial settlement with Hamrick before the baby arrives

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in her capacity as a humanitarian advocate, attended a roundtable on international action at the UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants.

▶ A mobile café is to be launched in Budapest, Hungary, in order to provide long-term help for homeless people, an opportunity by which they might become able look after

themselves. The situation of homeless people is rather difficult: getting a job requires permanent residency, however, as long as you do not have a job it is really tough to afford and maintain even an apartment. Might be a good idea to start it in the

"LOVE CHANGES THE WORLD" ▶ This year’s Belgrade gay parade was held under the slogan “Love Changes

QUEEN RANIA and Canadian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU

She said that the burden of the Syrian refugee crisis cannot fall on the countries closest to the conflict to shoulder alone, adding that how the international community decides to respond to this crisis now will shape the world for decades to come.

The high-level summit aims to address large movements of refugees

the World” without any incidents. Some citizens welcomed the parade by waving at its participants from their balconies, while others protested, with one holding a Serbian flag and a banner reading “Sodomy should be a crime.”

Officials who took part in the parade included cabinet minister Ana Brnabic, Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali, head of Serbia’s team for negotiations with the EU Tanja Miscevic, Equality Commissioner Brankica Jankovic, as well as chair of the Committee on Human and Minority Rights Meho Omerovic. DS leader Bojan Pajtic, SDS party official Marko Djurisic, ambassadors of the EU, the U.S., Germany, Italy, and the head of the UNHCR in Serbia also took part.

Police cordons were deployed along the route where the parade’s participants passed, with protective railings set up on several locations. Police officers in riot gear were also seen, along with combat vehicles and members of the mounted police brigade, with a helicopter flying over the center of the city.

SUPPORT

Photo by Getty Images

“This new framework must increase support to countries hosting refugees; increase returns for people not in need of international protection and relocation of those in need of it; increase security cooperation against trafficking networks and initiatives to tackle the root causes of migration.” - Alexis Tsipras, Greek Prime Minister

NOVAK DJOKOVIC FOUNDATION HOLDS CHARITY GALA DINNER ▶ The Novak Đoković Foundation held its fourth Charity

Gala Dinner on 20th September, in Milan.

Significant funds were raised for preschool programmes in Serbia at the event, which gathered many friends and generous people from around the world, who supported the Foundation’s mission to provide encouragement and resources to young children so they can fulfil and nurture their dreams.

The event took place at the magnificent Castello Sforzesco in Cortile Delle Armi, Milan, Italy.

Novak and his wife, Jelena, were joined by celebrity guests, fashion designer Giorgio Armani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour, football stars Paolo Maldini and Andriy Shevchenko, tennis champion Serena Williams and many more…

The Gala was followed by two days of tennis exhibition matches, with stars like Nole, Nadal, Serena Williams, Flavia Pennetta and Fabio Fognini participating.

GIORGIO ARMANI, ANNA WINTOUR, NOVAK and JELENA DJOKOVIC

countryside too, as two-thirds of Hungary’s homeless people live there.

A new Hungarian company aims to change that by establishing the Tekergő Teve (Wandering Camel), a mobile, completely self-serving café, in Budapest.

Founders of the mobile café try to help as many homeless people as possible. Their further aims include the launch of a project, the Wandering Café VeloBloud, which is “a tricycle-borne café” and would be available in Budapest and in Prague.

For that they are collecting the money through community finance.

They have $355 so far

RUSSIAN TODDLER SURVIVES 3 DAYS LOST IN SIBERIA

the snow forest with a small bar of chocolate in his pocket. He may have been following a puppy.

More than 100 people were involved in the search effort over day and night, while a helicopter covered an area of some 120 sq/km. He has been rescued after three days alone in a forest that is home to bears and wolves in southern Siberia.

Tserin had not suffered any injuries in the ordeal.

▶ Three-year-old Tserin Dopchut

sparked a huge land and air search when he wandered into the woodland mid last month, the Siberian Times reported.

He had been playing with dogs under the supervision of his great-grandmother near his home in Khut, a village of around 400 people in the Piy-Khemsky district of the Tuva republic.

Tserin was wearing shoes but no coat when he wandered into the taiga,

WITH TURKISH AIRLINES TO PARADISE ISLANDS ▶ Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to

more countries and international destinations than any other airline in the world, continues to expand its flight network. The wide flight network of Turkish Airlines currently consists of 291 destinations in 116 countries worldwide.

With the airline that has been chosen as Europe’s best airline for the sixth year in a row, you can fly to the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean: the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar. For those wanting to enjoy the sun during winter, exotic Indian Ocean destinations are an excellent choice, and travel on board this awarded airline can be an unforgettable experience.

With two daily flights on the Belgrade – Istanbul route, passengers departing from Serbia can fly to the Maldives and Mauritius with short connection time in Istanbul. On 31st October, Turkish Airlines will launch flights to Seychelles (priced from €588) and from 12th December you will be able to fly to Zanzibar (price €399 - all taxes included).

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HALF A CENTURY OF THE MATHEMATICAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BELGRADE

B y M I R JA NA Z E C

Mathematics is Poetry,

NOT THE BOOGY MAN

SRĐAN OGNJANOVIĆ DIRECTOR OF THE MATHEMATICAL HIGH SCHOOL

This is an elite school because its pupils acquire elite skills in mathematics, physics, astronomy, computer science and chemistry, which is confirmed by numerous medals won at the Mathematical Olympics

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hey look like most teenagers - yelling, laughing, fluttering short or long, flowing hair, torn jeans and backpacks on their backs. If you listened to their conversations, alongside the usual teenage “jargon” and jokes, you would also hear a number of algebraic, geometric and trigonometric expressions, and those of IT communication, discussions of stars and galaxies, and the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules jokingly explained as “love chemistry”.

But these children, or newly emerged young men and women, are very different from their peers from other high schools – they are the owners of an enormous number of medals in international Olympic and regional competitions in mathematics, physics, computer science, astronomy and chemistry.

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You can hear and see all of that if you socialise with pupils of the Mathematical High School in Belgrade for a couple of lunch breaks.

This is a secondary school of particular national interest that this year celebrates 50 years of its existence. It is not a long existence.

In Serbia there are many grammar schools, secondary and primary schools several times older the Mathematical High School, but it is impressive that already in the first decade of its existence this school acquired the reputation of being an elite place where one acquires elite knowledge in mathematics and natural sciences. Its pupils have always had elite knowledge, but not elite origins.

Today, the Belgrade Mathematics High School is well known not only in Serbia, but also in Oxford, Cambridge, at America’s MIT and Moscow’s Lomonosov, in Berlin, Beijing, Shanghai and other univerOne of the all-time best pupils of this school if undoubtedly Teodor fon Burg, a young man who is currently completing his masters studies at Oxford University. He is the best young mathematician of all time at the Mathematical Olympics. He has won four golds and two silver medals, which has so far never been achieved during the 57year history of the Olympic competition.

from ours, because after a few years of absence they tend to return sity cities. And every year these universities accept at least two or to Sweden and give back to their country the best that they acquire. three candidates from the Mathematical High School. Oxford a few Our most educated young people, as a rule, remain where they iniyears ago decided to hold an entire class from this school, but then tially go, or continue even further. only seven of them opted for this university.

-This Problem cannot be solved by this school or the Belgrade Uni- And this was not only the case with Oxford, but rather also versity. It needs to be solved by the state, and the way to do that is very some other universities. But not all stay. It is easy for our students to well known. Highly educated people with degrees and doctorates in pass the entrance exams, but there are other reasons why they give the field of mathematical, physical and natural sciences have to work up or postpone enrolment in such prestigious colleges – explains diand be in serious production and financial systems, or at institutes rector of the high school Srđan Ognjanović, himself a former pupil and laboratories where science is not only taken seriously, but where of the school. - Many do not know, but practice shows, and our putheir work is appreciated and supported by appropriate means. We all pils themselves often point out, that it is much better to enter Mathknow how things are here - says Ognjanović. - We are a poor country; ematics, Electrical Engineering or a related faculty at the Belgrade we do not have oil or sea mineral resources. The only thing we have University and complete basic studies here, only to then later go out are these young, smart and talented people, who, after training, we into the world for specialisation and doctoral studies. The knowlgive as a gift to rich countries, but we do not receive any balance from edge that we gain in our faculties is somewhat more compact, more those countries, any compensation from the rich. powerful, and an excellent base for further work, which is not the case with all “well known” foreign colleges.

Director Ognjanović himself quotes the famous sentence about “educating our children for the wide world” and says: - It’s not exactly like that. That’s more of an urban legend, but there was a generation, especially during the ‘90s, when up to 90 per cent of our students went to study abroad. They do leave now too, but it is not as massive, perhaps 35 to 40 per cent of graduates from this school. Others continue their education here in Belgrade at the colleges that suit them. But the problem arises when they finish university and wish to continue working or training primarily for doctoral studies. The conditions for working on doctorates here are very modest, and the chances of gaining employment if they did not select a call in the context of information technology are very slim. All software engineers in Serbia are mostly our pupils, not all of course. They Taking IT power as an example, our quickly find employment, because at the moment This school is also interlocutor says that our bright young there is a need for about 30,000 experts in inforknown for high-quality people take advantage of the moment mation technology. All of our faculties train barely teachers. A dozen of and the world boom of the internet and 1,000 per year. The others, who opt for another those who were once information technologies, and that, withsimilar call, are all very smart, able to complete out almost any government assistance their studies quickly and with distinction, and then pupils of this school leave because there is no work or adequate jobs. themselves, and who set and care, they succeeded within five or six years of dedicated and successful They are now older, and want to get to know the off into the world to work to acquire foreign currency inflow world, to improve, to earn something. acquire doctoral degrees, into the country that exceeds raspberry The school’s director adds that these deparor corn producers. And this applies only tures are not necessarily terrible. On the contrary, have returned and are they are somewhat necessary so that young peonow working as teachers to Informatics and IT companies that are registered and whose foreign currency ple can learn how people live in other places and at the school income is monitored. And there must be can improve themselves. at least 30 to 40 per cent of those whose - It is in some way becoming a trend not only existence we know nothing about, and who work here for employers in our country - says Ognjanović. - Yesterday I spoke with the prinall over the world, thanks to the internet and other communication ciple of an almost identical grammar school from Malmo in Sweden. technologies, and whose income we officially know nothing about.

He says that their pupils go out into the world, and some have be- For us, as a country and society, it would be most beneficial if our gun to inquire about Belgrade. That is an unstoppable process, and educated, capable young people had stronger links with industry and nothing is surprising. Only Swedish pupils and young people differ OCTOBER

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mar schools of this kind in the world. But Dr Ognjanović modestly science in this country. Not all of them have to return, it is enough to points out that the Russians and the Chinese are better, while the cooperate. We have our scientists at CERN. So where would they come Japanese and Singaporeans also have strong education in these arback to, when CERN is the only one of its kind in the world. And those eas, as well as some Caucasus countries. from CERN have communication with the Institute of Physics, Math- I hope that we won’t experience the same fate as Hungarians ematics and the School of Electrical Engineering. Today, you can work and Romanians. They had a strong mathematical grammar school, from anywhere in the world for employers across the globe. What but it had to be abolished when they enwould happen if hundreds of thousands tered the European Union. They were of our experts in the world returned to told that they do not have the need for Serbia? How would we take care of them, such schools, nor to educate talented what money would we pay them with? children and raise interest in the matheWhat is disturbing is that our entreprematical sciences through special schools. neurs and the economy, even as weak as Bulgarians somehow managed to save it is, is showing no interest in achieving their grammar school and I can freely at least better communication and using say that this is an excellent school – says the knowledge, experience and contacts the director. that our young people have, all in order to This school is also known for highdevelop their business, to strengthen the quality teachers. A dozen of those who economy - indicates Dr Ognjenovic. were once pupils of this school themHe immediately adds that the school selves, and who set off into the world to maintains strong links with its students. acquire doctoral degrees, have returned For the past half a century, the Mathand are now working as teachers in the ematical High School in Belgrade has school. Otherwise, mathematics profeseducated about 7,000 students. More sors do not have any special privileges than 480 medals have been won at the or rewards compared with teachers in International Mathematics Olympics – a other schools. The salary of a Mathematfigure that does not include medals from ics High School professor is the same as regional competitions of young maththat of any high school teacher in Serbia. ematicians, physicists, chemists, comEach of the professors has at least severputer scientists.... If it did, there would al open invitations to transfer to a simibe more than 1,000 medals. lar school abroad. However, they do not - It is often considered and I hear For us, as a country and leave, because their love for the school, how medals are our goal. But that is not society, it would be most its teaching methods and pupils is really so. We are not athletes, for whom victobeneficial if our educated, great. Our interlocutor was also invited ries and medals are the objective. For capable young people had by several different parties back in the us, they are confirmation of the knowlday but, for him, leaving the school was edge and values of our students, proof stronger links with industry not an option then and still isn’t today. that what we do and how we teach our and science in this country.

- In an elite school, when it comes to children is valuable for their further deNot all of them have to return, education, it should be more expensive velopment, professional and scientific it is sufficient to cooperate than other schools, but it is not, explains training – insists Director Ognjanović. director Ognjanović. On the contrary, it’s – But we are proud of them and each cheaper than in any professional or vocational school, such as catermedal is dear to us, because we know what kind of work from pupils ing, agricultural or medical schools. They have expensive equipment, and teachers is behind that. while all we require are computers, chalk and a blackboard. Books, - Interest among parents and children in becoming pupils of this professors and knowledge of our students are what matter to us. ■ high school is acknowledgement of our working method. At the beginning, exactly 50 years ago, there were only 56 entrants and the school operated as a three-year high school. Today, the Mathematical The Mathematical High School was founded in 1966. Its creator was High School has six outposts in major cities in Serbia, and especialVojin Dajović, an academic and professor of the Faculty of Sciences. ly talented children are enrolled after sixth grade. There are plenty The school has evolved continuously and one of its most famous diof summer programmes for children to expand their knowledge of rectors was Dr Milan Raspopović, who remained in the post for three mathematics and computer science, while parents often bring young decades. During that time, the Mathematical High School gained rechildren of preschool age to this school in order to develop their innown only in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia, but also throughout terest in these sciences from an early age. the world.

The Mathematical High School, with its quality and the achievements of its pupils, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best gram22 |

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FEATURE INNOVATIVE DRUGS INACCESSIBLE TO PATIENTS IN SERBIA

Enough Money,

GOOD WILL LACKING Of the 200 innovative drugs that have been registered in the EU after 1st January 2010, according to the Association of the Manufacturers of Innovative Drugs (INOVIA), Serbian patients can get only one of them through their health insurance

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lthough there have been announcements that, after a long period of absence, innovative drugs will be included in the ‘reimbursement list,’ meaning that their cost would be covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Serbian Ministry of Health and pharmaceutical companies have yet to reach a compromise on this matter. The formats that the state authorities have offered to pharmaceutical companies are, they claim, unacceptable and nobody knows as yet whether some of these very important drugs will be included in the reimbursement list.

Patients who are suffering from serious illnesses are still hopeful that they will be given access to the new drugs, in order to stop their diseases from progressing. However, the situation in our country is such that, in the last five years, no innovative drugs have even reached Serbia, although between 25 and 30 of them are registered in Europe every year.

Director of the Association of Manufacturers of Innovative Drugs (INOVIA), Dr Bojan Trkulja, hopes that innovative drugs will be included in the NHIF’s reimbursement list soon.

“Innovative drugs save money in the long run. They are more efficient, prevent disability, help patients to continue working, extend their 24 |

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life, and eliminate the need for costly medical procedures like operations and dialysis. Initially they cost more, but in the mid- to long-term, investing in innovative drugs pays off,” says Dr Trkulja.

He says that there are no real obstacles to including innovative drugs in the NHIF’s reimbursement list, because the funds have already been secured and the authorities promised this on several occasions. Dr Trkulja adds that other countries in the region have no problem with innovative drugs because they understood their importance a long time ago.

“We are severely lagging behind Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and even Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Montenegro, which have already included innovative drugs in their reimbursement lists, unlike us,” he underlines.

Dr Trkulja also points out that innovative pharmaceutical companies in Serbia have filed over 180 requests for innovative drugs to be placed on the reimbursement list and paid all the required fees for this procedure. However, they have yet to reach a mutually acceptable solution with the state in order for the cost of these drugs to be covered by health insurance.

“We have been offered two formats, and, unfortunately, they are both unacceptable for two reasons. Firstly, both signatories are not given the same treatment and, secondly, there are no real criteria based on which we could ascertain which innovative drugs would be included on the list through special contracts, and which would not,” Dr Trkulja explains, adding that, according to available information, only 5 per cent of drugs from the Serbian reimbursement list are considered innovative, while Croatia has five, Bulgaria seven and Slovenia twelve times more innovative drugs on their respective lists.

Pharmaceutical companies in Serbia say that the prices of all drugs, including innovative ones, are determined by the state, not the manufacturers. First, a government decides about the highest wholesale price of a drug, which should correspond to the lowest price of the same drug in referenced countries. Then, the NHIF determines the price of the

drug that will be included in the reimbursement list, as well as defining additional criteria and coefficients that would drive down the price even further. In the end, the drugs are acquired at their purchase price through public procurement procedures. Considering that the exchange rate used in converting their price from euro to dinars is lower than the official exchange rate determined by the National Bank of Serbia, it becomes clear that prices of innovative drugs in Serbia are among the lowest in Europe.

Despite many requests by pharmaceutical companies and patient associations, innovative drugs for the treatment of the most serious diseases are still not on the reimbursement list, which was compiled mid-year, although there have been assurances that they would be. The list has been extended to include 220 new drugs which are mostly the same drugs, but of different dosage, packaging and shape (syrup, tablets, ointments etc.) or the same drugs with enhanced properties.

Experts say that innovative drugs and generic drugs both have their rightful place and importance in the healthcare system. The innovative drug industry should be commended for constantly exerting effort and achieving progress in finding new drugs or improving existing ones.

The fact remains that many great breakthroughs in medical therapy are credited to the innovative pharmaceutical industry. On the other hand, innovative drugs are very expensive, because initial investments are very high and they are not equally available to everyone, be it because of the price or the fact that some countries are just not that interesting to pharmaceutical companies for market-related reasons. The importance of the generic pharmaceutical industry lies in the very fact that generic drugs are widely available and sensibly priced because investments in the production of generic drugs are much lower, which affects the final price.

A substantial number of patients are suffering because of innovative drugs’ not finding their way onto the NHIF list. Representative of the Association of Patients with Rare Tumours, Gorjana Ajzinberg, says that this group of patients is suffering greatly due to limited therapy.

“Apart from the biological therapy with interferon and somatostatin analogue, which have been used for the treatment of patients with these types of tumours for over 20 years in Serbia, there are no other biological therapy drugs registered. There is only a handful of the ‘poorly differentiated tumours’ that could be treated with conventional chemotherapy. All other types of tumours don’t even respond to chemotherapy and can only be treated with modern drugs, which cannot be found on the NHIF’s reimbursement list. What we, in Serbia, consider innovative drugs, the developed countries call standard treatment,” Gorjana Ajzinberg says.

Experts explain that innovative drugs have changed the paradigm of oncological medical treatments in the sense that the goal in treating malignant diseases is to help the patient to manage to live and work with the chronic disease. Most biological drugs have relatively mild adverse effects, which don’t prevent patients from being active and fully functional, just like before they fell ill. According to Gorjana Ajzinberg, patients with neuroendocrine tumours are missing four to five drugs for standard treatment.

“Not all stakeholders in the healthcare system are slow and inefficient.

This is certainly not true for doctors who are doing their utmost to provide the best treatment for their patients in very difficult conditions. Only decision-makers from the Ministry of Health and the NHIF can make the situation better. The Ministry of Health and the NHIF are the only ones that can answer the question of why patients in Serbia don’t have access to con-

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temporary, efficient drugs and why they are suffering as a consequence of quality of life. Many melanoma patients are completely cured. The minisuch an unacceptably bad situation. Patients can only guess the reasons for mum that melanoma patients should be given is one line of inhibitors such a situation, because they have never received an official explanation. and one line of immunotherapy. We shouldn’t even talk about the necesThe most quoted reason is “lack of money”. If the available funds were dissity of this, but rather only how we can get to it. What is important is tributed differently, then the need for appropriate drugs would be satisfied, for people to get their drugs as soon as possible. We are not impatient, particularly when it comes to the drugs that have been deficient for years,” explains Ajzinberg.

The Civic Initiative for an Innovative Approach to Improving the Availability of New Drugs in Serbia was launched in Belgrade in February 2016. The rationale is to implement a systemic, transparent and comprehensive solution with clearly defined criteria determining which drugs should have priority in terms of their inclusion on the reimbursement list. This is called the PVA system and is a simple scoring system that determines which drug has priority in terms of the reimbursement list based on the available scientific evidence. The implementation of this system will not cost the NHIF anything; there is no need to engage additional resources and it can be implemented in a very short amount of time, with only minor changes to the relevant bylaws. The Civic GORJANA AJZINBERG, Representative of the Association of DR BOJAN TRKULJA, Director of the Association of Manufacturers of Innovative Drugs (INOVIA) Initiative has been working tirelessly on pro- Patients with Rare Tumours moting the advantages of the PVA system to all Despite many requests stakeholders. but we are also not ill. However, melanoma is a Vice President of the Diabetes Association very impatient disease and it can kill a person by pharmaceutical of Serbia, Stela Prgomelja, also underlines the very quickly if the right therapy is not providcompanies and patient difficult situation in which patients find themed,” adds Kostić.

A task force has also been formed, comprisselves. associations, innovative “There are several burning issues that paing representatives of the Ministry of Health, the drugs for the treatment of tients with diabetes in Serbia have to face on a State Attorney’s Office and the NHIF, which prothe most serious diseases posed two formats of the ‘specialised contracts’ daily basis. One of them is a lack of innovative therapies for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes to pharmaceutical companies. They stipulate are still not on the that are funded by the NHIF. New innovative the possibility of the National Health Insurance reimbursement list, which Fund covering some of the costs, provided that therapies would certainly improve the position of people with diabetes,” says Ms Prgomelja. pharmaceutical companies renounce a part of was compiled mid-year, She warns that it is really important for their margin in order to make the price of drugs although there have been more affordable to the NHIF. the state to do everything it can to overcome the situation where many patients are left to Pharmaceutical companies say that they assurances that they their own devices in trying to find money for have been offered contracts that are not acwould be their medication, while others are forced to ceptable and want to continue negotiating. use therapies that are not going to cure them They also say that this kind of contract cannot or improve their quality of life, all of this while knowing that there is be found anywhere else in Europe. a contemporary, innovative drug that is available in most of our neighIn early September this year, Health Minister Zlatibor Lončar said bouring countries. that the government had formed the Innovative Drugs Committee that Stefan Kostić, from the Association of Patients with Melanoma (UPwould work towards including these drugs on the reimbursement list.

OOM), says that patients in Serbia who desperately need anti-melanoma The Minister also said that the Committee would succeed in having the drugs can only have chemotherapy with their health insurance, which is no cost of innovative drugs covered by health insurance by 2020. CorD has longer used in the treatment of melanoma anywhere in the world. not yet received any comment from the Ministry of Health and the Na“Innovative drugs have revolutionised the treatment of melanoma. tional Health Insurance Fund about the Committee’s results so far and Modern therapies are increasing life expectancy and enable a great its future plans. ■

What are innovative drugs?

There are two strategic concepts in the pharmaceutical industry – one implies the production of innovative or original drugs and the other relates to the production of generic drugs. The main feature of an innovative or original drug is that it contains an active substance that hasn’t been used in human medicine so far or it contains a new combination of active substances that are used individually, or have been used before but never in such a particular arrangement. All of these drugs have different levels of innovation or originality. Certain drugs are truly innovative because they pave a new way to treating a disease.

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OCTOBER BUSINESS LEADERS’ MEETING POINT

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DUŠAN PEROVIĆ Director of Termovent Komerc d.o.o.

FREDERIC AUBET General Manager of CRH Serbia

Future Belongs to Youth

CRH - New NALED Member

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EDUARD RUTTEN Director, Metech

NEVENA ČOLIĆ MOHORA Director of Miteco

The Importance Of Competence

It`S Not About Waste, It`S About People

CORPORATE

DUŠAN PEROVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF TERMOVENT KOMERC D.O.O.

The Future Belongs to The Youth The jury’s decision to present this prestigious award to us was determined by our company’s development path, where we developed from small-scale production, with the great commitment of everyone, to conquering the very demanding and selective EU and global markets

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ermovent’s employees deserve all the credit for the company’s success, which is also attributed to the constant expansion and increase of our product range and gaining a strategic advantage by offering more than our competitors. Our technology and steady quality in dealing with every individual client are also exceptionally important for our stable operations, which are being improved constantly.

■ Earlier this year, you received the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. What were the most decisive factors that made the jury give the award to you among 30 other candidates?

- I am very honoured that we have been chosen unanimously as the winner of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by a jury comprised of our most renowned businesspeople. I also have to say that auditing & consulting company Ernst & Young flawlessly 28 |

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organised the award ceremony.

We are currently working for the biggest global companies, like Pfizer, Pharmasyntez and Purna Pharmaceuticals, and we are proud of the fact that we are exporting our products to Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the Russian Federation.

Termovent has concluded two five-year contracts with Pfizer, and

I think that ministries should often talk to and exchange of experiences with successful business people. They should also use these successful examples both as models and basic guidelines for their actions and strategies

we are the only Serbian company from this branch to have its products sold in India. We have built our own production equipment, which is best suited to fulfil the needs of microelectronic, pharmaceutical and other demanding segments. All of this certainly left a positive and probably

decisive impression on the jury.

■ What comprises Termovent Komerc and what principles do you apply to accomplish such excellent results in the country and abroad?

- The Termovent Company is a modern facility, organised in line with the latest business practices, and it has the production programme, staff and technology to implement highly specialised and demanding pharmaceutical projects, as well as to produce microelectronic parts and sterile segments for healthcare facilities. The fact that we are constantly investing in our staff, particularly in the younger workers, providing them with ongoing training with the best engineering companies in the EU and the world, getting them certified and creating a positive working environment, have all contributed to our company’s very stable foundation.

Significant and positive changes were made in our company when my sons Miloš and Andrija, both mechanical engineers, came to work for us and took over the management of very important and demanding segments of the company.

The fact that they are closer to

other similar companies in Serbia?

- I am not the one to teach the government how to do its job and to tell them what they need to do to boost the success of companies. My personal success and the success of my company is partly due to a positive environment that the Serbian government and its ministries have created. However, I would like to mention once again the resources

government and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce on organising meetings between businesspeople at different state levels, and presenting Serbia’s economy and our economic potential, are certainly positive developments. However, I think the companies chosen to represent our economy are inadequate, because the results of this poor or incom■ Termovent Komerc cooperates petent representation, or the prewith many respectable companies sented range of products, are abroad. To what extent are inadequate. In any case, this is their standards and procenot enough and the expected dures compatible with yours? effects are not there.

- Every company with which we cooperate has clearly defined This ought to be changed.

Businesspeople with good busistandards, mostly based on ness programmes that can proGMP or FDA regulation, pursuant to the CFR21 part 11. Terduce quality accepted in the EU movent had to get thoroughly and other countries, and that acquainted with every single possess all the relevant certifione of these standards and to cates for the offered product fully master them, which was and a lot of references for the quite complicated. This implied products they export, should educating our project design, represent the Serbian Chamber production and implementation of Commerce. I am confident staff so that our equipment this would make the Serbian could meet the strict requirebusiness offer much more ments for the pharmaceutical convincing and the economic industry. This only validates effects would be better. what I said earlier: that our The government, ministries, the Serbian Chamber of staff is the driving force behind Commerce, reputable and sucour company and that we are cessful business owners and constantly investing in our their companies can give their workers, who are highly efficient as a result. recommendations to potential Generally speaking, our investors, as well as providing knowledge and qualifications, help in selling products and adapted as they are to every services manufactured or rensingle segment, had to be dered by Serbian companies.

RECOGNITION FROM MONTE CARLO'S EY WORLD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR™ EVENT absolutely compatible with the This would certainly be very procedures in every company beneficial both for entreprefor which we work, because that is neurs and entrepreneurship in Serthat were fundamental for the sucthe main prerequisite of our cooperacess of my company, and they are our bia. The most important thing is that tion. workers and organised teamwork. businesspeople should not feel left My teams must possess flawless The staff at the ministries and at alone, but rather enjoy the support knowledge of the main GMP or FDA the basic units of the state system, of a strong system that can always regulation, and to harmonise them fulwhich are local self-governments, propose solutions to problems. ly with client demand. My teams have have to be able to recognise very Government officials and ministo be competent enough for clients to tries should visit successful compacomplex systemic activity that is choose us over someone else. So far, successful entrepreneurship, and nies and maybe even be present at we have been very successful at that. provide the maximum support and the signing of important contracts with the clients for whom they work. help through various forms, estab■ What reforms should the state lishing links between regions and all That would send a strong signal to other countries. conduct in order to facilitate faster the other side that businesses enjoy growth of Termovent Komerc and The activities instigated by the state support. ■ the age of our younger workers has created a work atmosphere that resulted in an extended production programme, breaking into new markets, better promotion and a brand new brochure about the company.

We also carried out numerous other very important activities.

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LOCAL

NEWS

STRATEGIC GOAL “Serbia is heading towards its strategic goal of EU membership, and the EU has been impressed by the ‘level of preparedness and professionalism’ of the Serbian administration.”

— MICHAEL DAVENPORT, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia

BANCA INTESA

DEAD SEA BEAUTY

2015 Sustainability Report Banca Intesa has presented its 2015 Sustainability Report, prepared in accordance with the international methodology of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

The fourth GRI Report follows the redefined GRI G4 version of the Guidelines for Sustainability Reporting and the appendix for the financial sector, providing a comprehensive view of the economic, social and environmental performance of the bank through responses to 32 indicators, compared with 28 covered in the previous report.

Most Luxurious Face Treatment The Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth, is extremely rich in minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Dead Sea Beauty indulges both women and men by using these riches to pamper you. Its unique treatments are designed for particular skin types – and the specialists will find the perfect treatment to treat clients’ specific skin concerns.

Dead Sea Beauty does facial treatments with collagen and hyaluronics. The most luxurious face treatment (with 24K gold, as used by Cleopatra) will show visible improvement in your skin’s appearance.

For businesspeople, relaxation is offered with a variety of massages and soothing body treatments.

You will feel newly reborn and stress-free. In addition, extended home care is available after the treatment, including full instructions. Try and you will love it! You will love your skin and results that everyone will be able to see.

MITECO

New Chapter in Waste Management “As a leading bank on the domestic market, Banca Intesa fully recognises its responsibility to operate in a manner that pays attention not only to the economic impacts, but also to the social and environmental impacts arising from such a position. This primarily means that we integrate our business processes, strategies and decisions through the principle of sustainability,” says Rajka Šinik Vulić, Acting Director of PR and Marketing Communications and Director of the PR and Social Responsibility Department at Banca Intesa.

When it comes to aligning standards with the EU, one of the conditions that Serbia will have to meet is the introduction of the circular economy in the process of production itself, or the use of waste as a resource in industry. In order to make this possible, it is necessary to increase the level of recycling, solve the problem of hazardous and historical waste, and enable cooperation between the public and the private sectors in order to create a favourable business environment for new investors – this was the conclusion of the panel discussion entitled “A new chapter in hazardous waste management in Serbia”, which was held last month in Novi Sad, organised by Miteco and the ISWA World Congress 2016.

Chairman of the ISWA Working Group on Hazardous Waste, Jean-Paul Leglise, spoke during the panel about activities on the preparation of a manual for the hazardous waste management, which is being implemented in cooperation with UNEP and UNIDO. The panel’s participants also included Dr Stefan Salhofer, University of Natural Resources and Applied Sciences in Vienna, Peter Hodecek, representative of the European Federation of Waste Management “FEAD”, and Nenad Marković, director for energy production JP EPS, Branch “TE-KO Kostolac”.

SOCIETE GENERALE BANK

Expanding Private Banking Offering in Serbia Societe Generale Srbija is expanding its private banking offering for top-tier wealth management clients, supported by the expertise of Societe Generale Private Banking (SGPB).

Backed by the recognised know-how of SGPB, Societe Generale Srbija is reinforcing its offering and its teams in order to provide wealth management clients with access to additional high added-value services and advice for the management, protection and transmission of their wealth.

Societe Generale Srbija’s in-depth knowledge of wealthy Serbian clients’ needs, combined with the expertise of an international private bank, will enable clients to benefit from a broader range of products, in particular with regard to wealth planning solutions and investment advisory services for both domestic and foreign investments, which are not yet widely available in the country. Société Générale Srbija’s clients will be served by dedicated staff located in a private banking centre in Belgrade.

Through this partnership, Societe Generale aims to capitalise on its businesses to provide its Serbian-resident clients with a complete, first-class range of tailor-made banking services, investment and financial advisory and wealth management know-how.

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TELENOR BANK

Cash Loans With no Additional Fees Telenor Bank is offering cash loans for citizens without additional fees, such as the Credit Bureau fee, credit administration fee, processing fees or the fee for promissory notes that the client pays. Cash loans have just one interest rate and can be used for refinancing.

This is the first time that nominal and effective interest rates have been equalised on the Serbian market, which will provide clients with clear insight into the actual price of credit. This cash credit option can also be used for refinancing debts to other banks, such as card or current account overdraft and cash credits.

A credit request can be filed simply, through an online application, with no need to visit a Telenor retail outlet. The interest rate starts from a fixed rate of 11.6% for a one-year repayment period, while the interest rate is fixed for cash credits with 36-month maturity.

REGION “Serbia has for years been making major efforts towards establishing lasting regional stability but, in spite of this, the situation in the region has been very turbulent over the past months” CARNEX

— TOMISLAV NIKOLIC, Serbian President

Three Gold Awards in Moscow At the international food industry fair in Moscow, “World Food Moscow 2016”, company Carnex won three gold awards - for its “Selection chicken paté”, “Selection beef paté” and an award for product of the year.

The main autumn event in Russia in the fields of trade in meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy products was attended by more than 1,500 exhibitors from 62 countries, while a great deal of attention was paid to presenting the chambers of commerce of different countries.

“We are very proud of this award, especially as it was given to us on a market that is extremely important for us,” said Tijana Katalinić, brand manager of Carnex.

Placements & postings appointments@aim.rs

H.E. DR OANA-CRISTINA POPA New Romanian Ambassador to Serbia

Dr Popa holds a Ph.D. in History and International Relations and a BA in Psychology and Education, both from the Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj, as well as an MA in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame, U.S. In 2007, she received a certificate in Executive Education from Harvard University. From 1998 until 2002 she was Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission for educational exchanges between the U.S. and Romania, and in 2002 she was appointed head of the North America division in the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and adviser to the MFA on Euro-Atlantic affairs. In 2003, Dr Popa was head of mission to the Embassy of Romania to Croatia, and from 2005 until 2009 she was ambassador of Romania to Croatia. She is the recipient of two NATO fellowships and was a post-doctoral fellow of the Romanian Academy in the field of European Social Sciences. Dr Popa is married and has a son.

H.E. TOMASZ NIEGODZISZ

New Ambasador of the Republic of Poland in Serbia Polish Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Tomasz Niegodzisz, was born in Suwalki, Poland, in 1957. He graduated from the John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin. He began his diplomatic career in 1993 in Legal Affairs and the Intergovernmental Agreements Sector of the Polish Foreign Ministry. From 1997 to 2000, he was the director of the Polish Institute in Minsk, and, from 2000 to 2004 he served as Polish Ambassador to Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. From 2004 to 2007, he worked as head of the Public and Cultural Diplomacy Sector, followed by his appointment as Ambassador to Lebanon (2007-2013). From 2013 to 2016, he returned to a post at the Polish Public and Cultural Diplomacy Sector. In his diplomatic career, Mr Niegodzisz has been focusing in particular on promoting Polish culture and history in the world.

UNICREDIT BANK

Celebrating 15 Years of Operations in Serbia

PREDRAG MIHAILOVIĆ New Editor-in-Chief at Blic

Predrag Mihailović has been appointed the new Editor-in-Chief of the Blic print edition, while the former Editor-in-Chief, Marko Stjepanović, will be appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of the Blic. rs web portal. Blic Director Veselin Simonović will also chair the newly founded Editorial Board of Blic, with Predrag Mihailović and Marko Stjepanović joining him as members. Mihailović has been working for Ringier Axel Springer Media AG since 2003, and he also worked as a journalist. Before that, he was editor of the daily 24 Sata and executive editor of the Blic on Sundays and Blic Magazine. He was appointed deputy Editor-in-Chief of Blic in November last year.

ANA MILIĆEVIĆ VUKOJE

New Marketing Director of Carlsberg Serbia

Celebrating 15 years of operations in Serbia, UniCredit Bank is offering special terms and conditions for all clients wanting to take a mortgage loan from the bank.

Special terms and conditions will be valid until the end of October 2016, by which time clients can apply for mortgage loans indexed in euros, on condition that the loans are used by the end of January 2017.

During the noted period, the interest rate will be significantly reduced for a period of 15 months. During this promotional period, the nominal interest rate will be fixed and will stand at 2.3% per annum. Following the 15-month-period, the nominal interest rate will be a sum of the six-month-EURIBOR plus 3% margin, which currently stands at 2.82%, while the effective interest rate will be 3.06% per annum.

The lowest mortgage loan granted by UniCredit Bank is €10,000, in Serbian dinar equivalent, while the highest loan cannot exceed 80% of the sales price of the real estate, i.e. of the estimated value of the property that is the subject of the mortgage. Repayment periods range from five to 30 years.

Ana Milićević Vukoje is the new Marketing and Communications Director of Carlsberg Serbia. Ana has worked for the company since 2011 as international brands manager and market research manager. Apart from working on premium brand strategies, Ana has also participated in local development projects for Tuborg. Before coming to Carlsberg, she worked as an executive in Henkel and Beiersdorf. In her new job, Ana Milićević Vukoje will also be in charge of the Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina markets, in addition to the Serbian market. Ana has a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in international business, from the American University of Rome, Italy.

IVAN RADOJČIĆ

New chairman of the Executive Board of Addiko Bank in Serbia Ivan Radojčić has been appointed as the new chairman of the Executive Board of Addiko Bank in Serbia following a successful career as a banking and financial executive both here and abroad. In the last five years, Radojčić was a member of the Executive Board of OTP Bank, and before that he worked for AXA Insurance Serbia and UniCredit Bank in Serbia and abroad. The new chairman of the Executive Board has an extensive experience in retail, corporate and SME sector, particularly in developing the practical banking concept that Addiko Bank is introducing to our market.

DEJAN PEŠIĆ

New CEO at MediGroup system Dejan Pešić has been appointed as the new CEO of MediGroup, with the expectation that he will utilise his significant experience in the field of professional management in international companies in the future. He acquired his first work experience and business knowledge in the late ‘90s, following post-graduate studies abroad, where he spent 90 per cent of his working life, building a career from starting positions to professional managerial posts at prestigious companies in Italy, Russia , South America and the Middle East.

“With around 400,000 patients annually and investments of €40 million in equipment to date, MediGroup aspires to become a leading national provider of health services,” announced Pešić.

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CORPORATE FREDERIC AUBET, GENERAL MANAGER OF CRH SERBIA

CRH - New NALED Member CRH Serbia has a separate sector with many years’ experience in the treatment and production of alternative fuels from sorted municipal waste, and our experts also offer solutions for environmental protection in the petrochemical and tyres industries

I

n August 2015, Irish company CRH completed its acquisition of the Novi Popovac cement plant. This takeover was part of a global deal for CRH to acquire certain assets from Lafarge S.A. and Holcim Ltd, for a total consideration of €6.5 billion.

Here we talk to Frederic Aubet, General Manager of CRH Serbia.

■ Mr Aubet, can you briefly introduce CRH to our readers?

- CRH is the leading international group in the field of building materials, employing 89,000 people at almost 3,900 operating sites in 31 countries worldwide. With a market capitalisation of €24 billion (August 2016), CRH is the largest company in the building materials industry in North America and the second largest worldwide. The Group has a leading position in Europe, as 32 |

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well as an established strategic position on emerging markets in Asia and South America.

With two concrete plants in the vicinity of Belgrade, in Krnjača and Dobanovci, CRH Serbia is also pres-

The cement plant CRH Serbia is situated in Central Serbia, in the village of Novi Popovac near Paracin, 160km south of Belgrade. The annual capacity of the cement plant is 1,350,000 tonnes of cement and binder ent on this market, while its fleet of almost 20 ships exploits, transports and sells sand and gravel of different size fractions all over Serbia.

■ How do you see CRH Serbia’s operations at the moment and its position in the market?

- Serbian operations are very developed, with a strong market position in three business area: cement, ready-mix and aggregates. CRH Serbia, as the number two player in a consolidated Serbian market, is delivering robust performance with very well located and resourcebacked assets, and with a strong local management team.

On the other hand, the construction industry in Serbia has been in a crisis for several years.

I am optimistic and want to think that the economic measures taken by the Government, as well as key projects that have been announced (Belgrade Waterfront, Corridor X, XI), will have a positive impact on the market, which will result in the construction industry beginning to recover. We are already seeing some improvements. ■

CORPORATE EDUARD RUTTEN, DIRECTOR, METECH

The Importance Of Competence Metech staff members continuously receive all the necessary training and education!

The “self education level” of Metech people is high, they invest time in education after their working hours

investments are long-term, as are our people, and we trust that they will stay and grow together with Metech.

■ Which industries do you work with and which market segments do you target in Serbia? etech invest in the high■ Recently, after a series of invest- At this moment we are working for all est welding knowledge ments in equipment, you decided to industry markets in Europe, like comthat you can find in the expand your company in Smederevo. pressors, telecom, printing machines, Balkans „Laser Welding“ What are the key advantages of doheating, airco, construction products, from Trumpf. Now we can weld Staining business in Serbia and, in addihealth, pharma, diamonds… there is less Steel, Alumunium, ... in an optimal tion to expanding capacities, does it no limits. Everybody who needs sheet position, without heating or deformaimply a transfer of knowledge and metal products or a total concept is tion of the material. The best proces technology to Smederevo? welcome at Metech Serbia. I think we for products in Pharma, Food or must wait a little bit in order high level customers. Metech Metech brings more than 25 business for new companies who are invest again in its competence coming now to find a good leaders from Europe to Metech and to match between us. center in Smederevo 1 mil euro, and is the best supplier with Serbia every year to see what the posthe highest quality. Metech ■ Are you satisfied with the sibilities are, and every time they are have now more than 20 engisupport you receive from the surprised how many potential neers, and more than 300 good state and local government, educated workers, a real dream! opportunities there are. Businessman and where do you see room for further support to be proneeds facts, figures, stability and ■ You’ve been in Serbia since vided for investors? trust, Metech can show that 2008. In which domains do - The state and local governyou see the most significant ment do their job and try to effects of synergy between the par- We created a new “competence help us if they can. The state provides ent company in Belgium and your center” in Smederevo and that is an insupport when it comes to connections firm in Smederevo? tangible investment that we are implebetween the world of work and the - There is a good feeling between menting now. First comes investing in world of education. Schools are ready to the two companies when it comes to people, then in machinery, and finally accept our support in terms of innovaworking together. The synergy is the in the buildings and space. We feel tion and investment in knowledge and language of knowledge, the drive to go that customers are coming because practical education. The open issues are forward and try to find a solution. They we organize the best solution to meet streamlined administrations at all levknow that there is “there is always a the needs of professional consumels, with clear procedures, and then we better way”. ers in Smederevo. We know that our can bring more investors to Serbia. ■

M

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NEWS

STABILITY “I am convinced that preservation of the order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement is a joint interest of BiH and a realistic basis for the preservation of regional stability and peace, which we all need as a framework for progress.” — BAKIR IZETBEGOVIĆ, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH

REGIONAL

ALBANIA

Albanians Pay €100 mln a Month on Travel Abroad Albanians travel frequently and each month, they take €100 million out of the country by spending them in countries that they visit, mainly Greece, Italy, but also neighboring countries such as FYROM, Turkey, Montenegro and other European countries and in the USA. ROMANIA

Faurecia Invests in New Plant

Faurecia opened in Ramnicu Valcea a plant for automotive seat covers that is expected to equip with upholsteries 280,000 cars in 2016 only. The factory, representing an €12 million investment, became the company’s fourth in Romania.

With a total surface of 12,000 sq/m, the plant features an ergonomic production area and employs 1,200 staff. Using cut-and-sew technologies, it produces textile and leather covers for some of the world’s largest automakers, including Peugeot, Renault, and other Volkswagen brands. The fabrics used for more than 500 types of covers are mainly provided by local suppliers (75 percent).

Faurecia employs 3,000 people in its four Romanian plants and generated a total sales of €203 million in 2015 and €119 million in the first half of 2016

Bank of Albania’s balance of payments, which among others, also measures amounts that Albanians spend abroad and those that foreigners spend in Albania, shows that compared to a year ago, there’s an increase in the expenses of Albanians.

For the first six months of 2016, compared to a year ago, the amounts spent abroad were 5,5% higher, or €26 million more, taking the amount to nearly €100 million each month.

Source: Independent Balkan News Agency

MONTENEGRO

Hilton Unveils First Hotel in Montenegro

BULGARIA

Developing Quality Tourism There is a 14.7 per cent increase in the number of foreign travelers hitting Bulgarian turf in July of 2016. Of those foreign nationals, 58 per cent came to this country as tourists. Thanks to what Bulgaria’s tourist sites have to offer, including the beaches, but also due to the shaky situation in Turkey and the fear of terrorist attacks in Egypt, this increase was registered.

Not only is the government spending millions in order to promote Bulgaria as a tourist destination. It seems that private investors are ready to get to work too. According to the publication tophotel.de in Germany, five large hotels are being built.

An InterContinental Hotel, with 182 rooms and suites, will be inaugurated in Sofia, at the end of 2017. The Grand Hotel will be renovated thoroughly, according to the information. On top of that, a Holiday Inn Hotel with 67 rooms is about to open in Plovdiv.

HUNGARY

Suburban Railway to be Completed by Early 2017 State-owned railway company MÁV announced that it expects to complete its takeover of the operations of the Budapest suburban railway (HÉV) by early 2017. The metropolitan general assembly approved in August separating the HÉV from Budapest transport

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company BKV effective Nov. 1, and setting up a new company dubbed BHÉV, with assets solely for operating the suburban railway service. This will then pass to MÁV via the state. BHÉV is being established with capital of over 18 billion forints (€58.4m). MÁV said that it is working closely with the National Development Ministry, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) and BKV on the transition. The estimation of annual costs of operating the HÉV services, would fall in the range of 14-15 billion forints (€45.3 - €48.5 million).

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the official opening of Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora, marking Hilton’s debut in Montenegro. The new Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora is conveniently situated in the city centre and close to all public and commercial facilities, making it the perfect option for both business and leisure guests. It offers 180 spacious and modern guest rooms, including 23 suites. The hotel’s Presidential Suite boasts a panoramic lounge overlooking the city.

“Montenegro, one of the oldest European states and often referred to as the pearl of the Mediterranean, is an exciting new destination for Hilton as we expand our global portfolio of more than 570 hotels,” said Andreas Lackner, regional head, Hilton brand management.

CORPORATE NEVENA ČOLIĆ MOHORA, DIRECTOR OF MITECO

It's Not About Waste, It's About People The waste market is underdeveloped in Serbia compared to EU countries. This is a result of the current state of the waste industry, but also the technological capacity of operators, some of which unjustifiably possess licenses and participate in the management of hazardous waste

■ What are the most important concluIn order for the private sector to have a real sterilisation and disposal at landfill sites, sions of the panel discussion of company contribution to improving the system, it is but that is not the final step in waste treatMiteco, which was entitled “A new chapessential for there to be an applicable legal ment. An additional problem is represented ter in the management of hazardous framework that will be implemented. This by pathological and anatomical wastes, waste” and was held within the frameis the main precondition for investments in blood units and the like. With this in mind, work of the ISWA World Congress 2016? infrastructure and the entry of significant the logical procedure that follows is the - “It’s not about waste, it’s about people”– private capital in this area. process of incineration of waste, which it is is the message that prevailed throughout necessary to start applying in Serbia, due to the conference and left a strong impression ■ Considering the experience of Miteco the need for proper waste disposal. on participants. That message was also as a company, what needs to be done in reflected in the topics discussed during our order for medical waste for example, to ■ Miteco was declared the 2016/17 panel on hazardous waste. be treated safely?

National Champion by European BusiFirst and foremost, recycling ness Awards, a programme that electronic waste is not only a rewards the most successful comThe innovative part of the project question of protecting the envipanies in Europe. Which project led for which we received the title of ronment, but rather also a signifito you being nominated for this National Champion for Corporate and award and what does this presticant economic issue, because this Environmental Sustainability was the gious recognition mean to you? area creates opportunities for new jobs and contributes to eco- The Miteco project in which they river transport of hazardous waste nomic development. And when it recognised the principles of ethics, that we realised for the first time in comes to systemic issues people business fairness and sustainabilSerbia, and we are still the only also decide, whether they will ity is the elimination of historical company to have used this apply the laws and standards that pollution at the Fiat car factory in exist. Because of that, it is necesKragujevac. The pollution origimodel of transport sary to find a sustainable model nated from PCB oils, and the project for improving the waste market, respecting - Some 10,000 tonnes of medical waste is encompassed the removal of soil and other the principles of the preservation of human produced on the territory of Serbia annuconstruction materials contaminated with health and the environment. ally, of which only 2,000 tonnes is proPCB from 13 transformer stations. Of a cessed properly. total of 33,000 participants, 636 national ■ To what extent can the private sector The system for the treatment of medical champions were selected from 34 European contribute to improving the system for the waste that currently exists in Serbia is not countries, and Miteco showed through this management of hazardous waste in Serbia? fully rounded off. Operators who manage award that Serbia can have its representa- A problem is represented by unfair compefacilities for the treatment of infectious tive in European competition in the field of tition and the existence of the grey market. medical waste complete the process with environmental protection. ■ OCTOBER

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IMMIGRATION

WORLD

“World leaders must recognise that the cost of mitigating immigration in destination countries and providing only humanitarian relief is much higher than addressing the root causes of migration and forced displacement at the source.”— Dr MUKHISA KITUYI, UNCTAD Secretary-General

AZERBAIJAN

SOCAR to Sign New Contract on Large Gas Block

SOCAR HEAD ROVNAG ABDULLAYEV

The Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR plans to sign a new contract on the development of the UmidBabek block of gas fields in the Caspian Sea by late 2016 to raise funds from international institutions and companies,” said Rovnag Abdullayev, head of SOCAR.

SOCAR will be able to annually receive up to five billion cubic meters of gas only from the Umid field through this program. The drilling operations are planned to be carried out at Babek field, but It is necessary to raise funds to develop these fields.

“To do this, we will combine the two projects into one, bring it to the level of the PSA (Production Sharing Agreement), create a new structure that will handle its development,” Abdullayev said.

SOCAR is currently preparing a new contract on the project, which is expected to be ready before late 2016.

RUSSIA

Economic Outlook Revised to Stable US financial services company Standard and Poors (S&P) has upgraded Russia’s economic outlook to stable from negative, according to a release issued by the company at mid Septemver .

“Russian Federation outlook revised to stable from negative on abating external risks; ratings affirmed,” the release stated. S&P affirmed Russia’s foreign currency sovereign credit rating at ‘BB+’ and local currency rating at ‘BBB-’. The rating agency noted that the decision to upgrade Russia’s outlook reflects the agency’s expectation of Moscow’s continuous adjustment to lower oil prices “while keeping its external and fiscal metrics in check.” Moody’s Confirms Russia’s Ba1 Sovereign Rating With Negative Outlook The rating agency noted that “external risks” to Russia have decreased, and it expects Moscow to see positive GDP growth in 2017-2019, which will average 1.6 percent.

TURKEY

Shell Sells Denmark Refining Business Energy company Shell announced it had reached an agreement with Dansk Olieselskab ApS for the sale of Dansk Shell in Denmark.

The sale for approximately $80 million includes the 70,000 barrels per day Fredericia refinery and local trading and supply activities. Long term agreements for the supply of crude oil and feedstocks to the refinery and for the offtake of some products is also part of the agreement.

Shell said the divestment is consistent with its strategy to concentrate its downstream operations on areas where it can be most competitive. Shell’s upstream interests in Denmark are not affected. The sale is subject to standard conditions and approvals and is expected to be completed in 2017.

CHINA

New Subway Line to 3rd Istanbul Airport

Turkish authorities have said they started work on a plan for the construction of a new subway line to Istanbul’s third airport, the first section of which is planned to open by the beginning of 2018.

The first section of the new airport is planned to open in early 2018 and offer services to 90 million passengers. A new 65-km-long subway line will be built from central Istanbul to the airport and will take around 26 minutes from one end to the other.

The construction of the subway line was undertaken by the ministry in line with a cabinet decision.

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Approvals For Infrastructure Investment Accelerated China’s top economic planner accelerated the approval of new fixed-asset investment for major infrastructure projects to sustain economic growth.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) gave the green light to investment totaling nearly196.6 yuan (€26.4 billion) for 25 projects last month, NDRC official Zhao Chenxin said.

The projects were concentrated in water conservancy, transport, energy and other social undertakings. The headline figures are a considerable increase from less than 60 billion yuan (€8.0billion ) in the previous month as the government ramps up spending to offset flagging private investment.

NETHERLAND

Internet Banking Fraud Plunges Internet fraud cost Dutch banks just €148,000 in the first six months of this year, down 80% on the second half of 2015, according to new figures from the Dutch banking association. By contrast, in the first six months of 2012, internet banking fraud netted nearly €25m – the worst figure on record. The banks say the sharp drop is because they have improved their anti-fraud measures and consumers are much more alert to the risk of phishing and other scams. However, crooks did still manage to con people out of €1.6m by stealing bank cards.

CORPORATE

CENTER FOR DENTAL ESTHETIC AND IMPLANTOLOGY (CDEI)

Beautiful And Healthy Smile as The First Impression In the opening scene of one Hollywood blockbuster George Clooney is getting his teeth whitened at the dentist’s. Immaculately dressed for a business meeting with an important client, he leaves the dentist’s office and starts his work day

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othing demonstrates good health, happiness, and even success, as effectively as pearly white teeth. Many people have chosen to whiten their teeth to improve their appearance. Whitening is one of the most affordable and available cosmetic treatments. It can be done at home or in a clinical environment at the dentist’s office.

If you are thinking of doing it yourself at home, the first thing you need to do is have a thorough dental check-up that will determine the cause of the discolouration, which could be a condition requiring a different treatment.

■ Could you explain to us the teeth whitening process?

- Whitening implies applying the whitening agent to your teeth, which affects organic molecules that cause stains to appear and are found between the crystals of your tooth enamel or in the dentine, a calcified tissue under the enamel. Whitening is most effective

when stains are white or brown, but it can also work on grey or tetracycline discolouration. Fillings and ceramic veneers/crowns cannot be whitened.

If you have ceramic veneers/crowns or fillings in your mouth, you have to think in advance about how are they going to look if your natural teeth become whiter, while they stay the same colour.

■ What causes teeth discolouration?

- There are two types of discolouration – internal and external. The latter one is usually caused by smoking or tobacco chewing, and by food and beverages that contain teeth colouring substances, like red wine, coffee or tea. Internal discolouration happens usually as we age, i.e. when the enamel loses its initial transparency and becomes porous.

However, internal discolouration can also be a result of fluoridisation, using tetracycline during the formation of dental tissue, or it can be hereditary.

Another cause could be trauma or medical treatments of the dental pulp.

A person can have both internal and external tooth discolouration.

■ What kinds of teeth whitening methods are available?

- There are many. Professional treatments are faster and safer, but they also cost more.

Professional teeth-whitening – a gel with a highly concentrated whitening agent is used in this process and this is not suitable for home use.

Chairside teeth-whitening – a dentist will apply the gel to the teeth while a light source could be used to enhance the whitening effect.

Home whitening – Your dentist will give you special plastic trays tailored for you. You have to put the special gel in these trays, then put them in your mouth and leave them for as long as instructed by your dentist.

■ Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?

- Modern teeth whitening materials have practically no side effects. At the CDEI, we use the latest teeth whitening products that do not cause any sensations.

How long do the results last?

- It all depends on the amount of highly pigmented food and drink the patient consumes. ■

This CorD Magazine coupen entitles the holder to a 10% discount on the price of chairside teeth whitening at CDEI. For more information, please call 011 / 275-9289 or 060 / 336-8478 OCTOBER

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BIKRAM YOGA BELGRADE

All Classes in

ENGLISH Bikram Yoga is a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises that is practiced in a heated room. The heat warms the body, allowing for a deeper/safer stretch, while providing your body with a complete detox. Practicing in the heat increases the heart rate, giving you a complete cardiovascular workout. Essentially, it is a wonderful yoga class that will leave you feeling as high as a kite.

I am Stephen Donegan, a 40-year-old from Ireland.

I discovered yoga back in 2001 while backpacking in India. From 1998 to 2006, I worked in the IT/ Telecommunications sectors in Amsterdam, Sydney and Dublin.

It wasn’t until 2007 that I jumped from the IT ship and into the Yoga one. Since then, I have been a full time Bikram Yoga Instructor in Dublin, Madrid, Istanbul, Copenhagen and Aarhus. A few years ago, a Serbian friend of mine asked me to come to Belgrade and run the Bikram Yoga studio. I have been here ever since.

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OUR STUDIO We offer quality yoga classes and a super friendly service, in a warm and supportive environment. We are very proud to be the only Bikram Yoga representatives here in the Balkan region and we are excited to see the Yoga Community grow here in Belgrade. All classes are in English and all our instructors are Bikram Yoga Certified.

Bikram Yoga is suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced, and for all ages and all levels of ability. We would be delighted to have you practice in our studio, and discover for yourself all the benefits that Bikram Yoga offers.

BENEFITS Yoga exercise stimulates the body’s organs, glands, nerves and muscles, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. It in turn restores the body’s internal health, burns fat, tones muscles, and increases strength and flexibility.

This is the best yoga in Belgrade to work your spine, top to bottom, relieving back pain and stress. A healthy spine is a healthy body. For professional people, you will find it a great tool to clear your head, giving you more time in your day to work effectively.

Personally, I love yoga, as it helps me relax while keeping my spine/body supple and pain free. I believe it is an essential part of our lives, especially considering the hours we spend sitting on our backsides.

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AFTER WORK

02 INDONESIA’S "INDOFUD“ OPENS SEP

FACTORY IN INĐIJA

With Indonesian and Serbian music, and in the presence of Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Harry RJ Kandou, the facility of “Indofud” has opened in Inđija for the production of instant noodles, as well as a distribution centre. In the first phase, more than 100 workers will be employed, and by the end of the investment cycle around 500 new jobs are expected.

“Our products can be found in 400,000 shops in 15 of the world’s countries. We have 30 factories in the world producing 20 billion President TOMISLAV NIKOLIĆ (left), H.E. HARRY RJ KANDOU and AXTON SALIM packages of noodles annually. We are glad that Serbia has also joined our family,” said Axton Salim from company “Indofud” .

“Otvaranje ove fabrike važno je ne samo za opštinu Inđija i njen razvoj, već i za čitavu Srbiju, jer predstavlja razvojnu šansu naše privrede,“ rekao je Tomislav Nikolić, predsednik Srbije “The opening of this factory is important not only for the municipality of Inđija and its development, but rather also for the whole of Serbia, because it represents a development opportunity for our economy,” said Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić.

The oppening ceremony was attended by Serbian officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, Indonesia and Serbia businesspeople, and members of the general public.

10 KOREAN TAEKWONDO TIGERS IN BELGRADE

SEP

In the Hall of Dom Sindikata [Union House], the popular Korean taekwondo tigers, K-Tigers, presented a rich programme through a modern approach to martial arts, presenting another award to Serbian taekwondo and our champions.

The K-Tigers spectacle consists of a taekwondo performance that is combined with contemporary dance. This national sports-dance performance represents a gift from the Embassy of Korea to Belgraders.

Taekwondo, a martial art originating in Korea, is one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and, in combination with modern K-POP music, the mix of modern western music creates the unusual spectacle for which the K-Tigers are recognised worldwide.

Our taekwondo champions MILICA MANDIĆ (left) and TIJANA BOGDANOVIĆ, with trainer DRAGAN JOVIĆT

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08 SUMMER RECEPTION AT THE “PRIVREDNIK” CLUB SEP The local economic elite gathered at the traditional summer reception held in the garden of the Serbian business club “Privrednik” (Businessman). A large number of guests from the worlds of politics, economics, banking, the diplomatic corps, as well as education and science, were welcomed by the club’s president, businessman Miodrag Kostić.

“Serbian Business Club “Privrednik” has focused attention on cooperation between business and science. Institutionally, we have supported SANU in order to send a clear message that the economy and science must work together, not only to align supply and demand on the labour market, but also to support innovations that can have a production and export character. We wish to use our contribution to bring together the best students, academics and professors with the economy and the real sector, as well as to enable the application of their knowledge in practice,” said Kostić.

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JEWISH “HABAD SERBIA” CENTRE OPENS IN BELGRADE

The Jewish Centre “Chabad Serbia” has opened in Belgrade as the first centre of the Chabad Lubavitch organisation in Serbia, which is tasked with preserving Jewish tradition and culture.

The ribbon was officially cut by Rabbi Joshua Kaminecki, H.E. Canadian Ambassador to Serbia Philip Pennington, and Vladimir Božović, adviser to PM Vučić.

Israeli Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Alona Fisher Kam, announced that Israel and Serbia are linked by the same values and interests, but also the same concerns and hope, and that both of them are looking for ways to provide their citizens with a better life, conditions and education.

The Chabad Centre is a great thing for Jews who travel and want to rest in their own way wherever they are, and to feel the atmosphere and the Israeli way of life.

The reception’s host, Rabbi Joshua Kaminecki, recalled in his welcome address the belief from the Torah that a person works the land for six years, while on the seventh year both the people and the land rest.

H.E. ALONA FISHER KAM

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SMART TRIO HELD

Under the auspices of the “SMART Trio” series of events at the StartIt Centre, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia (AmCham), in partnership with City College of the University of Sheffield, the subject of their business and personal lives was discussed by Delta Holding vice president for strategy and development, Marija Desivojević Cvetković, co-founder and CTO of Boston-Belgrade start-up Seven Bridges, Igor Bogićević, and co-founder of the Belgrade start-up Little Blue Pot and President of the BEUM Association, Darko Mandić.

Mary spoke about her successful business career, but also about the recent successful completion of the “Ironman” venture, Igor spoke about the road that brought global success to start-up Seven Bridges, while Darko discussed the success of the Little Blue Pot start-up.

Through three inspiring stories, in an informal atmosphere, those in attendance heard more about what success implies, what all of its sides are, what success brings with it, and whether it is possible to be successful in several areas.

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TELENOR MARKED 10 YEARS OF OPERATIONS IN SERBIA

Telenor has marked the first decade of its operations in Serbia and representatives of the state institutions, economic sector, as well as many celebrities attended the celebration on this occasion. ”When we first came to Serbia, our goal was to put a mobile phone in the hand of every customer and to enable access to modern technologies. Today, ten years later, our vision is full digitalization of the society and creating new solutions that would simplify lives of our customers. In parallel with 4G rollout, we just tested 5G technology, as a sign of constant desire to be leaders in providing innovative digital solutions, not only for our customers, but for the society as well”, said Ingeborg Øfsthus, CEO of Telenor Serbia.

Telenor is the largest single investor in Serbia, and during ten years of its operations it invested over €445 million in the development of infrastructure and services.

INGEBORG ØFSTHUS, CEO of Telenor Serbia

MILAN ĆULIBRK, NIN and GORAN PITIĆ, Societe Generale Bank

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The German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (DSW), the Hemofarm Foundation and the Serbian Ministry of Health organised a meeting for the supporters of the “Most Important Call in Life” campaign. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and adoption of the new Law on Organ Transplantation.

Over a hundred DSW members signed organ donor cards, thus giving a personal example of humanity, as well as their support to the Foundation’s efforts. It was noted at the meeting that one donor can save several lives and that there are over 1,000 people in Serbia are awaiting an organ transplant.

“I have had a donor card for 15 years and I consider this a normal, human act” – said actor and director Dragan Bjelogrlić. Corporate Communications Director at Hemofarm, Sanda Savić, appealed to the public to spread the idea of organ donation in order to eliminate the prejudice in Serbia that comes from ignorance. She also pointed out that, despite the ignorance, Hemofarm’s “Most Important Call in Life” campaign has been quite successful.

Famous actor and director, and donor card holder, DRAGAN BJELOGRLIĆ

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JELENA DRAKULIĆ-PETROVIĆ, CEO, PREDRAG MIHAILOVIĆ, VESELIN SIMONOVIĆ, and MARKO STJEPANOVIĆ

DSW SUPPORTS ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN

BLIC CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Blic daily hosted an elaborate reception at the Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its very first issue.

Director General of Ringier Axel Springer, Jelena Drakulić-Petrović, former Editor-in-Chief and current Director Veselin Simonović, Editor-in-Chief for the print edition Predrag Mihailović, and Editor-in-Chief of the Blic.rs webportal Marko Stjepanović were the official hosts of the reception.

Many guests, journalists, business partners, political, cultural and public figures spent several hours enjoying in the pleasant atmosphere at the reception.

JELENA DRAKULIĆ-PETROVIĆ

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AFTER WORK

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ANA BRNABIĆ WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF DUTCH COMPANIES

The Royal Netherlands Embassy regularly organises meetings with the Dutch business community in Serbia. This time, the Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government, Ana Brnabić, met with representatives of Dutch companies and spoke about the measures that the state takes on reducing bureaucracy and simplifying the business environment.

After the meeting with the Dutch business community, a mural by the author of TKV was inaugurated on the western façade of Culture Centre Grad.

The Netherlands has invested about €6 billion in Serbia since 2000, and Dutch companies today employing over 15,000 workers in Serbia, in the sectors of trade, agriculture, ICT, construction, shipbuilding and the metal processing industry.

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DANCE MARKS SEVEN DECADES OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE

As part of celebrations marking 70 years of Indian independence, the Indian Embassy in Belgrade, in cooperation with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from New Delhi, organised a concert of classical Indian dance, “Kadamb Katak”, in Belgrade.

Katak is one of the basic types of classical Indian dance that evolved by emphasising rhythmic movements of the feet in time with the music. The dance performance, entitled “Bahukon” or diversity, consisted of six parts, which provided the Serbian audience with a full visual experience.

The concert was attended by over 500 guests, including senior representatives of the Serbian Government, figures from civil society, cultural institutions, media, and successful personalities from the fields of music, art, film, students, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations.

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MARKO ČADEŽ (left), OSTOJA MIJAILOVIĆ and H.E DENIS KEEFE

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H.E. HENDRIK VAN DEN DOOL and ANA BRNABIĆ

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OFFICIAL OPENING OF BRITISH MOTORS CENTRE

Numerous guests attended the official opening of the British Motors Jaguar Land Rover centre in Belgrade, representing the most modern showroom and service centre in Eastern Europe and the only authorised service centre in Serbia for Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

Guests were addressed at the formal opening ceremony by Serbian Chamber of Commerce President Marko Čadež, H.E. British Ambassador to Serbia Denis Keefe, Regional Sales Manager of the Jaguar Land Rover Group, Erik Ploss, and CEO of British Motors, Ostoja Mijailović.

“The Serbian automotive market has recorded significant growth in the last few years. Serbia has a strategic position in Europe, so the British Motors Centre for Jaguar and Land Rover will be the first and largest of its kind in this part of Europe,” said British Motors CEO Mijailović.

The opening ceremony of the British Motors Jaguar Land Rover Centre was attended by numerous celebrities from the worlds of politics, sport and entertainment.

H.E. NARINDER CHAUHAN, Ambassador of India to Serbia

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BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE

An event entitled “Building Bridges for Peace” was organised at Belgrade’s Fabrika by the Nansen Dialogue Centre Serbia on the occasion of World Peace Day. As the keynote speaker, H.E. Norwegian Ambassador Arne Sannes Bjørnstad held a lecture on Norway’s Fridtjof Nansen, the first High Commissioner for Refugees for the League of Nations, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.

Nansen recognised that one of the main problems refugees faced was their lack of internationally recognised identification papers, which in turn complicated their asylum requests. The Norwegian visionary introduced the so-called “Nansen passport”, which was the first legal instrument used for the international protection of refugees.

The Norwegian Ambassador also discussed what we can learn from Nansen’s experience and how it can be applied to today’s refugees and migrant crisis.

H.E. ARNE SANNES BJØRNSTAD (right)

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CEO OF INTRACOM TELECOM VISITED BELGRADE

SEP

Ahmed Mohamed, President of the Board of Directors of Intracom Telecom, met the President of the Republic of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic during his visit to Belgrade. Mr. Nikolć stressed the importance of investments in the field of telecommunications and information technology, while Mr. Mohamed expressed his appreciation regarding the open and constructive dialogue.

When summing up his visits to President Nikolic and Mayor of Belgrade Sinisa Mali, Mr. Mohamed said that it is clear that Serbia has a bright future which Intracom wants to be a part of. “We have a plan for the next 100 years and will invest as much as Belgrade and Serbia can absorb,” said Ahmed Mohamed. He looked back at the past 19 years that Intracom has been operating in Belgrade, saying that this is a new era and that Serbia’s future is bright, as well as the future of Intracom. ‘’ The future belongs to Serbia and Intracom. ‘’

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LUKOIL COMMEMORATES 25 YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE

VOJIN ĆETKOVIĆ (left), SLOBODA MIĆALOVIĆ and ANDREI CUCU

A press conference and cocktail reception at Belgrade’s Hotel Metropol saw LUKOIL Serbia mark the 25th anniversary of the formation of the company.

The reception was hosted by Andrei Cucu, CEO of LUKOIL Serbia and Head of the Balkan Interregional Department, who informed participants about the results of the company, which has 113 active retail outlets in Serbia and is ranked second in terms of the number of filling stations on the market.

“The Serbian market, in the context of the business of our multinational company, is ranked as an important market, thus many important investments have been realised prior to the marking of this anniversary,” said Cucu.

The Lukoil Serbia CEO also presented his promoters for the coming period: acting duo Vojin Ćetković and Sloboda Mićalović, with whom the company shares common positive values.

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IVAN MEDENICA, Director of the Bitef festival (left), ERIKA FISCHER-LICHTE and FEMI

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AMBASSADOR and Mrs DITTMANN, H.E. Croatian Ambassador GORDAN MARKOTIĆ and H.E. AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR JULIA FEENEY

BELGRADE “ASHES” SERIES HELD

The team of the British Embassy, led by H.E. Ambassador Denis Keefe, proved better than the team of the Australian Embassy by one wicket in an “Ashes” exhibition match played on the Lisičji jarak pitch. The final score of 110:109 was set after three hours of play, with the best player declared as Andrew Richardson from the winning team. Among the many guests in attendance were H.E. Australian Ambassador Julia Feeney and Uroš Pribićević, representing the Municipality of Palilula. The match was arranged by the Red Cross Palilula team.

With the aim of promoting the development of one of the biggest and most popular sports in the world, the Australian Embassy in Belgrade, with the help of the Serbian Cricket Federation, organised this first match showing the “sharp rivalry” in cricket that has existed between Australians and Brits since the 19th century.

The symbolic name of the tournament – Trofej pepela (Ashes Trophy) – derives from the original name created in 1882 by Reginald Shirley Brooks, a British sports journalist of the weekly Sporting Times, with a satirical reference to the defeat of the English in a match played against Australians.

NALED SELECTS NEW PRESIDENT AND MANAGING BOARD MEMBERS

The latest session of the Managing Board of the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED), has seen the selecting of the new president and members of the Managing Board, which will lead the organisation and initiatives for advancing the business environment in Serbia, until the new session of the NALED Assembly.

Selected as the new President of the Managing Board, taking over the former position of Minister Ana Brnabić, is Goran Kovačević, CEO of company Gomex. The new board members are Dušanka Golubović, Mayor of Sombor, Nebojša Zelenović, Mayor of Šabac, and Dragana Čukić, member of the Managing Board of ACES. The members who retained their positions in the NALED Managing Board are Stanka Pejanović, CEO of Gorenje, Aleksandar Ružević, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, Ernst Bode, CEO of Messer Tehnogas, Vojislav Genić, director of SAP for the public sector in Central and Eastern Europe, and Vladan Vasić, Mayor of Pirot.

GERMAN EMBASSY RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF THE 50TH BITEF

H.E. German Ambassador Axel Dittmann organised a reception at his ambassadorial residence to honour the 50th BITEF and the 28th Congress of the International Association of Theatre Critics.

This occasion saw German theatre scholar Erika Fischer-Lichte present the “Thalia” Award to theatre artist Femi Osofisan, whose “writings and considerations are a great inspiration for theatre artists and for theatre critics.”

The Thalia Award is given for the written contributions to art of those whose writings prompt a change in critics’ thinking.

ALEKSANDAR RUŽEVIĆ (left), DUŠANKA GOLUBOVIĆ, VIOLETA JOVANOVIĆ, Executive Director, GORAN KOVAČEVIĆ and VLADAN VASIĆ

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FEATURE

32ND BELGRADE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Welcome to

PLANET JAZZ With its well-known format of a main and midnight programme, this year's festival will present planetary jazz stars like the Avishai Cohen Trio, a flamenco spectacle by the Antonio Serrano quintet, avant-garde jazz by Sao Paolo Underground and many others

avant-garde artists from Cuba and Brazil this year.” Ševarlić adds that the “new life of the festival” began AVISHAI COHEN in 2005, while the concept established then is still in force, as well as being constantly updated. The stars of nder the slogan Planet Jazz, Belgrade’s Dom Omthe main programme will be the Avishai Cohen Trio, who ladine Youth Centre will present the 32nd Belgrade performed in Belgrade in 2007, on their way to becoming world Jazz Festival, from 26th to 30th October 2016. With its stars, and Aziza Project. The midnight programme is reserved for well-known format of a main and midnight pronew tendencies and young artists, such as Tord Gustavsen. “The gramme held at Dom Omladine, this year will also festival is being developed with a great sense of responsibility tosee two concerts of jazz greats place at the Sava Centre. wards tradition, with a strong idea of what jazz represents in the Dragan Ambrozić, Programme Manager of the festival and man21st century.” According to Ambrozić, as in the 1970s or ‘80s, the aging director of the Belgrade Youth Centre, and Milica Ševarlić, festival today brings together the best of contemporary jazz.

Public Relations Manager of the Belgrade Youth Centre and the Jazz innovations are very important for the programme. festival, took time out to speak to CorD about this event, which Ambrozić calls these innovations “postmodern jazz”. This line is is much loved by the Belgrade audience. Besides its loyal audibest presented in the music of the Avishai Cohen Trio and Sao ence, many foreign journalists and critics also love the Belgrade Paolo Underground, but these avant-garde sensations are not this Jazz Festival, and the same applies to foreign cultural centres and year’s only performers who will represent postmodern aesthetics. embassies (primarily the American Embassy, since jazz is vital part of American culture), which constantly support the festival as a UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUDIENCE unique cultural brand.

The relationship between this festival and the audience is unique. As Šavarlić tells us, most of the tickets are sold in April, FROM ISRAEL TO BRAZIL when only a few performers have been announced. “One of the This year, the audience will have the opportunity to bring a main tasks after reviving the festival was to build its audience new jazz planet to light, from Israel to Brazil. Ambrozić explains: and constantly develop its taste. Education is very important. We “Special emphasis is on the new generation of musicians from organise concerts to present young musicians, while world jazz Latin countries. They bring fresh spirit, strongly rooted in tradistars give master classes and workshops for students of jazz.” tion. We are already familiar with jazz from Italy and France, and There were lectures about jazz history in the Belgrade Youth for several years now we have been discovering jazz from PorCentre and also lectures in schools. Our audience is the youngest tugal and Spain, but also from Cuba and Brazil. And we will have in Europe, Ambrozić adds.

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AZIZA

One of main tasks after reviving the festival was to build the audience and constantly develop its taste. Education is very important ANTONIO SERRANO

“We are satisfied with the place the festival has on the jazz map. The fact that we present strictly jazz, promoting quality and never accepting commercialisation, is crucial for the recognition

of the Belgrade Jazz Festival. We are proud of the fact that the festival is now part of the European Jazz Network,” says Ambrozić.

The festival also supports the Serbian jazz scene strongly.

In that sense, it’s no wonder that both musicians and journalists recommend the festival and are willing to come to Belgrade.

They are ready for new jazz tendencies. ■

Dave Holland, jazz legend: The Power of Inspiration Jazz lovers will have the chance to hear Aziza on 28th October at the Sava Centre. Aziza comprises some of today’s most prominent jazz musicians - Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland.

Here Dave Holland, legendary bassist, composer and bandleader, talks to CorD. “The upcoming concert with Aziza in Belgrade will feature some music from the new CD, Aziza, along with some new compositions. I’ve known the other musicians in Aziza for quite a long time. Although the four of us have never worked together in the same group at the same time, each has worked with the others in different projects.

Holland also recalls his performance at the Belgrade Jazz Festival in 2005, when he played with his quintet. “I have good memories of that experience,” Holland says.

When asked about the most inspiring tendencies in modern jazz, this renowned musician, who has been performing and recording for five decades, says: “I think what I like about the scene today is that there’s so much variety and originality in the work being done.”

Recognised for his lifetime achievement and exceptional contribution to the advancement of jazz, Holland mentioned his musical approach. “If I have a musical philosophy it’s just to play music that’s creative and inspiring and to find new experiences that will allow me to keep learning and growing as a musician.”

As a young musician, Holland cooperated with Miles Davis. “What was inspiring about playing with Miles Davis was not just hearing how he played, how he interacted with the group and how he put the music together, but also his constant search to keep the music developing.”

Dave Holland’s rich career now represents a true inspiration for young musicians.

“My advice to young musicians is to learn and practice the traditions of the music, play as much as possible and with a wide variety of players, and become a good listener,” says Holland in conclusion.

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CULTURE CALENDAR

BITEF And Cultural Diplomacy: Theatre and Geopolitics 1-2 –University of Arts in Belgrade -10.00-17.00

The ensemble carefully preserves and develops the tradition of Russian folk choreography, interpreting dances in modern conditions.

This theatre can rightly be regarded today as the cultural identity card of Moscow, which is trying use dance to convey the spirit and beauty of Russian folk crafts.

Belgrade Book Fair 23-30 - Belgrade Fair – 10.00-22.00

Jean-Baptiste Cuzin, Director of the French Institute in Serbia and head of cooperation at the French Embassy, has been appointed as the new EUNIC Serbia President, while Slavica Marković-Sandić, Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Embassy of Sweden, has been named Vice-President.

The EUNIC Serbia Cluster currently has 15 members and associate members and several other partner organisations that share knowledge and resources on a common European agenda.

Cinema With an Accent. Spanish Films on Travel” The UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policy and Management and BITEF festival are co-organising the international conference ‘BITEF and Cultural Diplomacy: The Role of Theatre Festivals in International Cultural Relations’, which will be held on 1st and 2nd October in Belgrade, as part of the 50th BITEF festival.

The Conference will cover the following topics: • The role of culture in international relations between conflicts, promotion and cooperation; • The new/old actors of cultural diplomacy: civil society, intellectuals and artists; • The importance of theatre festivals in the development of international cultural cooperation; • BITEF and the Cold War cultural diplomacy; • BITEF in the perspective of conte mporary cultural policy and cultural management.

Days of Moscow in Belgrade 4 - Sava Centre – 19.00

3-5 - Belgrade Youth Centre – 18.00; 20.00 Travels are almost always a reason to tell a story, whether that relates to internal or physical travel.

For this cycle, travel figures serve as an excuse

for us to move through the landscapes of Spain, through its accents and ways of creating films.

However, this is also an opportunity to observe how we relate to other cultures on our travels.

This cycle aims to bring together a selection of feature films, selected because of their time, thematic and geographic diversity, and which stress the idea of Spanish multiculturalism and visions of others, beyond clichés.

Programme: for details visit belgrado.cervantes.es

Belgrade SAXperience 6-9 – Belgrade Youth Centre/Mikser House/Kolarac/Belgrade Philharmonic Hall Third International Saxophone Festival in Serbia will this year be held from 6th to 9th October in

The Moscow State Academic Theatre dance “Gzhely” is coming to Belgrade.

What differentiates “Gzhely” from other dance ensembles is the restoring of the theatre tradition, revealing the regional peculiarities of Russian choreographic culture. In a variety of compositions, miniatures bring to life the creations of masters of folk art and crafts, passing the knowledge of various primeval Russian ornaments on to future generations, such as Gzhely, Palekh, Zhostovo and Pavlo-Posadske patterns.

October Salon Throughout October – Belgrade City Museum The traditional October Salon is an annual event representing the best visual artworks in Serbia. Founded in 1960 by the City of Belgrade, it has a tradition of over half a century and represents a significant segment in the study of contemporary Serbian art.

This year’s October Salon has a British curator, David Elliot, Chairman of the

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Board of Triangle Art Network/Gasworks in London, Chairman of the Advisory Board of MOMENTUM in Berlin and a Visiting Professor in Curatorship at the Chinese University in Hong Kong.

Programme: for details visit oktobarskisalon.org

EUNIC Cluster Serbia Board And Members

The Belgrade Book Fair, this year celebrating its 61st edition, is one of the most popular cultural events in Serbia, attracting more than 200,000 visitors and almost 800 domestic and foreign publishers.

Every year sees foreign cultural institutes in Serbia participate in the Book Fair as part of EUNIC, which is one of the largest associations of culture centres in the world, comprising 34 cultural organisations from 28 countries of the world. This year, unlike previous years, the space of all members will be shared, enabling visitors to get information on the academic and cultural activities of various cultural centres in one place.

EUNIC has decided to make this year’s theme “digital read-write”, which will include the organising of workshops with visitor participation. On 20th October at 1pm, the Dom Omladine Youth Centre will host lectures on e-books, with each institute having its own guest speaker, covering various topics.

Belgrade, marking the jubilee anniversary of 170 years since the patenting of the saxophone.

Institut Francais in Serbia and Société Générale Serbia are joining forces the third time on this festival, in order to share with the audience great classical or contemporary music moments.

On the first night of the festival we will have the opportunity to hear the most prominent French jazz saxophonist of the new generation, Baptiste Herbin with the Luka Ignjatović quartet in the Great Hall of Belgrade’s Dom Omladine Youth Centre, after which the fantastic quartet of local saxophonist Uglješa Novaković will perform.

Evening concerts are planned during all four days of the festival for the youngest audience and their parents, “Meet Mr Saxophone”.

Members of the EUNIC Serbia include the Austrian Kulturforum (Österreichisches Kulturforum), Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the French Institute (Institut français de Serbie, Beograd/Niš/NoviSad), Goethe-Institut, the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, Instituto Cervantes, the Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano de Cultura), the British Council, the Romanian Cultural Institute (Institut Cultural Român, from Vienna), as well as the embassies of Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden, as associate members.

BAPTISTE HERBIN

With the support of the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, a concert of the Milan Saxophone Quartet will be held on 9th October in the hall of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, which will see the performing of works by Italian composers Rossini, Scarlatti, Verdi and Puccini.

In addition to performances, an educational part of the festival will be held every day from 9am

at the Culture Centre of Belgrade’s “Artget” Gallery, which will see participants from abroad hold master classes. The courses can be attended by active students and professors of the saxophone, while others who are interested will be able to participate passively. This venue will also host a small saxophone fair, where products will be presented by Selmer and Vandoren, who have significantly supported the festival, as well as Leggere, Jody Jazz and others.

Moreover, as it would not be fair for all of this talent to be shown only in Belgrade, Baptiste Herbin and Luka Ignatović will also present their talents to audiences in Novi Pazar, Kraljevo and Leskovac.

Programme: for details visit belgradesaxperience.com

25th International Festival of Ethnological Film 12-16 – Ethnographic Museum, 21:00 Belgrade will once again host the International

Festival of Ethnological Film, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The International Festival of Ethnological Film is an event that offers insight into a wide range of ethnographic film themes and presents the works of filmmakers who explore both the traditional and modern lifestyles of human communities; it offers diverse insights, film forms and methodologies.

Programme: for details visit etnofilm.org

Nova Festival 13-15 – various locations (below) The Nova (New) Festival - Festival of New Art, is a three-day art event that takes place this year from 13th to 15th October, organised by the association “KomunikArt” and partner institutions, under the patronage of the City

32nd Belgrade Jazz Festival 26-30 - Belgrade Dom Omladine Youth Centre/Sava Centre Wednesday 26th 19:30 Vlada Maričić Quartet featuring Brian Lynch (Serbia/USA), Belgrade Youth Centre 21:00 lfredo Rodriguez Trio (Cuba/SAD/ Brazil), Belgrade Youth Centre 23:00 Tineke Postma Quartet (Holland), Belgrade Youth Centre unna Gunnlaugs Trio (Iceland) Thursday 27th 19:30 Avishai Cohen Trio (Israel), Sava Centre 21:00 Antonio Serrano Quintet Flame&Co (Spain), Sava Centre 23:00 Vesna Pisarović: “The Great Yugoslav Songbook” (Croatia/USA/ Germany/Italy) David Helbock Trio (Austria), Belgrade Youth Centre Friday 28th 19:30 Jack DeJohnette Trio featuring Ravi Coltrane and Matt Garrison (USA), Sava Centre 21:00 Aziza: Dave Holland/Chris Potter/Lionel Loueke/Eric Harland (USA), Sava Centre 23:00 Tord Gustavsen Quartet (Norway),

Saturday 29th 19:30 Vincent Peirani: “Living Being” (France), Belgrade Youth Centre 21.00 Gianluca Petrella Cosmic Renaissance (Italy) 23:00 Rob Mazurek & Sao Paulo Underground (USA/Brazil), Belgrade Youth Centre Horse Orchestra (Denmark/Sweden/ Norway/Iceland) Sunday 30th 19:30 Orchestra Jazz de Matosinhos and João Paulo Esteves Da Silva: „Bela Senao Sem“ (Portugal), Belgrade Youth Centre 21:00 Dieter Ilg: “Mein Beethoven” (Germany) 23:00 Szilárd Mezei Septet (Serbia/ Hungary), Belgrade Youth Centre Schime Trio + One (Serbia) Konzilijum (Serbia)

Tickets for the 32nd Belgrade Jazz Festival are on sale via Eventim and the Sava Centre.

of Pančevo, the Austrian Cultural Forum in Belgrade, Collegium Hungaricum, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipal Assembly of Kovin.

The festival will this year be held in three cities, Pančevo, Belgrade and Kovin, while the festival programme consists of two parts: an accompanying programme that comprises an exhibition of the comics of Austrian collective Tonto Comics and the musical-visual performance of the Different Trains Quartet Bilitis, as well as a central music programme which will feature the performances of five bands from Serbia, Slovenia, Portugal, Hungary and Austria, which

With a colourful repertoire of the unclassifiable music of icon Tom Waits, L’Orchestre d’HommesOrchestres from Quebec creates an event that is more reminiscent of a carnival show or music circus than an ordinary concert. This busy orchestra performs the unique music of Tom Waits with the help of almost 100 objects and improvised instruments on stage, which sounds simultaneously smooth and as solid as steel, in unruly scenes of uncontrolled energy. Immersed in the world of Waits’ music, performers of this

DUO FREDDO

Goethe FEST

in the best way represent the current domestic, regional and European contemporary and avantgarde music scene.

Admission to all festival programmes is free of charge.

Programme: for details visit novafestival.rs

6-12 – Belgrade Culture Centre

The 5th GoetheFEST will be held in Belgrade, Niš and Novi Sad under the slogan “Reality Bites”, with lovers of film offered selected films from the Berlinale 2016 and the most important current winners of the German Film Awards.

In addition to the audience’s favourite “Fack ju Göhte 2”, the Serbian audience can this year also expect Doris Dörrie’s film “Greetings from Fukushima”, and also to see young star Jella Haase (“4 Kings” and “Fack ju Göhte"). Also screened will be the only German film from the competition of the Berlinale 2016, “24 weeks” by Anne

Belgrade Youth Centre All Included (Sweden/Norway)

Zohra Berrached, which uses documentary camera and which engaged “real” medical workers instead of professional actors.

The film “Fritz Bauer against the state” deals with important historical events.

“Reality Bites” – in current German films reality is omnipresent, and often painful. They deal with growing up, hope and despair, love and political scandals, cultural and sexual identities, and also often exile. All in all, reality is more present than ever in German film fiction today.

L’orchestre d’hommes-orchestres- LODHO 31 – Belgrade Dom Omladine Youth Centre – 20:00 The Belgrade public will have the exclusive opportunity to attend the first appearance in the city of the famous Canadian troupe L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres (LODHO), which performs the music of the legendary Tom Waits in an unusual way: in the form of performance and a challenging theatrical experience.

powerful tribute group seek to stay true to his creative spirit, while at the same time presenting it to the audience as a field for free play. By combining styles and adapting arrangements, these 6 multi-instrumentalists exchange instruments and vocals mutually, pushing their fingers between wires and putting a rope around the neck...

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FACES & PLACES 02.09. 2016

Ukrainian Independence Day Commemorated

Ambassador Aleksandrovych and Embassy Staff

H.E.OLEKSANDR ALEKSANDROVYCH and H.E. PHILIP PINNINGTON, Canadian Ambassador

H.E. Ukrainian Ambassador in Belgrade Oleksandr Aleksandrovych hosted a reception marking the national holiday of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

Addressing guests, Ambassador Aleksandrovych reminded of the long history of the Ukrainian people, as well as the events of the recent past, such as the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan.

The reception marking the 24th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine was attended by representatives of the political, cultural and public life of Serbia, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

02.09. 2016

Turkey Marks 94th Anniversary of Victory Day With an official reception Belgrade’s hotel Hyatt, the Turkish Embassy celebrated Victory Day, and the ambassador of that country, H.E. Mehmet Kemal Bozay, said that “this summer Turkey faced a struggle to defend modern Turkey from attack”.

On this occasion, the Ambassador read a letter of Turkish President Recep Erdoğan in which, among other things, he states: “Turkey is determined to take all necessary steps, both within its borders and in neighbouring countries, where terrorist organisations operate, in order to ensure the safety of its citizens, regardless of which organisations this relates to.”

The Hyatt reception was attended

by Serbian Defence Minister Zoran Đorđević, President of the Bosniak Na-

H.E. MEHMET KEMAL BOZAY

tional Council of Sandžak and SDA leader Sulejman Ugljanin, as well as the ambassadors of Norway, Croatia, Iraq and Canada, leaders of religious communities and other representatives of the diplomatic corps and public life.

06.09.2016

Nordic Innovative Business in Serbia The conference “Nordic Innovative Business in Serbia”, co-organised by the Nordic Business Alliance and the Embassy of the Republic of Finland, saw discussion of the ways in which it is possible to improve the investment climate in Serbia.

The conference participants included Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić, H.E. Finnish Ambassador in Belgrade Pertti Ikonen, Jasmina Vignjević (Nordic Business Alliance), Andreja Pavlović (Nordic Business Alliance), Ingeborg Øfsthus (Telenor), Vladislav Lalić (IKEA), Algirdas Krupavicius (Tikkurila) and Predag Radošević (Novo Nordisk).

According to data of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the trade exchange with Nordic countries in 2015 amounted to €510.3 million, while for the first six months of 2016 it was €276.1 million, which shows a growth tendency.

“The experience of the Nordic countries and companies, which are global leaders in innovation, can significantly contribute to the business environment and stimulate competitiveness,” said Jasmina Vignjević, President of the Board of Governors of the Nordic Alliance.

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07.09. 2016

Independence Day of Brazil Marked

Constitution Day of The Slovak Republic Marked

The Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Serbia, H.E. Isabel Cristina de Azevedo Heyvaert, hosted an official reception at the Hotel Metropol in honour of the celebration of the 194th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Independence of Brazil.

More than 300 guests attended the reception, marked by the presence of Serbian government members, representatives of the diplomatic corps, business and civil society, the Brazilian community in Serbia, et al.

The Brazilian Ambassador gave a welcome speech in which she highlighted the traditional good relations between Brazil and Serbia, reinforced by fruitful cooperation in both the main multilateral and bilateral fields.

The Embassy of the Slovak Republic hosted a reception marking Slovakian Constitution Day. Addressing guests, Slovak Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Dagmar Repchekova said that relations between Serbia and Slovakia have always been good and friendly, and stressed that Slovakia is ready to help Serbia in the process of joining the EU with its experience in any field.

The reception was attended by numerous guests, representatives of the Serbian government, state officials, numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural and public figures, and representatives of religious communities.

The national anthems o Slovakia and Serbia were performed by members of the Academic Choir SKC Niš, while attendees were also able to enjoy their performance of the compositions “Aka me krásna”, and “This is Serbia”.

H. E. ISABEL CRISTINA DE AZEVEDO HEYVAERT and MR HEYVAERT

H.E. DAGMAR REPCHEKOVA, with staff of the Slovakian Embassy

H.E. OLEKSANDR ALEKSANDROVYCH, Ukrainian Ambassador, (left) and H.E. HENDRIK VAN DEN DOOL, Dutch Ambassador

07.09. 2016

07.09. 2016

Celebrating The 10th Anniversary of NALED It was announced at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of NALED at the White Palace that the strategic goal of this largest public-private association in the country is the creation of an “electronic Serbia”, which would provide the necessary conditions for further developing a favourable business environment and strengthening competitiveness.

“Expect in the next two years e-signature, e-document, e-payment and e-filing, a central register that will bring together a database on citizens and businesses, as well as the portal e-Inspector, which will be one of the main weapons for combatting the shadow economy,” said Minister Ana Brnabić.

The celebration brought together more than 600 distinguished guests, political and business leaders, mayors, representatives of state institutions and international organisations. Guests were also addressed by former U.S. Ambassador Mary Warlick, current U.S. Ambassador Kyle Scott, acting NALED Board President Goran Kovačević and Executive Director Violeta Jovanović.

ANA BRNABIĆ and GORAN KOVAČEVIĆ, President of the Managing Board

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FACES & PLACES 08.09.2016

25th Anniversary of The Independence of Macedonia Commemorated

H.E. VERA JOVANOVSKA-TIPKO

The Republic of Macedonia formally celebrated the 25th anniversary of the referendum in which citizens voted for an independent and sovereign state at the National Theatre in Belgrade. The occasion also marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with Serbia.

“With today’s reception and the guest performance of the Macedonian opera and ballet with the contemporary ballet performance “14 hours”, the Embassy of Macedonia is celebrating the Independence Day of our country and two decades since the establishment of friendly diplomatic relations with Serbia. Just as culture has the power to destroy all barriers, so sincere good neighbourly relations build new bridges of cooperation that lead towards the common goal of a creative, modern and prosperous Europe,” said H.E. Vera Jovanovska-Tipko, Ambassador of Macedonia to Serbia.

The performance was attended by representatives of political life, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as Serbia’s cultural and public workers.

H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO with embassy staff

H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO and Serbian Defence MINISTER ZORAN ĐORĐEVIĆ

15.09.2016

Mexican Independence Day Marked The Embassy of Mexico organised a reception marking the 206th anniversary of Mexico’s independence and the 70th anniversary of the establishing of bilateral relations with Serbia. The reception was attended by over 470 guests, including ministers of the Serbian government, friends from business, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of academic and cultural life, the media and Mexican residents in Serbia. In his address, Ambassador H.E. Marco Antonio García Blanco spoke about the significance of Mexico and the shared values of our two countries, while the traditional civil ceremony Occupation of Independence was also held.

Guests of the reception were able to sample Mexican food and drinks and enjoy traditional Mexican folklore, performed by KUD Talije, and to toast the friendship and progress between Mexico and Serbia.

20.09.2016

26.09.2016

FIC September Cocktail Party

67th Anniversary of The People’s Republic of China Commemorated YANA MIKHAILOVA, JOHN KYRITIS, MIRJANA JOVAŠEVIĆ and GORAN PITIĆ

IVAN RAKIĆ and INGEBORG ØFSTHUS

A large number of representatives of Foreign Investors Council (FIC) member companies took the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas in the exclusive atmosphere of the White Palace. The cocktail reception, sponsored by FCA, represented an occasion for around 200 representatives of FIC member companies and a selected group of potential members to network in a pleasant atmosphere and gain fresh insight into the main FIC plans and current developments.

Members and potential members were greeted by FCA Srbija Director and FIC BoD member Silvia Vernetti-Blina, who noted that the company joined FIC five years ago and had witnessed the organisation growing “stronger and louder, while at the same time establishing a specific relationship with the Government”.

FIC President Yana Mikhailova thanked FCA for sponsoring the event and praised members for their engagement in FIC, aimed at making Serbia a better and more sustainable place for investment.

Thanks to cooperation with CorD, additional publicity has been granted for both the event and the FIC Guide publication.

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The 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was marked with a formal reception at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, at which Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić and H.E. Chinese Ambassador Lee Manchang highlighted the excellent relations and friendship between Serbia and China.

“We need factories where we will employ our children and export, together with Chinese partners, to the free markets available to us around the world, and from that everyone will gain benefits and success,” said Nikolić.

Chinese Ambassador Lee Manchang said that this “once again confirmed that the friendship between Serbia and China is honest and will last forever.”

The reception was attended by ministers of the Serbian government, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the cultural, public and social life of Serbia.

H. E. LEE MANCHANG and Mrs. MANCHANG and Mrs. and Mr. NIKOLIĆ

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COMMENT: MINISTRY OF TRADE, TOURISM AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Serbia At The Top Of Europe

The digitisation of terrestrial television in Serbia was the biggest job and greatest endeavour in this domain since 1924, when Radio Belgrade was founded, and 1958, when the first television broadcast in Serbia was emitted

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ith the digitisation of terrestrial Major problems were linked to the beginning of television, Serbia has fulfilled the process of digitising television. During the 1999 all the requirements and standNATO bombing of Serbia, the largest part of radio ards of Europe, so in the field and television infrastructure was destroyed - buildof terrestrial digital television, Serbia is already a ings, equipment, antenna poles, transformers, confull member of the European Union,” said Serbian tainers. Total damage was estimated to be worth Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Ljajić. $420 million. This prompted participants of two At a time when Serbia has difficulty meeting the conferences of the International Telecommunicarequirements and standards of the European Union tion Union (Antalya, 2006 and Guadalajara, 2010), to in many areas of life, it has built a network with techadopt a resolution stating that “public telecommunical parameters and the kind of digital technology nication facilities in Serbia are severely damaged” that only a few countries in Europe possess. The and that “the damage inflicted on public broadtech in question is DVB-T2 technology for the transcasting in Serbia should be a concern of the entire mission of digital signals and MPEG4 technology for international community, especially ITU” and that, the compression of images and sound, made by one “according to current conditions and in the near fuof the largest manufacturers in the world, Rohde & ture, Serbia will not be able to establish its public Schwarz from Germany, and device manufacturers telecommunications system to an acceptable level Cisco, Ceragon, Harmonic, Nevion, Kathrein. Most European Union countries are currently switching to this technology, having previously switched to digital television broadcasting using the first, older, generation of digital devices (DVB-T). With this, Serbia has reached the top of Europe, covering 98.3 per cent of the population with digital signal.

The process of digitisation began in 2010, but most of the work was done in late 2014 and the first half of 2015. Thus endeavour has yielded several important results. Serbia switched over to digital television broadcasting via terrestrial transmitters before the deadline established in Geneva, which was 17th June 2015, and before several other countries in the region. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania have yet to complete their digitisation processes.

Moreover, Serbia has built the largest network of digital (DVB-T2) terrestrial At a time when Serbia has difficulty meeting the requirements television in this part of Europe, which currently has 224 broadcasting stations, and standards of the European Union in many areas of life, it has equipped with the latest technology built a network with technical parameters and the kind of digital for the transmission of TV signals. With technology that only a few countries in Europe possess 98.37% of the population covered by the digital TV signal, Serbia has reached the peak of Europe, and on state territorial terrestrial without assistance from the international commutelevision it has more coverage than any other netnity, through the provision of funding or through inwork - satellite, cable or IP TV. Of a total population ternational organisations.” of 7,186,862, the digital signal can be received via a Both resolutions were left without impact. rooftop- or indoor antenna by 7,069,716 inhabitants The only assistance Serbia received was a 2010 (98.37%), which is 242,197 more than the required EU donation for the purchase of digital equip95% minimum. ment for the first phase of digitisation, totalling The greatest credit for the achievement of such €8 million. As this was not enough, JP ETV also had results goes to the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telto take a loan from the European Bank for Reconecommunications, and Public Company “Broadcaststruction and Development, with a guarantee from ing Equipment and Communications”, which the Serthe Government of the Republic of Serbia, totalbian Government established to create conditions ling €18 million. Alongside the provision of loans and build a network for the transition from analogue and the purchase of digital technology, came the to digital broadcasting of TV images and sound. restoration, reconstruction or construction of the TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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ising is one of the most significant, cheapest and most profitable projects in Serbia: the total cost for Serbia was about €40 million, including an EU grant of €10.5 million, and by selling the freed spectrum (digital dividend), the Serbian state earned €126.5 million. The EBRD also supported the digitisation project with a loan of €18 million. In addition to that, funds from a grant of the Slovakian Government for market and financial due-diligence ensured the funding to hire consultants who worked closely with ETV's team in implementing the project. At the beginning of 2015, part of spectrum, in a range of 1,800 megahertz, was sold for €21 million, and a few months later the digital dividend was sold for €105 million.

Everyone in Serbia today benefits from digitisation. Citizens using a room or rooftop antenna can watch for free, on average, around 15 channels.

Around 160,000 impoverished citizens received free receivers (set top boxes - STB) from the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications.

More than 100 local and regional TV stations, as demolished infrastructure: facilities, buildings, antenna towers, substations, Renovation and construction of the destroyed infrastructure and power generators. First, the Ministry the digitisation of terrestrial television have been the biggest of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunicajob and greatest endeavour in broadcasting equipment and tions used its own funds to build, reconstruct or restore 25 broadcasting communications since 1924, when Radio Belgrade was founded, and stations of capital importance on the 1958, when the first television broadcast in Serbia was emitted highest mountains, such as Kopaonik, Jastrebac, Avala, Ovčar, Crni, Besna Kobila... Then JP ETV used its own funds, along with well as five national ones, do not have to buy exEBRD loans, to restore another 140 broadcasting pensive transmitters, repeaters and antennas; stations. Renovation and construction of the defurthermore, they do not have to pay charges for stroyed infrastructure and the digitisation of tertheir placement and their maintenance, nor are restrial television have been the biggest job and they obliged to pay compensation to RATEL for greatest endeavour in broadcasting equipment the use of frequencies. and communications since 1924, when Radio BelSerbia, as a country, will not need technologigrade was founded, and 1958, when the first telcal innovation in the field of the broadcasting and evision broadcast in Serbia was emitted. transmission of the digital signal for a long time.

That’s because never there has been another Serbia has also, with the aforementioned earntime in the history of our radio and television when ings of €126.5 million, gained the most modern terthere were more than 200 different construction or restrial television network, and will not be required repair locations at the same time throughout Serbia, to invest in new technology and the modernisation in extremely difficult weather conditions. In comof infrastructure for quite some time. parison with other countries of the world, where the In environmental terms, the gain is immense. digitisation of terrestrial television is completed, In the era of analogue television, power consumpSerbia did not have any of the particular problems tion and radiation levels were much higher with that troubled other countries. All countries needed digital devices than they are today. All televiquite some time, even a year or two, to test, try out sion programmes on the territory of Serbia were and adjust their installed digital networks, while in broadcast via the analogue network, with over Serbia that was done before the official release of 400 broadcasting stations and with the use of the digital signal. more than 1,000 transmitters, while the digital Compared to many projects and activities of network broadcasts two transmitters for each of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, digitthe 224 broadcasting stations. ■

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INTERVIEW

Serving Customers at Best The European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO) has represented Europe’s leading telecommunication companies since 1992

LISE FUHR, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE EUROPEAN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK OPERATORS' ASSOCIATION (ETNO)

T

oday, the business of members has changed dramatically. They provide European citizens with innovative digital communication and services, and compete in highly dynamic digital markets. The role of ETNO’s members is to make sure that the evolution of consumer habits and market dynamics is reflected in policy and regulatory debate.

• How has ETNO shaped its regulatory work to suit the new goals set by the European Commission?

- It is up to the European Institutions to make political decisions. Our role is to make sure they get first-class information on the market reality, as well as the technical aspects of delivering digital comms and services. At the same time, we ensure that we are the advocate of the diverse needs of our customers. Our companies are there to serve them and we also see our role as contributing to the policy debate to make sure the industry can serve customers at best.

• How will the Internet of Things and 5G shape the industry and overall life of citizens, and when will they become their everyday reality?

- The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is already taking-off to a large extent. The same can be said regarding the preparation for 5G networks, which will be launched in 2020. However, some companies are gearing up to get there even earlier. IoT and 5G represent a huge societal and economic opportunity. Cities will work smarter, manufacturing will increase production, healthcare provision will improve, retail will be transformed and transports will be revolutionised. To give an example from a consumer perspective, think of connected driving: with 5G, driving will become a whole new experience. It will be safer, richer in terms of entertainment, and also smarter from the environmental viewpoint.

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• What does the Digital Union mean and what tasks do different stakeholders, including ETNO, have in achieving it?

- Creating a Digital Union means levering innovation and investment to achieve a 5G and IoT-Europe. In order to get there, we need policies that create more space for private investment and innovation. The European Commission has just put forward a reform proposal to establish the first European Electronic Communications Code. This is a good starting point to develop a new regulatory paradigm, one that stimulates a full range of investment models and technologies to deliver a gigabit society.

• What does this vision require when it comes to technological and service innovations and who are, or would be, at the helm of that drive? What is the role of companies, individual states and the Union?

- The role of the industry is to respond to customers’ needs. This means heavy investment in a wide range of technologies, as well as increased service innovation. 5G, G.fast, FTTH or FTTC: they are all part of the technological response to creating a connected Europe. At the same time, telecoms operators need to face less regulatory restrictions when they decide to innovate on services. The on-going reform is a unique opportunity to address these issues and ensure we boost investment and innovation.

• Considering that the EU comprises countries with different economic circumstances, would they be able to “swim together” in such huge and costly change, and cumbersome institutional harmonisation?

- Harmonisation makes things simpler, because companies operating in more than one Member States will find it easier to do business. While operators need to be able to adapt to local circumstances and choose the best technolo-

gies, they all share the same common objective: creating a connected society in Europe. National markets are our home, but the European Single Market is our destination. It will unlock opportunities for business and citizens. We need to grab those opportunities.

• The Boston Consulting Group estimates there is a gap of roughly 100 billion euros, though you think it could be even bigger. Who has to chip in and how?

- More than 90 per cent of network investment will need to come from the private sector. At today’s investment pace, the vision of a gigabit society might take far too long to be achieved. This is why regulatory reform is so important to unlock fresh investments. Our companies are on a mission: convince investors to pour more money into European telecoms markets. With smart regulatory reform, we will be able to build a stronger case and get better results in terms of roll-out.

• You joined ETNO from the internet industry, which is a close industry, yet also a completely different animal which challenged traditional telco services by inventing WhatsApp and similar services that drove telecommunications from its usual path. How do the telcos see those communication super powers?

- Internet players are part of the same ecosystem as ours and we are all interdependent. Our companies already collaborate on a daily basis with most internet companies to deliver better services to citizens. Our line is simple: telecoms services should be as free as possible to innovate, just like their internet counterparts.

Today, regulation creates asymmetries that pose issues in terms of clarity for consumers and competitiveness of EU actors. We should significantly reduce sector-specific regulation and create more consistency for consumers.

pending on the telecoms operator, you might find that they have an edge on one sector or another. The market is growing, opportunities too: we will need to let companies work and judge in a few years.

• Addressing the issues of finance again, let me ask you two more questions.

Who will pay for these services, or where will the profit stream come from, bearing in mind, for example, that citizens and industries are demanding faster and ever cheaper services?

- Our business models and our offers are shaped by customer needs. The telecoms industry has successfully managed many transitions and is now focused on data connectivity. Our value proposition will continue evolving along with the markets. At the same time, our companies are taking the lead in shaping

The European Commission has just put forward a reform proposal to establish the first European Electronic Communications Code. This is a good starting point to develop a new regulatory paradigm, one that stimulates a full range of investment models and technologies to deliver a gigabit society

• Apart from internet giants, there are many other companies that might want to join the game and compete in super-broadband, smarter transports or ubiquitous high-quality media. In which areas are telcos competitive and where do they have to add new strengths?

- Our core business is connectivity and digital services. That is where telcos are focusing. However, 5G is a unique opportunity to empower even more sectors than in the past. This is why companies are strengthening their capacity to support industries as diverse as manufacturing, automotive and healthcare. De-

business models around 5G. Again, this is a process in the making, but everything points to huge opportunities rather than threats.

• And, second, there is a security question which also has, among other things, a high price tag, not to mention privacy issues. Again, who will provide for the innovation in this field and who will pay the price?

- Security is paramount, as much as it is the trust of our customers. Making sure that all communications are secure is a fact of life for governments, companies and individuals alike. It needs to be seen as an investment, not as a cost. ■

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INTERVIEW

Investing in Customer Confidence After the structural changes over the last year that contributed to better organisation and efficient operations, this year Vip has put in focus further investment in network quality and the creation of new services

DEJAN TURK, CEO OF VIP MOBILE

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s the largest greenfield investor in Serbia, with €927 million invested to date, Vip continues to invest in developing its own applications and digital services, as well as expanding the mobile signal and broadband internet in urban and rural areas, in order to cover more than 70 major cities and towns in Serbia with the 4G network and enable highspeed mobile internet for as much as 77 per cent of the population of Serbia.

also the only operator to cancel call setup fee, while calls to the customer service are now also free of charge. With this offer, we want to change the existing practice and encourage better market competitiveness. We have our own initiative and have consciously decided to abolish fees, which will certainly have a financial impact on our business. However, we are confident that we will, in the long run, retain existing customers this way, because they will be more satisfied, that we will attract many new customers who will recognise the benefits that one only gets with Vip.

• In 2015 you carried out significant structural reforms. How will this impact on your business this year?

- During the last year, we have gone through structural changes within the Tele• How far have your plans advanced concerning the implementation of 4G kom Austria Group that involved the creation of organisational clusters “Serbia networks, and what are the factors that influence the pace of this work? and Slovenia”, in order to achieve more efficient business organisation and the - We recently set up an 800 LTE base station in Serbia, and our plan is for us to cover more than 70 towns and cities in Serbia, including smaller towns, with the exchange of the best experiences between markets. In addition, during 2015 we invested more than €77 million in our business, mainly in network development and introducOur successful cooperation with Orion Telecom and Societe ing 4G technology in Serbia. Bearing all of this Generale Bank are good indicators of how companies from in mind, the current year is extremely important to us in terms of achieving results, but we are on different industries can pool their resources in order to offer the right track. During the first six months we customers complementary services that make life and business achieved revenue growth of nearly 12 per cent, easier, and also save time and money and maintained a stable customer base and market share of 22.1%. Considering that we are still the biggest greenfield investor in Serbia, investing €927 million to date, I am 4G network by year’s end, which means that we will provide high-speed mobile satisfied that Vip continues the trend of sustainable growth at all levels. internet for as much as 77 per cent of the population of Serbia. By the end of the year, we will have the largest 4G network in the country. In addition, this year we • Where do you see the answer to the strong competition in the market, pricompleted a major project for the modernisation of our 2G and 3G networks.

Users are also offered an increasing number of diverse and integrated marily in the area of harmonisation of consumer expectations, the price of services. services and the sustainability of the business?

- We are constantly expanding the mobile signal and broadband internet in ur• What's on your list of priorities until the end of 2016 and during the next year? ban and rural areas, which includes significant investment. As people in Ser- Our focus lies in further investment in network quality and new services. We bia further optimise their mobile communication, we are facing the challenge will continue to develop our own applications and digital services, but also reof how to maintain revenue while responding to their needs and expectations.

The solution certainly lies in flexibility, innovation, an offer of useful sermain open for cooperation with various industries and sectors. For example, vices in collaboration with other industries, and the ability to react promptour successful cooperation with Orion Telecom and Societe Generale Bank ly to market changes. We have recently introduced a “Try and buy” concept, are good indicators of how companies from different industries can pool their thanks to which users can, without any obligations and expenses, try the netresources in order to offer customers complementary services that make life and business easier, and also save time and money. ■ work and the services of a mobile operator before deciding to trust it. Vip is

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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13

INTERVIEW

How Does Telekom Srbija Contribute To The Development Of ICT?

PETAR POPOVIĆ,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BUSINESS CUSTOMER DIVISION AT TELEKOM SRBIJA

C

The term “Information and Communications Technologies” appeared at the beginning of the new millennium and represents a logical continuation of the synergies of telecommunications and information services. The modern way of life requires fast and reliable access to information, and users want a single solution for their IT needs, regardless of where their IT resources are located, and ways to access them. It is no longer only important to network, but rather to offer services, tools and complete solutions that needed both in the economy and in society as a whole

onnectivity, as the basic service of telecoms operators, in this way easy to activate, tailored both to users with advanced knowledge of IT and gains a new dimension and importance, but its quality becomes users who have encountered IT exclusively through Gmail and Facebook. crucial. In short, that is actually the essence of ICT concepts and The already know services that are the basis of every ICT market - web approaches. Users are not interested in technology and the way and mail hosting, as well as domain registration, have been offered by Telsomething is implemented; the user only wants to satisfy their needs, as Telekom Srbija, by following world trends on the market, has identified quickly and simply as possible, with customer needs and presented itself as a strong player on the ICT scene, the lowest possible costs. offering an ever increasing number of services and solutions in the ICT When one looks at the telecoms domain.

In recent years, Telekom Srbija has invested significant resources market in the Republic of Serbia, an in the development of ICT solutions as part of the process of digital indisputable fact is that Telekom Srtransformation both for the market and the company itself bija has been recognised as the most important factor of development and ekom Srbija since their founding nearly ten years ago. This year, these serinnovation, and that it covers the entire range of telecommunications services, vices are given new, modern attire in the form of the latest Cloud platform, as well as the most advanced ICT solutions. based on the principle of Software as a Service - SaaS. Activation and use Telekom Srbija, by following world trends on the market, has identified of services is as easy as Gmail or Facebook. customer needs and presented itself as a strong player on the ICT scene, The Cloud platform, from which Telekom Srbija offers services in the offering an ever increasing number of services and solutions in the ICT “cloud”, is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the segment of small domain. In the past few years, Telekom Srbija has invested significant resources in the development of ICT solutions as part of the digital transforand medium-sized enterprises, where it is necessary to quickly allocate IT mation to the market and the company itself. resources, without major investment.

Providing infrastructure as a service (IaaS) within the framework of Cloud IT is a complex segment, and for many users it is still not clear what they services achieves flexibility in the area of server infrastructure at an unpreceget by using ICT services, with the widespread problem of a lack of IT staff. dented level. The user, regardless of the area of operation and size, is in a position For this reason, many of the ICT services that we offer to our customers are

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to, within a few minutes, raise servers that previously required several weeks, or this part of Europe – with state of the art physical and technical security systems (access control, video surveillance etc.), alongside the perfect even months. In addition to the speed of implementation, for customers it is exconditions for the operation of equipment (power and air conditioning, and tremely important that this does not entail any initial costs, that they are billed redundant optical access). monthly and are done so through the principle of pay-per-use and pay-as-yougrow, without the need to pre-plan sizing servers for the upcoming period of time.

The ICT market is very dynamic and it is essential to have a strong and The introduction of Cloud services and the possibilities of using it to offer reliable partner who it able to follow it. Telekom Srbija, by offering ICT serdifferent software, according to the aforementioned SaaS principle, enables small companies and start-ups dealing with software development to easily reach a huge market, using the sales channels and marketing of Telekom Srbija to promote their software, along with simultaneous hosting software on the latest platforms, with top security and guaranteed availability. The guaranteed security of data, and the fact that data contained on the platform does not leave the borders of the Republic of Serbia, ensures that Telekom Srbija is recognised as a high quality and reliable partner on the ICT scene. Several domestic companies are in the process The Cloud platform, from which Telekom Srbija offers services in the “cloud”, of certifying software, after which they is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the segment of small and will be able to present them to the marmedium-sized enterprises, where it is necessary to quickly allocate IT ket through the Cloud services of Teleresources, without major investment kom Srbija, where Telekom wold carry out payment collection, promotion and vices and complete solutions in this way, frees the end-user of concerns the provision of hosting services for end users. about planning, procurement, maintenance and the operation of essential Cyber security is not only limited to the Cloud. Telekom Srbija is aware that IT resources, allowing them to concentrate on their core business. in today’s times information is worth as much as pure gold, and it approaches By offering ICT services in a simple way, Telekom Srbija allows for betthe issue of security with due diligence. A wide range of services related to seter and easier operations, also performing seamless transition from “old-fashcurity are available to our customers - from the simplest antivirus software, via ioned” ways of doing business with the help of paper or, at best, Excel spreadcontrol of access to the internet, email filtering and SPAM protection, all the sheets, to the modern way of doing business, where a company's management way to the most modern systems for the protection of corporate internet accan instantly receive required reports, access the desired data or communicate cess and systems for protection against DDoS attacks. All systems that are with employees, regardless of where they are and which technologies they use. available to our customers are also systems that Telekom Srbija uses for its own needs, which means first-class systems and platforms for our users, regardless The development of ICT is not only in more investments or building high of the size of the user. quality and reliable infrastructure, but rather also in the continuous education In addition to cyber-security, Telekom Srbija also offers the option of of both employees and the market itself, and introducing the benefits brought Telehousing, placing user equipment in the most advanced data centre in

by ICT transformation, the better use of resources and reducing costs.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

INNOVATIONS & INVESTMENTS

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INTERVIEW

Serbia Follows European Trends BRANKO MITROVIĆ,

CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER

I expect the new Law on Electronic Communications to allow free cross-border transfer of data, which would open new opportunities for the further development of ICT in Serbia

T

he trends in the telecommunications sector in Serbia are following the latest trends, primarily from the European Union, where the leading telecommunications companies invest considerable resources in the further development of networks and the digitisation of society. By following those trends, Serbia in general is not behind Europe.

generation network. Telenor is rapidly expanding map coverage and, after covering the whole of Serbia with 3G signal, we set out to continue the expansion of 4G networks. We have emphasised towns and larger cities, so practically all settlements with more than ten thousand people will have a 4G network.

Given that Serbian citizens are very advanced internet users, we have already tested the 5G network, which will have very little delay in the transfer of data and will be one of the preconditions for the development of innovative technologies, particularly are such as the automotive industry, energy industry, e-health, manufacturing and entertainment.

• You have been present in Serbia for over 10 years and you are one of the largest investors. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your investments in Serbia following all the political and economic changes?

- We are extremely proud of the fact that we are the largest single investor in Serbia, with Serbian citizens are very advanced internet users, so we have recently initial investment of 1.53 billion euros. We tested the 5G network. When the country acquires all the legal believe in the investment climate in Serbia, preconditions, Telenor will be ready for the next generation network, which we have proven repeatedly. During our which will enable the further development of related industries and ten years in Serbia, we have invested more will launch a completely new era of interconnected devices. than 445 million euros in the development of infrastructure and services, with a desire to further improve the user experience and find new digital solutions that will Our intention is to provide users with faster and easier to use existing make life easier for citizens. We have proven that we did the right thing by enand new e-government services via mobile platforms, but also to ensure the safety of business on the internet through Telenor Safe – our new digitering the Serbian market with yet another big investment – the opening of Telenor Bank, the first and only online bank in the region. tal service for business users.

• How do you assess the trends in the telecommunications sector in Serbia; what can we expect this year and next?

- The implementation of technology neutrality and spectrum auctions that were held in Serbia last year, opened up the possibility of developing a fourth

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• Speaking at a recent press conference of the Nordic Alliance in Serbia, you again advocated the introduction of an electronic signature, as one of the prerequisites for reducing bureaucracy. What are the odds that your initiative, after so many years, will become a reality?

- For us, it is very important to simplify the use of the electronic signature and make it available to as many citizens as possible. We believe that their everyday life would become easier and much less time would be spent on unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork. Although it is legally equated with a personal signature, the use of electronic signatures in practice is minimal, and more than 95 per cent of the population has never owned a qualified electronic certificate.

There is a common interest among the state, companies and citizens for this player stats change. The draft Law on Electronic Documents, electronic identification and services of confidence in electronic commerce, which should comprehensively regulate this area, is currently under public debate. We believe that there is good will of the state and that this opportunity will not be missed, and that the new law will allow wider use of elec-

BRANKO MITROVIĆ, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Telenor, JASMINA VIGNJEVIĆ, Governmental Affairs Manager at Telenor Serbia, and RASIM LJAJIĆ, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications

tronic signatures, and thus the development of electronic commerce in general.

plete their administrative duties from home, without waiting in line.

For the economy, it would create the possibility for their business to morph from traditional to electronic, reducing operating costs and increasing efficiency. Businesses could also offer more digital content and services to customers.

• There has long been talk about the implementation of digitisation in Serbia, which NALED and the Ministry of Public Administration insist on. What do you see as the priorities in this area?

- The priorities in this area are primarily related to the digitisation of services and content that would be of concern to citizens. These are the services of egovernment that would allow them to easily and frequently use the services of local and national governments without waiting in line. Through the electronic or mobile solutions that Telenor (m-government) proposes, citizens would be able to do all of that through their mobile phones. Here I would point out the fact that the current mobile phone penetration is 130 per cent, which means that in Serbia currently there are more active mobile phones than inhabitants.

• Regional cooperation, which the EU insists on, implies better communication among countries, but also technological compatibility in the communications sector in the Western Balkans. What could be brought to our region from that sector based on the experience of the Nordic countries?

- The Nordic countries have recognised the potential that regional cooperation carries, and so today, in addition to substantial natural resources, they can boast of operating in Europe’s most developed markets of electronic communications. This fact certainly contributed to the early liberalisation of the telecommunications market and the support given to large capacity investments.

Commitment to the development of digital services and “Cloud” solutions enabled an additional boost to the overall economic development of the Nordic region. The area of the Western Balkans has great potential for further economic

We want to be a convergent, digital operator and to provide a comprehensive end-user experience. Telenor has further confirmed this approach through the services of Telenor Bank

• What are the specific benefits of the introduction of the Electronic Registry of Signatures for citizens and businesses?

- The benefits would be huge, both for citizens and for the economy. At this time, any transaction requires special hardware (USB, smart card) and special software (which is often complicated for the average user), as well as a series of formalities followed by the costs of issuing qualified certificates. By applying the concept for which we stand, all that would be much simpler. Citizens could, for example, easily and efficiently conclude long-distance contracts. Instead of thinking about how much money and time they need to perform a job for which their physical presence is currently necessary, in the case of a simplified electronic signature we could implement the transaction regardless of where the seat of the seller or supplier is located. In addition, an electronic signature is a prerequisite for the realisation of the ambitions of the Serbian government to digitise public administration, which will enable citizens to com-

development in the further liberalisation of the market and through the provision of conditions for regional Cloud solutions as soon as possible.

• When it comes to the global IT sector in Serbia, we can agree that the required human resources exist. Where is Serbia in comparison to developed countries, including Nordic countries?

- Serbia does not lag behind European standards in terms of the quality of IT professionals, on the contrary. As an example, I would mention that our engineers are highly regarded in Norway and other countries where Telenor operates, and are often involved in many global projects. I think this is the best indicator of how much potential we have for the future development of engineers and developers in Serbia. ■

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS 2020

B y E C K A RT Z O L L N E R

What Does The Future Hold?

The telecoms industry is currently one of the leading growth sectors in the global economy for a number of different reasons, including the emergence of telecommunications as one of the most important components of business, social, cultural and political activity

R

esearchers forecast that by 2020, the number of mobile usvestments with network infrastructure in order to distribute their ers will reach six billion and the number of people accessservices effectively to larger volumes of global consumers. The ing the internet will reach 4.7 billion. The average person in lines between network operators and service providers will contin2020 will live in a web of 200 to 300 contacts, maintained ue to blur. As more and more services migrate on to digital delivery daily through a variety of channels. Several key trends are shaping platforms, such providers will become a new source of telecommunication revenue in order to sell their products to their clients. the telecoms industry of the future, for the most part centred on The opportunity for network and service providers stems from rapid growth of data traffic as opposed to traditional voice commuthe change that more and more of our daily life will be influenced nications. The insatiable demand for faster, better quality data conby the manner in which we interact with the digital environment for nections, along with advanced telecoms technologies, will see optiall our professional and private needs. More and more time will be cal solutions come to the fore, as fibre and high speed wireless bespent interacting with machines as opposed to humans. Companies comes the de facto connectivity standard. that figure out how to monetize their business models behind all New software and application providers will continue to be building customer communities on the back of telecommunicaBusiness models will continue to change and new service models will tion networks. Resulting from incontinue to evolve. Increased competition and pressure on revenue creased deregulation and liberalmeans that network operators are offering new services and Over the ization, consumer choice means that loyalties to providers is no Top (OTT) Content providers have to become involved in investments longer governed just by the proviwith network infrastructure in order to distribute their services sioning of communication serviceffectively to larger volumes of global consumers es, but by the benefits to the consumer over these networks and these increased interactions and transactions will become far more the convenience and cost savings that are being offered. Consumers are utilizing multiple providers governed by the application that successful than companies holding on to traditional business and they invoke, by their geographic location and by the content that is service models. being consumed.

All of these developments stem from the shift of focus away Business models will continue to change and new service models from owning infrastructure or software to owning, understandwill continue to evolve. Increased competition and pressure on reving and servicing the customer. By virtue of the fact that licensing enue means that network operators are offering new services and and technology in a deregulated market have become available to almost anyone, this very same technology is no longer a competiOver the Top Content (OTT) providers have to become involved in in-

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The opportunity for network and service providers stems from the change that more and more of our daily life will be influenced by the manner in which we interact with the digital environment for all our professional and private needs tive advantage but a necessary enabling platform to build digital services and capture the maximum amount of wallet share from the customer.

What all of this means for business and consumers is an always on and always connected environment? Connected amongst people, amongst businesses, as well as connected to our homes, our cars, our machines and our data stores. Constant surveillance by data analytics, by closed circuit cameras and by social networks.

Large amounts of data being gathered and analysed about our life, our habits, our businesses and our behaviour. Analysis of all the date will be used to become more efficient, targeted and more effective when selling services and solutions.

One thing all of these trends have in common is that they are driven by data. The need for faster, more affordable, more available data is driving the increasing deployment of fibre and high speed wireless, this journey has been a long time coming, beginning with inter-continental connections and then moving on to local long haul city-to-city and metros. “All of the megatrends of today, from connected cities, businesses and homes to mobility and the IoT, require high bandwidth availability and security, low latency and strict synchronisation.

Forecasts 2016-2020 By 2020, the mobile consumer population will be six billion, and those using internet services through these devices will tip at 4.7 billion. The demand and production graph for telecom services as compounded by Market Analysis Report is concrete in European, U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions. The M2M industry will rush in $4.5 trillion and enterprise mobility will have a market of $140 billion by 2020 year end.

The two key trends in smartphone users in Telecom Industry Business Outlook are the facility of video streaming and audio playback, encouraging them to utilize a large percentage of gigabyte data each month. The Cloud services will amount $241 billion by 2020, whereas wireless network will avalanche at CAGR 15 per cent in the same period, rising to $13 billion, as per Telecom Services Market Research Reports.

Due to eminent data technology platforms, its infrastructure by 2020 will brim at 33 zettabytes, and 57 per cent digital information will be accessed only from mobile phones, projects the Market Analysis Report. The Internet of Things is also leading by generating $15 trillion money value for the Telecom Industry Business Outlook in the arenas of productivity, customer base, efficiency and cost cut.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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19

MY LIFE

DOBRIVOJE TANASIJEVIĆ – DAN TANA

B y R A D M I L A S TA N KO V I Ć

A Gram of Luck or a

KILO OF BRAINS

For decades Dan Tana has been among the regular guests at Madera restaurant

He was 17 years old when he left Yugoslavia as a footballer. At 22, he appeared in his first Hollywood film, in which Robert Michum was the hero. He was a football manager and the owner of one of the most successful and prestigious restaurants in America - Dan Tana's. He lives between Los Angeles, London and Belgrade, and is a lifelong member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts of America, which is responsible for selecting films for Oscars. He always remembered the advice from his father that he should never go out for dinner if he doesn't have enough money for a tip, and his mother's wise words that he should never be a slave to money. That's how he has led his life until today

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or 22 years his name was Dobrivoje Tanasijević, but then in 1957 he acted in his first film in Hollywood, The Enemy Below, in which the main characters were played by Robert Mitchum and Curd Jürgens, and it was then that they came up with the name that would stick with him and by which he would be known around the world - Dan Tana. His career could be divided into three parts – football, film and business. And he left his permanent mark in Los Angeles, the location of the restaurant that bears his name. He established it and ran it for 45 years, only to sell it in 2009. But his name continues to attract visitors, and the fame it has gained is carefully preserved and cultivated by the new owner.

He grew up as Dobrivoje at 10 Kraljica Natalija Street and played football with the kids from the area around the Zeleni Venac green market. He was curious and loved to try everything, and so it was that on one occasion he went with younger girls to a dance school, where he learned the tango and the waltz, and later became their partner when they practiced to music from a gramophone. This skill of knowing how to dance would change his life when he was 18: “During the war my father was neither with the Chetniks (Royalists) nor the Partisans (Communists), but the new government considered him a representative of the defeated classes, so they confiscated the assets that were actually the property of his father, and condemned him to 12 years of forced labour. My mother launched into action on a rescue mission and found her way to Aleksandar Ranković, who my father had been familiar with before the war.

Ranković was the Minister of Internal Affairs of the then Yugoslavia, and she turned up for a month until she finally found him and begged for my father’s release. So my father was allowed to return home after a year, and Ranković succeeded in getting him a job at the café Složna braća, which had been taken away from him. Imagine the irony of being employed as an economist in the café that had once belonged to your father and then you!

Cameron Diaz, Harry Dean Stanton, Former L.A. Laker Jerry West and Angie Dickinson are among the regular guests at Dan Tana’s Restaurant And so father went out early every morning to the market to procure everything Hollywood was a dream from that was needed for the café, where they However, Dan Tana is not relaxing. From my boyish imagination, because served breakfast, lunch and dinner. We the Jews he adopted the principle that practically didn’t see him, because he you should never keep all of your eggs as a kid in Belgrade we would was at the café from morning until evenin one basket, and so today, at the age of sit in the park beneath Hotel ing. And then, in those years, my mother 81, he still lives and works between Los Moscow and I would talk about made me vow do whatever I want, just Angeles, London and Belgrade. how I would one day be an that I should never open a restaurant, beHe was born in 1935 to the beautiful Lenka Milošević, who was origicause there is no life. I held the promise actor in Hollywood nally from Čibutkovica (a village in the that I made to her then for a long time.”

Belgrade municipality of Lazarevac) and was married to Radojko That kid who played football with a rag-ball in teams of street Tanasijević, a wealthy Belgrade café owner: against street was noticed by someone and introduced to the Red Star “She had completed four years of primary school, and she was coach, Aca Obradović. And so Bata, as Dobrivoje was then nicknamed, cleverer than many who had university degrees. She married my fabecomes a player of the Red Star youth team, which his mother didn’t ther at the urging of her parents and came to live in Belgrade, at 10 exactly rejoice about. But Bata was already irrevocably in love with Kraljica Natalija Street, which was renamed Narodni Front after the football as his first love. He played right midfield. He was talented and war. When my father went to serve in the army, she was pregnant and skilled and he was 17 in that summer of 1952, when the youth selection of Belgrade headed off for a tournament in Belgium, where cities she went to stay with her parents in Čibutkovica, and there she gave competed. It was a huge thrill, his first departure from the country birth. And that happened on the meadow that belonged to her father, and trip to the West: Mladen. They used a sickle to cut the umbilical cord, because there “I had no idea of staying in Belgium, but it happened that my life was no time to wait for the midwife. When World War II started, my changed there. At the end of the tournament, a dinner was organfather went to the countryside to be with his father, and I grew up ised for all participants in the tournament. Live music was played with my mother. And for the four years of the war I didn’t see him. and there was dancing... My friends nagged me to dance and I chose For everything that I have achieved in my life, I’m most grateful to a plain looking Belgian girl who danced perfectly. When the two of my mother. My father slapped me only once in his lifetime, and my us started towards the podium, everyone got out of the way and mother threatened to kill herself if he ever touched me again. And I we were the only ones spinning in the rhythm of a fiery tango. We got beaten by my mother every day, but that didn’t bother me.”

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were rewarded with a huge round of applause, and when I return language say: Bato, what are you doing here? It was the man I had to my players I was greeted by the angry leader of our trip, a man in previously seen stretching the pizza dough. Stunned, I ask him how a long leather coat, which clearly indicated his status as a police ofhe knew me, to which he explained that he had watched me playficer who was in charge of us, who asked me where I had learned that ing football in Montreal and that his name was Bogdan Šarić. Bogdan bourgeois dance. I did not know until then what the word bourgeois invited me to come back when his shift ended. I returned after two meant. I tried to explain to him that I had learned to dance in Belhours and that meeting with him changed my life again.” grade, but he angrily ended the conversation with the words - we’ll That day, Bogdan Šarić, who was known to all as Bogi, persuaded talk when we get to Belgrade! That didn’t bode well for me. Several Bata not to return to Canada, but rather to stay in Los Angeles and players who intended to flee, or rather not to return to the country, play football there, because he was a great player and he would work stood up in my defence and entered into a conflict with him. I started wonders in LA. And so Bata started to play for the American-Yugoslav to wonder what I should do, because if he wrote in his report upon club in San Pedro. Soon they had to solve the problem of Bata’s docureturning that I had acted badly, at that time that meant that I would not be able to leave the country again. In that moment, three of us went out onto the street, found a police car and asked to be taken to the police station. There we immediately received a translator, an interpreter, and we quickly gained the status of political refugees. So I stayed in Belgium and that’s how learning the tango in Belgrade changed my life.”

From Belgium, Bata would move on to Germany, then to Canada, to Montreal, and in those years he earned money by playing football. In Canada, he learned to play cards and was a talented poker player, and on one occasion, while playing a few games with some of our emigrants, together with a Montenegrin called Luka who had already become Dan Tana and famous actor James Woods his friend, he earned $5,000. Actually, Bata earned it. They had another two Yugoslav friends and, as He went to English classes ments, because he had entered America it was summer and there was no football to be and was taken to his first with Canadian documents. The easiest way to get American documents was to played, they decided to go to America. They piled acting class by a lovely marry an American. They found him a into a car belonging to one of them and ended up young actress called girlfriend, Sally, who was 20 years older in San Francisco. One of the friends wanted to return to Montreal after a few days, because he had than him. She had been a hospital nurse Natalie Wood. He shot a a girl waiting for him, and another left with him, at scene in Russian with her, in World War II and Bata saw her for which point Luka and Bata decided to catch a bus the first time at the wedding. After six as her mother had been and head to Hollywood: months they saw each other again in Ukrainian and she spoke court for the divorce proceedings. She “Hollywood was a dream from my boyish imagination, because as a kid in Belgrade we would was a Catholic and he was Orthodox Russian perfectly sit in the park beneath Hotel Moscow and I would Christian. It was pointed out that they talk about how I would one day be an actor in Hollywood. And now had conflicting attitudes regarding children and everything else, and I was so close that I could see it. Luka and I arrived in Los Angeles so the marriage was annulled as if it had never existed. and rented a room in the home of some Polish lady. We were there Bata’s Hollywood life began the moment he started to share an for almost a month. We had enough money and one Friday he sugapartment with Bogi above the restaurant Villa Capri, where Bogi gested that we put it in a bank and keep a little on us. I was left with worked. That restaurant was visited by the likes of Frank Sinatra, only ten dollars. It was a Sunday when we went to our church that we Dean Martin and other famous Hollywood personalities of the time, met some of our girls. While we waited for the bus, Luka went to buy and young Bata sat with them and quickly entered into a life that shoes, and I sat down for a shiner to clean the shoes I was wearing. would soon become his own. He went to English classes and was Luka left the store with new shoes and at that moment some car artaken to his first acting class by a lovely young actress called Natalie rived, picked up Luka and I never saw him again in my life. I was left Wood. He shot a scene in Russian with her, as her mother had been on the street with nine dollars in my pocket. I changed my plan and Ukrainian and she spoke Russian perfectly. Their classes were also decide to go to Hollywood. A return ticket cost 50 cents. I arrived in attended by rising stars in the acting world, Angie Dickinson and Kim Hollywood feeling famished, so I sit down in a restaurant, ordered Novak, and Bata increasingly warmed to acting. And so it was that a pizza and thought about where I would go next and what I would in 1957 he appeared in his first Hollywood film, The Enemy Below, do without money. Suddenly, I heard someone in the purest Serbian in which the main characters were played by Robert Mitchum and OCTOBER

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Curd Jürgens, and for which Bata had eight weeks of filming, despite having only a small role to play. After a brief consultation with the people taking care of such things, he agreed to be Dan, and to retain only Tana from his surname Tanasijević. He called his parents by telephone, during a when telephone conversations were booked at the post office, to tell them that in the future he would be called Dan Tana. His father said to him: Son, let them call you whatever they want, just don’t let them break you! And thus he became Dan Tana, and he would be celebrated with that name. But not on film, rather in business, as the man who, ten years later, would create the most attractive restaurant in Los Angeles - Dan Tana’s:

turned to another job. I formed a football league. I found two partners of Irish origin who I worked with, and they decided to buy the restaurant that was located next to our office. I explained to them that I had sworn to my mother that I would not own a restaurant, but they knew that my mother had died two months earlier and they said that I wouldn’t be breaking my promise, because during her life I really did not have a restaurant. I took the restaurant, which would remain to do this day one of the most successful restaurants in America.”

It is difficult to list all the celebrities who came to this Italian restaurant, where a place has to be reserved or where guests have to wait at the bar until a table becomes available. Dinner was enjoyed there by famous boxer Joe Di Maggio and writer Arthur Miller, who were linked by the fact that they were both married to tragically deceased movie star Marilyn Monroe, then Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, All Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Gene Hackmann, Gregory Peck , Shirley McLane, Warren Beatty, Sammy Davies Jr., Lee Marvin, Sidney Poitier, Julie Andrews, Fred Astaire, Esther Williams, Karl Malden, Larry King, Norman Mailer, Jessica Lang, John McEnroe, Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Mickey Roonie, Dean Martin, John Ford, Harry Belafonte, Doris Day, John Belushi, Francis Ford Copolla, Neil Armstrong, Carl Lewis, ChrisDan Tana and his wife Biljana topher Reeves, Nadia Comaneci, Floyd Patterson, John Malkovich and many othIt is difficult to list all the ers. George Clooney celebrated his Oscar “Recording films lasted while Holcelebrities who came to Dan lywood production houses shot movies there; on the occasion of the celebration with themes from World War II. I played of the success of Serbian film MonteviTana’s restaurant, where a deo, Novak Đoković prepared a presentacommunists, fascists, mafia men. I never place has to be reserved or tion there. kissed a girl, but I earned money. I quit where guests have to wait Dan Tana considered it best for the playing football, but never quit football. I at the bar until a table restaurant to be frequented by successful fell in love with an acting student called people of all occupations - businessmen, Andrea, an American, and married her. becomes available athletes, actors, producers, lawyers ... His Andrea gave birth to our two daughters, close friend was actor Karl Malden, with whom he spoke in Serbian.

Gabriela and Katarina. She was very beautiful and attractive, but James Woods is such a dear friend of his that he says he would give with two daughters she could not act. That’s why she started to study his life for him, just as Woods would do anything for Dan. He never painting, because she wanted to be able to paint pictures while she has his picture taken with his famous guests, but since he sold the looked after the girls at home. At one time, at the urging of a female restaurant, whenever he visits all the famous folk seek to have their Polish friend, I went with her to New York to see strange sensation picture taken with him. that the world had gone crazy for in 1960. It was called the Twist and And what was the secret of this man’s success? Many have offered young people went wild for that dance. Chubby Checker promoted answers to this question, but he interprets it simply: the twist at the Peppermint Launch club, and I thought it had no future because it didn’t look like dancing. For me, dancing was when “I had a wonderful friend, your media colleague Miroslav Radojčić. two people dance together, and here two people danced separately He long ago wrote an article about me containing a sentence which from one another. However, I listened to my friend and I was one of I really like, and which relates to me. It reads: It is better to have one three partners who opened a night club in LA where people danced gram of luck than a kilo of brains! Perhaps in that sentence Miroslav the twist. That was when I made my first big money. It lasted a year summed up all that can be said about me. I was followed by luck. and a half, and then I left the business. A friend then convinced me to When it seemed that I was in a hopeless situation, a solution fell from invest money in the stock market, and I did that with more than half the sky for me. of the money I’d earned at that time, only to lose everything after six Dan Tana is the only man in the world to have been president of months. My wife was pregnant with our second daughter, and I then football clubs in America, England and Serbia. He was the first for74 |

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eigner to own a football club in England. That was back in 1975. At door to foreigners to come, while it does not do the same for its own that time he paid a million dollars for London club Brentford, while people. I’m not a big believer, but I gave 100,000 dollars to restore the today Russians, Japanese and Chinese investors pay billions for EngČibutkovica Church where I was baptised. lish clubs. When he sold the club, he turned to Serbia and Serbian America has done a lot for me, England has done a lot for me, but football and did a lot for it. He was president of Red Star FC. He tried I’m in love with Serbia, which has done nothing for me. There is some to save the club, but did not curse in us to hate anyone receive support from the who is successful.”

I had a wonderful friend, your media government or the City: Dan Tana’s older daughcolleague Miroslav Radojčić. He long ago wrote ter, Gabi, is a very successful “I was very young when an article about me containing a sentence producer, while his younger I agitated among our people daughter, Katarina, is also in LA to vote for Democrat which I really like, and which relates to me. successful as a designer and John F. Kennedy to become It reads: “It is better to have one gram of decorator. He is very proud President of the United luck than a kilo of brains!” father and he considers his States. I met all the brothers, the sister and her husgreatest success the fact that band. After the killings of the Kennedy brothers my interest in high they are both wonderful citizens of the world. He is a lifelong member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts of America, which decides politics ended. I knew Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair, on Oscar nominated films. After his divorce from Andrea, to whom he who hate for all the damage he caused to us Serbs. I hung out with was married for 20 years, he has remained in good friendly relations John Kissinger, who I rate as a politician of international stature. Via with her. For the last ten years he has been married to Biljana.

Borislav Pekić, I supported the opposition in Serbia during the ‘90s From his father he always remembered the advice that he should and financed the publishing of the newspaper Demokratija. I don’t never go out for dinner if he doesn’t have enough money for a tip, and understand the resistance that Serbia still has regarding the people from his mother that he should never be a slave to money. And thus in the diaspora. Those of us who live and work outside Serbia are he has governed himself until today. ■ financially stronger than the whole of Serbia. But Serbia opens the

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TRAVELS

Paradise

BEYOND CIVILISATION

BY IVAN NOVČIĆ

As someone who has seen quite a lot of the world and many different environments, from the frozen wastelands of Siberia, through the mountains of Europe and the plains of America, to the sweltering deserts of the Middle East, the jungle represented a kind of final frontier for me. And so it was that I decided to take a trip, with four other friends, to experience virgin Amazonian rainforest in Peru 76 |

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Our village in the Amazonian rainforest

I

The beautiful scenery and pleasant, if humid, weather had distracted me from worries about being out of the comfort zone of civilisation, but now that I saw the basic nature of the settlement and that darkness was approaching, I became anxious again.

I went to the toilet, but when I spotted a small snake nearby I quickly gave up on the idea and fled in fright.

Darkness falls at around seven in the evening, and not long after that we were all tucked up in bed – preparing to get up with the Sun at five the next morning.

It was there, laying in the darkness, in what was essentially a treehouse with mosquito netting and no glass on the windows, that the reality of my surroundings overwhelmed me. The jungle was loud and alive with parrots and monkeys. I considered that any determined animal could enter my dwelling and attack me if it wanted… And I wouldn’t see it until it was upon me, such was the totality of the darkness. I thought of the snake I’d

t was spring here in Europe when we set off, which They believe deeply that each plant is a sentient is of course autumn in South America. But that didn’t being with its own spirit, and that, by drinking or mean I needed wintry clothes, because this is, after all, eating these plants, they can commune with that a tropical destination.

Our first stop was the Peruvian capital of Lima, a spirit and seek its assistance in healing whatever huge city of almost nine million people, where the massive problem afflicts them gap between the rich and the poor is clearly visible, and where bars on seemingly every window suggested that it seen and tried not to wonder too much about all of the sounds of the was not the safest city to spend time. It would undoubtedly have been an rainforest surrounding me. Somehow, I slept. interesting city to get to know, but I wasn’t here to explore cities. I knew The next morning we met the locals. Seeming shy at first, they soon reall about cities and city life. I had come to experience an environment I’d laxed and were open to us without reservation, smiling constantly. Although never experienced before; I had come for the jungle. After just two short short, they appeared strong and resilient, and they also appeared to share days in the city, we were on our way again.

Our next stop was Pucallpa, a large town located on the River Ucayali, close to the border with Brazil. Although a city of 200,000+ and home to the neo-Gothic Pucallpa Cathedral, in the parts we saw it resembled a fishing village, with just a few asphalt streets connecting dirt roads. Fishermen and traders assembled beside the river and locals sold herbal remedies on the street.

It is interesting that they rely almost entirely on the forest and its plants for all of their health needs. They believe that every plant in the forest has its own spirit and that any disease, or even mental disorder, can be cured.

From Pucallpa, we took a three-hour car journey to the small village of Honoria, located on the River Pachitea. We were now deep into the forest, the back of beyond, far from civilisation… I had already started to worry about how I would cope with being without running water and electricity for a full three weeks.

From there we continued our journey with a one-hour boat ride and an hour’s hike through bush pathways to our final destination, a local village that would be our base during our time there.

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Pucallpa port market

everything they had, with no concept of ownership or barter exchange. taste. They cooked bananas that resembled potatoes over an open fire.

We sat and I saw another snake. Spotting my anxiety, another forI understood that for them food was merely fuel and that they had not eigner with experience in the jungle told me that I had nothing to worry developed cuisine as an aspect of culture like the rest of us. about and that it wouldn’t attack me unless it felt threatened. That simRather than seeing magic in food, as we do, they see all the magic ple reassurance was enough to rein the healing plants of the jungle. lax me entirely.

These plant medicines form an inteThe local people also seem to be happy gral part of their diet and represent Suddenly, the snake was beau– those are not waitress façade smiles tiful in its shimmering colours and a major aspect of their lifestyle and slivering movements. For the first on their faces. They are genuinely happy worldview. They believe deeply that time, I saw this unknown alien each plant is a sentient being with and contented, despite having nothing world without fear. I realised that its own spirit, and that, by drinkbut a basic existence ing or eating these plants, they can there is a rhythm to nature that we commune with that spirit and seek are part of, and that I couldn’t enjoy its assistance in healing whatever problem afflicts them. this paradise if I was running around afraid… merely because I came Some believe that these plants can cure mental disorders and spirfrom a world where running water, electricity and chemical hygiene are itual crises, and in recent years many Westerners, including those sufconsidered essential for life. fering from depression or serious drug addiction, have claimed to have I now realised that they are not so essential. been healed physiologically, mentally and spiritually through “communThe weather was pretty much perfect. With no rain but high humidity, it reached a maximum of 30° Celsius during the day and 25° at night. ion” with these ancient plant remedies of the Amazon.

Hiking through the jungle, we saw amazing animals and plants, trees The relationship the locals have with nature is deep and fascinating. The that looked ancient, and probably were, and areas where man has perjungle is their world and they seem to have a use or purpose for everything haps never set foot. It was full of life, yet at the same time tranquil. I that grows there. It made me think about how we have somehow disassociated ourselves with nature in our cities. Indeed, with rubber-soled shoes on couldn’t help but feel comfortable… After all, the local people, who have concrete streets, we often don’t come into contact with nature at all. been living in this area for who knows how many millennia, merely The local people also seem to be happy – those are not waitress served to confirm that man belongs in the jungle. façade smiles on their faces. They are genuinely happy and contented, Back at the village, the locals went about their day, hunting or preparing food. I must admit that, for my Western palate, the food was catadespite having nothing but a basic existence. Suddenly, all the “stuff” of strophic. Extremely basic and, judging by the rate at which the locals Western life felt superficial and unnecessary. seemed to age, not very healthy.

One of the highlights of our time in the Peruvian jungle was undoubtedly our trip to the so-called Boiling River.

They ate river fish filled with so many bones that it wasn’t fit for a A river from legend that was once thought to be a myth, its existence cat. They overcooked their rice until it formed a starchy mush with no 78 |

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was only confirmed in recent years, and it is currently being studied, with efforts being made to ensure its protection.

The river boils and bubbles at over 90° C, obviously killing anything that happens to fall in, and the surrounding nature is awe-inspiring and a delight to see through the steam.

Unfortunately, as the ’Boiling River Project’ confirms, this unique river is currently in exploitable jungle and has no special legal denominations or protections. There are multiple solicitations from energy development companies seeking geologic and geothermal data on the Boiling River, and conservationists are concerned that such developments could threaten the spiritual, cultural, and natural beauty of the site.

I realised that there is a rhythm to nature that we are part of, and that I couldn’t enjoy this paradise if I was running around afraid… merely because I came from a world where running water, electricity and chemical hygiene are considered essential for life

Indeed, many worry that the Amazonian Rainforest, the Lungs of the World, is in danger of being destroyed completely if current practices continue… And this destruction, as I came to understand during my time deep in the jungle, is pretty much all being caused in support of a lifestyle that is completely alien to the indigenous population, and is perhaps not as essential to us as we once thought it was. ■

Protecting the Boiling River The Boiling River Project has been launched to protect this unique river.

The Boiling River is an anomalously large thermal river. It flows hot for over 6 kilometres, is generally about as wide as a twolane road, but can get around 25 metres wide at its widest point, and can get to 16 about 5 metres deep at its deepest point. Even more impressive, despite the tremendous amount of hot water, it is non-volcanic. In fact the nearest active volcanic centre is over 700 kilometres away!

The Boiling River is currently the focus of numerous studies, including geologic, geophysical, geochemical, biological, anthropological, botanical, and conservation science.

The collection of data began in 2011, and has continued to advance in very exciting ways each annual field season. The geoscientific data sets are particularly robust and will present a wealth of new-to-science data.

All this data and information are an essential part of the Boiling River’s conservation work.

Local oral traditions describe the Boiling River as existing “Before the time of the grandfathers.”

The river’s ancient name is “Shanay-timpishka,” which roughly translates to “Boiled with the Heat of the Sun.” This name is interesting for various reasons. Firstly, the name itself suggests a

The Boiling River is currently the focus of numerous studies, including geologic, geophysical, geochemical, biological, anthropological, botanical, and conservation science hypothesis— illustrating how the ancients sought to explain the world around them. Secondly, as this name is in an AmazonianQuechua dialect, it may not be that “ancient,” potentially only a few hundred years old. There is undoubtedly a deeper history to uncover and more research to be done to truly understand the Boiling River’s significance to the Amazonians’ ancestors.

According to Maestro Juan Flores (shaman of Mayantuyacu), the Boiling River has always been regarded as a place of tremendous spiritual power. In the past, local people were afraid to go into the Boiling River’s jungle—particularly to what is now the Mayantuyacu area—as the jungle was home to very powerful spirits, and even man-eating jaguars. As a result, only the most powerful shamans (some of whom were Maestro Juan’s ancestors) would visit the river in order to commune with the spirits and learn their healing arts.

Source: boilingriver.org The Boiling River

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CHILL OUT CHINA

TEACHERS' DAY IN CHINA ▶ Teachers’ Day recognises the important work of China’s educators. It’s an opportunity for Chinese schoolchildren to express a meaningful gesture of gratitude to their teachers.

The modern Teachers’ Day was established by the Chinese government in 1985. Though teaching is a historically respected profession in China dating back to Confucius, the government created this holiday in part to reestablish teaching’s prestige after the degradation of intellectual pursuits during the Cultural Revolution.

On the photo above: Students in hanfu show respect to their teachers during a memorial ceremony for Confucius, the greatest educator in ancient China in a middle school in Sanya, South China’s Hainan province.

N O R WA Y

MAN RESCUED FROM INSIDE PUBLIC LAVATORY ▶ Firemen in Norway came to the rescue of a man who climbed into an outdoor public toilet to retrieve a friend’s cell phone, after he got stuck in the tank.

Cato Berntsen Larsen, 20, was able to climb through the toilet seat opening to recover the phone lying at the bottom of the outhouse, but was unWORLD

FIDGET CUBE ▶ Whether it’s clicking pens, flipping

paper clips or just playing with our fingers, most of love to fidget. It’s not the most productive habit, but at least now we’ll be able to do it in style, with an ingenious little toy called the Fidget Cube.

So what is the Fidget Cube? It’s a tiny vinyl cube that caters to all your

able to climb back out again.

“I was down there an hour, I was panicking,” he said, adding there were “animals” crawling on his body.

Overcome by nausea and vomiting, he tried in vain to pull himself out of the tank, which is only emptied once a year. He ultimately decided to contact the fire brigade to help end his ordeal in the small town of Drammen outside Oslo. The rescue was a “first” for the local fire brigade, said fire brigade spokeswoman Tina Brock. “It was pretty full down there.”

The phone was not recovered.

fidgety needs. Whether you like clicking, spinning, gliding, flipping or spinning, this little cube has you covered. Each of its eight sides features a different toy to keep your fingers busy – clickable buttons, a little controller-like joystick, rolling dials and metal ball, a flipping switch, a spinning dial and even a rubbing surface inspired by traditional worry stones.

Whatever sensation your restless hands are in need of, the Fidget Cube delivers.

SPAIN

ANTZAR EGUNA FESTIVAL ▶ Lekeitio’s traditions and celebrations are famous worldwide for being one-ofa-kind. Saint Antolin’s Day in Lekeitio, Biscay, Spain, is held every year and reaches its peak on 5th September with the “Antzar Eguna”, or the day of the geese.

It is a spectacular and original tradition with deep roots in ancient rituals, with documented evidence dating back more than 350 years.

The game consists of decapitating a dead goose hanging from a rope in the middle of the harbour - with nothing but their body weight and the strength in their arms. Coming alongside the hanging goose, the participant grabs the neck of the animal and jumps into the water. Meanwhile, a group of “sailors” pull on the end of the rope, sending both goose and player into the air. The sailors then release the rope, sending both plunging back into the water.

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GERMANY

183RD OKTOBERFEST OPENS IN MUNICH ▶ Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter opened the city’s 183rd annual Oktoberfest on 17th September with the traditional call of “O’Zapft is” to the delight of thousands who had managed to get a place in the main beer tent.

Dubbed the world’s largest fair, Oktoberfest has got off to a great start despite rain and tight security. The 18-day folk festival, running until 3rd October, is for the most part dominated by alcohol, food, games and adventure rides.

Oktoberfest, commonly known as Wiesn in Munich, was first held in 1810, as part of a five-day-long wedding celebrations of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and repeated the year after, in the process kick-starting the widely-popular Oktoberfest.

SWEDEN

SMARTPHONE SENT INTO SKY FOR GUINNESS RECORD ▶ A smartphone attached to a balloon

took to the skies in an attempt to set a record for the highest livestream from such a device.

The Huawei Honor 8 phone was attached to a weather balloon also carrying a camera and other equipment,

USA

and set off from the SSC Esrange Space Centre in northern Sweden.

The balloon was expected to burst at an altitude of 30,000 metres with the device then making its way back down by parachute. Peter Lundkvist of Huawei Technologies Sweden said the balloon reached 18,421 metres before bursting.

“Hopefully, Guinness World Records will accept this as a world record in the highest smartphone livestreaming,” he said.

INDONESIA

WORLD’S OLDEST MAN? ▶ Although the Indonesian govern-

ment recently verified Mbah Gotho’s documentation, which states he was born in 1870, external organisations must confirm the findings before he officially becomes the oldest person in the world. The 145-year-old is aiming to turn 146 on 31st December this year. While he has seen some amazing

USA

RATHER IN JAIL THAN AT HOME WITH HIS WIFE ▶ Lawrence John Ripple(70) walked into the Bank of Labor in Kan-

PREGNANT TEAM PHYSICIAN WORKING WITH A KID STRAPPED TO HER BACK ▶ This is what happens when you are 35 weeks preg-

nant, husband leaves town for the weekend, you are carrying your 3-year-old daughter and you have a game to cover!

Dr. Megan Meier of Oklahoma City originally posted the photo to a group of physician moms because she thought they would enjoy “seeing a visual representation of what we do each and every day.” But her photo has struck a chord will all working parents and is being shared all over the world.

“I have connected with so many strong, interesting people who have shared their stories, their struggles and their victories. It’s pretty awesome. Fortunately for me, the teams I care for are very supportive of my situation, which has made these types of stressful scenarios so much easier.” Meier is the team physician for Putnam City North High School football team, the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Ballet and many other local dance groups.

sas City and tried to rob the bank allegedly to get himself arrested, because being in jail beats living with his wife.

He walked into the bank and passed a note to the teller, which read “I have a gun, give me money.” the teller complied, but instead of making a quick escape, Ripple simply took the money and sat down in the bank lobby. When a security guard approached him, Lawrence simply said he was “the guy he was looking”. After relieving Ripple of the stolen $3,000, the guard notified the police, who arrived on the scene shortly afterwards.

During questioning, investigators learned that Ripple had argued with his wife and he “no longer wanted to be in that situation.”

In the affidavit filed in support of the robbery charge, an FBI agent wrote that “Ripple wrote out his demand note in front of his wife … and told her he’d rather be in jail than at home.”

transformations in the world during that time, his age also brings hardships. During the nineteenth-century, Gotho lost two of his siblings. The two subsequent centuries saw him lose the other eight. He has also outlived his four wives, the last one dying in 1988.

Then there were his fourteen children, who have all passed away too. The former farmer now relies on his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren to take care of him. With Mbah becoming frailer over the last three months, he now has to be spoon-fed and bathed by hand.

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FASHION

Time For “Black Tie” Invitations Longines Evidenza Watch

The Longines Evidenza watch is a ladies diamond bezel stainless steel bracelet watch with quartz movement. The perfect accessory to enhance your every look, it is a true must-have.

PRICE: €1,730

Michael Kors Studded Clutch A polished chain-link strap adds cross body versatility to a svelte calfskin-leather clutch fashioned with gleaming rounded studs and silvertone hardware.

PRICE: €622

PRICE:

€225

V-Neck Two Tone Dress Long illusion v-neck two tone dress with a beaded and embroidered waist and a sheer back.

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Annoushka White Gold Nevada Earrings These glamorous earrings have been exquisitely set in 18 karat white gold and feature beautifully unique Nevada turquoise and green garnet stones alongside sparkling yellow diamonds.

PRICE: €11,350

Black tie is a dress code for social functions that start after 6pm, and basically translates to “this party is fancy and men should wear black suit or tuxedos (if you are American).” While the intricacies of black tie formal wear applies more to men than women, it’s still important to understand that your attire should definitely be appropriate.

If you don’t own a gown and don’t particularly want to buy one for a one-off occasion, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a cocktail dress you already have. However, if you do go this route, just make sure to keep the colours rich (black, jewel tones, chic metallic, and brown) so as not to look too casual.

Conversely, women can wear a full or ankle-length gown in luxurious fabric, with a tiny clutch or jewelled purse, their best jewellery and heels.

Men: Black suit, tuxedo, white dinner shirt with black bow tie; accessories such as cufflinks and shirt studs add polish.

Dolce & Gabbana Patent Pumps Crafted in Italy from glossy patent leather, these stiletto shoes bear a pointed toe for a razor sharp look.

PRICE: €565

Missoni Open Back Lurex Gown

PRICE:

€1,880

Victoria Beckham Cami Cut-Out Fitted Dress A timeless dress for anything from business meetings to dinner dates and parties.

Black Tie Black & White Colour Palette Dress The black and white colour palette and simple silhouette make it simple and classic, but the lines on the skirt make it an updated classic.

PRICE: €250

Marco Bicego Masai Triple Diamond Bracelet

Pair this vintage-inspired gown with heels and a silver pendent to complete your alternative red-carpet look.

PRICE: €1,490

Handmade using the traditional guitar string technique, it has been crafted in exquisite yellow gold with white gold accents and is complemented with sparkling brilliant cut diamond embellishment.

PRICE: €3,360

Stretch Silk Dress Alexandra Wang Metallic Leather Wallet Signature Prisma hardware gleams at the corners of a gusseted wallet fashioned from gleaming rose-gold leather with an optional cross body strap for effortless hands-free carry.

PRICE: €425

A glamourous pick for every fete on your social agenda.

PRICE: €625

PRICE:

€180

Keepsake Motion Dress Feel the rhythm as you dance all night in this Motion Dress.

Lightweight fabrication allows for effortless wear and darting provides a feminine shape.

Gucci Dionysus Crystal Pumps Beautifully elegant for any special occasion.

PRICE: €595 OCTOBER

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FASHION

BOSS Rounded Cufflinks This cufflinks are a stylish accessory for sophisticated shirts.

PRICE: €70

White Wool Dinner Jacket Single breasted winter white (Ivory) dinner jacket, made from 100's wool, four sleeve buttons.

PRICE: €627

Silk Cummerbund This elegant and sophisticated cummerbund is the perfect addition to your formal wear.

PRICE: €20 PRICE:

€2,200

Frederique Constant Classics Watch

Paul Smith Pocket Square PRICE:

€1,250

Z Zegna Trim Fit Wool Suit Fine wool and a sleek aesthetic shape a trim-cut suit featuring a twobutton jacket with slim notch lapels and flatfront trousers with sharp creases.

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Perfect for adding subtle colour to formalwear.

PRICE: €60

Limited to only 188 pieces, the Classics Art of Porcelain watch by Swiss brand, Frederique Constant, is a superior timepiece that will bring elegance and sophistication to every wrist.

Ted Baker Shoes These gently pointed shoe in high shine leather with a sock and lining with a polka dot.

PRICE: €180

PRICE:

€12

Plain Wine Red Bow Tie This pre-tied bow tie has a luxury satin finish. Easily adjustable neckband.

Eton Slim Fit Tuxedo Shirt A pleated front and sleek shirt studs define an exceptional tuxedo shirt cut from pristine cotton and fitted with a wide spread collar and rich French cuffs.

PRICE: €235

David Donahue Classic Wool Tuxedo

Black Self-Tie Bow Tie

Sharp satin trim distinguishes a classic tuxedo featuring a singlebutton jacket with bold peak lapels PRICE: €800

This black self-tie bow tie, with thistle ends and collar size adjuster, is ideal for any black tie occasion.

PRICE: €45

The Jack' Plaid Suspenders Textured black-and-blue plaid patterns handsome suspenders that secure your trousers with classic, dashing style.

PRICE: €135

Wool Tuxedo Jacket

Burberry Latham Tuxedo Jacket

Our elegant tuxedo is impeccably tailored in pure wool for a luxurious drape.

PRICE: €800

Featuring a modern, slim fit and shawl lapels, Burberry’s Latham tuxedo jacket is a suave choice for formal functions.

PRICE: €1,780 OCTOBER

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PROFILE

Only Together Can We Move Boundaries I have the impression that I always knew what I wanted to be when I "grow up". From an early age, I was a member of various sections of journalism and creative writing

IVANA PARČETIĆ MITIĆ Founder and editor of the portal Marketing Network

I

n high school I made my first newspaper, which I designed myself, from the first page to the last. This was a clear sign that in the future I would deal with the organisation business, along with writing. Shortly thereafter, in the first year of college, I made my first steps in professional journalism, where I had the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience. Many years in the media motivated me to start a portal aimed at providing regular information, analysis and research in one place, for all those who work in the field of marketing communications. Very soon after its foundation, Marketing Network became a regional information service and gained recognition as a relevant professional media outlet in all the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Marketing Network is a modern, interactive portal which aims to network and connect the businesses of all participants in the marketing communications market.

I always believed that it is only together, through networking of all market participants, that we can move boundaries, follow trends and resist challenges, develop healthy competition and improve the business and the position of the profession.

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Only three years after the founding of the portal and its positioning on the market, new ideas arose. We wanted to offer the business something new, different, challenging and interactive. So, in February last year, the first IZAZOV forum of communication leaders was organised. That same year, the idea was born, and I’d say a need also, to organise a festival that would exclusively nurture and celebrate ideas that last. Therefore, we created the first national integrated communications festival, KAKTUS, which last year brought together up to 450 colleagues from across the region.

Today, almost all companies have one goal - to find the most interesting way to approach potential consumers Today, almost all companies have one goal - to find the most interesting way to approach potential consumers. Agencies are there to help them in achieving their goals, through original ideas, and to be their partners along the way to the consumer. The Kaktus Festival is exactly that: a place where agencies will present their original ideas that last.

This year, Marketing Network is organising the second Kaktus Festival of integrated communications, under the slogan “Design good ideas”, which

will be held on 27th and 28th October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade.

The festival will celebrate interactive lectures and workshops by eminent experts from Europe and the world, among them Bruno Luglio, Senior Creative Art Director, R/GA New York, USA; David Zappa, Chief Marketing Officer, HEINEKEN Slovakia; Ivan Pols, Creative Director, Adam&EveDDB London, United Kingdom; Riccardo Fregoso, Executive Creative Director, McCann Paris, France; Stephanie Bailey, Head of Corporate Communications, Fleishman-Hillard London, United Kingdom; Thierry Nicolet, Senior VP Global Press Relations, Schneider Electric, France and Mihnea Gheorghiu, Group Creative Director, Publicis Group, Romania. Among others, experiences will also be shared with participants

by Dr Nikolaos Dimitriadis, Development Director-Executive Development Institute, The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College; Jan Namedyński, Head of Digital, Poland & Nordics, AVON; Iva Lekic, Marketing Manager Europe, Lufthansa (Germany), Atanas Raykov, Global Head of Partnerships & Telecom General Manager CEE, Viber (Bulgaria) and Vincenza Cristina Sacco, Head of Marketing CEE, MasterCard.

This year’s festival will focus on integration, but also hard work and effort in designing only good and quality ideas.  Find more information visit www.kaktus.rs

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